Cleverly Titled Style Blog

this is what you get

2011-06-15T18:18:00.000-04:00

You should have seen the outfit I had picked out to wear today. So cute.

Unfortunately, I snoozed through my alarm, and am absolutely exhausted today, and the thought of wearing a pencil skirt and fitted shirt just killed me. Killed me, I say! Not to mention that I hadn't ironed said fitted shirt. And the skirt requires a slip. Plus there's something about about a cute outfit that makes me feel like my mood has to live up to it...and it probably wasn't going to manage that today.

So, safety outfit it is - comfy pants, even comfier tank top and cardigan with a pair of basic black heels.

Throw on some pearls and it even looks like a wasn't running late this morning. Brittany 1, Snooze Button 0. Well, except maybe in this pic:

I may even sleep in it

2011-06-14T18:29:00.000-04:00

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I'm cheap.

Ok, that's not really a great way to start. I like a good deal. That's better. That makes me sound a little more frugal, a little less prostitute.

My price point is set at about $20. I'm not saying I never spend more than that. But on average, that's what I'm usually willing to purchase. You show me something I like for $20, and I'll almost always buy it. $25 isn't much of a stretch, and if I like it a lot, I'll pay $30. Much more than that and I start to get into well I like it but is it really worth that much and will I ever actually wear it? territory.

It's ridiculous, I know, but that's the way my momma must have raised me.

Let me tell you something else. I'm loving this season's flowy and pastel vibe. I want to buy everything in the Banana Republic, Gap, Ann Taylor, and J. Crew ads. Unfortunately, to meet my $20 price point there, I'm shopping at the clearance rack. As it turns out, the clearance rack is from four months ago when apparently seasonal summer clothes weren't exactly what was being coveted.

Every once in a while, however, I'll pay full price for something. It's usually something that I've mentally wanted for a long time, and can never find, and then I walk into the store and bam! there it is, but apparently I'm not as special as I thought because everyone else must want one too or they will eventually, because there it is front and center just waiting to be bought by me and everyone else who walks by. But in those cases, really rare, oft not acknowledged, and never retold to The Husband, I cave and buy something at FULL PRICE, WITHOUT A COUPON, IN THE FIRST WEEK IT'S AVAILABLE.

And that's exactly what I did with this Express dolman-sleeved sweater. I paid a whooping $50 for it, and I'd do it again and again and again. (Probably not a fourth time though, because I think I have to draw the line at $200.)

I can't wait to restyle this baby.

Do you have price points for yourself? What is the piece that you may have paid a little too much for lately, but you don't regret it for a minute?

P.S. Happy 8th Anniversary to The Husband and me. I love you :)

Don't Know Why You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello

2011-06-13T17:46:00.000-04:00

Hello again after a long absence. I had no idea when I did that last post that I needed a two week break, but evidently I did. I'd like to tell you that I took the time to focus on revamping and restyling this blog, but I didn't. The truth is, I just took some time off.

The best part about this blog has been exactly what I intended for it to be: to serve as a visual diary for myself and to motivate myself to look nice everyday.

But every once in a while, I find that it becomes a chore. And it seems like for a minute there, it was becoming a bit of a chore more often.

So I took a break. And I'm starting to miss blogging. And I don't care about how many followers I have, or whether I have any sponsors, or how many comments I get a day (though every comment does still excite me, no matter how much I tell myself it doesn't matter!) I miss it, and I have some new clothes, and I find that I'm not near as motivated to read others blogs for some reason when I can't show off my own. So here I am again!

Thank you for those who sent me nice comments and checked on me and remained my follower despite my absence. I admire your dedication, which is obviously a little stronger than mine these days!

And, without further ado and other uncreative transitional phrases, today's outfit:

It is important to note that this shirt cost a whopping $6 at the Gap this weekend. Seriously. I also took the opportunity to wear my new edgy bracelet with a very feminine and professional outfit...and think it adds just the right amout of grr.

P.S. If you and your coworker decide to start running during your lunch breaks, perhaps you should pick a different time of year than June to start. It is REALLY hard to stay motivated when its 106 outside. You don't get valuable advice like that very often, I'm sure, so I'm just trying to be a good friend here...because I'm currently the smelly girl in the office, and the least I can be is a good friend.

You Can Look In One of Two Places

2011-05-25T12:45:00.000-04:00

If this dress was red, I'd never wear it to work. It's a little clingy and a tiny bit short, but I feel like I can get away with it since it's black. No one questions your professionalism in a black dress, right?

I purposely didn't put on a belt, because I only wanted two pops of color today, strategically placed to pull your eye away from the hemline and towards my (1) neck and (2) feet.

I've felt a little like a flight attendant today...except that I haven't gone anywhere cool except the local hot dog vendor at lunch (but I did order the Seattle Dog, so maybe that counts). I'm also planning on making a trip to the library after work. Yea, it's a pretty busy day over here.

Picket Fence Life

2011-05-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

Sometimes Mondays are made for casual clothes. Especially Mondays in the week of Memorial Day when you only have to work half-day Fridays for the rest of the summer.

Have I mentioned to you how much I love this shirt? This perfectly preppy boat-necked nautical-striped shirt from Gap? Because I do. Not just because it's a really comfortable t-shirt, either. But because it goes with ANYTHING. Seriously, anything - like pickles and blow pops or popcorn and Jolly Ranchers.

Today I'm living my white picket fence kinda day. The only thing that would make it better is if I could leave work, go to the pool, and sip homemade lemonade. Awww...perfect.

Hey, by the way, I know this isn't a picket fence. Doesn't it look like I'm on a farm today? Maybe I am! Just maybe this shirt works as FARMWEAR, too! Amazing!!!

Virus

2011-05-19T22:16:00.000-04:00

Know what one of the worst thing in the world is?
Getting a virus on your computer at 9 a.m.
I finally got it off and fixed at 4 p.m.
I wasn't even in virus butt-kicking attire today. Nobody kicks viral butt in pink slingbacks. Super-spy black boots, maybe, but not kitten heels. Next time I get a virus on my computer, I'm wearing spiked heels and leather.
And as for you, AVG Anti-Virus Protection, how's 'bout you just show up for the fight next time?

In Vest (in me)

2011-05-18T17:47:00.000-04:00

I wanted to be comfortable today, so I put on the stretchiest dress I could find in my closet.

Then I decided it looked just a bit too comfortable, so I dressed it up a bit with vest.

But it looked a little manly, so I took off my lace-up oxfords and threw on plain black heels and a pink belt.

Almost right, but still missing a pop of flower power and some diamond jewelry.

After all that, it seemed a little "safe" so I went and trespassed on some private and most likely electrical property.

Do I know how to get crazy, or what?

Grainy and Drained

2011-05-17T09:08:00.000-04:00

Not to take too serious of a turn here for you, but do you ever have periods in your life where you are just stuck in limbo? The Husband and I are prepared to move on to the next phase in our life, but circumstances won't allow it yet. Because of this STUCK feeling I have, I find myself slugging through my days, weeks, and even months. I turn around and realize it's already the middle of May, and I'm not quite sure where this year has gone already. I'm afraid that by looking forward too much, I'm missing the Now, but I feel helpless towards it.

I guess the only thing I can do at this point is to try to remain in the Now, and keep dressing for everyday, and for what everyday can bring.

Kicks, Kids, Keds

2011-05-14T11:21:00.000-04:00

My little town in West Texas DOES NOT get Keds. EJ bought them for me for my birthday and has a funny story about the 12 year old working at Journeys (labor laws anyone?) who didn't understand and kept insisting that they did indeed have "kids" shoes. Ok, so she probably wasn't 12, but the point is she looked 12 and might as well have been for all the usefulness she was. Do you all feel as dated as me? Yes? (Hmm...that doesn't seem to be the way to get more readers, does it?)

I wore them last weekend with a skirt to the mall, and I think people were trying to decide how old I was myself.

Have they never seen Dirty Dancing? If Baby can rock her Keds in the 80s AND get Patrick Swayze, I'm gonna give it a try. Hellllllooo....girl sitting in the corner here! Anyone?

Oh, I'm just sucking in to strengthen my abs, that's all

2011-05-12T13:55:00.000-04:00

There is an obvious danger to wearing white pants and being as clumsy as me: It's pretty much guaranteed that I'm going to spill something on them.

I figured I'd up the odds today by joining my friends at a local barbeque joint. Somehow, SOMEHOW, I managed to not only avoid the barbeque sauce in my chair, but also remembered NOT to wipe my barbeque flavored Lays on my jeans (not that I normally do something as childish and uncouth as that...it's just that the napkins were so far away...)

In fact, the only issue I have with today's outfit is that these jeans sit awfully low on my waist, and I'm forced to suck in the barbeque-sandwich induced stomach I've given myself. Thank goodness I didn't eat the peach cobbler!

