Thrifting Karma

Tee - Meghan Noland, thrifted

Necklace - gift from Lynne

Skirt - thrifted (tag cut out)

Logic flats - Cydwoq

Sorry about skipping out yesterday. Normally blogging regenerates my inspiration, but I needed to take a day off everything. I got my henna in the mail so I slathered it on yesterday and spent the evening looking like a mud monster. I could still use a trim, but my hair is looking a lot less ragged today. I'm glad that I have a technical 4-day weekend because of Labor Day. I have a lot to catch up on.

I sent the purple pants of ill-fit back to the thrift only to stumble upon this amazing midi skirt. I'm sure it would be nice to have it knee length, but I like where it hit enough not to ruin it by trying to hem it.  I did have to take it up in the waist just a hair, but it was a very simple fix. It's very very similar to the fabric of my striped All Saints skirt and has a similar vibe. It also has beautiful movement and cute button tab closures. Definitely a win.

Some people don't like midis because they can look dowdy. I shunned midis and maxis for a long time because of that. I finally decided to get over myself and wear whatever I felt good in. I feel GOOD in this skirt. Rarely do I find pieces that I know will work in my closet 100%, but this one will be a faithful go-to in any weather. Now if only I can hunt down a pair of purple pants.

Liebster

 Dress - blu heaven, thrifted

Cardigan - Pink Twill, thrifted

Star Bandanna - gift

Flats - United Nude

It's Wednesday which means another day loaded with classes. Wednesdays will be my longest days running to 9:25pm! So this particular post was written earlier in the week, but this is today's outfit. Dress was thrifted  with inspiration from Megan of The Fashionable Bureaucrat. I want to burn this cardi after just this afternoon. SO annoying to wear. My hair needs some serious TLC, but my fav stylist has gone on maternity leave. I may risk trying someone new.

So I'm sure you all know by now, the Liebster Award is striking the blogosphere. I answered Amber's, but was actually awarded by Molly of More Charming in Person on Monday. This is actually the second run of the Liebster where the first had no questions. You can see the post here (and my early Sherlock obsession).

I'm a total rule breaker so I'm just going to answer some of the questions and leave some for my readers to answer!

1) Besides fashion, what other types of blogs do you follow?
Advice, jewelry, food, video games, humor. I have a not-so-secret tumblr addiction. I don't HAVE a tumblr, but I read other people's. I specifically don't sign up for stuff to keep from making dumb comments on the internet. Specifically ONTD.

2) Riskiest thing you've ever done?
Left home and got married at 18.

3) Flight or invisibility?
Flight

4) Phobias?
Bedbugs/invasive parasites, deadly viruses, hospitals, making phone calls, losing my memory, extreme pain, driving a car

5) Earliest memory?
Cutting my hair as a toddler. I wanted bangs so bad. My mom referred to it as my "Benjamin Franklin" hair cut.

Candy makes an awful breakfast

6) Favorite toy from childhood?
Books! Or roller blades.

7) How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I think the last count was 16. I am saving for a pair of Cydwoq Ride boots though. I thought I was done and then fell hard. Shoes - y u so awsum.

8) Favorite thing about blogging?
Meeting new people! I'm very shy when it comes to making new friends in real life, even though I talk ALOT. I tend to be a loner and don't make lasting connections. I'm unfortunately a lot like my generation. I suffer from anti-social tendencies and anxiety attacks. But the blog world has put me in touch with people who share a variety of my obscure and varied interests and keeps me in touch with people all around the world.

You guys have heard a lot about me this week, so here's the chance to talk about yourselves! Feel free to answer one, any, or all of these questions in the comments:

1. Batman or Superman?
2. If you could only pick one neutral to wear, but could wear all other colors, what would it be?
3. What is one piece of fashion you cannot stand?
4. How do you think the world will end?
5. If I offered you $5 cash or $20 to spend on someone else, which would you choose?
6. Favorite planet!
7. Last movie you saw.
8. Do you have a favorite poem?

Too Long

Tank - Newport News, thrifted

Star Pendant - gift from Beth

Trousers - Old Navy, thrifted

Platform boots - Trippen Happy Free

I usually don't like to use this space to be anything less than positive. But I am having a shit time right now. School seems like it's going to unpleasant, but manageable - but half the time I want to shout at everyone "I don't need your drama!" I'm happy to have today to rest and get re-organized for the unexpected changes. 

