What is yellow, cool, and worn around your waist but is not a fanny pack?

 

Today’s morning came quick and I am tired.  But I had to try out my new belt.  However, I am not so sure that I want to be wearing something constricting around my middle after all the Christmas cookies I have put in my face…

you'll poke your eye out

naughty santa sweater

Today is the manifestation of my yearly habit of wearing my awful holiday sweater.  A huge evilish santa.  The sweater is just plan ridiculous.  And sparkly.

This year, I am pairing it with my bright awesome red pants and black danskos.  A word on these pants.  These are another closet item that does not get used as often as it should.  I have to be ready for them; I have to prepare.  You cannot just make any day a red pants day.  But with my ugly sweater, it is a perfect match of glamour and horrific-ness.

Merry Christmas everyone!

no, I do not work at the Olive Garden

“I would like the chicken parmesan with salad and breadsticks”, said hubby.

“Would you like a wine, perhaps?  Our house red?” asked me.

“Yes, the chianti would be nice.”

This was the scene from the bathroom this morning. Today I felt like wearing one of hubby’s ties and he is correct in thinking that my outfit is a bit Olive Gardeny.  However, I am moving forward and wearing it today.  The shirt is a favorite used find – white with small yellow dots.  I am a bit “more” than the buttons close up so a tie is perfect for covering up the gapes.  The tie is my hubby’s tie.  And I am wearing navy pants and sneakers to dress down the look.  If it was warmer, I may have tried to do a jean skirt, but it was not happening this morning with everything looking wet and cold outside.

I like ties and I rarely wear them.  Part of the issue is not having the right shirt to wear with them.  And, the rest of the part is having the gumption to leave the house while wearing one.

the skirt you love to love

Today we have a holiday party at work, so I broke out of my pattern of pants to wear a skirt that I love to love - however, I rarely wear.  I probably wear once or twice a year but I keep it in my closet since it is too cute.  It is wool and lined, so it is a winter skirt.  I am a pansy and rarely wear outfits that are cold in the winter.  Also, the skirt is brown and blue and I find it a challenge to find something that goes with it.  Now that I am getting more comfortable with clashing, this skirt may find more use.  Plus, it has pockets!

Today I paired it with gray tights and mustard shoes that are dressy and nerdy.  And on top, went with a sweater from Target and a simple gray t-shirt.  It is a bit matchy (note the mustard in the sweater), but I went forward with the outfit since I had like 1 minute to leave the house before I would miss the bus.  So, this outfit is inspired by the lack of time, but I think that I like it.

twice recycled.

This awesome shirt was a find by fellow blogger and sister-in-law, Krisrobot from Forever 21.  She wore it, she altered it, she passed it along to me, where I wore it and altered it further.  This is one of my staple go-to for casual everyday affairs.  Today I was meeting a friend for some Indian cuisine.  I threw my hair a messy braid, turned up the bottom of my Gap jeans to show off my plaid $8 Rocket Dogs and wrapped my  neck in a scarf, like usual.

A short memoir of Kris's time with the shirt:
"The white top is soft and has an unusual pattern, and so when I saw it at Forever 21, it was a no-brainer. However, once I washed a few times it became a bit too tummy-showing and I was not wearing it often. I was inspired to cut apart an old red t-shirt and add to the bottom of the white patterned shirt.  This was a nice sewing machine challenge since the patterned top was wider than the red tee.  I had to stretch the red shirt as I was sewing it to the top. The end result was great and it almost looks like the red shirt is underneath the white top. But again, I was not wearing it often so during one of my many closet clean-outs, I gave it to a good home - Katie."

When I first received the shirt the added red band on the bottom was about twice the length as shown in the picture.  It was cute and fit like a bootie huggin' dress that looked smokin' with leggings and boots.  But that was just the problem.  A little too smokin' to wear for everyday with kiddos, but I was still in love with this top.  And so my solution was simple.  Cut the bottom half off the red shirt and turn that piece into a workout head band.  Double win.

