Skirtember #4

Busy, busy weekend at our household!  On Saturday, we were lucky enough to attend TWO weddings.  Friends from church got married in the Chicago suburbs; they had a late morning/early reception wedding, so we were able to leave their reception early, drive back to Milwaukee, and catch our other friends' reception.  It was just perfect the way it worked out!  Our friends from the first wedding are Indian (groom) and Chinese-American (bride), so there were lots of cultural traditions and traditional dress.  (So many gorgeous saris.)  And our friends from the second wedding had a 14 piece band for the reception!  A lovely time was had by all.

Here is my double duty wedding attire...

Shirt:  Clothing swap

Skirt/shoes:  Goodwill

Hair clip (can't see it):  Kohls

How could I pass up on these $5 red pumps from Goodwill?!  I'm not used to wearing high heels though, so these were a challenge to wear throughout the day.  I brought flats to change into for dancing at the second reception!

My Sunday outfit was for church, grocery shopping and a low key lunch at Jordan's parents house.

Everything's a hand-me-down!  I found the boots (which are brown... I didn't realize the camera setting was still in black and white) in the costume bucket at my parent's house.  They could have been my mom's... or maybe my grandma's,  I really don't know.  But they don't seem quite that old.  

Skirtember is done?!  Whaaaaat?

... Or is it???

Is It Friday Yet?

I definitely understand Deanna's gravitation toward grey sweaters when the temperatures drop.  They are my weakness as well, especially cowl-necks.  At one point I think I had six -- all very different, mind you! -- but I've pared down.  (Either that, or I managed to hide them all away in the off-season clothes bin which we haven't opened yet for the fall & winter...)

Work work work.  I have determined that, cute as they are, these shoes are not up to snuff for a day on my feet in the hospital.  I have also learned that all Being On One's Feet is not equal -- I can do a full day of walking no worries, but it's this *standing* all day on the wards while the doc sits and lectures/explains/pimps us (ie: asks questions that put you on the spot in front of all the other students) that is totally killer.

 Sweater dress: Lands' End (I'm in straight sizes, but they still have pluses here) | Tights: Modcloth | Shoes: Naya, via dbShoes

Totally a vanity shot.  Killer curves and a good hair day...we all need self-portraits like that.  For more fall fashion and uplifting mutual admiration, you know where to go.  And if you found your way here from GeekMom, thanks for stopping by!  It's an honor to be featured amongst so many other lovely, stylish, geek-hearts-on-sleeves-wearing ladies.

Dress Like a Boy

This is basically my husband's work "uniform": plaid button-up (usually blue), khakis, and brown oxfords.  Heck, even our glasses are similarly-colored half-rims.  He doesn't do the cat-eyes, though, and he definitely isn't rocking curves like these.

This made for a good work outfit on those early-October-is-actually-the-nicest-(read:-hottest)-times-of-the-year-in-Berkeley days, when professionalism dictates coverage and thermo-self-regulation demands some exposed skin.  Mornings are getting now to be a bit too chilly to leave ankles uncovered, but these have definitely been my workhorse work pants all summer and through the early fall.

Blouse: H&M | Khaki crops: J. Crew, thrifted | Oxfords (shiny!): thrifted | Belt: thrifted

I am hoping to get a long-sleeve blue gingham shirt at some point, but thus far I haven't found any where I like the fit.

Getting my apple jacks on.  I was hoping for something animated GIF-able, but alas. 

Let's see what Deanna & co have going on for the rest of Fall Fashion Week, shall we?

Fall Fashion Week!

First, I just want to say that I LOVE the move to October for FFF.  While it's still warmer than my heart wants, at least it smells like fall.  September is still half summer, after all.

This is my take on one of those photos that used to float around on Pinterest a lot.  I love the rich color and luscious feel of these burgundy corduroy shorts, but they've always seemed too rich for summer.  I wore them with tights (usually with boots, not heels) for a few years, and now I see that all over the place!  Never expected to be ahead of a trend.  =)  The tights also make me feel comfortable wearing shorts to church, like I did with this outfit.

Shirt: Ross | Shorts: Anthropologie | Shoes: Fluevog, via eBay | Scarf: made by me! | Tights: ??

These are my neutral, skin-tone heels, but I love wearing them over contrasting tights to show off that super-sweet crossed strap action.  Surprisingly, this is a splurge-y outfit for me -- while nothing was full price, it was all new, nothing thrifted.  Not my usual MO.  That said, I've got a theme going on for this week, let's see how soon you can figure it out!  =)

It's always exciting to be part of a fashion week.  Go over to Deanna's place and see what everyone else is up to!

