Red October

I have been so terrible about updating daily recently, I thought I'd catch up by sharing two recent outfits featuring one of my closet MVPs, my red sweater:

 Dress: In Roads, Agora; Sweater: Faded Glory; Sandals: Miss Trish of Capri.

These photos by Jeremiah.

I wore this recently to a football game tailgate on campus, and Jeremiah took some photos right outside my old dorm (which was previously featured here). I'm a huge fan of wearing this dress to football games -- it's pretty airy for when it gets way too humid outside. I feel like I look a little awkward in these photos because I was facing a field of thousands of people tailgating, barbequing, and playing frisbee. I'm so used to my quiet dock and forests, so anytime I'm near large groups of people for photos, I get a little frazzled. 

Dress: French Connection; Sweater: Faded Glory; 

Shoes: Zigi Soho; Necklace: from a tiny shop in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

You've seen this outfit before because variations of it have worked into my blog posts every season -- see here. I usually like remixing items so that I don't repeat outfits, but lately I've been reverting to old favorites because I know they will work for my office and school environments.

I made a sartorial resolution at the beginning of the school year that I would never, ever wear sweatpants, t-shirts or any sort of casual wear to class like I did during my undergraduate years, and two months in, I haven't broken my promise. I feel like in academia it seems a little vapid to worry about these appearance details, but I really believe that dressing up can have a huge effect on personal preparedness. Plus, in graduate school, it's always possible opportunities will arise right after class, so not having to worry about being appropriately dressed for a meeting, luncheon or seminar is an ideal situation.

Anyways, I've rambled too much about that. Do you ever give yourself a sartorial off day when you're at work or school, or do you always err on the side of dressing well for your situation?

Remixed: French Connection dress

This lacy French Connection dress had its inaugural wear during my wedding (it was my after-reception dress). It languished in my closet for many months until I decided to try it for everyday use. Its silk and lace detailing scream bridal confection, but its neutral color keeps it a practical closet piece.

All the ways I've worn it:

Blazing indiscretions

 Blazer: Donna Karan, salvaged from Aunt P.; 

Dress: French Connection; Tights: Simply Vera, gift;

Belt: BR, from Marilou; Boots: Target.

Photos of me by Jeremiah.

I'm wearing a blazer and a bajillion neutrals in this outfit, which almost never happens. This ensemble almost seems too modern for my usual preferences, but I am trying to push myself to try new styles.

During my break, Jeremiah's Aunt P. gave Jeremiah's sisters and I giant bags full of clothes that she had outgrown or never worn. Inside were some amazing dresses and jackets and sweaters, plus some Asian-inspired blouses that may have been from her travels.

My sisters-in-law and I sifted through the treasures and created a makeshift dressing room in the middle of the house, where we oohed and ahhed and shrieked over our combinations. It was like one of those movie makeover montages, except none of us ended up with Richard Gere or became princess of Genovia at the end.

We each took away a considerable pile of clothes to add to our own closets. Among the finds in my pile were several pairs of pants, an Elie Tahari pleated dress (which I'm excited to wear in the warmer months) and this Donna Karan blazer, which was one of my favorite pieces because of its unusual long length. It's minimalist and modern, and it reminds me of Neo's long trenchcoat in the "Matrix" series. I feel like some cool, dispassionate double agent when I wear it.

As much as I enjoy finding clothes through thrift-shopping, nothing really beats inheriting a beautiful item from a kind relative. Thanks, Aunt P., and to my sisters-in-law for being fun clothes-party people.


Do you have any inherited items that you love, and do you ever wear them?

End of the line

Sweater: Faded Glory; Dress: French Connection; 

Hair bow: Treasure Box of Bows;

White blouse: Ann Taylor; Belt: LOFT;

Boots, tights: Target.

Shop similar: sweater, dress.

This is the final outfit in the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge. I was so elated to be done that I went for a really joyful outfit this weekend in a winter color palette. Don't I look like the Harbinger of Holly Jolly here? Messenger of Merriment? Caretaker of the Candy Canes? 

I could go on, but I'll save my dignity and my puns for my pending novel. 

(Hint: It may or may not involve a mash-up of the board games CandyLand and Clue) (Double hint: You'd totally read it).

But anyways, in all seriousness, I'm glad I did the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge. I came across a quote recently about creativity and how it can be born out of limitations. Personally, I feel like my imagination got to go into overdrive during this challenge, and I'm proud of what I've been able to put together. I'm not sure if I'd do a remix challenge like this again, because it now feels a little silly to deny myself from other things I already own, but it has made me a more conscious consumer, and I plan on keeping a remix philosophy in my future outfits. It's becoming quite obvious what items fit/don't fit, and which ones worked well because of their quality.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get reacquainted with the rest of my closet.

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.

Baker's dozen

Shirt: Arizona Jeans Co., thrifted;
Dress: French Connection;
Scarf: H&M;
Boots, tights: Target;
Belt: LOFT.

I'm so glad many of you enjoyed my first ever Reader Showcase! Reading through it gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling --- it's a joyful thing when you see so many people embrace who they are. I hope to do many more Reader Showcases in the future!

Anyways, on to daily style. When I wore this last week, I felt like a walking Valentine with all the reds, whites and pinks. I really wanted to dress down my bridal dress and dress up my plaid shirt. I got both done with this outfit. It was pretty comfortable to wear at work too -- extra bonus!

Traveled the world and the seven seas

Sweater: Mossimo, gift;

Dress: French Connection;

Patterned scarf: thrifted;

Shoes: Ipanema, thrifted;

Belt: LOFT;

Bracelet: found inside my couch;

Headband: from Philippines,

from sister.

When I put together my items for the 30 for 30 Challenge, I specifically picked some items that had previously been hard for me to style with different items. This dress was one of them -- I originally bought it for my wedding to wear in the time between the reception and the airport. I wanted to try to wear it in a casual way, so I went with a nautical theme for Day 7. I've never worn this dress as a skirt, but I like how it turned out!

How are you 30 for 30 Remixers doing? Have you done any combinations that you've been proud of, or tried ones that pushed you out of your comfort zone?