technical difficulties

My apologies for the radio silence over here lately... my two-generations-ago iPhone is still taking fashion snapshots but has decided it doesn't really care to email / download them, so we're a bit backed up over here!  

Once I resolve this problema, I have holiday party ensembles and lots of winter fashion to share... so sit tight!  

Being Bad.

Today, I'm being a bit naughty... a SLEEVELESS TOP SANS JACKET / CARDIGAN.

I know.  The shame!  

This is not a habit I suggest making for any lady-lawyer / conservative-career-gal type, but the state of my dry-cleaning pile has reached DEFCON 5 + the high today is 106.  It's officially August in Texas.  I do have a light pashmina-type wrap in my office so I shall be spending my day swathed loosely in fabric as not to sully my Appropriate Office Attire Rep.  Also, please note that the overly-aggressive blush situation was remedied during my commute.  

Torquoise Silk Blouse - Ann Taylor Loft

Pencil Skirt - Michael by Michael Kors via Nordstrom

Black Perfect Platform Pumps - Ann Taylor

Pearl Cluster Earrings - Etsy Seller Bridal Emunique

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift 

Linen + Lilly (you suck)

Last Friday, I skirted panted the No Jeans on Casual Friday issue by busting out my new linen pants from GAP (Sale! $25! Score!)...

Back in my OCD Days, I was anti-linen... Too! Many! Wrinkles!  I've since embraced the wonders of linen... and I no longer break out in hives if socks get left on the bathroom floor (although nagging over said socks isn't something I've yet grown out of).  

Between the "fancy" t-shirt, the sandals, and the feel-like-pajama-pants pants, it was a pretty comfy Friday! 

The sandals are the first item of Lilly Pulitzer I've ever purchased, and while I find them rather cute, I have to say that I am WHOLLY UNIMPRESSED with the quality. I've worn them maybe 10 times and the heels have half-peeled off (making a really unpleasant flapping sound every time I take a step).  WTF, LILLY?  Not only do you create woman's clothing that looks like a Floridian four year old's bed spread (grown women in hot pink giraffes?  bleh), but the few age-appropriate items you do design fall apart in an instant?  NO THANK YOU.  Our very brief relationship is officially over even if I do think some of your tunics are cute and I'd really like some of those pineapple pajamas.  Super glad that the only "money" I spent on these suckers was RueLaLa credits!  

Lagoon "Heritage" Cardigan - Lands' End Canvas

Yellow Tee - GAP

Chocolate Linen Pants - GAP

Gold Ball Sandals - Lilly Pulitzer (BOO)

Figure 8 Earrings - gift

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Gold C Necklace - Coach

weekend --> work wear!

My Monday Fashion Plan of Attack was to transform my new dress from Cocktail to Coffee Break... initially I was contemplating lots of Accessory Experimentation... and then HORROR OF TEXAS HORRORS our A/C went out. 

Luckily, our detached guest room has a window unit so our little family didn't die of heat exhaustion in our sleep... but come morning time, 87 degrees did not a pleasant dressing room atmosphere make.  

Thus... HERITAGE CARDIGAN.  

THAT'S IT!  ALL WE GET FOR TODAY!  

No fun belts.  No Extreme Layering.  No perky hair. 

JUST THAT DAMN CARDIGAN.**

**PS: My colleagues have officially noticed The Cardigan Obsession.  2 weeks ago, someone proposed the creation of a spreadsheet to keep track of which color I wear on what day.  Awesome.  I am officially Crazy Cardigan Lady.  Perhaps I should look into purchasing 27 cats with whom to loll around in order to really round out the cliche imagery.  

I'll try harder next time. 

Pinkie swear. 

Vibrant Animal Print Ruffle Dress - Ann Taylor

Bold Sun "Heritage" Cardigan - Lands' End Canvas

Chocolate Patent Peep Toe Wedges - Banana Republic

Gold Floral Earrings - J.Crew

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

ruffle necks

I am unbelieveably miffed today.  Yesterday I couldn't find the skirt I wanted and today I couldn't find the dress I wanted.  {Our poor dry-cleaner is continually blamed for these incidents... and then-->} Of course while searching for said dress this morning, I found the skirt I was clamoring for yesterday.  So maybe tomorrow I'll find that dress.  Of course it will be TOO LATE because I have fun plans TONIGHT.  Blech.  

