It’s Officially Spring!…Cleaning

Like all those who need a hand getting dressed, I keep a file of style inspiration.  Mine is on the computer.  But lately, it’s gotten a little big and bulky.  So in the interest of slimming down, and actually being able to find the image I’m looking for occasionally, I’m going to clean it the heck out.  Here are some of the not-quite-keepers:

It’s very…cute.  And girly.  But it’s absolutely wrong for my closet.  Why did I even save it; was there a project in the works??  Delete.

I honestly think I saved this just because I liked her expression.

I have a million pics of ladies dressed all in black.  How much “dread pirate roberts” inspiration does one woman need?  Out it goes.

It must have been the hat.  Because I sure didn’t save this one for the mustard colored pants.  There couldn’t possibly be a color that would look worse on me!

Wait, is that…a romper?  Ooooh, dear.  I’ll just delete this quietly. Let us never speak of this again~

56 images later…oh yeah, empty the recycling bin.  Spring cleaning; check!

Tune in next time for a peek at the stuff I kept~ the best of the style file~

The Coda

It’s been two longs months for me.

I was in a car accident.  My car was destroyed, thankfully I was not.  I was pretty beat up, but with the help of my doc and team of physical therapists, I’m on the way to recovery.  I can now, sort of, use my left arm again.  But it’s going to be a while before I DIY again.

It’s amazing how your entire life can change in an instant.

While I’m recovering, here are some images that are inspiring me on the house & home front.

 

Isn’t this bed the coolest thing?

So sweet!

Love the honeycomb walls

I don’t know about you, but comfort is what I’m craving this winter~

Spring Cleaning for the Style Files

I, like every other style-type person, keep a file of inspirational images on my computer.  Thing is, it gets kinda big.  So every now and again I scroll through it and cull.  Some images are still inspirational gems, and some of them…why did I even save that?  Here’s a look at some of the ??? pics.

Courtesy of Models Off Duty?

I…could never wear this.  Why??? Was I mesmerized by her gigantic bag?

No idea, really…Etsy, maybe?

Was I going to make these earrings?  They look heavy…and… yeah.

Courtesy of Models Off Duty?

Did I like the hairstyle?  There is literally no part of this outfit that I could ever make work for me~

Awesomesteampunkgirl? Is that a thing?

I think I saved this one purely because she looks like a real freakin’ badass.  Also, she kinda reminded me of Tilda Swinton, who I think is made of awesome~

Beautiful Thing of the Week

These earrings are just making me drool…

Gorgeous and whimsical, two of my favorite things~

Check out the artist, she’s damn talented!

This necklace isalmost  mesmerizing-ly beautiful~

Aaaand yet more earrings to lust after~

 

 

 

Changing Seasons

Transitions have really been on my mind, lately.

It’s been a full month since I’ve posted last, and the seasons have finally gone from winter to spring.  I’ve packed away the parka, and pulled out the raincoats.  Just in time, it’s been pouring for two days.

It’s also been a season of funerals, I and several of my friends have had loved ones pass.  So condolences and my thoughts are with all those who have lost family today.

With all that in mind, here is what’s inspiring me for April

Courtesy of forestsonriverdaughter

I love this sweater, I have one just like it that I picked up at the Goodwill near where I work.  It’s absolutely my go-to sweater, I wear it every week!  I really love the soft comfort of the sweater paired with the color/texture and formality of the skirt and heels.  Really lovely.

They Call It The Windy City For A Reason…

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in Chicagoland… this pretty much sums it up~

Courtesy of Riika Auvinen

Oh the wind and the weather~

Colorfree Friday: Jewelry Edition

Colorfree Friday is now brought to you by Wednesday.  And the number 9.

Jewelry and accessories have been a ~huge~ issue with the new work dress code.  All my work ladies love big sparkly shiny jewelry!  But we’re technically not allowed to wear gold; it’s all supposed to be black/white/grey.  No more emeralds, citrines or turquoise for us (sadness!)

Fortunately for me I’m a jewelrymaker (and I’ve been asked to make some stuff for the coworkers, which I’m happy to do!)  But if you don’t know a jeweler/DIY-er, here is some wonderful stuff in the monochromatic line:

Earrings, earrings, earrings, earrings!

But it’s not all earrings, the wrists need some bling, too~  How about this gorgeous bracelet?

And then, because too much is never enough (no but really less is more~) how about this statement necklace?

Great  jewelry in black and white can be found~  No dress code can limit my fabulousness!

Adventures in Dry Skin

Winter in Chicagoland means dry, dry skin.  And my moisturizing regimen just isn’t cutting it!  So I’ve decided to completely switch things up.  With the help of this website, I’m going to spend January CONQUERING this problem!

First Up: Cleansers.  I had a facial recently, and the very nice lady suggested that my harsh cleanser might be causing some of my dry skin problems.  So I’m switching from my PanOxyl (which I’ve used for years) to Olay Foaming Facewash For Sensative Skin.  It got good reviews, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and it’s easy to find (this is a very underrated thing in products).  I’ve already started using it, and my skin is less dry.  So I’ll try if for a few weeks and give it a full review.

Also: Tune in next time for…Adventures in Toner!  (or possibly a facial moisturizer.  Haven’t decided yet)

Colorfree Friday: Sassy and I know It

Today’s Colorfree Friday is brought to you by Sunday.  And the letter G!

My black/white/grey wardrobe is getting better, I finally have enough stuff that I don’t have to wash my work clothes every other day, yay~  But I can always use a little more inspiration!  So here’s what I’m looking at right now.

Image from The Sartorialist

I don’t know who you are Random Internet Lady, but I love you!  You have the perfect style, and have managed to make wrinkles look dang sexy~ (the shirt, I mean)

 

Image from Models Off Duty

Black on Black on Black!  Not everyone can pull this look off; the key is having different textures and shade-matching your blacks!  Tricky, very tricky.

Also?  Not everyone’s complexion looks great with black ~near the face~.  It can be too harsh for some (myself included).  A lot of ladies are better off with a grey or other shade close to the face, otherwise you can look a little anemic, or a little aged.

So! F-ing! Cute!

And in the OH MY GOD I’M IN LOVE WITH THIS category, is this Dia de los Muertos cardigan.  I need this because of reasons!

 

Black & White: Now with added hilarity!

I was recounting the hilarity that is my new workplace dress code to my brother (and maybe griping, just a little~); he responded that at least I don’t have his dress code.  Turns out military boots are really uncomfortable, and will “do a job on your feet after twenty years.”  Good point.  Hmmm, guess I should count my blessings!  (This is why I love my brother, he really has a way of putting stuff into perspective)

So here’s what’s inspiring me on the black/white front!

Image via the Met Museum

Not that I could wear this to work, but I do love the beading details and the clean lines~

This pic is all about the shoes (the sartorialist)

I could aaaaaalmost make this work at work…

SPIKE BACKED BOOTS!

(Oh, god, the puns almost write themselves)  Crazy, yes, BUT AWESOME!  Also probably more comfortable than my brother’s boots…~