Eye of the Tiger or Orange You Glad I Didn't Say...

When Sam and I end up playing Rock Band together, for some reason when our band is on tour, I always end up singing Eye of the Tiger three times, at least.  I'm excellent at it though.  That's all I have to say about that.

So I hinted in Monday's post about having a pretty cruddy Friday.  Most of it was my own fault... not waking up on time, not picking my clothes out the day before, not washing my hair, worrying about the ice on the road... so by the time I actually got on the road, I realized I had left my shoes at my house.  My rain boots are not work appropriate.  It's not like they have chippendale's dancers on them, but they are just pink, printed and loud.  Yes, I am making up excuses as to why I bought this dress.  But, I will say the following; it is super super on sale right now, I had been wanting it for a while and had been watching it.  I was weak yet hopeful on Friday.  So, I bought it.  I guess because of the desire for it, it wasn't completely un-meditated.  Its not like I bought something crazy expensive.  But that is just it.  The cost of an item is not my problem... its the sum of all the items.  I do love the dress though.  But, I did learn that it is so easy for me to slip back into that habit.

Also, these tights are "rust" but I don't know if they could get any MORE orange.  I like it though.  It worked.  And these boots are making their blog debut but I've been wearing them for a while.  I really wanted a pair of black boots, but wanted some that looked a little tough.  Lace ups on the back definitely equal "tough" and a little bit of "don't mess with this".

Cardigan: Gap, but I replaced the buttons
Dress: Kensie (get it here)
Belt: J.Crew
Tights: Rust, We Love Colors
Boots: DSW

Finally, I picked the winner for the Shabby Apple Giveaway.  Just wanting to hear back from the winner before I announce it.

I told you I love these Mocha Tights

I really do have more than just one pair of tights, but I really do love these mocha tights.  I wear them with just about everything.

Not much to say.  It was incredibly gray and disgusting the past two days, so indoor photos will have to do.  Honestly this outfit is too great not to photograph.  Do you realize only 5 more days until winter solstice and we start getting our daylight back?  Ahh!  I'm excited. 

Top: Roxy
Belt: thrifted, J. Crew
Skirt: made by myself
Tights: Mocha from We Love Colors
Shoes: Ebayed

City girl...

One of the things that I enjoy about my new job is that I kinda feel incredibly adult-ish.  I love that during my morning commute I see the Nashville skyline all bright and shiny.  Sometimes I look at it and still cannot believe this is where I live.  This amazing, quirky city.

Can I just say how obsessed I am with these tights from We Love Colors?  I really do not take enough pictures of them.  My legs seriously look like I just took a dip in some hot chocolate!  The dress?  Oh its new.  (I love saying that!)  Groupon had a great deal for Lands' End Canvas.  For just $30 you could get $60 worth of merchandise, including sale.  I picked up this dress hoping it was a cotton flannel... however it was just cotton woven.  Not bad though, with the right layers, I can wear it on in to winter.

Finally, we must address something I take quite seriously.  Bolomania...  When Miss Nickie was in town, we headed to a huge vintage yard sale being put on by some of my favorite vintage vendors.  I scoured for some interesting necklaces and pins, when I came across two bolos.  One, had a scorpion incased in it.  Although, I fall under the astrological sign scorpio (uhhh duh!), having an insect around my neck felt a little strange, so I went for the rhinestone counterpart.

Dress: Lands' End Canvas
Blazer: Banana Republic
Bolo: vintage or thrifted... i don't know or care
Tights: Mocha from We Love Colors
Loafers: Target

Green and Gray, mixes of winter and spring

The gray sweater tights make their second appearance in a row!  When I woke up this morning I really was not sure if I wanted to wear something from the small amount of stuff I brought over, or borrow from my friend.  FYI, I borrowed.  The sweater tights are my own, and yes second post in a row that I wore them, but I went two days without wearing them and that is progress. 

