Outfits Of The Yesterdays (Night & Day)

♫: Night and Day - Hot Chip

I can't believe it has been a week since I last posted here. Sorry guys! I have actually been busy working on this blog--it's just that you can't see it, since it has all been on the back end. I have something good (hopefully) coming up soon, though, so sit tight. Soon-ish.You know how I do.

Just a quick note for today. It was recently brought to my attention that you guys can't pin any of my images from this blog on to Pinterest. Uh oh.

Now I love Pinterest, as it provides a rather excellent distraction to the monotony of everyday normal life (if only because I enjoy pinning images of a bike riding John Slattery on to my food pinboard, riiight where he belongs) so when a kind reader pointed out that they were having problems pinning my images from this blog, I decided to investigate. Lo and behold, Flickr apparently added some sort of fancy anti-Pinterest meta tag to certain images a few weeks ago, rendering many pictures un-pinnable.

Without, you know, telling anyone. Thanks, Flickr!

The good news is that it is fixable, but the bad news is that it is going to take some time for me to get all of my images fixed, as I now have to go in and change some of my privacy settings. So bare with me and keep trying. I have already fixed a few of my more recent posts, and will be working on my past posts over this next week.

And, by the way, thank you for considering me pinnable! It means a lot, even if my little browser spellchecker is going completely bonkers over this entire blog post and keeps wanting to change "pinnable" to "pinbball", "unpinnable" to "unwinnable" (which also isn't a real word), and "Flickr" to another word containing the letters f-c-k-r. Unwinnable pinball motherfuckers would make for a very insightful blog post, but I'll have to save that for later.

(And I appreciate that my spell-check apparently has a sense of humor.)

(Oh! And if you're a blogger that is having the same issues with Flickr, this is where I found the fix!)

Soon, soon, soon:

. 

Top: J Crew Silk Lucinda Blouse in Roasted Chestnut, old (similar here by haute hippie) (similar here) (similar at Ruche for $34.99)
Skirt: ASOS (check for pop backs here) (similar here) (similar under $100) (similar under $100)
Necklace: Forever 21, old (similar here) (similar here) (similar here under $20)
Watch: Michael Kors Gold Horn Watch (buy it here) (similar here under $100) (similar here under $50)
Wire Cuff: Rivka Friedman (buy it here) (similar here)
Rose Gold Bangles: Seasonal Whispers Crystal & Metal Bangles (buy them here) (similar here under $40)
Ring: Rivka Friedman Teardrop Ring in Smoky Quartz (similar here) (similar here) (similar at F21)
Shoes: J Crew Perfectly Patent Pumps in pink, old (similar here) (similar at Topshop) (similar by Nine West)
Bag: Marc Jacobs Cooper Crossbody in Nude (buy it here) (similar here) (similar under $100)

{a photo bomb of chihuahua-sized proportions?}

{& remote control issues, click-clack, I give up.}

Trench: Juicy Couture, old (similar here) (similar here under $50) (similar here)
Top: Isabel Lu, old (similar at Topshop) (similar at F21)
Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT (buy it here) (fun option at Topshop) (similar for $30)
Ring: H&M (similar here)
Sunglasses: Prada Baroque Swirl Sunnies (buy them here) (similar here)
Shoes: Lanvin for H&M (similar here under $100) (similar here under $50) (& a gorgeous splurge by Kate spade)
Bag: Marc Jacobs Cooper Crossbody in Nude (buy it here) (similar here) (similar under $100)

Outfit Of The Day (Happy ♥ Day)

♫: Love Interruption - Jack White

Oh, Valentine's Day. I will be the first to admit that it's not a holiday that ranks high on my list, for whatever cynical reason (the pressure! the tangible feeling that I should be wearing a feminist-cone-of-shame for even thinking about liking such a dangerously over-hyped, over-commercialized holiday! the people making fun of me for being the only human alive that actually likes conversation hearts!) but oh well. My feminist cone-of-shame is currently at the cleaners today I guess, thanks, oh stop looking at me that way.

Anyway, there is lots to love about the day of love--like strawberry and fruit punch flavored Nerds, pretty flowers, and cupid having the super-sads:

I do think one of the best gifts to give and receive is to just spend time with those that you love, so I spent the past weekend with Husband (hi, duh, obviously). But it isn't always something we get to do this time of year. I sometimes work weekends, amongst other things, and he is typically busy coaching his competitive youth basketball league--all which can make alone-time pretty darn tricky.

