Belated Blogoversary

Tee - Mossimo, thrifted

Skirt - BB Dakota, Gift from Sheila

Belt - Lauren Ralph Lauren

Mu Boots - Cydwoq, ebay

Scarf - thrifted

So apparently, I completely missed that my 4th blog anniversary has come and gone at the beginning of this month. Is now a good time to gush how awesome my readers are? Seriously though, thanks to everyone for the comments and emails. Thanks for making Megan Mae Daily, Megan Mae Designs, and Megan of Mass Destruction happen. Thanks for the donation of materials, gifts of clothes, swaps, purchases. Thanks for being a friend, confidant, and support of all my various projects and collaborations.

Many, many thanks to those who have stuck with me through the years, especially while I muddled through personal style, relearning how to shop and dress myself. And thank you newcomers for stumbling upon my blog. I hope you decide to come back again. And most importantly, thank you to my friends for being awesome and hopefully ignoring my terrible shopping habits.

Should I mention these boots are new? Or did you already guess? ;P I blame eBay. These boots were an absolute steal and in near mint condition. I wanted to put them away for Christmas, but the DH said no, so I left them on my feet.

(Note to myself: Stop buying brown shoes! Although if anybody knows of any cute colorful ankle boots, let me know.)

Drinking the Koolaid

 Plaid shirt - J. Crew, thrifted

Skirt - homemade? thrifted

Custom Harness - Audra Jean

Flats - vintage

So I'm the last person on the planet to own some J.crew. Thrift stores rarely get in J.crew pieces, maybe because the quality is good? The brand is beloved? Do they burn their clearance pieces rather than let them filter down as Goodwill new stock? (Don't quote me on that, please.)

Regardless, I've nearly never seen a single J.crew piece in years and years of thrifting. And somehow in one trip managed to find a shirt and two pairs of corduroys. I grabbed all three because they were all roughly in my size, in good shape, and were things I liked.

One of the pairs didn't fit me so I sent them over to Lynne, but the other two things fit. I'm not sure why the previous owner gave up this ultra soft plaid shirt, but I'm pretty sure it's one of the greatest things I've ever thrifted. I've just been waiting for it to get cold enough to wear. And it pretty much wasn't as cool today as it had been. I give up with this weather.

Doing a Sheila sitting pose

Regardless, I'd still never be able to pay retail for something from J.crew, even on sale, but I do understand the hype now. Are you a fan of J. Crew or other hyped brand? Did you buy into it? Did it live up to the hype?

Btw Lynne is hosting a thrifted piece round up so drop her a link/email by October 1st to join up.

Human, After All

 

Watercolor silk scarf - gift from Ana

Sweater - Isaac Mizrahi for target, thrifted

Trousers - H&M, thrifted

Flats - Trippen Army

Humans of New York has become my new favorite website since Text from Dog. It's full of beautiful people and a million different stories. Some with text, others only what you glean from the photo itself. HONY is not a fashion blog, but you can see an amazing variety of inspired looks and presentations. Some that will make you laugh, others make you think, even a couple that made me tear up.

"Sometimes I’ve heard people say that you can’t capture “real life” if you ask people to pose. That hasn’t really been my experience. I love seeing how people choose to present themselves." -HONY

Also a side note: I'll be taking my entire stock of MMD goods to my local Fall Festival in two weeks. If you are interested in any in-stock obis or current stock buttonflowers, please shoot me an email. I will not be replenishing stock after that, only taking custom orders, until Christmas time.

Impulsivity

Tee - Kenneth Cole Reaction, thrifted

Jacket - Theory

Skirt - Thrifted

Socks - ??

Logic oxfords - Cydwoq

So I did two impulsive things over the weekend (okay probably a few more than that, but we'll stick with the two)... First I got a hair cut! My stylist lady - a bare two weeks before her due date was still working over the weekend. I decided to dedicate the funds to getting my hair done one more time by her. It's so hard to find someone who *gets* your hair, especially at budget places. I feel a million times better after the trim.

Second, I got some Chinese food. I always order things with lots of veggies in them. Maybe it's a placebo effect, but I always feel better after a big meal of steamed veggies and wonton soup. Also my fortune cookie even agreed that I need more shoes - seriously.

