Finding what Fits

Pretty chilly out, so I pulled out the thick tights and boots this morning.  I took the cue from last time I wore this dress and left out the military jacket. 

I had originally accessorized with gold, until a very talented co-worker came in this morning with a long-forgotten necklace I requested.  I had to switch up accessories!  It's not a perfect match, but I really love how this necklace feels, and it's the perfect length.  I'm going to get much wear out of it this winter! 

I bought this shirt fully knowing that it wasn't the perfect button up fit, but I'm determined I'm going to wear it into submission!  I love a ruffle front shirt, even though conventional wisdom says leave the ruffles for the small busted.  This one isn't flouncy ruffles, which tend to bounce and jump when you walk, they are rather structured, so I felt I could try to bend the rules a bit.  I purchased it to go with my red pencil skirt, but I can't figure out my footwear, so it's been hanging out in the closet for a while.

Today, I grabbed it to layer with a gray cardi, even though I swore off wearing blouses like this under sweaters. It was too late this morning to change (that's a common theme with me!).  I left home this morning with all sleeves down.  I took a photo with them down until I realized what was really bugging me about the look and I rolled the sleeves up, which creates much less pull around the bust for me.  I like it better this way.

Also showing an up close detail of the navy stripes, as well as my fun purple eyeglasses.

Today was supposed to be a day I just stayed in the office getting work done, and instead turned into hours on my feet photographing at a conference. Luckily I had on flat boots...unfortunately I realized they could really use some comfort insoles!

I love this color combo, couldn't find a coat this morning so I grabbed the white down vest and the leopard scarf. I go hot and cold, so vests are best this time of year for me.  Excuse my *so so sullen* expression below. I really was feeling happy - when I don't smile, my natural expression is a frown :).

So far so good in no repeat November, though I think weekends are going to be my big challenge this month. So far through the week, I've been good.

1-2  Red, Black and white - cool enough for a scarf outside in the morning, but too toasty for the jacket in the office. These pants I really love - they're from Macy's Charter Club line and I see a few more pairs in my future to take the place of my Banana Republic slacks. Excuse my camera grain, I think I have it set on low resolution and that just won't do!

3.  Though yesterday's high was 70, I said screw it and put on the wrap dress w/tights and boots.  I was being last minute and got stuck in this outfit as my *dressing time* clock ran out! It worked well because it was cloudy. 

4. Working from home - at the coffee shop to meet friends :).  Taking advantage of my little photog. He was digging the back lighting!  I typically would be more dressed down but met friends for coffee.  Again, let the time clock run out as I was experimenting with a long lost green shirt (oh wow! Where have you been? It was March when I saw you last!). Added my old trusty butterfly belt, gold accessories and shoes and threw on the gray ponte blazer as an afterthought, but I really like how it looks together. Will repeat in December as a work outfit with my trouser jeans. 

When I bought this sweater, I thought it was great, but as time goes on, I'm starting to wear it less and less.  I think it's the odd neckline combined with the fitted waist.  It makes me feel like I have massive shoulders. 

Today I tried to balance it out by wearing a top underneath and rolling up the sleeves and adding some wide leg pants.  I like the two tops  together, and in the future, would venture to try this combo with my black ankle crops instead.

You guys are going to get sick of this jacket before it's all said and done, but it seriously goes with everything, and since we have mild fall & winter, the unlined jacket is great. It's setting itself up to be best wardrobe purchase of Fall 2013 in my book. 

Anyway, on with the show.  These are my straight leg jeans that fit me like skinnies, paired with a thin v-neckmerino sweater with an orange tank underneath.  I like the tones of the yellow and orange with the boots and bag.  The jacket and scarf just kind of mellow out all of the caramel going on.

I think overall, It's too tight to wear anywhere without the jacket, not until I lose some belly fat, but today was only errands, so I was comfortable. 

Ok, so this really isn't festive for Halloween today, but the best I could do was mix it up with the orange. The belt is probably my all time favorite thrift store find, it doesn't get better than a $2 Gold and navy butterfly belt!

The maxi is from Ann Taylor, and I try to find ways to make the look office friendly rather than casual weekend skirt.  I usually pair with blouses and belts or jackets. This skirt is one of those things that gets lost in the closet, I haven't seen it in about a month, and when I saw it this morning, it was an easy outfit maker.

Not quite sure what's going on in my 2nd pic with the necklace, but it's a clearer pic than the 1st and shows the true colors better.

I really do have greater plans for these shoes than black and white outfits, but honestly, I am a bright color person, so I don't wear B&W all that much. I planned for red pants this morning, and I didn't like the combo so much, but this was easy. 

I've realized that on me, I can't wear pants that say "SKINNY" pants because my legs look like wrapped drumsticks, but with a little experimentation, I've discovered that structured pants with a bit of stretch that are marked as "Straight leg" look the way I always want skinnies to look - so perhaps with this new knowledge, I can shop for some skinny jeans in the fall and have better luck.  I need some cropped straight legs, because these shoes are begging to be worn with jeans.

Anyways, this is one of my fave jackets because it has a tiny lapel, and one hook that's at the narrow part of my waist.  The shirt is pleated and a bit flowy, but has a wide black waist band that stops right above my hips. I think the amount of fluidity and movement is just enough to make me not seem huge up top. 

Anyway - I am the worst poser in the history of posing...which sucks since I'm a photographer. I should be better *slinking off to go *Vogue* in the bathroom mirror or something...*

I wore this to church yesterday, I felt all edgy.  The green is a nice velveteen, and I used the green belt that came from my capris to pull it all together.  The collar on this jacket wasn't sure what it wanted to do - it seemed like it would stay up, but ended up flopping down nicely in the end.

I also included a pic of my little photographer because I like his yellow + gray. He usually moans and groans over taking the pics, but I must say, he does a really good job at his age!

My mother would have a fit if she saw this....and I'm waiting on the fashion police as we speak, but it feels good to not have these put away in the "not until spring" section of the closet.  I will be wearing these again this fall and winter!  My coworker just stepped in and said "Oooooh white pants! You're brave!"