Red for Valentine's Day

From December through February a nice red dress becomes my wardrobe workhorse. This is why I was excited especially to find a long lost Marc by Marc Jacobs "dress that got away." The particular dress shown above was called the Mareika Tulip dress, originally released in fall 2013. I bought this one in purple so I knew what size I would want to track down if I was ever able to locate the red version. The red Mareika sold out swiftly when it was first released and because I wait for sales, I never got one. So I was thrilled to track it down after all these years on eBay for a great price. I wore it on Christmas Eve and for teaching during the week of the Lunar New Year. I am also planning to wear it this weekend for Valentine's Day dinner with family. Since there are so many themed occasions when a bright red dress is handy, I am glad to add it to my wardrobe.

Another Old Favorite: Marc by Marc Jacobs Paisley Dress

Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, Tory Burch Caroline flats, Spanx tights 

This outfit is another one that features a dress I've worn a bunch and for nearly 10 years! My only reservation about this particular dress, from Marc by Marc Jacobs, is the deepness of the keyhole neckline. I always want to pin it or wear a camisole to cover up a bit. It prevents me from wearing it to work. But I enjoy wearing it to dinners around town. I don't even know if the Marc by Marc Jacobs brand still exists or if it has been absorbed into a general Marc Jacobs line? For years the brand was my go-to for interesting day dresses in fun prints. I still have a few "ones that got away" that I'm trying to track down. I have the dress shown above in two available color ways. And when I see it come up for sale I almost always consider buying another to have as a backup. But it's been so very long since I've seen a dress that has induced an immediate "I NEED THIS!" level of enthusiasm. I probably need to do more window shopping and browse but don't have the time to spare.

Also, since I last posted I had a birthday which means this blog is also kind of having a birthday. I believe I began writing it 10 years ago in April. So Happy Birthday to Consume or Consumed!

More backlogged OOTDs

I had a crazier than usual fall semester and as a result my blog updates fell to the bottom of my priority list. Hopefully things will be different this spring but with my ongoing pregnancy nausea and impending manuscript submission deadline, it will be difficult. After February I will have some reprieve. In the meanwhile here are some quick outfits from Fall that I never got around to sharing.

Up top is an old Anthro favorite, the Sketchbook Shirt Dress. I paired it with one of my older anniversary necklaces from Chris, spanx tights, and Tory Burch flats.  

I wore this Marc by Marc Jacobs Marieka Tulip print dress a few times during the term. Above, I layered a cashmere cardigan by Aqua over top and wore Spanx tights and Sam Edelman Petty booties.

You can really see the tired on my face in this one but the color of the leaves reveal that the worst was yet to come. The dress is H&M, the necklaces are all gifts from loved ones, the tights are Spanx, and the shoes are Sam Edelman.

I have others that I will share this week but wanted to get myself caught up. Since I do like to keep this space as my own outfit diary it seems worth posting despite the time lapse.

Multitasking OOTD

I wore this outfit to campus near the end of the semester on a non-teaching day to evaluate student presentations. I can get away with being more casual if I am not scheduled to be at the front of the room.

During this week in particular, Chris was back in Ghana for work so I was relying heavily on childcare help from my parents. As I was taking my self-timed OOTD pic, my mom called to coordinate with me on whether Emilia would stay over there or come back home, hence the phone in the photo.

I was going to retake it but a flurry of cars and passers by came through and I got too self conscious. I commend the people brave enough to take their outfit photos in public AND in front of a public! Even after years of blogging I still feel too awkward for that.

Details:
Boden essential scoop shirt (I love this shirt and got mine on sale. The fabric is thick but not too thick and the quality is great!)
J. Crew Factory Linen Cotton Skirt
Spanx tights (on sale!)
Marc by Marc Jacobs "punk mouse" flats (half off!)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Teri in Elderberry (old ebay find)

Marc Jacobs Exeter OOTD and thoughts on my shrinking time to shop

I've owned this dress for over a year but I think this is the first time it has made it onto the blog. This is also the first time I wore it to campus. I bought it after a long search that ended with Gilt, surprisingly. I like Gilt but when it comes to out of season/past season clothes, I typically find better prices on Yoox or Ebay.  This Marc by Marc Jacobs dress (in a print called Exeter) didn't sell out when Gilt first had it so when they sent me an extra % off coupon, I took the plunge. But I was worried about sizing. Despite years of familiarity with the MBMJ brand, I have found that newer season garments don't fit me as well. It could be a change in their size patterns or changes in my waistline. Regardless, it has made me reluctant to buy because I lack concrete fit information.

