Tag Archives: jill popowich

“The Future for You is Not Yet Written”

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I swear I’m not a total slacker.  Halloween just sort of crept up on me this weekend, and while I kept meaning to, I never got around to blog writing.  So I apologize for my absence from the blogosphere these last few days.  I’m going out of town later this week, so I’ll try to write up some posts beforehand.

This is my thrown together Halloween costume.  I rigged up the fairy wings with some wire coat-hangers, an old pair of tights and some headbands.  My “wand” is a chopstick wrapped in tin foil.  I combined that with a woodsy-ish tunic, some leaf brooches and lots of glitter eyeshadow, and came up with my costume.

It may not be my best costume ever (that still goes to my Crochet Uno Dress of the Kitty’s Creations days) but it worked, and it was better than having no costume at all.

Tunic: Hilos
Jeans: Levis
Flats: Easy Street
Brooches: Sarah Coventry
Bangles: Jill Popowich

Quote: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Ninth Grade Slays, by Heather Brewer

“They’re only interested in clothes”

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I’m not one to be vainly interested in clothes, but I am coming to the realization that my closet needs an overhaul.  I have a lot of great clothes that currently don’t fit, since I gained a little weight over the summer.  I have a lot of clothes that I don’t completely love – the fabric isn’t soft, the color is wrong, etc.  Some of these problems I can fix, but really, I mostly need to get rid of a lot of my clothes and buy some new duds that I actually really love.  I would estimate that right now, I only regularly wear about 25 – 30% of my closet on a regular basis.  I think I should maybe revisit my wardrobe inventory and wardrobe gaps lists, and really take a look at what I need.

I’ve also got another change in the works: I’m buying a pair of running shoes.  I’ve been wanting to do this for awhile, but good running shoes are expensive, and I didn’t have enough money saved up to afford a pair until recently.  I want to get a really good pair, because my feet pronate (or is it over-pronate?) – the thing where your feet tend to roll to the outside.  I like to wear running shoes that correct this, because it helps prevent injury, and I really don’t want to screw up my knees.

I used to run three times a week for about 20 minutes, but for the past several years, I switched to just working out at the gym, and then recently, I added yoga.  I absolutely love practicing yoga, but the gym just isn’t doing it for me anymore, and my membership rates are about to go up, so I’m thinking it’s a great time to take up running again.  We’ll see how it goes.

Tank: Sonoma (thrifted)
Cardigan: Anthropologie (eBay)
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Keen Barcelona (eBay)
Bracelets: Jill Popowich
Earrings: Mackie Jewelry

Quote: Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat

“The rain on the window woke me up”

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We had a very rainy few days last week here in Tampa.  As in raining on and off all day, for three days.  It was dreary and grey and dull.  So to counteract the weather, I decided to wear some of my brightest colors in a nice, summery combination.

I generally prefer vibrant and saturated colors over dull ones, but in the summer, I like colors like this even more so.  Something about the hot weather, the sun (when we have it), the humidity.  I just can’t stand wearing dark or dull colors when it’s hot out.  Plus, bright colors always seem to be a good mood booster, and with the dreary weather we were having, I needed all the boosting I could get.

Do you ever wear certain colors or items to improve your mood?

Tank: Target (via Revolve)
Cardigan: J Crew (via eBay)
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Sandals: Clarks Rime
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Bangles: Jill Popowich

Quote: Daughter’s Day Blues, by Laura Pegram

“Have some fun in the sun”

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After talking about how I wear a lot of blue the other day, here is another primarily blue outfit.  Oh well.  I just recently altered these capris from a pair of slacks, and they are perfect for slouchy spring weekends.  The fabric is a nice, light-weight cotton, and they fit just loose enough to be really comfortable without looking too sloppy.  I’m still working on figuring out new color combinations for them.  So far I mainly pair them with white and blue, but I’m hoping to branch out soon.

