Colorblock

I know that I am borderline channeling a cruise ship director here, but it being spring break season, what better time to break out some bold and bright solids? All I need is a clipboard and megaphone (do people still use megaphones, or am I behind the times?) and I'm ready! All aboard for colorblocking! 

 

Jacket: Anthropologie Coquille cobbled lanes

Top: Ann Taylor silk (similar patterned here or solid here)

Skirt: Anthropologie Odille drawing parallels (worn here before - similar midi here)

Shoes: Bandolino peep-toe bow (worn here before - similar here or here)

Shoe clip worn as brooch: Lilywinkel via Etsy (worn here before)

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Pacey wants you to know that in honor of it being Tuesday, it is time for the next Respect the Outfits reader feature! This time, at my pup's request because she wants proof that she is not the only pet made to wear funny pins and to pose in front of a shiny flashing box, we're going to feature You & Your Pets (check out the last reader/pets feature here)!

Send in an outfit pic with you and your adorable animal(s) - tell me your outfit details, your pet name and your blog link, if applicable. And it doesn't have to be a specific new outfit/pet pic either - if you have a great fashionable pic of you and your dog/cat/snake/fish/hamster/ant farm, send it in! We all love checking out each other's great style and cuddly companions!

Feature will go up next Thursday, May 5, so please send me your pics by Wednesday evening! Pics can be sent to respecttheshoes(at)live.com. Thanks for keeping this great feature going, ladies!

A Girl Today

Doing makeup, hair, nails, fluffing pillows and knowing where to place a vase, eating little half sandwiches with a side of salad for lunch ... these are a few of things I am completely inept at.

I grew up as a baby of the family, but by my birth - I was a total accident by the way, but that's a story for another post and after many beers - my big sis was already firmly established as the "girl" of the family. She was the tall slender one with the perfect skin and hair. And as she got older, she mastered all the fine arts of being a girl's girl - she was, and still is, always perfectly attired (if Emma Pillsbury and Rachel Zoe had an asian fashion baby, my sis would be it), instinctively knew how to apply makeup and play up her glossy locks, and could give Martha Stewart a run for her money in the decor department.

As for little ole Lisa on the other hand ... well, my mom cut my hair real short when I was little and permed it, then dressed me up in overalls and little striped polos. My dad taught me tennis - and gardening - and how to fix a sink. When I decided to give up ballet and piano at an early age, no one batted an eye. When I took up lacrosse, I got a big thumbs up. Through high school, I only cared if jeans fit in the waist and inseam and my introduction to J. Crew was the men's collection (remember the wool rollnecks?) When I stuff my face with a double cheeseburger and chili fries and out-eat most of my guy friends, I don't get a weird look from them anymore. And that's OK and that's just me - I am a little asian bull in a china shop.

 

On the style front though, it took a while for me to find my way. I honestly did not embrace skirts or dresses until after I started blogging just a bit over a year ago. I stayed away from pattern, color and embellishments for about just as long. All the girly accutrements of fashion - accessories, flounce, frill, shine - I am still learning all of that. And colored tights, what is that?!

I spend a lot of money when I go get my hair done every few months because I an inept at doing it well myself and a good cut and color will save me for a few weeks. I rarely do my nails because I am failure at that whole painting within the lines thing. I will get the odd pedi because I don't want to handle my toes, haha. I put on concealer and powder for my face and a light lipgloss-y lipstick because everything else seems to just run down my face. I am just learning the importance of the loofah.

I am a total tomboy at heart and I think you gals can see it come out a bit in my love for plaid and gingham, my general lack of concern towards anything related to beauty. I am fashion latchkey kid, and I've still got a lot of catching up to do.

So what kind of girl are you? What "girly" things do you love, and do you have an inner tomboy?

 

Top: Ann Taylor bib sweater (worn here before - similar here, all-ivory here)
Skirt: Anthropologie Edme & Esyllte circle the globe (worn here before - similar mini here or here)
Belt: J. Crew metallic skinny (similar here)
Shoes: Sofft patent pumps (worn here before - similar here or w/strap here)

Respect the Outfits (Anthro-esque)

Of all the retailers in existence, there are very brands that incite the level of dedication and enthusiasm that I've seen from fellow Anthropologie-lovers. And very few brands that can also bring together a community of enthusiasts from across the continents who share tips, trade clothes, and support each other in styling and life matters.