I'm fighting with my wardrobe. Most people would be thrilled to lose weight, but as someone who always has trouble keeping weight on and staying healthy, it's really upsetting. I started some new medications a few weeks ago and they've killed my stomach and appetite.

Around the same time I thrifted these gorgeous purple cotton trousers, which are now too big and too long even with my tallest shoes. I'll probably stick them in the bottom of my wardrobe in hopes they'll fit again sometime this year or put together a swap page if anyone is interested.

Yesterday, all I wanted was my purr-monster Gomez who passed away over the summer. He was my 20+ year old tuxedo kitty. He was a wicked smart tom. Hated everyone, but me. He slept with me every night through high school, but stayed behind with my grandparents when I moved and got married. 

He wasn't cute, his nose was scarred and ears tattered from killing rats and fighting dogs. His hips were arthritic and catty-wonk from being run over. He once stole a Krispy Kreme donut right out of my mom's hands and ate half of it before we got it away from him. 

But he purred like a lawn-mower and stuck by me (rather - on me) through a broken arm, two surgeries, every sickness, heart ache, moving from Georgia to Tennessee. His passing didn't hurt because I knew he had lived well beyond the years expectation. He was fiercely loved and spoiled up until his final days. And yesterday I missed him with all my heart because I wanted to curl up and have a good cry.

For those of you with fur-kids, please go give them hugs, pets, and kisses for me today. I'll be replaying kitten videos and watching the kitten stream that Ana linked to yesterday until I can see my kittens again, which right now is up in the air until life settles down.

Back to Classes

Dress - All Saints, gift from Megan

Tank - Target

Vera Ellen Begin Boots - John Fluevog
Leather Belt - Rugged Warehouse

Since I am back to classes today, I figured I'd leave you guys with some answered questions yanked from Amber of Butane Anvil (who's a pretty awesome blogger if you haven't checked out her blog yet). This outfit is what I'm wearing today for my first day back. Dress and boots - the most comfortable combo of all. And how perfectly matchy matchy are these boots with this dress. Omg.

I will share just a little bit from this morning: I spent about 20 minutes with 5 other classmates sitting in the wrong classroom. Our class had been moved to another building- but of course did not post a sign, send an email, or tell anyone. My second class was in the right place, but is going to be totally different than what I expected. Not a bad thing, just very different. I still have classes tonight, so bare with me while I'm finding my groove with the new schedule.

1. Which three words do you love and hate the most?
I can't choose just three words I love, because I love words, but some words I hate: anything ending in -olk (I can't pronounce them correctly) and the incorrect usage of the word decimate.

2. Do you have any favourite foods that could be considered unusual? 
Probably not. I don't eat a lot of food that would be considered 'weird'- I mean, I like turnip greens/collard greens, crawfish. I've eaten and enjoyed rabbit, alligator, lamb, and other game meats. But living in the South none of that is 'unusual' for here.

I tend to be pretty cautious about trying new foods because I've had a number of reactions to ~tropical~ fruit or vegetables. I learned pretty quickly that I cannot drink/eat anything with pomegranate or kiwi.

3. What is the greatest kindness someone has ever done for you? 
Given me anything without any kind of trade or expectation of returned favor. I'm still endlessly in awe of people's generosity and friendship towards me.

4. Which songs get brutally stuck in your head?
Call me maybe, I can't decide by the Scissor Sisters, Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys, anything in a commercial that gets played a lot.

5. What is it about people of all ages, genders, and sizes enjoying the heck out of their personal style which leads some folks to feel so anxious and threatened?
People tend to feel threatened by differences. Bodies freak people out, especially bodies that aren't cookie cutter to the idealized expectations. Also some people hate when other people are happy.

6. What is the best smell ever?
The smell of sunlight. Like when somebody has been outside in the sunshine and comes inside and you can still smell the sun coming off them. Or a kitten that has been sunning in the window comes to cuddle. It's the smell of warmth and happiness, fresh and clean.

7. Is there something about your life that surprises you the most?
I'm still married. I got married quite young, and I'm still very happy years later. I still consider it one of the best decisions I made in life.

