Forgotten Loft OOTD

I got this dress last fall from Loft and very soon after I learned I was pregnant.  As soon as I had the positive test the dress made me feel self conscious. It felt tighter around my mid-section than I wanted even though my body hadn't yet begun to change. Although I wore it to present at a conference and I wore it again to work in November, I was too worried to wear it again after that. I didn't want to generate any pregnancy speculation before I felt ready.

I recently had a student confess that she suspected I was pregnant last semester but perhaps she was clairvoyant. At minimum, I am going to tell myself that her suspicions were not due to my body broadcasting pregnancy quite so soon. Regardless, here's hoping this dress will fit me again sometime after baby number 2 arrives! It's a solid professional looking basic (and I mean basic in the good way!) and I'd hate to have it go to waste.

Details:
Ann Taylor Loft dress
Spanx tights
Sam Edelman booties
Burberry trench

Teaching and Meetings OOTD plus a sweet reward

I know my updates have been even less frequent than usual. That's not only due to the busy semester, but also due to my flying solo for a decent stretch. Chris was in Ghana again for work recently and although I am lucky to have lots of family help, it is really hard to keep all the plates spinning without our regular routines.

Anyway, I wore this to campus on a day when I had to be there early for meetings and late for classes. This dress is an older Anthropologie one that I got on sale. It was chilly enough to wear it with a newer splurge: the Reymoore trench by Burberry Brit. To be fair, the trench was on major sale AND I had a gift card and coupon to use. But it still felt indulgent because I have many other jackets. I bought it for myself as a treat for receiving a research grant but I also told myself I'd have to do a big closet clear-out to compensate. I've been having great luck selling on eBay lately. I was going to list in my shop blog first, but opted to try eBay instead when they offered a $20 coupon as incentive. And although I got the trench for more than 75% off, I have sold the equivalent of well over its retail value just by clearing out some unloved, rarely worn pieces.

Anyway, on the first day that I wore it, I also got some great news related to my book manuscript. I don't want to jinx anything preemptively, so I'll just say that I'm very pleased until papers are signed. From now on, I will consider this to be my professionally lucky trench.

Details:
Anthropologie Banet Dress
Burberry Trench (in Navy and Black)
Spanx tights
Sam Edelman boots
Longchamp Neo Tote

Don't forget, there's still time to enter the Kushyfoot Giveaway!

Cool Fall Wedding OOTD

I wore this Marc by Marc Jacobs lace Dita dress to a friend's wedding. Snow was predicted for that day so I was stumped over what to wear. I still have many of my dresses in a storage bin, going off the assumption that they're either from my past life or that they will fit my body oddly (since my bustline and waist are larger than they were prior to having a child). I spent a long time just pulling out "cold wear wedding appropriate" pieces and just seeing what zipped. Accordingly, I was running late because of this. So I never managed to pull out a wool coat, hence the casual (but necessary when outside!) trench.

From scrolling through my blog archives, I realized this is the first time I've worn the MBMJ dress since 2010 (as previously blogged here)! The brown/beige colorway still commands a surprising amount of money on Ebay due to its inclusion on Gossip Girl during the height of the show's popularity. While I still am fond of this dress, I don't find many occasions to wear it. The lace overlay and fabric beneath are kind of shiny and therefore it always feels a bit too "fancy" for daytime. But a wedding is the perfect occasion for fancy!

The wedding reception was held at the Edgewood Club which is a beautiful, historic venue in Edgewood, just east of Pittsburgh. I considered it for my own wedding but couldn't choose it due to size. I am always a bit sad when I can't bring Emilia to a wedding (since she has grown to love them!) but Chris and I enjoyed the night out alone. We had a great time dancing, eating, and hanging out with many friends that we don't get to see much these days.

