OWR: Books, Uniforms, Saving

Happy Friday! If you find yourself with a desire to read about something less controversial than politics or what members of large TV families have done, or gender changes (none of which I'm touching with a 10 foot pole), welcome, friend! And hey, if you've found something interesting you think I should know about - leave a link in the comments!

Although we developed some serious discipline in order to pay off our house in 2012, Hubs and I have let things slip over the last 3 years - but not any longer! We're back on the budget bandwagon and Jessica @ Life as MOM has a great article about ways to cut your grocery budget: http://lifeasmom.com/2014/06/5-small-ways-to-save-on-food-costs.html

• Favorite Takeaway: "Beans and rice make a great meal. [On this, we totally agree!] Cooking beans from dried instead of buying cans is much cheaper." [Jessica shares how she cooks dried beans at her other blog, Good Cheap Eats]

I've written before about my habit of wearing a uniform [HERE and HERE], and since writing those posts my summer "uniform" has evolved yet again. Still, the idea is one that I can embrace and now, so is Modern Mrs. Darcy: http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2015/06/my-summer-uniform/

• Favorite Takeaway: "This look is easy to put on, easy to wear, and easy to dress up (nicer pants, blazer) or dress down (tank, necklace, sandals). Everything goes with everything else; I could get dressed in the dark." [NOTE: Our tastes are different - the idea is the same.]

Speaking of Modern Mrs. Darcy - Anne recently returned from BookExpo America, which is now on my "Tentative Calendar" for next year, when it's hosted in Chicago. As a blogger, bookworm, and professional book promoter (yeah, the paid job), this looks like something right up my alley. In case there's anyone else out there who might be interested, I thought I'd share: http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/Home/

• Favorite Takeaway: Well, Anne got me with "free books" [Read about her experience], but I like the idea of learning more - not only as a professional promoter, but also as a self-published author; "BEA Content & Digital Conference featuring fresh sessions where you’ll learn about the latest book trends, developments, and technologies affecting the publishing industry."

While I'm mentioning the whole "self-published" thing, it's been a while since I've done any kind of self-promotion for the book we wrote in 2010. This week a friend from junior high posted a lovely review on her personal Facebook page that reminded me that I should tell you all: Hey, we wrote a book for kids! http://amzn.to/1APkX6L

• Favorite Takeaway: A picture is worth a thousand words, and I hope she doesn't mind that I'm sharing. I did remove last names and full names of her kids "to protect the innocent", but it meant a lot that our book is teaching her boys to read. That's music to my bookworm ears!

If you happen to have a garden (we don't), or you're thinking about starting one (we might be) and aren't sure which tomato plants to select, this article will help you - but only if you plan to make homemade salsa. And if you do, and you don't have ripe tomatoes yet, bookmark this Bon Appétit link and thank me at the end of tomato season! http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/homemade-salsa

• Favorite Takeaway: "Oregano is optional; cilantro is a must (unless you’re one of those folks whose taste buds identify cilantro as soapy tasting [I don't understand you - if this is you!]. In that case, science gives you a pass). But please promise us this: You’ll use fresh, never dried, herbs. Save the jar of dried, flaked herbs for your next soup or stew."

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What are YOU reading online that I should know about?

Online Weekend Reading (OWR): Minimalism, Closets, Exercise

Happy Friday! If you've got some free time on your hands this weekend, I have a few online articles that I recommend you bookmark and visit at your leisure. And hey, if you've found something interesting you think I should know about - leave a link in the comments!

For those feeling overwhelmed with your kids toys and clutter, I recommend reading this (short) article from Real Simple: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/family/kids-parenting/reform-child-hoarder 

• Favorite Takeaway: "Make a rule. If the items aren’t used by one month from today, then we’re going to recycle them. Or make a tradition out of it—schedule a regular clean-out day for the entire family."

Self-discipline in the realms of physical exercise and spiritual growth can be two of the toughest areas to gain traction. I know - I've been there. This past December my spiritual life got a much needed revamp (that's a post for another day), and now The Hubs and I are working on our physical (exercise) discipline, which is probably why I enjoyed this post from Jonathan so much: http://www.jonathanbriehl.com/2015/05/21/going-for-a-run/ 

• Favorite Takeaway: "By the simple act of obediently studying His Word, the Holy Spirit has began to transform who I am."

