Sneaks and Dresses

{ dress: C+ C via Fox's // belt: borrowed from a different dress // cardi: Old Navy, via sister // sneaks: Converse // earrings: gift from hubs }

I'm digging the sneakers-with-dresses look lately. Keeps things from looking too dainty, which is something I find I fall into too often when wearing dresses and cardigans. The cardigan is actually neon yellow, which I inadvertently documented while trying and failing to take a picture of my faux updo (bobby pins are my new best friend):

hello, myspace.

Waldo

{tee: C&C California // skirt: F21 // flats: Sam & Libby // bag: Anne Klein // necklaces: H&M }

The end of the semester has arrived, which means I'm holed up in my carrel in the library, dreaming of a day like last Friday (Slight lies. I got home an hour ago. Which is still pretty darn late). Sun, stripes, handing in a 52-page rough draft on the way to signing a new lease and a brief shopping jaunt? Be still, my heart.

A Fancy-Schmancy Affair

 

 {dress: Ross // shoes: J. Renee via Zappos // earrings: F21}

On Saturday night we headed out to my friend Avishai's for a dressed-up farewell party. Hubs whipped out the tux and I opted for this bright little number which I snagged at Ross for under $20. I'm slightly obsessed with the puffed shoulders, boatneck and contrasting belt.

Yesterday I successfully co-ran my first day-long conference, and subsequently watched 6 episodes of Mad Men. Because moderation is for wimps.

Modern and Modest: Connecting to God in Everyday Life

Today's Modern and Modest post features Allie, who has recently incorporated a stricter interpretation of modesty into her personal practice. Her last answer, in particular, offers an interesting challenge to modest style bloggers: "Is talking about your clothes/body all the time modest?" Read on to learn about her modesty.

1. What does "modesty" mean to you? Why do you choose to dress modestly? Modesty means covering things I feel more comfortable not sharing with the world and showing things that I do feel comfortable sharing. This relates to clothes but also to information and other parts of my life. It's also a way for me to feel more connected to God in everyday life.


2. What are your personal modesty restrictions? Describe a daily look. Are there places where modesty doesn't apply or situations in which the rules change (ie: your bedroom, your home, the beach, with your spouse, with family)? I generally only wear skirts (although this is more because I think pants shopping is the definition of Hell than of any modesty conviction) that cover within 2 inches or so of my knees (or longer). I cover my shoulders (ie. at least a t-shirt, no tank tops) and try not to show cleavage (although this doesn't always happen). I also wear something on my head any time I'm out of the house. The rules don't apply with just my fiancee around. I also modify one rule slightly at the beach: the shoulders one. I have a tankini with a wonderful knee-length swimming skirt and a swim cap that I wear to the beach.


3. Do you dress in a typical style for your religious community, if you are part of one? If not, how does your style differ? How do you feel about members of your religious community who choose to dress differently? No- my religious community is notorious for not agreeing on anything, so some dress more conservatively than I do, but most dress much less so.



4. Have your modesty standards changed over time? How so? I didn't worry much about them until a year or so ago. Since then, I started out very strict and have modified them as I go along.


5. Do you find modesty empowering, restrictive, or somewhere in between? Is it something about which you feel passionate? Both. When it's forced, modesty is always restrictive. Also, I think, when it doesn't match up with your internal beliefs, even if it's a choice, it's restrictive. However, I think when it's a personal calling, it can be very empowering!

   [W]hen it doesn't match up with your internal beliefs, even if it's a choice, it's restrictive. However, I think when it's a personal calling, it can be very empowering!



6. How do you balance your personal style with modesty requirements? Are the two the same? My personal style seems to gel quite well; it's the fashion industry's style that's difficult. That's why I'm learning to sew!

Later, Gator

{tee: sister's // cardigan: Joe Fresh // skirt: Ross // sweater tights: Hue // shoes: mommed // scarf: mommed }

Recently I've been reaching for an easy pairing of tee shirt + pencil skirt + cardigan. As a grad student, I tend to aim for a polished-but-not-formal look, one that says "I'm not an undergrad, even if I look 15" while simultaneously lending serious comfort for mornings at the library, afternoons in class and the endless schlepping of books to and fro.

Interview on Jewesses With Attitude

 {via}

If you'd like to hear my thoughts on modesty, the Modern and Modest series and this blog in general, click over to Jewesses With Attitude (the Jewish Women's Archive blog) for an interview.

Among the Cherry Blossoms

{striped hoodie tee: Vintage Havana // white pencil skirt: Anthropologie // red flats: gift from former coworker // flowered bag: Anne Klein via Century 21 // lace earrings: gift from hubs // sunnies: H&M}

A few weeks ago, hubs and I ventured out to Long Island City (contrary to the name, it is located in Queens) to celebrate the warm weather and work-free day at the Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park. After soaking up some rays and culture, we topped off our afternoon with some local brews at a nearby outdoor bar, a trip to my favorite, Trader Joe's, and a movie on the couch. Pretty much my perfect day.

Pictured here: the latest weapon in the grown-out-pixie arsenal. I've been braiding my "bangs" back into a sort of french braid at my hairline, dusting with a touch of hairspray to keep wisps at bay, and bobby-pinning for stability. Totally loving this trick, which lasts all day (and sometimes stays through a night's sleep for the next).

In other news, the holiday of Passover is nigh, which means our apartment has never been cleaner. We spent last night vacuuming, scrubbing, going through bags and pockets and otherwise ridding ourselves of crumbs. Tonight, we tackle the kitchen: clearing out all non-Passover food products from the fridge, scouring the oven and stovetop, and koshering the sink. Nothing like the fear of God to motivate cleaning.