So we decided to do something new for Valentine's Day this year, and on Saturday we hit up the Rialto Cafe for a Murder Mystery dinner + play. Nothing says love like death and murder, eh?  It was a riot though, and even though it was like negative 20 outside (brrr!) and the 16th Street Mall area was freakishly vacant for a weekend evening, we still had a blast. Good food, good people, good times.

On to what I wore! I originally grabbed this Tibi dress during one of Piperlime's recent big sales, and it has been hanging prettilyy in my closet since, waiting to be taken to the tailors since it is a bit too wide and long. Since it still hasn't made it that direction, however, I decided to slap a skinny belt around it to help give it some shape and a slightly shorter length. I am not a always huge fan of belting shift dresses (it kind of takes away from the point, right?), and this dress definitely does not need it--but when in a impromptu lazy pinch, eh, it kindaworks.

PLUS: IT WAS NEGATIVE 20 OUT. Or it felt like it was negative 20 out. Okay, maybe it was 30 degrees out, but no one in Colorado cares what anyone is wearing or belting or not belting when it is that cold, ya hear? They're just happy you have clothes on (BOULDER, AHEM):

(oopsies--the back of my head, it does exist.)

I also realize that I have gotten away from some more "personal life" aspects of this blog over the past year, for various reasons, but I went with Husband on Sunday to see some of his basketball games nd I have a picture that I snapped that I would like to share.

Husband has been coaching the same group of boys for a few years now, and it has been crazy to see them grow up. I'm talking about height--nearly all of them are now taller than me and it totally freaks me out.

It is likely Husband's last year coaching this particular group, though, and while many of them are now surly teenagers I know they will still all be missed. Volunteering as a coach is something that Husband really loves to do, and seeing the enjoyment he gets from it more than makes up for any "alone time" we might not always have to spend with each other. Also, since we are remaining childless, I think it's a great way for us to still give to the community. It is so, so important.

For all the teasing I give to Husband on my blog, my heart swells with pride whenever a parent tells me how much they appreciate what he does and the time he gives...and when I hear the boys call him "coach".

Aw, sorry for the super-mush, and to make up for it I am pretty sure he is yelling at them in this pic:

(and our pumped up kicks)

Are you doing anything fun to celebrate? Share in the comments & happy Valentine's Day, you guys! ♥

Outfits Of The Yesterdays (Colorful Cravings)

♫: Paddling Out - Miike Snow

Colorado finally had a huge dose of snow a few days ago, with well over 19 inches in our neck of the woods turning everything a blinding, bleached-white. 

We need some color, hm?

 

 (flowers on our coffee table)

 

 (a back-ordered christmas gift from my in-laws finally arrived--thanks guys!)

 

(a contrasting clutch by diane von furstenberg, sweeeeet.)

 

(a valentine's day wreath)

 (a girl can never have too many belts, ya hear?)

 

(a pretty pop-up)

 

(a toasty-warm sunspot for Kitty Smart Cookie)

(spring polish in the winter snow)

(woof.)

Coat: Old Navy (similar by Calvin Klein, on sale) (similar here) (similar here)

Blouse: J Crew (similar here) (similar here) (similar here)

Skirt: Zara (similar by Splendid) (similar here) (& at j crew in "warm jade")

Belt: J Crew (similar here)

Collar Choker Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar here)

Bag: Tory Burch 797  Clutch (similar here) (similar here) (similar at DSW for under $50)

Shoes: J Crew Valentina Pumps in Coral (similar here) (similar here) (can still be found on ebay, too)

Nail Polish: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in June - Limited Edition (buy it here)

Jacket: Tibi, old (similar here) (similar here for $99) (similar at Forever21)

Blouse: GAP, old (similar at J Crew in "sand dune") (similar here under $100)

Skirt: J Crew Factory (similar here) (similar here for under $50)

Teal belt: Target, old (similar at Topshop)

Necklace: Patina (similar for under $15)

Scarf: ASOS (similar here) (similar here)

Bag: Diane Von Furstenberg Tonda Polka-Dot Minaudiere (buy it here) (similar on Etsy)

Booties: Christian Dior Serpent Booties, old (similar by Cole Haan) (similar by Lanvin)

Nail Polish: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in June - Limited Edition (buy it here)

Outfit Of The Day (A Peppering of Leopard-ing)

If any of you guys follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you likely already know that I escaped our home in Colorado last week to spend some time up in the Black Hills area with my parents.  There were several motivations for my mission (to keep the barky little chihuahuas out of the remodeling mayhem and destruction, to keep the klutzy little Chloe away from the nail gun) (etc etc etc) but it's also something that I don't do enough--spend some quality time with my parents.

