Have A Stylish Day - What I've Been Up to Lately

Well, I know this post is a bit late but I did promise that I'd get it up. So better late than never!

Last Fall semester, I took a Fundamentals of Design II class with Nataliya Gurshman. I enjoyed her teaching style and felt that I learned a lot from her class. The following semester, in Spring, I took a Drawing I class with her. I have always liked to draw but most of my recent experiences were simple doodles. I had never learned any of the technicalities or fundamentals of drawing. In her drawing class I learned a lot. This semester has just been a continuation of my learning with Nataliya and I can see how far I have come! I know I have lots more to learn and only through continued practice will I master my skills, but I am so proud to be able to look back at what I've done so far.

We've been working on figure drawings lately but started the semester with still lifes. I start out with the figures and work backwards.

Female in Pastel Sticks

For this technique, we covered the white paper in charcoal and then erased the light areas of the figure to get our drawing.

Male in Charcoal

 This was a fun one. We started out drawing the still life in charcoal. Then she had us rip up the original drawing. Using the light to dark values of the ripped up pieces, we then taped them onto a second drawing sheet and drew on top of it. The result is a slightly surreal, lightly abstract still life. I especially liked this one because it forced us to think "outside of the box." A lot of my classmates were scratching their heads on this one. It was clear my teacher had thrown everyone a real curve ball. Everyone's turned out really interesting though and its amazing how different they all looked, while still retaining the same recognizable images of the still life.

Still Life in Charcoal with Masking Tape

Column in Graphite

Still Life in Graphite

This is from my Sewing Class. I have already started the second part to that class, in which we are now making a skirt. For the first part of the class, we made this tote bag. It's lined, has 3 outside pockets on each side and 2 inside pockets on the lining.  I was honestly so amazed at how it came out. I had never once learned how to sew on a machine before this class. When we started practicing seams and stitches, it was almost laughable how bad I was. My stitches were hardly straight and the seams were not especially clean looking. But I stuck with it, because I really want to learn how to sew. And I'm glad I did. Though my tote bag is nowhere near perfect, I gotta say it's pretty good work for a complete beginner!

Have A Stylish Day - Outfit Mashup - Thanksgiving Week

Whew, can you believe that Thanksgiving has already come and gone? Now we're in the homestretch for the end of this year and it will be 2011 before we know it! I tell you, I really needed the last few days of Thanksgiving break to get some rest. At first I had high ambitions to tackle lots on Thursday from blogging to school work...but soon enough I realized that there were already enough natural stresses that day and I didn't really need to add any more. Then yesterday I really wanted to get some stuff done but things just did not go as planned. But now I am back at it! I have much to get done this weekend and not much time to do it.

I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving holidays. I spent mine at home with my parents, my younger brother, my boyfriend and his mother. My father also invited over an older gentleman (who is a client of ours) and his nephew, since they did not have plans for the holiday. Thanksgiving for me can mean a lot of things, and brings about many memories of Thanksgivings past. But above all else, the holiday is about truly being thankful for what we have, and enjoying and appreciating the company of those sharing the day with us. It's nice to have a day like that to help put things back into perspective, especially when I've been so caught up with getting day-to-day things taken care of. It can be easy for me to forget how lucky I am when I am constantly with my nose to the grind stone, always thinking of what I have to do next. That's why these past few days have been nice to take a breather! Anyway, on to the outfits, eh?

Monday

I have been staying away from Target specifically to avoid buying any clothing from them. Why, you may ask? Because, simply put, I usually buy way too much there. But I wanted to get some shoe-shapers for a pair of leather strappy wedges so I relented and finally paid Target a visit. (Btw, can you believe that they don't even sell shoe-shapers there? I know, right?!) Anyhoo, when I ended up in the dressing room I had much to try on and I was not happy at the prospect of having to pick and choose what to buy from all the things I'd liked on the hanger. But luckily not everything fit well or looked good in my opinion. Often times something like that makes me cry, but in this case, it made me decision easy. Only 3 things fit to my liking and made me feel good wearing them. One of those items was this lace dress. I really like the dusty rose color and the way it goes so well with brown. I especially like how those two colors set off my hair and complexion. And lace with leopard print? Hells yes! I think I look pretty smoking if I do say so myself. :)

Dusty Rose Lace Dress - Target; Leopard Print Cropped Cardigan - JCPenney; Leopard Print Jeweled Heels - Ideeli

 Tuesday

 Well lookee, here. A good old faithful combo has made its way back - the tee-shirt and skirt! This tulle skirt is the second item from my Target trip. I'd been wanting one for a while. It reminds me of a skirt that I should have had in high school because it totally falls in line with my HS style. It's funny but this is probably an outfit I would have worn back then too, maybe with a more graphic print or an ironic slogan instead. But still, this is definitely reminiscent of my old style. I couldn't help but to play with that purple and red combo again. The photos I took against the exterior of my BF's shop. I really like how the colors pop against the white backdrop.

