i'm sick!

And have been, and probably will continue to be so for the next couple days. My attire has consisted of my favorite old man t-shirt with a hole in the armpit and two down comforters.

Since my head has more than tripled in size, this is strictly a shoe update.

I try to avoid walking home from class because if I don't, there are a string of shops for me to hit up...and I do. I bought these lovelies at Buffalo ($9) a couple weeks ago after missing my bus.

They look like something Urban would have in stock, but there's no brand inside so I really can't tell. They're basically fake flowers glued onto a bit of lace, glued onto velvet flats; how fun would it be to have a cocktail party where you decorate your own flats? All you would need to do is hit up your local craft and liquor stores. Easy-peasy!

Apparently being sick turns me into a 1950s housewife.

"you've just got a blanket wherever you go, don't you?"

When the blanket in question is a poncho that was 40% (or something just as impressive; I'm an English major, not a math major!) off from Anthropologie, I can take a little chiding.

This is definitely one of my favorite pieces; it's ridiculous and unique and absolutely mesmerizing...not unlike myself ;)

The best thing about ponchos is that they're so versatile: you can wear them with leggings or dressy jeans, moccasins or gladiator sandals, tribal rings on every finger or no ice at all. They look great over t-shirts during the day, or a shimmery bandeau top for the cocktail hours.

Or a little nightie, if you're like me and would rather not wear pants at all. They just look effortless no matter what.

I'm wearing a lace-trimmed nightgown that I wear as a dress, and over that I've layered my Splendid thermal cardigan, just for some extra warmth and drapery.

I also love how the lace peeks out -especially in the back- adding just a little flirtiness.

Always on the lookout for new ponchos and wraps, I know a really great one is hard to find; the only other one I own is from Ecuador- not exactly helpful. If you're the crafty type, I don't see why buying a rad blanket from a thrift store and cutting a hole in the center wouldn't work; isn't that what ponchos essentially are?

Poncho: $120 (370), Anthro
Nightie: $10, F21
Boots: $13, Buffalo Exchange

when it doesn't fit...

Make it.

I was attempting to clean my closet earlier this week and came across this gorgeous top, all velvet and canvas with boning. The last time I wore it was in September 2006.

When I was finished getting ready Friday night, I asked my brother to zip me up. I was used to the zipper acting up, so it didn't surprise me when he couldn't zip it up at first. I explained to him that he had to bring the top two pieces together with one hand and zip with the other, while I pulled down at the bottom; quite a lot of work, actually. After all attempts to break my ribs failed, my brother told me he was sure the top had shrunk. (This is a fabrication invented by the author to protect all people in the story; in reality, my brother giggled and informed me that I had "got fat.")

Apparently, a lot can change in 4 years.

As you know (because I've told you), I don't have a lot of money (because I spend it all on clothes that don't fit me). My clothes are my investment, and as such, I refuse to not be able to wear them.

While trying to solve The Mystery of How My Back Expanded By Four Inches, I noticed that the back almost looked as if it were meant to be open. I folded the zippered edges inward, and voila! Sexy back. (Meaning a variety of things, but mostly that exposed back is sexy.) I think the only reason this worked is because the fabric is so stiff.

The front of the tube top is meant to have a straight edge and looks just fine that way, but since I'm currently obsessed with creating a dip in all of my things, I once again pinned the middle downward.

Honestly, I'm amazed my clothes don't just fall off or evaporate while I'm out, what with all these folds and safety pins.

Top: $10, Buffalo Exchange
Skirt: $20 (58), Urban Outfitters
Convertible Clutch/Purse/Wrislet: $110 (258), Coach, Macy's

pink nostalgia

I don't understand why anyone would waste such a pretty fabric on such a boring silhouette, but I do understand why there are about 150 of these still at H & M. After pinching the top center of the dress down while in the fitting room this past Thursday, I decided it wouldn't be that difficult to do a little improving.

In my attempt to create more of a sweetheart bust, I cut the straps off and used a safety pin to tuck in the top center. (It really wouldn't be difficult to hand-stitch this section together). The material is reminiscent of swishy '50s prom dresses, and I think the new neckline really enhances that vintage appeal, even if the length clearly says otherwise.