Aaaand they have a hot tub and my mom makes really good cupcakes. Really good cupcakes.

(But just so we're all clear here, I have already promised Husband that during the NEXT big project, I'll totally stay home and oversee the whole thing and he can come up to the Black Hills with the pups to sit in my parent's hot tub and eat cupcakes. It's just a teeny-tiny mere coincidence that our next big project is redoing the walk-in closet to look like a Miu Miu boutique, okay?) (Which reminds me-- I have a lot of bag and shoe shopping to do for decor, ha ha ha har har ha har I'm funny.)

I did snap some OOTD shots right before I left, though, so here we go! I think we are all probably a little burned-out by now with online critiques and reviews of the Mad Men Collection for Banana Republic (joan!  betty!  lady-like chic!) (sometimes I tell Petunia that Don Draper is her real dad!) (which is a lie: it's actually Brad Gorescki!) (and where are the crocheted plant holders and moth-ball scented perfume so I can be oh-so-stylish Ida Blankenship?!), yes?

So I'll keep it short. I am a sucker for leopard, and in the end this cardigan was the only thing I grabbed from the collection. I really like its lighter, neutral color scheme and slight nubbiness; it is a little bit itchy but nothing that my sensitive, ridiculously-rash-prone skin can't handle.  It's also just the right weight to wear now in hotter weather for a quick cover-up in harsh, air-conditioned climates.

Ta da, and stay tuned for my awesome fashion recap on Sturgis Bike Week coming up here later this week, vroom vroom:

Cardigan: Mad Men for Banana Republic Cardigan in Cafe Au Lait (buy it here + take 25% off on orders of $100+ w/ code "BR25OFF100") (similar style here) (and here under $50)

Tank: J Crew  Radiette Cami (buy it here) (similar style here) (and here)

Shorts: Lulus.com (similar style here) (and here)

Belt: J Crew (similar style here for $20) (and here for under $10)

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Large Watch (buy it here) (similar style here)

Shoes: J Crew Mona Pumps (buy them here) (similar style here) (and here)

Bag: Chloe Paraty in Rosewood (similar style here) (and here for under $50) (and here for $35.99) (and love this at Topshop, too!)

Nail Polish: Chanel Miami Peach (similar color here)

Did you grab anything from the Mad Men Collection at Banana Republic? Does your husband let you operate nail guns?  And did you know that Petunia's real daddy is Brad Goreski? Share in the comments! <3

Outfit Of The Day (Burn It Down, Baby, Burn It Burn It Down)

Oh, first things first. I told myself that I wouldn't get all weird and obsessive over home decor on this blog when it came to this remodel, as that is not the type of blogger that I am.  I am not a "lifestyle" blogger, as most of you well know, unless you count my posts on how to make glorified minestrone (and by glorified I mean I use different and fun  noodles!) and on secrets for making my skin look so beautiful and smooth at the age of 43 (and ummm, I'm 29).

But to be honest, I told myself that I wouldn't get all weird and obsess-y mostly because it's my twin sister's deal. Her and I operate under the Strict Identical Twin Code of not EVER enjoying something that the other one loves, you see, which means fashion is my deal and interior design is her deal.


"I bet Stevie thinks my house is a disaster!" I said over-dramatically to my dad last Christmas, plopping down on a chihuahua or handbag or empty cardboard box  or whatever I was using at the moment as furniture.

"Sure," he said, pausing for a few seconds then shrugging, "but I bet you think her outfits are a disaster. Just how it goes."

Touché, dear dad, touché.

(Not really, she does fine in the fashion department, but thus implies another rule of the Strict Identical Twin Code- NEVER give each other a compliment unless it begins with the word "fart" and/or ends with the word "face", even if you are identical and will therefore essentially be calling yourself...a fartfuckface.)

But it is hard to not get slightly obsessive over things, especially when you are sacrificing a good chunk of manual labor/money/making-mean-faces-at-your-Husband's-back-while-he-paints-because-he-doesn't-like-the-ceramic-white-monkey-heads-you-picked-out-to-mount-on-the-wall-next-to-your-Keep-Calm poster, isn't it?  And so I apologize, as chances are I will be posting a lot about this shit over the next month, or six months, or six years, or however long this thing lasts.  Or in other words--oh boy oh boy, this blog will finally have some conten!