Feather Print T-Shirt - Target; Black Tulle Skirt - Target; Black & White Checkered Flats - Payless

 Wednesday

With the impending holiday break I had much to get done at work on my last day of the week. I knew I'd be at my desk for most of the day and even for extended periods of time but also knew that if I had to get up or do a small amount of running around I wanted to feel comfortable. I immediately thought of the final item that I bought from Target, this long sleeved cardigan. I don't have any long sleeved cardigans because I often feel easily over-heated in long sleeved tops. However this one is thin enough that it shouldn't be an issue. Plus it's super soft. I wish I had thought of this when taking the photos, but the upper part of the back has been delicately crocheted and it's really pretty. I wore a loose fitting tank top with a bow embellishment beneath. As loose as the tank is, I was a bit worried that my shape might be lost beneath all the drapey layers. But I think the angle and the length of the cardigan helps to elongate my torso. And skinny jeans and heels help to further the elongated look.

Pink Bow Tank - Target; Cream Crocheted Cardigan - Target; Skinny Leg Jeans - Old Navy; Floral Print Rounded Toe Pumps - Journeys

Have A Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!! Hope you're having a safe and good one! :)

"Turkey Cake Pops" from Bakerella via Flickr

Have A Stylish Day - Outfit Mashup - Mega Mashup

Ack! I am way behind and have many outfits to present to you. So let's get started, shall we?

Monday

I must admit, I really do love the hard vs. soft look. I found myself looking for a floral print top to further contrast the jacket and realized I really don't have any floral print tops other than this one. But it totally worked and I loved playing off the color of the top with the tights. The shoes were a happy medium between the two extremes, I think because they have a cute bow with rhinestones but the texture of the black leather lend a rough edge to the look.

Floral Print Embellished Top - JCPenney; Jean Pencil Skirt - Old Navy; Leather Jacket - Burlington Coat Factory; Black Bow Peep Toes - Burlington Coat Factory

Tuesday

I like how this outfit came out. Again in playing with contrasts, I wanted to wear a drapey flowy top against the linear and skinny shape of the pants. Even though the teal color isn't in the print, I thought it was fun to add it to the mix with the shoes and the feather hair clip. For being a pretty monochrome look I think the teal is a little unexpected but totally works. I don't know if it's just me, but I love printed socks and was excited to be able to wear these cool gray polka dot socks. I like how the bib necklace mimics the neckline of the shirt and, along with the hair clips, adds some glamor to the look.

Gray V-Neck Drape Top - Marshall's; Camo Print Skinny Leg Pants - Old Navy; Teal Peep Toe Wedges - Payless

Thursday

Ok I gotta admit this outfit was pretty easy. The kit top was a go-to piece of mine last Fall and it's easy enough to pair it with a tank that matches a color from the pattern. Wearing the tank and top combo just seems natural and comfortable. I went with a gold accessory theme and as a last minute whim threw the brown and gold woven belt over everything. I like it, though I think it may be a little too much...The necklace I'm wearing is one that I designed. I'll have to show it to you sometime.

Cropped V-Neck Knit Top - Dots; Olive Tank - Old Navy; Skinny Leg Jeans - Old Navy; Metallic Gold Ruffle Flats - Old Navy

Friday

After a pretty casual week, I was in the mood to go all out dressy. I've been wanting to wear this bed jacket for a while and decided to pair it with this dress. I wish the colors came across better in the photos, but I just love the richness of the plum and gold against each other. To continue to romantic,dressy feel I wore black floral lace stockings.

Plum Empire Tank Dress - Ross; Gold Lace Bed Jacket - Thrifted; Black Peep Toes - Payless

P.S. - I know I said that I'd have a post up this weekend about some of the other stuff that's been going on in my life, but obviously that didn't happen. I promise I did not forget about it though, I will get to it sometime this week!

Have A Romantic and Cozy Fall Day

Ack! I am falling behind again now, aren't I? Here it is already Thursday but I'm just now posting the pics from last Friday. *Forehead smack* I swear as quickly as the time goes I feel like I am just moving more slowly! I already have a plan to do a post on some of the stuff that has been taking time away from me for blogging, so look for that this weekend.