Katie May

Current Fav

One of my current favorite outfits is my light teal jeans from Gap with my sheer snake skin  blouse from Express with my light pink cardi over the top.  And of course my nerd plaid Rocketdogs.   This outfit will get lots of love...

katie may

 

jingle bell run

 

Hubby and I did our annual Jingle Bell run and here is my costume.  Santa hat, 5K run shirt (black), turleneck (blue), sparkly mini skirt (black and gray), black leggings, red and white stripped socks. Of course the exciting part of this costume is my mini skirt.  It is actually a tube top (from forever 21) and it was superfun to run in.  Most of our 5K runs have a lot of female runners in tutus and I am happy to report that I do not follow that trendy line of skirt with my costumes.

 

The run was fun and noisy (lots of bells...) and it is for a great cause.  The weather was in the 40's and barely raining, so it was actually a good weather day as well (compared to past years).  We attempt to do offical 5K runs each month and the next one will be on New Year's Day!  I may have to get more sparkly costume pieces...

ode to the scarf

I have many.  However, I only have a few that I are my favorites; they go with everything and if they do not go with everything, it still goes with everything.  This is one of my new favorite scarves.  I happened across this while scarf shopping for someone else at forever21.  (side note: if you have not shopped there for scarves or jewelry,  you are missing out – inexpensive and a huge variety.  You will not feel bad purchasing something on a whim just to see how it works out.)  I have worn this scarf a few times this week already and it has made an ok outfit (boring solid sweater with pants) something bright and more interesting.  It dresses something up and it can be wrapped, tied, and folded in different ways.

I remember in college seeing individuals who wore scarves and I wanted to be like them.  So European I thought.  I did not own any scarves then.  I got this beautiful red one at a consignment shop and then I got another one at Goodwill and started to wear scarves every once in while – but it felt strange.  I got a few pashminas when in Sydney and started to get into how to wear these big, thick long scarfs.  Really in the last several years have I caught scarf fever and feel 100% natural wearing them – not like I am trying too hard or trying to be someone that I am not.  Besides a fashion thing, it is odd that if you neck is warm, you stay warmer as well which is a super bonus since I am rather always cold.  Bonus.

So, back to my new favorite scarf.  It is this off-mustard color with flashes of floral colors.  Soft.  Tassel-ly.  Long and thin.  Inexpensive.  And yes, it goes with everything.

Here we come a-cowl’ing...

 

I am loving the cowl look.  Big thing of material around the neck.  The shirt I am wearing today is from Anne Taylor, which is one of my favorite “adult” stores.  I do not mean “adult” as in sexy… but rather “adult” as I feel older shopping there.  

I was on the look out for sweater vests (and I am still on the hunt) and thought that they would be a great option.  But no.  But I found this shirt.  The neck is more than a turtleneck and is almost like a built-in scarf.  The stripes are what make it extra fun.  Today it is paired with a pair of pink pants (strangely, also Anne Taylor, but used).

and i'm back!

Hello everyone!

I am back after a crazy couple of weeks. My brother in-law got married last week in Belfast. We had a grand old time. Today we are moving from our flat in Polwarth to a HOUSE in Shandon. I am sad to be leaving our flat. We had some amazing times there.  At the same time i am so happy to have more space and *gasp* a backyard! Luckly, i got out of the grunt work and went to work. I left euan at home to do the moving. He didnt have to do all of it. We hired movers. Much much less hassle!

So anywho. Lots of outfits came and went. I did not take the time to photograph any of them - until today!

Its freezing here. Ive been wearing tights and leggings with wool socks. This trick has been keeping me toasty. The skirt is an ebay purchase. Everything else is stuff i used to wear with my jeans.

Fancy but nut to fancy.

What: A night out to a local production of the Nutcracker Ballet.

 

With: my 3 and 4 year old daughters who would not allow anything less than "fancy".

 

Where: the local high school auditorium.  Not exactly the Ordway.

 

Why: a treat after being quartined from society for 4 days due to a public health ailment.

 

Cost: the husband paid $45 for two hours to be alone.

 

Top: mustard scoop neck top under my black shrug made from bamboo.