Thankfully this risk brought reward. I really like the print and the length of the sleeves. I am wearing a size 8 so if you are hunting for it, it runs large. The (not sheer but still) mesh panel across the waist and through the back can be easily camouflaged and reinforced with high waist tights. Buying without trying is always a risk and with sites like Gilt (who have return policies that seem to vary per garment/order), I was extra nervous. Anymore I rarely get to buy after trying on something especially when it comes to my favorite dress brands. This is part of why I buy less in general. It wasn't always the case.

When Pittsburgh had a Saks downtown, I used to be able to kill two birds with one stone. I would comb the sale racks and then sweep through new arrivals. I would try on pieces to consider buying that day or for fit information to guide future (eventual sale) purchases. Back then I had more spare time in general since I hadn't yet had a child. I was also traveling more for work and for fun, and could visit department stores that aren't in Pittsburgh. I am sure I could try on more things at the local Nordstrom but it isn't downtown. And as much as I enjoy shopping in stores, I typically can't justify a drive to the burbs just to browse. I also find fewer current styles that appeal to me from my former go-to brands so there is less of a draw overall. I do miss having time to meander around by myself and try on clothes. I always found it to be relaxing.

Lately, if I get into a fitting room at all it's kind of a miracle. I rarely feel able to focus on shopping for myself when I am in stores. Searching racks, making selections, finding my sizes, and then also having enough time left to try on something seems impossible. I spend a lot more time at the Disney Store than I do in stores for me. But that is fun too, just for different reasons.

The semester is finished (grades are due today), my annual review portfolio will be completed in a few weeks, and then I will have a bit more time and flexibility to do my own thing... At least in theory, apart from my book revisions, article manuscript drafting, and grant writing. Regardless, I am looking forward to trying to shop in person again soon!

Details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Exeter dress
Banana Republic Factory cardigan
Spanx tights (25% off with code FRIEND)
Tory Burch Revas

Printed lace OOTD

It snowed in Pittsburgh today. I am not surprised because I recall many Aprils with snow and this was just flurries. But because it is cold again I figured I can share some winter outfits I never got around to posting. So here is one.

I wore this earlier in the semester when it was still quite cold. The first time I posted an outfit with the dress was last fall after I wore it during the first week of classes in the fall semester. I was able to wear it without many layers back then. It was an ebay find so I didn't realize that it was unlined when I bought it. Thankfully I have slips that work with it.

This was another time when I had to take the photos at the very end of a very long day and my camera was producing a lot of glare from my glasses. I don't remember much about this day other than the dress yielding many compliments, even from students. The lace is just a print but I really like the colors. I actually have a matching laptop sleeve.

I did wind up placing an order during the Boden sale, with the intention to wear the Lindsey dress to graduation and for Mother's Day a few weeks later. Sadly, my instinct to go with the longer length  was incorrect and the dress is too long on me. I will likely exchange for the regular length and do a full review. I am a little bummed because graduation is Saturday. But it's silly to be bummed because I march in the faculty procession so my dress isn't even visible until afterward. Plus it's not my day to shine. Hopefully the regular length will work!

Details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs dress (from ebay)
Cece cardigan
Spanx tights
Petty boots (30% off at Nordstrom who are price-matching someone... maybe Saks? Dark brown are on sale for even less money than the price-match promo!)
Natori Slip and 3/4 sleeve Halftee (c/o) layered underneath 

Belted and Unbelted OOTD

I wore this to campus for an event then repeated it on a teaching day a month or so later. The details didn't changed very much, as you can see. When I belt this dress I worry that it looks too short but I feel properly covered as long as I put a layer underneath and wear it with tights.

 

I was surprised to see this dress pop up for sale on Yoox recently. It is many years old (from 2009 maybe?). I found it on ebay after buying the green and navy colorway from the end of season sale at Barneys. I am a little sad to see the Marc by Marc line being discontinued since it produced some of my favorite pieces over the years. I hope that the spirit of the designs carry forward under the newly announced Hillier Bartley brand.

Outfit details:

Marc by Marc Jacobs dress (old)

Spanx tights

Natori slip underneath (found at Gabriel Brothers for $5!)

