Spots and Stripes

I'll get to this outfit in a mo, but I am still thinking about the salad I had last night (and need to share): feta, mint, sauteed strips of zucchini, tomato. Can you say yum? Now that our areogarden is back up and running, I see variations of this popping up in dinners this week.Perhaps with some basil added in. Is your stomach rumbling yet? 

*  maroon and grey striped tee-- C+C * grey grandpa cari-- H&M * polka dotted pencil skirt-- Corelynn Calter * brown tights-- Hue * brown boots-- Studio Polini * gold studded belt-- ebay * floral earrings-- H&M * cream knit hat-- H&M *

I love this outfit, minus the boots, which seem a little heavy for the light fun of the rest. I'm sticking to my new pencil skirt resolution-- this was purchased from Century 21 for $25. It could use a bit of taking in at the sides, but the length is an added bonus. 

On another note- I've been getting loads of formspring questions lately about other aspects of life than style-- religion, family, hobbies, my interest in academia. Would you like regular posts about any of these issues? I imagined this originally as a daily style blog, but am totally open to broadening the scope slightly to include themes of interest (apologies to my little sister, who gets angry when I post anything but what I'm wearing that day.)

Sunday Best 2.27

It is Sunday... and that means...

Time to show me your favorite outfit of the week!

All it takes are three easy steps:

1. Click on the linkytools widget below ("Click here to enter.")

2. Paste your url when prompted. It pulls your image for you! No work involved

3. Leave a comment telling me why this look was special.

If you want to show off your Sunday Best on your blog, grab the code on the sidebar for the button.

Ready, set, share!

 

Roaring '20s

Last night, we had a costume party at the museum. I love a good opportunity to dress up, and this was no exception. Other than staying at work until 12:20, it was a blast! Don't worry, I took the day off today to recuperate.

* dress- borrowed from coworker with amazing vintage closet * "slip" underneath-- H&M black jersey dress* bobbed wig-- random beauty supply store near Herald Square * lace headband-- Lohemann's * pearls-- thrifted, gifted by great-uncle * cameo necklace-- F21 * moxie-- all mine *

Like a good historian, I carefully researched makeup trends of the '20s. I went full-on flapper, with Clara Bow lips , bright pink cheeks and heavy kohl'd eyes. More than the dress or the wig, I think the makeup was the most transformative part of the outfit.

Do you go all out for costume-required occasions? What was your best costumed look?

I'm a Lady

You may be thinking: Again? Nina, come on. Give the sweater a rest. But when the warm weather tease ended as abruptly as it came, I reached for my go-to cozy: this ridiculously comfortable F21 number.

* white tissue tee-- Rebecca Beeson * black and white nubby sweater-- F21 * grey circle skirt-- good question * grey tights-- Hue * giraffe print pumps-- Via Spiga * brown belt-- H&M * cameo necklace--gift from Mom * chandelier earrings-- Express *

Rather than pairing it with a bold color, as I've done here and here, I decided to go monochromatic in order to incorporate a bit of clashing patterns in the shoes. The circle skirt + heels combo felt really ladylike, even if I generally prefer a slim-fitting bottom with a chunky sweater. And welcome to my at-home hair- usually piled atop my head like so. But messier (I had to make it somewhat presentable for y'all.)

Groovy, Baby

If I lived in 1973, I'd probably wear a version of this every day to the office. Pencil skirt + day-glo colored paisley shirt + loud, patterned earrings. Oh, its 2011? And people wear things like jeans and tunics to work? Whoops.

* paisley button down-- Central Park West * yellow cardigan-- J. Crew * black pencil skirt-- Grace Elements * grey tights-- UO * maroon peeptoes-- Franco Sarto * copper belt-- H&M * flowered earrings-- H&M * fuchsia fuzzy hat-- H&M *

Waiting for grad school results to all come out is driving me a bit nuts. But watching The Office has been helping. As has the thought of the present I'll be buying myself when the dust finally settles and I know where I will end up next year. I'm thinking of a nice leather schoolbag, for books and such, but am open to suggestions-- any ideas?

Sunday Best 2.20

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Y'all ready for this?

Time to show me your favorite outfit of the week!

All it takes are three easy steps:

1. Click on the linkytools widget below ("Click here to enter.")

2. Paste your url when prompted. It pulls your image for you! No work involved

3. Leave a comment telling me why this look was special.

If you want to show off your Sunday Best on your blog, grab the code above for the button.

Ready, set, share!

Body Image

 A few shots from last week, when it was still sub-zero (celcius, that is.) Will I ever fall out of love with this sweater? It has definitely been a winter staple, and for only $20, I think I've gotten more than my money's worth.

