Cute eShakti skirt, but my midsection feels strangled.

I am beginning to realize that how good something is for you is directly proportional to how horrible it tastes. Since the doctor put me on antibiotics for nearly three months, I needed probiotics to work some miracles on my digestive tract. I opted for a five-day, super duty powder. The directions say to take it with 8oz. of water or raw juice. Having no idea what exactly "raw" juice is and knowing how terrible the powder tastes alone, I ground up some peaches and strawberries along with the powder and hoped that it wouldn't taste like...eww. I failed. Essentially, I was drinking a concoction that tasted like feet covered in fruit. Or what I imagine feet covered in fruit to taste like.

Anyway, today's skirt is courtesy of eShakti. They asked me to pick something and review it. Since I've wanted to try this company for over a year, I obviously said yes. And I obviously picked a maxi skirt because what girl doesn't love crotchless, glorified pajamas? PLUS, this one comes with pockets! Unfortunately, as pretty as the print of this skirt is, the cut is awkward. I even measured myself to make sure I was right about the numbers I entered into the system. (You can customize the clothes to fit your body, which is delightful.) Somehow, I ended up with a skirt that I have to situate several inches above my belly button, and I still feel a little suffocated. The stitching on the sides is off, too. It doesn't lay right on my hips, but my mom thinks she can fix it.

Overall, I think the skirt is gorgeous, but I don't love the fit, which is probably my fault for not reading fine print or measuring myself properly. This is the ONLY way I could think to wear it in order to cover up the unflattering fit on the hips. I would've gone with a white shirt, but you can see the skirt through it. Not a fan. Feel free to throw more suggestions my way.

Pinspiration & Organization

 I wanted this skirt so desperately, and after Mom (I mean...Santa) bought it for me, I was at a loss. How would I style it? It seemed too dressy to style it exactly like my other black maxi skirt. It's a bit too cold to wear just a t-shirt with it. What to do? What to do?

Well, first came a brain fart, and then came styler's block, and then came Sydney in a Pinterest carriage. I am not sure any of us remember how we dressed ourselves before Pinterest.

However, I am happy to report that I need Pinterest less often than I did in the past, but it sure has helped me make more sense of my closet. (Too bad it does not help my husband make more sense of my side of the closet. Is there an app for that?)

When the weather warms up, I think I will try a graphic tee with this skirt.

Feel free to send your ideas my way.

 The Look:

Shirt: Old Navy

Cardigan: The Limited (it's old, and it had a tie, but I cut it off.)

Skirt: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's 

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Necklace: Okay, it's either Francesca's or The Limited. 

 I wanted you to see the fun backs of these flats.

Speaking of Pinterest, I wanted to discuss how I organize my style boards. I used to have one big style board, but that thing was such a disorganized dump that the frustration it caused me prevented any kind of pinspiration from taking place. And then I got organized. If you do not mind indulging me, I thought we could discuss how I cleaned up shop.

Look! I made a fun graphic!

2014 Closet Resolutions -- Pictures of outfits that I can recreate with items I want to make sure I'm wearing but don't wear enough. I delete pins once I've worn the outfit and just add a picture of how I wore it on my outfits board.

Warm Weather Fashion -- (for spring and summer) some of the pins, I put a tag in the description "with tights and boots" so that I can find it when I search my boards for winter looks with tights

Cool Weather Fashion -- (for fall and winter)

Color Combinations -- This board is my favorite. It's full of color combinations I want to try (ex: coral/blush and cobalt blue). If I've tried the combination, I might move the pin to another board like "Warm Weather Fashion" because I like the silhouette.

My Outfits -- all the looks from my blog

DIY Fashion -- Tutorials AND pictures of things I want to learn to make. For example, I really liked a checked dress that I want to figure out how to make one day.

Fashion Tips & Helpful Websites -- I include pictures of one item many ways in this category. I'm thinking about making a new board for those pins.

Closet Holes & Wants -- I pin items I'd like to add to my closet. I delete them once I've added them to my closet.

Geez, that's a lot of boards, but I've found that one big board for all of the stuff is not as easy to navigate. 

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Linking up with

* Molly 

* The Style Record
* Mix it Mondays 

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Danielle, brush your hair.

