Sick-of-Myself-Bloggin'-Blues

I was getting tired of the same old photos--so I decided to take my camera into work.  I was hoping it might get me out of the I'm -sick-of-myself bloggin' blues.



Hence the little hiatus last week. I was looking for inspiration.  I found some color inspiration from my recent annual plantings; I'm going with a purple, orange and lime green theme.  So I found the lime green jacket, much purple in the shirt but alas, I am lacking in the orange.

Do you ever get tired of yourself?  Just need a change?  That's when I sit back and take stock.  Haul out my inspiring books or magazines or enjoy nature.  I'm feeling better now. 

On Pattern Mixing

All last week, I experimented with pattern mixing.  There are many rules to follow, such as, similar size, same color group, follow a thread, etc., but I found the rules didn't necessarily work as I thought they would.  It was strictly trial and error.

Here I thought that the black would give it continuity, and the repetitive polka dot would be a "rest" to the artistic pattern of the sweater.  Still way too much going on.

Next up, I tried the same color group with two different sized prints.  Better here, but still a lot going on.  At the end of the day, I liked this-- but wasn't IN LOVE.

This time, I used  the same color group and used a small print with a large one.  Success!  I was still lovin' this at the end of the day.

So what did I learn?  It's really a lot of trial and error, but for me, working in a simple color group worked the best.  Small prints are easier than large ones.  Think of quilts.

I know some of you are trying this.  It can breath fresh air into your wardrobe and extend your closet.  What have you found?

Gauge of Horrification at the Post Office

While I'm getting dressed in the morning, I am sometimes thinking of the gauge of horrification I may encounter at the Post Office.  It may be as high as a 10 on those days I decide to toss aside all reason--and really dress wildly.  Other days I may sneak in and out without so much as scoring a 1.

This day I knew I would score at least a 5.  The shoes were worth a 3, and the fact that I was not dressing my age (whatever THAT is), I could tack on another 2.  This was further emphasized when I encountered yet more strange looks later at the mall.  Meanwhile, I was very comfortable in this get-up.  And I was very proud of myself that I was able to utilize this top I had originally bought for a beach cover-up.  I liked the neck detail so much I didn't want to get rid of it!

It always looks better in my drawings....

Change it Up!

I was inspired by a few bloggers last week to get out of my uniform rut.  As I looked through Terri's and V's month in review, I realised I've been wearing LOTS of skirts and jackets the past months.  And while this works well for me, I've just got to shake it up a bit every now and then.

Not that this is radical, or anything.  It's a dress with a cardigan--for a slight change.  I am not a cardigan over dress fan; harkens back to a day when all had our ratty cardigans hanging on the back of the chairs at the office- to don when cold.  Could be a little old lady. 



Do love this dress!  It was such a steal at Target--it's a Proenza Schouler --all silk--$39.99.  Check out the stitching detail on the sash.



Captain Morgan pose



Oh, and my fishnets and shooties~and I'm good to go.



Mint Juleps, Kentucky Derby and Hats

Some friends of ours have a Kentucky Derby party every year.  The best part about this party is not so much the race, but the mint juleps!  Marinated for days before the party, they are authentic and are served in these silver cups.  We even drink with gloves to keep the frost on the cup.



Hats were plentiful this year; we attributed that to the Royal Wedding.  There were some fascinators, lots of wide brims, and if you look close enough, "my little ponies".

Course, being the artist I am, I had to make mine.  I was inspired by Princess Beatrice, the queen, Philip Treacy and mint juleps.

Anyone else out there a mint julep fan?

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

Wicked Witch Shoes?

Sadly, my magnolia tree has stopped blooming~the petals are on the ground.  These were taken in its glory--and this picture, a couple of days before its glory.

Yes, ladies, it's still cold (50) here in NE, and that IS a sweater AND a jacket--and I probably still had long underwear on.  But the real burning question here is:  WHAT ABOUT THESE SHOES?

I was totally in love with them until one day at the airport , I overheard a guy on a phone saying, ..."just saw the ugliest shoes ever.  Definitely, wicked witch shoes."  HMM, I thought to myself, could he be talking about MY shoes?  They are sort of wicked-witchy.  They are slip on, though with a cute buckle BUT I haven't worn much of them since this incident..so I ask you, wicked witch or not?

OMG and I almost forgot!  Thanks to Debbie over at Thrifty Girl Vintage for honoring me with the Blogger Luxury Award!  And I'll get to posting about it soon....

Fishnets and Cherry Blossoms

Sorry, peeps....but the house is to go on the market--and I haven't had enough time for posting!  Just bear with me for a bit! 

Springtime is a great time for fishnet stockings, I have found.  Its not quite warm enough to go bare legged, and too warm for opaque tights.  They are a great solution to the hairy leg in the summer also.

I have quite a collection; this is really only half.  Retail stores regularly supply them now, but years ago, the only place I could find them was Frederick's of Hollywood.

I've always abhorred nylons, so this is a good alternative.  There was a time when you had to wear stockings to work.  At least those days are gone!

Any other fishnet wearers out there?  Or, who remembers the days when stockings were dress code?