Exoskeleton

works cited: delia's dress; mommed belt; steve madden boots; gifted j crew sweater

I've worn this same sweater and my trench coat pretty much every day this week, so Christopher has started fondly referring to it as my exoskeleton. It's been kind of chilly but I'm really sick of my dark winter things, so I pulled out a summery pastel dress and just layered wool things over it. In other news, I'm heading up to Chicago with Christopher, who will endure a day-long job interview while I get to hang out with another style-inclined grad student, Emily. Can't wait!! Hope you have a great weekend.

Something Old (Something New)

works cited: thrifted (and altered) dress; thrifted belt; gifted j. crew sweater; steve madden boots

I found this great dress a few weekends ago--it cost about $2 and though it was a diamond in the rough when I picked it up, after some hemming and altering, I am really happy with it. It's 100% silk and altered to fit my proportions, so I feel like Jentine must every day--totally un-imitatable. Thrifting a great silk dress must be the 21st century sartorial equivalent of the paleolithic people hunting down a really huge, delicious elk. I feel the pride of a hunter, so I am especially chuffed to have gotten several compliments on this yesterday.

[CLOSED] Ruche Giveaway

This week, you have a chance to win a $30 gift certificate to Ruche, one of my favorite online boutiques--I have two dresses, two tops, and a very favorite necklace from Ruche and I love them all. To enter, visit Ruche, pick out an item that you like and leave a comment telling me what it is. Right now, I'm loving this bright blue skirt. Please also leave your email if you're not easy to find. One entry per person.
I'll pick a winner next week. Good luck!
UPDATE: The lucky winner is Linley!

Lighter and Brighter

works cited: anthro skirt; gap tee; j. crew sweater (gift); forever21 necklace; urban outfitters flats

I'm really happy with the way this turned out--the greenish gray skirt was a last minute change and I like the unexpected washed-out pastels all together. I'm finishing up teaching To The Lighthouse for the end of the semester and I feel like I'm finally settling into my class (just as it's ending, of course). It's been wonderful to see the class blossom around this book--which is as beautiful as it is difficult--and the spring weather is kind of a sweet reminder that sometimes when things look dead, it's just because it's winter, and they'll bloom when it gets warm :)

Sponsor Spotlight

Some really cute spring things in my sponsors' shops this week--you can see on my pinterest wishlist that I'm always bookmarking new things I love. It's been tough for my self-restraint to keep up :)



I have a dress and tee from five bamboo and I can't say enough good things about their products and company--sustainable, environmentally friendly, beautiful, simple clothing. I'm tempted to get the Artemis dress in red (left); I just ordered the mini skirt in red (middle); and you could wear the Elusive dress (right) with a cardigan for teaching or with boots to go out for burgers (veggie burgers, of course :).



Ruche has been a favorite online haunt for a while--they're like Anthro with better prices. I just bought the coralista top (left), which I plan on wearing all spring long; the I'm yours forever dress (middle) is a little cheesy but I'm such a sap that I can't resist anything covered in hearts; the gondola romance top (right) would be perfect with cutoffs to drink beer on the porch on a warm night (please come soon, summer!).



Spotted Moth always has a great collection of pretty dresses--I've had my eye on home sweet home dress (left) because it would be eminently remixable; the hostess lace skirt (middle) would be a fun way to try out the lace trend; and the treehouse dress (right) is absolutely perfect for spring events (like attending your little sister's graduation).



All the le mode bags which have crossed my doorstep have been gorgeous and buttery, and I've been wanting another neutral versatile clutch for spring. These are my three favorites by far: the messenging twist clutch (left); the zip to it clutch (middle); and the courtney clutch (right).

Seen anything lately that you have wishlisted? P.S. Last day to enter the out of print tee giveaway :)

Grandma Sparkles

works cited: thrifted skirt; urban outfitters sweater; j. crew tank; target clogs; linleyshea necklace

I read an article the other day that suggested pairing a midi-skirt with a sparkly tank and big heels to offset the longer skirt length. I didn't need to go to campus yesterday so I gave this a shot, but then I felt like I needed to offset the sparkles (and the chill) so I added my worn-in grandma sweater. What resulted was not some fresh juxtaposition but an outfit which isn't sure if it is going to the club or to the retirement community. The outfit was saying, "Hey, I'm trying a little too hard." Or maybe it was saying, "You can call me Grandma Sparkles from now on"...

Satur-daze

works cited: gap button-up; urban outfitters skirt; thrifted scarf; mom's hand-me-down belt; clarks boots

C. and I spent Saturday morning talking a rambly walk around town and taking pictures. It was amazing to be lazy and leisurely after a long, busy week. As for the outfit, I think I've been on an Elaine-copying spree, because I pinned this photo a little while ago and couldn't wait to recreate her denim shirt + maroon skirt + scarf and belt combo. It made all these well-worn pieces feel completely fresh again.