If only, little fortune cookie, if only

Aside from the little treat to myself, I decided to dig through the rest of my closet and pack away the rest of my summer things and tried on the rest of my winter wear. Mornings here are in the 50s with afternoon barely reaching 70s. Which means socks and jacket time. I alllmost wore tights but decided to freeze it out if I had to. This Southern girl really is a wimp when it comes to cold weather. Anyway the stuff that's up for grabs is now on my refreshed Shop My Closet tab if you want to check it out.

Sew Sunday Show-off: Amber of Butane Anvil

Guys, I cannot tell you how impressed I am at every outfit and picture I see wearing MMD pieces. I try to share each one because the variety of body shapes, styles, and age range that have purchased my belts has beyond impressed me. 

Today I want to show off the beautiful Amber of Butane Anvil. As if I haven't babbled about her enough, I stumbled upon her blog in its first days. I knew instantly that I would be following her blog. She has excellent taste, a great heart, and some seriously cute chickens. If you aren't already following her, go now!

I had to show you her outfit including the gorgeous Ally belt. Inspired by the "co-funder" of MMD, the Ally belt is ladylike and feminine. Amber paired it with a beautiful floral print dress and Fluevog Guides.

In addition to the obi belt, Amber and I pulled together a great collection of buttonflowers that she can mix and match with each other and her wardrobe. 

You can find links to other bloggers wearing their obi belts and currently available obi-belts on this page.

 Don't forget, I can make obi belts to suit your personal style. Just shoot me an email.

Thanks again to everyone who has supported MMD creations and MMD the blog.

PS - thanks to everyone for the well-wishing. I'm feeling much better after a weekend of rest. Hope to be back to myself by Monday.

Simple

Cardigan - thrifted

Tee - The Seed, thrifted

Jeans - American Eagle, gift

Boots - The Art Company

Necklace - gift from Lynne

Today was one of those days that was really hard to wake up. If I didn't have quizzes/tests in all of my classes today, I would have stayed in bed. But I tossed on a sort-of put together outfit and toughed it out. I wore my uber comfy boots and layered some tees. I know these boots are probably not the most fashionable OR flattering, but they've got a really great insole and I can walk a bunch in them. 

Usually I hunt around for shoes that are both comfortable and fashionable, but these fill a sneaker-role in my now minimal shoe closet.

I also jazzed up my navy tee with the sunburst necklace Lynne gave me. I always get a ton of complements when I wear it. It's probably my favorite piece of jewelry ever.

I've been trying to keep up with my blog reading. I'm feeling better than I did yesterday, but still under the weather. I'm doing my best to get caught up this weekend. Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?

Throwback

Tee - Tryst, thrifted

Skirt - DIY'd

Chuck Taylors Zebra Striped

I feel rotten today (earache), but here's what I started out the day wearing. Instead of listening to me whine - why not watch this adorable pup Mudd jumping on a trampoline. He's so freaking happy.

Roasting

Tunic Dress - All Saints

Skirt - Edme and Esyllte

Kalana Wool Crochet Tights - Sockdreams

Vera Ellen Boots - Fluevog

Ah the bizarre weather days where mornings are freezing and afternoons are blazing. I was comfortably dressed when I left the house, but halfway through the days the tights were just too much. Thankfully I get to come home for a short time between classes and changed to some skinny jeans for my night class. Tomorrow will probably be even warmer so I'll be skipping the tights entirely.

Aside from jumping the gun on autumn wear, I wanted to say a quick thank you to those who wiped out my Shop My Closet page yesterday. I dropped all the packages in the mail today.

Borderlands

Dress - Vintage

Vest - Diy'd thrifted

Tights - Asos

Boots - Trippen Happy Free

Borderlands 2 came out late last night. It's a really awesome "space western"/post apocalyptic style FPS. The art style is really incredible and quite different from many games on the market right now. I'm thrilled they made a sequel because the first game was really fun. The DH got Borderlands 2 for his birthday. I'll either wait for a price drop or steal a character slot on his account because I don't have the funds for a full retail priced game right now. But I thought I'd pull together an inspired look for the game.

