OOTD: Rainy day neutrals

With some dreary November rain falling outside, I figured it was a good day to wear some dreary colors.

Note: The seaming of this dress didn't work with my new stretchy belt (Kohls), so I lost that and the houndstooth headband before going to work.

What I'm wearing:
black lace cami (old Rue 21)
black empire-waist elbow sleeve knit dress (old TJ Maxx)
gray leggings (Target)
black fUggs (GoJane)
black/cream houndstooth bag (Gap Outlet)

A few of my favorite things

I'm totally stealing the favorite thing list from the lovely blogger of Saltwater Dreams. You can find her list here.


1. DiorShow mascara

In the past year I attempted an experiment to try every drugstore mascara to find my Holy Grail mascara. Since my lashes need some length and curl help, finding one that doesn't go on too wet, or gets too clumpy or flaky, and doesn't smudge throughout the day often found me disappointed and wondering, "Why the eff did I just waste $8?" The experiment ended when I finally chose to suck it up and spend the $24 for DiorShow, a product that was recommended time and time again on the Knot beauty boards. Even with its hefty price tag (it's $72 per ounce, my friends!), it's saving me so much aggravation and money in the long run since I was probably spending that much per month on different drugstore mascaras. Its downfall is the waterproof formula is a bitch to take off at night.

2.  Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray

I'm new to the whole flatiron phenomenon thanks to a changing hair texture. Going to flat and limp to thicker and frizz-prone happened before I knew what was going on. While I definitely love how flatironing my hair looks and feels, budgetary reasons forced me to buy a cheap metal-plated straightener. To give my locks a little bit of protection from the damage I know it will cause, I picked Frizz-Ease Heat Protectant from the shelf. It has a nice smell and smooths out the little frizzies that the blowdryer and flatiron cause.



3. Target Xhilaration Kendra Seude Boot

While I appreciate the lushness of the authentic Ugg boot, I'd much rather buy 5 pairs of Ugg knockoffs for the same price. Enter the Target Kendra boot (available in chocolate, tan, gray, and black). In comparing these to the other three brands of fUggs currently in my collection (Bearpaw, American Eagle, and GoJane), the Target knockoff comes in under the quality of the Bearpaw but much better than the other two. It's sturdy and decently thick, though the footbed could use a little more cushion. I picked this up in the tan color last week, and I'll probably be back for the black and gray in the next few months.




4. Clinique Advanced Concealer

Instead of hiring a makeup artist to apply my wedding day makeup, I turned to my bestie/MOH who is awesome at makeup application. Problem was I had to research and purchase my own makeup. Since I have acne scarring from very old breakouts, I went to the Clinique counter with the idea that I could be matched up with the right colors and know I was getting the most full coverage products I could. One of the best finds was Clinique's Advanced Concealer. It's liquid, but with the warmth of your fingers when applying, turns into more of a powder. It's so blendable and really helps hides old and new blemishes. And for such a wonder product, the $14 price tag doesn't make it too much of a splurge.




5. Leggings

It took me a few years to really cave in to this trend, probably because it was the first fashion trend from my youth that finally swung back around again. But afterall, I loved them in the 80s; why not give them a go in '09? I'm finally learning how to style them. Since I'm quite hippy and because 1/2 of my "new wife weight" has settled to my butt and thighs (::sigh::), I cannot wear them as pants. No, sir. I'm loving leggings with mid-thigh and above the knee dresses and tunics, and with either flats or boots. Plus, they limit the "chub rub" that happens with thighalicious ladies. I'm looking forward to expanding my current collection of two pairs by adding a fun sweater legging to keep my legs extra warm this winter. 


To be continued....

Mad for Plaid

Much to my dismay, I am obsessed with the plaid trend this fall. Lump this in with my newfound acceptance (and daresay LIKE) of leggings, skinny jeans, and flat boots. Note my blog of two weeks ago where I debuted the a.n.a. Denim Legging to see my first plaid purchase (pintuck tunic from JC Penney). Second plaid purchase: Blue/black tunic courtesy of Wal-Mart for $12. I paired it with leggings and my poor man's Tory Burch knockoffs from Payless.

And here is my Halloween costume for 2009. I was thrilled that I had a perfect excuse to wear plaid again! This whole costume only cost $9 (shirt from Wal-Mart again) since I already owned the denim mini (last summer Target) and the boots (Mossimo Kady in Cognac - Target). Hat on loan from a friend.

My First "Winterizing"

I've always been horrible at "winterizing" my summery outfits. But now that I stalk fashion blogs like it's my job, I've gained a new confidence to take some risks.

So, here we have a black cotton shift dress with ruffled neckline from TJ Maxx. I love this LBD. It's insanely comfortable, albeit a bit short in a "Oh no, can't lift my arms up or bend over" kind of way, but it keeps the girls in check, so it's worth a bit of a leggy show.

May 2008 and June 2009

Now here's my late October winterizing attempt. I added black leggings (Target), black fUggs (GoJane), and my new Merona cardigan in Ochre (Target).