Triple digit Jeans - OOTD

You know how your friends with a bit more money or those fancy fashion bloggers coo over their new denim that is easily 1/4 of your paycheck? Yah I'm sick of hearing about it too. But I got a pair. Of course I didn't spend the whole amount, in fact I lucked out in getting these black stretch G-star raw jeans from Brigade for only $50 on super duper clearance (as in we need to make room for winter!). I can report back that ok, maybe these are the softest pair of jeans to have ever touched my legs, yes they make my butt look good and they aren't so super tight in their sizing to make me feel like a monster (although I've given up caring what a size label says years ago). I certainly won't endorse putting yourself into questionable debt over a pair but if you can swing it you should really try it. 

As for the rest of my outfit it's also on the cheap.

Pink sparkle flats by Steve Madden from DSW

Jolly Roger belt from Express men's section with 50% coupon

Tobi Polka dot sleeveless blouse from the 30% markdown section

Leopard print Grey Cardigan that I have had for so long I don't remember what I paid for it.

Brand spanking new hair cut from my friend Amie Vonderloh at Blake Rose Salon

Speaking of my cardigan and how long I have owned made me remember this smart little post my friend Jess Gambacurta  had about Cost Per Wear which I also think is appropriate to think about when investing in a fantastic pair of jeans that makes you feel and look amazing despite it's price point.

Now with the art studio set up and place for me to take photos in a regular spot I hope to continue to add to the Out of the Day posts. I am not however going to promise a steady stream of posts. I still have a lot of work to do in the real world and I am working on making time for things that make me happy such as Video games and kitty Cuddle time which I have less of now that I do have an out of house art studio to work in.

Friday Thoughts and Easy outfit - OOTD

 I love having Lavender in the backyard, it seems so nice and comes in through the kitchen windows. The flowers also last for such a long time. We are letting it overtake one of our flower beds next to the garage. Eventually I'd like to add some Sage into that bed as well. I'm also obsessed with getting a Gardenia shrub. You know, things that smell nice while we have friends over for BBQ's all summer since we will have no kitchen for about two months. I'm trying really hard to keep on the up and up and just cook everything in our freezer before we have to say goodbye to cooking inside. With this mentality of trying to be more easy breezy I've turned to long skirts and pretty hoodies for comfort with style.

Lace Hoodie - Antrhopologie

Grey Striped tank - Target

Mint pleated long skirt - Tobi

Silver Dr. Scholl's sandals - Zappos

Baby G watch

This may become a staple combination of what I'll wear to work all summer. It is comfortable, I can easily switch out one piece for after work exploits and the hoodie has pockets!  I prefer a long skirt at work because it can be cold with the AC on full blast in the cubes but then almost non-existent when I have to switch to the front desk. The option of being sleeveless when I go to lunch is a Plus and if It rains I have the hoodie.

Ignore my toenail paint, it is terrible. I will be re-doing that this weekend among other things which includes:

• packing the kitchen more
• time on the porch with water colors
• warping my borrowed loom for an overshot project
• trying my hand at Silk painting 
• start some new embroideries
• knitting & crochet per usual

My strange little thing I like to do when I declare it is summer is wear an anklet. I don't know why but even when no one can see it, this makes me feel complete in my outfit.
I got this little handcuff one from Pop Killer in LA

Do you have any secret Seasonal habits in your wardrobe?

Fresh Greens - OOTD

Yesterday I celebrated the gorgeous weather by dressing to match. I love getting new clothes and this this cropped lace shirt was a purchase on my New Jersey Trip. I had also switched to my more "adult" purse since I was visit my high brow Bestie and her family. Normally I don't care but I know she cares so I try to pander to her because I love her. Like how I kept my hair a boring brown/black for half a year per her request for her wedding and the events leading up to it.

This cropped shirt I am in LOVE with but it's a bit challenging to piece into my wardrobe without being belly baring. I look forward to the styling challenge it will give me this summer.

Lace Cropped Green Shirt - Anthropologie (on sale right now!)

Gold Tapestry Skirt - Zac Posen for Target

Baby G Watch

Delicate Arm party - Soon to be on my Etsy

Gold Platforms - BCBGeneration from DSW

Creme Coach Bag - Bought at Prime Outlet

 I've been making a bunch of these really delicate beaded bracelets and I've just been working on taking the right pictures of them and figure out pricing for the Etsy store. I like to wear colors that match my outfit for today.