I love this dress.  It has pockets and its green.  I figure I should wear green since my alma mater of a university is playing in the NCAA tournament, and they are playing their first round today.  Go mean green!  The dress is my friends and so are the boots.  (Aren't they awesome?)

How was your weekend?  Mine was swell!  Sam came over and we made my famous fried chicken (I'm from the south, and of course I know how to make fried chicken) and watching Bringing Up Baby.  He compared it to a Ben Stiller movie where the characters just keep digging themselves into a hole.  I then reminded him that this movie was way before Ben Stiller, which is why it is so great.

Gray hooded cardigan: Anthropologie
Green, turquois and indigo dress: Fossil
Gray sweater tights: Target
Awesome boots: Not sure...
Earrings: Not sure

First attempt, pattern mixing

Here is my first attempt at really mixing patterns.  After looking at the photos of this outfit, I realize that I should have worn heels because I look short.  I could have tucked in my shirt to cut my body to thirds so that I really looked taller.  I didn't wear heels because my poor little feet were ravaged by those heels I wore.  Also, I have decided that this lip color is not appropriate for day wear.  Its too dark and too berry. 

 I wore this on Friday, to work and that was it.  Embarassingly enough, I got home on Friday and was thrilled to have a free night (I operate optimally when I have a good balance of social functions and alone time).  I made myself dinner, and at 7 pm, decided I would take a little nap before I started on some sewing projects.  I woke up at 9:30 pm.  I realized I had pushed myself pretty hard this week, staying out way later than usual, but really?

This week I am dog-sitting for a friend (who we happen to have similar styles, same size, AND same shoe size).  I cannot wait to shop her closet and I am already picking out the outfits I want to do.  I'm not even sure why I brought clothes with me other than to be polite.  Don't worry, she gave me full permission to wear whatever I wanted.  (YES!!!)

Argyle pixelated gray cardigan: Roxy
Blue v-neck t-shirt: Urban Outfitters
Blue and white floral high waisted shorts: Urban Outfitters
Gray sweater tights: Target
Black suede flats: Old Navy

And yes, welcome to my first weekend post.  This will be a rarity but I kind of want to see how it goes and also, I'm not a huge fan of this outfit so I don't mind "wasting" it for a weekend post just to test it out.

I do not like this dress...

... so why did I buy it?  Because I had a gift certificate and it was cheap and I knew I could make myself like it.

The dress:  Its honestly got a great print and details, but the shape of it couldn't be more wrong for my body.  I have a slightly more athletic figure (athletic = little to no curves) and I like to show off the curves that I have.  This dress is shaped like a sack, and so I don't really like looking like I put my curves in a sack.  (And yes no make up, no shoes, hair not fixed...)  This dress is also a tad on the short side when it comes to wearing it to work.  Let's take a look at how I styled it.

First off, I belted it.  This gives the dress some shape which in turn gives me some shape.  Second, tights.  I went with blue to keep a monochromatic look to make me look a little taller.  Third, pop of color with the yellow cardigan.  I still have trouble wearing blue and gold together because it was my high school colors.  Finally, check out that pattern mixing.  One of the keys to mixing patterns is keeping it in the same color family.  Patterned navy floral dress and plaid navy flats.  Win!

I also took the close up to show off a little bit of the button detail on the dress.  I love it and I think its my favorite part of the dress.  For the record, I usually keep my make up pretty simple.  Foundation, bronzer, eye liner, mascara, and lip gloss.  If I get a request, I'll do a tutorial but I make some pretty awful faces while putting on make up...

Navy floral sun dress: Nolita from Clothing Xchange
Goldenrod Cardigan: Target
Blue tights: Target
Brown wrap around belt: Abercrombie & Fitch ($0.99 by the way, not kidding)
Navy plaid flats: Rocketdog, DSW

Final word:  Thank you to Kristin of Leproust Vintage for mentioning me on her blog yesterday!  We went and had brunch this weekend and she is amazing.  I got in my car and squealed because it was so great to talk with someone face to face that understands blogging, fashion, and well life.

