How do I look?

Taking a short break for some ramblings about style...



I often wonder what people think of what I wear. I guess that's bad, that they say you shouldn't care what people think of you. That's not what I'm talking about though. I'm more interested in their impressions of my wardrobe, what they think about me as a person, and what my clothes say in that regard.

Not that I care to the point of changing my style, but I do like approval, interest, and support. It sort of feeds my boldness and makes me go even farther out on that shaky limb called fashion. I like looking different from other people, but I think most people don't "get" me or what look I'm trying to go for. I suppose I don't often know myself, although I sometimes have emotions or themes in mind when I'm choosing an outfit.



Why do I care so much about trivial matters like my clothes? I guess it's because it's fun to express my artistic side in ways other than art, photography—heck, even writing. I realized that I rarely wear the same outfit twice (not counting my weekend cleaning/errand clothes). Do people think that's weird? Do they wonder what I'll wear to work, are they mildly amused, or do they not care at all? Do they think I'm a good candidate for "What Not to Wear," or are they inspired by my offbeat notions and sometimes questionable choices in attire?

I'm always fascinated by others and what they wear, why they wear it, and what it says about them. Are you? Not to say that I'm fascinating, but these are the thought processes that go through my head when I look at other people. Does that make me weird? I dunno.

Anyhow, just thinking out loud here. Back to playing with my pretty shoes...

Turquoise suede lace-up boots

Why do I like stuff like this? I saw these on Etsy and thought they were the coolest boots ever. I have trouble wearing all the boots and shoes I already own, much less a crazy pair like this, yet here I am drooling over them. They are so very cool, aren't they?

I think I'll just admire them for now and have pleasant daydreams about them while I'm at work tomorrow.

Massage afterglow

I'm taking it easy tonight after having yet another stressful, "Is it going to be today?" type day. It was quite timely that I had a massage scheduled today (a theraputic deep tissue massage for my Hooveritis). Usually, after I have a session I'm somewhat sore and tired and run down (although looser), because although all the kinks are worked out, the lymph nodes are also massaged and flushed out. So that's where I'm at now, taking peeks (okay, long looks) at Fashionist archives and watching Shatner's Raw Nerve. I'm going to hit the hay early and will miss out on catching up on all my blogs, but I think I need to keep up on my sleep. Otherwise the stress of my daily existence at work will catch up with my health.

I'm chewing over ideas for a funky and colorful outfit tomorrow that may involve a few inexpensive finds of mine, including these booties. Hopefully I'll feel up to sporting it tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Current obsession: Vintage boots from eBay

Some great size 8 vintage boots...






I'm currently into vintage boots, and I have found a wealth of them on the pages of eBay. Why vintage? Well, as you all know, I love shoes, and in recent weeks I've been exhausting myself looking through the racks at places like DSW, Famous Footwear, Marshall's, and the like for just the right boots. I'm particularly interested in three types of boots right now:

• Riding boots
• Knee-high high-heeled boots
• Cowboy boots

Now, of course I have a ton of knee-high high-heeled boots, but as you may know, I have rather healthy calves. Most of the boots I've come across either don't fit my legs, are too cheap/plastic-y looking, or way too expensive. I especially want to find a pair of KHHHB that I can fit over my jeans, as well as riding boots and cowboy boots that fit the same bill. I've never owned cowboy boots and I'm kind of picky about how they look (I don't want too much of a "Western" look) so eBay has been a great resource in that regard. And riding boots are all different as far as fit and style and the leather used. So this has been a bit of a challenge, but I'm always up for a challenge when it comes to shoes!





So of course I turned to eBay after being disappointed at both brick-and-mortar and online shoe stores. And I figured I'd look into vintage boots, because they are generally better priced, nicely worn, and made of better materials than something I can get for the same price that's new. These photos are from a selection of boots in my size that I found while browsing this afternoon. There are tons of other boots available in a vast array of sizes, too. I already snapped up a pair of gorgeous brown leather riding boots (first image, below), and have my eye on a stunning pair of cowboy boots (second image, below) and some pretty flowered high-heeled boots (third image, below). Many other pairs have caught my eye, but I have to proceed with caution because of those previously mentioned healthy calves o' mine. The prices are awesome, and I love the worn and well-loved (but still in great condition) look that these boots have.