Tuesday

I was told I looked very lawyerly yesterday... a comment which always leads me to believe that I don't look very lawyerly most other days.  Pfffftttt.  

Striped Ruffle Collar Button-Down - J. Crew

Brown Pleated Wool Suit Skirt - Banana Republic

Tomato "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Floral Earrings - J.Crew

Wednesday 

I have a presentation today and had my outfit all planned out last night... and then POOF, desired frock was no where to be found.  So I grabbed this one and went with it... only to remember that this dress is a tad short.  Here's hoping there's a podium to stand behind. 

Turquoise Ruffle Neck Dress - unknown brand via Nordstrom

V-Neck Boyfriend Cardigan - White & Warren

Suede & Patent "Harper" Pumps - J.Crew

Flannel & Patent "Molly" Bow Pumps - J.Crew (ie, what I'm actually wearing - they were in the car and the "Harpers" were a seasonally inappropriate stand-in for the photo)

Gold Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Ivory & Gold Bangle - Banana Republic

Magenta Skinny Belt - The Limited

good outfit / terrible hair

You know when you throw on a new combination of clothes, not because you've really thought it out in your head, but because you're late and you've decided not to style your hair so you figure that whatever conglomeration of fashion mish-mash materializes will probably be acceptable but then you end up actually loving this new ensemble and then you're all pissed off because now you've wasted a cute outfit on a bad hair day? 

No?

Just me?

Am I even speaking English right now? 

Eh. 

BEHOLD!  A FUN NEW CLOTHING COMBO!  WITH NASY ASS HAIR!

I'm just digging the colors together... orange and purple... who'da thunkit?

 Violet Dress - Banana Republic 

Orange "Heritage" Cardigan - Land's End Canvas

Serengeti "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Pearl Cluster Earrings - Etsy Seller Bridal Emunique

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Sapphire Ring - gift

Metallic Skinny Belt in Blush - J.Crew

double trouble

Outfits from Tuesday and Wednesday (be forewarned, I'm not ecstatic about either of these... I'm off my mojo this week)....

Tuesday

Bottom Line:  This top looks better with jeans... it's too long to leave untucked with a suit skirt or pants and, while it looks better with a pencil skirt, the sweater material is thick and leaves a big line across your middle when tucked into to a more form-fitting skirt.  I tried to do the juxtaposing pleats thing here but... meh.

Horizontal Pleats Sweater - Banana Republic

Pleated Suit Skirt - Banana Republic

Black Patent Loafer-Pumps - Cole Haan

Gold Figure-8 Earrings - gift

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Gold C Bangle - Coach

Wednesday

Honestly, I am so fed up with my hair and ready for today's appointment that I don't really care what's currently clothing my person!  The cape cardigan is a little kooky but I think its fun in a different sort of way, while the addition of the skinny belt to the dress delineates my waist, ensuring that I don't look like a crazy blob of a cat lady.  

And Evs would like it made known that he HATES this headband.  With a fiery passion.  

Silver Silk Cardigan Cape - Banana Republic

Black Suit Dress - Ann Taylor

Nude "Happy" Pumps - Ann Klein 

Rosette Headband - Etsy Seller Vie Moderne

Micro Pave Ball Earrings - Banana Republic

Blush Metallic Skinny Belt - J. Crew

oops

It appears that I have been neglecting little ol' ITPitB... but don't worry!  Bathroom / Bad-Lighting-Bedroom Phots HAVE been taken!

Consider this a "Closet Dump":

Friday, March 12

Also known as The First & Only Day I Wore Jeans to Work (the employee manual says "jeans on Fridays"... apparently that doesn't apply to attorneys... MORTIFICATION!)

Hair is getting hella-long... Time for a trim!

