What Say YOU

Thanks for all your feedback to my "what is Lisa style" post way back when. The awesome take-away I got from you all is to just like what I like and be who I be and not worry about looking or dressing a certain way. If I like it and if it goes, that should be all that matters.

So for reminding me to be happy with the way I am sartorially, let's point the ole virtual camera back at you lovelies!

For the next Respect the Outfits reader feature, let's celebrate YOU for exactly who YOU are. Send me an outfit pic with you rocking a look that is quintessentially you. Are you fun and flirty? Sweet and sassy? A floral rocker? Streamlined chic? Show us in an outfit that you think defines your personal style the best.

Please also provide the outfit deets and a link to your blog if you like. Send in your looks by June 14 - post will go up the next day! respecttheshoes(at)live.com.

And here's a previously unposted outfit of mine - me being very me:

And Pacey being very Pacey.

  

Top: J. Crew sequin boatneck (worn here before - factory version here, similar here)

Skirt: LE button-front chambray (worn here before - similar here)

Belt: J. Crew skinny (similar here)

Necklace: Old Navy ethnic statement (worn here before)

Shoes: Seychelles she's got the moves (worn here before)

Up in the Air

It's "there's no denying that summer has arrived" week in the SE as temps soar over the 90s Fahrenheit and are expected to stay there all week long. And as it is still technically May, this means that I have about 4-5 full months of back-sticking, shade-finding, mosquito-swatting, near hot-as-Hades weather to look forward to. Which means my hair is one low pressure dip away from a full-on asian fro, and that ain't gonna be pretty.

I've tried a ton of different "de-frizz" products, but so far a combo of Garnier Fructis Smoothing Cream mixed with Citre Shine Anti-Frizz Serum during my daily blowdry has kept my hair at bay without completely flattening it out, but I see the flyaways congregating, and they're starting to gain ground. Plus I feel like I'm lacking in that glossy shiny locks department - wasn't that supposed to be part of my "being an asian" package? So short of tying my hair in a big knot on the top of my head and leaving it alone until October or opting to buy hair spray by the case, how do you gals battle the summer time head frizz? Are there any specific products or "techniques" that work for you?

 

Top: LE Canvas gingham poplin (worn here before)
Skirt: Delicia eyelet via Alloy (worn here before - similar here, here)
Belt: Anthro city safari (worn here before - similar-ish here)
Bracelet: The PS Boutique via Etsy (worn here before - similar here)
Shoes: Seychelles ring in the new year (worn here before - similar-ish here, here)

This Gingham Walked into an Apothecary ...

Sorry, Kim, my will is weak and I've broken the shopping ban this weekend with a trip to Anthro (though I've sold a few older pieces and had a return, so technically I didn't spend any new money). OK, and I may have visited a few other stores while I was at the mall, but I only made one additional purchase from this one ...

This outfit was inspired by a dressing room ensemble that Liz put together - and you all know how I love to treat gingham and stripes like neutrals, so this look came from the Anthro gods. Good thing the green cissus button-up was not at my local store, or I may have imbibed in that as well!

 

Top: Lands' End Canvas gingham poplin (worn here before)
Skirt: Anthropologie Parameter apothecary
Shoes: Xhiliration by Target teanna (worn here before - similar here)
Jewelry: Old Navy ethnic statement (worn here before), enamel bangle (similar here)

And the outfit I wore over the weekend that got me in the dressing room with the apothecary skirt:

 

Shorts: J. Crew chino (worn here before)
Shoes: Indigo by Clarks finch (worn here before)
Bag: Longchamp canvas/leather (gift from big sis - similar here in navy, not sim but cute here)

You gals doing anything interesting for Memorial Day weekend coming up?

Big Hair, Jambu, Smashion

I've got a blog-podge of a post for you ladies today. My blog cup runneth over lately and I am so appreciative of all you great readers for taking the time to visit my little blog. Your comments have provided me with so much good humor and insight - and I am consistently impressed with your unique senses of style, imagination and varied areas of expertise.

