NOT Fall-ing for these hot temps.

I’m really over this 80-degree weather in October BS. Can I have my tights and boots and layered wardrobe, please?

On top of the heat, on our way to Date Night, we got a cab with no working A/C. *groan*

My mind instantly went “Oooh, 80s temperature = 80s dress!”

Enter: this short, sassy number. I love how this dress fits, even if one of the shorter items in my closet. The bottom actually contains a secondary tiered slip, which looked all kinds of weird. I considered ripping it off because I like the fit of the rest of the dress… but it will take some considerable tailoring efforts, considering how it is sewn rightfully in its place. So, I rolled the excess “skirt” from the back-to-the-front (which is brilliantly split in the back at the zipper) and tied it off to the side — and what do you know? It worked.

Note: I also ripped out the “modesty panel” that a previous owner had sewn into the V-neck. Modesty. Pssssht. I layered with a light-colored lace slip instead.

I originally styled this dress with those cute purple socks, as previously blogged, but changed on my way out the door. First, I thought my legs were far too white for this late-summer madness. Second, I felt… stumpy. Plus, derby bruises on my shins. So, I opted for a knee-high pair of black trouser socks. Naturally, I forgot to snap a picture.

Dress: Vintage (purchased online; can’t remember where)
Slip: Gadzooks
Shoes: Rocket Dog (via TJ Maxx; years ago)
Socks: Guess?
Necklace: Lionette, courtesy of Spoil Me Fashion
Bracelets: hodge podge o’ stuff from my jewelry drawer
Ring: Nina Nguyen, courtesy of Spoil Me Fashion 

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