Black and Blue

My mood was a little black and blue this AM.  The thing about outfit photos, and one of the reasons I wanted to start this blog, is they really force you to critically look at your ensembles.  For example, I really liked this outfit all day today, but now that I look at these photos I'm not sure it is a flattering look.
The blazer has a patterned lining, so I can also wear it with the sleeves rolled up for a pop. For today I chose to wear them down and go for a sleek look with the tights and boots.

 

The detail on the skirt echoes the ruffles on the blouse somewhat

 I wrote in detail about my gray boots last week.  While searching for the perfect pair I came across these at a really good price, they fit perfectly, and are a good complement being sleek.   They are too slim fitting to tuck pants into (the gray ones are for that) so these are just for tights.  I don't have any other ones hiding up my sleeve though (well, a pair of booties, but that's a whole different category, right?).

Blazer: Daniel Rainn via Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Blouse:  Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Skirt:  Max Studio via Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Boots: Etienne Aigner Celina via Marshalls/TJ Maxx

I didn't realize I was a walking ad for Marshalls/TJ Maxx today,  but I guess I am.  You're welcome.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!  I'm not one to wear a costume to work, but I did feel festive this year.  I decided to show my spirit with this belt.  Look closely-those are skulls! 

These pants don't have belt loops, so I ended up tightening the belt and wearing it over the sweater, which allowed me to showcase the skulls even more.

Sweater: Old (meaning, don't remember)
Pants: Dahlia via Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Belt: Target
Necklace: Old

 

And of course after work, we had some fun.  Both Rodney and I love sushi...

  

Technically I think they might be sashimi

 

The chef

And don't forget the soy sauce!

Happy Halloween!

Mood Nails

Since I have two giant zits on my face I am foregoing the outfit post to tell you about my fabulous new nails.  My lovely coworker, who gets her nails done regularly, recently showed me her heat sensitive nail polish.  It changes color based on body temperature, akin to mood rings.  After my oohing and aahing she offered to take me to her nail salon.
So we went, and I am so happy with the result!  I have these beautiful nude nails that turn a deep pink when I am cold, which is often.  These not only change color based on my mood (ok body temperature) but they also change my mood, because I get so excited when I see them!  They are gel nails, which also means they last a little longer than traditional nail polish.  Ultraviolet light is used to set them.  Not that much longer, mind you, within 5 days I noticed peeling at the corners, but considering I normally ruin my nails before I leave the salon that is definitely an improvement!

At the salon, after dipping two of my fingers in cold water

Changing colors at a stoplight on my way home

My Achilles Heels

My weakness is jackets.  How many can I possibly need, living in the Deep South?  Doesn't matter- I have a closetful, and I just bought two more for my upcoming birthday!  I can only imagine how many I would have if I lived somehwere it actually gets cold.
So now that it is officially jacket weather I am showing off one of my beauties. 

 This is the cobalt blouse I mentioned in my Menswear Post.

First this sweet boy wanted to be in the photo

Then this one started clamoring for his turn!

And finally these boots!  My other Achilles heel (I know) is boots.  I remember at one point in my midtwenties having tall brown boots, tall black boots, short black boots, short tan boots, and if memory serves even short red boots in my closet all in the same season.  Alas, I was not careful about my purchases back then, and all those cheap boots did not last very long.  This time around I wanted to do a better job.  I tried on many many pairs, but I really wanted weathered gray boots.  This pair is my most expensive purchase to date (other than my wedding dress of course).  I bought them last year when I was pregnant, so I justified the cost since I wasn't buying a lot of (or really any) other clothes or shoes.  When I took these out to wear (I waited a whole year to wear them!), they now appear more brown; I guess it's a warm gray.  But I love them!  They are so comfortable.

 

Jacket:  Marshalls/TJ Maxx

Blouse: Marshalls/TJ Maxx

Skirt: Target

Watch: Husband

Boots:  Naturalizer Juletta Gray

Cool

The temperature here finally dropped over the weekend.  Oops.  I didn't get around to wearing this new sleeveless tunic.  I don't generally wear tunics, but the burgundy shade and leather accents screamed fall, and the lack of sleeves fit well with the then 80 degree weather.  But now it's 60 degrees, so I am wearing it with a sweater underneath.   And I didn't even wear it with my burgundy shoes, aren't you proud of me?  

Tunic:Target
Watch: Husband
Pants: Not Sure