I found this vest in the closet along with the goth pants from Sew Sunday. It was originally from a costume for the DH that we took to a convention a few years ago. I loved the military look and thought it really toughed up this dress. It's still a wee bit cool so I pulled out my first pair of tights for the season.

Also hair nubbin! Just long enough to pull up now.

Also I wanted to mention I have a Shop My Closet tab now. There's only a couple of things up there right now, but it does have an Audra Jean harness up if anyone wanted to snag one at a severe discount. I've decided brown is just not my favorite and the brown harness isn't something I have much opportunity to wear these days. I'd much rather it go to a great home where it can see more action - maybe in a steampunk outfit or on the playa.

Going going gone~!

Manic Monday

 Collared shirt - Ann Taylor, thrifted

3/4 shirt - Talbots, thrifted

Skinnies - Joe's Jeans, thrifted

Vera Ellen Boots - Fluevog

As you all read, I had a very busy and successful weekend. Following up the gorgeous weather of those days, we find Monday pouring down with rain. And of course my college only makes the one switch from air conditioning to heat one time with the season change, I had to layer it up. As I got to school today, my umbrella turned out to be broken. So I spent the afternoon in various stages between soaking and kind of damp.

Fwiw, Fluevog shoes and boots are excellent at surviving torrential downpours. All three of my pairs have gone through numerous wet downs to dry out perfectly.

I got my newest pair of tights in the mail via sock dreams. I'm not sure if it's just me or what, but the color accuracy on that site is lacking. Twice I've ordered pairs that aren't what I expected in terms of color. And today's tights* look quite large. They're cotton so I know they'll shrink up in the wash, but the DH wound up with some sock dreams socks that I ordered in summer because they were just too huge on my feet. Thankfully they fit him perfectly. I still love the company for their quality selection and free shipping, but I always try to make my purchases with some apprehension.

Additionally, I wanted to share with my readers this youtube playlist: HERE* It's about 60 documentaries on a variety of topics (most of which are probably NSFW or young kids), but it's very educational and interesting at the same time. I did my sewing while watching some of these. If you happen to like documentaries, I highly recommend giving the Vice channel a watch.

*I do not receive any compensation from any links. This is purely my own opinion, product paid for by myself, for informational purposes only.

Sew Sunday: Goth Pants

The before

 Believe it or not, I was once a goth-mall rat kid who spent a minimum of three days a week at the mall arcade playing DDR, Soul Calibur II and Para Para. I wore those big heavy bondage pants with ridiculous sarcastic black tee shirts. A lot of plaid, candy necklaces, and glow sticks. These pants in particular I bought around 8th grade. They're men's Tripp pants in an XS I believe. Way too big for me back then, and are still now. I used the side tabs, 5 inch platform boots, and the drawstring to keep them up.

I got rid of a lot of my 'goth' stuff as the years went by but I hung onto this pair of white pants and a pair of black/green ones plus my trenchcoat. The thing is, goth stuff is EXPENSIVE - especially for a kid who was used to spending $1 on a thrift store tee shirt. But my grandmother faithfully took me to Hot Topic for the holidays and let me pick out a handful of things. I'm sure cringing all the while.

Now that I've set the stage for what is a deceptively historical pair of pants - I was stupidly browsing pinterest. I don't keep up an account, but I will browse through the front page or friend's boards once in awhile, occasionally finding great ideas. I saw a pin of a girl who had made a skirt out of men's pants. Well, the poor Hubs has his closet raided enough by me, but I knew I had these pants in the closet, unworn almost three years.

They still were a huge part of my clothing influence, but weighed a ton and had so much fabric I couldn't stand to wear them as 'real clothes' - Solution: Make a skirt!

FYI it's really hard to take a picture of your own butt. If I didn't want this pants-turned-skirt so bad, I wouldn't have done this - but omg I am super thrilled with the result. I wish I was better at finishing, but that's one of those things that you learn with time.

Goth clothes always have great details like chains and D-rings. Massive pockets and grommets. I really hate sewing something this big, but the makeover was a success! I promise to give it a wear this week and get better photos.