It is with a heavy heart that most of us also agree that sometimes Anthro can be just a bit out of reach for the ole pocketbook. But the good thing is that we Anthro-lovers are also quite a creative bunch of ladies who know how to put together pieces that can still give us the same eclectic / romantic / retro / precious vibe of the brand we adore.

So diatribe-short, here's this week's Respect the Outfits reader feature: Anthro-esque. The following beautiful ladies have put together a collection of their best Anthro-inspired looks from shopping their closets - and wearing little-to-no Anthro - reiterating yet again that our wallets do not dictate getting the look we want!

♥  Callandra from Petite Early Morning Style (see more of Callandra rocking her look here):

Bodysuit: No idea / Blouse: F21 Thrifted / Skirt: Loft 2007 / Shoes: Hot Kiss 2005 / Metallic Belt: Ann Taylor 2009 / Bangle Bracelts: F21

♥  Keiko from Keiko's TanPoPo (see more of Keiko rocking her look here):

Top: SM2 (Japan) / Skirt: Forever21 / Shoes: Japan / Necklace&Shoe Clips: TanPoPo (Etsy)

♥  inkmark from Objects of Desire (see more of inkmark rocking her look here):

Cardi: JCREW factory / Top: JCREW Lisette lace shell / Bottom: JCREW Chor Pencil skirt / Shoes: JCREW bow and chain ballet flat

♥  Peggy from She Hath Done What She Could:

Dress: Tucker for Target / Cardi: Plaza Cardi Knockoff from ROSS / Boots: Target Kachiri / Jewelry: Kohls

♥  Meghan :

Dress and Cardigan from Forever 21 / Necklace from New York and Company / Tights from Target / Boots from Sears / Belt from Anthro

♥  Elle from Fast Food and Fast Fashion (see more of Elle rocking her look here):

Dress: BB Dakota / Cardigan: J. Crew

♥  Lisa from Sweet Laundry Loves (see more of Lisa rocking her look here):

Cardigan: Banana Republic / Blouse: Gap (hand me down) / Jeans: Fidelity / Boots: Browns Shoes / Earrings: H&M

♥  Jen from vintageglammz (see more of Jen rocking her look here):

Dress: Target Australia / Belt: Paddy's Markets Sydney / Shoes: Topshop

♥  JG from Stuff Jewish Girls Like:

Top: TJ Maxx / Skirt: Gap / Belt: Forever 21 / Jeggins: JC Penny / Rainboots: Dav via Ideeli / Umbrella: Coach / Jewelry: J.Crew + Bat Mitzvah gift!

♥  Lisa from Confessions of a Call Center Gal:

Skirt - DownEast Basics (inspired by Anthro's Scalloped Clouds Skirt) / Top - Forever 21 / Cardi - Target

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Lastly, here's me! I probably didn't need the shoe clips, but I was all about pushing the spring vibe:

Jacket: J. Crew marled thandie (similar here or lighter here)

Top: Ann Taylor ribbon tank (similar embellished here or only kinda sim, but gorgeous here)

Skirt: H&M (now in stores - similar mini here or -ish luxe here or camel here)

Tights: Anne Klein

Shoes: Nine West Temani patent wedges (worn here before - similar here or here)

Shoe clips: Lilywinkel via Etsy (worn here before)

Quirky Pleather

I watched All About Steve last night, which is a movie starring Sandra Bullock as a socially-awkward crossword "constructor" who becomes infatuated with a news cameraman and follows him across the country because she believes he likes her. The movie was kind of meh-worthy, but I'm a big fan of Sandra in general and thought she knew how to rock a pair of red go go boots (partly the reason why my new rain boots are the same shiny hue).

It also got me thinking about how everyone has their own character traits that could be considered different by other people - quirks or eccentricities. Things that may not be understood or even liked by other people, by that help to define who we are and how we're unique. Three cheers for quirks!