Today I'm An Adult

2011-05-11T11:51:00.002-04:00

I've been dressing a little casual lately, so I thought I'd remind my coworkers that I still know how to dress like a grown up. (Though I think I got more appreciation for Monday's outfit than any other I've worn. Apparently a maxi dress screams sophistication, or didn't you know?)

Do you have silver and gold issues like I do? I really love these Target wedges, but I hate that they have a gold buckle on them. I tell myself to just accept that I will always be wearing silver since my wedding rings are platinum, but a little bit of my Southern heritage still tugs at my brain and tells me its tacky. The only choice I really have if I ever want to wear gold is to just dive in, so I mixed some silver and gold accessories with this outfit, and hoped you'd all realize it was intentional. Or not even notice at all. Until I pointed it out, you know. But actually, I'm counting this belt as gold, but I'm pretty sure it's brass.

I'm sure nobody thinks that mistaking brass for gold means anything about my salary grade, right?

Floral Girl

2011-05-10T13:50:00.002-04:00

I wanted to play along with this month's Everybody, Everywear, but I realized that the vast majority of "florals" in my closet were black and white flowers. Who buys multiple patterns of black and white flowers? My floral section in my closet looks like a funeral arrangement...

...except for two extremely short skirts and this dress. And I don't know if you can tell, but this dress is pretty dang short too. Never to be deterred however, I waved my magic remix wand and deemed it a tunic for today.

Who says you can't have cake and eat it too? (Actually, I've never ever said that sentence. What is the point of cake if you can't eat it? I've never been one to pass up cake, anyway. Which has nothing to do with this outfit, by the way. Ignore that billowing waistline in front of you...)

(Something Cheesy Like) Maxi-Mum Attitude

2011-05-09T18:12:00.000-04:00

Y'all, I seriously want to wear this outfit for the rest of my life. Will you still be my blogger friend if every other outfit is this maxi dress? Actually, will you still be my blogger friend if I start posting regularly again? I apologize for that too...but look what I was doing!

I have resisted the maxi dress trend for a year now because I somehow convinced myself that I wouldn't be able to find one long enough for me. Damn myself for that one I tried on at Target a year ago. I went to Ross this weekend and pushed three ladies out of the way to get to this dress. $17.

Seriously. This dress cost less than these shoes did. And these shoes were really cheap (and consequently on the verge of breaking. I'm testing the gods though, because I'm wearing them anyway. And I'll whine and curse and cry when they break here at work and I don't have any other shoes to wear, and I'm going to pretend like I had no idea that it was going to happen.)

Beachy Keen

2011-05-09T17:15:00.001-04:00

I am so sorry to all my readers that I've disappeared. My coworker LL and I were at a seminar in Corpus Christi most of last week. I realize now that I can handle pretty much whatever life throws at me...as long as their is a beach in the future.

LL and I had so much fun. Despite the educational reason we were there, of course we managed to find some time for sun and fun, too! I am glad the seminar was clearly over at 4:30/5 everyday so that I don't have to hide this tan from my boss. Plus, it did wonders for our self esteem (O&G is truly a man-heavy business)!!

Much Fanfare

2011-05-03T11:50:00.004-04:00

I'm returning to you today after a bit of a break from the blogosphere with the promise of two posts today.

Yesterday's outfit was planned entirely around my birthday gift watch from JR. And then I didn't even take a closeup of it. Silly girl.

Ok, this outfit was also planned around the weather. The ONLY good thing about waking up in May to find the temperature around 40 degrees in the morning is the justification to wear boots. So I did. And I even smiled while I did it. I welcome the kind of Winter that only lasts one day.

Smashion.com Interview

2011-04-25T15:12:00.000-04:00

Happy Day After Easter, ya'll! Did you have a lovely long weekend? The Husband and I slept in yesterday, and didn't even feel guilty, because our church offers a 5:00 p.m. service. We listened to a great sermon and then had a yummy steak dinner to celebrate Easter. Actually, The Husband had steak and I had a salad smothered in Ranch dressing and cheese. But I looked at him smugly and told him that I was trying to eat healthy.

He just nodded and smiled. It was Easter, after all!

I am so excited that I am featured on Smashion.com today! Please go check it out! http://www.smashion.com/lounge/interview/1161-brittany-cleverly-titled-style-blog

Wow, look at my ankle there. I promise, I could still walk after that step...weird...

Proven Formula

2011-04-21T15:44:00.000-04:00

This is my formula for a fail-proof outfit:

Dark wash jeans +
Bright top +
Cute cardigan +
Bright belt +
Flats

It keeps me warm, functional, and still professional for my Pretend-Friday (Hello Good Friday Holiday tomorrow; I love you.)

Some Might Call Me Cheap

2011-04-20T14:32:00.000-04:00

There used to be a brand at Walmart called Metro 7 that I thought was just about the coolest thing ever. It was cheap, and actually decently made, and most importantly, it was cheap. Wait, I already mentioned that.

This sparkly striped button-up is a Metro 7, and this skirt is from an Old Navy trip in college. This is why I don't put "link" tags at the bottom of my posts - most of my clothes I've had for years. I really believe that clothes can last years and years (even Walmart and Old Navy brands) if you just take simple steps to take care of them properly: wash them in cold water, remove them from the dryer promptly, and hang accordingly. Yea, it ain't rocket (or laundry) science.

These shoes, however, are also a very cheap brand, and I now have two bandaids on my toes.

You win some, you lose some.

Black and Brown, the forbidden pairing

2011-04-19T21:07:00.000-04:00

Oh, how I've missed you, Blog! I had a little mini-vacation in my hometown for a long weekend, and even though I took my camera and carried it in my purse the whole time, I didn't take one picture while I was there!

This is particularly concerning since I distinctly remember taking pictures this weekend. Is it better to have had so much wine that I couldn't properly operate the camera...or just to have made up the experience all together?

Nevermind all that though. I'm back today with a neutral vengeance, and breaking a rule while I'm at it. Who says you can't wear black and brown? Well, probably every preppy handbook in this great country, but why should we start listening to the north now? Next you'll be telling me its okay to wear whales on my pants...I'll just stick with the owl as my fashion icon, thank you.

P.S. Dear Vineyard Vines, I'm just kidding. I think you're totally awesome.

Neutrals in a Hurry

2011-04-13T05:19:00.000-04:00

This outfit was chosen reluctantly. I didn't iron my pants, I threw on a frilly blouse that I usually save for cuter outfits, and I belted it. I tossed a cardigan on at the last minute.

I quite like it.

Something about the neutral colors all coming together really stands out to me. Good job, Alarm That Didn't Go Off. Score one for you.

(I wasn't ready!!)

Looks Like a Lady

2011-04-12T17:04:00.000-04:00

What a golden opportunity to wear my great-grandmother's scarf today! This would be a pretty basic dress if not for the bit of floral wrapped around my waist.

I'm also not a big believer in wearing tights in warmer weather (especially here in Texas), but my office is always so cold that I have been perfectly comfortable in them today.

Business dress, vintage scarf, and ribbons in my shoes...don't know if it gets more ladylike than that.

Evened Out

2011-04-11T13:27:00.000-04:00

I had such a great weekend with friends, and of course I took no pictures. I ate way too much fried food, and drank way too much alcohol, but I made it to church yesterday, so I'd say it's all balanced out. At least it was until I ate about 14 onion rings at lunch today. And two cups of Ranch dressing.

But I've only had water the rest of the day.

That's a lie. I'm drinking a Big Red as I'm typing this. But it's Diet, so I'm pretty sure that counts as water.

Next time I mention not being able to lose weight, please remind me of that sentence.

This Post has Nothing to Do with Today's Outfit...

2011-04-08T17:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday evening I went to our town's opening baseball season game.

I know nothing about baseball. Could you tell that by the phrase: "Our town's opening baseball season game"?

I met the mascot, who reached celebrity status last week when he was interviewed in the local newspaper, nearly got hit by a baseball, and stood in line for an hour for a Blue Moon. I also used half a bottle of spray-on sunscreen and sat in the shade.

Sunscreen perfume, shady seats, friends, and Blue Moon. Oh, and baseball. Can't forget the baseball.

That's a pretty good Thursday night!

Short Skirt

2011-04-07T14:19:00.000-04:00

I think this skirt might be a little too short for work. But it looks like a pencil skirt and has a conservative pinstripe, and most importantly, I wanted to show off my tan, so I wore it anyway. Plus my boss is out of town and will never know.

Except that I have published it online.

Sometimes this blog ain't all it's cracked up to be.

His Advice

2011-04-06T14:09:00.001-04:00

I was trying on outfits last night while The Husband was getting ready to go to the gym.