8. What gets in the way of your doing things you know are good for you?
Laziness, fear, lack of knowledge.

9. Tell me something you miss about a place you used to live. 
One of the apartment complexes I lived in as a kid was massive. It had a few tennis courts, a big pool and a smaller pool. All this was set up around these walking trails around the office building with trees and foliage. It was surprisingly fancy for the cheapy apartments they were. I used to ride my bike along the trails and explore all over the complex. There were these huge (like 15 feet) fences around the tennis courts and I would climb them. Magnolia trees, which I still hold to be the best climbing trees. Also the apartment had blue carpets. Most people would have hated it, but it brought color into an otherwise bland apartment.

10. What are your three favourite books?
How to choose! I loved the Last Herald Mage books by Mercedes Lackey. The Harry Potter books. The Lord of the Rings series. Brave New World. Nineteen Eighty Four. The Things They Carried. There are so many books of different caliber that have all had an effect on me at different points in my life. Trying to pick and choose is like asking someone their favorite year in life - when there are so many more to explore!

11. What's your next step?
Move.

It's Caturday

I've been meaning to upload this. Here's the DH playing with our boys. You can see York's insanely long tail and Uncle Spike watching over "his" kittens.

Fruits of Labor

Fly print Tank - Smoking Lily, gift from Sheila

Skirt - All Saints

Logic Oxfords - Cydwoq

Medium Buttonflower - MMD

I sat down with my supplies yesterday and sewed for four and a half hours. I was thrilled to look down into the box and see all the buttonflowers I had put together. Usually I only do a handful at a time, but I had cut a lot of the ties the day I sewed the obis. I've now got three bags full of buttonflowers. And plan to tackle more today.

I wanted something comfortable and me today. My oxfords are always comfortable, this is my favorite skirt, and nothing beats this awesome tank. I'm still trying to wrap my head around dressing for school again. The temperatures of the buildings vary wildly and sitting for long periods means comfort is key. I just hope fall comes sooner rather than later. It's much easier to dress for cold weather than hot. 

I'm hoping to finally go see the Dark Knight with my Mom tomorrow. Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? 

Yesterday's Batch

FranniePantz Party

Tee - Horny Toad, thrifted

Dress - LA made, thrifted

Belt - Lauren Ralph Lauren

Star Sandals - Poetic License

Even though my plans for today are to work as much as I can, I still had to get dressed up because my gal Robin over at FranniePantz is getting MARRIED! Woo! Her wedding colors are purple, orange and tan(?) so of course I had to dress to match. And as much as I'd love to be there in person supporting her, I have to settle for joining her e-party.

I'm not really a huge Project Runway watcher, but I have caught a few episodes of this new season. I'm not impressed by most of the drama llama that is that show, but I had to share this dress. It's the winning dress of episode 5. Dude, it's my thrifted dress! Okay, yeah it's got zippers up the back instead of buttons, but the idea is there. This episode aired within a couple days of me thrifting this.

Sorry for the bitch-face. I am really fatigued today. I did get a lot accomplished this week, including putting away some of my super summery stuff. Not that I'm doing away with brights or sleeveless pieces, but I packed away shorts and my few florals and brought out some layering cardigans for the cold classrooms. Some people like having their whole wardrobe available, but for me, I like packing some of it away to rediscover next year.

Summery Goth

Dress - thrifted

Striped Cardi - Rugged Warehouse

Sandals - Eurosofft

Let me start today with a story - I'm not really scared of spiders. I actually think they're pretty cool guys, ya know, eating all the other creepy crawlies. However this summer, being so hot, we've had major bug problems. 

Included in this problem has been the traditional cobweb spider. These not-so-little guys will not stay out of my room. I've seen and killed four in the past two weeks. Mostly on the wall, one on the floor. But last night takes the cake - UUUUGHH It was on my ARM! I am continuing my plea to the spiders, stay hidden, you're cool guys, but do not fucking get on me. 

Click me to go to the Obi page

In happier, lighter news I made 12 new obi belts yesterday. Most of them have been photographed and put onto the Obi Belt page. This is it for the pre-made obis until winter time. I'm still open for belts on request, but any more new off-the-rack will not be made until holiday season. So get 'em before they're gone.

I will be making a whole new round of buttonflowers this week. So if you're interested in new colors and patterns of buttonflowers, give me a few days to get them made up.