Miss Mary Mack, All Dressed in Black, With Silver Buttons, All Down Her Back

 

  

  

I honestly have so much to say about this outfit.  I am just going to jump right on in with it.

First off, this sweater was a purchase I made when I worked at Gap.  This was a holiday edition cardigan which meant that it had this AWFUL rhinestone buttons down the front, and a pretty cute black ribbon sash to go around it.  I cut off the rhinestone buttons and replaced them with some all natural coconut shell buttons and I wear it a lot more.  See, you can change that ugly cardigan by just snipping off the rhinestone buttons.  If you like rhinestone buttons, I still have them, I could send them to you if you'd like.

Second, whenever I wear this cardigan I always sing the childhood song that goes, "Miss Mary Mack Mack, all dressed in black black black with silver buttons buttons buttons all down her back back back..." You get the point.  Never fails, I always gets stuck in my head on the days that I wear this sweater.

Third, this outfit was inspired by what Robyn posted on Monday.  Who by the way has in my opinion the best vintage store on ebay.  It rocks, and she updates it every week with the best stuff.  Just watch out, because come November, when I can shop again, I will be bidding... and I am really really good at ebay.  I've won two very close auctions while in an airport without wifi... Intimidated? Well you should be... kinda.  

Fourth, this skirt is actually not made by me.  I bought it at Urban Outfitters about 4 years ago for $4.99.  It is such a great skirt!  I love pairing it with a tank top or a t-shirt in the summer, or over my swim suit.  It is so light weight because it is made out of 4 mens shirt sleeves sewn together.  In my 4 years of owning this skirt, I never once wore it out of spring or summer.  It is making its late winter debut (and for the record there was wintery mix outside this morning while I was taking my pictures).

Fifth,  I am really tempted to try to make this type of skirt myself.  Buying clothing if you are just going to cut it up doesn't count does it?  Hmmm...  

black cashmere & wool blend sweater: Gap

shirt sleeves skirt: Urban Renewal by Urban Outfitters

black tights: Old Navy

leather oxfords: Naturalizer's, ebay

British Navy

 

Do you have your go to colors that you just know will look great on you, no matter how you match them all together?  Although this outfit is mostly neutrals, I love how it all came together. I have been dying to try wearing knee socks with something, however, the weather is not cooperating too well.  Yesterday, I paired them over some nude fishnets and with some suede heels. 

This is my outfit from yesterday and today, I am feeling a bit under the weather.  My drink of choice is tea and chloraseptic spray.  I think its just a little bit of a cold, but I'm definitely feeling its effects. Don't forget to check out my giveaway!

Jacket: Old, Urban Outfitters

T-shirt: Target

Silk Scarf: courtesy of Lola Jane Vintage (more about the care package soon)

Skirt: 5 years ago, Gap

Belt: Old, Target

Nude Fishnets: Vera Wang, Kohl's

Socks: Target

Shoes: Anne Klien, Thrifted, Clothing Xchange

Bracelet: ModCloth, Crimson Ghost Bracelet

Good-NESS!  I didn't realize how much I had on yesterday!

Baby Sitter's Club

 

  

I am already beginning to fail at one of my I must list items.  The upkeeping of my fingernails has been such a pain in the butt especially when I can't find the time or energy to take off my polish....  That's a lie, I'm just lazy.  

This outfit reminds me of something Claudia from the Baby Sitter's Club would wear.  Bright pinks and sparkles and lace.  It was totally fun to mix all of these things together.  A fun story about my necklace, I won it!  I won something!  I was so excited!  I am a participant in the Modcloth Mobile give away that they do every once in a while.  I answered correctly to their last question (Michael Scott was the answer).  And the sent me this cute necklace.

Sweater: Given to by a friend

Belt: Buffalo Exchange

Skirt: I made it!

Tank: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Courtesy of ModCloth Mobile Give-a-way.  

Tights: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Life: Urban Outfitters... just kidding, I'm just wearing a lot of urban outfitters today.