I had these white pants on, and was tugging tops on and off, flipping through accessories and trying on shoes. I had a vision of these white pants and a blousy top, belted at the waist with a brown belt...but I wanted to wear these (black) shoes, too. (I'm all for breaking rules, but my southern roots tell me this may have been a bit...tacky.)

I was struggling with this problem and was looking unhappily in the mirror when The Husband said, "You know, you don't always have to be trendy and different. You could just wear that without a belt, and it looks pretty."

So, dear Husband, I'm wearing this outfit straight up, long in the pants, loose in the waist, and completely normal and pretty. :)

Who's Dope?

2011-04-05T19:10:00.001-04:00

Hiked up my big girl skirt today and worked hard and late. I've said it before: the best defense for a stressful day of work is my work armor, which always involves a pencil skirt.

My coworker and I photographed in an abandoned parking garage. I know it's abandoned for three reasons: there were no cars around, there were no buildings around that were necessary to park at, and the graffiti on the wall.

LL asked if I cared that it proclaimed "Dope!" proudly on the wall. It took me a few seconds before I realized they meant drugs, and not the slang word for "cool." I'm pretty sure I dated myself with that comment.

I'm also pretty sure there's a new slang word for "cool." Yea, I'm getting old.

Windy Days and Windy Nights

2011-04-04T13:48:00.001-04:00

I woke up this morning and thought, "There's a hurricane outside."

Then reality hit me as I came out of my grogginess a little more and remembered that I don't live in Houston any longer. We just don't get hurricanes in West Texas.

What we DO get is crazy torential winds. And something the natives like to call "Texas Weather." I spent my entire Saturday at a friend's pool with a margarita in hand, and today we're barely topping 50 degrees.

Thus, this girl could barely get out of bed and put on jeans and sweater. And this is what you get.

Weekend bonus picture. After one (or two) too many Coronaritas...the lovely Ms. KL and me:

Can I Get a Woot Woot?

2011-04-01T15:01:00.000-04:00

My coworker goes to Miami and all I get is this ring...just kidding.
Normally I'd think its too obvious to wear an OWL shirt (even if it is the coolest owl ever) and an OWL ring, but I appreciate the irony of wearing both today.

Happy hour lasted a little too long last night, so you get to see me in all my t-shirted glory today. Nice!

Gift from CJ, Luna Designs, Miami, FL

Mastery of the English Language

2011-03-31T14:23:00.000-04:00

Please pardon my bulging belt.

My 9th grade English teacher would have been very impressed with that sentence. Look at all that alliteration. That's right, Ms. Park, I remember that word.

Anyway, back to the belt that stretched around my waist like an athlete before the big race.

I ate too much Texas barbeque today. And the peach cobbler was self-serve. Wonder why they bother putting all those peaches in there, anyway?

I may need to do some more of these stairs so my skirt isn't quite so tight.

Vintage Leopard and Silk

2011-03-30T15:53:00.000-04:00

My mother once threw this shirt in the trash.

It was my grandmother's when she was my age, and I wore it as a nightgown, and thought I was just the prettiest 8 year old in my town, and possibly the State of Texas.

My mother disagreed.

I dug it out of the trash and have had it ever since.

This is how I do my part in the recycling effort.

P.S. Have a review of this post to remember if this is CHEETAH or LEOPARD print!

All that AND a bowl of soup

2011-03-29T21:45:00.001-04:00

Today my coworkers and I went to a little cafe that serves soups and salads. Everyone else got the soup and sandwich combo, but I decided I was especially hungry. I ordered the bowl of chicken (enchilada) soup and a salad.

"Would you like the cup of soup and salad combo?" our waitress asked helpfully.

I oinked, "No, I think I want more than the cup."

"So a full order of each?"

"Yes, please," stated I, confident that I was making the right choice. Boy, would my coworkers be sorry when their tiny cup of soup and measly half sandwich came out.

"Ohhhkay."

Of course, the two separate bowls of soup and salad she brought me were gigantic. I'm not kidding. There was at least a quart of soup in there, with garlic bread, and my salad was piled high in a similar bowl.

Moral of this story? When your waitress looks at you like you're a cow, maybe you should listen to her opinion. Also, there are starving children in Africa.

OF COURSE I ate my entire meal. Who do you think I am?

Outfits I share with a 9 year old

2011-03-28T13:53:00.000-04:00

I had to run an errand outside today, and I drove by the local "duck pond" on my way back to work. Since I had my camera and baby tripod in my purse from this weekend, I decided to attempt to take these pictures myself instead of forcing my coworker to come back with me.

So she's a better photographer than me and my tripod. Whatevz. (Instant cool: add a "z" after any word. Try it. Tryz it now.)

I watched Whip It last night and want to be a Hurl Scout. Actually, I have no desire whatsoever to be a Hurl Scout, but I did feel inspired to get out MY girlscout cross tie. I'm pretty sure wearing a cross tie in a size "girls" might cancel out any cool points you got from my Z-hint above, but then again, Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page kinda rocked it. So therez.

You get bonus pictures today. (Applause!) Went to watch the Red Raiders Red & Black game and of course we went out on the town afterwards. I may have had a few two many margaritas approximately an hour before these pictures were taken. And it was really, really cold, for the record (no Rudolph cracks, please).

Color Block in Jeans

2011-03-25T14:11:00.000-04:00

Man, my little ole blog is evolving. To my newest followers, and to my old followers, you have no idea how much I appreciate and love you all! I get so excited when I see my numbers tick up, especially when I've made some changes to my blog and I see how positive those effects are for it.

I have a coworker taking my pictures most days now, and boy, can't you tell the difference? I'm going to give her a little more of a shoutout one day soon, but I appreciate her so much these days. It's fun looking for new spots to take pictures downtown here - places like today that you think are just plain boring (a parking lot with a white wall?) can lend such a hand to making my outfit pop. I just love the "curb appeal" here!

Again, thank you so much for reading!! You give me meaning and reason to get up every morning (well, you and that paycheck I get everyday, too. but you're a close second. I might bump you up to first if you start sending me money. Just throwing that out there.)

P.S. Looks like this is the end of Stripes Week hosted by Megan Mae Daily. It was super fun...but also made me realize I may have a problem. Hmm.

I Hope This House is Actually Abandoned

2011-03-24T14:18:00.000-04:00

I had a great idea in my head to wear this casual tee with a gray pencil skirt and really rock a business casual look in it.

Then I gave up on that idea and decided to wear my skinny jeans instead. But I cuffed them and threw on a jacket too, just so you would remember that I'm a grown up. Even if this tshirt was bought in the juniors department at Target.

Actually, the truth is, I didn't realize this was from the juniors department at Target. It was stuck in the middle of some rack and was only $9.99, so I bought it. Nevermind that it's a big too snug and I'm pretty sure after I wash it, it will never fit again.

Rehab is a Fashion Statement Too

2011-03-23T13:14:00.001-04:00

Apparently Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki have issued a challenge to wear stripes this week. I saw their blogs this morning and thought, Oh No! I'm three days late! And then I looked down. Who's in stripes today? And then I looked back at my blog for Tuesday and Monday (I have a really short memory). And I was wearing stripes on those days too!

I'm probably the only person in this challenge participating by accident, but I'm so glad I am! I also think that this might mean I have to check into Stripes-Anonymous after work today. Because the real confession is that I'd already picked out tomorrow's outfit last night...and you guessed it, stripes.

How can I not realize that I was wearing stripes so many days in a row?

"My name is Brittany and I wear stripes..."

Who's That Girl (and what in the world is she doing)?

2011-03-22T13:39:00.000-04:00

I tried. I really, really did.

There are several issues with taking outfit photos at high noon on my lunchbreak. The sun is way too bright, and the shadows are way too dark. The high schoolers at their open campus a block away are walking through my parking lot to get to lunch. Everyone is on their smoke break. And the kitchen on the first floor looks out into the lot directly at the weird girl posing for her camera by herself.

The worst part about taking pictures today though was THE WIND! (Look how windy those letters look!) I just could not get a decent shot that didn't include my bangs in my face (and my hand flapping at them), my camera in the process of falling over, or dirt flying across the shot (I'm not kidding).

So I moved it indoors.

At least I felt comfortable enough in today's outfit to tell everyone walking through the building that I was a part-time model sending over some test shots to Vogue. Whose staring now?!

Stairway to Style

2011-03-21T14:17:00.000-04:00

My co-worker informed me that my outfit was a little boring today (her exact words: "that's something I would wear!") and questioned whether it was "blog-worthy" (something akin to sponge-worthy, if you ask me).

Nevermind all that nonsense. I'm in the business of posting what I wear daily, and since today is overcast, cloudy, and cool, after a wonderfully summery weekend, I decided to break out some pants for the occasion.

