“I like to try a lot of different things”

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Diana

I mentioned last week that I was planning on trying a new cut for my hair and here it is. Honestly, I’m not sure what the verdict on it is yet for me. My boyfriend absolutely loves it, and sometimes I do too, but other times, I feel “meh” about it. I wanted a cut that would transition well for growing my hair out long again, and I wanted to experiment with short bangs. They can be a lot of fun, but they make me feel kind of like I have to wear eye makeup and showy earrings, otherwise I look a little boyish. They’re also making me really want to go back to contacts, because I don’t think they suit my glasses frames well. But anyhow, hair is hair. Once I get the hang of how to style it, I’m sure I’ll like it better. And I’m planning on growing it out anyway, so I planned for this to be temporary.

Have you ever had a hair cut that you weren’t sure about at first, but ended up liking later on?

Top: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Cardigan: Isabella Rodriguez (Anthro) (via eBay)
Capris: Express (altered by me)
Sandals: Dansko Neve (courtesy of Solestruck)
Purse: Liz Claiborne
Headband: Target
Earrings: The Peach Tree
Necklace: Kira Ferrer

Quote: The OK Book, by amy Krouse Rosenthal

“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

“A solitary Schwinn, casual on its kickstand”

Posted on July 15, 2010 by Diana

After being lazy for a good half of the summer, I finally hopped on my bicycle last week for a trip to the library and the post office. And I’m so glad I did! I didn’t realize how much I had missed riding until I felt the wind on my face, the sun on my back, and that supreme satisfaction that comes from getting around town by your own two wheels. Yes, it’s true that it’s hot and muggy. Yes, I started sweating like crazy when I got to the library. But a washcloth and some extra deodorant later, and I was no more sweaty than anyone else dealing with the Florida heat. Now I’m really, really wanting to try bike commuting. I’ll have to wake up even earlier than I already do, and I might not be able to do it every day, since I often have to go to meetings on the other side of the county, but I’d love it if I could even work up to bike commuting twice a week. Riding a bike is just so much more fun than driving a car, and it’s better for the earth too.

I think that riding a bike is better for me psychologically too. Whenever I drive, I tend to get really stressed out. I’m often really distracted too (not be cell phones or anything, I just have difficulty paying attention). I always feel disconnected from my surroundings. On a bicycle, I can breathe deeply. If I see something that’s interesting, I can stop and look at it. I can wave to neighbors and fellow cyclists and feel a sense of community. I’m also more vulnerable, which can be a bit scary at times, but I always carry pepper spray when I ride, just in case a mean dog (or human) tries to mess with me.

By the way, my bike is a vintage (Chicago) Schwinn Suburban from the 60s or 70s. I love it. It still doesn’t have a name yet – I don’t seem to be very good at naming things.

Tank: Soma (thrifted)
Sleeveless shirt: St John’s Bay (thirfted)
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT
Shoes: Keen Barcelona (via eBay)
Cuff: via Classy Consignment
Earrings: Gift from cousin
Purse: Timbuk2

Quote: On The Wings of Heroes, by Richard Peck

“The rain on the window woke me up”

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Diana

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

“Everything in French sounds fancy”

Posted on July 8, 2010 by Diana

How do you make a 3/4 sleeve cotton and cashmere tee work in the heat of summer? Pair it with shorts and sandals! I was determined to wear this lightweight tee, despite the fact that it’s in the 90s everyday now. I realized that if I balanced out the longer sleeve length with shorts, I could wear it and still not be overheated. The head scarf was mostly there to add a nice pop of color. It also brought out the color of this gorgeous nail polish, which I’ll be talking about more tomorrow.

For some reason, I always feel very French when I wear this striped tee. I’m not really sure where the association of stripes and France began. The head scarf added a nice Euro touch as well.

Do you see stripes as French, Nautical or both? Or something else?

Shirt: J Crew (via eBay)
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT
Sandals: Born (via eBay)
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Scarf: Vintage
Cuff: via Classy Consignment
Earrings: Efy Tal

Quote: Fancy Nancy, by Jane O’Connor

Nail Polish: No Miss Manalapan Melon

“Oatmeal and apples for breakfast”

Posted on July 5, 2010 by Diana

I’ve pretty much decided that variations of this outfit are my uniform for this summer. It’s so hot in Florida right now, that anything other than shorts or dresses is just uncomfortable. Normally, I tend to lean more towards dresses, but for some reason, all I want to wear this summer is shorts. Maybe it’s from seeing how Anna Paquin makes short shorts look amazing as Sookie Stackhouse. Or maybe it’s the fact that yoga has really been making my legs feel stronger. Either way, this summer is all about shorts for me.

I recently tweaked my blog layout a bit to allow for larger images. Since photos are a very important part of my blog, I thought it made sense to change things up so that they would be more prominent. Do you like the new sizes? I’m going to be working on a major blog redesign soon, and this is one of the things I’m considering as I plan it.

What’s your summer uniform?

Cardigan: J Crew (via eBay)
Tank: Old Navy
Shorts: Ann Taylor LOFT (altered by me)
Sandals: Columbia
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Necklace: Love Spell Jewels
Earrings: Garage sale

Quote: Do Like Kyla by Angela Johnson

“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

“I don’t think I’m abnormally obsessive”

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Diana

I think I’ve discovered something about myself – I’m a jersey girl. Not New Jersey, but jersey fabric. This outfit of a cotton woven shirt and a linen woven skirt looks great, but it didn’t feel so great. I had to readjust it through-out the day. It wrinkled after five minutes of sitting down. I didn’t have a full range of motion in my arms. I like the look of woven fabrics when I first put them on, but I’m not so crazy on them after that.

This doesn’t mean that I’m getting rid of all my cotton woven items, I’m just realizing that I’ll probably be focusing more on soft, comfortable jerseys in the future.

Which do you prefer? Crisp, woven fabrics, or soft, jersey fabrics?

Blouse: St John’s Bay (thrifted)
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Skirt: Lane Bryant (via Revolve, altered)
Sandals: Dansko Novalee (eBay)
Belt: Thrifted
Earrings: Mackie Jewelry

Quote: Me and the Pumpkin Queen, By Marlane Kennedy

“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 : Week 18

Posted on June 6, 2010 by Diana

Week 18 of My Great Shopping Plan of 2010, where I attempt to stay on a budget and fill out my wardrobe

I overindulged a bit in May, so I started off June with $74 to spend on clothes, shoes and accessories. Here’s what I got this week:

Keen Barcelona Flats, $16 on eBay

I wanted to get a pair of cute, casual weekend flats, and I adore Keens for their insane comfort (and waterproofness), so I decided to snatch these up. They were well loved by their previous owner, but I used a suede brush on them, and they perked right up.

Black Ann Taylor Loft sleeveless tee, $3
DKNY Salmon Tunic, $3
June Daisy Pajama Pants, $3
Red Tank (not shown) $1.50

A trip to Salvation Army last week yielded some pretty good finds. I got two lovely sleeveless summer blouses, which are both in good shape. I also got a casual tank for working out (not shown) and some adorable sheep-printed pajama pants, because I always need cute pajamas.

That makes a total of $26.50 spent so far, leaving me with $47.50 for the rest of June.