February Freeze, vol. 1: embellished purple shirt

   I picked an easy piece for my first February Freeze outfit post. Layer a cami underneath, jeans, red earrings and gold jewelry ... done and off to class.

 
     Then my instructor showed up wearing a fabulous cream swing jacket. And I realized how much fun it might be to wear this top with a cream blazer. White and cream are not usually colors I gravitate to, out of practical fears of getting them irreparably dirty, but one of these days I need to get out of my black/navy/denim comfort zone.

 Top: India, gifted
Amrita Singh "Marion" earrings, HauteLook
gold and amethyst ring, wholesaler
gold-plated hammered ring, craft fair

variations on a shirtdress: 2 looks

Have camera, will travel: An animal-print scarf reinvents a basic shirtdress. Add jewelry souvenirs from your travels and comfortable shoes with a hint of color.

Obligatory awkward pose

Samoa wooden earrings, gift from E.K.M.

I keep my crazy on the inside: Layer a fun top underneath the shirtdress and leave it partially unbuttoned. Add paillette-and-chain earrings because you can never have too many paillettes ...

Claire's earrings (gifted)

    I actually dreamed up a few other variations but didn't have time to photograph each one. I'm so glad that I didn't pitch this little dress in the donation bag ... I haven't had enough fun with it yet!!
 
Click here and here for some other ways to style a shirtdress!

glam Asian lumberjack

       I put together this outfit on Monday, and this phrase immediately popped into my head: glam Asian lumberjack. I wonder whether that's a bad sign when you're getting dressed that the outfit is too way-out and quirky ... but here it is.
       I started with this shirt, which pre-blog me would have meekly paired with a black jacket/cardigan.

      However, purple is one of my favorite colors, so I decided to increase the purple love in this outfit by adding a plaid shirt. Purple plaid is the new neutral, right? ; )

      I deliberately scrunched the sleeves up a bit so the gray could peek out. I love when layers peek out! And it's not something I get to do often, given our tropical weather.
     The finishing touch was my new tassel necklace and silver bangles. I understand that, in theory, this necklace does not match everything in my closet. However, I'm planning to pretend that it does for at least a few more days ...

Try-it-out Tuesday: the complexity of apple pie

        After looking at my posts, I've realized that I'm a little like Sally in the movie "When Harry Met Sally." My thought process when getting dressed seems to run like this: I like this shirt, but it's too girly; I'm going to toughen it up with a shirt jacket. This print is too big or overwhelming, so I'm going to cover up part of it by tucking it in or layering something over it. I'm not sure whether this reflects creativity or if it really means I should just buy clothes that don't need fussing with (???!?)
      Today's challenge: my purple shirt from Goodwill. Love the deep purple, lavender, mint and blue print that reminds me of horseshoes. Don't love that it's extremely shiny polyester (I guess I really do have a thing for the 1970s). I bet that's why it was marked down to $2.50. I figured it would be fun to put together an outfit that makes the shirt look a little more contemporary for Try-it-out Tuesday.

         I ended up taking the necklace off because due to the black cord, it looked like it was floating in the middle of my chest.
        The black sweater, INC petite pants, and earrings (can't see 'em) were previously loved by my mom, friend's aunty and sister, respectively. 
        While sitting in last night's class and listening to the professor explain exactly what he wants for the term paper due on Monday, I realized that I am going to be spending most of the holiday weekend cursing at databases, catching up on a mountain of readings that I need to evaluate, and other similarly fun activities. : P But I hope you have a more relaxing weekend ahead.
        Happy Tuesday!

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!