We Dress How We Feel

What I love the most about fashion is that a single article of clothing or an accessory has the power to be transformative. A new pair of shoes can give you the confidence to kick some butt, the right shade of eyeshadow can capture someone's glance, a statement ring packs the power of a knock out punch, and that little black dress has just been patiently waiting to make an appearance and grab his attention.

Clothing triggers an emotional response. That is a fact. Most times we dress how we feel or we dress how we want to feel. Going to an interview for your dream job? You'll probably want to wear an outfit that will make you feel like you are exuding confidence and skill. You know you'll plan your 10 year high school reunion outfit weeks in advance because you want to look youthful and successful. I think that this is what men don't get about women - we dress how we feel. "Honey! Tomorrow I am going to feel new! So, I had to get these pumps to just be prepared."

Many of the fashion bloggers in the industry are participating in Kendi Everyday's 30 for 30 Remix Challenge - and boy is this a challenge! 30 articles of clothing - 30 outfits - 30 days - no outfit repeats and no shopping. The very point of this all is to teach yourself that you don't always need something new to feel great. 

I wasn't totally sure what I was getting myself into when I started fashion blogging. I have a passion for fashion & for making my clients look and feel their best. At first, I intended my blog to be focused totally on giving fashion tips & the inside scoop on what to wear and what not to wear. As I scoured the expansive world of fashion blogging, I realized that the best way to give tips on what to wear was to actually show what I was wearing. So, I started featuring myself! The 30 for 30 Remix Challenge has totally aided me in my mission. I think the best thing about this challenge is that it forces me to appreciate my current wardrobe for what it is. Remixing 30 items stretches my creativity in putting together stellar outfits everyday instead of "giving in" and running to the store for that perfect top. I've found, through this challenge, that the perfect top is already in my closet! It's all a matter of inserting that feeling that you want to exude into what you already have. 

This past week I have felt tired. And I've realized a difference in my appearance. I am dressing tired because I feel tired. I can tell that I am consciously and subconsciously doing this. I put on less mascara in the morning because I'm tired. I have put the 30 for 30 to rest - not because it's too much of a challenge to put the outfits together - but because at the end of the day, I'm too tired to take a photo, too tired to crop & edit a photo, and too tired to write up a post...etc, etc. I've been searching for the most comfortable pants & tops to wear. I've been stuck in black for a few days and if I could wear the same outfit every day, I would. It's time to take a break.

How do you feel this time of year?

Fashionably Yours,

The Secret Place - 20 of 30

Outfit Details:

Top: NY&CO

Skirt: H&M

Tights: Marshalls

Mary Jane's: Aerosoles

Belt: F21

Each year, my family gets a real tree. We had a period of darkness during the '90's where we succumbed to the prefabricated, manipulated fake tree. I'm glad those days are behind us.

There's been this silly little tradition since real trees have been reinstated to our family: The kids don't know where my mom and dad get the tree. It always took them 2 hours to get it and we started dreaming up places in our head. They started calling it "The Secret Place."

We were in awe the first year because they brought home an 8 foot tree! We have cathedral ceilings in our home and it was majestic & stately. We were in such delight & interest - but they wouldn't tell us where they got this tall tree.

Another year passed - and the trees seemed to get a little smaller and smaller each year. They would just say, "The Secret Place didn't have any tall trees. I guess it's a short year."

Until this year.

Since I live in Chicago and wouldn't be back until too close to Christmas, we broke the tradition and went with my parents to The Secret Place during my Thanksgiving Break. My sister and I were so hyped up to finally see this place! I imagined it was in Pennsylvania somewhere...we'd be cutting down our own tree... 

Boy, was I wrong. Turns out The Secret Place was HOME DEPOT!

I asked my parents why it took them so long to get the tree and come home and they admitted that it was because they would wander around the store for awhile and drive home very, very slowly.

I was shocked. 

Shocked.

Yes, yes, I would compare it to finding out about Santa Claus. That much of a blow.

This year, we got a 9 foot tree and it is beautiful. I am longing to be back home. So soon.

