Peplum-age

After searching for over a year, I now have two peplum garments in my closet: the blue and grey striped dress I posted about last Friday, and this orange top.  Peplum may not be the absolute best silhouette for my figure, but I do they they are fun.

 

Top, ebay; jeans,. Target; belt, thrifted; sandals, Target; earrings, Claire's; necklace, ebay.

 

This peplum top is more flattering than the peplum dress.  I may remove the skirt part of the dress.  I could even remove it then reattach it with buttons so it could be convertible.

 

For the Birds

I have a soft spot for swallows, so this dress is a natural part of my wardrobe.  I like the juxtaposition of a tattoo-style graphic with a classic sheath dress shape.  The dress is actually Sailor Jerry brand... tattoo artist and maker of rum.

 

Dress, Sailor Jerry; shrug and shoes, Younkers; necklace, thrifted; earrings, Roth Jewelers.

 

The swallow motif is picked up again in the earrings, though you can't tell in any of these photos.  I considered wearing a swallow necklace as well, but decided I'd keep it low-key with pearls instead.

 

Some Assembly Required

I put thought into my daily outfits (most of the time), so it's nice when people notice the little touches.  One of my coworkers noticed not just that my shoes and dress matach, but that my earrings and dress detail are also coordinate.

 

Dress, thrifted; shrug, Victoria's Secret; shoes, Target; earrings, etsy; necklace, handmade by me.

 

First she said I need to come help her put together outfits... then she said maybe I need an intervention.  I don't think she even knows I have a blog.  Then she'd think I need an intervention for sure.

 

I like the textured fabric of this dress and, of course, the pockets.  Not bad for $1.

Colorful

I enjoy hearing what other people think about what I wear and which outfits draw comments while others go under the radar.  One of my coworkers immediately stopped me when I walked in to work with this dress.  She told me she had never seen anyone wear as much color as I do.   I'm sad for her that she only knows boring people.

 

Dress and belt, ebay; shoes, Rack Room Shoes; earrings, Claire's; necklace, ebay.

 

While that comment had the feel of a backhanded compliment, I wouldn't dream of letting it affect my style.  I like wearing color.  I like wearing all the colors.  I like experimenting with color, pattern, and shape (like this peplum dress).  Style is ephemeral, and I can always try again tomorrow.

Translation

When I say "I like your outfit," that can be translated as "I'm inspired by your look," which really means "I'm thinking about stealing your style."  Plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

 

One of my coworkers wears a lot of colored jeans.  Blue jeans are forbidden Monday-Thursday, but colored jeans are allowed.  After admiring her style for a few weeks, I took the plunge and bought this red pair.

 

Lace shirt, swapped; jeans, Sam's Club; earrings, craft fair; necklace, handmade by me; shoes, Younkers; watch, Amazon.

 

I felt under dressed, but I really wasn't for this day.  

Worn

This dress is wearing me far more than I'm wearing it, and I feel worn.

 

Dress, thrifted; shoes, Younkers; necklace and earrings, purchased in Cozumel.

 

It took three trips to Mercy Ministries before I bought this dress.  Of course it was only $1.  It shouldn't have taken that much thought.  Things I like about the dress: heavy knit fabric, geometic shape, pockets.  What I don't like: it's slightly too large in the waist and maximizes my hips.

 

The dress is missing balance.  The width at the hips wouldn't be a problem if it was perfectly fitted at the waist. I may try taking in the waist just a bit to see if I can find that balance.  Otherwise, I'm only out a dollar and a day.

Neutrals

Today is another day for plagiarized style.  One of my new coworkers paired black, brown, and navy in an outfit recently, and she made it look incredibly chic.  I can't compete with her on chic, but I can wear black, brown, and navy together.

 

Dress, Target; jeans; Target; sandals, thrifted; belt, TJ Maxx; necklace, handmade by me.

 

 

Suited to Be Bored

I haven't had reason to go to a lot of Board meetings, except when I've been serving on boards.  The last one was over a year ago at my last job.

Suit, Younkers; blouse, swapped; shoes, Younkers; necklace, handmade by me; earrings, Claire's.

 


I erred on the side of conservative because this is my first time meeting many of the board members at my new job... but I definitely erred.  The outfit is missing something that might make it memorable.  Leopard print shoes were not enough to do the job.

 

I can try again next month because now these meetings will be a regular thing.  I've said it before and I'll say it again- one of the great things about fashion is there's a chance to try it again.  You have to get dressed every morning anyway, so you might as well experiment.

Three-ish

Now that I've decided I like wearing patterns in combinations of three, I am tempted to do it all the time.  Here I have two leopard prints (dress and cardigan), with tigers thrown in for the necklace.  It's three-ish in the big cat theme.

Pose, Wonton.  Show love to the camera.

 Cardigan and dress, Younkers; shoes, Payless Shoes; earrings, Claire's; necklace, ebay.

 

This elephant watch is a recent gift from my dad.  Thank you!