Skirting the issue

Shirt: Gap;

Pleated skirt: thrifted;

Shell necklace: Aloha Stadium,

Honolulu, HI;

Bow (attached to necklace): Treasure Box of Bows;

Moccasins: Minnetonka,gift.

If things look a little different around here, it's because I'm tinkering around with my blog header, so please excuse the changes the next couple of days. It felt like time for a new header, but I'm not quite sure I like this latest version yet. I was going for more of an illustration rather than a photographic header. Either way, I should not be allowed to design things past my bedtime...

If I had to title this outfit, it would probably be 1940s schoolgirl. All I'm really missing is a satchel. This skirt has been a great addition to my closet -- it makes almost any piece instantly more feminine and romantic. I've also really been drawn to yellow/green this fall. They're usually not colors that I turn to (I never really thought they went well with my skin tone, but then again, I'm no expert on cool/warm complementary colors on skin tones), but my outside photo spots have really been inspiring me.

I'm making some last-minute adjustments to my Halloween costume! I don't know if we're going to be going to any parties this weekend, but we may just hand out candy. What are you going as this year?

Happy clothes

 Top: Target;

Pleated skirt: Thrifted;

Bag: thrifted;

Shoes: Tayla platforms, Target;

Shell necklace (as bracelet); Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI.

How I've worn the skirt before: here.

Confession: I wear this shirt as part of my pajama routine. It didn't come as a set, but it's often what I throw on before going to bed. I decided its abstract print would look extra girly with my pleated skirt, platforms and circus tent purse. It was about 90 degrees Sunday, so the thin layers provided extra comfort in the sweltering afternoon. Bonus: the skirt is perfect for lots of happy twirling time.

Thank you all for your sweet comments about my dad and for checking in on me. I'm doing alright, reflecting on things and doing stuff during this week that makes me happy (like tv marathons and eating out). The really simple things in life can be absolutely wonderful.


Hope you have a great Monday,

Treasured: Shell necklace

 

This week's installment of "Treasured" features another piece of jewelry that's part of the JoAnnian folklore (yes, I did just do that to my name). I find it a very integral piece to my wardrobe not only because of its beauty, but because of what it symbolizes.

My parents met and fell in love in the Philippines, where my mother is from and where my father was stationed while he was in the Navy. I was born there, and my family lived there until I was two, when my father was re-stationed in the States. For many reasons, my family has not been able to go back to visit in her hometown together. My mom has gone once before, but never with us kids. 

But, many things have changed over the years, making a trip finally possible -- my mother and my sister are now in the Philippines on vacation, visiting with family. It's such a huge milestone for our family to go, and to be able to see our relatives face-to-face and not have to rely on just phone calls and pictures. 

When I was 18, one of my mother's friends gave me this necklace. She was from the Philippines too, and had just come to live in Georgia, a few miles from our house. My mom befriended her shortly after she moved to the States and had her come to our house to visit. The friend talked about the transition to living in America, and how she felt really homesick. Her stories made me feel homesick too, for a home I'd never really seen. 

At the end of her visit, we dropped her off at her house. She came back outside and handed me this necklace, jewelry from her homeland.

For me? 

To keep?

"Yes," she said. "You'll get there someday." And she went inside.

I hope my mom and sister enjoy every moment and take lots of pictures. I hope they remember every detail. Because I want to be able to remember it, too.

My mom said next summer will be my year to go, and I want her town to already feel like home.

Oh, hello there. I've missed you.

 

Dress: Old Navy;

Shell necklace: from Philippines, gift;

Shoes: Zigi Soho;

Sandals: Miss Trish of Capri, Target.

How I've worn the dress before: here.

My Internet has been out for the last day and a half because of a storm outage, and I've just now been re-introduced to sweet, sweet technology and I have lots of catching up to do.

I have something to admit -- I did this photo shoot twice at different parts of the day yesterday. I went to the park by myself late in the afternoon to shoot photos, but was so frustrated with various aspects -- the lighting, and my tripod -- that I left and came back two hours later with Jeremiah, who willingly obliged to do a second shoot. Notice the lighting differences between the photos and also the footwear change -- I swapped my wedges for some sandals. I know that sounds obsessive to do it twice, but when I've got a day off, I want to make the most of my blog photo-taking.

Now that this secret is off my chest, let's get to the outfit. This is Dress #20 from The Dress Project. Though I bought it specifically as an easy summer dress, it's proven to be an all-season frock. As Georgia's colder seasons are generally pretty mild, the dress's lightweight material has worked really well for layering, and I've taken it through fall, winter and spring.To be honest, I like the newest variation of this outfit the best, because sandals and shells seem to be more cohesive with the dress's tropical vibe.

What are your favorite all-season pieces?

Almost Alice, or Dress # 12

 

 

Dress: Taylor, from Sym's, NYC;

Shell necklace: Aloha Stadium marketplace, Honolulu;

Tights: Anne Klein, Marshall's;

Boots: Kady cognac, Target.

How I've worn the dress before: here.

This would be my interpretation of  the "Alice in Wonderland" color palette -- black tights, bright blue dress, white necklace. I didn't want to look too costume-y while running some errands today, so I broke it up with my brown boots. I really love this dress and have been contemplating when exactly to wear it for The Dress Project (it's hard when the weather keeps oscillating -- do I wear the cute stuff now to break up the rain, or save them for sunny days?) . I'm hoping Jeremiah will take me to see the new movie on a date soon ... I really like Tim Burton movies.

My post title comes from another great Alice in literature -- Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's "Alice McKinley" series. I loved those books when I was 11-13 -- they were funny, from a teen's point of view and dealt with lots of serious topics without sounding like an after-school Lifetime special. I just found out that there are a couple of prequel books and that a final Alice book is going to come out in a couple of years. Coupling that with a Babysitters' Club prequel coming soon, I may have to make a trip to the library soon for some teenage nostalgia ...

I'm about to experiment making a new salad for dinner, so have a great night!

12 down, 33 to go.

Black dress with the tights underneath, or Dress #3

 

  

Listening to:  "Don't Trust Me," 3Oh!3.

Dress: Merona, Target, $25;

Sweater: Faded Glory, $12;

Belt: Fossil, $6;

Tights: Target, $5;

Shell necklace: From Philippines, gift;

Boots: Kady cognac, Target, $30.

It's Day 3 of The Dress Project and I'm becoming strategic with which dresses to wear. I've got quite a few black dresses and went with one I never really wear but should because I do like the sleeves. Here's how it looks without the sweater:

I forgot to take a sweater-less photo in my first round of pictures, and by that time my photographer husband did not want to take the "long trek" (read: two minute walk) to the gazebo, so you're getting the view outside my apartment. Oh well, I try to be a good blogger. 

 I love how the dress is fitted up top. I think I got it because it made me feel like Maria from "West Side Story." Something about the way it's fitted reminds me of Natalie Woods' wardrobe from the movie. I would die happy if I could dress like she did all the time. And while we're at it, I'd want Anita's wardrobe as well!

Speaking of older movies, I am getting a huge kick out of TMC's Oscar movie marathon -- I watched "Gigi" and "An American in Paris" last night and loved Gene Kelly's performance in the latter, even though "Singin' in the Rain" is my favorite of his work.

  About to grab some dinner -- hope you all have a good night!

Three down, 42 to go.