Black Lace Tank - Target; Pink Sheer Blouse - Kohl's; Gray Oversized Sweater - Burlington Coat Factory; Skinny Leg Jeans - Old Navy; Cream Oxford Peep Booties - Seychelles

 

So this outfit is going in the faves book. If it weren't for the shoes, this would be a look I would say for certain I could wear every day. As smitten I am by the booties still, they are not the most comfortable. But they sure make the outfit here, don't you agree? While I sitting at my desk, a friend passed by in the hallway, and came in to see my shoes because she says that it's always the shoes I'm wearing that really take it to that next level. I sure appreciate other people noticing my efforts. I really do try to pay attention to all aspects that come together to make the outfit, but I usually pay special attention to the shoes. Of course, there are days that I'm rushing around and don't have enough time to focus on the shoes or when I have to wear flats no matter if they are the best fit or not.

With Fall in full swing I have been drawn, more than any other year, to jackets and sweaters to help me feel cozy. I'm have never particularly been a jacket person and I have definitely not been a sweater person. But this year I found so many options that turn my view of those items on its side. This sweater is definitely one of those options. I really wish I could wear it every day, but I don't want it to wear out quickly. I thought of layering this heather gray sweater with the sheer blush pink blouse while I was in the shower. But I didn't know what to layer beneath the blouse. I didn't want to do gray since I feel like I've worn that color a lot lately. But I didn't want to do pink either. And as simple as black would seem, I actually need to buy a plain black tank or cami since all of mine are patterned, have ruffles or whatever. I decided to see if layering a sheer black lace tank under a sheer pink blouse would work. Surprisingly and happily it did work! Since the pieces were already starting to take on a romantic tone I went with it, with the pearl necklace & bracelet and some vintage cream colored earrings with a mother of pearl inlay. And definitely, the booties topped the looked off.

Have A Red Coat Day

See I told you this post would be more colorful than the last few...So do you guys like my new coat? I saw it on BeyondTheRack.com one day and couldn't take my eyes off of it. I loved everything about it, the puffed shoulders, the nipped waist, the flared skirt and most especially the color. My winter coats have always been blue, black or gray, or blah in other words. A red coat would definitely stand out in all the dark, drabness of the winter.

But I was weary of making a impulse purchase that I would later regret. Also, I wasn't sure on the fit. Of course I checked the measurements but you can never be 100% sure until you physically try the garment on. I've never purchased a coat online. So I had a very frugal-minded friend at work help me weigh the pros and cons. If anyone could help me decide if it was worth my money, it was her. Now of course it was offered at a nice discount to the regular price, so that was definitely a pro. Eventually, we decided that it would be a purchase worth making and I made the order. Then the hard part came. I had to wait. And wait. And wait. I waited for at least a month, no joke. But one day I finally got notice that it had shipped and then a few days later it arrived to my doorstep. And the best part is that it fits!

Lipstick Red Coat - Jessica Simpson via Beyond the Rack; Purple Drop Waist Top - ; Black Button Embellished Leggings - Target; Plum Satin Peep Toes - Target

I am totally loving the color combination of red and purple. How about you?

So here I was again. Another Thursday with leggings. But what's that? Is that heels? Yes! When I put this outfit together with flats, I felt I was missing that extra little bit to really make the outfit pop. Then I switched out the flats and tried it with these peep toe pumps. Pop! Instantly. Luckily it did not become an issue for me in drawing class as I sat most of the class (something I hardly ever do for drawing class!).

I'm beginning to become more and more comfortable with tops that are a little shorter than expected with leggings. That is not to say that I would wear a t-shirt with leggings outside of my house, as I definitely would not feel comfortable(I'll save those outfits for the house, where only the BF can see and appreciate). No, the drop waist is probably as short as I would feel comfortable with. But I always thought a top paired with leggings had to fall further down my thighs in order to look "acceptable." Whatever that means anyway. What I'm realizing though is that as long as I feel good wearing an outfit, that I start to care less and less about what is expected of someone my size and shape.

I haven't talked too much about my weight on this blog yet. It has definitely always been a sensitive subject for me. Only recently have I been able to accept and appreciate my body for what it is now. Not how is used to be when I was a skinny kid, or how I thought it should be in high school, or even what I hope it to be in the future since I've been regularly exercising. I mean exactly how it is today. But it took me years of disliking it, trying to hide it, trying to squeeze it into styles I thought would make me feel pretty, before I was able to get to the point where I am now. And if other people have a problem with my body or how I dress it, that is just it - their own problem. Trust me, I didn't always feel that way. More than anything in high school, I wanted praises and confirmation from my peers that my body was good or nice, which never really ended up making me feel better about myself. Now I look to myself for those praises. And when I feel good in what I'm wearing and dare I say it, even hot, no one can take that away from me. :)

Have An Inverse Bleed Blue and Gray Day

So I must be on a gray/silver kick considering the last few outfits (minus the black and gold one). But I really wasn't consciously aware of the fact until I looked at the photos from today. That's when I realized not only have I been wearing a lot of gray but I also ended wearing almost the exact inverse of this outfit from last week. Weird huh? And totally unplanned, I swear!

