Just Another Day in Paradise

Let's be honest: I'm not all that creative with outfits. So when I find a piece of clothing that is creative enough for the two of us, I snatch it up.

I dont' usually shop for clothing on e-Bay, because you just never know...(yes, sellers, you should disclose stains or an unusual fit). But when I saw this skirt for only $8.00, I had to get it. It turns out that the designer is a fancy shmancy Italian one, Massimo Dutti, and the skirt would usually be a lot more.

So I got it. And I love it. And the people (i.e. kids) love it, too. What more can you ask of a skirt?

This may be my favorite (narcissistic) photo of myself ever!  Shirt: Banana Republic (thrifted), Undershirt: Downeast Basics, Shades: Smith Optics, Skirt: Massimo Dutti (e-Bay)

Rain, Rain...Stay Here!

We are about 6" below our average for the year...and we only get about 6", so that's bad. So, I am happy that it's raining. My stellar photographer, who I pay in hugs (my husband), was able to get some good photos as we hid under an overpass.

I loved my outfit today because it has such fun colors. (Incidentally, the kids loved my scarf. One girl said that she "almost bought one like that at Rue 21". Dang, I probably paid more.) And I love this skirt more than I love...I don't know, tacos.  I got it at Oasis when I lived in Nottingham and worked perilously close to the downtown mall. I will never part with it. And neither will I part with the pink canvas motorcycle jacket that I bought there but never wear. I still love it.

Skirt: Oasis, Shirt: GAP outlet (for $6!), Scarf: Dillards (super 50% off sale for $7), Earrings: Target, Shoes: KEEN

Are you ready for fall? I am...I miss my boots.

I'm Baaaack! Yay!

So, as it turns, out, I rotate about three outfits all summer long. I guess when it's 95 degrees and I have nowhere to go...I wear jean shorts and tank tops. (Not even cute tank tops - ribbed ones with no accessories.)

But now that school is back in and I need my fashion fix, I'm back to conversing via blogging! Oooh, the ideas some of you have...

I got more compliments on this dress, which I got for about $5 at the thrift store, than any other outfit I've worn since the begining of school. Even male teachers said that they liked my dress. And three students! (If you remember, I often rate my outifts on how many kid-complements I get. You know you look good when 12-year olds take time out of their busy texting schedule to complement you.)

Dress: Leslie Fay (vintage thrifted), Shoes: Keen

I've missed you!

It's Hot, Y'all

I'm not even from the South, but I have friends who are...so, I think I can say y'all.

Anyway, it was 94 degrees here today, which means that I couldn't be bothered to wear much of anything. But I did put on a skirt to go down to the whitewater festival that's being held here in town this weekend. We only went for a little while to watch the rafters, and it was pretty funny.

I am not wearing makeup. I didn't do my hair today. Why post? I just don't want you to think that I've forgotten about you. And my new belt looks just like Kendi's, so I'm feeling pretty cool.

Shirt: Forever 21 (thrifted), Skirt: Ann Taylor (thrifted), Belt: thrifted, Shoes: Chaco

The water cools you off up until the time you dry off. But it feels soooo good.

Look What I Made!

My mum visited this weekend, and we payed a little visit to Michael's for some crafting fun. After seeing this tutorial on Little Miss Momma, I decided to make a flower necklace. We made quite a few, because they were very cheap and easy to make.

If you decide to make them, make sure you:

1. Place them in a U-shape, or else the necklace won't keep its shape.
2. Make sure your petals are about 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Glue one in the middle, then glue the rest in a circle around it.

The project was very easy and fun to do on a lazy afternoon.

Shirt: Miley Cyrus ($3 at Wal-Mart!), Jeans: Columbia (thrifted), Necklace: made by me, Bracelet: vintage

One of my favorite parts about summer is that I can be creative in a way that does not involve 7th-grade curriculum. No writer's notebooks collages for me this summer!

And the Livin' Is Easy...

One of the best parts about summer, I think, is that my family sometimes comes to visit. My mom is currently here from the great state of California (I miss you, Golden State), which has been awesome.

Currently, she is whipping cream in my kitchen for a strawberry pie. No joke.

We did mostly errands today, but it always pays to dress up for a trip to the grocery store and the post office. You never know who you're going to meet. Okay, nobody, but it's still fun to dress up.

Shirt: GAP Outlet, Cami: Downeast Basics, Earrings: Target, Shorts: Old Navy (thrifted for $2), Shoes: Chaco

Are these shorts a little loud? Maybe. But they only cost me $2, so that's good enough to snag.

Am I Going On A Safari? Maybe...

...okay, I'm not. But I still kinda liked this outfit, though I thought I should also carry a canteen and a high-powered rifle. Good thing that skirt wasn't khaki. Or there weren't any lions around.

We went up to Salida today for the FIBArk (First In Boating on the Arkansas) festival, which is filled with food, beer, great bands, and lots of kayaking. We watched a few of the kayakers play in the playwave, then had some delicious teriyaki chicken and noodles (why is fair food so stinkin' good?), walked around the town of Salida (lovely), and then took the scenic drive home...along the raging river.

You know what would have made this outfit? The $6 scarf that I refused to buy at a thrift store. Six bucks? That's highway robbery for a thrift store. It woud have gone on my hat...but alas, it was not to be. I have to stick to my buget, and that would have blown half of it! Sigh. The sacrifices...

Shirt: Jamaica Bay (thrifted), Cami: Downeast Basics, Skirt: Ann Taylor (thrifted), Bracelet: made by the cool guy at the Chacos booth! (free), Shoes: Chaco (of course), Belt: Eddie Bauer (thrifted), Hat: Liz Claiborne

I don't think this is my most stylish outfit, but I did feel pretty dressed up compared to those who were wearing cut-offs and tye-dyed shirts. It's all about perception...