My roommate and I followed suit and got our lovely tree from Home Depot, too. Turns out they do have a pretty great selection... :)

Fashionably Yours,

On My Own Again - 19 of 30

Outfit Details:

Top: Target

Skirt: Target

Sweater: Macy*s

Tights: Cynthia Rowley

Mary Jane's: Aerosoles

Ok, I'm almost really embarrassed to put these pictures up. I was on my own for outfit pictures this night and I tried my hardest - I really did. Since the temperature is falling quickly, I just couldn't muster up enough gumption to go outside to my usual brick wall.

I had to settle for some inside shots in terrible yellow lighting.

I really love this skirt. I've worn it before HERE and I like that style much better. I like this top a lot, too, but I don't know if I like the way it falls around my tummy and hips with this skirt. Oh, well! Live & Learn. 

I manipulated the length in the 3rd shot to get a feel for what I like better. I think that both lengths work for my frame. 

Ok, yeah. I am really embarrassed of these pictures.

Fashionably Yours,

Come Fly With Me - Airport Attire

Photo Credits: Danny Virasawmi

Outfit Details:

Boyfriend Blazer: Old Navy

Dress: Some department store

Boots: Wanted

Belt: ShopRouche

Scarf: The Limited

Who ever said that airport attire had to be your high school gym shoes, Baby Phat velour sweat pants, and your home team sweatshirt? Give me a break.

You never know who you are going to run into at the airport or be predetermined to sit next to on the plane. Especially if you are single. You'll need all the help you can get. Be sure to make the best impression of yourself wherever you go.

For me, this dress is so comfy & versatile. Maybe for you a dark wash jean, cardigan, & cute flat will do the trick. 

I'm always cold & this drapey scarf and boyfriend blazer are just what I needed to keep me warm. 

My flat boots supply me with style and comfortablity. Comfortability? Is that a word? No? Well, I just made it up and I think you know exactly what it means.

Don't look like a bum at the airport and force me to take a fashion offender photo of you and feature you here. 

Here's how this dress has been worn in this 30 for 30 challenge before.

Fashionably Yours,

17 of 30 & Guest Photographer

Photo Credits: Danny Virasawmi

Outfit Details:

Boyfriend Blazer: Old Navy

Top: H&M

Leggings: Old Navy

Mary Janes: Aerosoles

Necklace: Thrifted

Watch: Anne Klein

Ring: F21 or H&M

A few things:

• I want to be famous. I really do. I'm working on it. I have to believe it will happen, I just have to.

• This boyfriend blazer is so versatile that I am predicting it will one day physically save my life. It can do all things.

• If I could wear these black leggings every day, I most definitely would.

• Did I mention that I just want to be famous?

Thanks again to Danny Virasawmi! This is definitely my favorite photo shoot that we did.

Fashionably Yours,

What Every Woman Never Wants to Hear

Outfit Details:

Shirt: NY&CO

Pants: NY&CO

Shoes: Aerosoles

Watch: Anne Klein

Earrings: F21

Mondays are always rough. Mondays after a holiday break are barely bearable. So with the very essence of the weekday against me, I was hoping that my awesome outfit & flawless makeup (flawless as of 12 hours ago) would give me a boost.

I guess I was wrong.

When someone is overly exhausted (me) and already knows it (myself), the last thing that you want to hear is that you look overly exhausted!

So, when I strutted myself into the front office this morning, whipped off my Jackie O's, and tousled my hair, I never expected to hear:

"Ohhh...um, wow. You don't look so good. Are you tired?"

YES. Why, yes I am. Now can I get some time off to emotionally recover from that comment?

Happy Monday. How many days until Christmas break?

Fashionably Yours,

Outfit 15 of 30 & A Guest Photographer

Outfit Details:

Vest: F21

Vertical Top: F21

Leggings: Old Navy

Boots: Endless.com

Belt: F21

Watch: Anne Klein (birthday present!)

Ring: H&M

Photographer Credits: Danny Virasawmi 

It's official. 1/2 way! And I'm beginning to recycle elements of the 30 for 30. You've seen this top worn in a totally different way HERE.

