Practical fashion

From time to time, I get asked to style folks, and this always bewilders me. Here's a crazy confession coming from someone who runs a "fashion blog": I don't think that I'm particularly fashionable. I don't own a lot of designer items like Sea of Shoes, and I'm not a mix and match genius like The Glamouri. I'm just a kooky lady with a penchant for animal jewelry, sequins, and tulle. I saw this dress at Lulu*s and had to have it:



Date: 25 January 2011 | occasion: getting a DBA for TxSC, impromptu shopping trip, city group
blazer: thrifted via vintage close-out sale (last seen here) | dress: c/o Lulu*s | loafters & belt: thrifted via Savers | bird ring: UO

When this dress came in the mail I was positively giddy and Chris said to me, "Yes, that looks like something you'd wear. Why don't you ever pick out practical things?"
"Practical things? Like what?"
"I don't know. Like jeans. Or a plain button down shirt."
"When is the last time I wore jeans and a button down?!"
"You're right. Pink and tulle. That's you."

Darn skippy, it's me! (I fear it may be Bobby Trendy as well, though...). And it is practical for me! I wore this to the tax assessor's office, shopping, to the grocery store, and to my city group yesterday. I mean, I wouldn't garden in this, but if wearing it to the grocery store doesn't count as practical, I don't know what does!

In the vein of 100% transparency here, Lulu*s is one of my dear partners, meaning they pay for advertising on my blog in exchange for exposure. The advertising money I accept here helps me to do really awesome projects like Adored Austin tv (launching soon!) and it helps me to be able to continue to grow my blog [more about all that here]. That said, I do get to pick out some courtesy items from my sponsors every once in a while, but I make sure to only get the things that I would actually buy for myself (i.e. they have to be in my price range, a part of my on going online wish-list, and they have to fit with my current aesthetic), so this c/o dress is a perfect example of that. But please know this. I was a Lulus shopper long before they were an Adored Austin partner. All of my partners are places that fit these strict requirements, and I will always clearly say when I have received an item for free.

Doing a "fashion blog" is a funny beast sometimes. Lately I feel this urgency to create more original content instead of my usual "this is what I wore/ this is what I did" shtick. At the same time, though, I acknowledge that a lot of y'all enjoy these types of posts, despite my reluctance to call myself "fashionable". So I think I've come up with a way to make my blog a little more fun and interesting, though. Wait for it. Adored Austin tv is coming soon, and I think it's going to be a lot of fun.

It never should have come to this...

Late last night, I joked about scrapping 90% of my current wardrobe and starting over from scratch. Ever since then, I cannot stop thinking about it.

This is, perhaps, the most embarrassing post I've ever done or ever will do. All joking aside, people, I have a very serious problem. Internet, meet my closet:
It didn't always look this way (proof 1 and 2), but ever since I had Jude, my closet has become overwhelmingly messy. My clothes have taken over. Truly, I'm cringing about posting this photo, but I can feel that I've lost control. I honestly feel like I should be on the tv Hoarders! My laundry room looks the same, and my closet is spilling over into my bedroom now. I even have clothes stashed in my guest room closet, my office, and our fall coat closet. Most of these are clothes from thrift stores or things I've had since college and have kept them thinking, "Oh, it still fits and it's still in great condition, so I'll just hang on to it."

I am very scared. I can't find matching shoes, I've lost my favorite belt, and I haven't seen my short, black slip in ages. So I'm doing it. I've posted this photo as a BEFORE. I'm purging and I'm making a solemn promise to myself, my husband, and my readers that I will never, ever let this happen again.

Now someone send in the bulldozer and excavation team! This time next week, expect me to show you a completely different photo. I'm using Kendi's guides to get things done. [see purging, assessing, and organizing]. Afterward, I'll do one trip to Buffalo Exchange and donate the rest to Savers. From here on out, I will let things go.

You cannot even believe how nervous I am.

Not menswear inspired... this is actual menswear!

If you find yourself in a situation where your own clothes are fitting a little too snug for your liking, here's a tip: raid your husband's closet!

date: 10 Oct 2010
occasion: outfit experiment
shirt and tie: thrifted via Savers, borrowed from Hubs
vest: thrifted Buffalo Exchange, borrowed from Hubs
pants: Alfani, borrowed from Hubs
cardigan: Kimchi & Blue via Buffalo Exchange
shoes: Old Navy via clothing swap
bag: vintage, My Favorite Things (Atlanta)
flower lapel pin: Oktoberfest flea market (Seymour, Indiana)

Here's another tip: if you have a very slender husband (like I do), don't fret too much if his pants are a little too tight on you. Remember that ladies have curves... and leave the button undone if you have to.