Embellished Blossom Cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft

Shimmery Orange Tee - Michael Stars

"Always Skinny" Jeans - GAP

Gold "Reva" Flats - Tory Burch

Gold Figure 8 Earrings - gift

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Monday, March 15

I love this jacket - purchased mega on-sale last Spring from J.Crew.  I'm digging the black, white, and red combo!  For some odd reason, I always remember that Claudia from the Babysitters' Club decorated her room in these tones... which still registers as "eternally chic" for me! 

White Atelier Jacket - J.Crew (Spring 2009)

Black Pinstripe Pants - J.Crew (circa 2001)

Red Patent "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Black Satin Headband - Ann Taylor

Gold Figure 8 Earrings - gift

{Evs is dressed entirely in Brooks Brothers}

Tuesday, March 16

Favorite Suit Dress!  Super curvy + pockets!  

 Great 3/4 Sleeved Jacket - Ann Taylor

Black Wool Sheath - Ann Taylor

Patent, Satin, & Flannel "Molly" Pumps - J.Crew

Skystone Necklace - Anthropologie

Ivory & Gold Cuff - Banana Republic

Wednesday, March 17

Happy St. Paddy's Day!  

Green Button Sweater - Banana Republic (Spring 2008)

Brown Pleated Suit Skirt - Banana Republic (circa 2006)

Serengeti Patent "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Gold Flower Earrings - J.Crew

Gold C Cuff - Coach

Thursday, March 18

Its the Lands' End Canvas Heritage Cardigan in action!  If you haven't already read, I'm a tad obsessed with these cardys!  The "Bold Sun" color is the perfect way to cheer on my Demon Deacons today as they face UT (my other, and very first, love... hence the orange under-shell!) in the first round of the NCAA Championship.  Let the March Madness begin!  

For those who are curious, when it comes to basketball, I'm a Wake gal all the way... for everything else, GO HORNS! {And no, I wasn't indulging in a little "Wake Up Wine" this morning... that would be one of our water goblets in my hand.}

Bold Sun Heritage Cardigan - Lands' End Canvas Collection

Orange Silk Lattice Shell - Banana Republic (Spring 2008)

Black Pencil Skirt - Ann Taylor

Black Patent Loafers - Cole Haan

Gold Figure 8 Earrings - gift

Black Belt - Banana Republic

ayudame

So, Confession: I used to be a bit secretly judgmental of the stay-at-home-types who schlepped around in glorified sweatsuits all day.  Is it that hard to get dressed?

Um, yes.

The Bitch Named Karma continues to rear its ugly head because, for the past two days, I've been the ultimate Sweat Suit Schlepper - and not even the cutesy, matching kind.  When your big daily date with functioning adult society consists purely of a couple hours at the gym and a grocery store run, I consider matching socks a victory.  And, as hard as I've tried to teach The Boom about accessorizing, she just looks at me funny if I fold laundry in a statement necklace.

So apologies for the lack of fashion-inspired posts.  HOWEVER, I do need some opinions...

Unemployment = No Shopping for Katers.  Exception: Free Stuff.  I wracked up enough credits on RueLaLa (join here!) to purchase this dress by Theory:

Full-body ruffles are not usually a look that I take a chance on since my body is, well, fuller.  But its a free dress, I love the color (aptly titled "black cherry" - a very deep raspberry), and I thought it might work for either a wedding I have in a couple of weeks or a party being thrown on my birthday (sadly, not a party for me).  But, alas, I'm not sure if this is a keeper or not:

Let's play Pro/Con:

Pros:

- pretty color

- comfy

- allows for "fat days"

- my normal size fits!  (truth be told, this is not a reason to keep anything but since its made by notoriously-small Theory, I did do a little happy dance when I slid it on!)

Cons:

- entirely too short to transition into day-wear, even with tights

- I feel like a bon-bon... and not in a "damn, I look delicious!" sort of way

Thoughts?  Opinions?  I'm leaning towards sending it back.  It is not a "need" piece.

Also - to answer some emails I received regarding the Wunder Under Pants by Lululemon:

- Yes, they are SUPER long - I can easily roll them up into capris if I want.  But!  Lululemon will hem any of their pants for free... even if you purchase online, take them into your nearest store and they'll fix you right up!

