Poetry Perfect

I switched up the outfit to attend a poetry reading tonight with Mark. This reading is part of a larger conference with many academic celebrities in attendance. So...I decided to present a classier front than I did while running around Bangor. I've exchanged the mini + leggings for a pair of NY&Co. straight jeans and i've swapped the black and white sweater (not pictured) of this afternoon for the subtle orange to complement the flats.

This look is still far more coordinated than most intelligentsia would spend time on, but it fits my graduate school position, I think.

Bring on the poetry!

On a Teacher's Salary

(But not a teacher’s outfit) :)

White V-neck T – Old Navy, Jean Skirt – Clockhouse, Black Leggings, Floral Flats, Star Earrings & Red Beaded Necklace - xhiliration

This outfit was inspired by those gorgeous little floral flats that I found at Target on Tuesday. My mom and sister know that I have continued to admire the Chinese Laundry shoes that these are patterned after, so I was thrilled to find these on clearance for a cool $7.48. I had to settle for a pair of size 7s, but I have made much larger compromises for fashion – a loose flat won’t slow me down!

Anyway, later in the day, I picked up the jean skirt ($4.99) and the necklace ($.98) at Goodwill. The star earrings and black leggings were both picked up on sale at Target over the past two semesters as well. While it’s not teaching appropriate, I am pleased by having put together such an economically responsible outfit with my teaching means. Success!

Details of earrings:

and shoes:

Sunday Best

On Amanda: Red Tank - Old Navy, Embroidered Skirt - Westbound, White Shrug - NY & Co., Fancy Flats - Born, Sunglasses - Fossil (Hand-me-downs from Kira), Watch - Fossil

On Jessica: Chocolate Brown Dress - NY & Co., White Tank - Aerie by American Eagle, Sweater - Gap, Flipflops - American Eagle, Sunglasses - Charlotte Russe

Now, I'll tell you what I love about this pic --- the sunbleaching! I promise that both Jessica and I have more tan than this picture claims.

Today we went to church in the morning, and though the church situation is more relaxed than it used to be, Jessica and I both ended up in skirts. I personally find it a lot easier to wear a skirt when I'm not forced - or even encouraged - to do so. I'll have to ask Jessica if she feels the same way.

Jessica was especially excited to wear her new chocolate dress today after she lifted it from my closet. I was debating returning the dress, but Jessica fell in love with it and saved me the trouble. Niiiiiice.

Last Summer's Staples

V-neck - Gap, Blue & White Striped Pants - Tommy Hilfiger, Boat Shoes - Sperry Topsiders, Watch - Fossil

This morning mom dared me to have what she refers to as 'normal' days on this blog. She told me that I don't have to look like a star everyday, but celebrity is the cross I bear. So...today I am dressed normally.

This outfit was actually a very popular one last summer. The pants are light and breezy and can be rolled up for even more summer fun. The shirt is basic and comfortable and now faded. The shoes have seen me through all four seasons in Virginia and now the harshest of winters in Maine. They too are scuffed and faded, but they weather well.

Ah! And the watch! I bought this watch recently and I absolutely love it. Since I'm in Virginia now, I don't have my accessories (packing is difficult for me) so the watch might just be the extent of it until June.

Gothic Golfer

Skull & Crossbones polo - Old Navy, Plaid Bermudas - Charlotte Russe, Red Flats - M. Patrick

Today I went for a twist on the J. Crew ultra-prep look. I love these shorts for the obvious reasons of fit, length, and plaid, but I hadn't tried them out with this shirt before today. As the title suggests, I was worried about pairing a black and white be-skulled polo with an equally dark bottom, but I think I achieved light-hearted whimsy rather than intimidating darkness.

My red shoes are my favorite, but they are starting to remind me of a certain red sweater that my grandfather used to wear (still wears? has anyone talked him out of it yet?). They are quite scuffed, and I'd love to be able to replace them. However, I do not believe that a more comfortable pair of flats exists.

In other news...I am going to working on the angle and lighting for pictures, but I'm getting a late start tonight. I'm also planning to buy a new digital camera, so that should improve things as well. I'll be much much happier when I don't have to use an upward angle in order to get a head-to-toe shot with the self-timer.

Here is a close-up of the skulls and crossbone detail: