Muscle memory

I've been in New York for the last three weekends for job and research stuff, but now that my media research project is over, I have much more free time! I'm looking forward to enjoying my last month in town before I move up North. 

So I've been resorting to the same uniform of sorts for the last couple weeks -- dress, sweater, tights, and out the door. I haven't really worn my brooches in the last year or so, but I've been revisiting them as kind of "good luck" talismans I wear throughout the day. I bought this leaf a few years ago before I graduated from my undergrad years -- it seems appropriate now to rewear it while my life is in transition!

It's been very cold down here that my tripod has been freezing in place. I'm so happy to play around with my photography more now that my time is more open. 

credits - dress: loft | sweater: talbots | coat: h&m, thrift find | boots: tj maxx | brooch: vintage, from finder's keepers. 

They have their exits and their entrances

 Henley: Chaps; Dress: Style & Co.; Sandals: Miss Trish of Capri;

Bracelet: Finder's Keepers, Lawrenceville, Ga; Necklace: AE, from Marilou.

I do have to share some news: I've been spending the last couple weeks getting ready for graduate school, which will begin next month. It's weird to think I'll be back in college two years after my undergraduate education wrapped up, but I'm glad I get the opportunity to start over while I'm young, to make the leap from a struggling industry (journalism) and start over. I'll be studying for my master's in advertising, and I'm excited to see how that will change my life. I'd like to explore graphic design, social media and marketing a little bit more, especially since the technology for it all is constantly evolving. This blog was the catalyst for this change in my life, and the people and readers -- you, yes, you -- have helped me get to this part of my career path. So really, thank you. 

I have a feeling that in the coming months my blog will change a bit more. Though it'll be the same in that the basics -- personal style and photography -- will always be around, I'll probably use this blog as an experimental lab for design and other features. 

I started this blog to have a personal outlet for my style, but it's evolved beyond any sartorial expectations and has helped me realize what I'd like to do for a career path. I'm curious: If you have a blog, how has its presence affected your life? 

Black and white and red all over

Dress (as skirt): Elie Tahari, salvaged from Aunt P.;

Gingham wool blouse: vintage, thrifted; Belt: Loft;

Cougar bracelet: vintage, thrifted, Finders Keepers;

Shoes: Clarks; Ostrich purse: vintage, from Agora (Athens, Ga.).

I've been on the hunt for more pleated skirts recently -- I love that they're coming back into style. I'm not sure  that I'm totally in love with this particular look -- something about where the blouse hits on my frame makes it look boxy with the skirt. Oh, well -- this is all about experimentation, right? Since getting this dress from Aunt P., it's mostly worked as a layering piece with other parts of my wardrobe. I plan on showcasing it all alone this summer when the weather is warmer -- it's really a  beautiful piece on its own. 

My allergies have been really bothersome this season, and it's made it difficult to want to go out into the forest and take photos. They weren't as bad last year, but since moving back to Athens, where there are more forests/greenery, has made me feel like a walking sneeze.  Do any of you have allergies, and how are you dealing? 

Blues traveler

 Dress: Taylor; Blazer: Donna Karan, salvaged from Aunt P.; 

Shoes: Aerosoles; Cougar bracelet: vintage, from Finders Keepers.

This is what I wore last week to work. I've mentioned before that I work in a very casual editing office environment, so pretty much anything goes for personal wardrobe. I know my aesthetic skews on the vintage side these days, but every once in awhile I like going with more modern ensembles. I still love this Donna Karan blazer that I received from Jeremiah's stylish Aunt P. The length is unusual, but it's a piece that I think I'll never get rid of because it fits well and is a pretty classic item.

What are some classic items you covet? 

The Swan Queen dances again

 Black feather dress: Gap, from mom; 

Shoes: Aerosoles;

Bag: Lulu Letty giveaway, from Timely Vintage;

Cougar Bracelet: vintage, thrift find, from Finder's Keepers (Lawrenceville).

Photos by Jeremiah.

Yesterday was Jeremiah's birthday, and we celebrated by going downtown for an Indian dinner and visiting over milkshakes with his family. To help honor Jeremiah's big day, I decided to dress up in a dress that looks like it was fashioned from the leftover Rodarte pieces from the movie "Black Swan." It's one part delicate on top, and then it's madness in chiffon-y scraps on the skirt. And it's so fluffy. I danced around in it all night, and occasionally said quotes from the movie ("IT'S MY TURN" is pretty funny if you keep saying it in a guttural, maniacal growl).

Because nothing quite says "Happy birthday" to your spouse than imitating the psychological breakdown of a hallucinating, obsessive ballerina, amirite?

Happy weekend,

What remains when the hours pass

 Striped sweater: Ralph Lauren; Floral blouse: LOFT;

Wool pants: J. McLaughlin, salvaged from Aunt P.;

Pocket watch (as necklace): Waltham; 

Stone bracelet: gift from Marilou; Jade & cougar bracelets: 

Finder's Keepers store, vintage; Boots: Target.

On Saturday, when almost everyone in town was at the big basketball game, I had some time to explore my alma mater's campus and take photos by one of my favorite buildings, the chapel. The weather was relatively nice, though super windy, so I took the opportunity to take more pictures than I normally would in a really open public area. I also tried some more pattern-mixing with my new LOFT blouse and sweater -- for whatever reason, the stripes from this sweater really lend themselves well to experimentation. I also tried some skinny pants, which I've never done before, and I love this wool variety that I got from Jeremiah's aunt. This silhouette is much different from what I usually go for, but I really like it.

Some of my other blog features are going to start this week! I've decided I want to start sharing more of things I like -- some inspiration pieces, movie reviews, etc. but almost all of it will be style-related.

Anyways, today's a snow day throughout most of northeast Georgia, so I'm going to go out and play for awhile ...

Jittery Jo

Gingham top: thrifted, vintage; Dress (as skirt): French Connection;

Belt: LOFT; Chain necklace: Gift from Marilou; Tights, boots: Target;

Cougar bracelet: Finder's Keepers (Lawrenceville), vintage.

Shop similar: dress, top, boots, necklace.

Photos of me by Jeremiah. 

I wore this the other day for my usual Friday afternoon date with Jeremiah (Japanese fast food, yum yum). I had been wanting to do some photos at this painted wall for awhile -- not only does it incorporate some of my favorite colors, I am also probably 15% made of caffeinated drinks.

I can already say that this is one of my favorites from the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge. I was able to incorporate all of my favorite style things -- red (the top), vintage (the bracelet and top), girly + bridal (the dress) and modern (the necklace -- a gift from one of my awesome blogging friends). So happy.

Got favorites (outfits or new blog finds) from the Remix Challenge yet? Share!

The redcoats are coming

 Band Jacket: Ecru, thrifted; Dress: French Connection; 

Belt: LOFT; Boots, tights: Target; 

Bracelet: Ciner, Finder's Keepers (Lawrenceville), vintage.

Shop similar: Jacket, dress, boots, bracelet.

This outfit is a little more dressed up than usual for a Saturday afternoon, but I feel like experimentation comes easier on weekends. How have I never worn this combination before? I think it's a little Christmas-y, as if I'm a modernized character in the Nutcracker.

This ensemble literally stopped traffic and turned heads when I was on the way back from taking photos. I know what you're thinking. "Wow, that's ridiculously awesome, JoAnn!"  Just play along with me here.

It turns out the car that stopped turned out to be my lovely sister-in-law, who goes to the university and was on campus near these tracks. Rachel saw me walking down the street and thought, There's only one person I know who dresses like that ...

My dream of finally earning the title of "Family Eccentric" is almost complete.