“It was a lovely summer morning”

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Diana

Yep, variations on this outfit are becoming my default summer uniform. Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s because I’m not working, but I just seem to have trouble being very creative with my outfits lately. When it’s hot and I’m craving easy going comfort, anything that squeezes, restrains or requires slips or Spanx just isn’t worth it. I’m longing for soft, flowing fabrics, simple silhouettes, fabrics that let me move and don’t require lots of adjusting. I only have so many items in my wardrobe that fit this bill right now, so I feel like I keep wearing the same things over and over. Maybe a little consignment shopping spree in is order (within budget of course).

Even though I’ve still got four more weeks of summer vacation (working in the school system is awesome) I’m starting to think about my work wardrobe again. I’m realizing that I really need to get a few key pieces before the school year starts, so that I don’t find my outfits constantly repeating themselves. Here’s what’s on my work wardrobe list right now: comfortable non-polyester trousers that fit well, knee-length jersey dresses (yes I have some already, but I always want more), and tops that are long enough so that my stomach doesn’t show when I’m shelving books. I guess I like my work clothes to be really functional.

Do you find yourself defaulting to certain items in your wardrobe during the summer?

Top: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Isabella Rodriguez (Anthro) (via eBay)
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT
Sandals: Dansko Neve (courtesy of Solestruck)
Earrings: Mackie Jewelry

Quote: I Love It When You Smile, by Sam McBratney

Shopping Plan: Week 23

Posted on July 11, 2010 by Diana

Week 23 of My Great Shopping Plan of 2010, where I attempt to stay on a budget and fill out my wardrobe

Cardigan: Isabella Rodriguez (Anthropologie)

Bought for $20 on eBay

After last week, I had $113 in my shopping budget. Because money this summer is tight, I have been avoiding going out shopping for clothes. But I haven’t stopped looking at eBay, and last week I found this glorious cardigan for a steal of a price! I have been lusting after Anthropologie cardigans for a long time, but they are almost always out of my budget range. Since my beloved white bolero cardigan is about ready to bite the dust, I was looking for a drapey, light-colored, 3/4 or short sleeve cardigan. This one fit the bill, and it’s not polyester, so it’s awesome.

I did buy some stuff on Boden, but I’ll be posting it later on, since I haven’t received them in the mail yet. So that I don’t lose track of my budget, I’ll go ahead and count it here. I spent $52 with Boden, so that leaves me with $41 for the rest of July.

(By the way, ever wonder how I find such awesome stuff on eBay? I wrote about about my eBay shopping strategies a few months back, so I thought it might be good to bring it up again.)

“I’d like otters to be friendly”

Posted on July 1, 2010 by Diana

Ah, the perils of Florida summer dressing. Outside, it is blisteringly hot and humid. Inside, air conditioners are running at full capacity, making it freezing As I’ve said before, with weather like this, layers are key. I was attending some work trainings last week, and I had no idea how cold the building they were in might be, so I came prepared. I had on a sleeveless blouse, and wore a cardigan and a light silk scarf for some extra warmth. As it turned out, the A/C wasn’t working very well, so I ditched the layers inside. But I’m telling you, if I hadn’t, the A/C probably would have been freezing. I always prefer to be prepared for anything.

There’s nothing I love more than a soft, drapey outfit. Lately, I’m finding myself more and more drawn to comfy, flowing outfits. Maybe it’s just the vibe they give off, or maybe it’s because I’ve been practicing yoga more, and I’m really loving clothes that allow for a full range of motion. Either way, I’m lovin’ this outfit.

Random note: Isn’t it awesome how my scarf and shoes match? I was so excited when I realized this

Do you prefer drapey garments, and or structured styles more your thing?