Here's a close up look, I have a matte blue grey, Mint green metallic, Pure Silver and Old Gold.

These colors will be up for sale shortly amongst a variety of other colors. It's been a busy Spring full of meetings and potential projects as well as getting our house together for some major construction. We are one week away now from starting our kitchen remodel which will include gutting and installing a half bath. I'm also looking to get a Studio space so I have a much more open set up to use my knitting machines as well as spread out my fine arts to better work on my portfolio for another round of Graduate School applications in the next year. Try and try against eh?

Jason Wu Target Haul

I've been so out of it lately that I didn't even realize this was happening at first till some girlfriends told me.  Then I was super excited when I saw the pictures online, then I lost enthusiasm because a lot of the designer for Target projects have been more miss then hit.  Like Rodarte was weird sizing since it was meant for Tweens. Jean-Paul Gaultier just didn't have the fabrics I would of liked or structure in some of the pieces.  Zac Posen was amazing but small in size all around. 

Late last night I  peeked at the site again and checked out the opening for my local Target and decided I would hit it up because at the least I wanted the Cat t-shirt and maybe the robin's egg blue cardigan.  I set my alarm for 7:30am and set my mind to at least go check it out.  I woke up brushed my teeth and threw on some clothes.  I got there about 8:01am and the parking lot was already unusually filled.  As I walked inside I saw the chaos that typically goes down.  I took and deep breath and plunged into the shopping frenzy to grab my sizes.  As I started to meander to the accessories with my arms full of things I didn't intend to buy but wanted to try on anyways I heard someone shouting my name.  I looked up to see my friend Amie had also just come to get into the battle.  She had some friends with her and we had a good time.  She like me is an enabler when it comes to buying things.  So we make a dangerous duo.

I picked up much more then I expected but I'm very happy with it.
Robin's Egg Blue Cardigan
Cat T-shirt
Bicycle Wheel Dress
Jersey Block Dress

 This dress had too long of a waste for me but that is easily fixed with a large wide black belt.  The angle in this is terrible but it was also about 9:30 am when I took this after having only about 5 hours of sleep.

 Me and the Cardigan

 I would never wear it this way with this dress but I wanted to show the cardigan buttoned up.  It has the same snaps style that the yellow Rodarte cardigan has.  I hope more cardigans turn to snaps because I prefer them over the button style.

This is the Jersey Block dress that I wasn't expecting to get but I really love it.  The stripe between the Navy and red at the top is transparent the same way the finish around the collar and sleeves are.  Very simple details making it a little higher class.

The Cat T-shirt.  I love this.  So happy I went out early in the morning to get it.  I would of been happy if this was the only thing I could of gotten.

 If you were curious this is what my closet looks like that I was taking pictures in front of.  It's a huge mess stuffed with more clothes then I really need.  Funny enough this is after two rounds of cleaning this year and I consider these necessities.

The top is dresses, shirts, cardigans, the bottom is all skirts and 3 bins of belts, hats, legwarmers.  At the far back is sleepwear, specialty sweaters, Leggings, hosiery, and on the wall hangs inspirational pieces that don't fit me but I'll never part with.  In the back corner there are two very large tuperwares.  One is full of bags and purses the other is filled with summer clothes for the dresser.  Yes there is another dresser full of clothes that I change our seasonally.  Across the floor is overflow purses that I need to put away properly

Dots and Dashes - OOTD

Just a quick one from this week.  I love the changing of season and going through the closet to change out summer to winter clothes.  My friends tell me they don't know anyone else who has such a huge wardrobe that they need to do an entire change out.  It's true, I have this amazing walk in closet and 6 drawer dresser but still I need to keep my summer/spring clothes in storage and switch out with my winter/fall clothes.  Maybe I will try to take some photos of my closet now that it is in order and organized.  Anyways I forgot I owned this polka dot skirt so I thought I would bring her out for a whirl again before it got too cold.

 Little boys Tuxedo shirt - Present from Brook

Polka Dot Skirt - Present from Injung from Korea

Grey booties - DSW

Earrings - Anne Holman

I haven't had my hair touched up in awhile because I simply can't afford it at this time.  I have other things I need to spend my money on such as materials for new art and fabrics for sewing.  I don't mind it,  I think I'll let it keep going as long as I can.  When it starts to look too funky I'll decide then.