Additionally I had a lot of pieces leftover from the bottom of the legs. I gave the four zippers to my MIL, but cut out the skull appliqués from the backs of the legs. I may find a way to use them as patches or may do a giveaway with them. I took some of the detailing and sewed it to this tunic blouse that I thrifted over the summer. It's been too hot for long sleeves, but I imagine this will get worn very soon. I love the hard edge it gives this otherwise floaty soft top.

And if you read all that - Thanks! I've had a very busy weekend and wanted to show off some of my newly made pieces.

Caturday: Sleepy Cats and Hummingbirds

-peeeeek-

I are buddha cat

Bruce likes to sit on the ottomon in front of the television and sleep in sunbeams. He continues to take after his Uncle Spike. Watching the mannerisms of Spike crop up in the kittens is absolutely hilarious and adorable. I always try to get pictures of Brucey when he's in the sun because it shows off his pretty elegant face. <3 Brucey is my BB.

Happy claw

And of course, the ham himself, Spike. He loves his chest scratched. He somehow injured his tail a few weeks ago, so the second to last visit he hissed and ran from me because I accidentally touched his sore spot. However last weekend, he rolled all around for chest scratches and didn't even give me love bites (which means he really wanted the attention). He's feeling much better, and had to show off for the camera.

Also! I'm super excited to say I finally got some hummingbird photos. It took a lot of patience, and getting dive-bombed by the little suckers, but success!

 

Bird Bath

 Tee - Ann Taylor, thrifted

Lotus Skirt - Tahari, gift from Amber

Sandals - Eurosofft

Necklace - gift from Lynne

I have a swooshy skirt, but this skirt is decidedly swishy. It floats around into a beautiful trumpet shape. I don't know how well it will work in colder weather, but today was still plenty warm for short sleeves and sandals. Lower temps and Fall are on the horizon! Hurrah!

And since people asked yesterday - Yes it does feel weird to part my hair on the opposite side. I let my hair air dry and use a clip to keep my bangs in place. 

I may be losing my favorite photo place soon because my FIL is going to be building the front on the garage! Ah well, it's fun while it lasts.

While running errands, there were a bunch of little birds bathing in a puddle. I sneaked up on them to snap some pictures. They were so cute! Silly birds. The soppy little guy to the far left gave me the stink eye!

Click to embiggen

Dress (Day) of Horrors

 Dress - thrifted

Cardigan - Rugged Warehouse

Flats - Trippen Army

How could I not participate in Sheila's Dress Week of Horrors! I've actually had this look in the wings since I saw Secret Squirrel's look over the weekend. I knew it would be one of those perfect comfy outfits that could carry me through my extra long Wednesday of classes. Apparently I wasn't the only one because Lynne also did her own riff off SS's look. I also have Lynne to thank for giving me the guts to wear these shoes with black. I tend to get hung up on my neutrals, but this bitter brown looks great with black.

They have the coolest textured leather

And since I didn't do anything very challenging with my wardrobe today - I decided to do something I've been wanting to do for awhile. I parted my hair on the opposite side. An insignificant change, but it gave me something to do with my awkward length hair that wasn't cutting it or dyeing it. Both of which I'm trying to avoid. 

Finishing Pieces

Tee - Mossimo, thrifted

Jeans - Divided, thrifted

Flats - Trippen Army

Scarf - gift from Ana

I've been trying to balance my dressier looks with more casual ones. I don't know if it's the days slogging across campus or the lack of heels in my wardrobe, but I'm reaching for more easy outfits. Part of Ana's package were three scarves. I loved the colors in all three. This one really helped tie together today's basic pieces. I still struggle with wearing scarves (all accessories really), but I'm working on learning to style them.

What's your go-to accessory?

New New New

 

Sweater -  Isaac Mizrahi for target, thrifted

Bicycle skirt - Smoking Lily, gift from Sheila

Boots - Art Company

Button flower - gift from Ana

Holy hell, am I excited. I woke up to a beautiful cool morning. It was like somebody had opened up a store in my closet. I have been anxiously awaiting the heat to break so I could wear something more substantial than tissue tanks and skirts. I pulled out one of my brightest sweaters and my mini-dragon boots. Okay, these aren't by the same company that did my boots with the kickass heel, but they had the same vibe. They're about as squishy comfortable as a pair of tennis shoes too. A great eBay score.