Blouse: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Keen Sienna Mary Janes (via eBay)
Scarf: Ann Taylor
Purse: Axcess by Liz Claiborne (thrifted)
Earrings: Wish by Felicity

Quote: Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners, by Laurie Keller

“Past the chimney-tops soared the kite”

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Diana

My media center has frigid A/C, while outdoors we have 80 degrees temps and super high humidity. I’m trying to find more creative way to have outfits that can easily transition between the two drastically different temperatures. My favorite solution: lightweight scarves. When I go indoors, I can wrap a scarf around my neck and instantly feel cozy and warm. When I go outside, I ditch the scarf and cardigan, and I’m ready for the balmy Florida heat.

This week is the last week of school, and after that I won’t have work (or paychecks) until August. It’s bittersweet for me, because while having free-time will be nice, I really love my job, and I’ll hate not being there for nine weeks. I’m trying to find a part-time summer job to make ends meet, but so far, nothing has worked out. I’m a little nervous about this, but I do have some savings that I can use if needed, and I will be attending a couple of paid work-related trainings. It’s going to be a bit hard money wise, but I’m looking forward to having time to sew, knit, read, and work in my garden. Who knows, maybe I’ll even get together a small Etsy shop over the summer? (Of course, I’ve said that many times before. We’ll see if I actually do it)

For those of you who work (or have worked) at jobs where you have the summer off, what do you do? Do you travel? Work a temporary summer job? Catch up on projects around the house?

Blouse: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Jeans: Express Stella (re-conned by me)
Shoes: Born Codders
Scarf: Kohls
Earrings: Efy Tal

Quote: Anatole over Paris., by Eve Titus

Shopping Plan: Weeks 14 & 15

Posted on May 16, 2010 by Diana

Weeks 14 & 15 of My Great Shopping Plan of 2010, where I attempt to stay on a budget and fill out my wardrobe

After week 13, I had $142 left in my clothing budget for the month of May. I took last week off from posting, so this week I’m catching up. And oh, did I get some awesome goodies.

Like these:

Frye 8Rs: $75 on eBay
Silk/ Cashmere Scarf: Ann Taylor, $10 on sale

Did you see those prices correctly? Oh yes you did! I have been lusting after a pair of Frye 8Rs since I first blogged about them eleven months ago. But that $188 pair I saw at Urban Outfitters was way out of my price range. I started stalking them on eBay, but everytime they would come up in my size, they would get bid too high for me to afford them. Thus I waited. And watched. And two weeks ago, these showed up in my in-box, Buy it Now for only $75. Yes, they are very used and in need of a little shoe polish and will soon need attention from a cobbler. But at this price point, I’m absolutely okay with this. It will be awhile before it’s cold enough to wear them, but I’m still stoked.

That lovely rose scarf was a bit of an impulse buy, but when a super soft silk/cashmere scarf is only $10, I find it hard to resist. Even though it’s spring/summer now, I can still wear it in my currently freezing workplace, or with a nice dress at night.

All from Triage

Ann Taylor Ruffle Tee: $15
Teal Tunic: Hilos, $13
Purple Cardigan: Anthropologie, $13
Shorts: J Crew, $7

During week 15, I decided to trek out to a South Tampa consignment store that I’ve been meaning to revisit for years, Triage. I was not disappointed. I got an awesome selection of good quality items at very low prices. The J Crew shorts are a bit snug right now, but for $7, I felt that it was worth going for it. I’ve been losing a little weight lately, so they will likely fit me before summer is out.

So, I spent a total of $133, leaving me with $9 for the rest of May. But Anthropologie is having their twice-a-year really big sale this Tuesday. So, um, I’m probably going to go over. We’ll see how it goes.

“The new normal”

Posted on April 30, 2010 by Diana

Ack! Things are so busy lately! I’ve got a lot of big things coming up soon. At work, there’s several big events in the next few weeks that I’m an planning and preparing for. And here on the blog, I’ve got some exciting projects coming up soon. There will be some new changes coming up soon. For quick idea of what’s to come, I’m planning on starting to write more posts that focus on buying hand-made, second-hand, vintage, local and eco-friendly. I want to shift my focus more on these issues, because they’re something that I’m very passionate about, and I want to support them more and encourage others to support them. I’ll go into more details on Monday. Stay tuned!