Ever stood in your closet wondering what to wear to a special event or job interview? Real Simple is helping you out there as well with their colorful infographic: http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/wardrobe-basics/what-to-wear  

• Favorite Takeaway: It's visual. 

"Biblical Minimalism" - don't let the title or idea turn you off before you read this post from South African pastor, Clint Archer: http://thecripplegate.com/fifty-shades-of-khaki-biblical-minimalism/ (H/T to Jonathan Briehl for pointing me in the direction of this post after I blogged about my closet guidelines this week)  

• Favorite Takeaway: "The one-bag exercise is a therapeutic routine to remind myself that what I need is exponentially less than what I own."

There must be something in the air (I blame the age-old idea of "spring cleaning"), because Anne also wrote about clearing the closet clutter this week. While I don't focus on keeping my wardrobe down to a certain number, for some folks, this idea might be just what they need to keep from being overwhelmed: http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2015/05/ten-item-wardrobe/  

• Favorite Takeaway: "Some people might think this topic is superficial, but we all have to get dressed. If you put some thought and organization into this daily task, you can completely change your life."

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What are YOU reading that you think I should check out?

Trench Coats and Closet Guidelines

Rick Blaine made it classy in Casablanca, Carmen Sandiego boldly donned red, and Inspector Clouseau proved anyone could wear it. The Trench Coat - a staple of closets around the world for years, and one of my "must have" classics.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved the look and sensibility that a trench coat offers. There were several years in the 80's when I tried to convince my mother to buy one for me from our local department store - a battle which I never won (apparently it made no sense to her for a 7 year old girl to go around dressed like Columbo).

In high school I finally got my first one - a solid black number, and massively over-sized for my small frame. The shoulders of the coat hit me somewhere between my actual shoulder and my elbow - but I loved it. It followed me to college in Boston and served me well for a number of years post-grad, until it found a new home with a friend moving overseas.

When The Hubs and I found ourselves in Paris, I casually brought up the idea of finding one that actually fit. We did some research online to see which shops sold trench coats, and then we hit the streets. We found what we wanted at Camaïeu - something that fit both me and our budget - and I accessorized with a simple black scarf from a neighboring French shop.

I'm pretty low-key in my clothing tastes (as the Keds in these photos clearly prove), but this red trench has two things going for it:

1. It makes me smile whenever I put it on
2. I get complements on it from total strangers whenever I wear it

I think #1 is really the key. No matter what you claim as your style, or how you define your "look", you should always have pieces in your closet that make you feel good when you put them on. In fact, I would go so far as to say that...

If it doesn't make you smile, you should think seriously about purging it from your wardrobe. 

I don't have a lot of rules for what to wear, keeping in mind that people are as unique as their closets, but I have developed a few...

Carrie's Closet Guidelines

• Life is too short to wear things you don't like. Admit that you spent good money on the clothes you don't wear, but recognize that you're not getting that money back by leaving them in your closet. Donate them to your local charity and let someone else find a deal! 
• OIOO - One In, One Out. In the first year of our marriage, Peter instituted the OIOO policy. Initially dismayed, over the last 15 years I've completely embraced the idea - to the delight of my husband AND our bank account. BONUS: it makes me choosy about what I bring IN the closet, because I have to already have something in mind to go OUT.
• That high school weight (or shape) isn't happening again. Stop dressing for the shape you remember or wish you had and start dressing the shape God gave you. I adore pencil skirts - but my thighs have moved on, and so must I. 
• Know your style and ignore the trends. When I was 8 years old I informed my mother that I wouldn't be wearing any clothes that utilized snaps or velcro, or anything with butterflies stitched on the pockets - so basically clothing from a typical children's department. While this limited what I had on my shelves, I was happier in the clothing I wore, and I carried that independent style with me into adulthood.
• Wear your pearls. I wrote about this on the Busy Nothings Facebook page last year, but the point is pretty simple: if you're waiting for a special occasion to wear your good jewelry, you're missing out. My husband gave me pearls 11 years ago so I would wear them, not so they would sit in a drawer. If you lose them, it's no different than if they sit in a safe for 50 years and are never worn. 

Yes, there are larger, more eternal issues in this world then wearing clothes that make you smile, and true, not everyone has the luxury of being so choosy in what they wear, and some people are grateful to have even one pair of shoes. But the majority of us are not in a position of having just one pair of shoes. If you are anything like me, you have a full closet of clothes with items you don't wear, can't part with, and a compulsion to buy more. 