- I purchased the plain, ole, regular Wunder Unders... I can't vouch for any of the fleece-lined or amped up varieties... but I love all my Lululemon pieces so any of their inventory is worth a try!

- No, I do not have skinny legs.  In fact, they are feeling quite wobbly at the moment.  However, I do not feel like a cow in these... which is excellent.

auditions, part deux fail

Auditions were cancelled today.

Because I wore yoga pants.

And at 9:19 p.m., I am still wearing said yoga pants.

Plus they are navy, not burnt orange.

Its been that kind day.  Apologies.

But... BUT!  I do want to take this opportunity to give a shout-out to literally the best yoga/running tights ever made, ever, ever, ever.  I received these Lululemon Wunder Under Pants for Christmas and I think I've worn them every day since, save for when they are on my clothesline drying.**

{Unforch, not my thighs}

Reasons Why These are the Best Yoga/Running Tights Ever Made, Ever Ever, Ever++:

• (1) As with all of Lululemon's pants, these suckers are LONG.  Like, one more half-inch and I would have to get these hemmed.  As a semi-freakishly-tall-female, this NEVER happens. 

• (2) Waist band curves upward = no muffin tops! 

• (3) The fabric is thick and sucks you in... almost as if Spanx made a legging... but totally comfortable.  Total Slim-fest for all your wobbly bits! 

• (4) I put these on my wish-list to facilitate some of my 2010 fitness goals - I've had no chafe on my runs (although, full disclosure: its not like I'm running 10 milers yet, but still) and they stay in place when working out.  What I did not anticipate is that these would make such fabulous "fashion leggings" as well.  They are matte but hopefully they won't fade with wear because they've already surpassed my Hue leggings as my new favorite "fart around" outfit staple. 

So there you have it.  No gratuitous photos today (but perhaps some shots are in order in the airplane bathroom tomorrow?), but if you're looking for a fabulosity-injection into your workout wardrobe, the Wunder Unders will not disappoint!

** I don't really have a clothesline. I have one of those foldy-outty, accordion things.  But clothesline sounds adorably provincial, yes?

++ Totally unsolicited rave about Lululemon.  But as always, I am not above being solicited.  In a non-prostitute-sort-of-way, obvs.

a hose by any other name...

So I didn't get dressed today today I was highly productive whilst wearing yoga pants.  Suffice to say, Lululemon and a ratty WFU T-shirt doesn't make for a very fun photo.  Sooooooo... in lieu of the typical OOTD Post, I give you...

A Scintillating Discussion on the Implementation of Hose in the Modern Workplace

(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Panty Hose... your grandmother wears them.... Robin Williams wore them as Mrs. Doubtfire... the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders wear them in that unfortunate "suntan" shade... they're itchy and remind you of mothballs and varicose veins and bad polyester jumpers.  In a word, they suck.

However - and some of you might not want to hear this but IT IS THE GOD'S HONEST TRUTH - there are situations in which hose are appropriate - NAY! - where hose are required.

In my life, those situations can usually be labeled with a big, fat, red COURT stamp.  I keep (kept) several pairs in my office for this very reason (that way, I could slip them on before a court appearance and not have to wear the evil beasts all day).  Interviews also necessitate the sporting of The Worst Fashion Accessory Ever.  Some may disagree and claim that hose are hopelessly outdated and unnecessary, but you really never know what sexist/prude artifact of a human will be sitting across that desk from you, holding the key to your future career happiness in his or her shriveled little hand.  Err on the side of caution, mmmkay?!

And if you must wear hose, you might as well invest in a few pairs that don't make you want to saw your thighs off right under the control top line.  My favorites:

Spanx "All The Way Up" High Waist Shaper w/ Full Length Hose

Comprised of Our Friend Spanx + Good-Quality Hose.  There's really not much else to say.  These won't totally break the bank and will get you through multiple wears without snags or runs.

DKNY Hosiery "Comfort Luxe" Opaque Tights

So these are technically tights (which, I will totally sport in the Hose-Required Situations if it is actually cold outside - unlike hose, I LOVE tights!), but they much more sheer than the usual suspects in my Tights Arsenal.  Like the Spanx, these last much longer than your typical drugstore variety and are quite comfy.