As for today's look, I mostly had the cardi on for air-conditioned shopping. The rest of the day I wore this tourist-y fish dress on its own. Our car air-conditioner is still not wanting to work properly so yuck - it was hottttt. I wore the least amount of clothing I could stand. 

Red-ee

Tee - Investments, thrifted

Jeans - Divided, thrifted

Pumps - Fly London

This was my first idea for the Monochrome day, but it had to wait for a cooler day. I actually wish I had worn a skirt today because - UGHH! The car's air conditioner died. Not just died, but start blowing hot air. Hopefully my FIL can get it fixed up, but jeez, do not want. 

I spent the morning doing the post office rounds, popped into Goodwill looking for some ties to match some of what I got (no luck), found a 100% cotton sweater though. The hubs also set up a potential deal for me to make Breast Cancer Awareness themed buttonflowers out of bandanas for one of his ex-coworkers.

It's definitely been a busy beginning to this week, but I love it. It's hard being idle, and I'm so glad to be creating. I'm keeping this post short because I plan to spend as much of the day sewing as I can. Hope you all are having a happy Tuesday! 

Edited to add: Unicorn Tie

Mailbag Monday

Tee - Club Monaco

Skirt - thrifted

Flats - vintage

Necklace - gift from Lynne

I'm coming off of an excellent weekend. I got to see my little monster faces, even got both of their bigboy butts into my lap for some naptime. They've gotten so goshdarned big! York can't even sleep stretched out in my lap anymore, he's too long. Bruce is still a petite flower, but even he's gotten big.

I also tweeted the cartoon versions of the GiantBomb guys to them. I got a lot of really nice responses! I don't do much art these days, but it was really awesome to hear back from everybody I tweeted, plus a bunch of their audience!

Sleepy babies

Who's asleep!?!

I also woke up to a bunch of work in my mailbox. The ever-wonderful Tamera found me 20 unique and gorgeous ties to play with. Added to the 22 to my in-laws just thrifted to me, I have 42 ties of work this week! I may even need to run to the thrift store for matches, but I'll be going through everything this weekend to decide what's becoming a belt, what's becoming buttonflowers, and what needs shopping for a match. Then I'll wash everything up and get to work.

Huge pile o' ties. I'll warn you, there's a unicorn tie!

As for the clothing side of things, I went simple and cotton-based. I had a lot of walking and running around to do today. However colorwise, I'm ready to start transitioning in more dark shades for fall. After this summer of brights, I'm missing darker hues. Not to say I won't be adding a lot more bright/light colors this cold season, but I'm happy to be able to pull out plums, burgundy, dark greys, and black. I did attempt to look around while waiting at Goodwill shopping center today. I'll happily admit, I didn't buy a thing. (mostly because the Banana republic trousers I found were too big)

Sew Saturday Show Off 5

The 5th Edition of Sew Sunday Show Off.

Everyone just keeps getting better and better at styling MMD accessories.

Reader Cathie emailed me that she was interested an obi belt and buttonflower grab bag. She ordered the Digital Flowers belt and wore it to jazz up her LBD. Doesn't she look amazing! So so chic.

Louise blows me out of the water with her chevron and stripes pattern mixing. She purchased the Teatime in Wonderland belt a few weeks back. Her mix was not only way better than my attempt, but she inspired an obi-based outfit of my own last week.

Sheila always knocks it out of the park, and I love how she's mixed her gifted buttonflower trio into her 30x30 year long challenge. A medium burnt-orange buttonflower sits along the neckline of this blouse as if it were meant to be there. She's also used the yellow mini buttonflower on her blazer lapels and as skinny belt holders. Even the mini BF's can be useful.

Don't forget my pre-made belt days are numbered. Grab 'em now while they're in stock! As always, I'm happy to do custom requests any time for belts or buttonflowers. Just simply send me an email.

The Anti-Prep

Shirt - Express, thrifted

Skinnies - Joe's Jeans, thrifted

Tank - thrifted

Flats - Trippen Army

Growing up I faced the option of preppy style. Polos, Aeropostale, Abercrombie, Chinos, Loafers. As a kid who hung out with the rock'n'roll crowd, I turned to black pants, ripped jean jackets, thrift store tees, and chuck taylors. Now exploring my own style, I've learned to embrace preppier styles, but doing it with my own twist. 

