Ultimatums

I am not a clothing hoarder.* I do have my fair share of huge t-shirts, ragged cut-offs and sweatpants that do not make it into my regular rotation. Generally, I am not afraid to admit when I simply do not use an item. I try to donate an item when I buy something new to keep inventory low. As a result, I mostly wear the same things over and over with a few (temporary) items to mix it up.

This belt is a different story. The first (and only) time I wore it, I was 16. I hooked it over a velvet mini-dress, patterned tights and black cowboy boots. I have been hauling it around with me ever since. Every time I pack for a move, I look at it closely, examine its dimensions... I just can't give it away. So I give myself an ultimatum: Wear it NOW or it has to go. So in an effort to justify it staying in my closet...

The Lion Head Belt Outfit

red plaid shirt: "the past"
black cardigan: thrifted Benetton
"trouser jeans": Mossimo/Target
black flats: Kenneth Cole Reaction
lion head belt: thrifted
clear blue glasses: Zenni Optical

*note: I did not include "shoes" in this discussion.

Staying Neutral

I put the socks on earlier as a temporary, purely utilitarian measure, but I liked the textural contrast it has with the silver shoes.

My cat's eyes look creepy and my eyes are closed. What a day!

creme t-shirt: American Apparel
cocoon sweater: Urban Outfitters
black jeans: "the past"
silver shoes: BCBG via eBay
brown socks: Target via Mom

The Spring Break

I went to Alabama last week! I only have one outfit photo from the trip (taken while visiting my alma mater). Next time I wear this shirt, I'll have to capture the details, it's amazing!

doggie blouse: thrifted
cocoon sweater: Urban Outfitters
jeans: Levis
black flats: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Get Vertical

Hi!

Thought I would share the rainbow layered cupcakes that Katherine and I made this afternoon as well what I wore tonight.

blue sweater: Target
striped dress: adopted
sheer tights: American Apparel
black flats: Kenneth Cole Reaction
owl locket: gift from Danielle

Establishing Patterns

Maybe I should rename this blog "The Many Faces of the Purple Grandpa Cardigan."
I probably use it so much because it's the only bright colored cardigan I have, but it's had a life of its own this Winter.
Striped t-shirts seem to have had a moment recently. I may not have noticed for a while because, well, I love striped t-shirts. If you watched me thrifting, you would see that I take a good look at every striped t-shirt on the rack. Someone recently looked at my closet and said, "I see stripes and plaid." That's about right. (The plaid is a different story, to be addressed)
My love affair with the striped t-shirt began in elementary school. My "go-to outfit" was an over-sized two-toned striped purple t-shirt that I wore with "matching" purple bike shorts (lace-trimmed?). Since then I have been accumulating striped t's like crazy. The combination of "1970's little boys' wardrobe" and "chic" that the striped t encapsulates is irresistible.

purple sweater: Old Navy via clothing trade with Mom
striped t-shirt: Gap sale rack '07
jeans: Levi's
creamy sweatshirt-coat: Old Navy circa '07 (a good year?)
black flats: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Thank you Rachel for taking the photos on campus today!