Oh yeah, these photos feature Pearl because she was just so antsy to go outside and she thought that since I was at the front door that must have meant I'd let her out. Sorry kitty girl, but no. Taking a small black cat out in the dark, who also loves to dart away quickly, does not a fun time make.

Deep V-Neck Sequined Camisole - Macy's; Jean Scoop Neck Jacket - Target; Skinny Leg Jeans - Old Navy; Silver Wedges - Payless

I was in the mood for wearing this jean jacket but wasn't sure what I wanted to layer beneath it. The last time I wore this, I paired it with a dark purple camisole, and I liked the look. However, this time I was wanted something that was going to pop out from beneath this jacket. I think this sparkly sequined cami does just the trick, which I settled on after much deliberation. I bought this shirt back in the Spring but I've only worn it once so far because of how truly deep the v-neck plunges. I've been meaning to shorten the length on the straps which would hopefully make the top more wearable. But yeah, as I said I've been meaning to. But layering it under this jacket worked to cover my décolletage. I also am digging the play on the neckline with the cami v-neck and the direction of the jacket creates an opposing v.


And don't worry, the next outfit post will be much more colorful. I have noticed that I sometimes get on a kick for a certain color without even noticing it, and even after I do notice, it's hard to stray from that color until I'm over the kick. But I promise I have been paying attention to add more color since I've realized I started a gray kick. With the days getter shorter, I definitely need color in my life!

Have A Rocking Romantic Day

Do you ever have a day where you feel your outfit has multiple personalities? I know I do and it seems it is often on days when I'm mixing romantic elements with edgier elements. Not that I don't feel like they can't go together or that it doesn't look good, because I definitely love the idea of contrasting the two together.

Cropped Fitted Jacket - Burlington Coat Factory; Silver Sequined Tank - Target; Pleated Embroidered Skirt - Coldwater Creek; Silver Flats - DSW

So I was bad you guys. Remember how I was debating with myself on whether to get this oversized sweater, at the same time as purchasing this leather jacket? Well I left out the part about this here jacket...and how I had to get it as well. As I said I was definitely looking for a biker inspired leather jacket and I found that. But when I saw this jacket, I couldn't bring myself to put it down. There are biker elements to it but its got more of a rocker feel. Plus unlike the leather jacket, this one is structured with panel that create a bodice. I just knew, like the sweater, that I would be sorely regretting leaving it behind.

This outfit was actually inspired by an outfit in a magazine. On Monday while I was home sick, I took the time to attack my built-up pile of magazines to rip out the pages that hold inspiration for me. Now I'm slowly starting to get them organized into a binder. The page with the outfit was about shopping your closet and creating a new look by taking a pleated skirt and simply adding a fitted blazer over it. The pleated skirt I had, the blazer I did not (still on the hunt for one) but I think the cropped jacket does just fine. I really like the silhouette the jacket creates when layered on top of the skirt. Since it is a fuller skirt and it's longer than most of my skirts, I would have liked to see how this outfit would have looked with some heels but it was Tuesday so I went with flats.

I wanted you to see how full this skirt is. Mostly Also, I wanted to twirl around on camera. Heh, this is the kind of skirt I would have loved when I was a kid, providing myself with endless hours of entertainment by simply twirling around with my skirt.

Have A Stylish Day - Outfit Mashup - Catching Up

I haven't posted since last Wednesday....can you ever forgive me? Or more like can I forgive myself? I have felt so guilty for not posting, though I swear I've been so busy. In fact yesterday my body had had enough of it and made me stay home sick. But I am back on my feet again and need to catch up on some outfits. I only have outfits for Wednesday and Thursday, but the one I wore Friday I'm going to seriously rewear this weekend because I was very pleased with how it came out. Anyhoo, let's flash back to last Wednesday...

Ruffled Cardigan - Macy's; Halter Pleated Silk Dress - Parrot Bay Trading; Black & Grey Satin Peep Heels - Target

 

  

 As you can clearly see, I was in an all-out dressy mood Wednesday. I got this halter dress over the summer and thus have not spent much time considering how to wear it in the Fall/Winter. Due to the halter neckline, it poses a bit of a challenge to find pieces to layer over it that don't look weird with the neck. I was a little afraid that the ruffles on this cardigan were too much, what with the pleats and silky texture of the dress. But these photos are proof to me that it was a great combo. It's hard to tell here, but this dress has black, gray and brown. So I decided to play a little bit with the neutrals by wearing a gray cardigan, brown tights & black/gray heels. What I really wish I had is a killer pair of red pumps because I think those would have taken this outfit to the next level.

