Try-it-out Tuesday: rockstar librarian

Alfani petite tunic and petite leggings, Macy's

White House Black Market blazer, thrifted

pearl bracelets & Dr. Scholls Allycats boots, HauteLook

Guess watch, gift from the Mr.

     I love color, but this black-and-white outfit is one of my recent favorites. Do you ever put on something that makes you feel so great that you walk differently and hold your head higher? That doesn't happen consistently for me, but this outfit does the trick. All I did was go to the bank and pick up something at the mall, but I felt great the whole time. The only thing that would have made it more awesome was to have a rock star's bank account ... ;)

 
     The Mr. picked out this tunic for me years ago when I enlisted him to help me buy some work clothes. Being all polyester, it's impractical for our climate and doesn't get worn much. The day I wore this it was a little overcast and windy - and anytime it's not blazing hot here, I get excited about wearing "winter" clothing. 
      In fact, I get CWA, or cool weather anxiety. When it's cool enough to think about wearing my long-sleeved tops, leggings and sweaters, my mind starts to boggle - what should I wear? There might be only a few precious days when I can actually do some light layering and wear things that are too warm normally - I don't want to cop out with a corduroy buttondown and jeans! Problems of life in paradise, right? ; ) To be honest, I'll probably end up making a list of cool-weather outfits so I'm prepared for cooler days. I love a good list.

    Those boots are cute, but sadly, they make my feet hurt after a while. The insole is emblazoned with some claim of super comfort, but if there's a memory foam footbed in there, I can't feel it at all. However, no other shoe would have been right with this outfit (see above for proof). I'll just have to start saving my pennies to get a comfortable pair for next fall.     

    I believe that some of my recent Try-it-out Tuesday outfits haven't really been anything new or different, but this qualifies for three reasons. First, I'm wearing all black and white. Second, I'm sporting a watch. I've seen so many folks wearing a watch and bracelets to great effect, so I thought I'd try it out. Third, this is a very different silhouette for me. When I put this together, I wasn't sure whether I'd like it, but I'm pleasantly surprised.

Try-it-out Tuesday: stripes + boots + tights

    Forever 21 was offering free shipping last week, so I caved in and bought the striped skirt I had been eyeing all throughout my shopping ban, a pair of black tights, and a navy and green colorblocked belt. It amuses me that the tights cost just a bit more than the skirt.

F21 bodycon skirt with foldover waist, $6.50

    I got this skirt in a large, hoping that would make it less clingy in the back. However, while the waist is a little big, it's still much too snug in the rear for work. I will need to wear  a flowy, longer top or a longer jacket/cardigan to make it work-appropriate.
   I tried the tights on with my new boots, in the hopes that the all-black look might neutralize the boots' stump-ifying powers. Wishful thinking, anyone?

F21 textured striped tights, $6.80

     I'm excited about owning my first pair of tights! It will allow me to wear dresses and skirts to class and not freeze to death.

which one will get the boot?

    I've never really thought about wearing boots, but I saw so many bloggers wearing them with ...  well, everything. Girly dresses,  skinnies, bootcut pants, skirts, shorts ...
    I finally succumbed and decided to pick up a pair for my birthday.
    Not long after adored austin posted about Dr. Scholls, Hautelook featured the brand. I couldn't decide between the Allycats bootie and the Addler shootie, so I ordered both, with plans to return one.
    I snagged a little time today to shoot some photos to decide which one suits my (still developing) style best.

Addler shooties

Allycats booties

 FIT: I ordered a 7 for both of these, and found them surprisingly small. I do have to mention that my left foot measures in at about 7, while my right is about 6.5.  Neither shoe is too small, but I would definitely consider trying on a 7.5 if I buy from this brand again. I would have to wear very thin socks with both pairs.

     The round toes on both shoes may not be the most sophisticated, but my toes are smiling. :) My feet are a bit wide, so I'm always looking for shoes with some room in the front. I also like the rather low, chunky heel.

Allycats with bootcut jeans

Addler shooties with bootcut jeans

Allycats with tucked-in skinnies

Allycats with wool schoolgirl skirt

Allycats bootie

PROS: plain leather = good for rainy days; can be worn under bootcuts or over skinnies or leggings.
POSSIBLE CONS: Do they hit me on the wrong spot on my leg and make me look stumpy??

Addler shooties with wool schoolgirl skirt

Addler shooties with CK pencil skirt

Addler shootie

PROS: suede!= <3; ankle bootie, which is recommended for petites.
CONS: suede = not suitable for rainy days; and I'm not sure how to style them. Is it just me, or do they look like elf shoes? I also feel that they look slightly frumpy/old-ladyish in these photos, but maybe it's that I've paired them with the wrong things.

     I'm leaning towards keeping the Allycats, just because I feel more comfortable styling them.
 Which pair do you think I should pick? And how would you style them?