And of course, I had to carry the purple through my wardrobe with this button flower from Ana. Definitely a different approach to a buttonflower, but terribly appropriate no? Sheila's Smoking Lily skirt is going to be a fabulous basic. I plan to treat it as a plain black skirt, because it is, just with a super cool bicycle patch.

And finally, the best part of today's new stuff - a Tahari skirt from Amber. Eeee! I couldn't believe how perfectly this fits. I normally don't buy/wear many synthetics because they make my skin crawl, but this floaty skirt is lined with a lovely thick satin-y material that keeps the crawly stuff off my legs. The print (which I totally did not get a good shot of) is an almost geometric-lotus style in purples on a black background. Can't wait to wear it!

Do any of you shop off season? Do you experience a rush of 'shopping' your closet when the seasons change?

Sorry for the total blur. Trying to take pics of
yourself via mirror is hard.

Caturday

Pretty sure I haven't shared this yet. Here's my crazy kittens a couple months ago playing through the bathroom door as Momma-Annabelle watches. Sorry for the cellphone video!

Monday, the boys and Annabelle are supposed to go for their spay and neuter day next week! While baby kittens are adorable, remember to spay and neuter your pets. There are always cats and dogs who are desperately in need of homes.

Crash

Tank - Ann Taylor, thrifted

Skirt - thrifted

Sandals - Poetic Licnese

Belt - All Saints, gift from Ana

Fridays are great because I've only got afternoon classes. It's an especially good thing because I struggled to wake up this morning. And when I got out of class, I grabbed an order of tacos and double rice to go from the local Mexican restaurant. I promptly ate almost all of it and then fell asleep for an hour. Awesome news that my appetite seems to be returning, but I think I need to convince myself to go to bed a little earlier. 

I thought I was done with sandals, but the heat has returned with a vengeance. I already had this outfit planned out for today, and Ana's gifted belt make the perfect completer piece. The belt is white leather and rope twisted and studded with metal clips. I may wear it backwards next time. I also finally found a chain short enough to wear the sunburst necklace that Lynne gave me at our meet up. As expected this skirt is already a favorite.

I've been trying to ease into my autumnal clothes, but it's still too hot. Supposedly cooler temps are coming this weekend, I remain hopeful.

Edited to add: For those who didn't catch it yesterday, I did a "paper doll" for Wendy Brandes.

Chemical Excitement

 Dress - All Saints, gift from Megan

Belt - Nokomis, gift from Sheila

Tee - Club Monaco

Flats - Trippen Army

After a really suck start to yesterday, I expected my over four hour long biology class (lecture/lab) to be grueling. But I actually had a great time and learned how to use a microscope to look at gross things up close. Also a shout-out to any of my bio-classmates! Hi!

Then this morning, I woke up to not one, but three! packages from all around the world. First up was the much anticipated package from Sheila. She had given me a heads up about the amazing belt I have on today (which fits like a glove), but the surprise was a gorgeous Smoking Lily skirt. I'm not great at buying basics, but this skirt will easily become a staple in my wardrobe.

Next up is a bundle full of joy from Ana. She purchased an All Saints belt that didn't fit her and offered it to me. She included lots of local-based goodies from her city. Everything from a button-brooch, a map-paper brooch, English truffles (omg I admit I already ate two), a Superlambanana keychain and three beautiful scarves. She intended the scarves to act as padding, and said I can do what I want with them. I actually think all three will work great in my closet. Thanks, Ana, for sending me such a fabulous package. I hope to return the favor in the future.

And finally, a real special treat for me. Reader Sonja emailed me awhile back asking if I would be interested in a couple of handmade sweaters. I told her I'd love to give one of them a shot. She mailed this lovely grey sweater to me from Spain! I've never gotten mail from Spain before, so that was exciting. I'm very impressed by her workmanship. It will definitely be a treasured piece in my closet. If only the weather will cool off!

It was really hard to not to throw everything on together today. Instead I styled the new brown belt with my favorite plaid dress from Megan and my comfy Trippens. I imagine if I were in the Firefly-universe this would be my look. I promise I am a lot happier than I look in my picture!

