universal

Kensie top, Ross

trouser jeans, Macys

necklace, craft fair

earrings, gift

 

    This is a very simple outfit, but I decided to blog it because it was a triumph in terms of finding a patterned shirt to wear with this pendant. The delicate design of the pendant gets lost against other patterns, but I thought it went well with the irregular stripes and colors of this shirt.

    I bought this pendant at a craft fair, and the woman running the booth said that the design is symbolic of the universe - a geometric shape with a free form shape within. The contrast really appealed to me.

    I usually wear either a necklace or a pair of larger earrings, but not both. However, I rather liked the double dose of sparkle here. 

    Despite being sick last week, I managed to get off island for my aikido seminar. Lots of good practice, and I really enjoyed it! I had a little less pep on Sunday due to a sore back and sore quads from Saturday's classes, but I managed to practice for a full three classes. The best thing about Sunday, though, was coming home at about 10 at night, taking a long shower, then heading out for a steaming bowl of pho with the husband. 

a dose of magic

White Plum cardigan, jane.com

Merona tee, Target

Calvin Klein straight-leg jeans, Ross

belt, from dress

earrings, gift

     Online shopping can be tricky. Take this kimono top, for instance. As I mentioned in my November budget roundup, I saw it on jane.com's Instagram account and liked it so much that I became a member so I could buy it. The site called it a "cardigan," which made me think that it would be made of some stretchy, cozy material, when it's actually made of rayon. Also, it looks a lot bigger on me than it did on the model, which is why I'm wearing it belted.  However, next time I think I'll just wear it unbelted ... the belt made it a little fussy to wear, and I hate having to adjust my clothes during the workday!

    I did consider returning it, but the thought of having to pack it up, brave the post office lines, and pay return shipping swayed me. Also, I thought it might be fun to style. I'll have take some outfit inspiration  from Katie of Alaskan Weredork  -- she styles kimonos in such a beautiful way (and in frigid Alaskan temperatures, no less).
     Looking at these photos while prepping the blog post, it popped into my head that this outfit reminds me of something an elf would wear ... not a Christmas elf, but an elf more along the lines of Tolkien's elves: lithe, fast, and magical. I don't usually dress to emulate mythical beings, but I rather like the association.

pink, unabated

 tank, Gap

skirt, Target

earrings, gift

      Something about having shorter hair makes me reach for my bolder earrings. I had originally planned to wear a necklace instead, but at the last minute decided on statement earrings.  

        I bought this tank for $2.08 in July - I had a $10 rewards that was about to expire. The armholes are a little low and big, so I added a sports bra in lieu of a camisole. I can't wait for it to cool down at work ...  some of my students' families generously donated fans, but even with all the fans going full blast, on a hot day it just means we have a lot of warm steamy air circulating. It can be challenging to put together a heat-ready but professional outfit! I did give in last Wednesday and wear Bermuda shorts with a tee, with a necklace thrown on to make it look a little fancier.
     What are your plans for the weekend? I have the usual lesson planning to do and piles of student papers to look through. However, I am looking forward to a few naps, a glass of wine or two, and some quality time with a novel. I  also hope to hunt down the September Vogue issue!