So in your honor, I sport ridiculously-big-for-me, I-obviously-don't-know-how-to-use-a-curling-iron-so-that's-why-I'm-smiling-like-a-goof hair today:

 

Top: Lands' End Canvas gingham poplin (worn here before)
Skirt: J. Crew dorrie (after a month of being on backorder, it finally came in)
Shoes: Coach ireena
Bracelet: The PS Boutique via Etsy
Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff pouch (1 of 3 from a set, now on sale sale sale)

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First, the nice folks over at Jambu asked for me to try out a pair of their shoes to review. Jambu is a comfort shoemaker that uses partially recycled rubber outsoles, recycled and recyclable packaging. They also have a collection of completely animal-friendly footwear for you Natalie Portmans out there.

I decided to go with the Espy style in grey, which I thought would be a nice casual-day shoe in a fairly go-with-anything color:

 
I only look like I am in my jammies. I actually wore and went outside in this entire outfit on Sunday. No, really.

Cons about these shoes? They were heavier than I had expected and felt very "dense" (hello, recycled rubber). Plus the thong part rubbed a bit against the inside of my big toe. And let's be honest, these most likely are not going to be your what-to-wear-when-you're-dressing-to-impress-shoes-of-HAWTness.

Pros about these shoes? Super-duper comfy sandals. I wore these all day on Sunday to run errands and take the dog to the park, etc. and had no breaking-in issues at all. The sandals didn't feel heavy on, the platform and wedge provided me with some needed height and though the toe area rubbed, it never got bad. And the fit is TTS with a thin adjustable leather velcro ankle strap.

So what do I think? Will I reach for these when I have on my prettiest dress or frilly skirt? Probably not ... but then again, they aren't that kind of shoe or company. However, I'll likely wear these sandals a lot this summer on those casual weekends when I'm running around, and I think they're really cute. Thanks again, Jambu!

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Second, THANKS to Natalya - I won her giveaway! Natalya is a fashion design student chasing her dreams and looking fantabulous while doing it. Check out her blog if you have a moment.
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Third, check me out on the Smashion Lounge - I'm one of their featured interviewed bloggers! If you haven't checked Smashion out yet, it is a social fashion site that is home to a marketplace, forums and outfit gallery for that stylish inspiration. Ah, like a virtual fashion bloggy mecca!

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Lastly, OK, let's get down to it - Anthro's semi-annual tag sale. As my personal shopping ban rules for the month consist of one in-one out, this means I need to work that much harder to put up stuff on my blog sale and sell, sell, sell! However, I haven't bitten on anything online yet and am waivering on whether or not I should take time out to trek to a store. What kind of damage have you gals done, or will you be hoofing it to a store in hopes their offerings will be better?

Take a Step that is New

I love seeing all the gorgeous pics of my fellow bloggers rocking their maxi-length dresses and midi-length skirts but I have a difficult time joining the bandwagon. I'm short and not tiny, and those lengths just tend to cut me off at weird places and make me look stumpy instead of svelte (seriously, I've tried, I'm not just whining for the sake of whi - well, so what if I am).

Granted, I should just take that as a reminder that trends are not made for everyone (and that's OK) and I should instead embrace the ones that suit me - like you, bright saturated colors, and you, tribal prints, and even you, early '80s-inspired platform sandals (Chrissy Snow would be proud).

But I still can't help to stare enviously at the leggy gals with their long skirts swirling at their ankles or grazing across their calves, looking both incredibly modern and on-trend, yet classic and modest. So I think I will get as closely long as I dare at the moment and sport the boldly shocking just-below-the-knee length. I know you're all impressed, I can tell.

Are there any warm-weather trends that you are intimidated by?

 

Top: LE Canvas stretch poplin (worn here before - similar here)
Chemise worn as tank: Anthropologie (similar cami here or here)
Skirt: LE button-front chambray (good sub for the Madewell sightseer skirt)
Belt: Mossimo by Target (similar here)
Shoes: Xhiliration by Target teanna (worn here before - similar here, here)
Necklace: Overstock overlay camelia flower (worn here before - similar here)
Cuff: Sweet Auburn Studio via Etsy

My Picnic Tablecloth Shirt

Thanks for your feedback and advice yesterday on my less-than-stellar eating habits, ladies. I've only kept a food journal for two whole days now, but I've consciously been cutting back on my consumption of random junk - though it's so hard when you're a bored eater like me, and when your live-in wants to have cheese sticks, Buffalo wings and fries for dinner!