This vest was previously paired with a black dress HERE.

And these boots, that belt, and those leggings would be worn every single day if I had anything to say about it. But alas, I do not. Life (& my job) dictates a different outfit for every day. 

A former student of my father, friend of the family, and freelance photographer, Danny Virasawmi, came to visit. We chatted about photography, did some test shots, and he took a bunch of outfit pics for me! I think they're great!

I think I fake looking warm pretty well. It was well into the 30's and I was covered in goosebumps! But anything to get the perfect shot.

Danny is a professional freelance photographer located in central New Jersey. 

Stay tuned for 2 more posts from his photo shoot with me & his contact info!

Fashionably Yours,

Showers of Blessings

Outfit Details:

Cardigan: H&M

Skirt: H&M

Tights: Cynthia Rowley

Belt: F21

Mary Jane's: Aerosoles

Umbrella: Courtesy of my Aunt RoseAnn

A Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I hope everyone had their fill of blessings today. Even with the rain out here in the east, it didn't seem to dampen our spirits.

I'm thankful for more things than words could express or that a blog post could hold. Just being home - just being with my family - just being with those who have loved you for all that you are no matter what.

It's as simple as that.

We had quite a fantastic feast. We had an assortment of gluten free, dairy free, sugar free & vegan delights. A lot of the guests today have some severe food allergies (myself included) - but everyone would argue that this was one of the most delicious Thanksgivings that they have had!

Our guests were quite fashionable as well. I was quite impressed.

 The inspiration for it all - my Grandma, Aggie. She hasn't changed a bit :)

What are you thankful for?

Fashionably Yours,

My Birthday Suit

Outfit Details:

Scarf: Courtesy of Lara Miller

Sweater: F21

Belt: Courtesy of ShopRuche

Jeans: Macy*s (Grane)

Flats: H&M

Ring: Birthday gift from a student! H&M

So, it happened! My birthday happened. I turned another year older, agonized over the thought of my "life goals" and if I am at where I thought I would end up, worried if anyone would even remember what today was, and survived!

I am thankfully proved wrong a lot and was pushed out of my self loathing by love. The love of my family, friends, coworkers, students, and even strangers!

As I walked out of my apartment building this morning, I saw an unexpected package waiting for me in the mail room. It was the above beautiful woven scarf from Lara Miller! We've never met - but were supposed to at the Midwest Fashion Blogger Meet-Up back a few months. She wasn't able to attend and in reparation she sent a gift.

On a day when you are worried that those close to you are going to forget your birthday it was quite refreshing having a stranger drop a surprise at your doorstep.

Thank you, Lara!

All day long I was showered with selfless gestures, kind words, and birthday wishes. My students surprised me by decorating my classroom - another student who shares this birthday with me made me a gluten free, dairy free, egg free "cake" out of styrofoam and DumDums - and I received the most thoughtful gift I've gotten in years from a coworker.

Am I at where I thought I was going to be at (insert age here)? No. I'm not. And I think I might be OK with that. Emphasis on the words "think" and "might." The plans that I have had for myself have never ended up being as good as the ones that have actually happened. Besides, if I could have predicted where I'd have been at this age, what fun would that have been? I wouldn't have experienced all of the surprises, the ups - the downs, the joys, the pains.

What Has Become of Me in the Past Year:

1. I've moved to a new city.

2. I've been diagnosed, treated, and am continuing to be healed of a serious illness.

3. I started to follow my passions and started this blog.

4. I learned that the hardest things to do are most often the right things to do.

5. I fist pumped.

6. I fell out of love.

7. I read all 7 books of Harry Potter.

8. I was once again romanced by my favorite band, The Swell Season, in concert.

9. I was asked (and accepted) to be in a wedding for the 9th time.

10. I made the decision to never, ever, ever, EVER settle again.

Thank you to all who shared in this special day with me. I love you more than I am physically capable. Raise a glass to the next 365 days of possibility and prospect.

Fashionably Yours,