New Clothes, New Ways

The past couple of days have been fun but busy.  On Friday, I went to the Houston Galleria with some of my favorite girls, and I decided, why not try something refreshing and new?  I had bought this cardigan several weeks ago in the clearance section of NY & Company.  It was definitely a little big for me, but I thought, I’ll have to make it work somehow.  I gave it a go as a dress, how does it look? :)

Beige Piped Boyfriend Cardigan [NY & Company – $9], White Plastic Aviators [Claire’s – $o.50], Gold Pearl Drop Leaf Earrings [H&M/Gift From Jen], Gold Pearl Chain Necklace [Claire’s – $1], Black Lace Cami [Old Navy – $5], Vintage Black Gold Plated Belt [Mom’s Hand-Me-Downs], Black Tights [Target – $6], Black Peep Toe Patent Heels [KMart – $12]

With my favorite photographer, Kay. :)  Isn’t her top and bag adorable?

It’s My Birthday…

…and I can dress however I want to.

Actually, it was my birthday yesterday, but for the sake of the reference. :)  My wonderful suitemates took me to Chloe Dao’s Fall 2009 fashion show at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Houston.  The theme was “Destruction, Death, and Rebirth”, and the night was filled with pretty outfits – not only worn by the models.  It’s nights like these I wish I had an SLR camera.  My point-and-shoot and not the best position in the crowd lead to some pretty bad shots.  Nevertheless, here are some of my favorite looks:

And what was I wearing, you ask?  Something crazy, of course!  I bought this skirt a while ago at Forever 21 and had absolutely no idea when I was going to wear it.  Yesterday was totally one of the best opportunities to. :)

Along with my always polished and fashionable suitemate. :)
White Plastic Aviators [Claire’s – $0.50] Flower Earrings [China] White S/S Ruffle Blouse [5-7-9 – $3.50] Green Taffeta Ruffle Skirt [Forever 21 – $12] Navy and Pink Polka Dot Ruffle Pumps [Payless – $7.50]

Dear Clothes…

You are so much more than just a piece of fabric that I choose to keep me decent and warm everyday.  This weekend, I learned that you pretty much make me who I am.  One day, I’ll reject you, but the next, you might just be the one I’m looking for.  That’s the weird kind of relationship we have.  It’s sad to say that you’ve taken up such a big part of my life, but with all the money, thought, and selection I’ve gone through with you – it’s fair to say that you’re one of the most important things to me.  You’re my second skin – rip you away from me, and I’d be better off half dead.

In the past few days, I realized how stingy I can be with my clothes.  Now, I’m the type of person that’ll share pretty much anything with anyone, especially my close friends.  When my suitemate asked to borrow some stuff for a party, I, of course, initially had no issues lending it to her.  But as I thought about it more and more, I just felt so much less of an individual.  My wardrobe is me…bits and pieces of me.  Each item has memor(ies) associated with it, and when seen on another person, it no longer feels as if I own them.  Perhaps I’m completely overreacting, but any of you fashionistas out there feel the same way?

But, I got it all solved.  I tried to come off as not bitchy as possible, and of course, her being the understanding friend she is, took it all rather well.  I’m glad we’re able to have this kind of friendship.  Now, for some pieces of “individuality” (although I admit, not too much thought went into this outfit), here’s some pictures for y’all.

brown boyfriend cardigan [mandee – $9], cream embroidered tank [wetseal – $5], brown braided belt [wetseal – $7.50], olive green corduroy shorts [walmart – $5], brown hemp charm necklace [claire’s – $1], hunter green mary jane heels [payless – $10]

P.S.  Jen’ll probably kill me for posting this…but here’s a fun fact on the topic of individuality.  Back in 8th grade, she had started sketching her own (short-lived) fashion line by the name of individuality. :)

Colors, colors, and more colors!

Thanks to the wonderful Kay I’ve got some more pictures today. :)  After finishing all most of my work in the past three days, I decided it was time to take a break, do something fun, and get dressed up a little. :)  To accommodate my good mood, I thought, why don’t I just pile on all the brights I own?

I had several questions as to why I was so dressed up/if I was going anywhere.  I’m going to take that as a sign of I haven’t been dressed up enough – though there have been several people around campus that have noticed me from far away because I’m one of the few girls that wears heels pretty much everyday.  So, I’ll have to kick it up a notch in dressing up. :)

I suppose I liked the angle of this shot…almost looks like I’m hiding behind the tree, no?I chose this picture for Jen, as proof to how much running up 5 flights of stairs everyday several time can do to my previously very flabby legs.  Only the rest of my body is unproportionately flabby now…

Closeup of my jewelry.  Inspired by my suitemate Eva, I’ve become a cocktail ring girl. :)

neon orange necklace [claire’s], turquoise & black kanga dress [a’gaci – $5], yellow geometric belt [5-7-9 – $5], orange pumps [payless – $10], red heart cocktail ring [forever 21 – $4], black jeweled flower cocktail ring [charlotte russe – $4]

Temptation.

So, before work today, I made a quick run around the mall to shop for some things I need.  Judging by the fact that I’ve been shopping all summer, need doesn’t seem to be the right word to use.  But, I have neglected to get summer footwear…yes, I haven’t managed to get a pair of decent flipflops or gladiator sandals until now.  Also, with the popularity of these lariat necklaces and bright statement ones, I couldn’t help but pass up on the Buy 10 for $10 deal at Claire’s.
I promise some jewelry pictures soon, but for now, my new comfy shoes!

Nadia Ring Sling, $12.99

Skipper Canvas Fringe Sandal, $8.00

I took this picture several days ago, and thought to myself, if I wore this on a date, I’d scare my date away with all the romanticism in the outfit!  Anyway, here’s the pic!

ivory lace tie-back shirt [kohl’s – $5], rose crossback bubble dress [wetseal – $15], red patent belt [a’gaci – came with dress], metallic cutout platforms [target – $7]

Okay, so last part of this multi-function entry!  I was at work today when I realized we had so many more markdowns on handbags!  My mom really needs to retire her little shoulder-strap handbag that I bought for her when I was…12…that now only 12-year-0lds and my mom, carry.

It looks better in person, the material.

In black and khaki, which color?

Similar to above, only different style.

Also in Black and Khaki.

After weighing the Pros and Cons of each bag, which is really function vs. style – Bag 1 is a zipper-close while Bag 2 is a snap-close, Bag 2 looks more stylish than Bag 1.  Opinions?  (These handbags come to about $12.00 with my discount! :))