happy last day of september!

Is it really October already? How is it that every week seems to go by so slowly, but the pages on the calendars change so fast? And how is it that my baby brother, whom I remember as a scraggly, moppet-haired little kid, is now 16 years old and pushing 6 feet tall? When did all this happen?!

It seems no matter how hard I try to cup a moment in my hands, it manages to slip out through my fingers. All that's left behind is a wet film of memory. Oh yes, I can wax poetic sometimes. Not very well, though. I mean, in Music & Lyrics, Hugh Grant's character complains that he's a terrible lyricist because he once tried to rhyme "you and me" with "autopsy," and when I saw that part, I thought to myself, "Hmm, that's quite good!" Yeah... no one ask me to pen a song.

(what am I looking at?)
top:
Cotton On cami
H&M plaid shirt
bottom:
Joe's Jeans denim
etc:
BCBG Allie flats

Pretty boring outfit today. You ever have those days where you just can't be bothered, because the air conditioning's still broken and you'll be intensely uncomfortable no matter what you wear? Today was one of those days.

gym dudes are creepy

Some gym guys are just creepy. You know the ones I'm talking about: the show-off ones who try to lift way more than is necessary and grunt REALLY LOUD so everyone will know that they are lifting it, the hairy ones sporting muscle shirts and gold chains who don't really do much but walk laps around the machines, and the ones with the bluetooth headset on WHILE WORKING OUT. Hello? Who wants to talk to you while you're panting on the treadmill?

top:
dmbm sheer floral blouse
J.Crew cardigan
bottom:
J.Crew double serge pencil skirt
etc:
J.Crew patent Joley flats
J.Crew classic leather belt
F21 flower ring

I can't get enough of this belt, and really wish I had it in every color! I'm eyeing the new studded ones J.Crew put out, especially in yellow. Yum!

hammock time?

Today was another one of those days: I was semi-conscious for the entire 8 hours I spent behind my desk. And I wasn't the only one. One of my coworkers rapped her desk impatiently with her neon pink-manicured fingernails. Another's chair kept squeaking as she leaned back, leaned forward, crossed her legs, and uncrossed them. It didn't help that the air conditioning broke. The entire 5th floor felt like a sauna, except no one was allowed to be naked. (Which is probably for the best, really.)

To battle my own fatigue, I assaulted a friend with "PLEASE LET IT BE 5:00 OH MY GOD HOW IS IT ONLY 3 I FEEL LIKE IT'S BEEN 3 FOR THE PAST 6 HOURS" emails. I'm sure he loves it.

Nah, he probably doesn't.

top:
J.Crew Perfect Fit V-neck shirt
bottom:
Joe's Jeans in Provaocateur cut
etc:
Target Mossimo sandals
Forever 21 necklace

I got this necklace after the ever-fashionable Kim over at Anthroholic posted about its resemblance to Anthropologie's Stormy Sea necklace:

I had coveted the Anthro version since I first laid eyes on its sea foam glory a few weeks back, but couldn't bear to part with the cash it demanded. I don't remember the price anymore, but it was steep. For me, at least. The F21 version is definitely just that - a version, not an exact copy - but it more than satisfies my lust for huge, teardrop-shaped jewels.

so close to the weekend that I can taste it

Oooh it is so close to the weekend! I can't tell you how relieved I am that tomorrow is Friday. FRIDAY! You know what that means? Drinks, no gym, and sleeping in the next day. That sounds glorious to me.

top:
Forever 21 lace dress
Diane Von Furstenberg jacket
bottom:
Hue tights
etc:
BCBG Allie flats
Urban Outfitters belt

This was my first time wearing this dress, which I found last month, tucked away in one of those huge messy piles that Forever 21 seems to believe is an apt method of organizing merchandise. I was originally worried that I wouldn't be able to transition it into my fall wardrobe, but tights and a jacket did the trick. I actually kind of prefer it this way - without the tights, the dress looks a bit too twee. And the fact that I look like I'm still 13 years old doesn't help that, either.

Thanks for the input on the dresses from the last post! Unfortunately, the Lulus dress is now sold out in my size (grrrr...), so I plan to visit Anthropologie this weekend to scope out the Monochromatic dress, and I already ordered the Modcloth peplum one. I waste no time!

And I forgot to add this when I first wrote this post, but the wonderful Pamela over at Ginger Girl gave me this:

The rules are:

1) Thank the person who gave this to me: Thanks Pamela! I've only been blogging for a little while and it makes me happy that you thought of giving this to me!

2) Copy the Logo and place it your blog: Done.

3) Link the person who nominated you: visit Pamela at Ginger Girl!

4) Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know: See below.

5) Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers: See below the other see below.

6) Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate: See above. (confused yet?)

7) Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them: Soon to be completed!

Now, the 7 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me:

1. I am obsessed with all things "old." I have a collection of vinyl records (record player included), I still write snail mail letters, I love Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin, and I hope to own a great big inconvenient typewriter one day.

2. When I was little, I wanted to be a whale trainer.

3. But now I'm in my 20s, and I still can't swim. So there goes that ambition.

4. I have two tattoos: one on my forearm that you can see in most of my photos (I'll post on that some other time), and one on my back by my left shoulder. That one is rarely seen just because of its location. It's of an Andy Warhol painting of two koi kites, which I got done when I was a mere 18 years old.

5. I can't stand the sound of crinkling cellophane, so whenever I get something that's wrapped in it, I need someone else to go into another room and unwrap it for me.

And I nominate...

1. Sharon from Sharon Loves This
2. Rosemary from Booking it Bus Style
3. Goldenmeans from Goldenmeans
4. Marisa from According to Moi
5. Tastymoog from Commonwealth Girl
6. OneFashionistaDiva from Once Upon a Fashionista
7. Summerilla from Sum Sunshine

I know a lot of the people on my blogroll have been deservedly nominated before, so I tried to give this to the wonderful people who haven't. Thanks for the great reads and keeping me sane at work!

high five! OWWWW

I am so glad to hear that some of you ladies also can't bench-press a bag of marshmallows. I'd high-five you all, but I'm in pain, so that'll have to wait. My arms are killing me! I could barely get dressed this morning and my gunning through another gym session after work today certainly didn't improve matters much. Sigh.

I usually take my outfit photos before heading off to work, but I ran a tad behind schedule this morning* so that didn't happen. Boo!

This may sound completely silly, but I've got a possible date night in a few weeks and I'm already planning what to wear!

But before we dive into that, a little background setting is in order: You see, I'm suffering from a condition commonly known as "perpetually single." The last relationship I was in ended over 4 years ago, and since then I've had a string of terrible dating experiences. As in every dude was a total weirdo. Or creeper. Or both. -shudders- But, I recently met someone quite wonderful, and we made plans to catch a play together next month. Though I haven't spoken to him in a while, I hope he still remembers. But even if that falls through, I have a great buddy who promised to accompany me to the show in his place, so either way, I need a fabulous date night outfit!

At the moment, I'm thinking of wearing a little black dress topped with my classic khaki trench from Banana Republic. So here are some contenders for the category of "Theater Date Night Little Black Dress" thus far:

A. Monochromatic Corset Dress from Anthropologie

B. Evening in Paris Dress from Lulus

C. Escapade Dress from Modcloth

Okay, so Dress A isn't technically a little black dress, but I still love it. The lace-up detail in the back is WOW. And I adore the neckline detail on Dress B. Dress C has a cute retro-ish vibe (must be the peplum) that I dig. It might even look rad paired with bright or patterned tights! The choices!

*see above mention of "arms are killing me" and "I could barely get dressed this morning"

the sun checked out early today

The day started off with rain. Lots of rain. Sheets of it, dense as fog at some points and making everything all silvery and gray. Sand-colored cars became non-existent cars as far as my retinas were concerned; that is, until the two bright beams of their headlights lurched into view of my side mirror. Scary.

top:
J.Crew Collection Daisy Eyelet blouse
J.Crew corsage cardigan
bottom:
J.Crew double-serge pencil skirt
Hue black tights
etc:
BCBG Allie flats
Calvin Klein belt
Target ring

a closer look at the Daisy blouse

is this really called the corsage cardigan? I couldn't find it online.

I threw on a bright green David Lawrence trench-like coat I got in Australia to shield my clothes from the rain. It did its job well, except that my legs and feet still got soaked. Grrr...

I had wanted the Daisy blouse since I saw it tempting me with its citron eyelet goodness in the spring catalog, but couldn't bear parting with the $100+ J.Crew demanded for it. I found it last week on eBay for $40, but got it for $30 with the "make an offer" option. YES! This calls for a virtual fist pump! -pumps fist- HEY-YO!

Okay, I didn't really pump my fist because my arms feel like Jell-O after my workout today. Seriously. Just typing this entry was hard. Am I the only person on the planet who can't do more than 2 push-ups?

blaaaarghy

No photos today because I woke up late and as a consequence, look like a total scrub here in le bureau. One of those days, you know?

It's only 9 a.m. and I'm already wishing for the weekend. That's what a daily one hour commute will do to ya.

