January 2012
22 posts
2 tags
SWF seeks... control.
Flashback for a moment to my post about unlocking the cage. All of your comments are so appreciated. I try not to post here about every single emotion I experience. I enjoy chatting with you all, but I just don’t believe in posting every detail of my life on the internet. This particular subject, however, had been festering inside of me for several weeks. It just felt good to go through a...
2 tags
SWF seeks... time out.
I was a pretty good kid. I don’t remember being in time out very often, although my mom swears I was on the bench when she would pick me up from dance class all of the time. Miss Kris doesn’t remember that and neither do I so we’re going to say it never happened.
Let’s see what time out is like.
And let’s see time out with panache. POW.
Ok, enough goofing...
1 tag
2 tags
SWF seeks... Community Choice-Honorable Mentions.
There are often close seconds when it comes to Community Choice. Sometimes, I really love the option that just barely loses. So why don’t we give these Honorable Mentions a second try?
What should I wear to work on Tuesday?
A. High and tights
B. A pretty blouse
C. Cutie patootie
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Let’s grab this week by the hair and whip it around....
2 tags
SWF seeks... sharp dressed woman.
Two gentlemen kindly complimented my look today. Specifically, they thought the hat looked sharp. Two separate people, two different locations, one adjective. After the second, “That’s sharp!” I began to strut.
Jacket: c/o Jupe Boutique (last year), Trousers: Banana Republic, Hat: Thrifted, Bag: Melie Bianco, Shoes: Nine West
4 tags
Stella & Dot Soiree Trio Ring Giveaway!
A few weeks ago, I introduced you to Julie, a Stella & Dot stylist. You may recall I said we’d have something special for you after the new year.
How about a new bauble for that little mitt of yours? Julie is giving away a Soiree Trio Ring to one SWF reader. Entering is easy…
~Post in the comments section below and tell me which Stella & Dot item is your favorite. You must...
4 tags
SWF seeks... arms of the angel.
I’m a big time sucker for dogs. Anyone else have to change the channel whenever Sarah McLachlan comes on, pleading with her soft, breathy voice to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves? I would cry every time.
I loved the image of these two very different men with their very different dogs. These two would probably have never spoken to each other, if not for their dogs. This is...
3 tags
Unlocking the cage in my head...
This post is a bit of a downer. Sorry. Life can be a downer sometimes.
Lately, I’ve been feeling a little uninspired. It has nothing to do with what I’m wearing. It’s my hair. It’s driving me crazy. It definitely needs a trim and a touch up. But there’s more.
Everyone seems to focus on the pleasant aspects of pregnancy. Oh, you’ll have a glow and oh, your...
3 tags
SWF seeks... more hats.
My closet is stacked with a fair number of hats. I adore hats. But I’m always hesitant to wear them because The Husband had a bad experience with a woman and a hat.
Sounds like a book title.
I have resolved myself to wear my hats more often. They deserve better than a dark closet shelf. This particular hat was given to me by my friend and neighbor, Kim. She has impeccable taste. But...
1 tag
SWF seeks... the final word.
As I am sure you all know, today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Life featured a number of photo galleries today chronicling the life of Dr. King and the era in which he wielded so much influence. This was one of my favorites.
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
I worked today, but I truly don’t mind....
2 tags
SWF seeks... Community Choice {and Golden Globes}.
Did you watch the red carpet arrivals for the Golden Globes? Oh my. So many lovelies. Octavia Spencer, Shailene Woodley and Dianna Agron {and so many others} all look amazing. At this very moment, my top three choices for best dressed include…
Angie, Nicole and Claire. Simple silhouettes. But not boring. All three ladies have completely covered their fronts. I guess I’m into the...
3 tags
SWF seeks... Zorro.
I wanted to wear something sur ma tête, but I didn’t want to wear my usual knit caps. I just needed something to keep in my head heat. The Husband calls this my {edit: Zoro} Zorro hat. If only I could challenge the cold weather to a duel. I’d win. For sure.