But here's a thought: if you and I were better stewards of what we spent our money on, we'd have more discretionary funds for helping others, less stress, and emptier closets. And if you're sitting there saying, "But Carrie, I like to shop and find good deals!" - I've got you covered! Start using your "power" for good - fill some Shoeboxes this year instead of filling your closets with another item you won't be wearing in six months.

Now off my soapbox... it's YOUR turn! 

What's your signature style? Your piece of clothing that makes YOU smile?

  

The Scrooge Factor #ColdIsCheap

I'll be honest: there are some months we do great with budgeting and paying down debt, and other months when we get a little out of control with our spending. Stewardship is a lifelong practice, not a "once and done" lesson. However, there is one area where we are steadfast when it comes to our frugality, and that's the temperature of our house.

During the winter months, we set the thermostat on 61° (16° C) during the day, and 55° (12° C) at night. When I worked as a pharmacy tech, one of the few bright spots of the job was the fact that I knew I would be warm for the 8 hours I was there. However, considering that 55° is a good 20+ degrees warmer than our house in Lesotho on a winter morning, I often give myself a reality check that it could be - and has been - worse.

When we first started thinking about ways to save money and bumping the heat down came up as an option, we started at 69° during the day and 65° at night - and that felt cold. Over the years we have adapted to the chill, and I now recognize that my frugal tendencies are starting to become a bit more ingrained as I find myself wondering if we couldn't move it down another degree or two.

However, frugal has a price. Since I've been freelancing from home for the last year and a half, I find my frozen toes and fingers to be a bit distracting, and I look forward to taking a bathroom break because it means I can turn the wall heater on for about 2 minutes to thaw out. But there are other ways that I have learned to cope with the cold, and whether you decide to crank your thermostat down quite as far as ours or if you're just cold all the time, I have a few items that I would like to recommend that make my life a little warmer. (NOTE: No affiliated links, just honest reviews of my favorite products.)

Shortly after we returned to the States and started thinking a little more frugally, Peter gave me a pair of Wicked Good Moccasins from L.L. Bean. A pricey initial investment, these slippers have more than lived up to their name and paid for themselves as they keep my tootsies toasty. Cough up the dough (says Scrooge-ette), and put these puppies under the tree this year (they come in 5 colors - for men & women).

Available at L.L. Bean and L.L. Bean.com

Last year, Peter purchased the Biddeford Heated Micromink and Sherpa Throw from Target. Machine washable, but still a hefty little investment at $50 (though it was just on sale for $35), this blanket keeps my legs warm and toasty as I sit in our home office all day. When my fingers get too cold to type, I stuff them under the blanket for an instant warm up. Know someone cold natured? This blanket is perfect!

Available at Target and Target.com

My addition to the personal warmth factor came this fall when I popped onto Eddie Bauer's website after receiving their catalog in the mail. Normally, I stay away from EB due to the price (& fit) of their clothing, but this year, I was sucked in by the Flannel Lined Washed Pants. I put them in the online cart and let them sit for a few days, ended up hitting a sale, got free shipping and free return shipping (not needed), and they're easily my favorite winter trousers! I love the fit (though they might be a bit low rise for some), I love the feel, and I LOVE the flannel. And no, I don't wear them rolled up.

In fact, I liked them so much, I even decided to try the Flannel Lined Jeans, which also made the cut. A word of warning, however: I went with the petite (I'm 5' 2.5"), and they work great with boots, but they are RIGHT at my ankles, so if you like things a little bit longer, you may want to keep that in mind. I went with the Harbor color, and they're still a bit washed for my taste, but I love everything else about them so much, I figured I could deal with it. Best of all? They got the Husband Stamp of Approval, which is saying something.

Available at EddieBauer.com

How do YOU stay warm when the weather (or your house) gets chilly?

My Battle with Jeans

I've written about fashion a few times on the blog, but I'm hardly a fashion icon (possibly the understatement of the year). However, each fall I get this little bug to share how my tastes have changed over time {Exhibit A, Exhibit B}, and this year is no exception.

When I was around seven years old, I informed my mother that I would {NEVER} wear jeans again. I blame this on the fact that the ones in my closet had butterflies stitched onto the back pockets and closed with a snap. I am not a fan of the snap. Or Velcro. It's a long story.

