I really loved this outfit. It was soft, cozy and comfortable. I always find pale blue very calming, and I love how wonderfully it combined with brown and a pop of yellow. It was the perfect thing for a busy, unpredictable day of work.
I know I keep saying this, but I’m trying to enjoy my winter items in the last few weeks that I’m able to. Unfortunately, Florida tends to skip Spring and go straight into Summer, so even this was a bit too warm to wear by late afternoon. Highs have been in the 70s this week, and I know that it will be even hotter in a few weeks.
At the same time, I’m happily embracing the transition to Spring. The air feels fresh, the sun feels warm, and it’s so nice to let my toes breathe. I didn’t realize just how much I love to go barefoot until this long cold spell we had here this winter. I guess you don’t always appreciate what you have until you have to go without it for awhile.
What do you love best about this time of year, as Spring is fast approaching?
Tank: Old Navy
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Trousers: Worthington
Shoes: Dansko Sally (courtesy of Dansko)
Scarf: Anthropologie
Purse: Vintage (via Advintagous)
Quote: Fancy Nancy’s Favorite Fancy Words: From Accessories to Zany
, by Jane O’Connor
After winning a free pair of We Love Colors tights, I was eager to put together an outfit incorporating them. Because the tights are so bright and saturated, I decided to keep the rest of the outfit to simple black and white, with an additional touch of green in the necklace.
This outfit was a lot of fun to wear. I admit, wearing the tights made me feel just a bit 80’s, but I think since the rest of the outfit was simple, they worked fine. These tights are insanely awesome! These are the nylon/microfiber tights, and I can see myself by many, many pairs. They are thick, opaque, soft, and best of all, the waist-band fits but doesn’t feel constricting. With 51 colors to choose from, what’s not to love?
What do you think of colored tights? Are they just a passing trend, or are they here to stay?
Dress: Express
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Belt: Anthropologie
Necklace: Pixisette
Bangles: Jill Popowich
Tights: We Love Colors, Scout Green
Boots: Dansko Risa (via eBay)
Quote: You’re Only Old Once! A Book for Obsolete Children
, by Dr. Seuss
On Saturday, I went to the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts in downtown Tampa. I always love to go every year. It’s a great place to meet up with family and friends, enjoy the fresh air and see some art. This year, it was held at the recently renovated Curtis Hixon Park. There were so many fantastic places to take pictures, but somehow I got distracted and this was the only shoot I got of my outfit. I decided to dress lightly and comfortably. The weather has started to turn warm, and my cashmere cardigan was actually a bit too hot at times. Still, I was comfy overall, and it was great to finally wear my Keen sandals again.
La Gran Arepa
One of the things I really look forward to at the Gasparilla Art show is the food. I always get the same two things every year. I start with an arepa, pictured above. These amazingly delicious things are essentially fried corn bread pancakes with mozzarella. So. fantastically. yummy. After I walk around for a bit, I always get some ice cream. They have a booth that takes a frozen ice cream bar (I chose cappuchino yogurt), dips it in melted chocolate, and then covers it with sprinkles, peanuts, or crushed oreos (I chose the later). I didn’t manage to get a picture of the ice cream, because I started eating it immediately.
I honestly wasn’t that impressed with most of the art at the festival this year, but there were several booths that caught my eye. One was a local artist, Nested Yellow. They sell gorgeous, nature-inspired jewelry on Etsy and at Tampa Street Market locally. I definitely plan on buying from them soon. There was also The Piper Sandal Company, which is a family owned small business that has been hand-crafting leather sandals since 1971. The sandals are gorgeous and made of high quality leather, and they will replace the leather straps for free when they wear out. At $119, they’re a pretty good deal. I also loved Marie Pierre Collection jewelry, which had some stunning silver cuffs.
Do you like to go to local arts festivals? What is your favorite aspect?
Cardigan: J Crew (via eBay)
Tee: Gap (via Revolve)
Jeans: Express (altered by me)
Sandals: Keen
Bag: Angry, Young and Poor
Necklace: Garage Sale
Bangles: Jill Popowich
Quote: Anatole over Paris.
, by Eve Titus
Sometimes, a fallback combination with a few new elements makes for the perfect, last-minute outfit. I’ve worn this sweater, pair of jeans and boots together before. Last week, I mixed it up a bit by layering a gray graphic tee underneath, and adding pops of dark pink in my sakura necklace and ring. This outfit was very comfy, but still put together enough for work.
The weather has started to hit a turning point, so I’m trying to get as much wear as possible out of my cashmere sweaters and leather boots. Soon it will be too warm to wear them (except maybe in over air-conditioned offices). I’ve already noticed my shopping and browsing habits shifting. There’s not a lot of point in my buying any new sweaters or boots right now, when I won’t be able to wear them regularly again until October. I know that a lot of the best sales on winter items happen right now, but on a budget as tight as mine, I prefer to buy things I can wear sooner rather than later.