I did, however, hide in the stairwell to take pictures today. It's all well and good to tell people you have a style blog when you're dressed...well, stylishly. But on normal days, it gets harder to explain that camera and gorillapod. I'm kidding mostly. I just thought I'd take some high fashion type photos in a dark and boring environment. Dark and boring might have definitely come across. The high fashion remains to be determined.

Green skirts and windy bursts

2011-03-17T14:06:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday to The Husband, my dad, and possibly to St. Patrick.

I got about two paragraphs into my "St. Patrick's Day" search on Wikipedia before I ~~lost interest~~ got distracted. I did find out that he was born in the 4th century, and taken captive in Ireland at age 16.

I wish I had learned what the significance of the Green is, why he insists we all be pinched if we don't wear it, and probably most importantly, why he is actually a Saint.

Doing my best Marilyn today - it's windy here!!

That New Car Smell

2011-03-16T13:33:00.000-04:00

This shirt has always had an Asian-esque feel to me, so I'm not sure why it's never occurred to me to wear the attached ribbons like this. Usually I tie it into an unphenomenal bow behind my back. Today, I took a hint from those inspiring obi-wearing bloggers and boom, new look.

Other things I might try using differently:

Using my stapler at work as a pant-hemmer.
My digital photo frame at work as a revolving to do list.
My dog as a leg warmer at night.

This shampoo as a body wash. Double yum.

You know, those started out as silly ideas, but they actually all sound pretty good right now. Look at what we're learning today!!

Let Me Clear My Throat

2011-03-15T14:07:00.000-04:00

Last week my throat hurt.

I took a Dayquil a day and told myself it was just allergies.

By Friday, I had convinced myself I was feeling better and that I probably just needed some sleep. I drank half a bottle of wine and watched Jersey Shore reruns until 2 a.m.

On Saturday, amazingly enough, I did not wake up with a hang over, so I told myself it would be okay to go out with some friends. 7 hours, two smokey bars, and a few shots later, I ended up back in bed, feeling those awful "allergies" coming back.

Yesterday I noticed a tickle in my throat and a cough after every few sentences. Today I can barely speak!

These are the days when my body says to me: You are 28 years old. Start acting like it!

Early to bed tonight, for realz.

Summer Days

2011-03-14T14:04:00.000-04:00

So, do you doubt I live in West Texas now? This is the painting in the downstairs lobby. Moo.

This goes totally against my Come On Summer chanting that I've been doing for the past few weeks, but when I saw that the temperature was supposed to be 72 today (and pushing mid-80s the rest of the week), I thought I'd take advantage of it and wear some tights and boots before I have to retire them for the season.

Just to be clear, however: I would trade in all my tights and boots for 365 days of Summer. And not like that dreadful movie, either. I'm the one person on Earth who thinks Zooey Deschanel ruins every movie she's in, I know. 500 Days of any season with that girl would put me over the edge, for sure, even if it was Summertime and I was at the pool with a slush and rum everyday.

I feel very passionately about that subject. Also about Sonic slushes and rum. And using recycled paper...but only as scrap paper to throw away after I scribble on it.

I'm not that good of a person, I realize that.

Guess who reorganized their jewelry box last night? :)

Prep in my Step

2011-03-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

Really appreciating my Casual Friday outfit today. There's something about these neck scarves that make me feel so happy and preppy. They bring out the inner-WASP in me, I guess. And by "wasp" I of course mean "White and Sadly Poor". I considered breaking out the Sperry's - would that have been too much?

I think Tommy Hilfiger, Vineyard Vines, and the entire population of the Hamptons would probably disagree - there are never too many boat shoes and tennis skirts around.

Fine. Pearl bracelet it is. (It's fake.)

Red Heels and Purple Hues

2011-03-10T14:18:00.000-05:00

Are you Rocking Your Red Pumps today? 'Cause I am!

Feeling very 70s today in this top and wide-legged bottoms. I'm pretty sure purple velvet must have been popular in the 70s, too. I'm bringing it back in 2011, too.

I used to think these pants were too long. But I realized they're perfect with these heels. How sad is it when an Extra Long, 36" inseam is the perfect length for your gargantuan legs. I'm not sure if that's how you spell gargantuan. And I'm pretty sure gargantuan, however you spell it, doesn't mean "long". But I think you get the idea.

And I know my friends over at the Red Hat Society would get it. Red and purple, what!

Wearing my Hoodie at the Office

2011-03-09T14:22:00.000-05:00

Made my co-worker take pictures of me today. We came back to the office after lunch and stopped by a little park on the way there. Naturally, there were no cars when we first stopped, and by the time we'd finished our photo shoot, at least 15 cars had driven by.

This is the life of an OOTD blogger, right?

I tried to dress appropriately today - yesterday it was in the mid-80s here and today the high is 63. Sounds like an occasion for a hooded sweater and pencil skirt, if you ask me!

It's Always in the Last Place You Look

2011-03-08T14:47:00.001-05:00

Let me tell you a pathetic story.

Last week I saw that the Everybody, Everywear theme this month was polka dots. Great, said I. I don't really have a lot of spots at home, but knew I could come up with something.

A few days later, I remembered, and glanced in my closet. No polka dots. Not a one. Seriously. How do I have 13 striped shirts and not one polka-dotted one?

So this weekend, I did a little shopping. And amazingly, I managed to not buy one thing. Do you know what was included in this not buying spree? Polka dots. Apparently all my stores did not get the memo that polka dots are right on trend, because I couldn't find ANYTHING that I wouldn't have been buying for the sole purpose of this posting.

And that would have been sad, but I would have done it. Possibly. I mean, I nearly bought the purple polka-dotted cardigan I saw at Target, but it was an XXL. I considered what it would look like belted. You're all lucky it was still $25.

Finally I gave up, deciding I was apparently the only person on the blogosphere that didn't own something polka dotted.

And then I remembered this Express shirt, which was buried at the bottom of the laundry basket. Which is another pathetic story all together...I'm so happy to get to play along with you all!!

Moving Outside

2011-03-07T13:56:00.000-05:00

I admit it. I'm jealous of all your photos outside.

I wish my husband was a photographer, or was even slightly interested in taking photos of me, but over the years I've gotten quit proficient at taking photos of MYSELF - myself, since he is just not a camera fan.

Fine.

But now I'm practicing a little on my own outside. It would help if I didn't live in the Texas Desert, and had some decent places to take pictures, or at least wasn't so lazy and would drive to find some decent places, but all of those things can be goals for the future.

In the meantime, these outside pics look so much more bright and clear, don't you think?

How am I supposed to get my work done if you're going to murder me?

2011-03-05T14:44:00.001-05:00

Never got to post yesterday - I was THAT busy. And just to prove it to you, this is what I look like on a Saturday morning when I have to go BACK into the office. Not so cute.

I'll tell you something else that isn't cute. When you're all alone in your office, no one else is in the building, let alone your floor, and you hear an odd noise come from up front, followed by all the phone systems in the office beeping at once.

I was typing an email, so I spun away from my computer to look at my office phone, and THE LIGHT WAS ON AT THE FRONT DESK.

It was my "WE'VE TRACED THE CALL; IT'S COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE" moment.

I fought the urge to cower under my desk (that would have worked - the light on in my office, Taylor Swift on the computer radio, my coffee cup steaming...), grabbed my scissors from my "World's Best Boss" coffee cup/pen holder, and stealthily jogged down the hall to the front desk ("don't run with scissors" loses a little of its sensibleness when you're about to defend your life).

Of course no one was up there. I realize now that when someone calls on the weekend and the phone is on night ring, it gives anyone in the office a courtesy beep to let them know the phone is ringing. The general voicemail just runs through the front desk line. There was no one at the front desk, playing a little cat and mouse preparing to murder me.

OR WAS THERE?

I just realized...I didn't check the bathroom...

Bow and Argyle

2011-03-03T17:25:00.000-05:00

I was a little nervous about putting these pants on this morning. I sighed in relief when the buttoned just fine.

And then I tempted fate (and logic) by eating Mexican food at lunch.

Silly girl.

Have I reminded you all of my love for bows lately? Fan, I am! P.S. Just in case you thought I was lying in yesterday's post about it freezing here...the outside temperature reads 82 degrees and I'm wearing a SWEATER. I'm perfectly comfortable, too!

Plain White Tee and Full Skirt

2011-03-02T18:01:00.000-05:00

I'm wearing a leather jacket today in honor of The Fonz. I'd also like to thank my boss for making this possible - even though it's 83 degrees outside, it is still a cold 60-something in this building.

Thanks to this thrifted skirt, too, for being just the perfect amount of frilly to balance out black leather.

Happy Days' Influence on Leather

2011-03-01T14:03:00.000-05:00

I went to Barnes and Nobles a few weeks ago and as I often do while there, found myself in the bargain section. Even thought it was the beginning of February, I picked up a snazzy little daily calendar about fashion.