Close up of the Booties that I just got.  I took a lot of time deciding and searching out these shoes.  I think it was three visits to DSW, two visits to Nordstorms and 3 visits to different Macy's later that I found these and fell in love.  I hope they are ready for the long winter and all the abuse I will be putting them through.

Just for fun I found this super old picture of me from at least 5 years ago in my old basement studio at the first Apartment Andy and I shared together.  No that is not a wig, I really had that intense pink hair with blunt cut bangs and I loved it.  I don't know why I was standing to "Super Hero" like either.

Sick Wreck - OOTD

This outfit was a mistake.  I have no qualms posting it because I think it's natural to show a bad side also.  I basically thought when I woke up what do I feel like wearing?  What is clean? let's just pile it on.  It also exemplifies what bad decisions we can make while we are sick.  This was almost two weeks ago.  I am still sick.  I am going to my doctor today with hopes that it is not strep, but I have been so heavily medicated on nasal spray, mucinex and dayquil I'm not even sure what symptoms exist except for this cough, and gross nuclear looking waste coming from my nose.  Pleasant I know.

 I don't think I can even begin to describe what this man repelling mess is that I was wearing.

 At least my makeup wasn't a total mess

I am also determined to bring back high buns and scrunchies this winter albeit my previous TiLT . Let's hope this sickness can be resolved quickly before Halloween so I can enjoy the weekend.  Work at the day job has been an angst ridden situation lately.  Not the work itself but personalities, but thus is the truth isn't it?  Nothing can be perfect we just need to move along and keep out focus.

OOTD - Home Made

 This was a very random day where I felt the need to wear something I made.
Can you guess what it is? Most people would guess the skirt since I do love to drape but it is actually the blouse.  It was something hanging around in my basement that just needed some last touches of elastic  around the wrists to finish it off.  It was one of my projects to finish after Independents day and before my onslaught of Craftin' Outlaws preperations.  I feel like this outfit was a little wonky because it was unusually cold so I grabbed the only pair of leggings I could find which were these marbled wonders I got in Paris.

 

Sunglasses are Vintage bought at American Apparel

Blouse is made by me

Grey Draped Skirt UO

Marbled Tights from H&M Paris

Blue Suede wedges from Karmaloop

OTD - SLUT UP!

So I don't get to dress up to go clubbing very often anymore.  My good Friend Arnell was having his huge birthday bash and I heard they were going to this new club/bar called Double Happiness.  Little did I know it was completely rented out by our crew so I didn't need to go so overboard.  C'est La Vie!

My Slut Up bitchy picture for the night.

Just having a little too much fun with the remote for my DSLR.

Necklace is Geeky Cat by Kuma Crafts on Etsy
You can also see the eye make up the best on this photo.

Outfit Details

Dress UO - Super Sale got it for $7.00

Wide 3 strap Cinch Belt Target

Rhinestone Silver Hoop Earrings from Express

Silver sandals - Michael by Michael Kors

Tokidoki "I Love LA" bullet Watch

Military Jacket from Express

Yep that's all.... I really love the remote for my camera.  I also like making stupid faces.  I'm probably going to start putting them in instead of editing them all out from now on, because that is just me and my personality!

Cheers!

Not so Classy

Just having a little fun.  It's been a bit since and OTD.  The weather in Columbus, Ohio has been less then inspiring with this Monsoon type weather lingering and randomly pouring over us.  I decided to get out of my funk with some friends dressing up to go rock out some Karaoke!

Silk Flower hair Clip - Chicago Agaci Store

Grey Knit Blazer - Zara

Love your Librarian T-shirt - Alison Rose

Pleated Heart skirt - Zara

Galon Shoes - Karmaloop

A close up of the hotness which are my shoes in electric blue.

 

Just me and my jokers Arnell and T.J hanging out for some good times!  It's hard to believe I have known Arnell for about 15 years and T.J. 13 years.  The way time passes can be so funny.  It seems just like yesterday when Arnell and I were working at the comic store together and meeting T.J. and some friends at the Blue Danube for some late night food.  Great times, good memories and many more to come. 