I think I may need to take some more drastic measures and do a cupboard cleanout (do we need to keep four bags of chip crumblies, probably no ...) - I'm not so ambitious that I want to get rid of all junk in my home, but to clear away clutter to make room for some better foods. If I have fewer bags of chips or sweets and more good stuff, maybe I'll reach for that more.

The whole drinking something in place of eating something is a bit more difficult for me to get over, though. I commend you guys who can drink some tea after dinner and be satisfied and I am trying to abide by the not eating after 8pm thing, but it is hard. Only recently have late-night sugar cravings been kicking in and drinking juice won't satiate them. Somehow a spoonful of Cool Whip did the trick - but I don't think there's one naturally-occuring ingredient in there?

And that is a really random lead-in for what I really want to know - with Easter Sunday approaching, what are you gals planning for dinner? The BF and I want to do something special for dinner that evening (it is the springtime version of Thanksgiving - or am I the only one that thinks like that?) but I've done zero planning so far - and it always difficult for me to make a special meal for just two people.

   

Shirt: Lands' End Canvas gingham poplin (similar here)

Skirt: Armani Exchange pencil cargo (I know it's a pencil skirt - but look at the front slit, I can walk with that! worn here before - similar here or here)

Necklace: lucie0ellen by Etsy (worn here before - similar-ish here)

Shoes: Mossimo by Target (worn here before - similar here)

The Mad Plaidder

I would like to say that I am typically a pretty laid back person, at home as well as at work. Granted the people who have to work with me may have differing opinions, but I think with age, I think I've learned to stress less about things and just "expect" there will be change, grimace, then deal with it.

So I'd like to say that there are few people that I work with who rub me the wrong way. Actually until recently, none. So it was kind of surprise even to me when someone I have to work on a project with made me livid. And this may also be the first time I've ever even used "livid" to describe a personal emotion. But there it was, a sick to my stomach, heart palpitating, eye crossing, if-said-person-was-right-in-front-of-me-at-that-moment-I'd-pummel-them feeling.

Now I won't go into the gritty details, but I went from working with someone who was almost a second version of myself - in a good way - to another person who likes to move ahead with things without getting approvals on them (already reprimanded). Who likes to use ! ad-nauseum and J in e-mail communications with senior-level members (ignored with a grimace). Who is so darn perpetually cheery that she almost makes you feel like a grump for living - and who my boss passes off to me so he doesn't have to deal with her (sigh). Who works in an area where writing skills are a requirement but who does not seem to have any (completely redlined one of her docs).

And no, she does not work for me, or even work in the same company as I do, so there's little ability to really sit down and talk things through. And yes, I know she means well and is a nice person. So at this point, I vascillate between grinning and bearing it until this project is finally through, telling myself that I I need to work on my tolerance levels, and being up on her stuff like a sprinkle on a cupcake.

How do you gals deal with difficult people at work (or in life)? And what kind of people do you consider to be "difficult?"

 

Dress: Lands' End Canvas pleated tartan (now on sale - more cas version here)

Belt: H&M double buckle (worn here before - similar here or here)

Bracelets: Old Navy enamel / J. Crew studded (similar here and here)

Shoes: Seychelles ring in the new year / Anthro raines (worn here before - similar here or here)

Reading with a Dorrie

Feeling academic today in my gingham button-down, khaki skirt and sensible mary janes. All I need is a good hefty read, a bicycle and a sturdy shade tree to sit under. Too bad real life weather is bringing back tinges of winter that is almost literally raining on my parade.

What happened to spring? My legs are covered, my warm jacket is so close, and my fingers are freezing as I type this!

How are you ladies getting by the winter-to-spring transition? Are you wearing your new spring threads despite the chilly March air or still bundled in your winter wools?

 

 

Top: Lands' End Canvas poplin gingham (worn here before)
Sweater: Anthropologie Guinevere roaming frills (worn here before - similar here / here, beige twin here)
Skirt: J. Crew dorrie
Tights: Target
Shoes: Artisan by Clarks (worn here before - similar here or here)

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Time for another Respect the Outfits reader feature! This time, let's go back to one of our fave retailers - Anthropologie! As much as we love the retailer, our wallets can't always afford to buy its stuff. So let's flex our closet-creative juices and please send me your interpretation of an Anthro-inspired outfit featuring no - or very few - actual Anthro pieces. See the first Anthro-inspired reader post for more information and see how some of the other lovely ladies rocked the look!

