Wardrobe Therapy

Wearing the unwearables… MAKE IT SO!

- Mel

That face is one of a woman who is REALLY pissed that her boyfriend packed her camera and tripod doo-hickie. *groan*

iPhone photos it is for a while… we’ll be in the new place by the end of October, so it will be a welcome change of scenery, with many new places to take photos (including my own private patio).

Feeling a little “wild” for a performance of Electra at the Public Theater with some of my fellow Yelpers.

This outfit — consisting of wardrobe items that have spent quite some time in my closet — fit the (play) bill for the theater. That skirt? I owned for nearly four years before FINALLY bringing to the tailor to have it fit properly at my waist.

The result: super comfy style that is fun-meets-classy (yes, I can actually walk 5 blocks in those boots!).

Top: H&M
Skirt: Old Navy
Sweater Shawl (in hand): hand-me-down from my awesome sister (LOVE this cover-up!)
Tights: Gabriel Brothers
Boots: Hmmm… I actually cannot remember. Likely, online (off-brand is “Delicious”)
Necklaces: Claire’s Boutique 

Art Openings: Looking Good! (and scoring the good deals)

- Mel

Some unconventional shots taken during last Friday’s Gallery Crawl (with a couple friends… *snort*). I find it difficult to find the RIGHT outfit for nights out like this that are a combination of happy hour drinks, multiple art openings, one toonseum-rific after party and LOTS of walking. But I think this ensemble fared well with the art crowd for the evening.

My hair, on the other hand, didn’t make it through a night of misty-rainy, windy temperatures (for SERIOUS, stupid umbrella!). But surprisingly my FEET did, courtesy of my $6 shoes from Gabriel Brothers. Yes — SIX DOLLARS. I can’t tell you how excited I was to find these laced, heeled loafers on the clearance rack. I NEVER find cute shoes in my size that are on the shelves long enough to make it to the extreme discounts category. 

These sort of fashions scores complete me.

Speaking of scores, I purchased this cropped jacket at Banana Republic MANY years ago for $9.99. SERIOUSLY. *rubbing it in* It’s the little things — with super-awesome price tags — that make this 30-something happy.

Tank: Old Navy (just bought it; can’t locate it online anymore. Man, they cycle through items fast!)
Jacket: Banana Republic
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Tights: Gabriel Brothers
Shoes: Gabriel Brothers
Necklace (Lionette) & Bracelet (Alkemie): on loan from Spoil Me Fashion 

How in the world do you wear over-the-knee boots without looking like a hooker? I have no idea.

- Mel

I may or may not have purchased this very pair just to find out. 

The trick is being demure in ALL OTHER places — not showing off legs, tits AND ass (I’m looking at you Station Square hootchie). Although the length of this dress looks like I’m wearing leather pants in some photos. THAT’S A WHOLE OTHER BLOG POST.

Seriously.

I even attempted to fold down the tops (yes, I know… YOUR TAG IS SHOWING) to see if that made a difference. Maybe a balance of over-the-knee and lower (or no) heel would have fared better for me. To be truthful, I’m not sure that I can leave the house with a straight face wearing these. I might have to get drunk first.

But you know what? That’s what makes fashion awesome — playing around in your closet to see what works. And make a ridiculous statement (on your blog, of all places) with what doesn’t.

Dress: NY & Company
Vest: Express (gift a few years ago)
Hooker Boots: ShoeDazzle
Necklace: Revival (the cutest boutique in Akron! Highland Square is where it’s at, Ohio peeps!) 
Ring and Earrings: both Nina Nguyen (on loan from Spoil Me Fashion) 

Also: I’m still not completely sold on this NY&CO dress. As much as I want to love it. Something’s off with the shape. Something that I think not even a higher hem might fix. Or… maybe I just need to style with different colors. I’M NOT GIVING UP YET!

Thoughts?

My first pair of curvy jeans. And a general obsession with denim.

- Mel

Curvy is relative. And having a bottom for the first time at age 34 is quite an accomplishment for this lifelong “straight-and-narrow” lady. I grew two-and-a-half inches in my rear in less than two years (and naturally, had to show off my denimed derby butt in the mirror). This is cause for celebration, natch: a pair of Joe’s Jeans. CURVY FIT.

For me, there’s no greater fashion investment than a pair of well made, great fitted designer jeans. I wear denim a lot; and I justify the cost for something that fits really well by not buying a lot (or any, really) work and office attire. 

Moral of the story: Celebrate your changing body, 30-somethings. Spend money on a good pair of jeans. And it’s never too late to get a great ass. *wink*

Jeans: Joe’s Jeans (purchased at Zipper Blues, Pittsburgh)
Blouse: NY&CO
Bracelets: Gabriel Brothers
Key Necklace: Swarovski (discontinued) 
Shoes: eBay (these are seriously the most comfy — and cheapest — shoes by Kali; and they’ve held up pretty well for the last couple years of downtown walking)
Purse: Zara Terez (on loan from Spoil Me Fashion) 

Outfits (and people) that transition.

- Mel

I’m KING OF THE WORLD! Well, at least in my apartment. So sayeth the cats. 

We’re moving in a month, and while I’m sure to miss the view, I’ll be so happy to be in a house. OUR house. Kitties, boyfriend and all. 

I had to stay somewhat casual, since I was going to pick up a crap-ton of moving boxes from a friend’s business up in Cranberry. But afterward (downtown again), I’m meeting a friend who’s in town from Chicago for a few happy hour drinks. This outfit should transition nicely between the two. Heck, I might even throw on a pair of HEELS before I head out. 

Jeans: J Brand
Shoes: GoJane
Layering Tank: Old Navy (I definitely need more of these! I have laundry room gnomes that take my tanks, I swear!)
Sweater Vest: NY&CO
Burner Tee: LOFT
Necklace & Ring: Forever 21
Bracelet: on loan from Spoil Me Fashion (Sensations collection by Nina Nguyen — and it’s on sale for half off right now!)

Wardrobe Therapy: Date Night Summer Blues

- Mel

The boyfriend and I love to try new restaurants. So when we have date night — or in last night’s case, a double date night — we try to cross off a place to which we’ve never been. Our stomachs took us to Cioppino, a quaint Strip District eatery, hidden over in a small plaza by the Cork Factory apartments (on the back side of the now-closed Right by Nature grocery). If you love shellfish and pastas, it’s a must go. Not my favorite Pittsburgh restaurant by any means, but you will definitely leave full and happy.

I don’t get dressed up too often, but once I decided that this teal number would be the main piece for the evening, matching up accessories was a breeze. I love the fit and the studded-and-wrapped details at the waist — gives me a lot more “shape” in my upper torso area. The hemline is short, but so am I — and I love my legs, so I’m totally comfortable in it (even if I had to do a quick dry shave before leaving the apartment).

Also, I always get cold at restaurants (is that an “old” thing because it’s totally the opposite of my night sweats when I’m sleeping), so I decided to pair this fun, boxy jacket with my outfit. You probably can’t see it in these photos, but I added a small accent braid in my hair to keep it off my face. 

Dress: Dillard’s brand (I swear, I thought this was always an XOXO dress for some reason)
Jacket: Miss Me (awesome hand-me-down from my cousin)
Wedges: Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret
Necklace: DIY! (more on that in a future post)
Earrings: Zara Terez “Rockefeller” collection, gift from Spoil Me Fashion