Chloé zipper flats in photo 1

Sam Edelman boots in photo 2

Mareika OOTD

I wore this to campus before Spring Break but it was during the period when I misplaced my point and shoot so I apologize for the blurry in-office phone pic. Speaking of apologies, it might be obvious but I've been in over my head this semester with two new course preps and haven't had or made enough time to update my blog. I planned to try to do so on vacation but the wifi where we stayed was unreliable and .... I was on vacation. haha Still, I hope to get back on a schedule where I post at least twice a week (which I realize is not ambitious at all for a blog but feels a little ambitious in conjunction with my other spinning plates).

Details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Mareika Dress
Aqua cardigan
Spanx tights
Sam Edelman Petty Boots

Cozy OOTD

I wore this outfit on an especially chilly day and needed to keep wearing an over-sized cardigan I planned to only use during my commute. The dress is from See by Chloé via ebay. I was drawn to the large paisley print but when I wear it, I'm not crazy about the dolman design or the length and ruffle of the sleeves so the cardigan helps to mask them. In retrospect, the shapelessness of the cardigan made me look fairly unkempt but it was a good day for looking unkempt. I was busy evaluating student presentations which meant I was hidden mostly behind a desk in the back of the classroom.

Details:
See by Chloé paisley silk twill dress
Gap boyfriend cardigan
Spanx tights
Marc by Marc Jacobs flats

Deals on Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats

I'll have a Thanksgiving post up later today. But until then, 'tis the season for shopping and right now, Yoox is offering free shipping. One top of that, you can score an extra 20% off with coupon code, YOOXGIVING.

With many styles of Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse flats already marked down, the code makes for some pretty good deals on this quirky closet staple. They also have the burgundy colorway of my owl flats.

Here's a round up of my favorites with many sizes still in stock:
Navy or Gray studded mouse flats for $86 shipped!
Black mouse pumps for $94 shipped!
Pewter mouse flats with elastic back for $77 shipped!
Cracked gold and black metallic mouse flats with elastic back for $87 shipped!
Burgundy or whiskey colored owl flats with elastic back for $87 shipped!
Black or Tan mouse flats (without elastic back or studs) for $87 shipped!

I have had elastic back mouse flats and regular studded mouse flats and I recommend going with your true size or sizing up if in between for elastic back flats. For regular flats I recommend going with your true size or sizing down.

I sized up a half size for my first pair (pewter with elastic backs) because I bought them at the end of my pregnancy to wear postpartum (during pregnancy it is common for feet to grow in addition to swell due to the hormone, relaxin). Eventually my feet went back to normal so the elastic backs help them to stay put. I also sized up for a regular (non-elastic back) pair of studded flats but those were  too big. The code applies to everything on the Yoox site so happy shopping!

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

Leafy fall OOTD

Although technically this dress is printed with tulips, I bought it thinking that they were colorful fall leaves. It was an ebay find after I never managed to snag the red version even after I saved it to my Saks.com shopping bag last year.

I've worn it a bunch since the weather cooled, to dinner, to campus, to a wedding rehearsal, and while sight-seeing on a recent conference trip to St. Paul/Minneapolis. It is warm and comfortable. Now that I see it in photos, I prefer how it looks on me with the belt. In case you hope to find one, I'm wearing a medium so this dress runs big but is true to size for Marc by Marc Jacobs dresses sized by letter rather than number. 

Details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Mareika Dress (same print, same collection on sale extra 25% off with code yooxremix!)
Spanx tights
Ann Taylor flats in pic 1; Tory Burch Revas in pic 2
Balenciaga Day bag in pic 1
Belt in pic 2 stolen from a See by Chloé dress

Emilia is wearing a Ralph Lauren dress (runs very large! She's almost 2 and this is size 12 mo; current season version here), Tommy Hilfiger cardigan, Stride Rite shoes, and Target tights.

What I Wore Back to School (part 1)

This semester I am teaching two classes that meet once a week. Once-a-week courses require a different strategy when it comes to lesson planning and organization. You need to factor in at least one break, and recognize that the sheer length might lead to even more attention attrition than usual. You also have a lot of material to cover even on day one, because the end of day one is also the end of week one.
 