I Love My Job!

Evidenced by the fact that I've used that title for both of my blogs within the past week, it's probably no surprise that I really love my job! Charlotte's question about dreams and what we want to be when we grow up gave me another opportunity to reflect on how really, truly content I am now.  We still have dreams -- someday the mister and I will have a dog, and kids, and a farmhouse on an orchard with chickens and a goat -- and there's some substantial uncertainty in our immediate future, but compared with the Very Unpleasant Recent Past, life is edifying and I am exactly where I'm supposed to be and it is good.

So, here's another day-at-the-pediatrics-clinic outfit.  This is totally true to my sartorial professional self, and I wore green and red (okay, burgundy) without looking like Christmas, and it's even a good hair day.  Winning on every front.

 Blouse: H&M, thrifted (from near Rocket Baby, char-let!) | Skirt: thrifted | Shoes: Camper, via eBay | Belt: thrifted, a favorite | Necklaces: gifts | Watch: Fossil, via Amazon | iPad cover: Make Things Better (front & back)

 
I got an iPad Mini to be my ectopic brain for rotations.  I am very much *not* a Mac person, and there are things about it that drive me absolutely bonkers, but it's a helpful tool.

The best part?  Getting to pick out an awesome, subtle-ly geeky cover.  River Song's journal was awfully compelling, but I ultimately went with the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  Because...that's what it is!

P.S.  The weekend away mentioned with the honeymoon skirt was an absolute delight.  If anyone is interested in where to find a(n amazingly affordable!) slice of mountainous-but-near-the-seaside heaven in the Santa Cruz redwoods, I can totally hook you up.  Don't lie, you wish you were here...

Working It

My First Day

Friends, I have officially entered the realm of Productive Adult Members of Society.  I may still be making absolutely no money and paying well for the privilege, but now no one mistakes me for a stay-at-home mom, I am a regular rush-hour commuter (three cheers for carpools and the reverse commute!), and when I get home the mister asks me, "How was work?"

I just started in a pediatrics clinic.  We don't wear our white coats -- White Coat Anxiety is a real thing, and I imagine even freakier for little kids -- and my boss introduces me as "Doctor" because it's simpler and more impressive.  I have no idea what I am doing, but I will happily dress the part.

 Blouse: Kohl's, thrifted | Cropped trousers: J.Crew, thrifted | Shoes: REI

Somewhat surprisingly, the award for Professional Wardrobe MVP goes to my trouser crops, both these and the ones I hacked up myself.  Love my dresses, but they're more memorable and I don't want to wear skirts every day, and two months of furiously desperate studying/nervous breakdowns/stress eating left my other trousers all a little tight.  These feel just right for the balmy temps, and let me wear cute summery shoes without tripping over longer hems. 

I also finally(!) found a mousse that makes my hair do the curl thing the way I want it to.  Surprisingly, it's designed for "mixed hair" -- the unique hair types & challenges found in girls of mixed race, which I am definitely not.  Still, can't argue with success.

Snagged these awesome flats at REI recently.  I'd been pining for similar grey wedges for a while, but by the time I heard about them they no longer existed, so finding these made me very happy (and even better, on sale!).  The bright woven ethnic textile reminds me of when I lived in Peru, and they have the best arch support I've ever found in ballet flats.  All in all, a fun way to liven up professional-able garb.

What does your work-wear look like, now that we're rolling into the dog days of summer?

DIY Debut

So... I made this dress.

I made it up as I went along, trying to copy another dress I have (without taking that one apart).  Of course, it ended up not really similar at all.  Someday I'll start using real patterns or slopers instead of winging it; for this one, I'm just happy that I was slow and careful and specifically not giving in to all the sloppy "eh, I can make it work" habits I've gotten into with my sewing projects.  Pattern-matching those stripes for a chevron in front wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, and I like how they work with the high-low hem. 

Dress: I made it! | Sweater: Anthropologie, thrifted | Shoes: thrifted

It was not really this warm out -- rather, it was fine in the sunshine but not warm enough inside my study -- for these bared legs and sandals, which I did not appreciate. So, most of the day was spent with leggings and socks for the cozies.  Wearing something that I made myself was empowering, and I think the pride ("Look what I can do! I totally rock at life right now") helped inspire me to a highly-productive day.

