February Freeze, vol. 2: stalking pays off

     I love silk, especially silk with colorful pretty prints, but I love a bargain more.

  Trina Turk top (Nordstrom Rack)

      Red cardigan (JJ Basics, previously loved)

      Amrita Singh "Marion" earrings (HauteLook)

      6-strand red lucite bead necklace (eBay)

      Tweed jacket, FCUK for Sears (gifted)

Cheesy dating/flirting books (gifted - thanks, Sis!)

     Therefore, I stalked this shirt at Nordstrom Rack, waiting patiently for the price to drop and keeping my fingers crossed that no one would snap it up in my size. At last, the price tag sprouted a 65% off sticker, and I ended up paying a grand total of $17.
     (Cue upbeat romantic music, as Carrie and her silk shirt dance out of the store).
     One of my favorite kinds of love stories. :)

     I love silk, but at the same time I don't wear my silk shirts enough. I think they're a little too fancy, but then it's heartbreaking that they just hang in the closet while the T-shirts get to have all the fun.
     From the topic of stalking, it's a short hop to thoughts of Valentine's Day (or is that just me?) -- which is what inspired me to add a red cardigan for some pink and red fun.

    

    

3-ring circus, or, fashion fail?

   I think I got overambitious with this outfit. Fun graphic tee + stripes! Layering! Tights + sneakers!  And make the sneakers not an unobtrusive neutral, but bright pink!

 Rebecca Beeson long-sleeve tee (Costco, old)

   "The Day the Fire Brigade Went on Strike" tee (Threadless)

   striped skirt and tights (F21)

   Puma sneakers

    After examining my tights + sneakers pins more closely, I realized that I COMPLETELY missed how simplicity made the look work. Solid tops and bottoms and a restrained color palette, by and large, kept things simple and fresh. My favorite is the third: I think the drapey pink dress is so cute!

                                                                                          Source: chictopia.com via Carrie on Pinterest

  

  

  

                                                                                       Source: teenvogue.com via Carrie on Pinterest

                                                                                           Source: chictopia.com via Carrie on Pinterest

I did marginally better reproducing this cute, cozy and simple look from What Would a Nerd Wear.

                                                                                         Source: bloglovin.com via Carrie on Pinterest

  

   

DKNY cable sweater hoodie (Macy's, old)

    I think this outfit would have worked better with a plain black shirt -- it would have made the outfit less busy and accented the pink sneakers. In the meantime, I'm adding a pair of simple black sneakers to my wish list ...

shopping haul: Old Navy, BR Factory Store

    When shopping, I tried to find pieces that would add interest and vitality to my closet.
     OLD NAVY: I had a Groupon for Old Navy that expired on Christmas Eve, so sis and I hit the store that day. I picked up this top for $7.49.

      I usually wear an XS at Old Navy, but decided to go one size bigger so it wouldn't be so snug around the middle. The bright color and chevron pattern remind me of Easter eggs, but I think it will be a delightfully bold addition to the wardrobe. I also like the drapey-but-not-overwhelming sleeve. I also picked up gloves for sis to use in Seattle, and two sweaters for me (still haven't decided whether to keep them).

     BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY STORE: The sepia-toned print on this petite dress ($24) somehow reminds me of Egypt and has a bohemian feel.  This is a 4P, and I could have taken a smaller size if there had been one in-store -- I  didn't even notice the buttons running all the way down the front until I had slipped it over my head! However, I don't mind the slightly roomy fit, which is kept in check by the sash.

      I'm wearing it here bare-legged, but I think this could work with leggings or tights. It might even be fun to swap out the sash for a wide belt. I think this is a dress that the Mr. will find inexplicable, but I'm a sucker for dark blue and elaborate prints.

     I'm always looking for good ideas -- How would you style my new top and tunic dress? I'd particularly enjoy hearing about your choice of accessories, as that's an area I'm still working on. :)

Try-it-out (Wednesday): doubling up

    Classes are still keeping me busy, but one final project is completed, two more to go! :)
    T+J Designs is running a style challenge about statement jewelry, so I thought it'd be a fun idea for a belated Try-it-out post.
    I've mentioned my love of whimsical/cute tees before. A tee and jeans is the ultimate in comfortable and simple, but I decided to see whether this Jedidiah tee could be dressed up a little. Enter this Forever 21 pearl-and-chain necklace:

  I also added a light blue cardigan (previously loved by E.I.):

    (Click here for a good look at the tee shirt's design.)
    I'm not a fan of pastels, but I'm surprised at how much I like the soft blue and pink together.

    Pairing a printed tee with a bold necklace is a little out of my comfort zone, but I think the necklace and cardigan add polish to an otherwise basic outfit.

my very best PJs

Pink + purple = power colors. :)

     I ditched the idea of trying to do the sophisticated pajama look and went for fun and colorful instead. I think this shirt is perfect for a story night.
     My storytelling went OK. I did take my script up and held it as a security blanket, but I'm glad I didn't have to actually consult it. Having it close by won't be an option for my Dec. 9 in-class presentation, so I feel more comfortable about leaving it behind thanks to tonight's performance.
    I'm actually very perturbed that I wasn't really nervous once I got up in front of the audience. And I'd like to work more on gesture and putting life into certain parts of the story. But all in all, it wasn't a disaster. Just kidding -- I think it was an excellent first performance.
    My classmate gets bonus points for showing up in Nick & Nora pajamas adorned with bunnies munching on heads of lettuce. Plus bunny slippers with embroidered heart noses!

taming the flutter

    For my first Try-it-out Tuesday, I wore a Calvin Klein pale pink top with chiffon strips and beading. It's very girly, and not quite my style. Evidence for the latter -- it's been hanging in my closet since, giving me reproachful looks.
    Black and darker colors such as navy are my comfort colors (I still feel strange wearing an outfit that doesn't include one of these), so I decided to pair this shirt with my Volcom shirt jacket. I liked that the shirt jacket added a touch of toughness to tame the flutter.

     Blogging my outfits has made me realize just how much I wear jeans. Probably too much ... I'm thinking about challenging myself to not wear jeans for a few weeks in the spring. :)

simple as it should be

    It's a little strange to be a full-time student again! It's also a little disconcerting how much work is involved -- reading, note-taking, re-reading, research. I couldn't even tell you how much time I've spent fumbling my way through various databases, looking for the answers to infernal assignments.
     Monday was showtime for one of my database classes. We needed to present our group project. This outfit is a little ho-hum, but I felt comfortable and that's always important when you're on the hot seat!

DKNY Jeans top (XS); same old jeans

Shell earrings (New Zealand)

     While working on my teaching degree, I was very fortunate to be able to visit New Zealand to attend an indigenous education conference. I like these shell earrings, but I wish I had gotten some of the more expensive, higher-quality, intricately carved ones I longed for but didn't buy. (Note to self: when traveling -- if you love it, just get it!)

 

     What is something awesome that you've picked up on your travels? :)
     P.S.: This post is named for Tristan Prettyman's song, which is one of my absolute favorites. Check out YouTube to hear it ...