Anyway, I somehow managed to hold to that stance throughout grade school, junior high, high school, and right into college. At some point after graduation, I received a pair of hand-me-down, button-fly Levi's from my older sister that made me re-think my anti-jean policy. I still have them, though they don't come out of the closet much these days. Poor things.

After we came back to the States, I spent my unemployed days watching pirated copies of What Not To Wear on YouTube. Stacy and Clinton convinced me that there was a difference between acid-washed, mom-jeans and a pair of tailored, dark-wash trousers, but I was still not a fan of the "hug your curves" style that was sweeping the department stores. Here's my stance: I don't want to see my own pudgy spots, and I certainly don't want to see yours. Katharine Hepburn would not approve.

Over the years, I've tried on various styles and brands of jeans, but they all hugged where I didn't want them to hug, and some of them actually made me laugh out loud in the dressing room. To be clear, this is not a bitter diatribe against women who believe they are a 4 when they are a 24 (thank you People of Wal-Mart), but you can be stick thin and I will still argue that skin-tight pants are not the best choice.

While I think Kate Middleton is a class act when it comes to clothing, I recently saw a picture of her (post- Prince George), and her choice of attire made me cringe. The woman is a stick, and no one would guess that she had a baby just 3 months ago (kudos, Kate!), but these pants? Not good. Not because she doesn't have the figure for them, but let's leave something to the imagination.

Which brings me around to a chance encounter at my local Old Navy this summer. I had two hours to kill, and the closest store happened to be Old Navy. In general, I stay away from ON because about a month after I wash my purchase for the second time, I'm always sorry because I realize just how cheaply the garment was made. However, as I casually perused their merchandise, I noticed the "Sweetheart" style of slightly bootcut jeans in "New Rinse" and thought, "hmm... might not be too bad."

Miracles still happen.

{My sister won't be happy if I don't point out that she found both blazers at a church clothing bazaar. Thanks, sis!}

How have your tastes changed over the years?

Do you have a stance on skin-tight vs. timeless?

Fashion Much?

I did this once before - and then I swore I would never do it again. I'm half-way keeping that promise, because rather than posting every day (like the lovely Lexi), I only tortured myself (and my patient hubby) by taking pictures on two days. Both days I happened to be wearing skirts, but both skirts are new and I just couldn't help but show them off. 

{Disclaimer - I'm not into the current trends, so this is very much "Carrie Fashion", for what it's worth.}

On {SUNDAY} I wore:

 

And I posed by my favorite things...

 

On {WEDNESDAY} I wore:

And then I let the real me shine through...

For more trends and fashion ideas, head on over to Delirious Rhapsody, who is hosting Fall Fashion Week.

What's your idea of fall fashion?

Do you have a "go to" outfit when the weather turns brisk? 

My {5} :: Dress Edition

{1}

After several years of not finding a dress that I liked - I mean, really liked - I found not one, but two of them this summer. The first was this cute little green and while number by New Directions. Mine falls right at the knee, and even though the bow seems a bit odd in this photo, it's actually really cute in person. Best part of the dress? It has pockets. Be still my beating heart! Sadly, it's no longer available from Belk - but that's also how I got it on super clearance. {happy dance}

{Source}

{2}

Dress purchase number two was this adorable little blue and white number from Talbots (sweater not included). I saw it in the store when it first came out, but I wasn't about to pay full price for it. However, my patience paid off, and when my sisters were in town a couple of weeks ago, we made a little pilgrimage to our local Talbots where I discovered that this dress was marked down, and then marked down again. Serious {happy dancing} time for yours truly as this is another one of those dresses that is going to stand the test of time.

{Source}

{3}

We now move on to a dress that I don't own, but the delightful Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys does. It is so stinking cute, and if it didn't cost so much, I'd absolutely order one for myself (except they are out of my size - yes, I checked). It's cute on the website, but it's even cuter on Emily - so I'm sharing both photos (hope you don't mind, Emily!).

   

{Emily on the left, Dress Source}

{4 & 5}

Now, these two come from a site that I didn't even know existed until today. In fact, I didn't even dream that such a site could or would exist (no offence to any Apostolic Pentecostals who read the blog), but sure enough, it does. Meet apostolicclothing.com. While 99.9% of the clothing on this site is 100% not my style, I did stumble upon a couple of cute dresses which would make a nice addition to my daily wear wardrobe, and which round out this weeks list at #4 and #5.