It's Raining, It's Pouring, I'm Whining

works cited: hunter boots; gap jeans; old navy trench; thrifted tunic; h&m top

This isn't the most inspired thing I've ever worn, but it's been a very long, very rainy day and my creativity topped out at the color combination--berry with blue (innovative, I know). I'm sorry I look a little cranky in these photos...the truth is, I feel a worn out by the end of the semester crunch. It's been a very extroverted week, and the dominant introvert in me is crying out for a night spent lying face-down on the couch listening to the record player...that introvert sure knows how to party, huh?

Red, White, and Elaine all Over

works cited: thrifted skirt, belt, and wedges; tee c/o five bamboo; macy's necklace

For me, Elaine from clothed much is the blogger who has inspired perhaps more outfit recreations than any other blogger. She is a maverick with clothing, working on an actual serious budget, and so she is endlessly inventive at recombining and remixing her limited closet. The other day, she posted this gem, which I immediately pinned to my pinterest thinking it would be perfect for spring. Turns out I (and Elaine, obviously) was right. Red, white, cream, and pink felt very springy and all the wool in this outfit kept me warm. Plus I thrifted most of this outfit...I feel like Elaine would be proud :)

Freeze, Knees

works cited: dress c/o spotted moth (thank you!! xo); j. crew boots and cardigan; target socks

Today, it was winter in April. Cold and windy and dark and horrible. But I'm feeling reeeaaaally done with winter, and consequently I froze my kneecaps off pretending it was warmer than it actually was. This is a little more autumnal than I'd like to be wearing in the latter half of April, but this sunny yellow dress was a pretty good pick-me-up for a seriously chilly spring day, which I spent most inside reading Woolf's The Pargiters (not her best, but interesting in its own way).
P.S. How funny is that (accidentally matching) yellow window?

[CLOSED] Giveaway: Win a Tee from Out of Print Clothing!

Yahoo, wouldn't you love the chance to win a tee of your choice from Out of Print Clothing? I bought tees for myself and Christopher a couple weeks ago and I love them--they're super soft and printed with vintage and one-of-a-kind book covers (bookworms for the win!). Plus, for each tee they sell, they donate one book to a community in need through through Books for Africa.

They're offering one lucky reader a tee or her or his choice. All you have to do is visit Out of Print, pick the tee you want and leave a comment telling me what it is. Please also leave a current email address if I may not be able to find you easily. I'll pick a winner next week--good luck!

The lucky winner is Jessica.

Why I Shouldn't Be Allowed To Take My Own Pictures

works cited: h&m dress; j. crew cardigan; gifted scarf; target tights; steve madden boots

I am enormously impressed with the ladies who take their own photos every day (Liz, Ms. Monkey, I'm looking at you). I used to do it more often, but then Christopher got really good at it and my skills regressed, hugely. So this outfit--which garnered some in-person compliments--did not appear to the best of its ability, thanks to my crappy self-timer skills, the sudden humidity heat wave that appeared after a freezing 40-degree morning, and the lack of translation of how red and amazingly bright these tights are onto film. But as it is with all outfits, you win some and you lose some. And today, what with the cold spell and humid spell and a super-busy photographer, was probably on the "lose some" side of things. But unless you're Charlie Sheen, you don't win them all, do you?

True Confessions

works cited: gap jeans; anthro sweater; ruche blouse; steve madden flats; necklace from summer camp lost and found

Five Confessions:
1. I drank too much wine last night. Yes, on a Sunday. Forces to blame include a really good lasagna, excellent company, and the recent discovery that my favorite wine from college is sold locally.
2. Subsequently, this morning I felt like creature from the deep.
3. So I spent most of the day in pajamas, reading a little Woolf (but mostly napping, let's be honest).
4. Hence this is the first time I have gotten dressed today because I have to go and meet people in an hour (I am hoping the bright colors distract from my undereye circles).
5. Thank goodness for dry shampoo, which is the only thing preventing me from looking how I feel.

Monomania

works cited: out of print clothing tee; loft trousers; target clogs; gap cardigan

At a party the other weekend, a friend was wearing an amazing shirt printed with a vintage cover of The Sun Also Rises. After some snooping about where she found them, I bought myself two book-cover shirts and one for Christopher (a nerd can't resist tee shirts with literary references, I guess). Although my first love is British literature, I am a sucker for all things Melville--Moby Dick is one of my all-time favorite books, so this tee was the first in my cart. And because I've realized my pinterest is overrun with pictures of stylish-girl-holding-book, I had to drag out my dog-eared copy of Moby Dick for these pictures. While I'm sure Melville would be horrified to be an accessory, Ahab would surely understand the monomaniacal hunt for the best photo possible, right?
P.S. Wouldn't out of print be a fun sponsor for this blog? (hint, hint, here's hoping...)