Today's entry is entitled "Scene Stealers" and refers to Henry Winkler as the Fonz. Apparently when the show first aired, ABC didn't allow leather jackets to be worn on television unless the character was near a motorcycle.

Seriously.

We should all break out our leather jackets tomorrow in honor of this censored fashion accessory becoming mainstream! Ayyyyyy!

Flattery works (even if it's you typing it)

2011-02-28T13:10:00.000-05:00

I'm trying really hard to think of some positives for Monday for Hope and Melissa's challenge (they probably don't call it a "challenge" but I think its a pretty good description of it today.) So here goes:

I am smart. And clever. I put more value in being witty than actually being intelligent, as most clever people are smart, but not all smart people are clever. I like to think I'm both and I have good reason for those suspicions, as my brother and I are A LOT alike, and he is definitely sarcastic and funny and clever and smart and ironic and fun. Me too!

I think I'm going to be a great mother one day. I understand the importance of not losing yourself in the role, but I also realize that once you have a child, you are destined to sacrifice for the sake of your child. One day I'll be a mom, and that child will dictate and rule the rest of my life. Like it or not.

I have the gift of discernment. I can usually tell what people are thinking, not specifically in a psychic sort of way, but I can get a general feeling from them. I don't read auras and I can't read minds, but give me a few minutes with someone and I can usually tell you more about their personality than some of their closest acquaintances. I've been wrong before. But not that often.

I actually do feel better about myself after that little lesson in self-flattery. Thanks, Hope and Mel! :)

Blondy

2011-02-25T12:50:00.000-05:00

Today was finally the day of the forever ago hair appointment! I woke up at 5:50 a.m., threw on a hat, and went to go get my hair "did."

Proof:

I am now a refreshing, crisp blonde again...without split ends!

A little bit of honesty here...I've been feeling extra tired and busy lately, and I haven't had just a whole ton of motivation for blogging. I'm still sloughing (is that word?) through it in hopes that it will pass. I go through these crazy stages where one minute I'm like, "Ok, total revamp for the blog" and other times when I think, "What would anybody even want to hear me say?"

I'm convinced it has to do with this crazy weather. I can not WAIT until Summer. Everyone is happier in the Summer!

P.S. This shirt is actually NOT psychedelic. Its just teal green with open polka dots on it. Funny how it comes across in the pictures, though!

P.S.S. Last week to Wear Red for Women! Are you sad?? :)

Oh, I'll Lift Your Spirits...

2011-02-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

I just read an article online called 8 Easy Mood Boosters.
I took five deep breaths, and considered setting my Iphone alarm for five minutes to rearrange my desk, but decided that was too much effort (5 minutes probably wouldn't cut it).
I went into the kitchen to have a spoonful of peanut butter (walk away from your desk, stretch, and have a healthy snack) but the Coke delivery man was blocking the spoons and tempting me with his high fructose corn syrup.
I even laughed out loud to myself in the bathroom, but my coworker walked in at that exact second and is probably still wondering if she should warn the building that I might be cracking up...and not in the good, stress relieving way.

So I decided the most therapeutic thing to do would be to type my blog for the day. I've only got 3 minutes until lunchtime anyway.

I guess its working! Better than that crazy "go workout" advice, anyway! :)

P.S. Blood-work sucks. And not in the good vampire kind of way...

New Shirt (?)

2011-02-23T12:50:00.000-05:00

I have decided that this week is casual week in my life. It may be the holiday on Monday, but it could also just be my general laziness and frustration with the weather.

Have I mentioned I'm ready for Summer?

I should be really glad its not quite swimsuit season yet though, cause I really need to get back to the gym with at least a few weeks to spare. Too much pizza and all!

I have a secret. This blue shirt is actually a DRESS! Shhhh.

Domino's and Diet Dr. Pepper

2011-02-22T13:47:00.000-05:00

Want to know where a holiday gets you around here?

Working through Lunch!

But at least its been a very productive morning! There was not one thing productive about

my LONG weekend!

And at least I have Domino's to get me through.

Pink and Red Still Count

2011-02-18T14:19:00.000-05:00

I feel like I'm kind of cheating wearing this shirt as my "red" outfit, mainly because I wore it last October as a "pink" outfit, but whatever. I mean shirts can be two colors, you know? Well, they can. Just like grape and pickle snow cones and cars you have to replace the hoods on.

I gave a shoutout to Academichic for their innovative jewelry tricks, and I'm using one again today:

I took this little white necklace and turned into a drapy necklace, a la flower and all. A little more red coming at you too!

1. Take a little necklace.

2. Attach a chain to the ends of the necklace.

3. Cover up the lengthening chain with a giant red flower.

Jewelry Jenius!
Or...Gewelry Genius!

Sparkly Smile

2011-02-17T18:48:00.000-05:00

This morning when I woke up, I had no idea that today at 3:15 I'd be sitting in a dentist's chair.

It's a good thing I didn't know that, or I wouldn't have gotten any sleep last night.

The worst part about chipping your tooth at lunch (on stew! How does that happen!!) is knowing that it just felt a little funny for the past few weeks, but ignoring it instead of being proactive and making a dentist appointment before something happened.

And the absolutely worst thing about going to an impromptu emergency dental appointment in the middle of the day...finding out its not a true emergency and having to reschedule for two weeks from today. But at least I got a free teeth cleaning!

A Party in a Cup

2011-02-16T13:24:00.000-05:00

Every single time I wear this shirt, somebody makes a Mad Men reference. I don't know if it's because it reminds me of Joan Holloway too (though its more of Peggy color) so I pair it with slender skirts like she would, or if its just that special cut that flatters when universally. Whatever it is, I'll take the compliment!

On a different note, is there anything in the world that feels more like Summertime than a Ocean Water from Sonic? Ok, so maybe an Ocean Water with a dash (or two) of rum, next to my lounge chair by the pool in the middle of July...that probably feels a little more like Summer, but right now I'm so desperate I'll accept a plain one next to a Kid's Meal at my desk here at work.

P.S. Oh yea, that title is a Jersey Shore reference. Yup.

Androgynous Me

2011-02-15T15:18:00.001-05:00

I'm embracing menswear so much today that I nearly pulled my fedora out of the closet (under 4 pairs of pants and in a box of hats that I forget about until the change of seasons...wait, I have 12 baseball caps?!) but then I remembered that it's not actually Summer, even though the contrast between last week and this week makes me feel as though it is.

Special mention to the fabulous Academichic for their brilliant ideas on how to remix your jewelry. I took a page directly from their book and attached some earrings to a chain...and voila! a brand new necklace!!

Positively Positve on Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T14:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!!

My positives this morning:

1. I must have pretty good taste in men. I won the Valentine's Day contest (or maybe I should say that my husband won) because my flowers arrived first at work this morning. The Husband said he ordered them a week and a half ago, which must be how much in advance you have to order them for them to show up at 9:30 a.m.!

2. I like that I finally know how to fix my own hair. Throughout high school and college I struggled with "flat hair syndrome", which basically means that my hair is stick straight and doesn't hold a curl for anything. I've since learned that that's not necessarily true, and with a little bit of the right products and accessories, voluminous hair is possible for someone like me!

3. I really like the fact that I'm getting braver about wearing high heels. I've never been much of a "shoe person" because someone who is six feet tall can't really get away with wearing three inch heels...especially when The Husband is already a bit shorter than me. But here at work, I've embraced heels. This goes back to last week's post a little bit about being confident in my height. I don't care if I'm taller than all of you. My legs are longer, too :P

And in regard to this post, of course I had to wear pink! I'm saving my bits of red for Fridays this month, but don't you worry, I have plenty of pink! Proof positive here!! :) Man, this is a "link-y" post, isn't it!!

Hair Affair (I get excited when words rhyme!)

2011-02-11T12:34:00.000-05:00

I called my hairdresser yesterday. I need an appointment. Stat.

"He can get you in at 2:30 next Friday," said the friendly receptionist who holds the key to my bad hair day solutions.

"No, I need something after 5:00."

"Oh! There's a cancellation the Monday after that. Can you come in at 11?"

I try to remember to smile, since I read that when you smile on the phone, it translates into your voice.

"Does he have anything after 5:00?" I ask.

"Hmm. No, he doesn't."

"Never??" I ask.

A happy "aha" again: "Well, he has a 7:00 in the morning two Fridays from now."

I open my mouth to explain that I need something after 5:00...and then realize...

"Hey, I can actually do that."

I don't gots to be at work til 8, ladies and gentlemen. Time for a lil trim trim before work. Two and a half weeks from now.

P.S. Do you have your RED on today?