   

{Source & Source}

What kind of dress makes YOU do the {happy dance}?

To Live Simply

A little over a year ago, something changed in me. It was like I had become tired of caring for all of our stuff - dealing with it, dusting it, washing it, looking at it - overnight. Towards the end of last summer, I brought boxes home from the pharmacy and started filling them with with stuff. Nick-knacks began disappearing from tabletops, photos and art that had no sentimental value were removed from the walls, holiday decor was simplified, and clothes that I had owned since high school (or perhaps even junior high) were tossed.

In January, I started cleaning out the office in earnest (thanks to the William Morris Project), which is when I uncovered twenty-three reasons why I needed to stop shopping with the mindset that I might never make it back to Target within the next fifteen years. I had to stop the "what ifs" and "just in case" purchases. Stop the "I don't need it now, but I might later and it's on clearance" impulse buys.

I forced myself to be brutally honest -- did I really use it? Did I love it? Would my life be worse if I no longer owned it? Or would I even miss the fact that it was gone? Over the last six months, I have purged and donated, tossed and sold. Two weeks ago, I held my very last yard sale with my sister-in-law. And yet, after all that, I just went through my (post-yard sale) closet, opened my dresser drawers, took an honest look at my shoes, and have subsequently moved another huge box of shoes, shirts, pants, and skirts into Clothing Purgatory.

Clothing Purgatory? It's in our guest bedroom closet. It's space we don't need, and is perfect for storing items that I'm not 100% sure I want to part with, but I'm 96.7% sure I won't miss if they are out of sight. Shoes and clothes get moved into the closet where they wait it out for 1-2 seasons. If, during that time, I find myself looking for an item that has been regulated to Purgatory, it is saved (so to speak) for another day. However, if I go months and never miss an item, it gets donated without any qualms.

One of the issues I've had to face, is finding a balance between keeping things I truly love, and understanding that holding onto an item for years doesn't make it worthy of keeping. While doing the post-yard sale closet sweep, I kept looking through my dress shoes and wondering if I should keep them. I finally pulled out several pairs that have survived previous purges because "they were good shoes", and tried to remember the last time I had actually worn them. The answers startled me: 7, 11, even 14 years! I'm only 30, for goodness sake!

Just as I had an epiphany in February about no longer needing to buy those "just in case" packs of Scotch tape, I realized - while standing in my closet - that I didn't need to hang on to shoes that hadn't been worn in well over a decade ... just in case. In case of what? If I ever find myself in need of black heels, and the world's shoe manufactures have suddenly stopped making them, I'm probably going to have bigger problems to deal with than a lack of stilettos to match my outfit. Just sayin' ...

This shirt is one item that survived Purgatory ... for now

When was the last time you took an honest look at what you're storing?

Do you clean out on a regular basis? What makes the cut?

A Change of Uniform

I've written about my style before on the blog, discussing everything from the wearing of "uniforms" to box-shaking wardrobe changes. And while I almost put the word style in that last sentence in quotation marks, one of the things that I have learned over the last year is that my style might be different than yours, but that doesn't make it illegitimate. I might wear my Mary-Jane Crocs because they're comfortable, while you might read the word "Crocs" and think this...

{Pinterest}

But that's really what style is, isn't it? Finding something that works for you, which allows you to perform your daily activities in comfort, and let's you express yourself in a (hopefully) tasteful and modest way.

Late last summer, I discovered the beauty of wearing skirts and loved the instant de-frump-i-fa-cation (fun made-up word, eh?) that I experienced. It's a normal occurrence these days to find me puttering around the house one or two days a week in something like this or this...

    

After purging most of my Capri collection (they didn't do much for my 5'2" frame), I view these knee-length skirts as the perfect compromise between shorts and pants. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks that way, because as I was browsing around What Not To Wear to add a link to this post, I came upon item #6 from the "10 Must-Have Wardrobe Basics" list: Skirts. While Stacy and Clinton's rules aren't law, it is nice to feel backed up in my new casual wear decisions.