This collared shirt has an amazing cut that makes my shoulders look slim, my frame look long and lean. It's just so *crisp*. I need to show off the shape better next time, but the shirt was mostly acting as a jacket this afternoon. While everyone else seems to be sweating the heat, I'm enjoying some nice rain and cooler weather. I broke up the the look with my strappy Trippens. 

I'm one week away from school starting. A bit terrifying, a bit exciting. I've spent the past week getting things ready to go, especially planning meals to carry with me on the days I'll be on campus. In the past I've been able to deal with grabbing something from the cafeteria or a small snack in my bag, but my days are going to be much longer, and I can't afford the caf this semester. Any one have any good tips for packed lunches? So far I'm looking at pasta salad and sandwiches.

Strapless and Drawings

 

 Skirt-as-Top - All Saints, DIY

Jean crops - thrifted

Sandals - Eurosofft

So it's still face-of-the-sun hot here in Tennessee, so I opted to wear this jersey skirt as a top.  I liked the effect, but wasn't as comfortable as I had hoped. And because I don't have anything interesting to talk about in the sartorial sense - I'll share with you my latest project!

GiantBomb is a video game review and news site that the DH and I have been enjoying for a couple of years. Like many successful sites, it's the faces of GiantBomb that keep even this casual gamer girl interested enough to listen to 2+hour podcasts, watch video game reviews for games I would never play, and actually keep up with current gaming trends. There are few sites I'd ever want to buy membership for, but the DH and I have kept up our membership with the site since they started offering subscriber extras.

While catching up with their videos one night I decided to practice drawing and wound up doodling most of their on-camera crew. I scanned all the drawings in and created this 'wallpaper'. On the flashdrive around my neck is a copy of the file because I went today to get a poster printed to send off to the guys at Giantbomb.

Additionally, I did a couple of cartoon-style doodle of my two fav costumes the guys have worn on screen. I call them Safety Brad and Sombrero Ryan. I don't really share much of my art online any more, but I am particularly proud of these.

As if I could Wait

Dress - LA made, thrifted

Harness - Audra Jean

Flats - Frye

Tamera left a comment yesterday when my readers would see the new dress. As if I could wait another day! I wanted to wear this as soon as I got it washed. It's the perfect shade of royal purple according to wiki (my favorite!). It's cut exceedingly similar to the All Saints dress I sold to Keely, only made of 100% cotton instead of jersey. That dress had shrunk in the dryer and I don't like things shorter than knee length, but this dress hits at a good length for my comfort. 

I decided to stick with my own classic way of styling new dresses - put a harness on it! It's hot enough that I didn't layer anything, but this dress is going to be excellent for layering up in any season. And my helpful background gave me the excellent idea that I NEED to pair this with neon green. I love a piece like this, it just merges into my wardrobe and ideas fly with how to dress it up. What's your favorite piece in your closet?

Bloggers to Watch: I started editing my blogroll, removing defunct blogs and adding a few new ones. I wanted to give you all a heads up on two of my newest. Please check out Amber at Butane Anvil, who is new to me, but already made a spot on my list. Also Secret Squirrel of Fashion Maths, who I want to see more from.Her casual kicky style is a sweet addition to my blogroll.

EBEW: Monochromatic

Tank - Anthro, gift

Skirt - Edme and Esyllte

Shoes - Gianni Bini, thrifted

Buttonflower - MMD

Belt - Lauren Ralph Lauren

So as many of you probably know, it's Monochromatic day over at Everybody, Everywear. It's been awhile since I last participated in that link round up, but I actually have some great summer pieces to pull together a monochromatic look. A good reason to realize you have more than enough shoes - when you start forgetting about certain pairs. I couldn't believe how well these thrifted pumps matched this skirt. Unfortunately my monochrome attempts are usually more of a gradient, but I have attempted this style a few times. I usually prefer contrast.

As I tweeted yesterday, when your instincts are telling you that there may be gems sitting in the thrift store, you might want to listen. I scored that amazing purple dress, which upon some investigation turns up that it's the Grand Island dress from Anthropologie! Score! I also brought home a bright green silk blend sweater by Issac Mizrahi for Target and a lovely pair of brown wool crops by Zara ($2 each). I'm most thrilled about the purple dress as it is very similar to the black All Saints one I used to have.