Only on special occasions do I make exceptions for speaking in third person about myself. Now is one of those occasions. However, in my defense, when my husband allots five seconds for the taking of pictures, I seize the opportunity, rats' nest and all, especially when the rats' nest resides on only one side of my head. 

This leather jacket? I really love it, and would you like to know its best quality? Of course you do. It was free. Years ago, one of my brother's ex-girlfriends (no one knows which one) left this coat at my parents' house. I guess I never needed a sister to steal clothes from; I scored enough hand me downs from all of my brothers' friends who were about five-seven years older than I was.  

These shoes? They were as good as free. I paid $15 (SUPER sale) for these clouds on my feet, and they're from Easy Spirit. I assure you that store is no longer just for orthopedic-wearing grandmas. (FYI: nothing but love for orthopedic-sporting lasses.)

One of our apartment neighbors caught us taking pictures, but that's okay. He turned out to be a congenial old man with two adorable pups, Rex and Woody (don't worry; I laughed at the name only in my head.) I was about five steps from scooping up little Rex and darting to my apartment with him. After I walked away, I realized that the man introduced his dogs but never introduced himself. 

If he told me his name was Peter Johnson with a dog named Woody, I don't think I could have controlled myself, so maybe that's for the best.

The Outfit:

Skirt: American Eagle (option, option)

Polka Dot Sweater: Target (option with some cute print options!)

Shoes: Easy Spirit (silver capped option)

Jacket: No name brand (free is free)

Necklace: New York and Company (similar option on Amazon)

Belt: Came with a dress 

Look, there's Squirt acting a fool because OH MY GOSH, THERE'S ANOTHER DOG IN MY LINE OF SIGHT. MUST DESTROY EVERYONE'S EARS WITH BARKS AND BARKS AND BARKS. 

Previously, I wore this skirt these two ways:

Original summer look here

Original fall look here

Linking up with Trend Spin Linkup and Style Sessions. 

The Neutral Cardigan of my Dreams

In honor of November and that whole thankful holiday thing that's quickly approaching, I thought I'd throw out some virtual high fives. 

Thank you for being far more versatile than I thought you'd be, paisley maxi skirt. If you were a human, I'd be your friend.

Thank you for completely kicking sartorial ass, Old Navy. Especially recently.

Thank you for not judging me because of my need for Old Navy, credit card. I know I hurt you. 

Thank you for catching my crumbs (and earrings), scarves.  

Thank you for the extra sleep, third day hair. 

Thank you, heated seats, for...heating my seat. 

Thank you for consistently amusing me, Modern Family and Big Bang Theory. 

Thank you, five minute drive, for being awesome. If I don't pee before leaving work, it's okay. I can make it home before I wet my pants. That hour drive I was doing for almost four years? I needed Depends to survive. 

Thank you, fellow English department members, for being as crass and juvenile as I am. 

Thank you to the people who actually join me in this corner of cyber world. I do hope you feel entertained and inspired. If you don't, come find me in real life. I swear I won't disappoint you. 

The Outfit:

Cardigan: Old Navy (it's the boyfriend cardigan)

Flats: you can't see them but they're the same color as the cardigan, and they're from Old Navy

Skirt: New York and Company

Belt: Francesca's

Shirt: Target

Scarf: wearing yet another little number crocheted by my mom. I swear she should open an Etsy shop. 

Throw some of your virtual high fives my way. I'd like to know what big (or small) things that are making you feel all full of thanks. 

Also, fellow bloggers, do you find that when someone sincerely compliments your outfit that you have to blog that one for posterity's sake, or is it just me who is swayed by this compulsion?

I saved you.

Yes, brown vest, I'm talking to you: I saved you. 

From the Good Will pile.

Reader, tell me: have you ever collected a pile of clothes for Good Will and allowed them to sit for a bit before you finally donated them? (Read: you are too busy or lazy to take these clothes to Good Will, so the well-meaning stack just sits not because you're really giving the clothes a second chance, but because you lack follow through in the worst of ways. By you, I really mean me.)

Anyway, since we shoved a house full of stuff into an apartment (Dante missed a prime opportunity for another circle in Hell, by the way), I started to break up with many more friends in my closet. This vest was in that stack...until this morning. I knew I wanted to join the jewel tones link-up. Or, I really wanted to look like a classy lumberjack. Whichever. 