Have you already started mentally shifting into Spring? Do you tend to purchase items that you can wear in the current season, or do you go for the off-season deals?
Sweater: J Crew (via eBay)
Tee: Style & Co (via clothing swap)
Jeans: Express
Boots: Dansko Nena (via eBay)
Necklace: Jorgensen Studio
Ring: From my mom
Quote: The OK Book
, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
Last week, I styled this skirt to look like Joan Holloway. Today, I went with more of a Peggy Olson look. I love how vibrant all the colors looked together. I’m not so sure how I feel about having all black on the bottom half of my body, though. I think this would have looked amazing with some white pumps. I know a lot of style advice columns recommend matching shoes to tights to elongate your legs, but to me, it felt just a bit boring.
Originally, I was going to wear a strand of pearls with this outfit, but that felt just a bit too prim and proper. Tying the blue scarf in a bow threw an extra color into the mix, while still retaining the vintage flair of the outfit.
Unfortunately, this will probably be the only time I’ll wear this green sleeveless button-down. I got it while thrifting last week, but it’s a bit too short and the arm holes are a bit tight. I could fix the arm hole problem, but the length is a bigger concern. Even though this is my highest-waisted skirt, the blouse kept popping out when I would sit down. I don’t like garments that I have to constantly fuss with, so this will likely go to the swap pile. I might hang onto for a bit longer in case I get some true high-waisted skirts.
Do you incorporate vintage stylings into your wardrobe? How do you make them look modern?
Cardigan: J Crew (via Ebay)
Blouse: St Johns Bay (thrifted)
Scarf: Thrifted
Skirt: Semantiks
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Clarks Apple Sky
Earrings: Sara Westermark
Quote: The Red Balloon, by A. LaMorisse
When eShakti offered to let me try out one of their dresses, I was more than happy to oblige. There’s many things about this online retailer that I love: they have beautiful styles in a wide range of colors and sizes (0-26W). They tell you right away what the fabric content of every item is, which is very important to me. But what I love best of all is the fact that they will customize sizes and change certain elements of items such as the hem and sleeve length for an additional fee. So many times I will see an item that I love on a website, but I won’t like the cap sleeves, or there won’t be enough room in the hips. eShakti eliminates that problem by changing it for you.
This dress was customized from the original with a shorter hem and 3/4 sleeves. The color and fabric are fantastic, and the craftsmanship is very good. It’s such a beautiful dress, and I love the ruffle detail at the neckline.
Unfortunately, I don’t think it was the right choice for my body type, because it doesn’t flatter my hips. I had to wear another dress underneath to remain decent, because whenever the wind blew, it would fly open. However, this has everything to do with the wrap styling of the dress, which was the one I chose. I still consider it to be a quality product, and I will definitely buy from eShakti again. I’ll likely get this red dress soon in a knee length, since I need more solid colored dresses.
I’m so happy that I was able to wear this outside without a sweater or jacket. It’s finally starting to feel like spring again. I’m feeling so ready to shed some layers and enjoy the warmth that Florida is well known for.
What signs of Spring’s arrival have you been noticing?
Wrap dress: Courtesy of eShakti
Polka dot dress (underneath): Express
Blue Cami (underneath): Old Navy
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (via Ebay)
Bangles: Jill Popowich
Pearls: Coryell Design
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Quote: Anatole over Paris, by Eve Titus
(Disclaimer: I received this dress for free from eShakti, but I was not compensated in any way for this post. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.)
I’ve received so much support and encouragement from my readers since lamenting about my job situation on Monday, and I can’t thank you enough. I feel so very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful, caring community. My spirits have definitely improved. You helped me to realize that there’s no point in dwelling on all the what if’s. The right job will come along, and it will work out eventually. I have to keep in perspective that this will probably be the hardest time for me in my career – which means that it can only get better from here.
Another antidote for blah days is wearing some of your favorite items. For me, that means my favorite goldenrod Fluevog Malibrans, my oh-so-comfy Ella Moss dress, and a cozy handknit cardigan. Wearing things that make you happy is a good way to get your spirits up. In fact, I try to get rid of anything clothing that doesn’t make me happy when I wear it. Life is just too short to wear boring or uncomfortable clothes.
This navy and white striped jersey dress really has become a staple for me. I love how endlessly versatile a dress like this can be. I’m curious to see how it will transition into spring and summer, though, since it generally requires layering to be decent. I think if I get some lightweight slips and cardigans, it should work just fine.
What do you like to wear as a pick-me-up on days when you’re feeling a bit down?