Other Monochromatic looks.

Ox Blood

Shirt - Odille, swap

Jeans - One Star, thrifted

Boots - Begin Vera Ellen by John Fluevog

So first things first. I went for the blood test this afternoon. And survived! It was very quick. Although I had a minor allergic reaction to the medical tape that the lady used to tape the cotton ball to my arm. The rash should clear up fast since I took it off as soon as I got home. I won't get results for awhile, but at least the hard part is over. Although my blood pressure is still all over the map. 

After some very lovely storms, it was actually somewhat cool. So to carry me through the day, I decided to wear out my other new boots. They're labeled as "burgundy" on the Fluevog site, but these are a pretty true Oxblood. Turns out I'm right on trend for fall. I love oxblood. As for the comfort of these boots, they're exactly what one can expect from Fluevog. The leather is so soft and should age really lovely. The strap is a bit annoying to do up, but it's part of the charm of the boot. I'm really glad I scored them for about a third of the retail cost because these babies are incredible.

 (Spike with the laundry, Bruce being held, York learning to text)

Speaking of babies! My BBs. I saw them for a little while on Sunday. York has learned a new "trick". When you pick him up, he'll position his paws over your shoulder and nuzzle up in your neck to give hugs. It's soooo adorable and sweet. I got my little petite Brucey for lots of cuddles. Uncle Spike laid around in the floor pouting. I tried picking him up for awhile and giving him pets, but he wanted to rush back to the floor to clean up his kittens. I've never met such a broody male cat.

I've also got a guest post up over at Bethie the Boo. Please go check it out.

Clean Friday

Coral tank - Alfani, gift from Sheila

Jeans - American Eagle, thrifted

Tooled Leather Bracelet - gift from Debbi

Flats - vintage

Socks - gift from Mom

This Friday called for jeans. It's a gorgeous 80F day with the slightest cool breeze. Most people would take a day like this to relax, but I felt pumped! I cleaned the house from top to bottom. The DH actually helped me out a ton, but it feels great to sit down to blog and do it in a clean house. Of course, I didn't want to be completely lazy with my casual Friday look, so I wore this gorgeous coral tank from Sheila with these perfectly matching socks from my Mom. To tie it all together, I added this tooled leather wrist cuff from Debbi.

I think this goes to show that even if you think you have your style pinned down, other people can help push you out of your comfort zone to find things you like. A few years ago, I wouldn't be caught dead in pink or flowers. But add in some vintage mary janes with rivet details and the leather cuffs off this All Saints dress as epaulettes and the outfit feels totally me.

Many thanks go out today to Sal for linking to my Swooshy skirt in her fabulous link round-up.

Brave

 Tee - Fossil, thrifted

Bag - thrifted, added strap

Skirt - fei, thrifted

Boots - Trippen Happy Free

Thanks to everyone for the awesome advice on yesterday's post, especially the personal experiences, tips, and tricks. I'll try to keep it all in mind when I go to the doctor (probably Monday), and I'll be sure to keep things posted here.

In lighter news, DH and I finally caught a movie this summer. I really wanted to see Brave before it left theaters. I generally like Pixar movies. D isn't much for movies, but he did come along this time. I really enjoyed Brave. The story was - a bit predictable - but beautifully crafted into a traditional fairytale for the modern day kid or kid-at-heart.

While I may not have a skirt made in my family's tartan, but I did have a plaid skirt. This morning it stormed and stormed, but was sunny and a cool 80F by noon, so I was able to happily toss on ankle boots and this lined skirt. The heatwave may not be completely over but I can deal with high 80s/low 90s.

I did opt for my favorite scrollwork tee. I pretty much wear this tee every weekend, alternating between it and my plain black V-neck unless I'm doing something special. I like graphic tees for working in because they're easy to wash. Do you have a favorite tee?

Accountable

Tee - Club Monaco

Crops - LOFT, gift

Flats - Trippen Army

"Joker" Obi - MMD

So it's great that I have people interested in finding the reasons for issues I have, but I have to get my blood drawn to test my thyroid. I know this is typically a fashion blog, but I also use this blog as a space to keep me accountable for my little eccentricities.