So! In the midst of my digging for remodeling inspiration I found a brilliant show on Bravo last week called "Million Dollar Decorators", which is billed as a reality TV show that follows around five "interior decorators to the stars"  After watching two episodes, however, I have learned that it is pretty much the most amazing show on TV this summer and it has almost nothing to do with the actual designing of anything.

I won't spoil it for you in case you haven't watched it (it's on Tuesday nights at 8pm MT sharp!) except in next week's episode we find out that Kathryn Ireland's housekeeper, Jacqueline, isn't really a housekeeper at all:

But is instead just a blind, alcoholic french women that Kathryn found shuffling around aimlessly in a TJ Maxx down in Santa Monica a few years back, on sale for $14.99.  Fabulous!

On to my outfit.  I'm dressed up for nothing in particular at the moment, which is the best type of dressed up there is. Friday night shenanigans, perhaps? I grabbed this dress during Urban Outfitter's last $20 off promotion, and while the spicy-bold print more than speaks for itself (and probably needs little to no help from accessories), what's the fun in that?

The possibilities here are endless.  It's print mixing time!

Dress: Urban Outfitters Ecote Print Embellished Strap Dress (buy it here) (another fun option here) (and here by Tracy Feith) (and here at Forever 21 for under $20!)
Belt: J Crew Patent Tab Belt in Cinnamon Spice (buy it here)
Shoes: Alexander Wang Isabel Haircalf Sandals (similar style here) (and here) (and a splurge here)
Bag: Chloe Saskia Satchel (similar style here for under $100) (and here)  (and here by Ms Minkoff)
Tan Wrap Bracelet: Gorjana Graham Studded Bracelet in Tan Sparkle (buy it here + take 20% off with code "toutie")
Crystal Bangle: Ann Taylor (buy it here)
Brown Beaded Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar style here)
Watch: Michael Michael Kors Runway Watch in Rosegold (buy it here)



(currently playing in the hizzouse)

Outfit Of The Yesterday (The Sun Is Shining Down For Lovers, But Not For Me It Shines For Others)

Here I am, here I am. I took a mini hiatus this past week due to nothing fun or fabulous, let me tell you. I thought on Sunday I was having a major allergy attack or on the brink of getting the flu (and spent the Easter brunch at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort feeling goofy and dizzy and not because of the free champagne OR the best omelet I think I've ever had in my life) but the extreeeeme tiredness and joint aches settled in shortly after, so. 

A flare!  Yay.

i have gotten used to this now, for the most part; at least it's much better than it was in the beginning when I was sick all the time.  I still feel dismayed (AND CHEATED) over my body deceiving me in such a stupid and uncontrollable way, but I've been under some intense life-related-stress over the past few weeks so it's not exactly a shocker that this happened.  Because if there's one thing I'm super good at, it's holding all my stress in in an incredibly unhealthy manner, excuse me while I unhinge my permanently clenched jaw.

Stress seems to induce Lupus flares for whatever reason, but while I feel like I am 29 going on 92 at the moment life no longer grinds to a halt over it as it used to do. There simply isn't enough time.  I now just lay low (when I can) and take copious amounts of the only proven cure for this that I know: ratty yoga pants + a 5-year old hoodie + my Puma flats + a sloppy bun on top of my head+ old reruns on HGTV. Ahhh, much better.

And life goes on . It could be worse, hm? I finally made an effort to get dolled up yesterday to go out and about, as did Petunia.  Here she is, wearing her finest and fanciest sombrero at 3 in the morning to watch the Royal Wedding just like the Brits do:

 (it was either that or her rudolph hat but she didn't want to upstage Posh Spice, understandably)

Aaaand here I am, ta da:

Top: Ann Taylor Puff Sleeve Top in Wild Aster (buy it here) (similar style here) (and here) (and a pretty purple top sans puff sleeves here)

Shorts: Monogram Foldover Shorts (buy them here + take 30% off with code "brking30") (similar style here at Forever 21)

Necklace: Forever 21 (buy it here) (and a more demure version here)

Bracelet: American Eagle Outfitters Leather Wrap Bracelet (buy it here)

Watch: Toy Watch Plasteramic Watch (buy it here, on sale!)

Bag: Lanvin Sweet Dora Crossbody (buy it here) (similar style here) (and here for under $100) (and here for $60!)