Outfit details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Dita lace dress
Burberry Brit trench
Spanx tights
Gucci wedges

Birthday OOTD and the challenge of dressing while babywearing

Last year for my birthday I was newly (and quietly) pregnant, celebrating (and conferencing) with Chris in San Diego. This year for my birthday, we flew for the first time with Emilia to New York City to attend a friend's baby shower. On top of considering breastfeeding accessibility issues, I had to contemplate how to dress around/for babywearing. The weather seemed like it was going to cooperate and although we could have checked them, we had no desire to lug a car seat and/or stroller to the city. Perhaps when E is bigger it will make sense to bring an umbrella stroller but she's too little for those so the only option would be the entire travel system. As someone who typically eschews our stroller any time we'll be navigating a crowd, babywearing is the perfect solution.

In the Ergo with Chris

On its surface, babywearing isn't a topic that relates to my usual outfit or shopping related content. But I've learned that just like dressing to breastfeed, you have to really think through a wardrobe strategy when babywearing. It's so easy to overheat if you aren't careful. But underdressing brings its own concerns. Still, wearing a baby while they're in a thick, bulky bunting seems impossible. I had to think long and hard about what kinds of layers would fit under and over the carriers I planned to used. And I had to think just as carefully about how to dress baby. A sweatshirt-weight bunting with a hood from the Gap (here) was perfect for spring temperatures.

Now that we're home and the trip was a success I am so glad we wore her all weekend. It was not only easy but she felt secure and safe while wrapped up. She napped when she needed to while we walked around. I nursed her when she was hungry. Of course, our schedule was very different but for a few days that wasn't a big deal. We have great memories of our first flight trip as parents!

It was so easy just to strap her onto one of us and go. We have a few different carriers and each bring their own wardrobe related anxieties. The Ergo is Chris's favorite but the backpack style straps make for awkward layering constraints. The Moby is complicated because of the trickery required to wrap it correctly. The K'tan is probably my favorite currently, because it is like a pre-wrapped Moby. It adds less bulk than the Ergo and it is way faster to put on than the Moby but offers similar styles for holding/wrapping. I do think that once the weather turns from warm to hot babywearing will become much less comfortable due to heat. But for now when things are temperate, it is perfect. I had such a great birthday weekend and will probably share more photos soon. Sadly the one above depicting my baby shower outfit is the only "outfit photo." Outfit photos are a lot harder to get these days.

Details:
Tibi Hudson and Houston shirt dress in green colorway
Burberry Brit jacket (current season version here; similar here)
Spanx tights
Ferragamo My Joy flats
K'tan

Another year older...

Today, I am 32. And as I settle further into that phase of life during which people find it increasingly polite to avoid any direct age-related inquiries, I feel more comfortable than ever in my own aging skin. When I was old enough to understand it, my parents told me about how my father struggled with turning 30. To him it marked an end of carefree youthfulness. But I should clarify that my parents have always struck me as profoundly youthful. Age for them now seems to be more about attitude and affect.

On some level, the very thought of being upset by my age feels silly. I'll take 32 year old me over 22 year old me any day of the week. This time ten years ago, my self-esteem was abysmal. My long-term relationship was swiftly deteriorating. I was about to graduate from college and my future was frighteningly uncertain. Although I was lucky to have great friends, few responsibilities, and lots of free time to do fun things, in retrospect I am glad to be through it. Don't get me wrong. I don't feel any regrets over my 20s but I am just happy they're over.

I think about my life now and feel pretty great. I'm a product of the learning and the experiences I endured as an insecure 22 year old. And sometimes I wish I could go back in time and provide comfort that reassures someone so uncertain. For this reason I do try to hug my little sister often. She is ten years younger than me and although she has a lot going for her and is about to graduate college with a cumulative gpa that exceeds my best single undergraduate semesters, I also realize that even the most exciting of transitions are still hard and sometimes fraught.

I wore the above ensemble to deliver a keynote address to the new inductees of our freshman honor society. And I wanted to hug them too because they just successfully weathered such a major transition, from high school to college. Transitions can be difficult but at least they make us more resilient and better capable of weathering any change to come.

