Work With What You've Got

DECEMBER 19, 2008

Last weekend we went to a Chrismukkah concert. Several bands played but my personal favorites were: Florene (Whom I have seen several times and always really enjoy) www.myspace.com/florenemusic and Top Secret Robot Alliance (PLEASE watch the “Tiger Dance” video. Seriously) [link] It was one of those freak warm days we have been having (like today!) and I was able to go with bare legs. Yes, that’s another 90’s dress. What can I say? I like them.

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2008 Work Watches Video 40

Work With What You've Got

DECEMBER 16, 2008

So lately I really need a reason to get dressed. And as a result, I sort of hopped on a challenge last minute. (I’m I’m sure no one will care, I’ve never seen a more supportive group of ladies.) Work That Wardrobe posted a mini challenge to wear an outfit inspired by a song. I choose All Cats Are Grey by The Cure. I know it seems too easy, but I have never done a challenge before so I thought I’d start easy.

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2008 Work Cat Pepsi 40

Work With What You've Got

DECEMBER 15, 2008

I felt like this outfit struck just the right balance of dressy and casual for dinner at the pub. The blouse, boots and bag kept it dressy, while the jeans and cotton cardigan toned it down and kept it casual. I was comfortable and I felt really pretty. And the blouse left room for a Cream Cheese Tart w/ fresh berries, candied walnuts & caramel for dessert. SO GOOD.

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2008 Dinner Thrifting Thrift Stores 40

Work With What You've Got

DECEMBER 12, 2008

So the outfits for the “Decades” dress up party came out great. The closest to an outfit shot of Nathan I got was this: But he looked great. UGLY sweater, old school Docs, Morrissey tee, scruffy beard and all. Here is my outfit in all it’s glory though: That jacket is a jacket I bought when I was 16, with a paycheck from the GAP. I was so excited when I got it, I wore it right away. In August. In Texas.

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2008 August Work Texas 40

Work With What You've Got

DECEMBER 8, 2008

I have a killer cold so I’m not going out much lately, but Friday I did go out for tapas. And they were really good. Bacon wrapped dates, mushroom croquettes, chunky fried potatoes…mmmm. I eat a LOT when I have a cold, because when I’m eating, I feel better. I know I’m pushing it with the tunic leggings combo. I don’t care. I doubled up the leggings and called them pants. I know. It’s wrong. Whatever. My legs went on for miles and even though I was sick as a dog I felt amazing.

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2008 Work Therapy Fry's 40

Work With What You've Got

DECEMBER 5, 2008

I’m featured on the Alternative Apparel company blog! They noticed how much I love my Stevie wraps. I’m so honored. Please go check it out! 4ftp.typepad.com/4ftp

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2008 Work 40

Work With What You've Got

DECEMBER 4, 2008

I wasn’t going to do an outfit post this day. I was wearing jeans and a tee. Not very interesting. But then Nathan came home. And he wanted to go get dinner, AND, he had brought me a gift. He had thrifted this gorgeous suede and leather vintage bag for me. It’s by Naturalizer and it looks like it was never even carried. A close up of the tee for interested parties… I’m not much for going out in jeans and a tee, but I didn’t really want to change, so I threw on a sweater and a scarf.

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2008 Victoria's Secret Thrifting Work 40

Work With What You've Got

DECEMBER 2, 2008

So I’m not sure anyone but me is really up for this style coming back. But I love it. I found it at a thrift store for a couple bucks. I didn’t really have the curves for this style when I was younger, so I was excited that it looked so good on me. And our weather has been crazy cold one day and warn and sunny the next for a while now, which is why I was able to wear it with no sweater.

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2008 Thrifting Curves Thrift Stores 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 26, 2008

I am working on a few updates. Sorry I've been M.I.A.

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2008 Work 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 26, 2008

So on Friday it was REALLY cold. For Dallas anyway. We went to see Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears play. They were awesome, as per usual. I love scarves, and scarf weather, but I hate the fact that you have to give up necklaces to wear them. Maybe that’s just me, but every time I try and wear a necklace and a scarf at the same time, the necklace gets caught on the scarf and tries it’s best to destroy the scarf.

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2008 Dallas Thrifting Work 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 26, 2008

I loved this outfit. We went to an art showing, in a warehouse space, open aired, and it was like 40 degrees outside. So I needed an outfit that was cute, but warm. And this was a winner. I wished I had worn an extra pair of socks, because my feet were ice blocks by the end of the night, but overall, I did well. Plus, I felt fabulous in this. Slim, and tall and chic. I carried my Goodwill bag again, and wore my feather earrings. How awesome is this installation by House of Dang?