One aspect of turning 30 that has taken me by surprise is the feeling of being completely comfortable in my own skin. To be honest, I've always been comfortable with being different from the crowd, following my own path, and not caring what others thought. However, it's like my 20's were the practice run, and my 30's are going to be fun. I finally found a hairstyle that I adore, which makes it so much easier to get ready each day. Because of my new-found desire to live simply, I've purged my closet to the point that it only holds items that I wear and love. I've chosen to focus on a few key pieces and have learned how to shop in such a way that I've filled in the gaps to complete a wardrobe that is uniquely me.

What I've Learned...

Lesson #1: Throwing on a skirt gives me an instant feeling of confidence. I walk a little taller, stand a little straighter, and feel a bit surer of myself in a skirt. Perhaps it's tapping my inner Audrey Hepburn, or maybe I like the distinctly feminine feeling that wearing a skirt gives me - either way, I like it. 

Lesson #2: Don't save your "good" jewelry for those "special occasions" - use and enjoy! There's just something about wearing a string of pearls while running everyday errands or loading the dishwasher that makes me happy. I finger them as I work at the computer and am reminded of the man who gave them to me. I feel them hanging from my neck as I lean over to throw wet laundry into the dryer and it makes me smile.

I remember my grandma wearing the most beautiful 3-diamond ring that my grandfather bought for her while he was away on a business trip. I've been told that he had no intention of buying a ring, but when he saw it in the store window, he knew it belonged to my grandmother. She wore it every day. After Grandma died, my mom had the diamonds made into three necklaces, which she gave to my sisters and me. Sure, it could get lost or stolen, but isn't that all the more reason to enjoy it now? 

Lesson #3: Getting dressed all the way makes me more productive. I've found that when I like the way I look, I get more accomplished and I'm more prone to view my work-from-home job with Weaving Influence as a real job. In other words, there might be something to the idea of being "Dressed for Success". When I'm schlepping around the house in a pair of shorts, an old t-shirt, and my Wicked Good house-shoes, I don't get as much done as I do on the days when I'm fully dressed (hair done, teeth brushed) before Peter leaves for work at 6.  

Added Bonus: Every time I select a skirt over shorts, Peter makes a comment like, "Well, don't you look cute!" I've yet to figure out why they solicit such remarks and my simple khaki shorts do not (maybe I should ask), but I'll take them! I think most women would like more genuine compliments, right? 

How has YOUR uniform changed over the years? 

Do you prefer shorts, skirts, pants, or Capris? 

Dressing Outside My Box

I know, I know - I wrote that post asking people what they liked to read about and some of you said that you didn't enjoy fashion posts. If you're one of those people, I beg your indulgence and ask you to please check back later as I do write about other stuff.

For everyone else who doesn't mind reading about my clothing escapades, lend me your ears. I only worked at my outside-the-house job one day last week, which meant that I could play around with what I wore and I attempted to put together outfits outside my "norm", just to see how it went. Let's just say that hubby came home on Monday night and said, "You look CUTE!" Yep, that will work for me.

It all started with this skirt that I purchased last year on super clearance from Talbot's...

I brought it home and didn't know how to wear it or what to do with it. In fact, I was on the verge of donating it to the local thrift shop, but thankfully I have this habit which keeps me from making impulse purges. Instead of going straight into a donation bag, I move the questionable items from my closet to the closet of the guest bedroom. If they stay in there for several months and I don't ever think about them, then they are given away.

If, however, a situation arises like the one I just mentioned, I am able to shop in my own closet and not kick myself for giving away something I'm now using on a regular basis. Crisis averted.

Last week I was wearing a pair of capris and a shirt I always thought I liked, but the reality was that I was feeling rather frumpy. When I walked by a mirror, I was aghast to find that my bum was looking a bit saggy (thanks to the capris), and there was very little pep in my step. I went to the What Not To Wear website (while ironing) to see what Clinton and Stacy suggested to each of their makeover clients.

Almost across the board, they recommended skirts and/or dresses, with some nice tailored pants thrown in for good measure. I set down the iron and tried on the condemned skirt with a pair of my favorite heels. It was amazing how much better I felt, even though I was still doing regular household chores. With that experience under my belt, I tried two more outfits - one skirt, three ways.

Hello adorable outfits, where have you been hiding? Right in my very own closet? You don't say!