Please send me your pic and outfit details (and include a link to the original post if you'd like some link love) by Tuesday, April 5 - post will go live next Wednesday! Outfit does not need to be brand new - recent outfits are good too! Pics and info can be sent to respecttheshoes(at)live.com.

Daylight is Not the Same

Happy Daylight Savings Day! Did any of you ladies partake in the Target GO International dress re-releases today? Unfortunately I wasn't able to go to my fave super-chain today, so when I got up this morning, I immediately ordered the Tracy Feith hibiscus dress and the Libertine striped tunic - hope they work out! Though I think I may be the only one jumping the gun here - everything still seems to be available online - wonder if there's been any rush in-stores?

Work's been heinous this last week and  now I'm headed off to the sunshine state for work so I apologize in advance for this week's slacker blogging and responding! Don't you worry though, I'll be back with some boring conference outfits later this week, haha.

Here are some of my cas outfits from the weekend:

    

Top: F21 H81 brushed plaid (worn here before)
Skirt: H&M drop-pocket (worn here before - similar here or here)
Tights: Target
Shoes: Aerosoles tassel wedge (worn here before - similar here or pump here)
Necklace: fuzzyelephant via Etsy

  

Dress: LE Canvas pocket dress (this seemed shorter and more flattering on the 6' tall model, hm ...)
Belt: Anthropologie bow & angle (similar here or style here)
Necklace: willow street gifts via Etsy
Shoes: Xhiliration by Target teanna (worn here before)

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Dont' forget to submit your fave outfits for this week's Respect the Outfits post - more info HERE - send your pics to respecttheshoes(at)live.com.

And there's still time to enter my $100 Shopbop gift card giveaway HERE!

Have a fantastic mid-March week, ladies!

My New Favorite Purple

I got this skirt on Ebay recently on a whim and love love it, but other than white and black (and more purple - so yes, I still have trouble breaking out of matchy-matchydom), I'm not so sure what else to pair with it. I recall Dea rocking this skirt way back when, but I am not sure I can pull off the bright green pairing as well as she had.

You color-switching gurus have any recommendations?

 

Top: Lands' End pinpoint (similar-ish here or here)

Skirt: Anthropologie Left of Center diagonal divide (similar-ish here or not really but cute here)

Tights: UO scroll (worn here before - similar here)

Belt: J. Crew metallic skinny (similar here)

Necklace: Laila Rowe (similar here or cheap here)

Shoes: Franco Sarto suede gamble (worn here before - similar here) 

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For the next Respect the Outfits reader feature, let's go back to our favorites! The last favorites post was a huge hit and we had a ton of really gorgeous ladies dressed in their feel-good best. So let's do it again!

What has been a favorite outfit of yours? What have you worn recently (or from recent memory) that has made you feel fantastic? Was it a special occassion piece that you'll keep forever, the never-fail dress that helped snag you a boyfriend,  the best skirt in the world that loves your figure back, a dear gift from a loved one, or just a not-so-plain-ole "it's Thursday" ensemble that had you strutting it down the cubicle aisle feeling good?

Send me your outfit pic along with a short descriptor of why your outfit is one of your faves. Include outfit deets and a link back to your original post, if you like. Post will go up on Wednesday, March 16, so please send me your stuff by Tuesday evening! Shoot your stuff over to me at respecttheshoes(at)live.com.

Thanks for keeping this reader feature going, I always love seeing what you gals submit!

Falling Down the Fashion Hole

As you saw yesterday, all outfits can't be winners - or at least we don't always feel 100% about our outfits, yet still put them on, and still survive the day. And as you see today, I'm trying crops again, except I'm going for broke this time. And I know that all trends are not for everyone, but I've been not-so-subliminally sold on the whole slouchy - glorified Hammer - cropped trouser look for months now and finally had to bite when these pants popped up in my size during the last big Crew sale. So, can't touch this, ladies, 'cause I'm too legit.