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2008 Dallas Thrifting Art 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 20, 2008

When I posted the last line of yesterday’s entry “What do you think?” I was really mostly thinking “Is that pencil skirt as unflattering as I think?” I was not even thinking about the tights. The tights ended up being a pretty hot button issue. The tights are actually a very well-thought out, important part of the outfit. I hear what you guys are saying. I do. I think I just failed to communicate my intent. “I

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2008 Work Communications Insurance 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 19, 2008

So I am going to go ahead and try and go back to work full time. SOMEDAY maybe I will be able to go part-time, just not now. So I’m starting to interview. I want to approach this process as honestly as possible. I do not want to take a job where I feel I would have to change who I am. I am a very skilled, intelligent woman, and I deserved to be hired and appreciated for who I am. And I am not a person who wears suits. So I am not going to buy one. I considered it, and I always have before.

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2008 Work Part Time Office 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 18, 2008

Tomorrow I plan on doing an entry with a couple of options I have for interview outfits. I’d like to show you my options as well as hear your thoughts on my plans. For now I give you this. My Sephora Mistletoe Makeover. I don’t know how I feel about that red. That’s not true. I do know. I hate it

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2008 Sephora Work Giving 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 13, 2008

Lara came over for lunch today. I made Ramen Pancakes for us. I am still wearing heels. It’s actually kind of nice. They don’t hurt as early in the day as they did when I wore them to the office, because I am doing a lot less walking. I had one of those office jobs with a lot of walking papers to and fro and up and down a few flights of stairs. I was more active then than I am now, which you rarely here about office jobs. But I was on my feet a lot. Lara brought over a couple things to give me.

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2008 Lunch Lunches Flights 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 12, 2008

Today I went out to get groceries. In heels. I couldn’t remember the last time I wore heels. And I like to wear heels. So I wore them! This cardi used to be grey. I wanted it to be black, so I dyed it, which is a very labor intensive process. And now it’s sort of off black. Darker than it was, but not quite what I would call black. I just discovered the snood. Which is great for those of us who tend to be too lazy to wash our hair. It makes me feel so fancy! The heels, with mud caked tips.

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2008 Groceries Grocery Jewelry 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 11, 2008

Getting all dressed up to run errands is still a bit weird, but if I don’t, I’ll never get dressed up, and I love dressing up. To be honest, I basically get all dressed up, go out and run my errands, and then come home and get right back into my PJs. I have a dog, and he sheds. I am much to fond of my clothes to have him shed all over them, and much too fond of him to not cuddle. Pink tights. So fun!~ I love these flats, I bought them this summer and wore them once.

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2008 Work Consumer Part Time 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 7, 2008

I had lunch with my friend Danael today. I love hanging out with Danael, he’s so easy to get along with, and so FUNNY. I took the opportunity to get dressed up, because why not? Fancy Jasper earrings, from Love Erin Designs: I’ve gotten three orders from the Etsy shop already, so THANK YOU to each of you that have ordered. We are going to the Fun, Fun, Fun festival in Austin this weekend, but on Monday I’ll ship those orders out and get started on replacing the ones I still have materials for.

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2008 Lunch Lunches Austin 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 6, 2008

First of all, thank you so much to each and every one of you that has stopped by and left an encouraging word. It has meant more to me than you can know. Second, I’ve been hard at work, and I’ve got the beginnings of a shop going on over at Etsy. The Shop is called LoveErinDesigns, and it’s located here: [link] A big shout of to my girl Kelly for the banner design, she styled it to look like my paintings, which was way super cool of her.

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2008 Work Painting Girls 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 4, 2008

I got laid off yesterday. I signed something that said I wouldn’t talk about it. So I won’t. This marks the third time I’ve been laid off in November, right before the holidays. I’m not sure where to go from here. To be honest, I had come to the realization just last week in a particularly productive therapy session that I did not want to do what I was doing anymore, at least not full time.

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2008 Work Painting Therapy 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 3, 2008

I don’t know why I buttoned this jacket for the first set of photos, other than maybe to prove I can? I’m not wearing it like this. I’m wearing it like this!~ And with pants. What is this, the 3rd time I’ve worn pants? I just was NOT feeling it this AM. I’m tired from my fabulous weekend.

