Casual Shmasual

 Dress: from a local boutique / Cardigan: Forever 21 / Flats: Macy's / Bag: Alice + Olivia
 

I'm not even sure I get credit for this outfit, it's so easy. Dress + cardigan + flats + bag = business casual Friday. Today, being a Saturday and a perfect 68 degrees, will be an even more casual version of the same. I've got to make the most of the LA wheather while I'm still here!

2011: Looks in Review

Oh my goodness, it has been too long! I'm back! Winter break was lovely; full of friends and family and vacations up the coast of California and across the country to chilly NY. I'm glad, however, to be back in Southern California, back at my job, and back in my own bed!

I started this blog with the intentions of breaking my jeans-and-tshirt rut, finding some fun and creativity in how I presented myself, and helping out other petites (and non-petites!) who wanted to feel good about how they dressed without spending a bazillion dollars.

I hope I've kept to those goals throughout this past calendar year, and that I'll continue sticking with them into 2012 and beyond (please use a Buzz Lightyear voice to read the previous phrase). To celebrate the first year in which I started this little project, a recap of my 10 favorite outfits (or, the times in which I was most proud of myself for getting dressed in the morning), of 2011.

Full layout inspiration credit to the lovely and stylish Megan of Feathers and Freckles who daily proves that a little Picnik goes a long way.

 1. Warm and Cozy 2. Crisp Oxford 3. Can you really dye my shirt to match my wall?

 4. PFC #11 5. PFC # 10 6. Casual Fridays 7. Party Dress

8. Pattern Mixing 101 9. It's Summer, and I'm Confused 10. Is it Fall Yet?

Things I have learned from these 10 looks: I love cardigans, I really love black and purple, I like high belts way more than the Boyfriend wishes I did, I'm proud of myself when I wear skirts, and I'm extra proud of myself when I wear heels. :) Happy New Year, everyone! And thank you so, so much for reading.

Can you really dye my shirt to match my wall?

("Uh-huh!" "Jolly old town!")

Sweater: H&M sz xs ($15.00) / Skirt: LOFT A-Line Eyelet Skirt sz 00 ($69.50,  $32.99 + waist alterations) / Belt: Madewell ($48.00, $12.00, buy here) / Tights: Target / Shoes: H&M  sz 7 ($24.95) / Necklace: homemade

 And it FINALLY feels like fall in LA. Grey skies, a light rain, a crisp breeze....mmmm. I couldn't be happier. What better way to celebrate the fall weather than with a new warm & cozy sweater, tights, and black booties on a business-casual day? I'll tell you what's better....exactly matching your outfit to your tool shed, that's what.

Pattern Mixing 101

 
Shirt: Gap sz xs / Skirt: Forever 21 sz xs / Belt: Bought in England / Shoes: Target Elliana Wedges ($24.99) / Bracelet: Gift

   

 I was inspired for this outfit by the lovely Kendi of Kendi Everyday. She is a pattern-mixing genius. Seriously, that woman has some crazy skills. I usually stick to one pattern per outfit (if I have any pattern at all!), so this definitely fits the "out of the comfort zone" bill. And guess what...?

  I love it! Stripes and florals is an easy pattern-mix that is almost guaranteed to look good. Something about juxtaposing the sporty with the girly, I think...

68cent Striped Skirt

 True story: This skirt cost 68 cents.

Top: Forever21 sz s / Skirt: Goodwill outlet (68 cents) / Shoes: Macy's / Necklace: Various charms, put together

To be perfectly honest, I wasn't really feeling this outfit at first; I thought it was nice, but just a bit too simple. (Heels would have helped, but I have a 6 block walk from the bus stop, so no thank you!) Two things changed my mind and made me love the outfit by the end of the day: 1) I remembered, hey, this cost me 68 cents, and 2) a really friendly homeless woman told me I looked "Cute! Really cute!" on my walk to work. Fair enough.

Hope you all have a great 3-day weekend!

Ms. Mary Mack

I had the schoolyard song "Ms. Mary Mack" stuck in my head all day today.

Ms. Mary Mack, Mack, Mack

All dressed in black, black, black,

With silver buttons, buttons, buttons,

All down her back, back back...

Shirt: (Dress!) H&M sz 2 (borrowed from my sister) / Skirt: Bought in Spain (about $10.00) / Shoes: Target Elliana Wedge Sandals ($24.99, buy here) / Necklace: Made by the Boyfriend


Even though my buttons aren't silver. And they're down my front, not my back. Details, details...

I've been wanting a chambray shirt for a few months now, but hadn't found one cheap enough yet still of good quality. Solution: find a light denim blue colored tunic in my sister's closet and wear it as a shirt! Success.

Also: I'm feeling all kinds of patriotic in this outfit.


So there you have it, a dress as a shirt and buttons all down my front. Happy Monday!