Here's something I stumbled upon last weekend and decided that it must be mine:

Lady Antebellum dress from Lulus

I love the colors, the sleeves, the pattern... It's like a combination of retro secretary dresses with that grunge calico thing that I love so much. I must have it! MUST! BUT I cannot convince myself to pay for shipping. Not because it's an exorbitant cost or anything, but because I hate paying for shipping in general.

nothing left for me to do but dance

I think I might just count on posting Friday's outfits on Saturday mornings since I never seem to get home before midnight most Fridays. What can I say? I'm a party animal. (No, not really. Most of the times I'm at a friend's house watching cheesy old movies and laughing it up until the wee hours of the morning.)

starfish dance?

top:
Cotton On cami
Old Navy cardigan
bottom:
Anthropologie Leifsdottir Honeyed Peplum skirt
etc:
BCBG Allie flats
J.Crew classic leather belt
J.Crew cluster ring
Clip-on turtle earring

I finally wore my Honeyed Peplum skirt (that I reviewed in this post) for the first time! I complained about the wrinkling problem with skirts in my last post (Rosemary recommended trying Downey's Wrinkle Release, which I'm planning on picking up today), but luckily this skirt doesn't suffer from the ol' three-hour rumple as much as others.

I'll leave you all with a fantastically lame joke today:

What do you get when you cross a turtle and a porcupine?
A slowpoke!

Harharharhar! If you've got your own, do share!

zombie eyes

I must have blinked or something while this picture was being taken because WHOAZ my eyes look crazy! I promise I don't have zombie/flesh-colored eyes in real life.

top:
H&M plaid shirt
bottom:
J.Crew double serge pencil skirt
Target tights
etc:
Go Jane flower flats
Urban Outfitters belt
Anthropologie headband

wee little knit flowers

I got this headband a few weeks ago and it is just about seven shades of adorable. I love flower-themed accessories, and this is no exception.

Question: How do you keep your skirt from becoming a wrinkled, rumpled mess by the end of the day? Two hours into work and my skirt was looking all disheveled, like I had dug it out from the bottom of the laundry hamper or something. Not cool. Is there some kind of secret weapon against wrinkles? An anti-wrinkle dance? A chicken I must sacrifice? WHAT?

hey little girl, I wanna be your boyfriend

Today was possibly the longest day I've ever had at work. EVER. OH MY GOD HOW IT JUST DRAGGED BY. I must have checked my email every 5 minutes, and I don't even know why because no one ever emails me. It didn't help that I was practically falling asleep at times while I was typing up my articles.

I'm thinking about running the idea of "Hammock Time" by my boss. You think he'd bite?

top:
Urban Renewal Ramones tee
J.Crew Houndstooth Bow Button cardigan
bottom:
DVB skinny jeans
etc:
Target Mossimo sandals
Lucky bracelet
Target Xhilaration watch

bow buttons!

I got the cardigan from the lovely Tres Tippy off the J.Crew Aficionada Weekly Exchange. It's so soft and cute, and I adore the little bow buttons! I just want to sleep in it, except then it'd get all wrinkly and weird, so maybe it's best if I didn't.

I've also decided to start uploading bigger versions of my photographs, in case anyone is so inclined as to see something in more detail. Click and viola! Bigger. Not necessarily clearer, though, because my camera kind of blows. It likes to record videos sometimes instead of taking a photograph, so I end up with all these 5-second videos of me standing there like a doofus, wondering why I didn't hear the shutter click yet. Awkwardsville.

Hey! Now we can play "Name That Album Cover on the Wall Behind Me." It's always a fun game. 500 points goes to the first person who can name the one in the top row that my ginormous noggin is blocking.

note to self: buy toothpaste

Some little things just make me happy. This morning, an unexpected text message from an old friend completely made my day. I'd tell him so, but then he'd be insufferably pleased with himself for the rest of the week. We don't want that now, do we? (No, we don't.)

top:
Vintage slip dress
Diane von Furstenberg jacket
bottom:
Target Xhilaration tights
etc:
BCBG flats
Urban Outfitters belt
Lucky/F21 necklaces
Target jeweled ring

I scored the slip dress a while back, but this is only my second time wearing it. Why, you ask? I'll tell you why: because it's totally see-through. As in, "Wow, Lindy, sweet undies!" Nice. But donning the tights and the jacket solved that little conundrum. For now.

I need to remember to buy a slip the next time I go shopping. And toothpaste. I hate running out of toothpaste and trying to squeeze that very - last - drop! out of the tube.