This outfit and I started off in a fight this morning. First, I tucked in the flannel shirt, but, for obvious reasons, I disliked my unfortunate lumpy butt syndrome. The product of the 80s that I am, I decided to tie the shirt instead. I then felt like the outfit looked unfinished. No belt? WHO AM I? I knew I wanted to break in these new Old Navy flats (lordy, do they hurt the first time around!), but whatever would I pair with them? I could've worn my brown scarf like this one. However, my darling husband blocked my access to the coat closet with a too-heavy-for-my-spindly-arms-to-move safe, so I needed a "coat" without wearing a coat. Enter the former Good Will candidate. I threw on the vest and the scarf. Voila. My junior girls want to raid my closet, and my adorable colleague scolded me: "You better blog that outfit...but, where will you take your blog pictures at the new apartment?"

THIS is where, friend of mine. Right in front of the building. And Jeff's truck. In a 30 second photo session because the Comcast guy was trapped in the basement. The truck totally complements my mountain chic look, no? Please don't mind my abandoned bag by the tire. If Jeff is willing to take pictures in 30 seconds, I drop everything (quite literally) and pose. 

The Outfit:

Shirt: Old Navy (last year)

Skirt: Olive & Oak via Marshall's (it has pockets, ladies!)

Flats: Old Navy (current)

Vest: No idea

Scarf: Made by Momma dukes

Did I successfully pull off this outfit? Lie to me. 

Linking up with Style Sessions

and The Trend Spin Link Up!

Pop o' Green

Thanks to a student from last year, I feel like a leprechaun every time I wear emerald green. 

I wish I had something clever to share with you, but I'm running on empty. 

Enjoy my pretty outfit and the bags under my eyes. 

The Outfit:

Jean Jacket: Old Navy

Skirt: Marshalls

Shoes: ModCloth

Scarf: Street vendor in NYC

The Details:

Occasion: Teaching

Comments: Previously, I wore the skirt like this. I went with a straight black and white look. This time, I needed a pop of color. Why not green? My only issue with this skirt is that the lining is shorter than the skirt. If I sit for too long, it bunches up. Not comfortable. Not lady like to readjust. 

Blue, White, Plaid, and Funny Links :)

When Kimmie posted her monochromatic look (mink necklace and top) yesterday, I immediately thought of this outfit. After I thought about how adorable Kimmie is! I then followed her link to Kendi whose outfit I unintentionally copied. But, my shoes are PLAID, and my skirt has POCKETS. That has to earn me some street cred, no?

I have a few funny links for you today:

1. 27 Reasons Why Parents Shouldn't Be Allowed to Text -- I think I cried from laughing. Everyone can relate to this one. Unless you are as antiquated as your parents and own no phone.

2. Thug Notes -- This dude provides a synopsis and analysis (thug style) for many classic texts. Yet again, I laughed hyena style.

3. Surviving Whole Foods -- I want to be friends with the writer of this blog post. Every single sentence is funny. Not kidding. Not exaggerating. 

One of my students and I said "guess what day it is? HUMP DAY!" at the very same time today. 

I love my job.

The Outfit:

Shirt: Target (LOVE their t-shirts)

Skirt: Olive and Oak via Marshall's

Flats: Rock and Republic via Kohl's (I feel like I need a smoking jacket and a high-backed leather chair when I wear these)

Necklace: New York & Co.

Occasion: Work, which involved a lot of reading aloud and taking notes on a student discussion

Comfort Rating: 9 (the skirt is a smidge snug)

Comments: I wore a gray cardigan over the shirt when my classroom chilled off a bit too much. I love pockets. Too much. What girl doesn't?

Fake lace.

The amount of tragedy that inundates our country (and all countries), at a disturbingly quicker rate, forces so many of us to reevaluate our humanity and the humanity of our compatriots. Maybe the rate has not increased but rather our awareness of it? Social media outlets allow us instant access to all of this information, so we are never without constant reminders of tragedy. It pains me every time I read about another shooting and it pains me every time I listen to people debate the gun issue (versus the "how to make humans better humans" discussion.) For those of you still in the dark, a gunman killed thirteen people and injured at least three others at D.C.'s Navy Yard. Too much sadness for our collective heart to hold. 

As a result, I must remind myself of the beauty within the darkness. Today, one of my students graciously offered to make online flashcards for his classmates to use. He and several classmates brimmed with excitement, chattering about all of the ways I could use Quizlet in my classroom. They created an account for me and showed me how to use it. 