Dress: Ella Moss (via My Mosh Posh)
Cardigan: Minimalist, handknit by me
Belt: Anthropologie
Tights: Hue
Shoes: John Fluevog Malibrans
Cuff: via Classy Consignments
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Quote: Did I ever tell you how lucky you are? By Dr Seuss
Thank you for the kind words yesterday. I’m feeling a bit better. I know that things will work out before too long, I just need to keep positive.
I wore this outfit for another nice, relaxing Sunday. I caught up on things around the house, deep conditioned my hair, gave myself a mani/pedi and took a nice afternoon nap. I think taking some time for myself every weekend is starting to become my therapy – it’s so nice to relax and not feel rushed and catch up on everything.
I was in the mood to be both girly and comfortable on Sunday. The weather was a little bit warmer, so I was able to get by with my lovely new Anthropologie floral blouse and my blue cotton cardigan to add a little bit of warmth. I wanted something that would let my beautiful new necklace shine.
I had e-mailed my boyfriend a wishlist of items I liked on Etsy for my birthday, and after picking out what he got me, he forwarded it along to his mom. She got me this gorgeous Sakura branch necklace from Jorgensen Studio that I’ve been eyeing for months. I aboslutely love it, and it’s even more beautiful in person.
What rituals do you have when you take time for yourself?
Blouse: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Jeans: Express
Boots: Dansko Nena
Necklace: Jorgensen Studio
Ring: From my mom
Quote: Madeline
, by Ludwig Bemelmans
(Note: Fair warning, this post gets a bit personal. I usually don’t go into personal details on this blog, but every once and awhile, a girl needs a chance to get something off her chest. This is not meant to be a pity party.)
I have a confession to make: I’ve been feeling a bit down lately. I know that it’s a combination of factors: One) I’m actually getting tired of cold weather. I feel like I’ve exhausted my winter wardrobe, and I’m ready to be able to go outside wearing only one or two layers and sandals. Two) It’s been six months since I finished my Master’s Degree, and yet I still don’t have a permanent, full-time job in my field.
Number Three is the biggest factor in why I haven’t been feeling myself lately. I went back to school so that I could work in a field that I love, and yet I have only had three interviews in the past six months. I thought that once a librarian position opened up with the system I worked in before, I would be alright, but when I applied for an opening a few weeks ago, I didn’t even get called in for an interview. Money has been really tight while I’ve been substituting and working at a grant-funded temp job, and both of those will be ending after May. I’ve got to start paying off my loans as well. All this stress is constantly getting at me, even when I don’t consciously realize it. I’ve been eating poorly out of stress, I’ve gained a few pounds, and I’ve bitten down my nails pretty badly.
I really started realizing how much this stress is taking its toll on me when I was going through the pictures of this outfit. I wore this on my birthday, and I loved how the outfit came together. And yet, hardly any of my smiles seemed genuine. And that really bothered me, because my philosophy on life is to always stay optimistic, and that plays a big part in this blog. But now I’m realizing that, sometimes you just don’t feel like smiling. And that’s okay. I know that I will get through this. I know that things will get better. I’m just ready for them to be better right now.
What do you do when stress rears its ugly head in your life?
Dress: Boden (via Ebay)
Cardigan: Sweet Mary Jane, handknit by me
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (via Ebay)
Purse: Vintage (thrifted)
Earrings: Wear-thou
Quote: The OK Book, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
(Don’t forget my knitted gloves and mittens giveaway! It ends at midnight EST tonight)
I substituted at a media center in a high school this week, and on my first day, I was mistaken for a student twice. On my second day, I decided to make sure that my outfit made it clear that I was an adult, not a student. There’s nothing quite like a good dose of librarian chic when you actually are a librarian.
I decided to go for a sort of Joan Holloway look with this outfit, wearing my favorite pencil skirt. I paired it with my new Anthro blouse, and then echoed the colors of the blouse in everything else. A little yellow in the handbag, red in the shoes and necklace, white with the cardigan. To me it seems intuitive, but one of the best ways to create a put-together outfit is to wear a beautiful pattern blouse with a skirt or trousers, and then echo the colors of the blouse in your accessories. This works equally well with patterned dresses.
Because I was substituting all week, I’m quite behind on my blog reading and commenting. So if I didn’t visit your blog this week, please know that it’s nothing against you. I’m still trying to learn how to balance all the various aspects of life and work. Because I haven’t had time to read blogs this week, there won’t be a Link Love post this afternoon.
How do you balance life and work? How do you make time to read other blogs?
Blouse: Anthropologie
Salmon Tank: The Limited (via Revolve)
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Skirt: Semantiks
Shoes: Tsubo Acrea (via www.ebay.com)
Purse: Vintage (via AdVintagous)
Necklace: ??, via clothing swap
Cuff: ??, via Classy Consignments
Quote: The Boy who was Raised by Librarians, by Carla Morris
Daily Outfit | Diana | 
March 11, 2010 7:00 am | 
Comments (11) 
Subscribe
