To Wait for the Sun

Has anybody seen the freakin' sun?

It has been soooooo gray and gloomy around here!!

BOOOOOO

I don't mind the chill.  In fact I enjoy getting to wear winter clothes.

But the gray skies are getting kind of old.

This abundance of gloomy weather makes my smile all fake.

{see example above}

Black Boots (similar); Black Blouse (similar)

Tweed Jumper Gap circa 2007; Blue Tights

Scarf Vintage

Dear Mr. Sunshine,

Would you please come back?

And with a quickness?

Sincerely,

Sick of Gloomy Gray

**UPDATE: Apparently I have a direct line of communication to Mr. Sunshine because he is out and about around here today!  (I wrote this post last night before going to bed) WOO HOO.  If you are needing specific weather conditions for an event in the future, please let me know and I'll put in an order.**

Happy FRIDAY!
Any fun weekend plans?

More Charlotte Russe...

To Try to Rediscover My Groove

Has anyone else noticed that it's the middle of January?

I mean, I can see it on the calendar but my mind and body are super confused.

They seem to still have a Christmas break hangover.

And that week long snow break did me no favors.

I can't get back into my regular schedule.  I just cannot get back in my groove.

The housework stuff is difficult enough, but it's even worse at the gym.  I'm a sweaty, breathless mess with absolutely no stamina.  This is a huge problem since I'm teaching classes!  It's a little bit embarrassing when the instructor is sucking wind harder than any of the "new year's resolutioners."  When oh when will I be back in pre-Christmas shape?

Hippy Dress worn as a skirt; White Long Sleeve T

Furry Vest (similar); Wine Sweater Tights

Strappy Boots (similar)

Can someone please explain to me why it takes months to get into shape but a week off sends you back to square one?

More BB Dakota...

Closet Challenge: Purple Skirt

A few weeks ago one of my friends left the following comment on this here blog: "I am looking forward to you coming over and telling me how to wear all these random pieces in my own closet! Help!"

That comment got me thinking (actually that comment and a very brilliant suggestion from Lexi). Why not start a semi-regular segment where real world friends and bloggy friends submit "difficult" pieces of clothing? I’ll then accept the challenge and figure out how to style each piece. Fun right? Right. So here we go.

For the pilot closet challenge episode, I decided to go back to the inspiration herself.  I asked Olivia of Of Such is the Kingdom if she really did have any problem pieces to submit.  She quickly responded, "My purple skirt. I bought it for $2.50 at Ann Taylor Loft--it's a size too big, so it sits on my hips, but I can't figure out how to wear it or what to wear it with?"

Here is said "Low on the Hips Sitting Purple Skirt"

These are the looks that I've come up with for Miss Olivia:

A Night on the Town

Button Front Tops by Nanette Lepore
Pumps by Madden-Girl

I feel like this purple skirt would work perfectly with an ultra feminine floral blouse.  She mentioned that it might be a little big, so I wonder if using the silver chain belt to give it a paper bag type waistband might work? However, if that looks too bunchy, and it must be worn at the hips than the blouse can be untucked and belted at her natural waist for a more flattering and current silhouette.

The tailored black leather jacket is cut a bit longer just in case we're going with the "skirt at the hips" scenario.  It also counteracts the ultra girlyness of the blouse, skirt and stockings with a little bit of an edge.

A Day at the Museum

Casual Jackets by Current/Elliott
Flats by Chloé

Knowing Miss Olivia the way I do, I had to give her another option for that purple skirt.  She's an uber fun and creative Mommy who is always taking her adorable brood on adventures around our fair city.  Here's a look that's a bit more casual and probably a more comfortable for a day at the Creative Discovery Museum or perhaps a mandatory stop at the playground.  The ballet slipper inspired flats reminded me of Olivia the moment I saw them and I know those green accessories will just pop against her beautiful eyes and blond hair.  Plus who doesn't want to wear a pink rose cocktail ring?

(I snuck a denim jacket in there for you, Olivia)

You really should stop by and say "hello" to Miss Olivia today.  Every Wednesday she hosts a Fashion Wednesday Link Up at her blog Of Such is the Kingdom.  Stop by and show off your style!

Do you have an item in your closet that absolutely challenges you?

Drop me a line and we'll feature your item on a future Closet Challenge!

To Cherish a Classic

Have you ever bought a piece of clothing knowing that you would have and use it for the rest of your life?

When I bought this coat, probably 10 years ago, I knew that it would serve me well for years to come.  Of course, that is assuming I don't lose it (which I'm prone to doing) or massively change sizes (which is something I'm not prone to doing) or spill something on it (which is something that I don't do all that often - but may have just TOTALLY jinxed myself by typing that).

The cut and color are classic.

It's lightweight and I didn't spend a fortune on it so I'm not afraid to really WEAR it.

This post was originally intended to be about something completely different.  But when it started raining this morning as I walked out the door to shoot pictures, I instinctively grabbed the trusty trench.

Skinny Cords  Cream Sweater (similar)

Trench (very similar) Brown Boots (similar)

Brown Belt (similar) Handmade Feather Hair Clip (similar)

Turns out I'm pretty glad that I did because not only did it keep me warm and dry, it was the perfect accessory for this otherwise basic outfit. Trench coat, you're my hero.

So back to my original question...

Have you ever bought a piece of clothing knowing that you would have and use it for the rest of your life?

Trench Coat

Odds 'n Ends

Last night's Golden Globe red carpet fashions were amazing weren't they?  I believe I'm not exaggerating (which I am prone to do) when I say that this was my favorite red carpet in years.  Dress after dress just blew my mind.

Please head over to A Foreign Land for the complete run down of my favorites of the night... so far.  {I fully intend to troll the web today continuing to ooohh, and ahhh over all the lovely gowns.}

But, I'll leave you here with the look that I would have love to have worn had I attended last night's festivities.

{image}

It took three looks at Leighton Meester's gown before I got it.  But, by that third look I fell in love.  And I'm telling you, now I cannot get enough of it.  I'm copying this directly from Just Jared so I make sure I describe it perfectly... The gown is a, "nude Crepon Print Ruched Crescent Dress from the Pre-Fall 2011 Burberry Prorsum collection."  Got that? Yah, me too.  Mainly because this is the kind of dress that makes me happy to be a girl, just thinking that maybe someday I can put on something this amazing.

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In other news, this year I got a late Christmas present when I won a giveaway over at Elle Sees.

The lovely Miss Elle offered me a sponsor spot on her blog for an entire month!
(cool giveaway, right??)

Today, I'm super excited to be featured in a "Sponsor Spotlight".

Want to head over and check it out?

While you're there, please check out Elle's lovely blog full of beauty tips, outfit inspirations and all things Elle.

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Now you must tell me, which gown was your favorite last night?