Aren't they lovely? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the cowboy boots might be a "Buy It Now" item (I emailed the seller requesting such a transaction). And I asked the seller of the floral boots about the calf size (again, those pesky healthy calves) and I'm waiting to hear what she has to say, since it's hard to see in the photo.

eBay can be a great source for shoes, but you need to be smart and careful about your purchases. Make sure the sizing is stated, and that the photos are clear and show the product in detail. And feel free to ask the seller about any damage, scuffs, wear, etc. You'll run across rather worn and damaged shoes that are being sold for ridiculous prices, but most of the shoes and boots are in pretty decent condition. The seller should also be willing to answer any other questions you have about the product, and they are sometimes open to a "Buy It Now" transaction (so that you don't have to bid with others and jack the price up). It can't hurt to ask, can it?

Now, back to all those lovely boots...

Happy hunting!

Pretty pencil skirt and slick black boots for an icy Thursday

Ann Taylor Loft wool pencil skirt with velvet trim (from thrift store), Nine West "Exotic" boots bought on clearance at DSW


Closeup of the skirt and velvet trim/bow detail (slip's showing!) and boots, plus the sweater knit tights that I never wear but really should, because they're so pretty (bought them from Target a few years ago)

(Boy, I should really invest some time in some new and different camera angles and outfit shots.)

Gap plaid wool mini skirt and black boots for a slushy day

Gap plaid wool mini


Me in my mini and boots (and the lovely kitchen floor, under construction)


Oooh, look—pockets!

Today I wore my cozy but light Gap plaid mini skirt that I got on clearance several weeks ago for $15. At the time I bought it, it sat waaaay too high up on my hips (due to my more voluptuous frame back then) and I had to put it aside for a while. I whittled my waistline on my treadmill for the last month or so, and it seems to fit low enough on my hips now to be appropriate for wearing in public. Give me another month or two and it'll be another few inches lower. I paired the skirt with the black version of my beloved Chilis boots, which was perfect for today's inclement weather.

And look—my skirt has pockets! How cool is that?

Toasty Tuesday

Benetton scarf (from the Community Thrift Store, $1.88) and Delia's sweater


Vintage bracelet (from the Barrington sidewalk sale this summer) and Levi's


Nine West granny boots—first wear!


"Pearl" earrings bought for my wedding but never worn
(Pardon the neckne, I've been breaking out quite badly lately.)

I almost wore a nice skirt ensemble today, but I was a) feeling crappy and b) freezing. So I went with the scarf and sweater set. I always regret not wearing a skirt once I get to work, though. I arrive there and invariably there are fashionable skirts, shoes, and boots on parade. Then I feel like I missed out and should have just gone for it. And I almost always end up feeling better later in the day anyhow, so I really have no excuse, do I?

I played a little bit of fashion show for the animals tonight when we got home. I was trying to piece together an outfit for tomorrow featuring a skirt (snow be damned!) but was struggling to put just the right pieces together. I seem to buy things I like that don't necessarily match other things, so then I have to try to buy stuff that coordinates with my purchases. Anyhow, between detaching Dollie from my hanging shirts (my closet is a playland paradise to her) and making sure the dogs weren't getting into trouble, I couldn't concentrate on what I was doing. Maybe I'll feel inspired tomorrow when my mind is fresh and rested...I hope.

(Late) outfit round up

Just thought I'd share my look this week. Sometimes I can't wait to talk fashion and show people what I'm into, and other times I'd rather just schlepp to work in a potato sack (they look comfy but itchy). Since I was sick last week and didn't do too much fun outfit stuff, I thought I'd be more fun and colorful this week. So here goes...

Monday's look:

Plaid wool mini from Goodwill (sorry about my booty shot), brown belt from Target, cream turtleneck from Kohl's, green tights from Target, new brown Chilis boots from Marshall's, gold earrings from Target

Tuesday's look:

Black sweater dress from Target, black shrug from Old Navy, blue tights from Kohl's, Steve Madden black patent leather mary janes from Piperlime, blue and white glass necklace from Shoozles (Etsy), white earrings from Target

Today's look:

Gray argyle sweater from JCPenney, Levi's 515s from JCPenney, argyle flats from American Eagle for Payless, white earrings from Target

I'mot sure that you can see the entire ensembles in these pix, but there you have it. As you can see, I have been busy and unable to offer quality posts this week. I'm going to be cooking up a storm tonight but I plan to blog, blog away while the stuff cooks.