Inspired by Rachel's QUITEbeautiful campaign, I give you: my completely un-done-up face.  (Not that I normally wear much makeup...)  My siblings and I all have that crazy-high hairline; we call it the "Phelan phorehead."  We're also all covered in freckles -- why would I want to bury those under makeup?  (Although mine have long been covered by what I suspect is rosacea, that discrete red patch across cheeks/nose/low forehead -- perils of being a medical student, you think you've got every condition you study).  I've gotten more compliments on my teeth (?!) in the last six months than I ever imagined I'd get in a lifetime.  I've got laugh lines at my eyes and no stress lines in my forehead, and dang it if my collarbones aren't just the sexiest things ever. 

What's making you feel like you rock these days?  What parts of your un-done self are your favorites?

Spring Fashion Week - Wednesday

This is not the picture I was hoping to open with.  The first photo I was intending to share today is a "before" shot, of what these pants looked like when I first got them.  However, in the month since they've gone under the knife needle, said photo has gone MIA -- not on the memory card, not on the computer...Alas, you'll just have to imagine these pants -- these very same pants! -- as unflatteringly middlingly-wide-legged, dragging on the floor, and saggy in the crotch.  Why ever would I intentionally pay money for such unappealing pants, you ask?  Three reasons: first, they fit my hips, waist, and thighs really well -- and when you have a remarkable size difference between your waist and your rear end, finding pants that fit without gaps is far easier said than done; second, they were $1; and third, even though they're a marginally-embarrassing old-lady brand, I knew was reasonably certain was deluded into thinking that I could make them hip (and look much better than the currently-hip-brands-which-don't-actually-fit-my-hips).

  

BAM.  "After" photo.  Slimmed 'em up, cropped them, and took out all the weird baggy crotch business.  (Seriously, old-lady crotch pants?  What is your deal?)  This is my first wearable project since acquiring my favorite toy, and even though it's just a refashion rather than a made-from-scratch, I am SO excited.  Thrifting is already my favorite hobby these days -- imagine the potential when you can take something with just a few redeeming qualities and turn it into exactly what you wanted!  And now, I have professional-able cropped trousers, for $1 and an hour of my time. 

Today was a professional-dress day -- not for the two exams (one of which actually necessitated gym clothes), but because I was once again interviewing prospective students.  While I remember only too well the anxiety and heartache and desperation of that time in my life, I can't deny the thrill of the power of sitting on the other side of the table.  I feel kind of like an unlovable game show host ("You are the weakest link -- goodbye!")...and I like it.

Blouse: Anthropologie, thrifted (on this visit with Rachael!) | Pants: thrifted & redone by yours truly | Shoes: Fluevog, via eBay | Watch: Fossil | Sunglasses: Publix

That's right...I wear your grand dad ma's clothes, I look in-cre-di-ble, and I have probably more influence than you would prefer on the future of your career at this school.  Never mind that I'm wearing heels, pearls, and a lacy ruffled blouse -- I feel like a BAMF.

So...Spring Fashion Week, anyone?

Comfy Cozies

After long, hard weeks, the weekends are for rest and recovery.  Returning to favorites -- comfort foods, comfort clothes.  Warm fuzzies and cool neutrals.

Occasion: a studious Saturday

Grey and navy, stripes and corduroy, rustic earrings and cozy socks.  No shoes, because I'm not leaving the house.  Perfect for a long day of studying, punctuated by cups of tea and finished with an episode (or three) of the good Doctor. 

Shirt: Old Navy, thrifted | Corduroy skirt: thrifted | Leggings: Target | Socks: Smartwool, via REI | Earrings: Target

I like ice cream and clever t-shirts and unique earrings and good cheese, but if you want to make me love you forever, and I am so not exaggerating, the way to my heart is with really nice socks.  I like cute shoes, and I love going barefooted, but deliciously thick socks are one of the best things about cold temperate living.  

True story. 

Being a Real Grown-Up

Last week was a short one -- Monday off for Presidents' Day, and nothing to put me on campus on Friday -- but Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday had professional-dress obligations every day.  Seeing as that has never happened to me before (I have to look like someone you'd take seriously?  For multiple days in a row?), figured I'd share.

Occasion: determining fates

Lace Blouse: Downeast Basics via Sorella Bella | Trousers: Banana Republic, thrifted | Belt: plundered from my mum | Shoes: Marshalls | Earrings: Target

Tuesday, I was part of the interview panel evaluating applicants to the medical school.  Considering that this was exactly the second interview I've taken part in -- and the first was when I was literally on the other side of that table, praying to get accepted -- I was pretty nervous.  It turned out to be a lot of fun, though (for me, at least -- the applicants all looked a bit like they were going to be sick).  It surprised me to see that, though they'll all probably be good doctors, some are a great fit for our school, some will be, but need another year to grow first, and some I most definitely do not want to see on this campus again.  It ended up being a dreary, blustery day, so I was quite happy for my cozy, lined wool dress pants.