Now if you know me at all IRL, I'm anxious... and I hate doctors. Not the people, but the profession. I prefer my blood to stay inside my body. I don't want to be poked, prodded, or diagnosed. A bit odd fear for somebody who is studying social sciences and who prefers to be well. But I'm quite the alarmist when I'm facing a needle and tube. Here's hoping I can pull up my britches and be a big girl about it. Any tips to becoming a better patient?

And speaking of accountability. Um, I got another pair of boots. These, in fact. Amazon (and eBay) occasionally has sample/display shoes pop up for a massive discount and I made an impulse buy that I refuse to apologize for. Seriously, they're amazing. I also got my school books today - so expensive! Definitely will not be thrifting or window shopping for awhile. Here's hoping I can make that "while" until 2013. I do have some plans that will hopefully keep me busy and occupied in lieu of shopping. Keep an eye out for Sew Sundays. I've got some good ones coming up!

Inspired by @LouiseHornor, I decided to try adding an obi to this look. The "Joker" obi made a perfect pattern mix with these pants and helped keep the otherwise weird proportions in check.

No IDea

Custom Harness (just the straps) - Audra Jean

Belts - Lauren Ralph Lauren

"Hoodie" dress - thrifted

Boots - Trippen Happy Free

I had no idea what to wear today. I took my therapists advice to sleep in, chill out and attempt to spend some time preparing for the switch from summer/work/busy to school/work/busy. Then I felt a complete block when it came to getting dressed. It's still hot, still humid, and I'm having a lazy day. As opposed to yesterday's craziness, that you guys will find out about this weekend. Sometimes I take on projects way over my head.

But anyway the obvious solution to my getting-dressed conundrum is my hoodie dress, harness, and Trippen boots. I can't get enough of these boots. I also tried swapping out the skinny belt from my harness with one of my re-sized belts. And adding the orange one too for good measure. You can never have enough belts.

I'm kind of bouncing off the walls because I am not all that great at chilling out. I'm sure that will change when I start school again, but it seems like the more I do, the more energy I have. Obviously, this means I need Steak'n'Shake. Royale burgerrrrr.

Swooshy Skirt

Star Necklace - gift from Beth

Tee - 4ever young

Skirt - Edme and Esyllte

Sandals - Eurosofft

Yaay! I finally got this skirt fixed. The elastic had broken in it, but otherwise it's a great skirt. Just a simple seam hole, pull up and secure the elastic and bam! fixed. It was super grey out today, and despite all the rain over the weekend, it's still hot. Now it's just hot and humid. Gross.

Another therapy day. I feel like I got some frustrations out. Feels good to get out of my own head once in awhile. I decided to do the next best form of therapy as well - cook!

Tonight I'm making stuffed shells. I had some feta leftover, some cream cheese, and cottage cheese, blended all three up with some leftover broccoli, bellpepper and spinach in the food processor. Add one egg to the mix. Then put the mix in a ziploc bag. Cut off the corner and you have an impromptu piping bag to fill the shells. I also used some of the leftover beef in the fridge to add to the sauce. The best part is you can freeze the shells (minus sauce) for future meals. A good way to cook once and have multiple meals.

I hate letting leftovers go bad, but sometimes that little dab of this or that can be jazzed up with stuff you already have to make a delicious dinner. A prime example - leftover pork chops and rice can easily become pork fried rice with the addition of some frozen veggies, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a couple of eggs. Yum!

What are you eating today?

Sew Sunday Show-off 4

Welcome to the 4th edition of Sew Sunday Show-off.

I've been blown away this summer by everyone and their BF pinning, obi belt wearing, and picture sharing.

Beth uses her buttonflowers with some flair to jazz up one of her many fab purses.

Louise tweeted me her own buttonflowered purse. 

Lynne always maximizes her style benefits. She renewed this tee and dress by layering them and adding a buttonflower to the knot of the shirt.

And for the finale we have Terri of RagsAgainstTheMachine wearing her giveaway win with her 6-item wardrobe challenge. She jazzed up the outfit with buttonflowers, orange flatform sandals, and a blue fan. 

And despite my best intentions, I wound up with another round of ties from the Super Saturday sale so I can make the most of my materials before classes start at the end of this month. I've added three more belts to the Shop. So if you're interested in one of the pre-made ones, order before they go off to be sold at the booth next month.