In one photo I'm wearing black pumps to complement the bit of ruffled bra showing, but otherwise I think a fur coat and vintage-inspired shoes would look great; with dresses this short, I'm always cautious (as in I don't wear them) when it comes to stilettos.

Dress: $15! (40), H & M
Bra: $10, Oscar de la Renta, Ross

the altered outfit

While visiting friends in Chicago last March, I was left to my own devices while they were at work. Usually (always), "my own devices" means "shopping." After purchasing a pink tulip skirt from H&M that was a size 10, my friend handed me one of her money-saving, advice-giving books, casually mentioning that I should read the passage specifying that one should never buy clothes that don't fit.

Point taken. Just because I was on vacation didn't mean I should pay full price for something. I returned the skirt, and then bought a Michelle Obama-worthy vintage dress (just wait 'till I put pictures up of this Sweet Thing) from Buffalo that didn't fit me any better, but was much cheaper and much more original. (Here, "cheap & original" means "I have to have it." Actually, doesn't it always mean that?)

With a lot of things at H&M, FP and F21 (for example), I think that you can get away with a range of sizes. That being said, if something looks as if it has no potential on you, and there's no way you're going to be able to play with it, don't get it. You know best. If it's something that needs to be altered and you know that's something you'll never get to, don't get it. If you do plan on having it altered, factor that into the price. (Bonus: If you can somehow alter the look without actually getting it altered, you get to spend the money you would have spent on alterations on a pedicure. You may also collect $200 after passing GO.)

The top in this photo is an L and I normally wear an S. (Mostly I wanted it because it was $30 marked down from $150; I know I'm not the only person who gets excited about things like that). Obviously flowy is easier to work with in size differentiations, but that doesn't change the fact that Oops, My Bra is Highly, Highly Visible. Wearing a statement bra in this case turns that "Oops..." into "Look!" (The bra selection at Ross, I'm fairly certain, is based on this idea; mine, Calvin Klein, was $9 there.)

The top also lends itself to funky; paired with a loud pair of bright wedges (here I'm wearing the greatest shoes ever), cut offs and a Pirate's Chest of rings and bracelets, I still think it would look fantastic. I also wore a headband across my forehead to bring out the hippie-ness of the vest.

Top: $30, Nordstrom Rack
Vest: $30, F21
Shoes: $89 (129), Jessica Simpson, Nordstrom
Jeans: $20 (70) BDG, Urban Outfitters

the default outfit

If you've been on a first date with me, invited me to your housewarming party, had me over for Thanksgiving dinner or worked with me on a Monday, you've seen this outfit. It's what I wear when I'm utterly exasperated from trying to find the outfit that's just right, but don't want to look like I've admitted defeat.

NOTE: This is NOT the outfit that I wear when I don't care what I wear, (but it almost is: for that outfit, I merely replace the sweater with a white AA deep-v tee.) It IS an outfit that convinces me I am a badass (hello, leather!), and could probably ride a motorcycle. Or at least sit on one and look like I ride it. It's casually masculine and I think that's what makes it kinda sexy. That and the full-length zipper highlights my best (possibly only) feature: my bum (not pictured.)

Clearly, I'm one of those dreaded people who equates leggings with pants.

Because the bomber has a very prevalent collar, I try to pull my hair back when wearing it- especially if I've paired it with a scarf. This also brings attention to the detail on the back of the sweater (without which I wouldn't have bought it- too boring.)


The jacket was a gift and wouldn't be in my possession otherwise, simply because I wouldn't have been able to afford it. B.P. (remember this place?!) has some pleather alternatives for less than $100 right now that feature a similar asymmetrical style, plus they don't have that cheap, obviously pleather look.

I think that leather on leather is overwhelming, making nylon bags a great contrast option. I would have included a Longchamp bag in this photo, but I don't have one. I am, however, currently accepting donations. (A friend of mine bought hers on eBay and saved about 40%, which I think is a great idea; you can't tell, and they NEVER go on sale.)