April's Book Recommendations

It's been a while since my last book recommendation post, but it went over so well, I've decided to make it a recurring monthly series. I read voraciously, and not only for my research, so I'm always looking for something new to pick up. Here are some recent books I've loved:

The Weather in the Streets (Rosamund Lehmann)--a perfect combination of juicy and gorgeously-written, it tells the story of a woman who runs into an old acquaintance on a train and begins a love affair. While it is well-paced and was a popular seller in the 30's, it is also innovative stylistically.

The Sea, The Sea (Iris Murdoch)--a very sharp-witted novel about an actor who tries to retire to the seaside for some peace, but ends up being harangued by former lovers and friends to return to London. It's darkly funny and wonderful.

Troubles (J.G. Farrell)--if you're looking for a big fat book for a long plane ride, Troubles is enormous and also darkly, poignantly funny. It's set during the Irish Revolution for Independence and it's about a gigantic hotel in Ireland that's falling apart and invaded by stray cats.

I guess I've really been in the mood for dark, funny, and long books :) Have you read anything great lately that you'd recommend? Do you have any requests for topics for future book posts?

Midi-Me

works cited: thrifted skirt; target belt; clarks wedges; forever21 button-up

I've decided not to hem this skirt, not only because I really like the length, but also because it turns out knife pleats are ridiculously difficult to hem (as I found out trying to hem another thrifted skirt) and are also expensive to get hemmed (as I found out when I gave up and brought that skirt to the tailor). So long it is! Also, hilariously, I asked Christopher to get an artsy close-up shot of this shirt which has really pretty striping, but instead, I just ended up with a half dozen pictures focused right on my bosom (which are not going on the internet). Boys...

Pencil It In

works cited: thrifted vintage skirt; thrifted wedges; target belt; gap shirt

This black wool pencil skirt was another find this weekend at the thrift store. I seem to find one or two of these almost every time I go thrifting--not always in my size, but always in beautiful thick wool in perfect condition and when they fit they are made for girls with hips, which I appreciate. Because wool-skirt-season is nearing a close, wearing this made a cool morning a bit more bearable after a gorgeous, hot weekend.

Tut Tut, It Looks Like Rain

works cited: anthro skirt; american apparel tee; necklace from macy's; hunter boots; socks from my mom; old navy trench coat

I love the rain because it reminds me of where I went to college and where I grew up. Rain is cozy and makes reading inside extra-pleasant. Plus I love wearing rainboots. There's a story behind this skirt, too: I got it for $9 a couple years ago using this freakish trick I discovered on the anthro website. I debated whether or not to share it here because it's my favorite get-expensive-things-for-cheap magic and it only works because not many people know to do it, but as long as you promise not to tell anyone else, I'll share:
I put overpriced items in my cart on the anthro website and then forget about them for months. Then, like magic, I come back to the cart and the item's price has been slashed twice; while it has vanished from the sale section of the website, this beautiful thing is still sitting in my cart, available for purchase, one last lonely orphan skirt size 4 which has survived and is miraculously 85% off. And then I buy it for $9 and give it a good home. Pretty sneaky, huh?

Great Lengths

works cited: thrifted skirt and belt; h&m tee; target clogs; vintage glasses

I've kind of had my eye on some of the longer skirts for spring (like Elisabeth's--so pretty), but felt unsure if they would actually work on me. Then I stumbled upon this little gem at Salvation Army and thought I could use it as a test subject for a midi-skirt length. I paired it with my biggest shoes (Elaine, how do you walk more than a few blocks in these? I need practice!) to balance out the below-the-knee length but then ended up wearing the skirt most of the weekend with short boots. What do you think of the length? I'm still open to hemming it a bit above the knee, but for now, I kind of love the unexpected longer length--less scandalous for bike-riding, nothing sticks to the seat you're sitting on in warmer weather, and I feel like I'm kind of on top of the trends (for once), even if it only put me back $2.19.

Humble Pie

works cited: urban outfitters tee; anthro skirt; target flats; necklace c/o le mode accessories

I spent the day browsing through Goodwill and Salvation Army with a good friend who claims she doesn't know how to shop at thrift stores. Could've fooled me, because she ended up with a belt collection to rival mine, a gorgeous pleated silk top, and a leather handbag. I got a few good things (I'll bring them out in the next week), but overall it was a humbling experience to shop with someone who was the Magnet For All Good Vintage in the area :)

One Time, I Felt Fancy

works cited: megan nielsen skirt; h&m tunic tucked in; clarks wedges; ruche necklace; old navy trench

Nothing says spring like a whole lot of neutrals together, wouldn't you say? Sadly this sweater is a little see-through so I had to layer some stuff under it and I kind of felt (okay, and looked) like a Michelin man. Moving on--a sparkly necklace says both spring and I'm-a-poor-grad-student-but-I-can-be-fancy-too. And speaking of fancy, I ate a big pot full of fondue tonight and it was good, especially since if we had tried to eat at home, there would have been some week-old celery and canned beans on the menu, because that is literally all we have in the fridge. And there we have it, the world's most random post.