My personal quirks? Do we have all day? When I drink milk, it must be very very cold and I will chug it because I don't want the off chance of it turning even a tiny bit not icy cold. I always have a pen in my purse - always. I enjoy food prep, I find it soothing. I don't like having loose items in my purse - they are always in a pocket or in a satchel inside my purse. I have chronic foot-in-mouth syndrome and a truck driver's sense of humor. I not-so-secretly want to live in loungewear, all the time (thank you for your super-cute sweatshirts and hoodies, Anthro). I sometimes talk to myself in public. I laugh at inappropriate situations. I chew on my lips sometimes. I enjoy shoulder dancing and bursting out into spontaneous boogie-ing except in an actual environment meant for dancing. I read historical fiction and am addicted to King Arthur mythology (is that quirky or just plain nerdy ...). I will correct people if they say "in regards to". I look at the Anthro and J Crew sites daily for updates (but I don't think I'm alone there, am I). I have a stuffed sheep named Sheep and until Pacey, she was a bedtime buddy. I think I am a ninja - because I am one. I like using humor to overcome my general awkwardness. I don't eat things that look like they've already been chewed: oatmeal, applesauce, cottage cheese. I tend to be more sympathetic towards animals than people. I incessantly make lists and enjoy crossing "projects" off. I will only eat Cheese Nips - no bobo brands and definitely no Cheez-Its (I can taste the difference - don't try to fool me, people). I obsessively look over my written documents to make sure things are spaced correctly - I am a formatting fiend (do you know how many times I hit "preview" on Blogger for a post?) When I eat, I always eat the least-favorite items first, saving the best bite for last. I am going to stop there.

☻ ☺ ☻ ☺

This is an outfit I wore briefly yesterday - for about two hours to prance around the house in. What I actually wore through most of yesterday (heck, the past two days) consisted of Uggs, skinnies, a tee and a fleecie, all the better to be able to walk the dog in, because that is all the getting outside I've been able to do these past few days. Is the whole dressing "just to dress" thing considered another quirk?

Do you gals have any personal quirks or eccentricities you care to share? I'm not alone in quirky-dom am I? ;o)

Top: Ann Taylor jeweled bib (worn here before - similar-ish here or here in black or just necklace here)

Sweater: Gap (worn here before - similar online here)

Skirt: H&M pleather (worn here before - now in stores, or similar here in brown or dress version here)

Belt: J. Crew metallic skinny (similar here)

Tights: F21 (similar here)

Shoes: Madden Girl tweed herringbone (worn here before - similar here)

Gloriously Inglorious

Top: J. Crew Evie blouse (worn here and here before - similar-ish online here)

Sweater: Forever 21 (worn here before)

Skirt: Ann Taylor pleated tweed (similar online here or here)

Tights: Target

Shoes: Aldo Currie (worn here and here before - similar online here and here)

Fashion blogging has been a styling revelation for me, because not only has it given me the courage to wear pieces outside of my comfort zone, but I've found innumerable real-life fashion inspirations in my fellow bloggers. This has been incredibly helpful in the way I see how to put clothes together and how to wear them, especially since I've never been able to extract the same sort of inspiration before from the styleboards of yore (aka fashion mags, pop culture, movies/TV, etc.).

Until that is, I watched Glorious 39. It is a BBC film about a well-to-do political family in 1939 Britain as Hitler is gaining power in Europe and another war looms. But the movie is really besides the point, because all I really cared about were those gorgeous period costumes.

{images courtesy of A Plus B in the Sea}

The plot was actually quite meh-worthy, but I've never watched a movie or TV show before this that actually made me want a character's entire wardrobe and had me scratching my head in my closet trying to figure out how to recreate her look (not even The Devil Wears Prada, because all I did through that film was drool over the Chanel boots and think of how squat, frizzy-headed and unclacker-like I was - ah, good times). My outfit today is (hopefully) my modern, more casual interpretation of the character Anne Keyes' chic English style.

So how about you? Have you ever watched a film or show that fashionably-inspired you to dress a certain way? If so, what was it?

Cause I Am Barely Breathing

I guess it is the extreme time change in coming home again, but I'm having a hard time getting back to the groove of things this week. Between closing things out from last week's conference, a mondo expense report, millions of minutia items, laundry, and two more events coming up in the next few weeks, I feel sooooo swamped.

