purple and gray

cowlneck top, Saks Off Fifth

maxi skirt, Macy's

Fossil necklace, Nordstrom Rack

bubble necklace, InPink

earrings, etsy

     I bought this maxi skirt thinking it would become a closet essential, but sadly it hasn't been worn as much as I'd like. I do like the proportions of the top with this skirt, though. Being short-waisted, I find that many shirts are awkwardly long and I end up knotting them so they hit a more flattering spot.

    23 school days left! I'd like to say I'm excited, but I'm in reality filled with more trepidation than giddiness. There is a dizzying amount of data collection and analysis to complete, our last round of state math testing, and a May Day performance to practice, perfect, and coordinate.
    May Day is a special Hawaii tradition. It's a unique part of the childhood of just about anyone who grew up in Hawaii. In elementary schools, May Day is an enormous event that includes performances by each grade level and sometimes even the presentation of a May Day Court, with a couple representing each of the Hawaiian Islands. While I was growing up, performances were of Hawaiian dance or music. So I was surprised that my school does not do the same - we're actually planning to have the students perform a "Grease" medley. I'll admit, though, that I'm looking forward to dressing in an outfit that evokes the movie! With that in mind, I gave in and picked up this dress at Ross (mine is black with white polka dots). I've seen it there from time to time, but would talk myself out of buying because the tulle poufs at the bottom of the skirt lining seemed impractical. But I thought the retro/vintage vibe would make it perfect as a May Day outfit. I'm even thinking about curling my hair, which is HUGE, because if you know me, I do my hair maybe twice a year ...

yellow and gray and poorly dressed heroines

tee, Gap

INC skirt, Macy's

manaia necklace, Seattle craft fair

rhodium door hinge bracelet, Iolani Palace

    This tee always garners me a compliment or two when I wear it, so it was well worth the $4.19 that it cost me on sale at Gap. :) I still don't wear my maxi dresses enough, so I'm not sure why I decided a maxi skirt would be a wise addition to my closet.  Rationalization time: I needed more work-appropriate bottoms, stripes are just about a neutral in my style book, and gray is a nice change of pace from the usual denim and black. It is also very comfortable, although it did get a bit warm toward the end of the day.
   To keep the focus on the color combination, I accessorized simply with a minimalist necklace and my favorite ornate bracelet.
    Random reading commentary: I'm almost finished with Kittredge's "The Iron Thorn," which I picked up because it was on YALSA's Readers' Choice 2012 list. It's a light, diverting read, and I like the steampunk-ish setting, although the characterization doesn't really captivate me. However, the heroine Aoife is daring and determined. The one thing that irked me about the book is the poor cover illustration. This is what my library copy looks like:

via

     But in actuality, Aoife is the only girl attending the School of Engines. She's mechanically inclined, with deft hands and eyes. There are several mentions of her school uniform, but somehow I can't buy that the billowy, off-the-shoulder top that the girl on the cover is wearing would be practical for working with engines. To soothe my cognitive dissonance, I like to picture that Aoife dresses like Aya of Couturgatory - this outfit and this one seem much more practical for engine-tinkering. Thanks, Aya, for helping me deal with that poorly chosen cover! ;)
   P.S. That harness that Aya's wearing in the first link? Put me down as intrigued ...  it's not something that I would have even given a second thought to before, but Aya wears it so wonderfully.