But when it comes to the content of this blog the main difference between a multi- vs once-a-week class is that I have even fewer in-class outfits to assemble across a semester. For the first week I felt like I had two "first days," and the stakes were high. I needed to maintain that same sense of hopeful energy for each new batch of students. And to confound matters some ongoing HVAC work in the building meant that climate control was unlikely. With temperatures nearing 90, I was pretty anxious.

For one of my "first days" I wore the above ebay find which I now realize looks a bit too short with bare legs. Thankfully I was behind a media console for a good portion of our meeting time. But lesson learned! In taking outfit photos over the years I've amassed some pretty useful data in trial and error. The next time I wear this to campus I will pair it with opaque tights.

Details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs lace print dress (ebay find originally sold in 2009) (similar style; similar print)
Streets Ahead bow belt (similar)
Ann Taylor quilted leather flats
Kors watch

Remember, there's still time to enter my eShakti giveaway! 

Late Spring OOTD and Gabes Shopping Update

I realized I never posted this photo of my outfit from Easter so I figured since I've been up front about my backlog and lack of blogging time, I may as well share it now. Emilia is wearing a Hartstrings dress we scored at Gabes for 80% off the exorbitant retail price. But I personally haven't had much luck at Gabes in a long time. They don't seem to get the same volume of Anthro/Free People overstock that they did a few years back. That said, I also go with less frequency than I did before Emilia was born so I could just be missing all the good stuff cycling through. The best semi-recent scores I've found there were in the kids clothes sections where I've found Marimekko, Tea Collection, Hartstrings, and more for Emilia. Hopefully I'll find something cool for me on my next trip!

Details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Finch Charm dress
Marc by Marc Jacobs Owl flats
Spanx tights
Vintage bracelet

Research Colloquium OOTD

The other week I was invited to present my research to the campus as part of an honors fraternity's  colloquium lecture series. I was nervous because I am human but I reminded myself what I tell my students who suffer from presentation anxiety: no one knows your work better than you do. The odds of there being an expert in the same exact subject area in attendance is slim and so it is good to acknowledge and find confidence in that.

Still, I simultaneously hoped and feared that no one would come. A combination of weather and a conflicting faculty committee meeting meant that there were more students than faculty in the audience but that was ok. I was happy to have a smaller group because it enabled me to change the dynamic from lecture to a lecture-discussion hybrid. I felt relieved and proud after it was finished and I hope I will have similar opportunities for research exchange with my colleagues in the future. It can be much easier and more default for us to talk about teaching instead, since regardless of field, it is a common experience. While I enjoy discussions about teaching, I also like learning and sharing about those other aspects of faculty work life.

This dress was something I bought during my early breastfeeding days, thinking it would be breastfeeding friendly. It sort of is if you are only using one side. But that wasn't the only reason I gravitated toward it. I appreciate that although it's one color, it has varying fabrics that bring textural interest. The style is different from the bulk of my closet. And it's really comfortable as well as versatile. I've worn it to dinner at Nolita during a quick weekend trip to Cleveland and to Chris's birthday dinner at Kaya.  I wore it to a party and to the museum in addition to teaching my classes and giving my colloquium.

Details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs dress and shoes
Spanx tights
David Yurman necklace layered with a necklace gift from Chris a few years back

A quick and recent OOTD

Sorry for the silence! It's been busy around here. I delivered a campus wide lecture about one of my research projects this week. I had a few conference submission deadlines last week. And I've been battling the ever-growing pile of grading that becomes inevitable during this part of the term. Things are going well even if they're busy. I've even managed to take some photos outside on a few slightly less frigid days. I have many (indoor and outdoor) outfit posts and Anthropologie reviews to draft and post in the coming weeks but I wanted to share a recent one that was uploaded easily from my phone.

I am looking forward to spring break. And although my love for layers and tights weather and outerwear knows no bounds, even I am starting to look forward to a thaw. At least this winter has brought down the cost per wear of my snow boots and coldest weather gear...  To those of you who are also in colder climes, I hope you are managing this very intense winter!

Details:
Uniqlo dress
Cece cardigan
Spanx tights
MBMJ owl flats
MBMJ Turnlock Teri in Elderberry

There's also a bonus kiddo OOTD behind the cut.

Some seriously belated (mostly) repeat OOTDs

You can tell by the foliage in the first two photos that these are fairly old ootds. Things have been crazy with Emilia's first birthday, her party, Chris's dissertation defense, Thanksgiving, and the end of semester crunch at work. I am so happy to report that Chris's dissertation defense was a great success. I'll update with a bit more on it soon. Same with Emilia's party!