Riding Boots and Pencil Skirts

2011-02-09T20:31:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure how I feel about riding boots and pencil skirts. I think they look great on other bloggers. I just don't know how professional the combination looks on me.

It may have something to do with the length of my leg (or alternatively, the length of my boot). I feel like maybe I'm showing too much knee...or something.

But I gotta say, I love this skirt. It's perfect for the day after too much bad food. I had a salad for lunch today.

Don't worry, I'm not crazy. I covered it in Ranch Dressing. Covered. Literally. Salad Soup. Mmmmm.

Feels Good Until the End

2011-02-09T14:23:00.002-05:00

Things you can do to make yourself feel better when you're down:

1. Eat a giant cheeseburger from Texas Burger.
2. Eat every season fry on your plate except two, and then scoff at your friend who puts your trash on top of them. I was going to eat those!
3. Follow your meal up with a grande caramel macchiato.
4. Unbutton your pants once you get back to work, and breathe a sigh of relief...because you actually can breathe again.

Things you shouldn't do after lecturing yourself that you need to start working out again:

1. Eat a giant cheeseburger from Texas Burger.
2. Eat every season fry on your plate except two, and then scoff at your friend who puts your trash on top of them. I was going to eat those!
3. Follow your meal up with a grande caramel macchiato.
4. Unbutton your pants once you get back to work, and breathe a sigh of relief...because you actually can breathe again.

Who said what? Combining Black, Blue and Gray

2011-02-08T18:07:00.001-05:00

Who says you can't go crazy with neutrals? I felt so devilish last night picking out this outfit: I'll leave my black tights on and put on a navy skirt! But wait! I'm not done...what about gray booties too!

Of course, I had to go all matchy and put on a gray shirt too, but this is really working the neutrals for me. My friends and I have gotten a little ridiculous with the "that's what she said jokes" at which I am the WORST at, so I've taken to just shouting the phrase after some random sentence. Working the neutrals? That's what she said!" (And the best part...that really IS what she said. She being I, of course.)

Did I lose you there? I admit, I'm a little loopy right now.

And yes, I said that.

One Optimistic Gal

2011-02-07T13:44:00.001-05:00

What a great day to start Melissa and Hope's challenge of optimism and positive thinking. I'm feeling extra confident today! :P

1. I love love love being tall. There are sometimes some shoe issues, and every once in a while, I feel like the tallest person...much less female...at a party, but in almost every occasion, I love standing out. I wear my height like a badge of honor, and it just cracks me up when people ask me if its been difficult being so tall all my life. That being said, I do respond in smart alleck ways to questions like "How's the weather up there?" (same as way down there, I'm sure. Actually, maybe a little cleaner up here.)

2. I'm a pretty social person and I like that. My husband is a tad bit anti-social, and he likes that. We go together like ramma lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong.

3. I'm really glad I stay pretty thin naturally. I do like to work out, but I fall off that bandwagon A LOT, so I'm lucky its not required for me to stay in my jeans. I'm also a pretty unhealthy snacker, though that has improved tremendously in the years since college. So, for all of that, I'm so glad that the second I feel my jeans feeling a bit snug, I can hit the gym regularly for about three weeks and be pretty slim again. Thanks, Metabolism!

Lot's of pictures today! Again with the layers because it was chilly this morning, and an extra shot of me out this weekend. I remembered to bring my camera but naturally forgot to take pictures, but I did get this one. Oh, Target boots, I love you!

A confession. My socks don't match. Shhhh!

I promise I know how to smile. I was saying something, I swear!! :P

Sexy Lady(bug)

2011-02-04T16:57:00.004-05:00

I'm going Red for Women today. I also match the ladybug paperweight on my desk.

"Hey Little Lady," I said with a wink. "Look at me!"

All she did was stare.

Clearly stuck up, that ladybug.

That's Enough Already!

2011-02-03T13:56:00.000-05:00

Enough of this snow and single digits. Seriously.

Just ventured out for lunch with The Husband. The sun is out and it has warmed up to a whopping 12 degrees.

The rumor is that the weather is supposed to be back in the 60s by Sunday. Let's hope. I've been looking for shooting stars to wish upon all day. No luck yet. But I did see a plane. A few birds. And also Superman. But no shooting star. One of those days.

Layers

2011-02-02T13:43:00.001-05:00

It's 12:00 and it's 9 degrees outside. That may not be very cold to some of you Northerners, but I live in Texas and I signed up for Texas weather. Which means it should NOT be below freezing during daylight hours.

Our heater is apparently ancient in our house. After the temperature hits below freezing, the regular heater cuts off and "emergency heat" is supposed to click on. Our Emergency Heat is broken. Some concept - oh, you'll get heat until you really need it, and then I'll just blow COLD air on you. The husband had to get up and build a fire this morning (I Am Man), which was a good thing, since our power went out shortly after I got up and I needed the extra light.

Thus, you get this girl.

I was all about the layers today, in three different outfits for you. P.S. I was wondering why in the world this hat was poking up so much which it normally slumps over in the cutest act of laziness since my dog Duke. When I finally took it off this morning, I saw that a glove was wedged into the very top of it. Cute. Very cute. Take advantage of a girl in the dark, why dontcha?

Silly with Cold

2011-02-01T13:39:00.001-05:00

How's your neck of the woods? It's cold here.

But, alas, I was able to make it to work today (on time too) so apparently no apocalyptic blizzard came in last night. It is, however, currently 18 degrees outside, which is just too damn cold for Texas.

As I have no one to blame this on, I'll just have to take it out on the weatherman, who said it will be even colder tomorrow. You better watch your back, mister.

Speaking of sassy (just go with it), look at this pretty little number that arrived yesterday:

Received this from Keira at A Pretty Penny (check out her To-Dos on remixing this fantastic clutch here). I love pretty stuff, especially when its free. And deserved. I like to pretend the stories I make up in my head about being a superhero (heroine) are true, and that's why Keira sent it to me. You all should just go with that too.

This clutch is going to look so awesome with my cape.

How to Prepare for Snow, or Why is There Only One Decent Grocery Store in My Town?

2011-01-31T14:16:00.000-05:00

Right now, it is 70 degrees in my town. A cold front is coming tomorrow, and you might equate it with the second coming of Christ, or at least Thanksgiving or Christmas week. Because that's what we're doing here. To be fair, there IS a pretty good chance of snow, and there's a slight chance some of it might stick, and an even slighter chance that we'll all get a snow day and get to stay home and enjoy it.

CJ and I went to the grocery store at lunch today. It was AWFUL. Imagine your local grocery at 5:00 p.m. the day before Thanksgiving. That's what today was like. Bottled water was flying off the shelves. Older ladies weilding oxygen tanks were wheezing at their husbands to Get More Starter Logs! I got in a fist fight with a 4 year old over the last jar of Jif.

Ok, I may be exaggerating. But I'm not exaggerating a lot.

All I wanted was some lunchmeat to last me the rest of the week. Is that too much to ask?

So be looking forward to my outfit tomorrow. If I trust the weather, I'll be in full Eskimo regalia - parka, snow boats, and some handwarmers to avoid frostbite on the walk into my building from my car. If you don't hear from me, just know that I'm probably stranded freezing to death in some snow bluff off the highway.

Or there really is a Snow Day at my office.

Fingers crossed - hope, hope.

List Lesson Friday: Restaurant Etiquette

2011-01-28T14:05:00.000-05:00

Things you probably shouldn't do at a Chinese Buffet:

1. Proclaim that you hate the city of Houston...and realize that everyone else from your table just moved from there. Really, why are their so many Houstonians here?!
2. Insult the brand of fortune cookies, then open yours to find something amazing like "You will fulfill all your dreams." Just kidding, this one's great!
3. Go to a Chinese buffet and only eat Totino's pizza. $10 buffet for $1 pizza - nice.
4. Be too nervous to order from the stir fry guy because he doesn't look like he can speak English. (and you know for damn sure you don't speak Chinese).
5. Purposely sit next to the chair that your husband's jacket is hanging on while everyone is at the buffet - only to learn once everyone sits down that your husband's jacket was actually on the opposite side of the table. (Why, no, I DIDN'T want to sit next to him anyway...)
6. Invite the only alcoholic at the table to happy hour. That's a bit of a faux pas, huh?

Confidence

2011-01-27T15:54:00.000-05:00

From Kathleen Tessaro's Elegance:

"Your fashion sense has changed dramatically," she concludes.
"I think that's a good thing."
She peers at me over her glasses.
"I'm dressing more like a confident woman," I explain.

"And how does a confident woman dress?" Her voice is challenging.

"Like she knows she's a woman and she likes it. Like she expects people to notice her."

Here's to all you confident women, putting yourselves out there everyday, in the workplace, in your town, in the blogosphere. Here's to being noticed.