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Uliepe Pumps (buy them here) (similar style here) (and here + take 10% off with "THEMUSICISSUE")

(currently playing in the hizzouse)

(grooveshark's widgets aren't working at the moment, but you can click here to listen to the song!)

Un-Outfit Of The Day (Linger In Lusk)

Ah, so.  As I'm sure most of you already know (assuming you follow my aimless ramblings on twitter)  (and if you do, I sincerely apologize) that I'm currently off on a little road trip at the moment, heading back "home" to South Dakota to celebrate with my gramma for her 80th birthday.  

Gramma Chloe Conspiracy is turnin' 80!  It seems like just yesterday, she wasn't....um 80.  Yow.  :(

When I originally hatched the plan to do this it was December and unseasonably sunny and warm in Colorado.  Pile into my car with a chihuahua or two for a 12 hour roadtrip to South Dakota to surprise my grandma? Nooooooo problem! Husband couldn't come with so I'd be doing it alone, darnit, but I've done the trip alone before.  It's EASY PEASY, you guys--download a mindless Sophia Kinsella audiobook, set the roadster on cruise control, and done.

Well I've never done the trip alone before at the end of fucking February, when the snow comes down hard and whips wickedly across the flat terrain and vulnerable highways of Wyoming.  Oh Wyoming.  I'm not very smart, am I?

So needless to say a 6 hour trip today (I'm first heading up to my mom's in the Black Hills to spend the night to chop the journey into two days) took about seven, except you know--I am not actually at my mom's.  I am only in Lusk, Wyoming, stopped for the night due to feeling sick after eating five big boxes of Hot Tamales due to stressful eating because I WAS PRETTY SURE I WAS ABOUT TO DIE AFTER SLIDING HERE DOING 45 MILES PER HOUR THE WHOLE WAY. 

I'D SWITCH THE CAPS OFF BUT MY HANDS WON'T STOP SHAKING AND TRIGGERING IT back on.

Lusk is a bit of a funny place.  Husband and I have been through here dozens of times as we head back and forth between Denver and South Dakota, and it always surprises us as to how quaint and tidy it is.  Small towns in this part of the world aren't exactly known for being picturesque, and anyone who has been through the smaller towns of Wyoming (or Nebraska/South Dakota for that matter) probably knows what I'm talking about. This is the last frontier, after all--and with it comes a certain pride full of everything wild, dusty, and unkempt. This includes both the people and their houses, too.  Yeehaw?

Lusk is different though; it's as if the entire town (population: 1,629) is full of cookie baking grandmas.  Houses are bright and clean, lawns are trimmed and well-kept, and the main drag through town is wide and prettily paved....when not covered in snow.  I (literally) slid into a hotel here, fearful of what I might find, but the room is just like the town. Petunia has her own bed, her own room even and TV with 300 channels of Direct TV, but of course is choosing to steal mine.  She hates watching Jersey Shore alone:

If there is a good spot to be stuck in Wyoming, I suppose Lusk is it.   And so I've decided to take a little break from jumping on the hotel bed(s) with Petunia and screaming the lyrics to Destiny Child's hit 2001 song "Survivor",  much as I imagine the pioneers did hundreds of years ago and that Charlie Sheen is doing right this moment on his little vacay in the Bahamas because a little bit of Beyonce is the wrong way only way to heal a mind, to do a quick update on this old blog.

And while you don't get an update of what I'm wearing today (trust me: driving all day in bad winter weather does not a cute outfit make) this is what I wore this past Saturday while furniture shopping and watching my nephew play bball during much warmer weather. 

I will admit that I'm a little obsessed with my snake necklace at the moment, mostly because it's so light that I often forget I'm wearing it. And it's fun!  Hissst:

Blouse: Topshop Floral Frill Tunic (buy it here) (similar style by Joie here) (and under $50 at macy's here!)
Skirt: J Crew (similar style here) (and here for $28) (and a more tailored, longer version here)
Shoes: Valentino Studded Kitten Heels (similar style here) (and here under $100!)
Necklace: ALDO (buy it here - on sale for $9.98)
Ring: Banana Republic (buy it here - now 30% off!)
Bag: Chloe Metallic Marcie Satchel in Gunmetal (similar style here) (and here from the wonderful Nanette Lepore) (and a fun option here that would also work well by Badgley Mischka)

Is there any item in your wardrobe you're currently obsessed with?  Share in the comments & have a happy weekend!