But I have been busy because of all of the above, not to mention holiday planning, shopping, and decorating... So I have fallen behind on blogging. As much as I continue to love documenting my consumer wants, thoughts, and buys (as well as outfits), out of necessity blogging becomes a lower priority than my real life obligations. I didn't even get to write my gratitude post for Thanksgiving 2013, which is one of my favorite opportunities to reflect on and consider my blessings. Although Thanksgiving has come and gone, I still plan to put together these thoughts. They will just be late. And for those of you who continue to read this less-frequently-updated, unglamorous (especailly compared to the slick professional bloggers!), somewhat haphazard space, I want to say that I am truly, deeply grateful!

Details on outfit 1-- wore to campus for a day of meetings:
Old Navy striped terry dress, Spanx tights, MBMJ metallic mouse flats

Details on outfit 2-- wore for teaching (which upon further inspection might have been a little too casual)
Orly Kiely for Uniqlo dress, Orla Kiely bag, Spanx tights, MBMJ flats

Details on outfit 3-- Was dying to wear one of my favorite dresses again. Fits a bit more snugly but I'll take it! Wore for teaching and meetings
See by Chloé dress, Spanx tights, Ferragamo My Joy flats

Details on outfit 4-- Ditto outfit 3 as this is another favorite dress that fits a bit differently. Wore for teaching
Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, Spanx tights, MBMJ flats

Some of my working mom readers might notice that none of the above are especially breastfeeding/pumping-friendly. Now that Emilia is 1 and eating more solids, I haven't needed to pump at work unless I am there for an especially long day, in which case I keep a slip and cardigan to throw on for pumping. Even though my office door locks, I am not the only key holder and I am paranoid...haha. But we are continuing to breastfeed at least for now and I pump before I leave and as soon as I return home on those days when I manage to avoid it at work.

Date Night Outfit

Last weekend was Chris's birthday so we spent a lot of time celebrating. And thanks to my parents who babysat, we went out to dinner alone for the first time since Emilia was born. It was kind of great to wear something that didn't need to be breastfeeding-friendly! I contemplated wearing an old favorite but immediately became overwhelmed by indecision. Which of my dresses was the most deserving? I couldn't pick. I know that sounds a little nuts but ... that's where I am right now. haha

I opted for the above new-to-me number instead. I bought this MBMJ dress off ebay, thinking that the button panel would offer nursing access. Sadly, it doesn't go down low enough. But I like the dress anyway!

We went to Salt of the Earth which is one of our favorite spots in town. We had gone to brunch at Meat and Potatoes and Kaya the night before so it was a very decadent weekend.

Outfit details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs dress
Spanx tights
Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats
Marc Jacobs Mercer East West Tote
Kate Spade bangle; Michael Kors watch

Elastic OOTD

Over the last few months of pregnancy, I have amassed a small but useful collection of elastic waisted skirts. Each of them has served me well in many contexts, from formal occasions to casual ones. The above (called the "Fresh Cut Skirt") was an Anthro sale buy. I grabbed a 10 but it runs big so even while pregnant, an 8 would have been fine too. I appreciate its slightly asymmetrical hemline and the rich greens of the print. It has pockets and is fully lined. I imagine you might be able to still track one down in store but it is sold out online. I am learning that with my thickening middle, I probably shouldn't rely on the same outfit shapes that I used to but, old habits die hard. To peep more detailed belly photos, you can check my pregnancy blog here.

Details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs top
Anthropologie Fresh Cut Skirt
Tory Burch Revas in pink (current season version)

Recent Outfit of a Chilly Night

I wore this the other night to go out with some friends. It is useful that I can offer to be our regular designated driver when we go to restaurants or even bars but so much is already in my neighborhood that I do a lot of walking anyway. I'm all about comfort right now so flats are reigning supreme even more so than usual. Flats and stretchy clothes!

Outfit details:
Bailey 44 top from Nordstrom Rack (summery tank on sale here; sleeveless similar; ls similar here)
Off Fifth house brand skirt (used to be too loose in the waist and is no longer) (similar)
Spanx tights
MBMJ captoe flats (similar here and here)
Vintage Alviero Martini bag (current version here; budget map-themed bag here)