 * black and white nubby sweater-- F21 * purple pencil skirt-- thrifted * maroon tights-- Hue * maroon peeptoes-- Franco Sarto * shell belt-- H&M * fuschia fuzzy hat-- H&M *

 For today's FBFF, we're talking about Body Image. As always, thanks to Katy for the questions!

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed?
Not in an dramatic way, but I think blogging has increased my confidence in a number of realms. I'm more confident taking style risks, my casual writing skills have certainly grown, and overall, I feel more comfortable in my own skin.

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?
I am self-conscious about my weight. I've gained about 10 pounds since my acid reflux kicked into high gear (I need to eat something every 2 hours, so I munch throughout the day. Carbs are my acid-busting friends.) While I know I am not overweight, I am above my personal normal. I don't really talk about it- if I choose not to exercise and make an effort to lose the weight, I don't feel that I deserve to complain about my clothes fitting a bit tighter.

I've also got the bustline of a surgically-altered call girl, and am pretty conscious about dressing/taking photos from angles that minimize (pun intended) me.


3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?
Hrm. Not too sure, honestly. I feel pretty comfortable now, and I hope that only grows in the future.

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision?
I do-- photograph myself, that is, meaning I take the pictures. On the rare occasion when hubs or a friend has taken shots, I've felt unbearably self conscious. When it is just me, my dishwasher (as a ledge) and my camera, I'm perfectly at ease.

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart? 
There is no one definition of beautiful. The easiest way to feel comfortable is by feeling loved, valued, and attractive, no matter what your dress size or the scale says. 

Spring is in the Air

Spring is here (ish), and I celebrated in full force. Not wearing sweater tights or boots for the first time in months felt pretty delicious. Warm weather, please stick around. I'll bake you cookies if you do.

* cream ruffled shirt-- Paniz * brown lace sweater-- F21 * pink button skirt-- Anthropologie * maroon tights * metallic oxfords-- Boutique 9 * green belt-- H&M * fuchsia fuzzy hat-- H&M *

A few months ago, I spied this skirt on mega sale on Anthro's website for 9.99. I was about to order, but was called to a staff meeting and it was sold out by the time we were through. Thankfully, my awesome coworker snagged it for me later that week while browsing for herself. Love, thy name is a hot pink skirt covered in vintagey buttons.

Pencil

I often end up taking pictures before my outfit for the day is complete. Case in point: I added a black sweater and brown boots instead of the heels to this outfit, and topped it all off with a grey beret. Yesterday was a funny day: got stuck in the bathroom for 20 minutes after my shower, as the door expanded in the steam and didn't want to budge. I gave a tour to a group of 90 hasidic teenage girls at the museum. And then helped cater a small wedding at the museum for a French couple and their close family. Though it wasn't one of my late nights, I was pretty exhausted by day's end.

* nudey pink tee-- H&M * grey sweater skirt--Grace Elements * grey chevron tights * purple pumps-- Via Spiga * copper belt-- H&M * striped scarf-- gift from sister from Israel * cameo brooch (nestled in scarf)-- Target *

Things I realized while wearing this skirt: I felt confident. While I've written about reserving the right to wear things that don't "work" for my curvy shape, I also acknowledge the power that comes from realizing you're wearing exactly what you should be. I've learned a lot about shopping over the past year, between my shopping ban and being reintroduced into consumer society, and am proud to say that I have (mostly) stuck to my resolution to buy only that which I love. But I'm wondering about the balance between what I love in theory, and what I love on me. Is there room in my closet for things that admittedly work better on a different body shape? Should I limit myself to what works for me?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Rawr x2 (Double Leopard)

Continuing with yesterday's theme of slightly outlandish items, I committed a faux pas with this outfit: leopard tights paired with leopard shoes. Felt totally catty all day.

* black tunic-- H&M * grey cardigan-- Express * brown pencil skirt-- Banana Republic * leopard tights-- Hue * leopard flats-- Richard Taylor * spectacles necklace-- H&M * studded belt-- ebay * black fuzzy hat-- H&M *

Why is this taboo, really? I loved how it spiced up the bottom half of this outfit. And am dying to try it with my giraffe pumps. It may be the 73-year-old in me saying this, but bring on the animal print.

And it Was All Yellow, Too

Hello, sad attempt at a heart. Even though we don't do Valentine's Day, the deliciously warm weather (40s) has me feeling the love. As do the red hots my coworker graciously bought for the staff meeting, on which I am currently munching.