And some Swedish Fish. Mmm...

weather denial

Houston only has two seasons: hot and not hot. I was hoping that today would be a "not hot" day, but boy was I wrong. Wishful thinking, huh?

top:
Cotton On cami
J.Crew ringspun cardigan
bottom:
Earnest Sewn skinnies
etc:
Star Ling boots
Lucky locket
Target Xhilaration watch

I was rather shlumpy today. I must have tried on a billion different things before deciding, "Meh! I'll just put on whatever!" How is it that some days nothing seems to fit or look right?

rain rain go away

I'm tired of the dreary days, filthy rainy puddles, and damp feet. Not to mention that my joints get achy whenever it rains. Move on to another location, storm clouds! Houston has been inundated with your presence for long enough.

This was my OOTD from yesterday, which I forgot to post:

top:
Target xhilaration tank
J.Crew ringspun cotton cardigan
bottom:
DVB skinny jeans
etc:
BCBG jelly flats
Lucky locket + handmade necklace

I really love dinosaurs, and stegosauruses are one of my favorites. I made this guy, "Steggy," a few years ago out of modeling clay. He's been polished, so he's shiny, durable, and a great funky necklace now!

I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay

I just got back from a fun evening out with a friend and his friends (did you follow that?). We went to see 9, which was an okay movie. The visuals really carried the film through while the storyline hobbled along like the guy who keeps falling down in a three-legged race. I promise I'm working on those analogies. They'll get better.

top:
Forever 21 ruffle top
bottom:
J.Crew double-serge pencil skirt
etc:
Steve Madden heels
J.Crew classic leather belt
J.Crew faceted gold bangle

The ruffles make the red buffalo plaid less lumberjack-y. I feel like if Al Borland ever got married, this top is what his wife would wear.

he's definitely bringing sexy back.

And one more lumberjack reference:



Gotta love Monty Python.

one of the boys

No outfit of the day today because I woke up late and threw on the first things I could find before dashing off to work. Don't you just love it when you hit snooze on the alarm clock and tell yourself that you'll just sleep for just "5 more minutes" and that "5 more minutes" turns into "25 more minutes"?

Anyway, here are some things I'm itching to get my hands on, American Apparel edition:

Unisex Bow Tie:
The grayish chambray material makes this bow tie less penguin-y and more awesome-y. I'd rock it with any number of button-ups and blouses. I've always loved men's fashion and try to incorporate "masculine" elements into my wardrobe. I've never gone as far as to pull an Annie Hall, but that's only a matter of time. If you saw my collection of random collection of men's accessories (ties, hats, vests, pocket squares) and the piles of GQ and Esquire lying on my cabinet top, you'd know that day is not too far away.

Opaque Pantyhose:
I need red tights, stat. And yellow ones. And textured ones! The choices!

Unisex Fine Jersey Double-Breasted Cardigan:I don't know how unisex sizing works, but I'm craving this cardigan. You better believe that I'd be sporting it the way hipster dude right here is wearing it. Except I'd wash my hair.

I was never a huge fan of American Apparel because their quality is questionable, but I'm willing to give these items a whirl. I got a basic cardigan from there and within two wears, there were holes on the shoulder and underarm seams. It was like the sleeves got into an argument with the rest of the sweater and was all, "You don't appreciate me! I'm leaving! You'll be sorry!"

At least, that's how I imagined it.

but I am le tired

I almost fell asleep at work today. I was sitting at my desk and could feel my eyelids sloooowly clooosingzzzZZZZZ.... Huh? Wha?

I wore my new jelly flats today, which were super comfy and adorable. They make a funny little "squish" sound whenever I walk, though, so I'd always end up announcing my trips to the water cooler.

Squish squish squish. Pause. Squish squish squish.

top:
Cotton On cami
GAP buttoned tank
Lacoste cardigan
bottom:
Earnest Sewn skinnies
etc:
BCBG jelly flats
Vintage monocle necklace
Forever 21 flower cuff
Australian silver leaf ring
Kohls blue ring

I got the flower cuff yesterday at F21 and I love it! The cuff opens like a hinge bracelet between the little and big flowers, and even though it doesn't latch close, I didn't have a problem with it coming undone. F21 puts out some great costume jewelry. Sure, it turns your skin green after awhile, but it's also super cheap and cute. I'm not too comfortable dropping a hefty chunk of change on "trendy" baubles, especially since I like to constantly add to my collection (I have a problem) so F21's line serves my addiction well.

to wash or not to wash?

First, happy Labor Day, everyone! I hope your barbeques and festivities went well! I spent mine with la famille, and a few hours shopping. Of course. I got some super cute embellished jelly flats from BCBG, which I'll probably wear to work tomorrow. My company just moved to a brand new office downtown, so what better way to celebrate than to waltz in with adorable new shoes?