Give away is starting today.  I meant to start it yesterday but good grief the day got away from me. 

I feel like a 1940's Pin Up

 

  

Thank you all so much for all of your comments and support with my "I Must" list.  I am so excited to start knocking things out on that list.  One thing I forgot to add is to find some killer red lipstick.  I love the shade I am wearing in these pictures but its a cheap tube of L'Oreal that I picked up when I was in a pinch.  So I'd like to become a pro of red lipstick.   I want to find the perfect shade for me and wear it a lot.  

This outfit is definitely inspired by Zoe Deschanel.  The whole look is inspired by her really.  I put hot rollers in my hair, put in a headband, wearing fun chevron-like fishnets and black mary jane pumps that despite their 3 inch heel are so comfortable.  Also, in case you can't tell I am totally in love with my new glasses.  Interestingly enough, the "skirt" is actually a summer swim suit cover up that is supposed to be worn as a skirt, but I wear it as a strapless dress.  It is my go to easy summer dress because it is so comfortable and really chic.  I am actually wearing it as a strapless dress with the top over it...  actually I just checked and its totally fallen to my waist so its a skirt.  :)  I am really jonesing for warmer weather.  Its in the low 30s here in Nashville and I am craving 60 and sunny with a breeze.  How about sundown, 60, porch, breeze, beer, sundress, friends, grilling, and I'm getting ahead of myself. 

Top: Anthropologie (sale section)

Skirt: Target (swim suit cover up)

Tights: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Nine West, DSW

Fashion tip Friday coming up later this afternoon! 

An ode to all the boys I crushed on in high school

 

I have always been attracted to guys that are WAY cooler than I am (BTW Sam is WAY way WAY cooler than I am).  In high school I crushed on the guys that were into Weezer and just really great music.  I was really too shy, and plus this douchey guy I dated was all somewhat friends with some of these people for a short amount of time.  Anyways, this outfit is my tribute to that time in my life where I wished I had the balls to dress like this, but didn't because I was lame (Well I did dress like this kinda..)

Maybe this is because last night I folded my laundry and gawked at the line up to Bonnaroo to Raditude (the latest Weezer album) and danced around in my new glasses...  Oh, yes, these are the new glasses.  I went with a pair of Ray Bans with the rivets on the side.  They are tortise on the inside and then an espresso brown.  I LOVE THEM.

 

Sweater: given to my by A, J.Crew (I love this sweater and yes I wear it once a week)

T-shirt: Beatles Abbey Road T-shirt, Forever21

Jeans: Gap, DIY dyed

Shoes: Chuck Taylors

Brown Tights: Gap

Thanks to my wonderful boyfriend Sam for taking these pictures.  He is so impossibly cool and has the best taste in music.  For real!

Tiger's Blood, a snow cone story...

 

  

I have very fond memories as a child of snow cones.  I loved snow cones, and never one to be normal, I really loved unique flavors.  Last night Nashville got a light dusting of slush.  Its very snow cone-esque and today's outfit reminded me of Tiger's Blood flavor.  I think it was grape and cherry and strawberry all mixed together but it was my favorite.  It turned my tongue and lips a deep dark red and I loved it.  In fact, I still love it even though my taste in frozen treats has only grown more dignified as I have aged.  I spend my summers longing for gelato and the love nest at Mr. Snow in Waco, TX.  

This weekend I stopped by Clothing Xchange because I had a gift certificate that I was itching to spend.  Of course, I skipped the clothing (oh it was so painful) and went straight to the shoes.  I tried on at least five pairs of shoes and walked out with two pairs (spending under $10).  The ones I am wearing today are a black, brown and tan Florsheim low pumps.  They make me feet look so dignified.  Don't worry, I brought my rain boots to work so that I can stomp around outside in those instead of my new shoes.