I am glad 22 year old me decided to take some time entering the workforce before pursuing an advanced degree. I'm grateful that I eventually began graduate study and met a special someone doing something similar. And I am happy to report that both my early-20s ex boyfriend and I found more stable, more fulfilling, and more mature relationships with our new partners. From my vantage, all of the above is evidence of how good it is to be older... to get older.

Of course it has taken me a bit longer than I expected it would to feel this way. I really identify with  the internal monologue scene from Singles during which Bridget Fonda's character reflects on how teenage her viewed the ages of 23 and 25. I thought as a teen that my life trajectory would closely mimic my parents, who married at 23, had kids by 26, and were settled into careers right after college. But at least within my social circle, an ever-lengthening American post-adolescence has changed the landscape of what it means to be in your thirties. For me, it no longer carries the same connotations it once did when my father was struggling with the existential questions brought forth from being new to this same age bracket. Still, it's funny and unsurprising how birthdays (both the welcomed and the un-welcomed) provoke reflection and stock-taking.

I have a lot to be grateful for and there are a lot of exciting things I'm anticipating in the coming year. So amid the process of taking stock, I welcome the next phase of my life with open arms.

Outfit info:
Kate Spade Calista dress (bought this time last year) (similar KS; similar other)
BP cardigan
Burberry Brit trench (this season's version here) from (Larrimor's)
Spanx tights
Marc by Marc Jacobs pumps (similar here and here)
Vintage initial necklace (gift from my secret santa), Target bracelet, Betsy Johnson watch

On-the-go OOTD

Limited (via Gabes) chambray dress skirt

MBMJ Daisy cardigan in ivory

 Lands End Canvas cords (worn cuffed to make them Spring-appropriate)

Burberry Brit jacket from Larrimor's

Tory Burch LeeLee flats (tri-color Patent Revas)

Kate Spade Journal Bon Shopper

I wore this to run some suburban errands the other day/night. I needed to get Mother's Day stuff (cards, odds and ends, etc.) so I went to Wild Card. I had a few things to grab in preparation for a friend's upcoming surprise birthday party. I also needed to buy replacement cushions for a new (albeit vintage) piece of living room furniture purchased by Chris. He bought a Arne Wahl Iversen chair from a dealer so we had the covers dry cleaned. But the cushions were 50+ years old and full of cat dander (to which Chris is allergic). They had to go! The chair looks like this:

(disregard the Speck toys and the old, oversized, soon-to-be-replaced couch)

We're in the market for a new sofa which I would love some guidance on tomorrow.

So nice I bought it twice: Bold Boutonnière Dress

I felt like I hit the lottery when I found a poorly titled ebay auction for the black colorway of the popular summer/fall 2009 Bold Boutonnière dress from Anthropologie. The seller graciously accepted my request for a BIN and the dress came soon after. It is telling that I am more excited to find past season pieces (even when I already own versions of them) than the stuff that is just going on sale now for fall 2010. Anyway, I wore this dress yesterday to campus. It yielded many compliments as the Bold Boutonnière often does. I kept my cardigan on all day but hope to wear it as shown on the left to a holiday party or two. The skirt's stripes remind me of gift wrapping so it seems fitting. Over top of it, I wore a cashmere cardigan by Aqua and when outside, my Larrimor's Burberry find.

Slanted and Enchanted in Plaids

I've been listening to a lot of Pavement lately. I think it is partially the change in season. And it might also stem from nostalgia for when Chris and I were courting. I think any relationship milestone thrusts a person into a mindset of reflection and reverence for what came before. At any rate, I noticed the other day that I had on an unusual amount of various plaids. It could have certainly been less coordinated, but I was still surprised. This decision that occurred around 6:45 am was likely also influenced by the colder weather. Plaid makes me think of flannel. And flannel makes me think of being bundled and warm. So here I am wearing three plaids at once. I think it works.

Plaid 1: LA Made dress from Anthropologie fall 2009 (anyone know the name of this one? I forget it)
Plaid 2: Burberry scarf
Plaid 3: Burberry jacket (cuffs trimmed with plaid)

I also wore Hue tights, Chloé lock flats, and a Streets Ahead bow belt.