God, I should really move south. Can I take Pittsburgh with me?
Blazer: c/o Jupe Boutique, Blouse: BCBG, Scarf: H&M,...
3 tags
SWF seeks... the classic with an edge.
Everyone, every man, woman and child, should have a trench coat. It’s the cornerstone of any wardrobe foundation. You can really make a piece like this your own, injecting your personality into an otherwise basic item.
Me? I like a popped color and an over-the-knee boot.
Trench: Banana Republic, Boots: Guess via DSW, Bag: c/o Jupe Boutique
3 tags
SWF seeks... midi on this mini.
As Merl put it, I made my maxi a midi because I’m a mini. This dress actually fits perfectly as a maxi dress on me. I’ve just been digging the midi dresses and skirts lately. I could cut the thing. But that seems so permanent. What about the summer when I’ll want to shuffle along the streets with a flowing maxi and sandals.
No. I couldn’t lose that option.
Instead, I...
2 tags
2 tags
SWF seeks... flashback.
As you may know, based on last week’s Community Choice, this is what I wore on Friday. I loved this look. It was so comfortable and the green was the right kind of color for me and the gorgeous day we were gifted. The hair was my first attempt at this look by Wendy.
The babe has her first cold, courtesy of her first week at day care. She’s okay, just annoyed by the snot bubbles...
2 tags
SWF seeks... my Market Publique dress.
This dress was an impulse buy on Market Publique just after I found out I was pregnant and just before NYFW last February. I thought it would be such a great piece to wear when I was in New York. Buying clothes online is tough, am I right? Buying vintage online is a nerve racker. But when the price is right {and you know your measurements}, sometimes you just have to pull the trigger.
I...
1 tag
SWF seeks... a tulip.
Sitting in a meeting today, the folks around the table looked at each other and realized everyone was wearing grey and black. Frigid days seem to darken people’s mood. Their clothes reflect that. It certainly happens to me. But today I was yearning for some color. This skirt is the perfect little tulip to brighten a grey room.
The bulb of a hopeful spring has been planted.
But in the...
1 tag
SWF seeks... layers. And lots of 'em.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. TARDY, weatherman. Tardy.
The temperatures went from a balmy 50 degrees to a painful some-teen. I can think of nothing but layers (see Community Choice) and hot tea on an IV drip.
So how did I layer up today? For the office, I had a sweater, scarf and this blazer, the wool skirt and thick tights. For my commute it was something more like...
1 tag
SWF seeks... Community Choice.
Today was the last day of my holiday vacation. I am lucky to receive an extensive respite because I work in higher education. It’s sort of like a bonus week of vacation. This particular year, I’ve really appreciated that time off. Stella and I got to have some serious QT before she heads off to *gulp* day care.
She’ll be fine. I know this. I’ll be fine. I’m not so...
December 2011
22 posts
2 tags
SWF seeks... the infinity scarf.
Every few months or so, I feel compelled to add a new scarf to the mix. I adore scarves. They add just the right amount of dimension to any outfit. Wearing a simple white T-shirt and jeans? Add a scarf and BOOM, you have an interesting ensemble. It’s a finish. It’s the period at the end of a sentence. It’s the brown sugar crumble on an apple pie.
You get what I mean.
This...
3 tags
Get to know Rosie Hope...
You’d think with the endless barrage of tiaras and Kardashians that young women only care about looking pretty and getting more things. Recently, I met Charlee, who is challenging that notion head on. At just 10 years old, Charlee has started a small charity called Rosie Hope, named after her dog. Through Rosie Hope, Charlee raises money to purchase Christmas gifts for needy children by...
3 tags
Hope you had a good holiday...
‘TIs the season to dress our kids up in things they would never wear if they had complete muscular control.
We hope you enjoyed your holiday, surrounded by the people you love.
2 tags
SWF seeks... a holiday lip.