These teenagers illuminate the darkness. There is hope. There really is.  

Today's outfit is quite beautiful, too. In a vain, "everybody come see how good I look" kind of way. 

Go get ya some.

My shirt has a lace print, but it's not actually lace. Tricky tricky.

The Outfit:

Shirt: New York & Co. (couldn't find it online)

Skirt: American Eagle Outlet (similar)

Shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's

Belt: Came with a dress

Necklace: New York & Co.

The Details:

Occasion: Classroom (teaching, obviously)

Comfort Rating: 10

Comments: I love this shirt; I wish I could've found it for you online! (It's not very old at all. Not even a month old, so maybe you can find it in the store?) I am so happy I bought this skirt in gray and wine. By far two of my favorite sartorial purchases of the year. I especially love the pleats because they disguise/resist wrinkles. Plus, they keep the skirt from hugging too tightly. I really am in love with the color of this skirt. It's not right to be such a lovely color; it's making all of the other colors jealous. 

I previously wore the skirt this way. I wore its charcoal gray counterpart this way and this way. 

How might you style it? I'd love to hear (er, read?) the ways. 

Gray Maxi Skirt

I'm a smidge sad that the Teacher Wardrobe Staple series (say that three times fast) came to an end yesterday, so I need to think about how I can revive it once a week/month. Or something like it. Maybe I'll do a Teacher Staples 30x30? That might just work.

I'm not wearing any shoes with this outfit because I felt like being a hippie for ten minutes. (Read: I was too lazy to put on my shoes before the pictures.)

The Look:

Jean Jacket: Old Navy (it's a bit bigger, so I chose to roll the sleeves for a different look.)

Maxi Skirt: American Eagle

Belt: I have NO idea! I think Target.

Shirt: Target

I wanted you to see my diva face...also known as "the wind is making me eat my hair" face. 

The Details:

Occasion: My birthday dinner! (A relaxed one with family, not a date night)

When: 4-bed time

Where: My parents' house with just my closest family members

Restyling Options: Clearly, I would put on shoes.  I actually did restyle this before I walked out of the door by putting on a white cardigan (didn't want to wear a jean jacket in my parents' house, but it was too chilly for short sleeves) and an aqua belt. I wore white, strappy sandals. 

I wore the wine-colored version of the skirt like this. 

How would you style this skirt?

Last day to enter Sam's Target card giveaway. 

I'm wearing items from Target in this outfit post, so it's meant to be.

Duh.

Paint.all.the.things. And look cute.

I love to paint.

No, I'm not referring to the slap-some-goo-on-a-canvas-and-call-myself-Picasso-yet-create-something-akin-to-a-toddler's-diaper-contents kind of painting though I do love some oil on canvas. I mean, I love to paint walls, and floors, and (soon) decks. My next job might entail spiffing up vehicles with a new coat of paint. Is that a worthy bucket list item? 

PAINT ALL THE THINGS! 

With this whole staging-the-house-to-sell business, I might be reaching my love of painting limit. Why? Well, I'm painting all of these things to look beautiful, but I don't get to enjoy their beauty. Some random stranger benefits from my ninja-like painting skills. What a colossal waste. 

(I am, however, looking forward to helping my sister-in-law paint their dining room. I actually like her, and I'll get to see my contribution every time I visit.)

My next project? Paint the entire basement because husband said so.

Husband might be sleeping in the grass tonight. 

UNLESS. Unless, said husband actually helps me paint.

I've painted nearly every room in our house twice. He has helped me with one room...the first time I painted it. He better help me with this one because it's AN ENTIRE LEVEL. 

(So many capital letters in this post.)

All I can tell you is that if he nixes the next house based on paint colors, I will dunk his head in a paint-filled toilet until he screams "uncle!" or "Danielle is queen master painter of the universe." Whichever. 

Anyway, I'm wearing paint-covered shorts (it's dried, no worries), which can mean only one thing: my husband is sleeping in the grass tonight. Okay, it means I'm stalling. He just arrived, and I'm about to drop the "you're helping me paint or wearing the paint" bomb. 

Before I leave you, I have yet another comfortable outfit to show you.

(you can see a little pop of color peeking out--my shoes are turquoise.)

