candied walnuts, oysters, atonement

      The high point of Thursday (besides managing to drag myself out of bed at 5 a.m.) was making oatmeal for breakfast, and getting the idea to throw in homemade candied walnuts I got as a Christmas gift. Wow -- it made that humble lil' bowl of oatmeal sing and dance. I immediately began to fret about what to do when my stash runs out. Either look up a recipe and make my own, or beg my friend to get her mom to make more. Which would be a bit awkward.
      Another awkward story about food: a few years ago a different friend invited me to hang out at her house. Her dad was grilling oysters -- they had picked up a box from Costco. I was in oyster heaven until I realized that I was tossing down oyster #8 while everyone else had stopped at oyster #2 or #3. I regretfully stepped away from the grill.
     The above stories may explain why this dress doesn't quite fit anymore. What a shame! I loved the color, the fit, the cool and breathable linen-cotton blend, and it was great for work. I can still put it on but the hem is higher than it was before, and I need to do some major sucking-in to make the placket look decent. I'm reluctant to toss it in the donation bag, so I'm determined to use it for layering.

     I added tights and a pair of purple suede flats to this outfit before heading to class on Thursday.
    The blue on blue pairing is my version of atonement for the other day's style mess. (I'm also assigning myself a rigorous reading of the latest issue of People StyleWatch). Or, if we unbearably extend the food metaphor, it could be considered a style palate cleanser as well.

    Fossil "Mystic" necklace (Macy's)

     Is it standard for thicker belts to not have a leather loop/keeper? This belt is so cute, but when I buckle it the end just sticks out, and it's too thick to tuck. Solutions, anyone?
     After I wore this outfit, I realized how many other things can be layered over this dress. Come back Monday to see a few variations on this look! :)