I’m always searching for the perfect red lip. I’m not sure I’ve found it yet, but I’m getting close. According to this post The Best Red Lipsticks of All Time on Beauty Bets, the best drug store red lipstick is Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice. It’s apparently been a best-seller since the 50s. So I nabbed it.
If I’m going to be...
1 tag
Hello reader...
Christian rolled up next to me today and said, “You’re Stylish White Female, aren’t you?” I have to admit, I was a little surprised this badass knew who I was. He apparently has a fondness for killer shoes, and said I have good taste in them. Thank you, Christian.
I loved his unique style and asked if I could capture it. He was quite accommodating.
3 tags
SWF seeks... addiction to technology.
My job necessitates that I am online almost the entire day. It is also necessary that I have a phone that can support my online initiatives. I’ve had a Blackberry for quite some time, but have always wanted an iPhone. I knew one day, Verizon would have the iPhone. So I waited. Now I have the iPhone 4s. It was love at first byte.
I’m one of those people. You know, the ones who...
2 tags
CLOSED GIVEAWAY: $100 Burlington Coat Factory gift...
This giveaway is closed. Thank you all for participating.
Burlington Coat Factory sent me a $100 gift card with the task of finding a head-to-toe holiday or New Year’s Eve outfit. You might be thinking, this isn’t very holiday. But I have to say, not everyone is going to an EVENT. Some people *raises hand* will be keeping things really casual. My favorite way to elevate a casual...
1 tag
Meet Julie, stylist for Stella & Dot
Stella & Dot is a brand I have been hearing about more and more lately. Some of the pieces have really caught my eye. So when Julie Smith, stylist for Stella & Dot, contacted me about doing a feature, I welcomed the opportunity to see and hold some of these pieces myself.
I was impressed with the quality. I was also impressed when Julie told me that at least 50% of the line is less...
1 tag
SWF seeks... Community Choice.
These pants are the fruits of my hemming labors last night. Hemming bell bottoms isn’t the easiest thing to do because if you’re taking them up significantly, you cannot simply fold up {you would have excess fabric}. I had to cut. Cutting always freaks me out. Patience and measuring comes in very handy in those circumstances.
I have meaty legs. And I’m not sure meaty legs are...
1 tag
SWF seeks... more smiles.
The Husband says I look better when I smile. I’ll have to get on that. I have plenty to smile about. Like this little Rachel Roy gilet. This has been on my wish list for a while now. So be prepared to see it again. A lot.
And smiles.
Long-sleeve dress: H&M, Short-sleeve dress & earrings: c/o Jupe Boutique, Gilet: Rachel Roy, Shoes: Alexander Wang (purchased with giftcard c/o...
1 tag
3 tags
SWF seeks... the pleather effect.
While I try to avoid leather if I can, I would be lying if I said I was vigilant about that avoidance. Look, I know why so many people love leather. Especially calf skin leather. It’s like butter. It looks rich. And it smells natural.
Pleather has a funky, plastic smell. And it doesn’t breath at all so it makes me sweat awkwardly. And sometimes it looks cheap.
But sometimes it...
1 tag
SWF seeks... hard worker.
This dress is one of the hardest working pieces in my closet right now. Since August, I’ve worn it again, again, again and again. This scarf seems to make appearances with this dress almost as often.
It’s good to have pieces to which you can always turn.
Here I am fully bundled.
Dress, sweater and scarf: H&M, Tights: Hue, Booties: Nine West, Coat: c/o Jupe Boutique, Bag:...
1 tag
SWF seeks... Assets.
JCPenney asked me to test out their Assets tights. Assets was created by Sara Blakely, who also created a little brand called Spanx. Ever hear of it?
Truth be told, I’ve never worn Spanx so I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a shaping tight. I’ve always assumed my bits would spill out over the top and squeeze out below. Like squeezing a jelly-filled balloon with my...
1 tag
SWF seeks... esprit de corps.