* black dress-- Target * grey cardigan-- Express * yellow patterned tights-- some European brand from Century 21, can't recall which * shooties-- DKNY * yellow beret-- Target *

I completely forgot that I owned this dress, worn near-constantly last winter, until I did my major closet cleanup last week. For shame. But at least I rescued it and let it see the light of day again, paired with these sort of crazy tights. While I love the pattern, they do some weird ankle bunching thing, so I've held off on wearing them. This seemed like the perfect outfit for showcasing some bright tights, however, so here they are.

Have you bought any outlandish pieces lately? How are you incorporating them into your daily looks?

Sunday Best 2.13

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Time for some link love. Show me your favorite outfit of the week by linking up in the tool below. Tell me why you loved it in the comments. Want to share Sunday Best with your readers? Grab the button above and show off.

Colors

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away... I'd wake up before hubs and get dressed in the dark. Often, I'd find myself sitting at my desk in the middle of the day, staring at the tights I'd been wearing for hours, suddenly realizing that they were navy instead of black. Nowadays, hubs wakes up between 1-3 hours before me, as he's doing rotations, but I've gotten over my fear of navy tights with black. When dressing down on a day like today, I sometimes reach for my navy cableknit tights for warmth and a bit of mystery-- "Is she really wearing navy tights with that?" Then I spilled tomato sauce all over my clean white tee while cooking up some Moroccan lamb stew, which added to the color confusion. I've got navy and black AND pink and red in one messy outfit. Talk about rule breaking.

* white tee-- Hanes * grey cardigan-- H&M * navy pencil skirt-- American Apparel * navy cableknit tights-- Hue * pewter boots-- Ugg * gold cameo-- gift from Mom * pink scarf-- gift from Dad * black hat-- UO *

 And for today's Friend Friday questions, the topic is: Color.
1. What color dominates your closet?
I have quite a few staple pieces in black (skirts), grey (cardigans) and white (shirts), but I gravitate to a number of colors, most of them deeply saturated-- hot pink, maroon, and deep blue. I love incorporating color into my outfits, and consider a look a success when I don't fall back on black.

2. If money weren't an issue how would you change the color emphasis
in your closet?
I love the colors J. Crew has been putting out-- mustard yellow, chartreuse, burnt umber. I think these deep, rich tones are luxe-looking and unexpected. If money wasn't an issue, I'd have a skirt and cardigan in each of these colors to mix with the maroon and pink I currently own.

3. What is your mantra about mixing colors?
I can't say that I really have a mantra. I generally don't mix more than 2 contrasting colors, and usually incorporate some sort of neutral to keep things from looking clownlike.

4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits?
The easiest way is through solid-colored dresses. I have dresses in green, blue, purple, and just purchased one in red. They're a nice wash of bold color that can be mixed with patterned and other-toned accesories (ie. my favorite look, the dress + scarf + boot combo.) I'm also a fan of the color "pop", in which accessories add much-needed color and interest to a basic look. Like the one above.

5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color
into their wardrobe? 
Franca is the color queen in my book, hands down. I also love the color mixing done by Tania, E. of Academichic, and my new favorite read, Sydney.  

Thanks to Katy for the questions! Fab job, as always.

How do you use color in your wardrobe?

Gingham Dots

Sadly, I was too eager to hop into pajamas when I got home last night to get any pictures of my blazerrific outfit. Tear. But that does mean I get to rewear and document, since if I don't blog it it doesn't exist. Here is an outfit from last week to tide you over.

* gingham blouse-- H&M *  black drapey sweater * polka dotted black skirt-- French Connection * black tights-- Hue * brown boots-- Studio Polini * brown belt-- H&M * gold cameo-- gift from Mom * black fuzzy hat-- H&M *

2 years ago, pattern mixing like this would have been a scary thing. By now, it has become old hat (but like a favorite old hat that you just love to wear.) Black and brown are also total favorites, mostly because I have comfortable brown flat boots and uncomfortable black heeled boots, so I like to get as much mileage out of these as possible. My logic? Throw on a brown belt, and pray that it all works.

Drapery

Today is Blazer Day on Everybody, Everywear but I haven't had a chance to take shots yet. So enjoy yesterday's outfit while dreaming of the blazery goodness yet to come.

* purple tunic dress--H&M * black drapey sweater * black pencil skirt-- American Apparel * black tights-- Calvin Klein * brown riding boots-- Studio Polini * brown studded belt-- ebay  * purple patterned scarf-- gifts from hub's grandmother * gold cameo-- gift from Mom * black hat-- UO *

Yesterday was the first meeting of my Intensive Latin Reading course, so I knew I'd be having a long day. 8 hour workday + 2 hours of Latin grammar = tunic, in my sartoriographic equation. I really love this former dress (shrunken by sister in the dryer) for its easy wearing and bright color. Since I don't wear leggings, this skirt-- essentially a glorified tube top-- comes in handy under voluminous items for a bit of length.