 

Skirt: pleated irish green skirt from a garage sale for $2.  With pockets!  This is reason to celebrate! My husband says that no one should wear this skirt unless it is St. Patty's day.  I never listen.

 

Legs: knitted tights from Target with my tan booties.

 

I opted for no jewelery and a low pony to keep my "fancy" outfit casual.

 

This outfit resurfaced later in the week for church and work.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



sweet sweaties.

You will not see me lounging in a matching pink velour jogging suite.  But possibly as ridiculous is my baby obsession with pairing sweaties with cute fitted tops.

My weekend lounge wear consisted of the best grey sweaties in the world with my floral mock turtle neck.  I adapted this look from an age-old friend, Brenna-Lynn.  She has always and forever worn sweaties with the cutest stinkin' tees! (literally if she just finished with soccer.)  I have clung to this style into my old age -even if I am not the jock I once was- and proudly prance around in it wear-ever I may be whering it.  Yes, that is my poor humour you were forced to witness. 

The sweats came from my college years of playing softball.  Then I had no idea of the attachment that I would endure.  The top is is a blue and white mock turtle neck from a thrift store in Laguna Beach, CA.  They wanted $12.  I got it for $8.  I always negotiate the price.  Sometimes I feel like negotiating is theft.  I guess they could always so no.  I am not exactly holding them at gun point.   

As cute as this shirt is, it does not lend itself as cool when paired with jeans.  It comes across stuffy.  Sweaties are the way to go with this shirt.

Yes, I wore this all weekend.
Katie May

to blog or not to blog today's outfit

I only give myself a short window in the morning to take a shower, make tea, get dressed, pet both cats, do some hair, and pack breakfast and lunch (and some days dinner as well).  Today I needed to wear maroon pants so I started with that and built it up around.  It was one of those mornings where I had to ask hubby if my outfit was too weird.  He made some joke about clowns but did not seem too appalled so that was my green light that I am good for the day.

I have come to realize that getting a self-photo is difficult with my phone.  Hubby has been kind to take a photo of me, but our lighting in our house is best in the bathroom and he nixed the idea of a fashion shoot with a toilet in the background.  So, I guess I have to be happy with the photos I am getting.  I remove my face so that as long as I stand still, the photo is good.  Once my face is involved, it will take a longer time to get a decent photo since I am really good at closing my eyes and making goofy faces when trying to just smile for the camera. 

Anyhoo, today’s outfit started all about the pants which are a bit highwater and look fun with my gray booties.  The striped shirt is a bit flashy and does not go with the maroon (hence the clown comment?) but I put on a navy shirt (not really a sweater or blazer, I am not sure what you call it) on top to keep me warm and tone down the stripes.  I am now noticing unfortunate bunching near my tummy in the photo - oh well.  The pants and navy shirt are Goodwill specials while the striped shirt is from Sears.  The gray booties are my most expensive shoes to-date and I have had them for a few years.  They are those shoes that you can put on that allows an outfit to work.  They have saved my undecided butt some mornings as I put on clothes and run to catch the bus.  I could write a whole blog entry on them because they are awesome.

Yesterday I wore a supercutefun outfit that I really liked but I never got to documenting it.  It was the  tree that falls in the woods  - in the blog world.  If it was not pictured or written about it may not have happened.  But it was all gray except for my superbright pink sweater shirt.  Sigh.  I guess you had to be there.

On a side note, since I am so wordy today, I am trying to slowly branch out with my accessories.  I am really talented at wearing the same earing rings for months at a time, to only wear a necklace or ring everyonceinawhile.  I have just re-discovered these larger hoops and I like the dangle.  I may have to invest in another silver set of earings that are huge-r.  Stay tuned.

easy as 1-2-3

I like this outfit and here is why.