In elementary school, there were certain brands that were highly covetable. Among those were Benetton, The Gap and Esprit. These pants are Esprit. And they are distinctly 90s in cut and print. I usually hate 90s-inspired clothes. I wonder if it’s because I hate the clothes or the things I am reminded of when I see them. {feeling perpetually awkward, being asked if I had the chicken pox...
4 tags
SWF seeks... her black period.
Every artiste has a color period. When I was in high school art class, Ms. Zuck tasked us with creating a 3-D version of a 2-D piece of art. I chose Picasso’s Girl in Chemise from his blue period, which is my favorite of Picasso’s periods.
This week is my black period. I must be mourning the loss of 60 degrees.
Blouse & trousers: Purchased with giftcard won from Madewell,...
2 tags
SWF seeks... a little sleep.
We’re going through a small transition with the babe. Details are inconsequential. The point is that I was extremely tired on Monday morning. I threw on this Alice Temperly for Target dress that I thrifted when I was still pregnant. {I had spent Saturday evening sewing on buttons along with this blouse.} It’s a size too big, but with the tied waist, I thought maybe I could pull it...
1 tag
SWF seeks... Community Choice.
I thrifted this blouse while I was still pregnant. It was missing a ton of buttons. But to me, a garment missing buttons is like a house with paint colors I don’t like. It’s an easy fix. I loved the color and the shape. And I felt a little vindicated when tie neck blouses became the thing for fall.
Hey, what goes around comes around. This look is so Tootsie.
You can see that the...
3 tags
SWF seeks... dance moves.
FRIDAY.
Hell yes.
Kate told me yesterday that she wants to see more dancing SWF. Your wish is my command. *bows*
Community Choice was a tight one this week, folks. There could be two reasons for that. 1.} My styling abilities are just that good. 2.} More likely the dark photos disoriented everyone and so you just put your finger on the first one you could find and said, “That...
1 tag
SWF seeks... skirts with pockets.
Whenever I find a skirt with pockets, I pee my pants a little bit. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of clothing. Everything you need is right there on your hips. Purse? Who needs it?
I still do actually. But that’s because I’m always nervous I’m going to need that notebook or random bracelet that has been sitting in the bottom of my bag for months.
I never need those...
4 tags
SWF seeks... designer inspired.
For some reason, I had Carolina Herrera on the brain this morning. And while I know her stunning floor-length skirts and crisp white button downs are exquisite on a level I cannot even begin to think about touching, it was her grace that inspired me to put together this blouse and maxi.
#protip Always have a bobby pin on hand to pin back your in-between bangs. Otherwise you hashtag epicfail...
November 2011
19 posts
1 tag
SWF seeks... the calming of the babe.
Can’t talk. We have an unruly babe. You probably recognize this combo. It’s the result of a few suggestions from a previous Community Choice to wear the boots with the vest. Done.
2 tags
SWF seeks... the owner of these tights.
Seriously. I have no idea where these tights came from. I was paging through my relatively small collection this morning, searching for a plain black pair, when I happened upon these. I stood there in front of my closet for a moment, trying desperately to shake loose the memory of when I received these tights.
Then I *blink blink*ed, realizing that it just wasn’t going to happen this...
1 tag
SWF seeks... Community Choice.
I trust all of you American readers had a tremendous holiday filled with overindulgence and way too much QT with your families and friends. We’re back to the grind tomorrow and it seems the Pittsburgh weather has decided to mimic our moods.
My apologies for the drab photography, but I hope you can get the gist here. This Friday is the first for the month of December which means it’s...
1 tag
SWF seeks... a better mix than family & shopping.
Walking through a mall is my nightmare on any given day. Toss in the insanity of Black Friday and you can find me planted on my couch with a book. And these days, I’d much rather be spending time with my family at home than in some dreary mall trying to get “the best deals.”
I’d much rather shop local {support your businesses by getting out and shopping on Small...