Once again, I want to throw out a big Thank You to all of my friends and readers. To all those who have generously given to me. To all those who leave supportive comments. To those who will rant with me, commiserate with me, and lift me up when I'm having a hard time. You guys are the best.

Quote me on it

Tank - Anthro, gift

Vest - thrifted

Trousers - Willi Smith, thrifted

Mini belt - MMD
Boots - Trippen Happy Free

Despite having a very well stocked cold weather wardrobe, I'm still piddling around looking for goodies to spark my interest in this late summer. The hot weather just goes on and on. It all started with the idea of purple trousers. If you're a shopaholic like me, you get some stupid idea in your head that you NEED a certain piece because it'll go with everything.

Purple is not "in" stores this season. Or at least not the blue/grey-based purple that I'm looking for. Cue me popping into six stores in less than a week. In both TJmaxx and Ross, I was quite unhappy to find there were maybe 20 pairs of pants in my size range total. In all the stores. Apparently people my size either cleared them out, or more likely, they just don't get those sizes in stock.

Goodwill was kind of a bust, but I did come out with a pair of Jcrew cords in cognac. Not what I was looking for, but I'm willing to make them work, especially for a dollar. Thrifting is usually about finding what you can, not necessarily what you're looking for.

The worst part about losing weight due to medical issues, the trousers I'm wearing today don't fit. Fuck pants. I still love a well cut trouser, but not when the hunt to find anything that fits ends in so much frustration. Unlike the purple pants, these do fit in the waist so I'll hang onto them because they're best for dressing up professionally. However, I'll probably keep to my skirts and dresses as much as possible.

Tell me, readers, how do you handle fit issues when shopping?

Hiccup

Wool blend Tee - Ann Taylor, thrifted

Skirt - fei, thrifted

Boots - John Fluevog, ebay

Scorpion Belt - thrifted

Hiccups are a weird phenomenon. They can be caused for a number of different reasons, but the involuntary response is a laughable sound - and miserable feeling. I tend to get the hiccups when sudden temperature shifts happen. Like walking from warm inside to cold outside and vice versa. Sometimes it's just one hiccup while I adjust, other times it sets off a tidal wave of hiccups that last until my ribs ache.

The real story here is my belt. Omg scorpion bellllt. I've only worn this once before, but it's still one of my favorite thrifted finds. It's a little bit industrial with the metal buckle and seat-belt style material. I'm not sure who the target customer was because it's a short little belt and very wide. It's nearly gotten sent back to Goodwill because I haven't worn it much, but I've learned from my past mistakes of being hasty.

These are probably my favorite boots ever. I used to own them in yellow, but stupidly put them back up on ebay because they challenged my style too much at the time. I still struggle with yellow, but I know NOW I could easily style those yellow boots. If you're really seriously about adapting your style into something different, you can do it. Like a good stew, it just takes time to develop delicious flavor. Don't hastily get rid of challenging pieces, give them a few turns before deciding they're definitely not right for you.

Vintage Linen

 Dress - vintage

Obi - MMD

Pearl Hart Pumps - John Fluevog

What's a girl to do when she finds a traffic cone orange linen dress? Buy it, of course. Scored for $4 on Super Saturday, I had been hoping no body else would see the diamond in the rough I did. It had godawful vintage buttons and massive shoulder pads. I still need to take in the sleeves to get them looking a little less 'vintage', and I swapped the gold and white buttons with purple ones. I may still change them out for something else, but that's such an easy fix and I used what buttons I already had on hand.

Not only is my dress vintage, but so are the ties that make up my obi belt. This was one of my favorite combos. I worried a little pairing two bold ties, but like most of the obi belts, it just takes the right pairing to make them work. Lynne rocks her dragon belt, combining three prints!

It's an absolutely miserable rainy day, but I haven't let that get in the way of my four day weekend. I'm taking Monday as a complete rest and relax day. I'll be catching up on my blog reading, watching television and vegging out. Tomorrow I'll be getting back to the nittygritty and doing homework.

This outfit is highly visible so I'm linking up with Patti's Visible Monday, and joining Robin of FranniePantz for part 2 of her wedding e-party.