Recent Outfit Post: Curled Zinnias and Precious Metals

I was so excited when the Precious Metals cardigan went on a quick sale. The big bow was so fun but the price tag was too high at retail. I wore the above to my most recent dress fitting for the wedding. Precious Metals cardigan from Anthropologie; Leifsdottir dress via Gilt; Chie Mihara Lumi flats; Spanx tights; and my Larrimor's Burberry score.

My future mother-in-law came with me and got to see the dress in person for the first time. I was excited to show her the beautiful space and selection at Anne Gregory. And I was thrilled that she loved my dress as much as I do! Afterwards, we had cocktails at Mitchell's in the Galleria and stopped by Anthropologie. It was a very fun afternoon! I don't have a lot of time to update with the wedding fast approaching but I hope to do an entry this week that is wedding-focused.  And write a bit more than just a fast snapshot and outfit description. We'll see if I can find the spare time.

Regardless, thank you for bearing with me while I try to keep things active around here even though I lack the time to write more thoughtful and involved posts.

Casual Sunday Brunch OOTD

Friends of Chris's and mine were visiting from DC for the long weekend. We had a great time with them on Saturday for dinner at Kaya and drinks at the Brillobox. The next morning we reconvened at Coca Cafe where we were treated to a delicious brunch as a thank you for the lengthy email of advice Chris offered on what to do in the city. It was an unexpected surprise that made a chilly morning that much warmer.

I wore my new Burberry jacket from the Larrimor's sale with some old gap jeans and the same beaded Urban Outfitters via Gabes top I wore two days prior. I carried my vintage Coach satchel and wore padlock flats by Chloé.

My Back to School Indulgence at Larrimor's in downtown Pittsburgh

I've always looked forward to the fall season and not just because of the wonderful clothes. My nostalgia for this time of year stems from my childhood. As the daughter of a schoolteacher, I'd help my mom set up her class room. We'd decorate and assemble welcome kits for her new students. I'd pretend to be the teacher and imagine what it would be like to have my own big desk in the front of the room. Every year when she tells me she is about to embark on this tradition, a part of me wants to drop whatever I am doing and meet her at school. Sadly, this summer was particularly too busy to do such a thing.

The excitement of shopping in anticipation of a new school year is also counted among my fondest memories of summer. It might seem silly or simple but the ritual of stocking up on pens and pencils, being indulged with a brand new big box of Crayons, tucked into a fresh bookbag, picking out the first day of school outfit, and the entire process of preparing for what is to come was always so satisfying to my childhood self. Sure I would lament the end of summer like any other kid, but the newness of everything (teacher, grade, locker, bus rider friends, lunch table mates, etc.) and my curiosity about who would be in homeroom were almost too much to bear by mid-August, anyway.

In a way things haven't changed. I still consider the end of summer to be a bit bitter but mostly sweet. I am thrilled by the transitions that await me. And I still rationalize a few indulgences in my current "back to school" anticipatory ritual. This year's was a bargain found at a very lovely Pittsburgh store.

This Burberry jacket was from the 70% off sale rack at the beautiful and well appointed Larrimor's in downtown Pittsburgh. I stopped by the new space for the first time the other week and was so impressed by the level of service and attention I received even though it was kind of obvious I was only there to scope the sale.

The salesperson was attentive without being intrusive. She informed me of the sales in men's and women's, let me know it would be going on until the stock was gone, and gave me her card. I was pretty excited when I spotted the Burberry jacket hanging in the sale section among a bunch of gorgeous but at the moment for my lifestyle, too-fancy dresses. I was also impressed by the stock. For some reason, I always had an impression that the Pittsburgh shopping institution catered to an older crowd and wouldn't have things to my taste. That wasn't the case at all and a number of the fall arrivals caught my eye. Sadly my budget couldn't justify anything full price. But the experience made me confident that I should return. And it made me already recommend the store to a number of friends.