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Getting back in the Groove

 I know I haven't done an OTD in a while.  My excuse is that I am totally done with Winter clothes but here in the Midwest that damn groundhog cursed us with an extra long snap of cold.  I have been surviving although begrudgingly.  Layering is my best weapon to stay fashionable in these random rain, hail, snow, sun conditions.  My hair has also lengthened quite a bit over this winter, you also may have noticed there are no fun colors in my hair lately.  The lack of color is due to a promise I made my best friend, that I will have "normal" colored hair for her wedding as her Maid of Honor.  Let me tell you that is a lot of love right there.  I'm not even sure I would do that for anyone else in this world. 

 

I am wearing

Mossimo Grey Striped Shirt - Target $15 on sale

Black tulle dress (re-draped by moi) - $15 on sale

ReRock Skinn Jeans - Express $25 with 50% coupon

Betsey Johnson Tartan Heels - DSW $79.99

Curiouser & Curiouser Necklace - Untamed Menegarie on Etsy

Random Swarovski Crystal earrings - made by me

 

I found it sort of amusing that the most expensive thing I am wearing are my shoes which would cover the least amount of my body aside from the accessories.  The dress I am wearing is normally just a straight A-lined skirt.  It had these ties to cinch the back which I found kind of pointless since it is an entirely elastic smocked back.  I use those ties and hiked up bunches of the tulle into a nicely draped bundle and set them in place with a bow.  Amazing how a little pinching and propping can change the look of an entire garment.  I took the cue from some of Style Rookie's own personal wardrobe outfits.  Amazing what these young kids can still teach and remind us in fashion.

Stripey Drapes

I love winter but this is going on a bit too long.  I am having to get more and  more inventive with my layering that I can wear something besides sweaters.  I'll be darn glad when I can wear skirts without leggings or stockings.  Currently it is just too cold when we were in the single digits.

Pulling out some of my favorite shirts I'm forcing myself to wear them in some way shape or form.  This idea came about from wearing my Gaultier Dress the other week.  It's a good exercise in styling and being creative. Some days it works some days it doesn't but that's how you learn what looks good on you.  I have this crazy shopping routine where I try on anything that even slightly peeks my interest in colors, cut, style.  I even try on things that I think are hideous. This way I can either confirm or surprise myself.  You never know what clothes looks like until you put it on.  When I was in retail I loved being in the fitting rooms and personal shopping because then I could do the same thing to other people and usually they were pleasantly surprised that they could pull off outfits out of their norm.

 

Black mock turtle neck - Express

Shark toothed drape stripe shirt - Express

Black Lace Skirt - UO

Grey ribbed tights - American apparel

Grey slouch fringe boots - Steve Madden

Ohio Necklace - Tiger Tree

Just a taste

daily, originally uploaded by tornangel012.

This is a little bit of a late post. Tomorrow I promise to begin the real journey.

I will officially put up my rules and such for my continuing person project in making a new dedication to my craft which is Fashion design.

For tonight I just wanted to share a new daily outfit.
I am wearing Coach bronze wooden platform sandals with extra long wrap around cording that starts from a bronze leather lined hole in the middle of the heel of the platform.
American Apparel Tank dress
Turquoise wide elastic belt from Forever 21 for only $4.50
Mint Green damask Bolero Designed and made by me
Toki Doki I love LA watch
Carved wood flower necklace from Korea

I am also playing around with the scheme of this blog. I don't like the way my banner doesn't seem to fit all the way across it and playing with some different color concepts also to make it match and meld better with my real website.

Other things going on is that there is actually a for Lease sign up in my old work place Stitching Post that makes us in Columbus wonder if we really are going to have jobs there again and if it even is going to open up. Not so bad for me just a little annoying to have to find a new part time job but I'm hoping for the best. I have one more full week of workshop to complete for CCAD and then I am off for two months before my CE and SMAC classes start. I am very hopeful for the coming year that I will get more recognition as an excellent teacher and that I am giving more classes and responsibility. I need to work on my skills a bit more though. I really want to get back into painting and learn how to draw better fashion illustrations also.

I'll be really sad if when I start to interview for new part time jobs I am required to dye my hair back to a more natural shade. I love the Blue and I think it is surprisingly one of the best colors of hair that I could have.