1.  Pants with pockets*
2.  New flowery shift from JCPenny**
3.  Mustard sweater***


* These are boy-cut pants from the Gap and they have a minor pattern of grey and black and so they tend to go with everything.  I got them on super-sale and I wish now that I would have purchased other others as well.  Pockets keep my hands happy when I am at work; they give my hands something to do when I am standing, talking to someone or walking down the hallway.  When I wear pants that do not have pockets it is awkward for me.  I rarely keep anything in pockets except for a hair clip or binder.
** I am loving JCPenny (and they have had a same-sex couple in an ad which is a bonus).  It is like a Forever21 for people in their 30's.  Like the fact that my siblings and myself come from my parents having relations, I try not to think about where cheap cute clothes come from.  I originally bought this to go with my red pants, but today is not a red pants day.  I have to ramp up for those pants.  Also, this shirt is sheer, fun and flowy with a touch of grandma. 
*** This sweater I believe is from Target.  Mustard is the best color - neutral and splashy at the same time.  It seems to go with everything.  I could have gone obvious and worn a red or green sweater over this shirt, but I think mustard makes the flowers stand out more.  Mustard!

everyday sneakery

I have come to realize that for most women, boots are the solution, however for me, the answer is sneakers.

These are my new sneakers.  Thanks to my will-power and hubby I only have two pairs of these Saucony shoes since zappos.com provides a rainbow of choice awesomeness.  I find that they are my go-to shoes in the winter since I have a bit of a walk in Seattle weather before catching my bus.  Comfy.

I especially like the way that they "nerd up" my sweaters and pants for work.  They are the bridge between function and style, although I have come to understand that I am more on the functional side than many women.

The rest of my outfit today consists of navy pants, yellow sweater and a big blousy white shirt.  And a scarf.  It is now offically winter and a scarf helps me leave the house.  brrrr!

my dirty little secret

If that gets your attention then you're in the running for Gossip Queen. 

So my secret is this: If I create an outfit that I love I will wear it relentlessly, day after day until it gets dirty, or someone might notice that I haven't changed or I am over the combo and ready to move on. 

This outfit all began on Sunday.  Amongst the many blessings of church, it lends itself as a few hour trial period for Monday's work outfit.  And if Monday goes well, then my outfit typically resurfaces towards the end of the week if I have client appointment or say, a happy hour to attend.

Since I knew I would be wearing black tights with my tan booties, I needed to be sure that I offset the contrast with something lighter on top.  Balance.  This led me to my off-white knit sweater from...from...from, ok, Walmart. There I said it. Walmart. I am not a name brander when it comes to clothes, but I am also not a happy supporter of Wally-World either. Nonetheless, I knew it was a must when I saw it glowing on the hanger back in the year 2001.  It was my first year in college down in rural Minnesota. Not many options for clothing, well, for anything there. But I must admit to it's uniqueness and versatility.  It has held it's shape and served me well. 

This grey pencil skirt (with the cutest pink trim along the inside of the waist) screams for a low sophisticated loose hair bun.  A bit of back-combing through all of my hair, a few hanging tendrils and a loose twist all held together by a hand full of hair pins and some spray. 

Below is my necklace mentioned in my earlier post, Bound By Boots, when I, ehem, very politely told the Italian boutique owner that I would also be purchasing that necklace.  The necklace is quite powerful, not in a Hairy Potter sorcerer's stone sort of way, but it does make a statement.  Therefor, I must be careful not to over do the accessories.  Necklaces, earrings, glasses, nose rings, my outspoken opinion...I can easily clutter myself.

And so my fellow sorcerers, may you live a long and prosperous life...wuhahaahaha....
Katie May

Quirky but cute

 
Sometimes I love to do things that are a bit awkward and quirky.  And that is pretty much what I accomplished here.  Socks, from the dollar store, that almost perfectly match my shoes from Target with my Gap light teal boyfriend jeans.  Love it!  I guess it is a bit obnoxious...

Saucy then Soggy

Hello everyone,

It's been a particularly wet few days here in Edinburgh. Perfect weather for wellies and warm socks. Here, I demonstrate how to dress for wet weather.

I've got two pair of leggings on. Warm wool socks. A black dress belted with a red belt. and a wollen grey sweater. Green scarf. Warm warm warm. Good thing...because,

I drew the short straw and had to take the dogs out in the downpour. When I came back in I was soaked. On the outside. My saucy outfit was dry in the inside and I went back to doing the saucy things that all mothers do. You know, sweeping the floor, doing the dishes. Sheesh, I may have considered doing the ironing. BAH. no im just kidding. who irons? not me.