The Look:

Shirt: Target (their t-shirts are my favorite t-shirts)

Skirt: Marshall's 

Shoes: Report via DSW? (got 'em maybe two years ago)

Camera necklace: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Sunglasses: Relic via Boscov's ($10!)

The Details:

Occasion: Long car ride and visiting friends 

Where: Car, friends' apartment, and casual lunch/dinner

When: wake up to fall asleep times 

Comfort Rating: 10 (I could easily fall asleep in this outfit because I did. Jeff's driving makes me nervous, so if I don't willingly put myself to sleep, I'll pass out or throw up.)

Restyling Option: Because I'm incredibly unique and creative, I've also tried this skirt with a bright shirt. Like so:

It's a black and white skirt, so it will pair nicely with a button up, a cardigan, a jean jacket, or a blazer (especially for work).

Pinspiration:

I like this color combination and the jean jacket. 

(source)

Linking up with WIWW. 

I can't drink wine, so I'll wear it.

I can't stop buying maxi skirts for the following reasons:

1. I don't have to shave if I wear them.

2. They're not pants.

3. The waistline forgives.

4. I can dress them up...or down.

5. I can sleep in them (tested that one out on Saturday--pure, comfortable success).

Jeff agreed to take my picture because I posed with the deck steps he recently rebuilt. 

Yes, we still have to stain the whole deck and one random board is brown, but they sure are beautiful. 

Clothing Homes:

Skirt: American Eagle Outlet (closest I could find at AE)

Sandals: Pink & Pepper via Marshall's (cute Steve Madden option)

Bag: It's Kenneth Cole Reaction via Boscov's for $35! (nice from Amazon)

Top: Old Navy (close, inexpensive option from Old Navy)

Belt: Express (I believe)

Occasion: Cousin's birthday party

When: 4:30-?

Where: Indoors

Comfort Rating: 10/10 (despite the belt)

Comments: I tried the shirt tied in a knot, but that didn't work for this skirt. It landed at an odd spot above the skirt. I tried leaving the shirt loose, but it made it me look too boxy.  

I tucked it in, but it didn't look pulled together until I added the belt.

Restyling Options: For work, I'd throw on my khaki and white polka dot cardigan or my plaid blazer. 

If it were a little bit chillier, I'd throw on a jean jacket.

If it were winter time, I'd replace the sandals with flats and throw on a leather jacket. 

Pinspiration: 

(source)

(source)

P.S. Linking up with FundayMonday. 

My (Recent) Life in Clothes

I cleaned out my closet.

By that, I mean I threw (only) half of the things I won't actually wear into paper bags. 

A week ago.

They're still sitting in front of my window seat.

The other half hang in my closet, pretending I'll wear them. 

I trudge through this process at least once a month.

Eventually, I think I'll actually purge my closet of the unwanteds.

Until then, my closet harbors the land of misfit clothes.

And some very cute, well fitting ones.

I feel so Lilly Pulitzer in this color scheme. 

Dad turned 61. We celebrated. 

I'm eating pickles to prevent myself from eating the rest of the cake Mom gave to me.

I have a feeling I'll have an acid stomach and liquid bowels before this night ends.

Wish me luck.

I wore this dress to celebrate Daddy dukes.

Meet my second-day hair. I woke up at 5 and watched Law and Order SVU until I had to leave for work. I poked my hair in a "thanks for being awesome this morning" kind of way. 

Not sure I'll ever master the downward shot. Someone please tell me how you make it happen before I Google that ish. Google is already judging me because I asked it who invented the maxi skirt. 

Bows and leopard print. That's about as spicy as I get. 

You will not see me in stripes on stripes (despite my love for them)

or stripes on polka dots. 

Speaking of maxi skirts, I'm married, but I'll kiss the inventor of maxi skirts on the lips

to thank them for creating a sartorial masterpiece that allows me to look presentable while being comfortable enough to take a nap. On public transportation. During peak hours. In NYC. 

Meet my newest maxi skirt. I bought it today, and I'm showing it to you before I even ripped off the tags. I think the cashier was *this* close to making me pay for it while simultaneously shoving it under the counter to save for later. I'm pretty sure she pet it. I would too. I plan to. 

Stiiiiill suck at downward shots. 

Seriously, someone feed me the secret. 

Enjoy your lovely evening.

I'm going to go eat pickles.