A Simple Dress, Accentuated

Happy Wednesday!  

The good thing about shopping with someone who knows you well is he or she can give you perspective on something you may have otherwise looked over.  That is exactly what happened while shopping with my mom recently at a Gap Factory store.  My mom pulled out the dress showcased in this look and at first I thought, huh?  It just looked so shapeless and drab, like something a joyless person would wear to bed.  She encouraged me to try it on and I'm glad I did.  Though the initial size was too big, I belted it and it came to life.  I sized down and the dress instantly became a new favorite even before I actually purchased it.  Once again, my mom has assisted me with a find that I would have otherwise overlooked. 

As a curvy woman, I tend to shy away from loose, shapeless fits, but I have learned over time that those cuts also work for my body type, but it's all about the draping.  Check out some of my "shapeless" looks here and here.

I digress, back to the look...

I kept this look super simple with a thin gold and brown leather belt from J.Crew, grey knit tights and clog boots by Uggs.

My earrings are hard to see, but they're blue and gold studs from J.Crew Factory.  Assorted bangles were mainly purchased in Congo years ago, and the silver bangles were a gift.

Until next time,

<3

M

Today's affirmation:  I am at peace with all that has happened, is happening, and will happen.

The Birds: A Sweatshirt Skirt at Work

Happy Monday!

I know I haven't updated in a week-- my bad!-- I was out of balance after a weekend away and another weekend of fun, but now I'm back on track.  On Friday, a colleague gave me a book that I really needed to read.  It's called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.  I had no idea that I needed to read it until typing this up now, but basically by Saturday afternoon I had sorted through my wardrobe, getting rid of three and a half medium-sized garbage bags.  And by Sunday early evening, I had sorted through my kitchen stuff, getting rid of two garbage bags or junk and one large shopping bag of donate-able kitchenware.  I'm feeling lighter and more joyous already.

As for this outfit post, many of you know that I love a cropped sweatshirt and live for a good sweatshirt dress; however, I also enjoy this sweatshirt pencil skirt for a chill, work-appropriate outfit.

Here's what I wore to work recently:

Quilted sweatshirt from the Gap, plaid button down flannel from Old Navy, birds skirt from H&M, Matisse leather boots, Madewell leather backpack

I love mixing textures and patterns.  So much fun, and so many points of interest in such outfits.  This leopard covered bracelet is one of my current favorites.  I've had it for years, but it's just recently that it's become a go-to. 

On that note, here's to being yourself and trying new things daily.

<3

M

Today's affirmation: I AM giving and receiving all that is good and all that I desire.

Casual on Turkey Day

Happy Turkey Day!

Here's a quick post of a casual look, perfect for errands, lunch or a professional development.

A few types of leathers and denim!  This hooded leather jacket by Michael Kors was a find from Century 21 last year.  The scarf is an old favorite from high school and was purchased for $1 at a thrift shop.  Jeans are supreme bold curve by Levis.  Boots are Matisse via DSW.  Backpack is from Madewell.

Until next time,
<3
M

Today's affirmations: I give thanks for all that I am and for all that I have.  

Fall Fashion and a Little Self Love

Good morning everyone!

Here's a very fall look I wore recently:

J.Crew chunky sweater and sweatshirt, Express faux leather leggings, American Eagle blanket scarf, Ugg clog boots, and Madewell leather backpack.

A student took most of these photos, and she was right, this angle does work.  It'd be better for the 'gram, but the lighting is one of the better ones of the series,  so here goes.

A little hallway action, with some lovely plants in the background.

These boots though!  I'm all about a mix of textures-- leathers, suede, sweatshirt, blanket-ish and chunky knits.

A fall look isn't complete without a deep-hued lipstick.  Here's I'm wearing a mix of Cyber by MAC with plum by RK by Kiss underneath.

Until next time,

<3

M

Today's affirmation, inspired by a 7 second meditation and acknowledgement of the importance of self love: I love myself deeply.

A Little Red and Green at Work

Happy Monday!

Here's an outfit I wore recently:

I usually shy away from green and red-- it makes me think of Christmas and I don't like cliche color pairings, though some of them do go very well together!-- but the denim balanced it all out for me.

These camouflage pants are from J.Crew, one or two years ago, but they finally fit decently!  

This necklace is from Baublebar, chambray shirt from Old Navy and boots by Frye.

And of course, the lipstick, what's left of it at the end of this school day, is Ruby Woo by MAC.

Until next time,

<3

M

Today's affirmation: I love.  I am loved.  I radiate love.  I attract love.