Also new, are the tights.  I had an entirely different outfit envisioned for the super bowl party I ended up attending, but wore something completely different.  The first option required tights, and since I didn't want to wear solid black tights and the only other color I had were my suffocating purple ones and blue (which I was not cheering for the colts), I needed some with pizzaz.  Thank you Urban Outfitters and your 2/$20 special on tights.  These are actually incredibly comfortable, and not suffocating (I also bought a bigger size! woot!).  I will say this though, I can't wear something too short with these, I feel like going above the knee and seeing the flower pattern on the tights totally stretched out is not flattering.  

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters

Dress: Gap

Scarf: American Apparel

Tights: Urban Outfitters

I made it! - Cranberry Corduroy Skirt

 

  

  

 So this weekend, it snowed in Nashville.  I know!  SNOW!  By this morning it was all crunchy, but its still pretty.  The good thing was, even though I have 4 wheel drive, I stayed inside most of the weekend.  A few weeks ago, I got all the pieces for my skirt cut out and so on Sunday I decided I would sew them all together.  I really love how this skirt turned out. I had to size the original pattern and accommodate for the fact that the corduroy would make the skirt a little more bulky, therefore, I added a 1/4" on all the side seams.  I also shortened the skirt about 6 inches because I wanted more of a mini skirt.  It really only took me about half a day to do (maybe without the procrastination and the nap).

On a side note, I've never shot in snow before and so the pictures are a little on the dark side and you can't see some of the detail of the top.  It is black with white pin dots.  Also, Sam said I should smile more in my pictures.  I think his almost exact words were, "Alyson, this isn't America's Next Top Model, stop with the blue steel"  So I'm going to try to smile more in my photos and try and make it look natural instead of fake.

Top: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: I made it! Cranberry Wide Welt Corduroy

Tights: Target

Gold flats: Banana Republic at TJ Maxx

Cardigan: Anthropologie

Bag: Urban Outfitters (this weekend for $20! soooo happy!)

PS- Fashion Tip Friday post will be up later today, I took a tiny blog break with all the snow.  Thank you for your patience and for reading this!

Effortless and mini

 

Holy smokes!  Look at that!  I'm wearing heels!  This doesn't happen often, especially because since my work environment is SUPER casual, and I am one of three females in the office, it makes no sense for me to clomp around.  But I love these pumps!

This top is one of those that spans all seasons.  I wore it this summer, fall, and winter.  It is great paired with skinny jeans and boots, and also a pair of tiny shorts.  I had never thought to pair it with my favorite mini skirt for a look that was so effortless and easy.   

Top: Anthropologie

Skirt: Amy B at Clothing XChange

Tights: Gap

Shoes: Nine West, DSW

Jacket: YesStyle.com

Is it spring yet?

I am definitely loving shorts in the winter.  I just get so tired of the cold, that I will suffer just to feel the air (albeit cold) on my legs.  This outfit is great because it provides a pop of color with a lot of neutrals.

My favorite part of this outfit: the leg warmers that my mother made me for Christmas.  (Uh! I die, they are the best).  I have been wearing these about once or twice a week since my mother gave them to me.  They are really warm and pair perfectly with my boots. 

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Shirt: Gray V Neck American Apparel
Shorts: DIY Cut offs
Tights: Sweater, Target
Leg Warmers: PurpleFase (my mother's etsy shop)
Boots: Anthro
Scarf: Borrowed from my roomie

Cut offs and tights, let's give it a go

 

I totally decided to give this look a shot.  I mean I had seen it enough on Second Skin...  Sunday was a day full of cleaning, relaxing, and taking some photos for some blog posts this week.  I decided to keep it simple and cozy.  I really love the cut offs with the tights.

Sweater: Nashville Clothing Company (on sale in 2008)
Top: Hanes White V-neck (see I told ya, great layering piece!)
Cut offs: DIY
Tights: Old Navy
Socks: Target
Boots: Anthropologie
Sunglasses: Fred Flare

Thank you for everyone who commented about my sewing machine dilemma.  I haven't quite decided yet.