Anyways, see that little furry monster looking up at me in the photo. That's mac. He is the reason why we were out walking for 45 minutes. He is very particular. The guy prefers to pee at the park. So thats exactly where we went. On the way home a bus came flying past and soaked us just like in the movies. Yes people that actually happens. Coming from Minnesota where I never owned a rain jacket or welles for that matter... this whole vehicular spraying pedestrians was a total shocker to me. Who knew!?

Clashing, on accident.

There are plenty of moments when loving and wearing unique items creates a positive interest from others, but if your not careful your best items can simply make you look like an idiot in public.  Co-blogger Krisrobot mentioned being the crazy lady in the grocery store due to many mismatched items, Clashing, on purpose.  This blog flashed me back to last year when I ran out to grab some milk and a few other items from the store.  I WAS that crazy lady.  And the saddest part of this misfortune, I had no idea.  None.  Until I said to Dan, "I feel like a lot of people where looking at me today...strange."  He very calmly  and matter-of-factly responded with, "Well, did you see what you are wearing?  He said nothing more as he showed me the paparazzi picture he snapped as I came barrelling in the door.

I had on my beloved bright red sweaties from American Eagle (a gift, I don't shop there, but wear these often) with my cow/giraffe jacket with bright green buttons I sewed on, and my tealy-blue fashion cap to cover my unworthy hair.  Oh, don't overlook my winter boots.

Those folks out shopping probably ran home to tell everyone about the celebrity sighting at the grocery store that morning.  Boy, did I have them fooled.

see my vest

Orange is one of those colors we all need more of. 

Today we had a 5K Turkey Trot run and I wore this festive padded vest with a red shirt and brown running pants.  It was one of my more tamer running outfits as I love a good 5K costume.    I tend not to wear vests much since it has to be that perfect in-between sort of weather where I am ok not having warm arms.  I find that they are generally great for my running and today especially since it was cold but dry (yay!).

This vest was passed on to my from a friend (thank you Irena!) since she thought of me when she was cleaning out her closet.  I believe it is from Old Navy.  I am always interested when people think of me when they see certain clothing items since it gives me insight to how others see me.  In general I am pleased with what people think as "totally Kris" and this orange vest is a good example. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Busted

Today I was out at lunch trying to get a good self timer mode photo of my outfit. I was totally busted by one of my co workers. Haha. Anyways, he did offer to take my photos for me but I politely declined. 

I only managed to get one photo today and had zero time to crop and zoom so we can see today's outfit in all of its deserved glory. 

Today we have an eBay skirt paired with clothes I already owned. My cardigan was purchased at old navy away back in good old 1999. It's still going strong which is pretty impressive for old navy. The red belt was a last minute decision as brown was my original choice. I like pairing contrasting colors. Yet red and green always feels too festive. Definitely not the look I'm going for.

Speaking of festive. Christmas is pounding its way closer by the minute. I had great intentions to knit something for everyone I know but we are a month away and I haven't started to knit a thing! I blame eBay. :)

Dodging Muddy Bullets

Today’s ensemble is a risky one. Not riskayyy like ‘uh oh, impeding wardrobe malfunction of doom’. Risky like ‘I am wearing light colored skirt in the late fall early winter’. Fashion faux pas? Non! I am all for wearing white after Labor Day. I’ll wear white when I want and I've never heard the sirens of the fashion police coming to stop me.

What is risky is the light colored skirt and riding my bike at full speed down a muddy trail. Miraculously, I made it to work with my skirt as crisp and as clean as it was when I pulled it off my bedroom floor this morning!

Overall, I am pleased with this skirt. It was an impulsive ebay purchase. Normally, I use the ‘watch this item’ functionality and stalk ebay like a rabid and hungry panther. This was spur-of-the-moment and when it arrived I was slightly shocked as i completely forgot that I had the trigger finger the other day. Don’t you love it when that happens?