This outfit is made up of entirely second-hand and handmade items, which I think is fitting for Earth Day.  With so much of modern fashion being made to be disposable, buying second-hand garments and giving them new life is a great way to fight the cycle of waste that our society has developed.  And buying quality handmade items ensures that the things you buy will last longer, and you’ll be helping someone make a living doing something they love.

What are you doing to help the planet this Earth Day?

Tee: Gap (via Revolve)
Cardigan: NY & Co (via Classy Consignment)
Capris: J Jill (thrifted and altered)
Sandals: Dansko Sela (via eBay)
Purse: Axcess by Liz Claiborne (thrifted)
Necklace: Lii Lii
Bangles: Jill Popowich

Nail Polish: Essie Calypso

Quote: The Three Silly Billies, by Margie Palatini

“And if you’re the type that gets finicky-finick”

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This has been the week of comfy, put-together outfits.  I’ve been trying to meet the challenge of remixing outfits as the weather warms up, and it hasn’t been easy.  There have been a lot of days with repeat outfits that I didn’t photograph.  Adding a few new items to my wardrobe has helped to freshen things up a bit, but I’m still struggling to create new looks in the warm temps.  Cardigans have been my saving grace lately, and I’m dreading the 80 + degree temperatures that will soon become the norm for the next four or five months here.  Without the cardigan, this outfit would have just been shorts and a tee – which is a bit too casual for me most days.  A cardigan adds a nice dose of polish to it.  Right now I’m very much on the lookout for nice sleeveless blouses and light, short sleeved cardigans to get me through summer.

It’s come to my attention lately that I wear a LOT of blue.  Blue has always been one of my fall-back colors for clothing, because I’ve always loved how it brings out my blue eyes.  During the winter, I started adding a great variety of colors, but much of my summer wardrobe still centers around this hue.  I’m trying to diversify my wardrobe more now by adding yellow, green, fuchsia and other colors into my summer wardrobe.

What’s your fall-back color?

Tee: Old Navy
Cardigan: NY & Co (via Classy Consignment)
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Sandals: Clarks Rime (via 6pm)
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Bangles: Jill Popowich
Earrings: Sara Westermark

Nail Polish: Essie Calypso

Quote: You’re Only Old Once!, by Dr. Seuss

“Shopping at the shop-o-rama”

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I’ve been having a wonderfully relaxing spring break.  I can’t believe it’s almost over.  It’s been great to catch up on little projects around the house, get some reading done and sleep in until the luxurious hour of 7:30 everyday (I normally get to work at 7:10 every morning).

I’ve also had time to do a good bit of shopping, looking for some new work essentials.  And I’ve noticed how my shopping habits have changed.  I tried going to the malls several times this week, looking in various stores for some great blouses, slacks and dresses.  But in every store I went to, I ended up coming out empty handed.  Sure, I would find stuff to try on, but an element wouldn’t fit right, or I wouldn’t like the print, or it would be too expensive.  I’m very willing to alter or have altered cheaper items that I find, but if I’m already paying $74 for a dress, I want it to be perfect or almost perfect to start with.  Even though I have the money to actually buy things in the mall now, I still don’t find shopping there very satisfying.

Then I went to some of my favorite thrift stores, and found a few great gems at each one.  Like this tunic that I’m wearing today – it was a mere $6.  Sure, I had to sew up the neckline a bit so that my girls don’t fall out, but that wasn’t a big deal.  I found some great work dresses too, and some shorts that are long enough to wear to the field day coming up at my school.  So I guess I’m starting to find that I really, truly love second-hand shopping more than mall shopping.  There’s not anything wrong with mall shopping, I just often find it unsatisfying.  I like it when I already know that the store will have exactly what I want, like my Gap Curvy jeans.   But other than that, I like the thrill of the hunt and the excellent deals that come with buying second-hand, in real life or online.

(And of course, I love shopping at local boutiques and buying handmade as well.  I like it when I actually know who I am supporting with my money.)

Do you prefer shopping at the mall or second-hand shopping?  If money wasn’t an issue, would that change your mind?