Occasion: 25, and talking about sex

Grey sweater dress: Anthropologie | Red sweater: Banana Republic, thrifted | Tights: Assets, via Target | Boots: b.o.c. by Born

Wednesday was my birthday!  I have successfully completed my first quarter-century, and none too shabby, if I may say so myself.  The professional event was a bit unusual (professional sex educators running scenarios with us, so we can gain experience and strategies for navigating touchy-but-important subjects) so I figured I could get away with more "me" -- those tall boots, a shorter skirt -- and less clinically formal.  I also learned that I enjoy suturing (putting in stitches), and am quite good at it!  Though my first birthday ever where I did not have snow, it was an interesting day overall, and nearly made up for the fact that I was in the library 'til nearly midnight, studying. 

Occasion: run-of-the-mill doctor-y business

Sweater: thrifted | Trousers: New York & Co. | Shoes: Naya, via db Shoes

After all the unusual happens this week, Thursday's "pretend to be a team of doctors in charge of managing this patient's care" lab was almost no big deal.  This one, where we had to tell our patient she had diabetes, was super-affirming for me -- I don't want to be a specialist, and all the chasing-down-weird-diagnoses we've done previously have been overwhelming, but motivational interviewing and patient education and reassuring your patient that you are on her side and want to help her live the fullest, healthiest life she's able?  Totally my scene.  Primary care all the way, baby...

How'd you feel about those "yes, this is where it's at" moments, confirming for you where you want to be?  Anyone else find it just a little exhausting to dress like a "real" professional adult for, um, three days in a row?

A Month of Sundays, #3

In Wisconsin, you often have to choose outfits that are strategically warm.

For example, I was initially going to wear heels with this outfit.  But with temperatures dipping into the teens, and my decision to wear a shorter-sleeved sweater, I knew I'd be shivering throughout church.  I love being warm.  The only bad part about the hot, muggy heat of summer is that I can't drink hot coffee or eat soup.  (Well that, and it's hard to sleep when it's so hot.)  Maybe my blood doesn't circulate as well as other people's, I don't know, but I find myself needing to wear layers, even when I'm in a heated place.  I knew that tights, wool socks and these boots would keep me toasty warm.

Thank goodness I changed my mind, because Jordan and I accidentally got locked out of our house when we were done taking these photos.  We only had to wait 10 minutes for my mother in law to drop off a spare key, and we were in direct sunlight (as evidenced by these pictures), so we were actually quite warm.

Dress:  thrifted

Sweater:  Goodwill

Tights & boots:  hand-me-downs

Earrings:  a gift

What about you?

Are you a warm or cold blooded person?

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

A Month of Sundays, #2

Well, bah phooey.  I was all ready to take my pictures outside on Sunday and it decided to pour.  Snow, I could have trudged on, but rain?  Rain in February?  Seriously.

I was sick of taking my photos in front of the bookcase, so I went in front of the window, even though I knew it would be shadowy.  My tights are a royal blue color and my skirt is a grey houndstooth, which is hard to see here.

But I love this outfit.  It makes me feel like a dancer, maybe a ballerina outside of the studio, especially if my hair is pulled back.  The way the shirt fits reminds me of a leotard and the skirt is just begging for a dance.  Look at the way it twirls!

Shirt:  Old Navy

Skirt:  hand-me-down

Tights:  Target

Boots:  Merrell, from REI

Do you have any outfits that make you feel like someone different?

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Festive Fashions, Take 1

The semester is over and done, and the holidays are upon us.  Time to dress festively!  There have been three occasions in the past week that were particularly fun to plan for: a church Christmas party, a theater outing, and a swingin' night on the town.

Occasion: homegroup's annual White Elephant Christmas party

 

Tunic: thrifted | Jeans: Kohl's | Flats: Target

The sequins smattered on the neckline and cuffs of this shirt are so sparkly, I glitter like a disco ball (and I love it!).  Also, I'm convinced that the color of these mustard-y flats goes with everything.  This was our second year at this 15+-year party, and quite a hoot -- the mister secured for himself "the Khan," a coveted recurring gift, and my contribution of a super dooper reindeer pooper (plus jelly bellies, natch) was fought over, finally ending up in the hands of a precocious preschooler. 

