what i wore:: something old, something new

Last night, Mr. MG and a few of our friends went to a charity event. The invite told us we'd be "walking the red carpet" so "dress to impress." As if I need an excuse to get all dressed up. And when it's for a good cause, that's all the better!

Usually, an event like this is an excuse for me to go buy something new, but I decided to be frugal and wear something I already owned. I bought this dress a few years ago and have only worn it once, so that's sort of close to new anyway, right? Right. I also carried a bag (and forgot to photograph it) that I've had for quite a while. Just a little black satin clutch, but it looked nice with the dress.

I did pick up some new shoes (since I needed some strappy sandals anyway) and some jewelry (since I found some on sale at J. Crew- and I have serious issues resisting their jewelry). Both reasonable reasons for buying something, I think. And that bracelet on the left in the bottom pic? I made that one using some supplies that I've had hanging around for quite a while.

So, three pieces bought, three pieces already in my closet, one piece handmade by me. I'd say that's a pretty decent start to re-wearing and re-inventing a piece that's already in my closet. I'm hoping to continue that trend.

What about you? Do you tend to run out and buy something new for big events, or do you re-work what you already have?

ETA: After posting, it occurred to me that I should probably mention the animal in the cage next to me. That's our Stella Blue Bear. She is recovering from knee surgery, so she has to be in a kennel most of the time. It's very sad for us and for her, but she's doing well and it's for her own good. Just didn't want any readers thinking we're mean to our dogs!

Hey, look! I'm still here!

So, I did some clean up around this blog. I've been rather neglectful of it, but I never promised I'd be anything otherwise. But in my other blogging adventures, I realized I still need some kind of outlet for posts that just don't fit on those other blogs. So, maybe I'll update somewhat regularly again. Maybe not. But at least I updated the blog design. One small step for blogging. One giant leap for DU. Or something not even remotely like that.

Also, I'd just like to put it out there in blogging land that the Magic 8 Ball is a lying liar who lies.

fall style:: neutral dresses + colorful tights

One of my favorite things about fall is breaking out the tights. I just love dresses with tights and cozy sweaters. This fall, I think I'll try to break away from black, brown and gray, and incorporate some colorful tights into my life. They're the perfect way to add a pop of color to those neutral dresses that are all over the stores right now.


Floaty Cami Mini Dress, Madewell | Merino Ruffle Moto Sweater, J. Crew | Deux Lux Ruched and Tassel Satchel, Urban Outfitters | Bronson Suede Platform Booties, J. Crew | Bailey Earrings by Catie's Blue | Corrugated Steel Peyote Cuff, by Sand Fibers | Tight End Tights, Spanx


Smokey Eyes Dress, Modcloth | Vintage Bateau Top, J.Crew | Pom Pom Chain Necklace, Madewell | Blue Frilly Leather Shoulder Clutch, by The Leather Store | Opaque Tights, Anthropologie | Sierra booties, Nine West

What about you? How do you feel about colorful tights?

what i wore:: white after labor day

I'm way behind on my outfit of the day posts. Way behind.

This little getup is from a few weekends ago. Mr. MG (that's Mr. Moxie/Grace, in case you didn't know) and I went out for his birthday dinner with his parents and it was (barely) after labor day. But I've never been much for fashion rules, so I wore my very white, very summery
J. Crew Sweeping Ruffles shirt.

I love this shirt. I don't care if it's snowing and sleeting. I will find ways to wear it all winter long. And I'll wear other white items, too. And I won't feel bad about it. I won't feel like I'm cheating on summer with winter and took all the white clothing with me. Nope. Not at all.

The details: J. Crew Sweeping Ruffles Shirt | Black leggings (H&M) | Green Jacket, Theme | Leopard belt, J. Crew | Necklace, Madewell (no longer available) | Shoes, Target
So, what about you? Do you wear white after labor and generally live by the idea that fashion rules were meant to be broken, bent and otherwise twisted to suit your fancy?

inspiration boards:: ghost whisperer style

It's fall premiere time already (already!) and I feel the need to voice my protest that Ghost Whisperer got yanked at the end of last season and won't be returning this year.

Where will I get my romantic, vintage-style outfit inspirations?

Because seriously, as much as I loved Lost, there were no outfit inspirations to be seen on that show. Unless, you know, I plan on getting stranded on a not-so-deserted-wait-there's-a-smoke-monster-who-used-to-be-a-man-what's-this-lightsource-plugged-with-a-huge-cork-covered-in-cuneiform-THEY-DID-NOT-DIE-ON-THE-PLANE island any time soon.