Blouse: Tammy Mars (thrifted)
Capris: Express (altered be me)
Sandals: Clarks (via 6pm)
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Earrings: Mackie Jewelry
Bangles: Jill Popowich
Purse: Morelle Oyster

Nail Polish: Essie Calypso

Quote: Llama Llama Mad at Mama, by Anna Dewdney

“It’s good to relax”

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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

“Dandelions are beautiful”

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There’s something about the beginning of spring that calls for beautiful, cotton dresses.  I figured Easter day was the perfect day to debut one of my newest ones.  When I first saw this dress on the rack at a local consignment store, I was immediately drawn to the pale yellow color, but I wasn’t sure if it would make me look washed out.  Once I tried it on, I realized that it was perfect.  The fit is very flattering.  The pattern is subtle and beautiful.  The only problem I had with this dress is the lack of waist expansion capability.  I ate a big dinner at my parent’s house, and that slim fitting waist was feeling a bit uncomfortable.  Still, it’s a lovely dress, and I know I’ll wear it a lot.


Since it was my first time wearing this dress, I decided to keep it simple and just add white sandals and simple silver accessories.  For work, I’ll probably add a cardigan or cropped blazer, with some closed-toe heels.

Do you use Easter as an excuse to wear something new?

Dress: Ann Taylor Factory Store (via Classy Consignment)
Sandals: Dansko Sela (via eBay)
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Bangles: Jill Popowich Designs
Earrings: Sara Westermark

Nail Polish: Mint Candy Apple by Essie

Quote: Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker

“To the tips of her toes”

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The many possibilities a simple black and white dress lends never cease to amaze me.  I’ve remixed this dress so many times, I’ve lost count.  Last weekend, I wanted to wear it in a way that reflected the freshness and vibrancy of spring.  I added a bright green cardigan, raspberry accents, and some white sandals.  I felt gloriously springy all day – much more so than if I had gone with my traditional weekend uniform of jeans and a nice blouse.

That “belt” is actually a square silk scarf.  I folded over diagonally several times to create a long strip, and then tied it around my waist, hiding the ties underneath my cardigan.  I love how it created a sash effect and added a nice pop of color.  I tried different ways of incorporating into the outfit by tying it around my head, on my purse, etc, but this was my favorite out of all those looks.

What accessory have you used in a non-traditional way before?

Dress: Express
Cardigan: J Crew (via eBay)
Scarf (as belt): Vintage
Sandals: Dansko Sela (via eBay)
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Bangles: Jill Popowich Designs
Ring: from my mom

Nail Polish: Mint Candy Apple by Essie

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

“Wake up the street”

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Between starting my new job as a media specialist (school librarian) today and letting go of the pressure I was putting on myself with blogging and blog-reading, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  I’m free now to enjoy life, I’m free to take fun and happy photos, I’m free to stop worrying quite so much about making it to my next paycheck, I’m free to participate in this lovely blogging community because I want to, not because I feel obligated.  It’s amazing what a change in perspective can do to lift one’s spirits.

My smiles feel genuine again, and I’m enjoying writing this blog and sharing with my readers more than ever.  It is so good to have an outlet where I can share with others, to have an excuse to take fun and joyful photos everyday, and to hopefully pass some of that happiness along to others.

When I took these photos, I had just finished up a long and stressful day of dealing with bureaucratic paperwork and processing for my new job, wrapping up tasks at my old job, and retrieving my car that had been at the mechanic for almost a week.  But when I took these photos, I was able to leave all that stress behind and have fun.  Having fun is the best stress-relief ever.

Do you incorporate a little fun into your life everyday?  Why not jump in a puddle while wearing wellies? Skip rope? Draw with sidewalk chalk?

Dress: Boden (via eBay)
Cardigan: New York & Co (via Classy Consignment)
Shoes: Dansko Sally (courtesy of Dansko)
Purse: Axcess by Liz Claiborne (thrifted)
Pearls: Coryell Design
Bangles: Jill Popowich Designs

Quote: Bring on that Beat, by Rachel Isadora

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