What have you been wearing lately? I'd love to see pix, or hear all about it. I'm always inspired by what other people do, too. Especially people like Georgia, who is one of the most stylish people I know. She "owns" her outfits, as she advised me to do, and I really admire that in her. I am a wimp and will concede to people's comments and insults, and I tend to throw creativity and color out the window sometimes in favor of blending in. But not Georgia! She is truly a unique and interesting person.

Anyhow, hope you're having a great day, and are going to spend some quality time with friends and family tomorrow eating some good food!

The LBD, glammed up

I love the selection of little black dresses from Express. I must admit, they really strike my fancy with the way they shimmer, slink, and float about. I'm a sucker for feathers and sequins, and these dresses offer the glam girly detailing I adore. It's nice to have an alternative to the tried and true, isn't it?

Winter white delight

I just snagged these CL by Chinese Laundry boots from DSW's online shop yesterday. They were having a promotion for rewards members where you can get an extra 500 bonus points for any online purchase. Plus, Premier members (like me) get free overnight shipping. Bonus! So of course I couldn't resist. And although it may seem as if I am constantly buying shoes (well, I am), I almost always get them at a discount, or on clearance, or whatever. So it's all good.

I'm experiencing a bit of a setback health-wise today, so I'm really under the weather and grumpy. The lymph nodes are screaming quite loudly. But hopefully I'll be back in the swing of things in the next few days. Yeah, I keep saying that, don't I? Fingers crossed!

Be sure to check out my post about winter white at ShoeLove!

(P.S. I haven't forgotten to post about Goodwill, I just have to take the photos, for which I've had zero energy to do so far...)

Booties and boots and pumps, oh my!

First of all, a very warm and heartfelt thanks to all of you who have left your get well wishes for me. I'm very touched, and I must say I have missed visiting and conversing with you all. I am feeling slightly better, and I have some down time, so I thought I'd write a post. I'm trying to get back to my regular schedule of daily blogging (including reading other people's blogs), but I'm still not quite 100% (or even 70%), but I'm better. I do really miss working out and being active, but I must take it easy to get over this stupid cold. But anyway, thanks again, I really appreciate it.

Anyhow, I had really wanted to share my spoils with you from this weekend, but couldn't due to illness. So I'll start with the footwear. Yes, shoes! Are you surprised? Then you don't know me very well, ha ha.

Back to the shoes...First, my niece Isabelle and I headed to Target on Friday night to get some groceries and such. When we were almost done with the food shopping, she asked me if I was not going to walk through the shoe aisle. I laughed and said, "Seriously, Iz, do you think I would not look at all the beautiful shoes while I'm here? Ha!" Once in the shoe department, we had fun trying on various shoes and doing little shoe parades for each other in the aisles. Then I rounded the corner and saw these funky Sigerson Morrison for Target booties on the clearance rack, the last pair in my size, and just begging for me to try them on.



So I did, and it was instant love. And they were marked down quite a bit, so I figured I'd take them home with me, introduce them to the others, you know...make them part of my collection.

Then I had a salon appointment at Ulta in Naperville on Saturday (for a long overdue haircut), which was conveniently located next to DSW. So of course I had to stop by. Isabelle was again in tow, and she marveled at all the beautiful shoes on display as we roamed the aisles. I was on a mission, and I could focus on nothing else.

I was on the prowl for the perfect high shaft boot, which, alas, I did not find. Not that there wen't tons of kickin' boots to choose from. Oh, no no no. The problem was I couldn't fit my chunky calves into the shafts of 99% of the boots. This doesn't just seem to be my problem, however. I've heard from numerous women—even small, petite, skinny women—how they have difficulty fitting into most boots, and they tend to be on the snug side (if they're able to zip them up at all). This was my problem, and it was very discouraging. And while I'm trying to shake off those 20 pounds, which will help (I've already lost a few), I will never be one of those women whose boots are gaping and slouching all the time.

So I had run the gamut of boots and nothing was fitting right. I had just about called it a day when I remembered to check out the clearance shoes, which I normally do first. I scanned the shelves and wasn't finding too much. Then I reached the end of the last aisle and looked down, and lo and behold, there was a pair of CL by Laundry black boots!