Aaaaaanyway...

I just loved Melinda Gordon's (played by Jennifer Love Hewitt) feminine style. Ghost Whisperer's story lines were nice (if we just forget about the mess that was season 4), I loved her cute little antique shop, Professor Payne was amusing and the dynamic between Melinda and Jim was refreshing (if not a little too sweet at times), but all of those were a far second to her fantastic wardrobe. So, in honor of Melinda's fabulous style, I made an inspiration board.*

*Full disclosure: This is sort of old. I made it for a project I did for grad school last semester but it's worth bringing up now, don't you think? I do. Especially since it saved me a whole bunch of time and you still get to read a blog post. See? Everybody wins.

styled:: alexa chung for madewell

Madewell finally debuted the much-anticipated Alexa Chung for Madewell line. Yay! There are a ton of cute pieces and they're selling out quickly. Hopefully, Madewell restocks soon because I'd love to get my hands on a few of them, including the Betty Tea Dress.

Here are two of my favorite pieces, the Betty Tea Dress (of course!) and the Sketchbook Tee, and how I'd style them:

Alexa Chung for Madewell Betty Tea Dress
styled with: Infinity Cardigan in bronzed twig, J. Crew
| Embellished leather belt, Abercrombie & Fitch | Hidden Sun Mary Janes, Anthropologie | Blue rose and vintage cameo earrings by The Silver Dog | Gatsby Cuff, Madewell



Alexa Chung for Madewell Sketchbook Tee
styled with: McKenna plaid shirt, Abercrombie & Fitch | Denim shorties, American Eagle | Opaque tights, Anthropologie | Highstep open-toe bootie, Nine West | Tassel rope necklace, J. Crew

So, what about you? What do you think of the Alexa Chung for Madewell collection? Which pieces are your favorites?

what i wore:: peach, green and a pop of neon

I'm having moment with green. A really long moment. As in, I think it's managed to creep into my life and go from one of my most hated colors to a near favorite. And all shades of it, too. From olive to sage to mint to this bright pea-green cardigan.

I once heard someone describe green as the perfect neutral because every flower has a stem and flowers come in nearly every color. I like that idea. In keeping with the flower theme, here I am, in a peach top with petal-like ruffles and a green cardigan with a neon orange belt. So, the top is the petals, the belt is the pistil and the cardigan is the surrounding greens. Erm...

And that concludes the cheesy flower analogy portion of this post. Carry on, everyone.





Top: J. Crew Outlet
Cardigan: J. Crew
Belt: Madewell (buy it here- on sale!)
Necklace: Madewell (buy it here- on sale!)
Jeans: Target
Shoes: J. Crew
Bracelets: AE, Madewell, my own designs


So what about you? Have you ever suddenly found yourself drawn to a color you disliked? Or has the opposite happened- did you suddenly start disliking a color you couldn't get enough of before?

What I wore:: work and the first day of school

Today is the first day of my second-to-last fall semester of grad school.

Did you get that?

That means I have two more years left, but it sounds like less time if I spin it as my second-to-last fall semester. I'm halfway through. Yay!

And I did not wear this outfit today nor would it matter if I had because my classes are all online. I'm way past those Septembers when I'd anxiously pick out my first-day-of-school ensemble, which was inevitably some ill-conceived, overly trendy getup. I'm pretty sure in 9th grade I sported a flannel shirt, jeans and lace-up boots.

Oh. Wait.

Isn't that what's all over the runways this fall? Ah, 90s grunge. So good to see you again. Let me pull my teenage angst out of the closet along with some Doc Martens. Maybe I'll stop washing my hair for weeks on end and sleep with my make-up on, too, since you know, grunge beauty is back.

But whatever. Back to my decidedly non-grungy ensemble. I wore this the other day for work. Nothing special. Just another day at the office. It's hard to tell, but that belt is leopard print.



Top: Forever 21
Sweater: LOFT
Skirt: J. Crew Outlet
Belt: J. Crew
Shoes: Target
Jewelry: Madewell, American Eagle and my own designs

Okay, I know I said I thought I found the perfect picture taking spot, but now I'm not so sure. The background is good, but the lighting sort of makes me look like a little troll who just crept out from under a bridge- all shadowy and creepy. (Unless I take the pictures on weekend afternoon at about 2 p.m. Then I look like a glowing angel with a halo.)

Sigh.

The quest continues.