Recent outfits: Nanette Lepore, Theory, Mike and Chris, Burberry

I wore this to teach on Monday. It was chilly!
Floral pixel print dress from Nanette Lepore (similar here)
Black ruffle trim v-neck cardigan by Aqua (similar here)
Hue tights
Chloé flats (similar here)
Swatch Irony watch
Detail:

I wore this to teach last Friday:

It was not this wrinkly when I put it on. I am going to have to steam this before I wear it again, for sure! It was a day when I only seemed to grab black and gray garments so without a forecast of rain, I decided to grab the teal suede ebay score Chloé flats to brighten up the palette.
Black tie waist dress by Theory (similar here, here, and here)
White House Black Market short sleeve sweater cardigan (similar here)
Hue tights
Chloé double strap mary jane flats in teal green suede (similar here, here, and here)
Vintage cameo necklace and Swatch watch

This dress would likely photograph poorly even if I took better photos than those produced through iphone and mirror. But I promise its details are really cool. I wore this out on a rainy night to a few bars/clubs. I left my jacket in the car so the combo of silk dress and suede shoes was not a bright one.
Green silk dress by Mike and Chris (similar here)
Hue Tights
Marc by Marc Jacobs captoe mary jane pumps in teal suede with burgundy leather trim. (similar here and here)
Marc Jacobs Stam hobo in mouse gray (similar here and here)
Swatch watch and shell bracelet

The rainy forecast of April showers gave me the chance to throw my black patent Burberry trench coat with a hood over most of the above.

I got this jacket at an outlet mall in Florida last Labor Day weekend, when I vacationed in Ft. Lauderdale. I need to have it tailored a bit up top and I have to cinch the waist tighter than shown. But I am happy to be able to wear this again.

Similar here, here, and here.

I still have to wrap my reviews up but am busy with grading. So I should be able to finish on Thursday.

Now I see what the fuss was about: Anthropologie Two Paths Trench

I went out to the burbs to return the Anna Sui County Fair dress in person this weekend. While there I decided to try on a few items for fun and fit knowledge (in the anticipation of future sales). I was especially excited to check out the Two Paths jacket from Idra.

It is knock off of a much more expensive Burberry trench seen on the character Robin from the television show How I Met Your Mother. And it has been heavily reviewed all over the Anthropologie Blog Scene. I've never seen the show but I did love the coat when it was posted on Fashionism.

The drape of the fabric is very different from the vastly cheaper Anthropologie one, which is to be expected. But otherwise the coat is very close to the one above.

 

Size 8 was a good fit on the bottom but a little big on top

I really love the side view closed. Not as much open. The fabric is substantive and seems rain resistant if not entirely waterproof. The buttons are hard to close. I didn't buy it because I have a zillion light weight jackets and sweatercoats I rarely wear. If it makes it to the sale section, maybe I'll bite.

But I feel somewhat mixed about the knock off issue. It isn't counterfeit in that it doesn't claim to be Burberry but it does completely appropriate their design. Despite the knock off aspect, the quality of the Idra coat is impressive for the price. I couldn't afford the Burberry if it was still available anyway. Should that alleviate my knock off concerns?

Valentine Date Inspiration

valentine bows - by jesspgh on Polyvore.com*

While playing around in polyvore, I decided to make a set involving my dream Valentine's day look. Chris and I will be flying to NYC that day so that he can present at a conference. I am going to have to pack pretty light (and plan to write more on that later). This means we probably won't have much opportunity to get all dolled up or cook a fantastic meal together, like we usually do. If I was going somewhere for a Valentine's date, I would construct an outfit around the theme of bows.

Bows can be tricky. It can be hard for them not to seem too twee or too juvenile. The bows embellishing the items above straddle sophistication with cute and vaguely romantic whimsy, preventing them from being cutesy. Granted, for a regular day, this would be a bit over the top. But for special occasions, and worn with the right attitude, this would make for a dreamy date ensemble!

*Although I am not typically a big pink person, there seems to be a lot of bow-and-pink overlap. Happy Valentine's Week!