Love Letters to the Future

2011-01-26T13:14:00.001-05:00

Dear Brittany of Tomorrow:

Two cups of coffee and one giant cinnamon roll is not sufficent fuel for your fire. Or your brain.

~~You should learn to eat better.~~

~~Give a Pop-Tart a try (fruit filled!). Or a breakfast burrito (extra bacon!) Or some yogurt (lots of granola). A bagel (ugh, cream cheese). Toast (bleh, butter).~~

Dear Brittany of Tomorrow:

I'm determined to hinder your healthy food intake.
Good luck digesting this chicken alfredo.

Love,
Brittany (of Today)

what we DO and DON'T have in common, my dog and I

2011-01-25T13:21:00.000-05:00

I have a five pound Chihuahua at home.

He pushes his stomach as flat as it can get to the couch, folds his legs and tail under him, and flattens his neck against the cushion. His big ears fold against his head, and he is the personfication of pathetic.

That's what he looks like when its 20 degrees outside in the morning.

This is what I look like.

I bet it would look better if I was only 3% of my body weight and had bigger ears.

Cheap Bourban Whiskey and Pearl Snap Shirts

2011-01-24T13:15:00.000-05:00

I'd probably feel a lot more school-marmish in this outfit if I didn't know just HOW COOL my shirt was underneath. Worn cotton, breast pockets, and pearl snap buttons - it don't get much more West Texas than that. Extra credit if you know who sings my Title.

I decided NOT to wear my Target gray/black riding boots again today, thanks to my Husband's critical advice ("You can't wear them everyday, Brittany.") Hmmph.

Did you have a good weekend? It was beautiful on Saturday (high 60s) and not so pretty yesterday (30-something on our way to church). High of 64 today and chance of snow flurries tomorrow.

There is no way I'm not getting the flu this week, is there?

List Lesson Friday: Riding Boots

2011-01-21T11:38:00.001-05:00

Appropriate places to wear riding boots:

1. To work

2. To the bar

3. To ride a horse

4. Walking in the country

5. Hunting in the country

Inappropriate places to wear riding boots:

1. To Starbucks with yoga pants haphazardously stuffed into them
2. With your nightshirt to move your car into the garage
3. Running down your driveway in your nightshirt after your dog who escaped out the back door while you were moving your car into the garage

4. In the shower

That last one was a joke. Of course you know not to wear your riding boots in the shower. That's what rainboots are for.

10 Things I Thought While Watching American Idol Last Night...oh, and an Outfit Post

2011-01-20T13:02:00.005-05:00

1. Jennifer Lopez managed to win me over 42 minutes into American Idol last night. I liked her attitude, but I REALLY liked her makeup.

2. My dog is 5 pounds and ate 4 times last night. I've learned two things from this:
a. My dog has a metabolism that I envy.
b. I am the beta in our relationship. I mean, I FED MY DOG FOUR TIMES LAST NIGHT.

3. Steven Tyler is very unattractive. Wait, I already knew that.

4. Sex appeal apparently has nothing to do with attractiveness. Because Steven Tyler is still a little sexy.

5. I get that Jennifer Lopez is Latin with a booty. But anyone who describes her as anything other than "skinny" is delusional.

6. I probably didn't need the second glass of wine. But I did enjoy it. And everyone sounds better when I'm drunk.

7. I wasn't THAT drunk.

8. I feel bad when my husband leaves for the gym, and I'm on the couch in my pajamas looking at blogs. But not bad enough to go to the gym myself at nine o'clock. Silly. That one didn't really have that much to do with American Idol.

9. Seriously, I wasn't drunk. I'm a grown woman and I can have two glasses of wine if I want to. Quit judging me!

10. I still miss Simon. And he was way sexier than Steven Tyler.

Speaking of sexy, whose this girl? :-P

Neutral Blues

2011-01-19T13:45:00.000-05:00

What days do you consider appropriate for Happy Hour?

I can't even think about going out for a drink until at least Wednesday. I associate Happy Hour, or just a social gathering with friends after work, as an "end-of-the-week" activity. I've gone to Happy Hour on a Monday before and was left wondering on Wednesday why I was getting angry calls from my boss. Oh, it's not the weekend yet?

You may have noticed that today is Wednesday.

Any takers?

On an outfit related paragraph, I'm so glad I went with this outfit today. Every second I've felt stressed today (there have been about 16,200 so far today), I've glanced down at the soft blue palette I'm covered in and felt another second or two of relief. Maybe I should bring my yoga mat to work?

Nah. Happy Hour it is.

Too Much Information

2011-01-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the month.

That time of the month when I realize that I haven't done near enough stuff at work, my desk is piling over, and I'm going to have to stay late or get here early in order to get organized.

That time of the month where I'm just a tad bit stressed.

That time of the month that I'm just craving a comfortable outfit to get me through my day.

Oh, yea. It's that OTHER time of the month too.

Stealing from Sweden

2011-01-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

I've been searching for the perfect denim button-up, and finally found it during my haul a few weeks ago at the Tommy Hilfiger outlet. $16, what?!

I do have a confession, however. Practically this entire outfit was stolen from Rebecca at See You in Sweden.
There, I can not tell a lie.

My back issue of InStyle from this weekend told me: "Next time you wear a ponytail, take a page from Jackie and use a tortoise shell clip. It lends a sophisticated vibe to the style."

So here's to you, Jackie, and the tortoise (shell) that never gives up (or goes out of style).

2010 Favorites

2011-01-15T11:10:00.000-05:00

Just took a little time this morning to revisit my favorites from each month last year.

Back in January, I still had a Flickr account where I posted pictures. Since then, my blog takes up my free time on the computer, so I've had to retire the Flickr. However, this pictures still gets hits all the time. I call it my Alice Goes to Work in Wonderland outfit.

Last February, I went to Dallas for my best friend's baby shower. I also introduced you to my bf, Kimberly, at that time, who has since given birth to a beautiful baby boy, James. This is the outfit I wore home. I had just tried boots + knee high socks and loved it, and a lot of you did too! I'm definitely breaking this look out again once it gets a little warmer here!

Honestly, I don't love this entire outfit from last March, but there is something about that scarf under the collar of the polo shirt that I've remembered ever since. I don't have a lot of things in orange either, so this sweater is a fun pop of color for me.

Back in April, I must have lacked any editing skills. That being said, this post is my number one visited page. I think it has something to do with my title about Being Preppy, but regardless, I wish I had used a shine-editor on it! Oh well, new readers can get the diiirty side of this girl while shopping around.

Hey, there's that scarf again, showing up again in May. I'm not sure if anyone else likes this outfit as much as me, but I love this purple/blue pencil skirt. Mixing it with simple pink, my go-to hue, makes me happy.

I was back in Dallas for this picture, over Memorial Day weekend (hey, it counts as June since that's the post date!), and my sister-in-law and and I were getting ready to do some serious shopping at the Allen Outlets. I love my hair color in this picture. I should take it to my hairdresser. I'm feeling a bit "brunette" these days. Ugh. :P

I made the comment back in July that I loved this outfit because it somehow made red seem neutral. This is such a great career casual outfit. I think the "casual" part comes from the amount of thigh I'm flashing. Hey, you be 6 feet tall and find work skirts!

A Favorites post has to include an outfit with this belt. I think a lot of people throw around the description "vintage" these days, but this is the Real Deal. It was my great-grandmother's when she was younger than me. We were going out to a dinner and a cigar bar in this picture, and sat out on the patio afterwards. Perfect for an August evening! I miss you, Summer.

September means that Football Season is starting. Which means I was breaking out the Red and Black in support of my favorite team! Texas Tech made us proud this year, and just won their bowl game earlier this month. Wreck 'Em Tech!

I can't even tell you how much I loved this outfit from October. I was participating in Melissa's Blogging for Breast Cancer A-Wear-Ness Challenge and was wearing pink everyday. It wasn't as much of a challenge for me as a treat to wear all my pink without apology. This is a sweater dress layered over a slip dress and I felt so soft and romantic and sexy and pretty and fabulous in it. And if that's not the definition of stylish, what is?

I had been wanting to pair navy and animal print for a long time, and in November, I finally did. We had a lesson on the difference between cheetah and leopard print, and I decided my pants were too big. That's probably not a problem currently, but I'm planning on hitting the gym...tomorrow...or Monday. Quit judging me!

This was my favorite outfit from December. I felt so hourglassy in it! My mom and dad bought me this skirt last Christmas, and I was afraid I wouldn't like the longer length of the skirt (you know, I do claim to not be able to find long skirts...see above). That was until I tried it on. Love! Eat your heart out, Joan Holloway. (Probably she's not. But it makes me feel snarky and superior to say it, all the same.)