This is a minimalist outfit, which is part of why it's so great, but also why most accessories don't work well. If I want more glam, I opt for red lipstick or sparkly Chanel earrings, which also give the look some femininity.

Leather Bomber: $250 (orig. 600), William Rast, Nordstrom Rack
Sweater: $50 (240), BCBG, NR
Riding Boots: $120 (200), Steven, Nordstrom

day no. 2 of betrayal

In mid-November of last year, I received an email notifying me of a winter quarter Italian fashion class, which promised to discuss the history of (among other things) stilettos, couture fashion and correct attire for prostitutes, as well as the gendering of shopping.

My heart stopped. If you know me, it’s probable that I repeatedly told you how excited I was for winter quarter to start. It is even more probable that you became really annoyed with me.

When I got to the first lecture this past Monday, there was a tech-person fiddling with the computer. She was wearing a fitted gray, knee length skirt that flared out at the bottom, sheer black nylons, and stumpy boots (with no cool military appeal). There was also the mistake of a blazer that was either cropped or shrunken. Feel free, as I did, to make the assumption that this entire outfit was purchased at Sears. In 1995.

I took off my cape-coat (see previous post) and looked around for the instructor, expecting to see this fierce Italian woman in horn-rimmed glasses and head-to-toe Chanel. Basically, I was expecting Edna from The Incredibles.

The tech-person spoke (where there should have been an Italian accent, there was South African which, I'll admit, is still quite cool), and introduced herself as the instructor.

Oh, Irony.

I was horrified. I had been betrayed.

She turned her head, motioning toward the projector, and I saw that her hair was pulled back with a spider claw clip.

I was doubly horrified. Don’t get me wrong: I own a spider claw clip as well. I wear it to hold my hair back as I mentally vomit in response to witnessing the fashion atrocities of fashion instructors.

My fashion instructor is apparently under the impression that if she uses words like “fabulous” and “bellissimo,” she can wear hideously dated outfits.

After arriving to lecture today, I shed my military trench ($30, Forever 21), hoping The Instructor would show up in subtle couture and relieve me with a “Just kidding!”

I was given no such relief.

I know this is harsh. And I know that her attire has no correlation with her ability to teach a class (at least I hope it doesn’t; you’re not supposed to trust a thin chef, right? The same could be said of women who "loved" wearing school uniforms.(I also don’t intend to use this blog as a venue for bashing Poor Decisions Others Make When Getting Dressed, although I would totally read that. This post is obviously a necessary exception.)) With any other person, I wouldn’t have noticed. But that’s just it: I wanted her to be remarkable in the most superficial sense.

As a parting thought: VPL is never, ever a good idea. The last time I remember being this offended was when I saw a wood-paneled PT Cruiser. Some may call me anti-feminist because of this (well, this and my passion for the most impractical of shoes, etc etc), but come on: someone get this woman a thong, stat. And a cashmere cardigan.

i feel like crap...

But that's no reason to look like crap. The only reason I was able to get out of bed today was because I had an outfit of blankets (& a pillow in my bag) planned for my first day back to school and work after a 2+ week hiatus. While you and I know that a long, thermal cardigan paired with a t-shirt and leggings is the sneaky equivalent of a pair of sweats, others may not. And why would they? It looks perfectly put together. (Well, except for the flash-induced see-thru-ness of my shirt).

I'm sick of living in my knee-length bulky winter coat, so I opted for a wool cape coat, which, when layered, is pretty toasty. It's one size fits all, and I think all that extra material adds a little bit of luxury.

Because of the coat's sleeves, over-the-shoulder flat bags don't work very well. Bulky bags with shorter or rolled handles work best since you can drape them over your forearm, or just hold the handles. If that's too big, you can wear a mini cross-body purse over the cardigan but under the coat, or carry a clutch.

As far as this outfit goes, lots of shoes would work- even street sneakers (ie Asics or Sauconies). I wore boots with it today, but also included a photo with smartwool socks and ballet flats (I think they're unexpected and charming but my roomate gave this pair a thumbs-down; agree to disagree),which would make this an excellent outfit for flying, what with shoe removal and airplanes always being too cold or too hot.

