Spring Outfit Search May 5, 2008

Today is an all-office day, so you would think that I might try to wear something a bit more fancy than another t-shirt and jeans combo, however that was not to be. Apologies for the lack of pic–rest assured that it looks pretty much the same as this outfit, but with shorter sleeves.

I do have some valid excuses, though. Well, semi-valid. I did let myself sleep about ten minutes too long, so I ended up taking the dog on our daily walk just a little bit late. By the time I got back in the apartment, it was too late for me to change into a prettier outfit, so the original t-shirt/jeans combo stayed.

On days when I don’t have anything to do but stay at the office, time seems to go by very, very slowly. So much of my job involves being out in the community with moms, preparing for visits with moms, and doing paper work about what happened during my visits with moms. The only problem with this is when my moms either cancel on me or don’t show up to our visits. Right now things are pretty dull at work (at least for me.) I note with some resentment that all the other new hires seem to be building up their client bases whereas mine is looking pretty pathetic right now. Not that this is intentional or anything, but it’s hard not to feel frustrated.

According to my calculations, I’ve got about fifteen minutes of actual, honest work to do today. After that, my plan is to surf the web looking for the perfect casual spring shoe, fantasize about how we’ll decorate the new house, and troll around Etsy for cool handmade clothes. One slight problem with this situation is that, covet though I may, I will probably have to wait about a month or so to make any fun clothing purchases. I allow myself one splurge for each paycheck and this week I’ll be buying the Le Mystere bras that I’ve been blogging about.

Still, depending on how finances come out I may be able to buy a new outfit from Old Navy, a trusty old friend of mine. I’ve been looking into exploring different stores, but Old Navy has always been one of my staple brands. I’ve been a very, very good girl this last week and a half or so–mostly because I’m too paranoid to buy anything online because we’re moving so soon. So as it turns out, I might actually have a bit of extra money once payday rolls around this week. I plan to buy the Le Mystere bras and also possibly this cute little outfit retailing at about $50…

I do like cardigan-type things very much. Ditto on subtle puff-sleeves. I think the combination is kind of sweet and retro. I plan on wearing this with a cute tank underneath or maybe even a cute button-up shirt. And the polka dots are adorable. I think that my wardrobe is sorely lacking in polka dots.

Although you know I love my A-line skirts, pencil skirts are also comfortable and cute. Plus it’s nice because one doesn’t have to worry about random gusts of wind embarassing the hell out of you. This linen skirt should be a sweet addition to my wardrobe.

Now to find some cute spring shoes…

Apple of My Eye April 26, 2008

I got this super sweet vintage apple necklace at Citizen Fox’s Etsy store. I’m usually not one to wear much jewelry, but something about a pretty, handmade necklace just sends me to the moon. I got it about two weeks ago and now I’m wearing it pretty much every day regardless of whether or not the red matches my outfit. Somehow (at least in my opinion) the necklace is so cute and charming that it just sort of “goes.”

I just ordered a beautiful monogram charm necklace from Citizen Fox and should receive it very soon. It’s kind of a custom job since I requested a modification on the piece, but the necklace is still not pricey at all. That’s what I really love about Etsy. Not only are you connected to a lot of awesome independent artists, it’s also a wonderful place to get custom items for good prices. Ever since spying the Carrie necklace on Sex and the City, I’ve wanted something that looked as if it were made just for me. While I’m not too keen on having my name hanging around my neck, I surely wouldn’t mind something like this.

Torn Between Two Farmers April 25, 2008

Looks like my brother-in-law’s wedding is going to be a more casual affair than I thought, however I still have my sights set on getting a new dress from Etsy. It’s pretty much impossible for me to find a dress off the rack, so it was like a miracle to find all the custom dressmakers who have set up shop on Etsy.

As soon as the budget permits, I plan on splurging a little on a custom-made dress from the fabulous Sveta Darling. I say splurging, but handing over less than a hundred bucks for a hand-tailored dress is a pretty awesome deal (I think). Sveta Darling’s designs are really cool, though a few of them might look slightly ridiculous on me–I’m kinda short but rather busty and the high collars on some of her dresses might make my torso transform into just a giant set of boobs. Better to stay with universally flattering scoop necks and v-necks, I say.

I have narrowed down my search to two worthy candidates. Just like the competition between Clinton and Obama, this one might just be a photo-finish…

First, we have France Farmer Will Have Her Revenge, a fetching little number with a bold, sexy sillhouette…

And I just love the lace detailing. And the little green belt. One problem: I’m not sure that I have the body to pull off a dress like this. There, I said it.

Next up, we have a variation on the first dress, this one called Frances Farmer Sheds Blood. The front is pretty much the same, so here’s a view of the back.

Notice that this one has more of an A-line fit that might be a little easier for semi-shy girls like me to wear. Of course, red isn’t really my color, so I’d probably ask to have the dress made with the blue material of the original Frances Farmer dress.

Part of me wants to have a dress in my arsenal that’s good for those occasions when one really wants to dress to impress–thus the basis of France Farmer Will Have Her Revenge. But then, how often do I have those? Still, that 50’s-style silhouette is really irresistible. 

On the other hand, I think that Frances Farmer Sheds Blood (provided I can get it in the blue material) may be more useful on a semi-daily basis with a cardigan or something worn over. I’m a huge fan of the A-line skirt for daily wear.

Oh, choices.