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

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.

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.

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.

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!)

Retail Therapy: what I bought at NY & Company

So, not only was I super impressed by a recent Fall sale online, but I was totally smitten with cute separates. Furthermore, I was BLOWN AWAY by quality. That’s saying a lot about a mall store that (as much as it pains me to admit) for the longest time I thought was catered to plus sizes.

NOT THAT THERE’S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT. 

But, I’m decidedly small and borderline petite, so this misconception was keeping me away from a store that I haven’t shopped at for many years (the days when I was pushing size 12-14, which to be honest, I don’t even know where plus sizes begin). The misconception, of course, is my own.

I haven’t brought much attention to my “secretary spread of yesteryear” — mostly because I feel shamed at talking about body issues when I’m so tiny. But just as it happens to many women, I fell into an overweight (for my body frame) phase in my late 20s. I’ve always wanted to be larger-but-fit, especially because I’m now a roller derby player (and I have the sport to thank for creating some amazing curves on my small frame). The boobs? Yes, that’s why there’s Victoria’s Secret. I’ve become most fond of t-shirt bras that don’t make me look lumpy. But with being fit, working out makes my metabolism jump into overdrive. Thank you, genetics?

For disclosure: I typically fall somewhere between a size 2 or 4 (depending on the store/designer, natch); I’m 5’4” (heh, used to be an extra 3/4 of an inch… harumph), and I weigh around 125 lbs (but that fluctuates weekly between 122-127). My bust is 33; my hips are 36. Most of everything I bought (tops) is a small; bottoms can be tough, since I’m super small waisted, with a growing bottom (YES!!!), but I usually size up (then take what I need to the tailor). Regardless, these measurements might/not help you shop NY & Company clothing.

BE THAT AS IT MAY… wow, this post is getting away from me.

My bounty of awesome (that cost me only around $150, for serious):

Zig-zag knit vest — I could kick myself for tossing all my old sweater vests. I don’t own much in the red color family, mostly because of how it looks on my skin, but this deeper, almost-burgundy is spot-on.

Pointelle Sweater Vest — ahem, next verse same as the first. There was something about the style, the flow and color of this. It was irresistible.

A couple skinny belts: skinny lizard and shimmering skinny (in silver). A woman who is short with a long torso needs to define her waist. Always.

Smocked Tunic Shirt — all the waist skimming with the belting! Also see: need more white blouses; this one is just a pullover, which is nice.

Ruffle Placket Shirt — I bought this in powder blue, since I just donated an old, shrunken short-sleeve blouse that I wore tirelessly in the same color. Alas, it was DECIDEDLY shrunken, and PERSONAL OPINION: I don’t think that women over 30 should wear “belly shirts.” Just saying.

Ruffle Front Mesh Cap Sleeve Shirt — this is probably my favorite item I’ve purchased in a while. This color blue is so hard to find (even though I have three tops almost the same color in my closet; different styles, of course), AND IT LOOKS THE BEST ON ME! So, I’m excited to rock it. A lot. 

Silky Abstract Feather Drawstring Dress — true story: IMPULSE PURCHASE. I don’t do well with silky fabrics (they make me sweat! seriously, why is that?!), but I loved the style and print and POCKETS of this dress. It needs a little tailoring (length), but it’s not too often anymore that I purchase something crazy — and I was in the perfect mood.

Wow, that was some therapy, eh? Ah, I feel better. 🙂 THANKS FOR THAT, NY&CO! 

Did you make any impulse purchases this Fall?