This is my Lisa Attempts Man Repeller (Wrong) Gone Country look:

Notice the steely-eyed concentration of "these pants DO work for me."

Top: Lands' End Canvas gingham poplin (worn here before - similar here)

Pants: J. Crew jersey curator (now on sale if you can find them - similar here and here)

Necklace: Crewlet pearl cluster (similar here or here)

Bracelet: J. Crew abacus (similar here)

Shoes: UO Kimchi Blue wingtip (worn here before - similar w/bow here) 

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In keeping with taking cues from others and my affinity to not the healthiest eating, I saw this post recently for a delectable pizza and runny egg treat so immediately I had to recreate it. Except I didn't have the dough. And didn't want to run out to the store. And couldn't even be bothered with turning on the oven. But was hungry for dinner, so I still plowed forth.

And I end up with my Lisa Shortcuts Her Way Through Cupcakes & Cashmere's Breakfast Pizza kinda-recipe:

1pc frozen or fresh naan
1 egg
1 scallion
1-2 slices bacon
shredded cheese: parm, cheddar, mozzarella, whatever you've got

Lightly spray pan with Pan or use light oil, preheating on the stove in medium heat. When pan is warm, put on naan, top side down - let heat through and toast for 1-2 minutes. Flip naan and sprinkle shredded cheese on top - heat bottom for 2 minutes until cheese start melting and bottom is toasted to your liking. Remove naan from heat.

Using same pan, spray some more Pan or use oil or butter. Crack an egg and fry it. Meanwhile, wrap bacon in paper towels and "cook" in microwave on high for 2 minutes - check for doneness and heat for additional 30 second intervals if needed to get to desired consistency.

Flip egg over gently to cook all the whites and then remove from heat and lay it on the naan. Crumble bacon on top. Chop up scallion and scatter on top of that. Sprinkle with pepper if desired. Takes less than 10 minutes in total and still yummy.

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And to round everything out for the impending weekend (TGIF!), here are some cool giveaways this week brought to you by some of our fave blogees:

♦  Kristina J is giving away a $30 gift card to Anthropologie. Contest ends today!

♦  Kimberly from Fashion Momma is giving away a $25 gift card of your choice from select retailers, plus loads of other goodies. Contest also ends today.

♦  Roxy from Effortless Anthropologie is giving away a butterscotch twist cowl from Jill Lauren. Contest ends March 6.

♦  BonBon Rose Girls has two giveaways going - one for a Plank yoga mat ending March 6, and one for a $75 gift certificate to CSN Stores ending March 8.

♦  Fashion Meets Food is giving away a cortez dress from Shabby Apple. Contest ends March 7.

♦  Miss Mallory is giving away away a $15 gift certificate to CSN Stores. Contest ends March 7.

♦  Tippy from Tres Tippy is giving away a $45 gift certificate to CSN Stores. Contest ends March 8.

♦  Lisa from Confessions of a Call Center Gal is giving away your choice of any Perricone MD product worth up to $150. Contest ends March 8.

♦  Tieka from Selective Potential is giving away an ASOS cape, courtesy of Magpie Girl. Contest ends March 8.

♦  Kathryn and Carol from In Pursuit of Pretty Things is giving away a $100 gift card to Anthropologie. Contest ends March 9.

♦  Shea from Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique is giving away a $45 gift certificate to CSN Stores. Contest ends March 9.

♦  Jessica from What I Wore is giving away two Michael Kors trench coats. Contest ends March 10.

♦  Debby from Inspired Design is giving away a revival tassel necklace from Stella & Dot. Contest ends March 10.

♦  Justine from Fetching Fashions is giving away a $25 gift certificate to Apothica. Contest ends March 11.

♦  Dea from the dea diaries is giving away a $100 gift certificate to Shopbop. Contest ends March 11.

♦  Marilou from Twenty York Street is giving away two tickets to Ottawa Fashion Week. Contest ends March 15.

♦  Tara from Little Girl Big Closet is giving away three gift cards to Anthropologie, worth $50, $25 and $25. Contest ends March 20.

♦  SewPetiteGal is giving away three pearl ribbon necklaces. Contest ends March 24.

♦  Really Petite is giving away two $100 gift cards to AT Loft and a jewelry from Loft for a third winner. Contest ends April 1.