Wolford "Individual 10 Denier" Hose

In all honesty, I have yet to experience Wolford Hosiery.  However, I have on Very Good Authority, that these suckers are the bee's knees of panty hose.

I should also mention, I never buy hosiery in any color other than black or nude (and I'm talking NUDE-nude - like, "I can barely tell you're wearing hose" nude).  Please.  For the love of all things Not Stuck in 1992.  Do not purchase hose in some sort of  "suntan" color.  Think SHEER.  Not SHERA.

oink

Going to be MIA for a bit...

Swine Flu.  Blech.

sickly chic

Today I am wearing...

• Cropped paisley PJ pants from Target
• my Southern Grit, navy T-shirt courtesy of Kappa Alpha Fraternity, circa 2002
• Bandaids from CVS

Picked up a nasty little cough and cold somewhere between mile 21 and 40... hoping that apple cinnamon TheraFlu and Tussin DM will have me back in Fashion Action tomorrow!  Keep your eye's peeled on EA for full 3 Day Coverage tomorrow!

questions?

I am still phone-less.  Which super-sucks, but at the same time, is oddly freeing.  But not so freeing that I don't want my damn phone back!  Fingers crossed for replacement's arrival today!

Anyhoo, I thought during this interim, I'd answer any questions ya'll might have, fashion or otherwise.  A note, however: if your question is "Why do you do such a stupid thing as taking pictures of yourself in the bathroom? Are you the world's vainest human being or something?", then I suggest you take a gander at the sidebar and "click the chick" to see how this little experiment got started.  And if you still think its all a ruse to fish for compliments from strangers, then maybe reading Daily Fashion Blogs isn't for you, mmmmmmmmmmm'kay?

Awesome Possum!  I'll go ahead and dive right in with a question from Shannon over at More Wine Please who I kind of adore:


Does anyone in your firm read your blog?

I don't openly advertise that I have a blog, to anyone really.  I'm extremely close with my parents and felt comfortable sharing EA's existence with them and some other family members but very few relatives know about EA and/or read it with any regularity.  My close friends read pretty often (I think?) but I didn't tell them about my new endeavor until months after I began writing online.  As far as work colleagues go, there are several that know EA exists, either because they were friends before we began work or because they saw the piece on which I contributed in the Style section of the Dallas Morning News.  The good news?  All these "in-the-know" coworkers are men.  They hear the words "Style Blog" (which is not really a full / apt description of EA, but whatevs) and their eyes glaze over.  As far as I know, none of them have ever visited EA or even know the URL.  Consequently, no one from work has visited this new little blog.  Exception to the Rule: a co-worker who "came out of the blog-closet" to me in regards to his own public journaling (shout-out to BB!), and, since one good turn deserves another, EA is now in his Reader as well.  Which means someone at work now knows exactly how shallow and ninny-headed I really am!  Sweetness!

In all seriousness... would I want everyone I work with to know I have a blog(s)?  Nope.  Its a hobby like anything else - something I do on my own time that I like to keep (relatively) to myself - not because its scandalous or career-jeopardizing, but because I need some fun time!

fashion post fail

So, if you'll recall, last week I attended a conference in Austin - it was fabulously informative and helpful to my practice, etc, etc, etc.  HOWEVER.  At some point during my last 30 minutes in attendance at said conference, my phone was stolen.  There's a longish story involved but no matter which way I tell it, the tale ends with me, in a cab, on a borrowed cell phone, screaming GIVE ME BACK MY PHONE, ASSHOLE into my own voicemail / furiously texting myself THERE'S A SPECIAL CIRCLE OF HELL RESERVED FOR THIEVING COWARDS!

Always a lady, that's me!

Anyhoo, as a result of this sad situation, there shall be a temporary stay of the daily fashion posts until our IT guy procures me another phone.

Kind of gives me a new air of mystery doesn't it?  As far as you know, I could be wearing nothing but goulashes.  Or I could be wearing this with purple tights, black suede pumps from Banana, my ruffle belt, and gold jewelry.  I'll never tell.