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2008 Jewelry and Watches Bills Jewelry 40

Work With What You've Got

NOVEMBER 1, 2008

I trust everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!~ I'm off to Six Flags! Top dress, Ross, years ago. Under dress, Forever XXI, last Feb. Tights (both fishnets and stripes) Target Boots, Arturo Chang Broom, Wal-Mart maybe? From a couple Halloweens ago Hat, Halloween Spirit, $4.00 USD and the ONLY thing I had to buy for this outfit

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2008 Halloween Feb Work 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 31, 2008

We normally have a big to-do at work and decorate our floors and have a HUGE contest. But not this year. I’m pretty bummed about it, but I’ll get over it. Nathan and Lara are performing in a mock Goth band at a couple parties tonight and that will be fun. We were at least aloud to wear Halloween inspired clothing!~ Remembering my shopaholic rules: I am aloud 1 piece from each new Go International or designer collection from Target. And I will only buy one if I really want it and can use it.

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2008 Halloween Work Collectibles 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 30, 2008

I called Erin when I got in this morning and told her that every time I wear this I remember how she tried on the ecru version and deemed it “Too Little House on the Praire”*. And then I got the black. And she says she doesn’t think that about the black, but I still hear her say it every time I wear it, and it makes me giggle**. That said, I love this dress. I feel thin and curvy and fabulous in it.

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2008 Thrifting Thrift Stores Work 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 29, 2008

makes you more beautiful than the rest- Red House Painters This is in fact, a summer dress. It's linen. But I don’t really separate my clothes by season. The extremes here in Texas aren’t all that extreme. And I like my summer dresses. I added a warm sweater, a slip and some leggings. When it gets colder, I can add a turtleneck and layer tights under the leggings, and throw on a coat.

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2008 Work Texas Clothes 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 28, 2008

Have I ever told you that lol cats are one of my greatest joys in life? Well now you know. It is pretty cold today!~ Too cold to be taking pictures outside without my jacket. But I did it anyway. Dress pattern: I ordered a ton of jewelry making supplies last week, with the goal of opening an etsy store soon, and some of them arrived yesterday. I was home sick, so I made some things. I am going to end up keeping these. Not selling them. But I can always make more.

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2008 Kenneth Cole Goals Jewelry 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 26, 2008

Today’s post is a tribute to the beautiful Autumn over at Unfabulous. link] I love you sweet girl!~ MONKEYS Tee, American Apparel souvenir shirt Nate got me in Austin PJ bottoms, Lovingly handcrafted for me by my Mother-in-law two Christmases ago Laundry, Nathan’s, and a total prop

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2008 Austin Mother's Girls 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 25, 2008

We went to an art opening at our friend Eric’s office. We weren’t sure of the dress code, and when we got there most of the other girls were in jeans and nice tops, or casual dresses, but I’d rather be a little over dressed than under dressed ANY day. Erin gave me this dress last time we cleaned out her closet, and I was really excited to have an excuse to wear it. It’s a size too big, but I don’t think it’s noticeable, and it would be pretty expensive to tailor.

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2008 Hardware Work Shoes 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 24, 2008

There is really no excuse for these boots, ever. There is no situation wherein one might need snow boots, that are ALSO a high heel, ALSO made of moon boot fabric, and ALSO an unflattering mid-calf height. That said, I love these boots. I call them the “Boots of Supreme Ridiculousness”. They are FUN. Bunnies!~ close up of the shirt, which is the same pattern as the Bunny Dress.)

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2008 Work Target 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 23, 2008

Today is brought to you almost in it’s entirety by Target. If they actually carried nice leather boots and handbags, it might have been a sweep. I really feel boots should be leather if at all possible, because it’s a better investment, and my feet can BREATHE. I also just really prefer a leather bag. I’ve bought a few pleather bags and I just end up never carrying them. It’s probably a good thing. No telling HOW many bags I’d own if I liked pleather bags as well!

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2008 Work Target Photos 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 22, 2008

Eh, I think I am going to have this skirt tailored to more of a fitted shape. The way it sits now is super unflattering. If it were thinner material, the shape might be fine, but it’s so bulky! Love these earrings. So basic, but so Rock and Roll Cardigan, Target Tank, Hanes Belt, Target Skirt, Old Navy Tights, Target Socks, Target Boots, Arturo Chiang Earrings Haute Hardware

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2008 Old Navy Hardware Target 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 21, 2008

Speaking of repeats!~ I JUST wore this dress last week. But I styled it differently today. I had an entire outfit planned around a cold front that doesn’t come in today. Whoops. So I had to improvise. Every time I see someone do the sweater over the dress thing, I think “SO CUTE” and then when I try it myself I’m never sure. This is the first time I’ve been happy enough with the results to actually make it out of the house in the combo.