It fits well. It’s a good length. It might be a little bit puffy for my liking. I prefer my clothing to lay flat on me or drape in a pleasant way. I wore it today with brown boots but I think it could also be worn with black boots. Speaking of black boots, I am thinking of upgrading my black boots. There is a huge list of criteria all shoes I wear must fulfill. Comfort is key. I have to be able to walk for a loooong way in them with a 25lb baby strapped to my back.
I’d really like a pair of Frye boots. I’ll need to wait till i am next in Minnesota to purchase a pair of those bad boys as the selection isn't great here in the UK and they are uber expensive here. There is a pair of dr. marten combat boots on ebay. Should I? Stay tuned.

clashing, on purpose

 My latest interest is wearing two favorite items that clash, especially if it is a shirt with a pattern underneath another shirt with a pattern.  I am also enjoying putting a patterned scarf over a patterned shirt.  There is a fine line between too much clashing and just enough clashing and I am still not sure where that line is.  But in the meantime, I am going to explore.  Today for work I am wearing a shirt with butterflies (fossil) and a cutesy sweater (forever21).  To keep it all sane, I am wearing simple gray cotton pants and black danskos.

I do not have many patterned bottoms - pants or skirts... perhaps I will have to keep an eye out for some at Goodwill.  If I venture into that land, I will have to pass my outfit by hubby to make sure that I am not on the wrong side of the line, looking like that crazy woman in the grocery store.

A note on the butterfly shirt.  This was a splurge and worth it.  I am usually a fan of all good deals, but you know when you see something and there is music and angels and lights?  Well, it was sort of like this on this shirt.  It was a not a deal but I am hoping it stays with me until I am 87.

Another 99p Skirt

I am not a big fan of shopping. I don’t like the target effect. You know, when you walk through the door and all of a sudden you become hypnotized by the bullseye and you leave with a cart full of cheap crap you don’t need. In the store there is that feel good factor. So you hurl everything in sight into that red cart as you make your way through every isle.  Bank balance suffers. Divorce is on the cards. I’m not a fan.

Then there are the shops, like jCrew for example. You love all the clothes, you love the look. You buy an ‘outfit’ and you have to remortgage. I am not interested in soliciting myself in medicinal experiments, to fund a paper thin crappy ‘cashmere’ sweater.

Thrift stores are great, in theory. If i have a spare minute or two and I am near one I might go in and peruse. However, I don’t ever have a spare minute. I prefer not to spend my time shopping. I prefer things like baking cakes, dog walks, being outside, digging in the dirt, playing, doing - anything but shopping.

Alas, what’s a gal to do!? A gal has to look good right? A gal does ebay.

I find ebay to be easy because everything is sorted into categories. I can sit on my butt drinking cup after cup after cup of tea and browse in my slippers. One of my more recent purchases was this skirt. It was a gamble. Infact all my ebay purchases are gambles. But I live life in the fast lane so that’s the way it has to be. This skirt turned out to be a good pick. I would prefer if it were a tad shorter but hey. This skirt was 99p! (plus 2.50 shipping) It’s made of silk and some other stuff. The label says hand wash. BAHAHA no. This skirt was 99p. Into the washing machine it goes. I wore it walking the dogs up a gigantic hill. One of my dogs was as enthusiastic as ever and jumped up getting skirt all muddy. Do I care? Not really. This skirt was 99p and I am going to wear it however I like. I’ll wear it in the dirt, in the rain, baby barf, muddy paws...bring it on. 

re-shirting

hello.  It is the end of a lazy weekend, and I am wearing a simple stay-at-home outfit of a favorite t-shirt and jeans.  However, I thought that I would finally do something with an old stretched-out shirt while hubby is watching football.

 

Here is the final look of the shrug. 

 

 

 

 

I cut off the bottom below the arms and sewed it up.

Then, fliped it right-side out and wear as a shrug.  I think that this works best if the v-neck is completely stretched out. 

 

But wait - I am even more excited about the disgarded "bottom".

This I sewed up a bit so that it got narrower at the top.  Now I can use it as an extra layer under my shorter t-shirt to cover up the top of my jeans.