Okay, so there are much better ways to celebrate than buying new shoes, but let's look past that, shall we?

Anyways, the wonderful Alexis at J.Crew Aficionada posted about J.Crew Jack's fashion advice for men, which included the suggestion to not wash your jeans for at least 3 months. Or to never wash them at all. Ever. Apparently, hardcore jeans enthusiasts never let their denim hit the suds.

I know where Jack's detergent-phobic pearls of wisdom come from: with every wash, denim wears down and fades. I've had a perfectly good pair of dark rinse True Religions turn pale after one wash cycle. Not acceptable. So I got to wondering, how do most people take care of their denim?

To keep my jeans looking like the day I bought them, I keep them out of the washer. Jeans can take a beating and show nary a sign, so it's not necessary (in this girl's opinion) to clean them after every wear. I usually wash mine once a month, unless one of these things happen: they get dirty, they get wet, they spent the night in a particularly smelly place (ie: a bar), or they spent the day in brutal conditions (ie: sweat ewww). But I also make liberal use of Febreeze after each wear and I keep those cuffs off the ground.

I think what you do in your jeans also factors in deciding how often they should be washed. I spend most of my days sitting for hours inside an air conditioned office. I'm guessing that if you're a construction worker, never washing your denim for the sake of preserving its color isn't the way to go. Everyone within a 15-foot radius of you would rightfully protest.

I say abstain from overwashing, but do clean them once in awhile. 3 months in between washes is a bit much.

national holiday = YES + Anthro reviews

Yay, it's Friday! Yippee! Is it wrong that I'm super excited about the fact that I don't have work on Monday? Not so much because I dislike my job (I don't, it's a great gig!), but because I get to sleep in for an extra day. Oh, sweet sleep, how I miss your restorative company. Plus, Monday off means one less day for me to transform into a road-ragin' maniac.

Speaking of which, I'd like to relay a quick message - [RANT] Dear Dude Who Does Not Signal But Gets Mad When I Fail to Let You In: See that little lever thingy by your left hand? It's called a turn signal. When you hit it, a blinking light outside your car informs other drivers of your desire to change lanes. If there was a big meeting where every driver in the world decided to rely on psychic ability alone to predict when someone wanted to change lanes, then I am sorry. I must have missed that memo. Jerk. [/RANT]

top:
J.Crew blue button-up
bottom:
J.Crew double-serge pencil skirt
etc:
J.Crew Augusta slingbacks
Urban Outfitters skinny belt
Handmade bracelets
Anthropologie Subtle Sprouts headband

ignore my disgusting veiny feet and focus on the bows. the booows!

You can see the headband a bit better here. It's a black band adorned with teeny little knitted purple flowers with yellow centers. It's adorable, but my head gets sore after awhile from band's pinching. Ow!

I stopped by Anthropologie after work to do some returns, and of course I had to try on some other stuff while I was there.

First up, the Beach Grass dress:

In real life:

Verdict: Pass. I'm anywhere from a 2 - 6 in dresses, and I tried on a 4 this time because it was the smallest size the store had. It's a gorgeous black and cream print dress, and the fabric is super soft and comfortable, but my size 4 was way too big. As I was snapping this photograph, I could feel the dress slowly trying to make a break for it. My lack of boobage might be partly to blame, though. (curse you, genetics!)

Next, the Hint of Sheer top:

In real life:


Verdict: Pass. Hint of sheer? More like "don't you like my cute new bra?" I like the pleated collar, but everything else was just meh. This was an extra small. Way too tent-y and way too see-through.

Next, the 'I have no idea what this Leifsdottir number is called' dress:


Verdict: Regretful pass. I found this dress in the sales rack and thought it was way too quirky to not try on. The scallop detail reminds me of fish scales (in a delightful way) and it's texturally interesting and the shape is flattering too. I just wish it were only a skirt. I don't need a whole dress of fish scales, adorable as it might be. (though I might cave and go back for it. shhhh.)

Lastly, the Honeyed Peplum skirt:

In real life:


Verdict: Bought it. I never thought I'd spend $130 on a skirt, but WOW WOW WOW this skirt is amazing! I didn't think the peplum look would work on someone as hip-y as me, but I was wrong wrong WRONG. The fabric feels divine, and it has a nice heavy construction. I got it in a size 6, which fit my 27 inch waist + generous bum perfectly.

Pssst... If you're really observant, you'll notice that I switched out of my Augustas. Let's just say that driving in downtown is not something I want to do in heels.