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2008 Hardware Work Shoes 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 20, 2008

*You need Hair Spray and bobby pins. I use up to four bobby pins. More than that looks a little cluttered. And a lot of hair spray. It needs to be the kind that does not get flaky or white bits when you comb through it. Grab a small section at the front of your hair (I include a little bit more than my bangs) and hold it STRAIGHT UP. Spray it from the front AND the back, and then hold it upright until the hair spray dries. Then let it fall.

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2008 Work Baby Used 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 20, 2008

Well, Picnik seems to be down for the count, and I want to go ahead and get back to blogging, so I am going to be freestyle unedited for now! This dress is the same dress I wore on Day 1. I’m wearing different boots, and different jewelry, but it’s the same cardigan. Which brings me to something that is really starting to concern me. This blog? By it’s very nature, is going to contain repeat outfits, which is something I don’t see a lot of on style blogs.

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2008 Work Hardware Jewelry 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 18, 2008

Went dancing Saturday night. Had a blast. Showed the other girls the light by still being on the dance floor at 1:30 AM, instead of sitting it out because I wore heels. ALWAYS wear flats dancing! Nathan took these pictures, and he kept saying “turn out…turn out more…” OK. That behind…that looks pretty impressive, yeah? That almost looks store bought. This on the other hand… THAT almost looks phototshopped. Dress, Old Navy Shoes, Target Necklace, Haute Hardware Bag, Botkier for Target

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2008 Machines Old Navy Hardware 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 17, 2008

So I still hate pants, but over all these are not bad. I will probably even wear them again. They are almost a jean. And my office paid for them. And they were $15 USD at Wal -Mart. See, today I have to do a pom pom routine in an afternoon meeting. It’s not that abnormal.

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2008 Painting Work Hardware 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 16, 2008

Not a great picture day today. I’m really sweating the wait until I can get a new camera. Perhaps a cheap floor lamp would help? I do know now that it is staying darker later, I have pretty much lost my outdoor photos. I might move to taking them mid-day, and posting after the work day instead of before… but that would mean lugging my tripod to work everyday and posing in the parking lot. That might be a tad more attention that I’m after!

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2008 Work Lamps Hardware 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 15, 2008

I have a lot of dresses, that when I put them on, I think, “This dress was so much longer when I bought it.” I know that can’t be true, since I know I didn’t wash it in hot water, and I didn’t dry it. (I I wash my dresses on delicate and hang them to dry. ALL of them. I never dry clean, I never dry). So I must have some sort of short circuit that makes dresses seem longer in the store. Because it seems at home, they are all sort of walking a very fine line!

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2008 Hardware Work Target 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 14, 2008

I like today’s outfit and am disappointed I couldn’t get better pictures. I needed to be able to take pictures outside to really show you how all the shades of grey go together, but it was so dark and nasty I just couldn’t get a good one. I may end up replacing the pics later, I may not. Anyway, these are what you get for now. I realized after seeing pictures that this skirt makes me look like I have big hips.

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2008 Work Hardware Target 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 14, 2008

I have a few comments and e-mails asking how I do the bump* in front of my hair. And I was explaining to Kelly last night that I just didn’t know what to say other than “bobby pins” but then I actually started to explain, and I realized it’s more complicated than I think. I’ll try to do a step by step how to sometime this week or weekend!~ *the the technical term for this bump is a Baby Morrissey, because it’s like a tiny pomp, and Morrissey has a BIG pomp

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2008 Work Baby 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 13, 2008

With a splash of red. It was so foggy and gross outside this AM, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to take outdoor pics much longer, and they come out so much nicer. My hair is frizzy now. All for you. Those are my new black boots. And they are perfection. The leather is really nice and the shape is so classy. I love the toe on them. I know the detail gets lost in these shots, but they are lovely, and the little kitten heel is the perfect height to be dressy enough and yet comfortable.

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2008 Hardware Outdoors Work 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 12, 2008

Erin had a booth down at the Urban Bazaar yesterday, and so we went down to hang out with her for a while (by which I mean all day). It was a lovely day. I brought cash so that I could only spend what I meant o, since last time I spent a LOT more than I intended to or should have. I got a necklace from Haute Hardware (natch!~) for myself, and Nathan bought me one as well.

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2008 Thrifting Austin Thrift Stores 40

Work With What You've Got

OCTOBER 10, 2008

With the exception of a change of cardigans I totally wore this over to Lara’s house last night. That’s just how I roll. We sat around talking and setting up trackers (HERE IS MY STEALTH COUNTER!) on our blogs. And making fun of the boys, who were in the other room. But only a little bit. This shirt is so ridiculously soft. Alternative Apparel may win my love over American Apparel if they put out a Deep V. So this bag is kind of a big deal.

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2008 Work Thrifting Ranges 40