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Embroidered Bib Tunic - Old Navy; Brass Embellished Leggings - Syms; Leopard Print Flats - Old Navy

Thursday was my "take it easy" day. Drawing class and sewing class, plus work, all in one day really take a lot out of me. So comfort is key especially. Lately that has been meaning leggings. Yay! I realize though that I need to plan some more leggings-centric outfits because I'm quickly running out of fresh ones in my arsenal. Looking at the photos, I'm realizing my shirt was fitting about an inch or so higher than I had originally thought, but to be honest I was comfortable with the length while wearing it so it wasn't really an issue. The leggings were a bit too tight (shiny) so I wore some black stocking underneath, which was also a great fix for covering my feet. As much I love silver and black, for the last few years I have really fallen in love with black and gold. So with the accessories I went all out- black and gold hoop earrings, black and gold zipper flower head band and a black and gold pyramid stud bracelet. And for the belt I used a thrifted scarf with a metallic leopard print. Definitely an easy yet cute outfit to pull together! :)

Have A Bleed Blue & Gray Day

Heehee, this title amuses me because those were my school colors in HS and the school pride bumper stickers would say "I Bleed Blue & Gray." I never really got into school spirit too much, aside from spirit week because it had awesome days like "Pajama Day" & "Blast from the Past Day." But now that I'm waaaay out school, whenever I see blue & gray together it makes me think of my HS. Anyhoozles...

Graphic Print Dress - JCPenney; Gray Cami - Old Navy; Gray Oversized Sweater - Burlington Coat Factory; Gray Zippered Accent Leggings - Old Navy; Blue Suede Wedges - Something Old, Something New

So you remember this post when I wore one of my most favorite pairs of shoes and was sad you couldn't see them better in the photos? Yeah, it's ok I wouldn't remember either if it wasn't my blog, lol.

Well, I was in the mood to wear these shoes on Monday. Plus I was in the mood for a dress and this one worked perfect. I couldn't resist the blue on blue look, so I went all the way with the feather hair clip. And then I mixed some gray in there for good measure! This sweater I found at Burlington, along with the leather jacket from the other day. Let me tell you, I was so torn on whether to buy it or not. The jacket I had already been looking for, so that was easy enough. But I wasn't really looking for a large oversized sweater like this. If anything, I've been on the lookout for a nice long, drapey cardigan. But when I saw the sweater and then tried it on, I was truly in love. I love how big and lose it is, and yet how chic it looks. After some serious hemming and hawing I decided if I didn't buy it, I'd be thinking about it all week long. I think with everything all put together this outfit looks pretty sweet, plus it felt great wearing it. And one of the reasons those shoes are one of my favorites is because they are so comfortable! I really forget that I'm wearing any sort of heel in these because I feel like I'm wearing slippers. Seriously. I wish I could say that about all of my other heeled shoes.

Have A Photo Makeup Day

You remember in school when they would have makeup days for photos? Well Sunday was my makeup day for Friday's photos. I had worn this outfit on Friday but was so tired I wasn't up for photos by the time I got home that evening. Which made me kind of sad because I was really loving my outfit. So I decided there was no reason why I couldn't rewear it on Sunday and take the photos then.

Black Lace & Flocked Blouse - Lane Bryant; Camo Skinny Leg Pants - Old Navy; Leather Biker Jacket - Burlington Coat Factory; Guess Platform Wedges - Ross

This outfit falls into the realm of pushing myself beyond my normal clothing boundaries. First of all, I have never really been a huge fan of camo print. But for the past few years I've been wanted to give the look a try. So when I saw these skinny leg ones at Old Navy, complete with a gold zipper on each leg, I knew I had found the pair for me. Then another look that I've never really been that interested in before is the motorcycle jacket. This season I have become obsessed with them. I'd seen a couple of HauteLook.com or BeyondTheRack.com and seriously debated with myself on whether to make a purchase. But because I have wide shoulders and a broad chest I was afraid to risk it without being able to try it on first. Then when I was at Burlington browsing for nothing in particular I saw this baby and it was love at first sight.

The BF and I decided to take a little drive after breakfast Sunday morning. We ended up in Woodbridge, VA right outside of Leesylvania State Park, on a little peninsula in the Occoquan Bay. Along the road we were driving, I saw a path that led down to a clearing at the waters edge and knew I had to stop for photos. It was just too gorgeous to not take some photos!