However, it is so nice to have my full closet back at my disposal and my snuggly own warm bed! And as much as I enjoy trying new things and eating Chinese food, there's no substitute for a down-home fried chicken or greasy thin-crust pizza craving. And my own BF to hug and laugh with (even though all he's interested in doing lately is conquering the new Call of Duty: Black Ops game - sigh, boys).

After you've been away from home for a bit, what do you most look forward to when coming back?

Top: Forever 21 H81 brushed plaid (worn here and here before)

Sweater: Ann Taylor marled wool shrug

Skirt: J. Crew wool bungalow (on sale at Factory store - or longer version online here)

Tights: Anne Klein

Shoes: Vince Camuto Bronco (worn here and here before)

Necklace: J. Crew crystal cylinder

+++

I do still plan to do another Respect the Outfits post this week though - for Friday. Since it was such a fun post seeing everyone's blog photo "bloopers," we're going back to Outtakes! So pretty please send me your best blog photo outtakes by late Thursday and I'll be putting up another post on Friday with you gals rockin' your finest gear and funniest pics.

Pics can be sent to: respecttheshoes (at) live.com.

The Navy Household

Here's me today, copying a recent look from myself:

Top: Ann Taylor cotton voile ruffled (worn here before)

Skirt: Zara elastic-waist (worn here and here before)

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks Edamame (worn here, here and here before)

I'm currently a little miffed at the BF. And I'm probably too passive aggressive about it, because I doubt he knows I'm kind of upset with him. What's the reason, you ask?

Something completely ridiculous, of course - household chores. Meaning I do them and he doesn't. We're both adults who've been living together for a few years now and both have full times jobs. However, I think he subconsciously believes that it is my duty to do the chores (partly because he grew up in a traditional southern family where his mom worked full time, raised two kids and did all the home chores and the cooking - and partly because I am a little uptight about keeping the house clean and figure it is easier for me to just pick up the socks than to have to ask someone else to do it).

So what's the best way about things when you've got two people with two different ideas of responsibility and neatness? We've talked about it, but I don't think anything sticks on his side. A tidy home is just not a priority for him. And I do believe I am just as much as fault because I do baby him by doing all the chores and I am a wee bit anal about how the chores should be done.

And rationalization of things aside, here's me whining: if I don't initiate the cleaning, we may very well end up in a sty because there will be dirty glasses all over the place, the floors will be crunchy and sticky to no end, the bed sheets will never ever be washed, and the laundry will be done only when every last sock and pair of boxers are dirty ... and he's got loads of socks and boxers. When the BF lived alone, his kitchen trash can was a 55 gallon rubber bin, his clean clothes lived in a pile on top of his washer while his dirties lived in a pile on the floor in the bathroom, and he wore shoes or slippers all the time because he didn't want to touch the floor. Oh come on!!!!!

Hopefully I'm not alone in this predicament. Do you and your significant other have problems regarding how to run your household? How do you gals work around these issues to find a happy medium?

Checkered Floral

Ugh, I think my hair is officially getting to gnat's nest stage, which means I'm a few weeks overdue for a hair cut. How is it my hair can go from "great cut and color" to "what the-?!" seemingly overnight?

I usually hate to go to the salon because sitting in a chair making small talk for two hours is booooring, plus I feel guilty because recently I've been "cheating" on my stylist with another stylist from the same salon. So yes, I do plan my appointments on the days when my original stylist is off so I can see the new gal. I feel bad because my original stylist and I had kind of bonded - I know all about her family and goings on, and we always catch each other up when we see each other ... but let's face it, the other stylist does better hair. Is there some sort of salon etiquette for changing stylists?

Anyway, here's my today (yes, I wore almost the exact same outfit before):

Shirt: Lands' End Canvas poplin gingham (worn here, here and here before)

Skirt: Ann Taylor (worn here before)

Belt: J. Crew metallic skinny

Shoes: Sofft Giovanna

Here was me all casual'd out for some weekend shopping. Can you believe I didn't buy anything at the mall? OK, I did go home and order the Brief Meeting blazer online - what am I going to do once free shipping at Anthro ends?! (I seriously refuse to pay shipping for anything clothing-related. I know I'm weird, but it bugs me out!)