It's easy to find mediocre boots. They're everywhere. Good boots that you genuinely love are hard to find, so when you do, I suggest you buy them. I've had this pair for 3 years and have all but worn them into the ground.


Headband: $18 (sale), Free People, FP
Scarf: $12 (sale), Free People, London
T-shirt: $39, J. Crew
Cardigan: $27, Splendid, Nordstrom Rack
Cape Coat: $70, Jones New York Signature, Nordstrom Rack
Boots: $170, Aldo
Metallic Flats: $10, Berlin (H&M has some that are very similar)
Bag: $300 (gift :)), Cole Haan, Cole Haan Outlet
Socks: $9, Smart wool boot, Nordstrom Rack

nye dress

I found this dress at Bebe and bought it (well, this and a few other things) for my birthday at the end of October. I'm a club member at Bebe (if you plan on shopping here more than once in a year, I would recommend joining; you get all kinds of discounts, $10 for every $100 you spend, and there are no annoying emails. And it's free!) and got a courtesy call letting me know that everything in the store would be 25% off this particular weekend, so I hightailed my hynie to Pacific Place and paid $100, even though I knew it would eventually go on sale. I knew this because EVERYTHING I buy goes on sale, and since I can usually wait things out, I never pay full price. (This dress is on sale as I type this for $69. But I needed it BEFORE New Year's, not after. Obv.)

For a more sophisticated (but just as sexy) look, I'd pair the pumps with a black pair of opaque thigh-highs, and push my hair back completely with a wide, plain black headband, bringing all attention to the detail at the bust. Because the top is so strappy, I would stay away from any kind of strappy stilettos and stay with close-toed pumps. For this same reason, I would avoid accessorizing; bracelets and necklaces would only detract and make for a less polished look. If you really want to add something extra, try a few black rings or black or pale pink nail polish.

I wore this with a faux fur bolero from F21 ($30) and a no-brand, bone colored clutch that I've had forever. Fur is a quick way to make any outfit more glamorous, whether it's distressed denim or a gown, and it's so warm! Express has a great sale going on right now on all their faux fur (which has bright pink satin lining!); vintage stores are great as well, if you don't mind real fur.

Suede Pumps: $45, Shiek
Floppy bow Headband: $4, Forever 21

the beginning

I was recently skimming (re: to read novels in their entirety in a store while attempting to appear as if you have every intention of buying said novel. While you are smartly dressed and look as though you're made of moneyhoney, you're not; you are a student with a part-time, minimum wage job. You have much more important things to spend $20 on, like happy hour sushi and dirty martinis) a book on fashion and settled on a paragraph detailing how to buy ballet flats. The author suggested buying Chanel as a starting point. If I bought a pair of Chanel ballet flats, they had better be big enough for me to live in, and include utilities and internet. She also suggested buying duplicates of items that you really liked. I have a hard enough time buying one of an item I really like, let alone multiples.

My point in starting this blog is to show that you can be a college student working a minimum wage job and still put together rockin outfits; I'm going to show you how I do it.

Throughout the week, I will post photos of my outfits, citing the brand and price, as well as where I bought it. I will offer suggestions on different ways you can wear the same outfits, and how not to wear it.

This advice should be taken loosely: I don't believe in following the fashion Do's and Don't's of others; those rules should be established by you, for yourself. People have often told me that they love what I'm wearing but that they "could never pull it off." Well, with that attitude, they're right. So much of what brings an outfit together is confidence in what you're wearing. You (hopefully) know what you're comfortable in; I'm the first to advocate trying something new, but not to the point where it makes you uncomfortable: when you feel good about what you're wearing, you look good. The inverse is just as true.

My hope is that you, my one reader, will feel inspired.

...At the very least, I will have a collection of photos of my clothes, which could prove useful when I have to auction off my entire wardrobe (a la Becky Bloomwood) upon graduation, when I am unemployed and cannot feed myself.

Just kidding. Kind of.