30DFF: Day 3

Gloomy, rainy school day with an afternoon exam. Brightening up the day with a pin that was a gift from my Manpanion made by a local artist, spiffy stripe socks, a super cozy soft wool cardigan (also stripes!) and a lace cardigan for texture. Along with my cloudy-day-sunglasses, which are totally non-prescription, but I use them for keeping junk out of my eyes while biking when too much shade is unnecessary. 

Fetching Femmes: Playing Catch Up

Oh hello.

It's been quite some time, my friend, has it not?

Luckily, I've been asked to participate in a small community of ladies attempting to up their femme side for 30 days, and I'll be putting in the effort and needing photographic evidence.

It's also a nice reflection on what I wear that makes me feel feminine, because it's not always dresses.

I did miss the first day, October 1, but I made up for it yesterday with Day 2:

Buttoned cowl sweater from Forever21 picked up at a clothing swap. Cotton accordian skirt from Club Monaco, also swapped. Tiny leopard print belt purchased at Everyday People, a local second hand store for $5, and wood//feather earrings were a gift. Suede and corduroy boots were thrifted up north for a mere $6. 

So, this outfit cost me $11. Not too shabby. 

shop shop shop.

I met up with a girlfriend today for coffee. We talked and drank seasonally appropriate flavored lattes and when that wasn't enough, we shopped.

There's a Buffalo Exchange down the street, which I didn't know was a chain until I visited San Francisco about 5 years ago and saw one on EVERY STREET CORNER. So, it's a chain consignment shop, but a good one. They are very picky about what they buy, so if you're not into the trends they're looking for, you'll leave empty handed.

I thought that'd be me today, after everything I tried on looked ridiculous. Today's trends are not geared toward the curvy girl, except that pencil skirts and high waists have come back, and for that I'm grateful. I've rocked those for years.

Sarah, on the other hand, found a handful of gems.

As we were walking to the check out to... check her out, I stumbled upon the accessories. And hence, my credit card was drawn from it's sheath.

My take:

 Elliott Lucca Tote with cross-body strap $25

Amazing felted fall hat $8

 flop.

glittery peter pan collar necklace $8

also looks great sideways, for an alternate wearing.

I am most excited about the Elliott Lucca bag. These retail for over $200, and this one is in great shape. I've been wanting a gray purse for quite some time. I don't really own a neutral bag. Purses are one area I prefer to pop. I have a hand-me-down Kate Spade bright red tote, a thrifted ($28) lime green Coach handbag, and a handful of yellow, blue and various other shades of non-neutrals. This is a score. 

And just for kicks, here's what I wore to our coffee date, as photographically documented in the fitting room mirror like a true champ:

I got this terry cloth dress at Mighty Swell, a vingage pop up shop here in Minneapolis, this past weekend. It's extremely springy, but I managed to fit it into this very autumnal day by pairing it with a gray wool cardigan (by Icebreaker! MY FAVORITE), gray sweater tights from Target, and my trusty Frye campus boots from the 70s and pulled it together with a multi-colored vintage belt with a leather strap that echos the boots and a fun little flower broach that brought a pop of orange to the outfit. 

I'm also thinking of cutting off all my hair. The hair I've been growing out. And, like, REALLY cutting it, like this:

Can I pull it off? 

for habit.

Oh habits. Oh blue jean habits.

I want to update you, blog. I also want to show you something other than jeans, but I can't. My life is so full of casual activities these days, and I haven't broken out my fall boots yet.

To Do: Fall Boots.

And so, I bring you a little ketchup and mustard to this most basic outfit.

The New-New

Well, it's been a few years hasn't it?

We're just receiving the few first crisp fall days here in Minnesota after what was arguable the hottest, driest, and therefore grossest summers of my existence.

Fall is so romantic: the sweaters, the tights, the hats, the boots, the possibilities.

All of those layers leave so much room for play.

My goal this fall is to attempt to wear most everything in my closet. You know, because I have 3 of them. And a dresser. And a series of baskets... and I mostly have fallen into a trap of wearing nothing but jeans and t-shirts again. Like today...

 It's time to shake things up.

Well, hello love.

This poor blog, so lonely.

I can direct you to my latest fashion project, however, which began with a simple Facebook status update vowing to wear more dresses this summer.

Someone built a website and now I've been on the radio, in 2 newspapers and 2 magazines.

www.summerofdresses.com

i have something to say.

Statement Necklaces, what a great way to cheer up an otherwise drab winter wardrobe or set yourself apart in that LBD. I feel naked without my trusty arsenal of gigantic necklaces, but this one is new and made it's debut last night at dinner with a girlfriend.