Top J. Crew Island paisley perfect (worn here before)

Shorts: Banana Republic cotton chino

Shoes: DVF Lush flip flops

Bag: J. Crew quilted tote

And below was my dress for date night out with the BF over the weekend. I had already made a mental note that this dress is a wee too short for work - well, I have added another note that it may be a wee too short for cocktails too, especially after cocktails! 

Dress: Forever 21 silk solid flora (worn here before)
Belt: J. Crew metallic skinny
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Swim n Fool (worn here before)

Medieval Schoolgirl

My BF is a lucky duck and he flew out yesterday to go to Prague on business (you don't even need to say it, I am already thinking it). Lucky for me, his trip is a short one and he'll be back in time for us to spend our extended weekend together.

He did leave it to me though, to plan some local outings for us when he gets back, so we don't just waste another weekend with mindlessness, so I am excited about that ... except that I don't know of any fun outings (I need to go to Anthro to return something - does that count?).

I ended up doing some light online searching and seems like there's a Jazz Festival going on (jazz is kind of meh for me) ... and ... and a Renaissance Festival? Is that for-reals? Like bestill my fluttering true medieval nerdy King Arthur DOES exist heart - or just gaggles of two-bit Robin Hood wannabes carting cotton candy in a plastic tub?

Can any of you gals in the ATL area recommend any cool day trips or events going on this weekend?

Here's my OOTD. Not sure how I am feeling about this look - it seems a little too sweet for me, but I do like the top (thanks, sis) and am wearing my almost-never-leaving-my-feet sandals. Is it because this outfit mildly reminds me of a schoolgirl uniform?

Baubly.

Top: Ann Taylor jeweled bib sweater
Skirt: J. Crew cotton striped (worn here and here before)
Belt: Anthropologie Infinity
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Pine-A-Colada

99 Red Balloons

It's almost the weekend, ladies!

And I'm especially super-duper excited about this one coming up because it means I get to go home and see the parents and my big sis and her family! Technically I'll still be working, but I haven't been home since the holidays and it'll be great to see everyone - and the City! Oh the distractions ...

I did some more psuedo-pattern mixing today (because aren't stripes almost like a solid nowadays?) and felt cheery all day, despite the heat and having to put on jeans and sneaks for part of the day for some work-related haulage. For me, I think red is becoming the new blue.

Here's the long-asked question - do the colors you wear affect your mood, or does your mood affect the colors you wear? Or is that pretty much the same question?

Top: Forever 21 striped (can't find online anymore - check stores / also see the black version on Maria and Liz)
Skirt: Ann Taylor cotton (worn here before)
Belt: The Limited woven leather (worn here before)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Pine A Colada
Bag: Urban Outfitters woven pleather clutch (I've only seen this in-stores)
Necklace: J. Crew ribbon glass bead

My recent purchase from Forever 21. I know their QA isn't the most awesome, but it is kind of cool that for

the same money of one slubby knit top from Anthro, I can get all of this ...

(Love is Like a) Heat Wave

So here I am at Post 99 - and four months blogging! That's not a super-long time, but I am surprised every day that I am continuing to blog and that you gals read and follow me. Thanks again for the great support and I'll be coming back with a giveaway shortly to celebrate my 100-ish post. I write "-ish" because let's face it, sometimes I can be a lazy bunny. 

And here's my OOTD - BF took one look at me and said "that's cutting it close." So I think I am border-line with the pattern mixing here, but kind of felt good today. Because it was all about the shorts.

What do you ladies think? Way too busy, or does it work? I waivered back and forth dependent on the time of the day and glimpses into the bathroom mirror.

So flattering ... me bustin' a groove to the music in my head. I was feeling it. Apparently.

Crazy pattern mixing? Maybe ...

Top: Ann Taylor cotton voile ruffled
Sweater: J. Crew shawl-collar fleece cardigan
Shorts: Anthropologie Hei Hei Heatwave
Shoes: Indigo by Clarks Edamame