I’ve noticed that, with the warmer weather, my weekend uniform tends to be a variation of what I’m wearing here. Shorts, sandals, sleeveless blouse, light cardigan. It’s taking me a bit to readjust to warm weather dressing, but I think I’m finally starting to remember how to be a Floridian in the Spring/Summer without looking too sloppy.

What’s your weekend uniform for warm weather?

Blouse: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Sandals: Born (via eBay)
Purse: Morelle City Bag
Earrings: Mackie Jewelry
Bangles: Jill Popowich Designs

Quote: No Talking, by Andrew Clements

“Let’s celebrate spring with a party”

Posted on April 29, 2010 by Diana

Due to my crazy schedule right now, today’s post is short and sweet. Yay for fun, spring colors and florals!

What’s your favorite Spring trend?

Blouse: Anthropologie
Cardigan: J. Crew (via eBay)
Jeans: Gap Curvy (altered by me)
Shoes: Born Codders
Purse: Morelle City Bag
Earrings: Efy Tal

Quote: Mañana, Iguana, by Ann Whitford Paul

“Stepped ashore on the beach”

Posted on April 19, 2010 by Diana

On Thursday, I had a lovely day at the beach with my mom. The weather was absolutely perfect. It was slightly overcast, which kept the sun from baking us too much, and there was a fantastic light breeze. We ate lunch and spent some time looking at the shops at John’s Pass, then we walked over to Treasure Island and sat on the beach for awhile. It was so wonderfully relaxing, and it was great to get to spend some time with my mom. It’s funny to me that, even though I only live about 45 minutes from the beach, I only actually go there about two or three times a year. In my undergraduate years, I used to go a lot more often. But now that I’m working full-time, I just don’t make the time to get down to the beach very often.

Aren’t these starfish earrings adorable? I got them at a garage sale a few months ago, but had never worn them. A trip to the beach seemed like a good time to debut them. I think it’s kind of fun and cheeky to wear starfish earrings to the beach.

Do you live near a beach? Do you visit the beach often, or only on occasion?

Blouse: Anthropologie
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT (altered be me)
Sandals: Columbia
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Earrings: Garage sale

Nail Polish: Essie Calypso

Quote: Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson

“It’s good to relax”

Posted on April 15, 2010 by Diana

It’s spring break for me this week, so I’m off to the beach with my mom today. Thus the short post. Happy Thursday everyone!

Blouse: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Capris: J Jill (altered by me)
Sandals: Dansko Sela (via eBay)
Purse: Axcess by Liz Claiborne (thrifted)
Bangles: Jill Popowich

Quote: I’m Still Here in the Bathtub: Brand New Silly Dilly Songs, by Alan Katz

“I love being fancy”

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Diana

All that lovely cold weather made me forget what a challenge it is to dress professionally in warm weather. Even my light cardigans like this one are starting to feel too warm, and it’s only April! I feel like there are fewer ways to remix outfits when I have to put away my scarves, tights, and cozy cashmere. Being a native Floridian, I really should be more adept at dealing with high temps, but they still stump me every year.

This outfit still came together nicely, even though I’m struggling with dressing for warm weather. The light layers, the simple cotton, and the bare legs helped to keep me from getting over-heated. I really love how all these colors work together – I think that the mix pale blue and red is one of my favorite color combinations.

Oh, and it’s hard to see in these pictures, but I altered this blouse to make it work better for me. The v-neck was pretty deep, so I was always having to wear a camisole under this to keep me from being over-exposed at work. Then it dawned on me that I could sew the deepest part together. I moved the buttons around and added a little keyhole at the top. I think it will work much better for me this way, since now I can wear it on its own.