Summer safari OOTD

Anthro top

Lauren Moffatt skirt (via Gabriel Brothers)

J. Crew cardigan

Chloé flats

I look so dour in these photos. I don't know why. I didn't have a bad day or anything. It has dawned on me that the summer months are passing swiftly. But this doesn't upset me beyond the usual, "omg there was so much more I needed to get done" panic that seems to be a constant in the life of an academic. Though we are approaching the final weeks of summer, I comfort myself with the fact that my favorite season is around the corner! I noticed that I look sort of racoonish in these dour pics, which is a good lesson to either remove my sunglasses if I'm going to be outside or make more of an effort with make up. Anyway, I took a photo of my bracelets.

I'm not throwing a proper arm party but the proliferation of bloggers sporting arm parties has influenced me just enough. I wore this outfit to the Strip District and to get some lunch. I know it seems crazy in this weather to have a cardigan (no matter how short-sleeved) but I promise that too many restaurants keep things just frigid enough to need one.

Professional Pink OOTD?

Lauren Moffatt "Daisy Quarters) skirt

Rosette sweater from J.Crew factory

Spanx tights

Nine West pumps

Wax stamp initial necklace

In defiance of the impenetrable gray of SWPA I decided to eschew the notion that professional means staid, neutral, wallflower-appropriate attire and wear something sunny to another big meeting. I was feeling glum this week about some professional hurdles and struggles I've faced lately. And I figured that if happy prints are my typical a-game then maybe I should stop suppressing my desire to wear them in an effort to conform. I think/hope that I can still be taken seriously while wearing an unabashed volume of flowers on my person. Between the rosette sweater and the daisy quarters, I realized that to some I might look like a cupcake (or more literally, a fabric floral meadow). But if I carry myself professionally otherwise, can I transcend cupcakedom?

In other news, I have switched my comment system to disqus after feeling frustrated by the boring basic options on blogger. I have a brain that craves organization and order. And that blogger doesn't even allow you to reply to individual comments has frustrated me for far too long. I hope the switch isn't too frustrating or disruptive for my readers, though. It is a trial for now to determine which comment system I will ultimately select.

I did realize that not all commenters have disqus accounts so I hope that those of you who do not have a disqus account but have blogs will consider linking/posting your blog address somewhere in the content of your comments. I know I often find blogs by reading commenter contributions on other sites so I can only presume people might do that here too. Thank you for bearing with the change!

Hodge Podge

top from buffalo exchange

skirt by Lauren Moffatt

twg cardigan

Wolford tights

Jimmy Choo Morse flats

I wore this to teach a few weeks ago now and it was yet another early morning influenced look. Although I am not crazy about the proportions but I really liked the combo of colors. I was experimenting so that I could winterize this Lauren Moffatt Skirt. Nothing gives me sartorial courage like sleep deprivation! But tucking this top into a high waisted skirt did my bosom no favors. Notice the boob triangle of fabric hanging out below the pleating. haha Lesson learned!

Forever 21 Dress as a Top

I lamented the shorter length of this Forever 21 dress the other day when I first wore it. I tried to remedy the problem (all too common with skirts/dresses from F21) by layering a slip underneath. And that was fine. But I wanted to try it another way to visit a friend downtown for happy hour. We met up in Saks to check out the 70% off sales. So I decided to style it as a top. I think it works particularly well with this high waisted skirt by Lauren Moffatt from Anthropologie. I paired it with a vintage necklace, some teal suede Chloé flats, and a Longchamp Le Pliage tote.

You can see the details better here. I liked how the skirt highlighted the mustard yellow accents of the top. The Saks sales associate was also wearing Forever 21 (unless this is a very literal knock off of something else). Tomorrow if I have time before my first wedding dress fitting, I'll post a few fitting room reviews from the 70% off rack.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Serena Shauntung top: Pitt Pride OOTD

Ok, I realize this is a little stupid looking. I don't care. I have to teach a class today and don't feel like I can wear an Oakland ZOO tshirt and be taken somewhat seriously by my undergraduates.

Though this might not be any better.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Serena Top with Lauren Moffatt skirt

I hope my outfit AT LEAST ends up being lucky! GO PITT!

Outfit of the FIRST Night!

As I prepared to leave for the evening I toiled, as I often do, over what to wear, even though my NYE didn't include a great deal of party-hopping. I was only headed to two locations, both of which were the homes of friends. Earlier in the day when I revisited my previous post, I noticed that none of my favorite outfits of 2008 included pants. And only two had skirts. When it came to special occasion dressing, I was consumed by dresses all year long.

In the spirit of resolutions and new beginnings, I opted to forgo my instincts: A special night doesn't NEED to include a special dress. Instead I resolved to concoct an outfit from separates. I have many beautiful tops, skirts, and pants that see the walls of my closets far more than they see the sun or moonlight. Though I prefer spend NYE swathed in something that sparkles and and is more over the top, I narrowed the field down to a high-waisted Tibi skirt with a Nicholas K sweater, opaque tights, and Steven by Steve Madden Director pumps.

I was about to put on my coat when I realized I HAD a previously unworn skirt by Lauren Moffatt that sparkled plenty!

I quickly swapped it out, saving the Tibi for a future memorable outfit of separates.

I had a great time at both parties and I am sure I will remember this combination of pieces with the same fondness I reserve for my New Years Eve dresses of yore. Happy New Year!