Now, for the more fashion conscience, yes, those are rubber Crocs that I'm wearing in the far right picture. They are both comfortable and washable - assets that are essential to me and that I have yet to find in a pair of "approved" ballet flats. Though Stacy and Clinton might toss my shoes in their trashcan, I don't follow everything they say - just general guidelines. While sporting my little Mary Jane's, I cleaned the tub, did laundry, watered plants, scrubbed dishes, and never once thought, "my feet are killing me", so I'm keeping them around.

 

Are you in a style rut like I was (and possibly still am to some degree)? What do you do to change things up? Have you ever spent time shopping your own closet? How do you stay true to you without conforming to the trends of the hour day season?

 

Personal Shopper, At Your Service

Since Peter was working late again, I decided to work my way through our massive ironing pile (I don't want to talk about how long it has been there or how big a mountain it was). Since I knew it was going to take a while, I set up the laptop so I could watch What Not To Wear's Fast Forward play list. Yes, I'm a bit of a sucker for that show, even though I'm not exactly what you would call a fashionista.

But wait a minute, maybe I am...

I had to pause the video and rewind (I know, it's digital - give me a break, I remember the days when my family would RENT a VCR!) because...lo and behold! The woman Clinton and Stacy made over is wearing the same red shoes I just purchased all.by.myself. I took a screen shot to prove it...and then embedded the video below.

  

Mine on the left (ignore the pasty white legs - thanks) and theirs on the right

I think I need to host my own show or become a personal shopper or something equally as fun. What say you?

Red Hot Sunshine

A delivery of new shoes - especially shiny red ones - is one fun way to brighten your day before heading off to work.

I love these shoes, but there's one thing running through my head, so I might as well say it before someone else beats me to the punch...

There's no place like home.

Happy Friday!

Developing My Style

I am not a style blogger - never have been, never will be. Last fall I attempted to capture my outfits for a week, but by the end of the week, I was sick of looking at myself! However, it was good in many ways because I realized that I was 1) Stuck in a rut, and 2) Starting to compare what I wore to what I saw others wearing on various blogs. It was a reality check that I am ME, not THEM, and I'm totally happy with ME.

But as you probably know from personal experience, styles and tastes change throughout your life. Things that I thought were pure awesomeness as a kid are the things I wouldn't be caught dead in now (although I see the trends returning - like neon and puffy paint and pleated jeans!). Still, I've moved on and the older I get, the more I find myself settling into a style that I would consider comfortable for me. I'm a bit of a mix between Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story, Julia Ormond's character in Sabrina, and Meg Ryan as the adorable "Kathleen Kelly" in You've Got Mail.

  

{Photo Credits for Katharine, Julia, and Meg}

With a little Julia Roberts and a hint of Laura Croft (Angelina Jolie) thrown in for good measure (how's that for a mix?!).

  

{Photo Credits for Julia and "Laura"}

I'm generally drawn to classic lines that don't go out of style, wool pants that last for years, simple tailored shirts and plain (a.k.a. pattern-free) fabrics. I was honestly hoping for an office job so that I could dress like that on a daily basis, but alas, the job I ended up with isn't so conducive to cute skirts or tailored clothing. However, the week-ends and my days off are a different matter (she says as she writes this while wearing shorts and a t-shirt - must be a Laura Croft day).

Earlier this summer I was browsing around Target and stumbled upon this reasonably priced Mossimo for Target skirt, which quickly became the base of a fun little "office chic" ensemble (even though I don't work in an office). I added a cute red cardigan (also from Target), and went on the hunt for the perfect shoes, which I ended up purchasing on Amazon to complete the outfit. Throw on a simple white blouse, and we have a fun little number for stepping out on the town with hubby. 

So what's my point? Well, a year ago I probably wouldn't have looked twice at those red pumps, but now I'm willing to step out of the box I've created and try something new. Much like my taste in home design, my personal fashion has changed and evolved as the years have passed. Yes, there will always be elements of style (both at home and in my dress) that remain the same, but I'm gradually finding my niche. I'm developing a style that allows other to point at various items in a store and say, "That looks like you".

While I love seeing what others are wearing or how people choose to decorate their homes, I always want my clothing choices and my home to reflect me - not them. I'm not a fashion model, my house doesn't belong in Better Homes and Gardens, but when Peter comes home at night, he will find a place to unwind and a wife who is comfortable in her own skin (and wearing some cute red shoes).

Being comfortable with who you are and where you live? Quite possibly the best fashion sense of all.