Sunday Best

It's that time again... let me see your best! Link up and share your favorite outfit of the past week. In the comments, you can let me know why this look reigned supreme. And if you'd like, grab the code below to share this Sunday Best button on your blog.

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Winter Flower

I can't be the only one tired of winter. To combat my doldrums, I whipped out the summer gear twice over in this outfit. Hello, white skirt way after Labor Day.

* floral tank-- F21 * camel cashmere tee-- August Silk * white cotton skirt-- Gap * maroon tights-- Hue * red patent wedges-- Target * cream belt-- came with Tahari dress * cream fuzzy flower hat-- H&M *

Today I spent over an hour rearranging my closet. It is so pristine that I may have to wear my pajamas forever so as not to ruin the perfection. Sorry, folks, you may be in for a very uninteresting next few weeks on the blog.

Don't forget-- tomorrow is Sunday Best, so start picking out your favorite outfits of the past week for the linkfest!

Friend Friday: Uniqueness

1. With all the blogging events out there how do you determine which
ones to participate in and which ones to avoid? 

As I've said before, I love the community aspect of blogging. We each live our own discrete lives, but through going through the same process, whether it is limiting our clothing choices for a month or wearing similar items on the same day, we become more than just one individual and one voice. It thrills me to know that I'm wearing breton stripes while going about my regular day-- writing for the museum blog, grabbing a slice of kosher pizza, refreshing grad school results browsers incessantly-- and so are dozens of other people living in different cities, doing different jobs, eating different foods. That said, I only do challenges that work with my life and find interesting and/or fun.
 
2. Be honest, have you ever jumped on the bandwagon of some blogging
movement/event for the wrong reasons? How did that turn out? 

Not really. Like I said, if it is fun, promotes community or interests me, I'm there. If not, sorry.

3. How do you give your own flair to a blog event while still
maintaining the general mission and purpose? 

Since my blog is all about working within restrictions, both religious and budgetary, I don't think I lose myself while doing challenges. While doing the 30x30, I still crafted outfits that fit my style in terms of look and modesty.

4. When determining the best content for your blog what criterion do
you keep in mind? 

I try to stay true to who I am as a person and as a blogger. If something feels off, I won't go with it, no matter how many new followers it brings. The best growth is organic, and the best readers are those who aren't pulled in temporarily by gimmicks.

5. While everything will not suit your blog, how do you try and
support your fellow bloggers who are participating in something
worthwhile but not your style? 

Commenting, tweeting, pom pom rallies in my head (slight exaggeration.)
 

Hoodie to Work?

Yesterday morning was just gross. Icy rain, slush everywhere- the kind of day that makes you want to call in sick but you can't because your coworkers are out. In fact, the only thing that made me feel better about leaving for work was the idea of wearing a comfy hoodie. And so I did.

* black hoodie--H&M * blue tissue tee--Generra * brocade skirt--Kenneth Cole * black fleece tights * black peep toe wedges--Seychelles * multi chain necklace--UO * black bow hat--apparently from UO, gifted by visitor who left it at the museum *

While I loved the idea of this outfit, the sweatshirt was a bit too bulky to be truly successful. If it was more fitted, I do think this would be a great alternative to a pullover and jean skirt for a casual day at the office. And I'd like to give a shoutout to my new readers-- Hi! Welcome! Thanks for following!

I think I just I used up my exclamation point quota for the week. Let the drudgery commence.

Hoodie to work: Ach ja or nicht nicht?

Bedhead

Or more like right after bed head. I hate the feeling of hair in my face, so I generally pin it back as soon as I wake up in a debutante-gone-wrong bouffant. I took photos before I was fully ready with my outfit (topped it off with a fuchsia chapeau), so you all get to see me in my morning glory.

* navy jersey dress-- Target* butterfly cardigan-- Old Navy * blue sweater tights-- Hue * navy flats-- Miz Moos * sky scarf-- courtesy of Brittney's giveaway *

Since I won this fun scarf in Brittney's giveaway, I tried to channel a bit of her fun posing style when I took these pics. I think we can all agree that it works better on her! The scarf is such a vibrant color and incredibly lightweight, and I am really happy to have received it from a new favorite blogger. I was feeling pattern and color happy this day, so I paired it with a colorful patterned cardigan.