Vita.MN Hotness Party : Danger - Curves Ahead

This is me and Little Joe. You can't really see him, but his outfit was the best. He made his own shirt that says "Lexus of Wayzata" which is only funny if you're from MN. Tossed on a suit coat and a pair of jeans, great look. I opted to get out of my comfort zone and wear something far more form fitting than I'm used to wearing in public. The Frye boots reappeared, a vintage slip in soft pink with tan accents, gray extra long cardigan from Target and various jewelry I've collected over the years.

I only felt uncomfortable for the first hour or so, then I started to embrace the shape.

Tuesday : 2/10/09 : Capitol Hillz

I spent some time at the capital today for MN Coalition for the Homeless Lobby Day. I wore my tweedish looking suit (Ann Taylor) with a blue french cuff button up (BCBG Max Azaria), a vintage polka dot silk scarf and adorable blue flats (Payless!) that you can't see.

I spent most of the day doing this.

When I wasn't doing that, I was doing this....

Monday Day : 2/09/09 Coffee Casual

Green Shawl Sweater (Dolce Vita) + Gray boatneck Tee (lux) + Homemade [but not by me] stretch faux-denim jeans + Leather knee boots (Frye)

My schedule today does not involve much. I'm working from my home office and meeting a colleague for coffee soon before spending the remainder of the afternoon with Justin, my man-friend. Today is a balmy 37 degrees here in Minnesota. It's cloudy, probably going to rain and.. in case you didn't know, it's Monday. For all these reasons I've decided that today needs a pop of color in an otherwise gray world.

I've had this shawl sweater for about 3 years. It's something I picked up at a Savers Thrift Store when I needed something fancy to wear to a Donor Dinner. I wanted to hide my belly (at the time) so I took one piece of the length of the sweater and wrapped it around my waist, securing it with a beautiful vintage brooch. Now that the sweater is aging, it's really more casual chic and pefect for days where your body can't decide between warm and chilly. The gray t-shirt is worn in and soft as silk and these jeans, which are more like leggings and made from a stretch blend fabric with denim like stitching and pockets have never fit me until this month.

It really is amazing the way "fitting" into a pair of pants or a dress feels like such a massive accomplishment. It's an easy way to measure where you are if you are on a weight loss adventure. Not "fitting" into those items however, can be absolutely detrimental to your day and the mood you hold throughout.

I know I've spent hours obsessing in front of my bedroom mirror, tossing clothes here and there because "nothing fits." How often have you said that to yourself? Sometimes, its just about rethinking what you'll wear.

Belly feeling bloated? Wear a cute wrap sweater to hide the evidence. Flat butt? Wear a tiered skirt to add volume. When all else fails, go for a big bold necklace to draw attention up towards your face.

Per Diem Fashion - Introduction

Clothing has always been a fixture in my life. Aside from the fact that if I'm not wearing it, I get awkward stares, I have worked with clothing in some capacity throughout every job I've held. I am a literal thrift store junkie. I spend countless hours putting together outfits for absolutely no reason, and 12 months ago, I never would have worn them.

In the last year I've lost 50 pounds. My body transformation has sparked a new sense of style that has always been buried deep to surface.

I believe in the link between clothing, style and body confidence. The right dress really will make you more likeable... but only because of the mental effect it has on you.

I'd love for this blog to spark inspiration, give some easy wardrobe cues and drum up conversation. My plan is to photographically document my day to day wear, dole out unqualified advice on how to dress for your body shape and discuss my opinions on fashion trends. Also expect to see photographic evidence of the ultra-fashionable people about town in Minneapolis!