I couldn't believe it. The papers were still stuffed inside them, so I wasn't quite sure why they were on clearance. I looked them over and they seemed okay, but I figured they wouldn't fit. But I couldn't resist trying. So I tugged them on, pulled up the zipper, and...they fit. They fit! Yes, they were rather snug, but again, I'm getting in shape and losing weight, so that should get better in the next several weeks and months (still in time to wear during winter/early spring). Isabelle happily approved of my selection, and I practically hugged them to me like a baby, in case someone tried to snatch my treasure away from me.

That was such a find, I was glowing for the rest of the afternoon. I also snagged this wallet.



Which was a welcome relief, since mine has been falling apart for the last year or so now. The only problem is it wants to pop open all the time (too many cards, not enough cash). But I figure I can stick some slim magnets inside the metal bars so that there is extra holding power when the wallet closes. That'll be my project this weekend.

Then Izzy and I were off to the mall to search for that ever-elusive black A-line skirt. We went from store to store but didn't have much luck finding anything. So after an hour or so of fruitless searching, I spied a Payless store right outside the JCPenney store entrance, and we bee lined right for the size 8 aisle. And of course the first thing my eyes landed on were these lovely orange wool Lela Rose for Payless D'Orsay pumps, complete with bows.



I have seen them every time I go to Payless, but never bought them, thinking they don't match with too much and that I can't justify buying them. But has that ever stopped me? Of course not. And they actually do go with quite a few colors: brown, tan, cream, white, even black (although that starts to look very Halloween-ish to me). And they were finally on sale, so I couldn't pass them up.

After that purchase, we decided to call it a day. Aunt Chris had spent enough money on herself, and we were tired. So we headed home to look at fashion blogs and eat ice cream (well, Izzy did, anyhow). After a soothing cup of chamomile tea, we called it a night.

Next up: My spoils from a jaunt at Goodwill!

Black-booted and skirted in camouflage for Thursday

I FINALLY dragged out my good ol' black boots for Thursday's outfit, and I was glad. They've always been a staple in my wardrobe, and I've worn them a million times, just not recently. I wish they went all the way up to my knee (these hit at my upper calf), but otherwise I love them. They were a nice compliment to my camouflage-like skirt and amber-toned jewelry. I've been peppy enough for the last few days to dress up slightly (and egads! wear a skirt), so I take every advantage of days like that.

The Shoe Library

Last night, Isabelle stopped by to check out a pair of shoes from the Shoe Library.



"Shoe Library?" you ask. Yes! Of course. Why shouldn't I share my love of shoes with others who happen to have the same shoe size as me?



Luckily Isabelle DOES wear the same size, so she loves to come over and select just the right shoes for this outfit or that. Today she had a problem. What to wear with a light gray tee with white and dark gray script on it? Hmmm...



These Michelle K. sweater shoes were Choice #1. Definitely doable. The silvery threads picked up the silver in the script on the tee shirt. Lovely!



Adora didn't seem to care too much which pair Isabelle chose, but instead passed out on a pair of flip flops.



Dollie just wanted to play, and spent her time chasing catnip mice and pawing at strings and ribbons hanging in my closet. Dollie has become the self-appointed closet monitor lately.



Spanky did stop by to consult with Isabelle about her selection (and also to stare down Dollie, who could care less). I suggested to everyone that the cute slate gray pair of Lela Rose shoes with the bows should be Choice #2. Why not try those on? The dark gray color picked up the dark gray script on the tee shirt too, and they were delicate and girly like the shirt's writing.



Hmmm...choices, choices!



In the end, Isabelle chose the Lela Rose pair. Good choice, I say! All the animals approved, and a sigh of relief was breathed by all. Now Isabelle could confidently stroll into class looking put together and stylish to boot! Crisis solved once again.



(The Shoe Library hours are M-F, 5 p.m.–9 p.m. and Sat-Sun, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Be sure to stop by to check out the latest additions to the ever-growing collection. Please, only one pair per person per visit. Any damage incurred to borrowed shoes will be assessed for repair costs. A late fee will be applied if shoes are not returned after four days of use. Lots of love and attention must be showered upon ANY checked out shoes in order to keep them shiny and looking like new. Please, those wearing sizes 7.5-8.5 may only check out shoes, but those wearing other sizes are welcome to look and take photos.)