That was so much fun! Thanks so much for taking the time to review some outfits with me! I loved seeing the changes I went through last year - mainly in the way I styled my hair (as in, I DID) and also my photo quality. I still want to work on that experience on my blog, but for the time being, I'm happy with where I'm at. Thanks so much for reading, and I can't wait to take on 2011 with you all!! :)

Cocoa Cozy

2011-01-14T20:59:00.000-05:00

Today I felt like I belonged in a winter catalog - you know, if I was out riding in the country and then came in for a cup of cocoa. With maybe a sip of schnapps. And I guess I'll just pour another cup. It's cold, after all.

But now I don't feel like going back outside at all. I'll just stay in and make cocoa and schnapps for all. But there's no one else here.

I'll just drink yours, too.

Hey, you're the one who didn't come over for cocoa. Rude. Rude.

Remedied

2011-01-13T18:26:00.000-05:00

This is today's outfit until about 10:30 this morning.

That's when I finally ~~went crazy~~ took off my uncomfortable tights and changed into a pair of jeans. And it's a good thing, because I went to a new barbeque place at lunch out in the middle of the country here in West Texas, and I'm pretty sure this outfit was not rib-approved.

But I have to say, I really like this color combination. Somber tones make me happy.

You Hate to Love Us

2011-01-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

Today I’m celebrating my friend and co-worker (please note the order) that allows me to be my worst self and still likes me for who I am. Sometimes I think I might be a better person if I didn’t work with her for 8 hours a day, but really, who strives to be better these days anyway? CJ accepts me, not because she’s a wonderful person, but because being in the presence of someone as judgmental as her validates her attitude, as well.

We make a great pair, CJ and me.

Today at lunch we complained about the wait (25 minutes when they told us 10), the food (how you gonna call it a salad bar without carrots?), the soup choices (really, who counts Cream of Mushroom as a real soup?), and the temperature (we had to wear our coats the entire lunch!).

It wasn’t until we got back to work that we realized that we hadn’t really talked to each about anything real during the whole lunch hour. But that’s what cell phones are for, right?

So maybe we’re bad people. Maybe we complain too much, and maybe we allow each other to be even worse in each other’s presence. Maybe we feel justified in our complaints since we constantly acknowledge how much better and smarter and cuter we are than most people we encounter. Who cares if no one else would agree with us? It’s not our fault they’re jealous.

Perhaps you have a friend like CJ, too. One you can bitch and moan to, but who you know will turn that bad attitude on anyone in your defense. And one you can have fun being around 8 hours a day, even when she’s calling you a idiot and you’re tell her you are going to shoot her in the face.

I mean, who else can you say that to but a real friend?

AND, it was really cold in that restaurant. The heater was out.

And now for some clothing:

No Use Crying Over Spilled Pearls - A Story in Pictures

2011-01-11T13:47:00.000-05:00

I'll restring them!

Coming up: How To Restring A Pearl Necklace!

Pretty in Orange

2011-01-10T14:07:00.000-05:00

A trip to Target to cash in on a Christmas gift card (Thanks Mom & Dad) led to the buying of this shirt.

Love it! And who among us doesn't need more orange clothes?

Did everyone have a good weekend? We went out Saturday night with some friends and had tons of fun. I should ~~not~~ have taken some pictures from then - I'm sure I impressed the entire bar in my sweatshirt and jeans. Well, at least no one could accuse me of trying to hard :P

My Creativity Ends with the Word Nautical

2011-01-07T13:50:00.000-05:00

First of all, Gap, Inc. did not sponser this posting. I wish they had, because then I wouldn't have dropped quite as much cash at their store last weekend. Then again, I was at the Gap Outlet, and I got some great deals, so I'll just shut up and enjoy my new clothes!

These jeans were purchased by accident. I was too lazy to try them on, since I know what size I wear in Gap, and apparently there is someone actually lazier than me that shoved these Skinny Jeans in the nearest rack, which just happened to be the Trouser Jeans section. Nevermind that though, I still love them.

And whose decided she likes Denim on Denim?

Houdini in Pink Tights

2011-01-06T17:18:00.000-05:00

Happy hour in the evening calls for pink tights in the morning.

Your interpretation of this outfit changes based on what I want you to see. Some might call me a magician, you can call me Brittany.

If I'm wearing my leather motorcycle jacket, you might think I'm a bad ass woman who has a few conservative genes from her dad, but can't resist the bad boy appeal of a Harley, much like your mother that time you saw her with that other man who was just a "friend" but turned out to cause a lot of fights in your family.

If I'm sitting at my desk, and you walk into my office, all you see is a silk top with a pretty pattern in a neutral color, and perhaps a flash of my black pencil skirt, you probably think I'm the ultimate business woman, with matching personalized pen (it has its own case) and briefcase.

If I'm standing up, you'll realize I'm neither. I'm just a girl who can't resist putting a vibrant pop of color underneath my pencil skirt and silk blouse.

Strike a pose

2011-01-05T13:59:00.000-05:00

Winter has nothing left to offer me now that Christmas and New Year's are over.

Seriously? What's to look forward to in January? Diets and exercise and maybe an icy drive to work.

For those of you who may have been doubting my abilities as a supermodel, check this action out:

Maybe I'll stick to oil and gas.

Scarlet and Black

2011-01-04T13:58:00.000-05:00

I'm finally acknowledging that its 2011.

I just ate a salad and a Lean Cuisine so it must be January.

I was reading a Linda Howard book last night and the main character wore this striking scarlet sweater and a black pencil skirt. She was irresistable to men, and caught the hero of the novel with just one look. I haven't tested that theory too much since I've been tucked away in my office all day, but I suspect my husband will be at home once I get there!

New Year's Eve was so much fun! Here's a fabulous picture of my best friend Kimberly and me. Yay for spending NYE with bestest friends! :)

Pink Accents

2011-01-03T18:08:00.000-05:00

(It looks like I'm doing the robot!)

What a wonderful weekend I had! I took lots of pictures this weekend and will be posting some soon, but it's 5:02 on a Monday, and I'm so ready to get out of here for the day! I'm starting back on some healthy eating/working resolutions (hello January 1st) so I have a grocery trip planned right now and some working out, too!

I did some shopping this weekend, so I have some new clothes to debut over the next two weeks or so!

Today's outfit was great for the office...but sucked when I went out to eat with some co-workers for lunch. Hey, Iphone Weather App...what does a high of 67 mean to you? Cause to me it means I can go sans tights. Brrr.

This is what I wore last Thursday for work and traveling to Dallas for the weekend! I never posted!

A Cry for Help?

2010-12-29T12:01:00.001-05:00

It seems like I’ve been losing some focus with this blog, so it’s easy to decide what my New Year’s Resolution is going to be.

I’m behind on reading all my fellow bloggers on Blog Lovin, and I’m not even sure that’s the platform I prefer to read them on. Maybe I should just go back to Google Reader, or find a new method all together.

I also feel like this blog has evolved over time, both from the quality of photographs and the actual writing content, so I’m considering a totally new revamp altogether, but am not sure I can dedicate the time necessary to do so. I’m going to give this some thought in the very near future.

Can you offer some suggestions as to what you like best about your favorite style bloggers blogs, and what you think I could do to improve my site? I have some very loyal followers who I appreciate more than you know (seriously, whenever that number ticks up or down, I’m paying attention) but I’m interested in knowing what you recommend to make my blog more enjoyable and interesting.

Help a sister out? Thanks so much for your readership in 2010. This blog experience has been so fun, and I’m so glad I’m able to participate with you all!!

Don't Fret, the Holidays Aren't Over Yet!

2010-12-28T13:55:00.000-05:00

The first day back. But luckily, it's also Day 1 of another three-day work week!

We're working in semi-crisis mode right now at my office, as one of my co-workers was in a pretty bad motorcycle accident this weekend. After my car wreck last year, I'm so much more aware of what is going on around me when I'm driving, but I still realize that things can happen in a millisecond, and sometimes there is nothing you can do to prepare for them. All you can do is avoid the obviously stupid things and hope and pray for the best the rest of the time. Sigh.

These are purple velvet pants, can you tell? Yea, I'm wearing purple velvet...love it!

My Christmas was wonderful! How was yours? I vowed to take pictures this weekend because I got a new digital picture frame for my office, but I took exactly two pictures of me with my family.

Wait! I did take one Christmas Eve party outfit picture! A Christmas present to you all!! (hee hee)

The Countdown is Beginning

2010-12-22T14:01:00.000-05:00

Part of the fun of Christmas break is the last day of work before Christmas, don't you think?

I mean, I have all this stuff I should get done, but I'm sluggishly going through it all. I'll get it all finished before 5 today, but my productivity has definitely slowed today.

I just keep telling myself that tomorrow I'll be in my hometown with my family and a glass of wine.

Nice.