Occasion: Broadway in San Francisco

 

Dress: option C, thrifted | Jeans: Kohl's | Booties: b.o.c., thrifted | Belt: (my favorite!) thrifted | Scarf: thrifted

As an end-of-the-term treat, we got tickets to see The Lion King.  I ended up taking a six-hour exam (ugh -- but, now I'm done with my Master's!) earlier in the day, so being dressed up was a pleasant boost.  The show was amazing, and dinner beforehand particularly notable for a sighting of my little sister's favorite minor internet celebrity at the next table over.

 Occasion: dancing the night away

Lace top: Ross | Bustier: Frederick's | Skirt: thrifted | Belt: thrifted | Stockings: Modcloth | Dancing Shoes: Nature Breeze via db shoes, self-glittered

Thanks for your input for my dance party indecision!  I went with option A, but changed things up a bit: a bustier rather than a tank gave coverage while getting the bombshell feeling that the elf-y version hadn't; taking in the skirt a couple inches let it sit at my waist, rather than below it; new fancy dancing flats (that sparkle!) just make me happy; and those tights...oh, those tights.  Ladies, these stockings are major win -- really good quality, sassy and unique.  I was asked if the ribbons were tattoos, they're so convincing in person.  (And while I couldn't/wouldn't ink so much skin, I have to admit that these would be some pretty rocking tattoos.)  The band was excellent, the venue was perfect, I felt incredible in that twirly, shimmery skirt, and had a wonderful evening [swing]dancing with my handsome husband.  Swanky party = success!

I hope your world is full of so many reasons to celebrate -- may your days be merry and bright!  (And all of you who are actually getting a white Christmas, my heart is with you.  I miss it so much...)

Sick Days

And now, for our very first challenge week at Phenotype: fabulous...winter!  Here by the SF bay, it's been raining nonstop for days, and I've been dreaming about how much delightful snow that would bring if I were back home in colder climes...bundling up for outdoor [mis]adventures, cozying up inside by a fire -- there are so many things I love about winter!  One thing that I definitely do not appreciate, however, is being sick.

Even worse: being sick (and miserable!) on a day that you absolutely cannot stay home.  When all you want to do is burrow under the covers and sip hot tea while re-watching Sherlock but you *have* to go out and be part of the real world, what's a girl to do?

 Occasion: an at-school sick day =/

My approach is to wear clothes that are as comfy as my pajamas but more put-together (trying to get some of that "look good, feel good" going for me).  Here, [adventure] boots that wear like sneakers, leggings and a stretchy skirt, and my cuddliest sweater.  You'd never even know that I felt like I'd been run over by a bus.

 

sweater: J.Crew, thrifted | skirt: Target | leggings: Target | boots: Kalso Earth

I liked it so much, I'm going to do it again when I'm feeling even better.  What's your go-to when winter's got you down?

healthy addictions.

winter is coming. dun dun duuuuun.
i personally like winter, though, for these two reasons: i get to wear scarves and sweaters.
like this:

sweater: H&M

scarf: Studio 890 Hair Salon

tank top: Target

jeans: Delia's

this sweater is super soft and remind me of ron weasley from harry potter. he wears maroon quite frequently. this scarf is also super soft and i basically wear it every day.
comfiness (and yes, that is a word) is my main priority with clothing. why would you want to wear something that doesn't make you feel good?
i also have to admit, i have a problem.
i have a shoe obession. and guys, it's bad.
but how can i pass up the opportunity to buy these cute shoes?

shoes: Wet Seal

i mean, come on. polka dots with wicked green laces? i have no regrets.
hope you have had a happy halloween and stay warm!

[re]peat

Almost a month ago, Ronnie posted about how she wears an outfit for 1-2 weeks at a time.

This blew me away.  Which got me thinking... why?  Why does this surprise me?  Where did I get the idea that I need to change my clothes everyday?  Would I feel awkward if people saw me in the same outfit?
I took Ronnie's habit and made it my challenge:  how long could I wear the same outfit?  (Excluding undershirts and such things.)

I made it about two and a half days.

Partially, I was limited to weekends, since I don't feel comfortable wearing the same outfit to work several days in a row.  But also, it just got to a point where it felt uncomfortable.  I felt like I smelled iffy.  The clothes got stretched out and didn't fit quite right.  The issue wasn't that my friends would see me in the same outfit - I doubt they would care - but that I felt like I needed to change.

One of my repeated outfits:

Dress:  thrifted

T-shirt & leggings:  Kohl's

Sweater:  Goodwill

Boots:  Merrell, from REI

I don't think the challenge was a failure, as I learned more about my fashion choices.  It's made me more conscious of what I wear, and I'm further challenged to wear repeat outfits, especially if I find an especially cute outfit!

What about you?

How often do you typically repeat your outfits?