the new normal

embellished linen tunic, hand-me-down from Mom

D&Y animal-print scarf and Beau skinnies, Ross 

         We had a spate of windy, rainy and cool weather last week, which meant this scarf was in heavy rotation. I really like this scarf with a slim-fitting bottom, and the contrast with the tunic's embellishment is fun but not over the top. 

          I feel like I've been out of the blogging loop for a while, what with school and wedding stuff eating up much of my time in March. Now I'm making the (lovely) adjustment to living with the husband full-time, which means we spent the day after our wedding shopping for some necessary furnishings, like a desk for my laptop, a chair to go with the desk, and some shelving.

          I think people are a little puzzled (or taken aback) by the fact that I am not changing my name. (They are too polite to say so, but they've made previous snarky comments in the past about women who don't change their names, so I figure the snark applies to me, too.) Just about everyone I know has taken their husband's name. There are a variety of ways to go about this. Some people drop their original middle name and make their maiden name their new middle name. But I like my middle name, so that was not an option. Some people simply take on a second last name, with or without the hyphen, but either way, there's a lot of paperwork involved. Not to mention that a two-part first name, a middle name, and a two-part last name is a lot of moniker for someone who's just a little taller than 5 feet. ; )

             I do like the husband's last name - it's unique and people like the way it sounds. I figure that if later on I'd really like to add his name, I'll pay the fee to do so, but for now, I'm happy to keep my name. :) 

Try-it-out Tuesday: texture + monochrome (almost)

   Today's Try-it-out Tuesday features two rarely worn items: an embellished linen tunic and a boldly printed dress (this dress takes my love of big prints to new heights). I thought this would be a fun, subtle way to double up on the florals, and I liked the texture of the linen embellishment contrasted with the skirt.

Charter Club embellished linen tunic: passed down from mom (Macy's)

     Style & Co. petite dress: Macy's

6-strand red lucite necklace: eBay

     I've always thought this dress would look cute with a red necklace. Due to its size, this necklace is out of my comfort zone, but I like how it looks peeping out of a black shirt.
     I feel like this outfit is my first step out of a style rut. I felt good wearing it and I got to play with texture and prints! :)

 

   It doesn't really show up in the photos, but the big flower print on the skirt has splashes of a very light gray/tan. That gives me some ideas on how to wear it the next time around.

     Something else that, thankfully, doesn't show up in the photos: a fresh bruise the size of a half-dollar on my right shin. Just a souvenir from early morning aikido practice, and another merit badge for the Klutz Scouts. What, you mean you aren't a member??