Short Sleeves...in the Winter...in the Northeast...

I work in an old building with the worst temperature regulating capabilities in the whole entire world. Yes, really. I checked. I am either so cold that a wrap myself in a blanket and hat or I pull out my bathing suit that I keep in my file cabinet when the heater does not realize that I really do mean 68 on the thermostat and not 90. Okay not really. A hat is overkill. Today's outfit is a compromise. At least I think it is.

The Wear:

Sweater: Banana Republic

Dress: Calvin Klein

Tights: Merona

Boots: White Mountain (I almost wrote White Castle which is awesome.)

The Where:

Work, the young one's holiday party where they will attempt to get a bunch of toddlers and preschoolers to sing songs in unison (oy vey), and home.

HAPPY FESTIVUS FOR THE REST OF US!

Sassy!

For some reason I find the word "sassy" absolutely hysterical. This outfit is not exactly sassy. This pose: maybe sassy. I've been wearing this color combination a lot. I think SP has been sending me subliminal messages or something because she's all over the purple/mocha combo. Because she is sassy.

The Sassy Wear:
Sweater: Laura Ashley

Dress: Calvin Klein

Tights: Target

Harness boots: White Mountain

The Sassy Where:

Office, store to pick up my winnings (I won a gift basket at a benefit), and....home.

Great Great Aunt Bea

Raise your hand if your outfit is inspired by your long deceased somewhat eccentric Great Great Aunt Bea? I thought so. Last night I went to a fundraiser for a therapeutic horse riding center at a store which sells costume jewelry. I spent most of the time trying to balance my wine and cheese on a little tray while trying to figure out what bedazzled headband would fit which niece. I successfully found Christmas gifts for the four younger nieces. Score! And while I was there, I decided to pick up a little something for myself. And that's when I saw it. It being this pin. A bright green and pinkish pin surrounded in fake black and green fur. Although it is ostentatious as all get out, I love it. I love it soooooooo much that I decided to where my black turtleneck and black plants so the pin becomes the ultimate focus of today's ensemble. And that, my friends, is what my Great Great Aunt Bea would do.

The Wear:

Brooch: All That Glitters

Turtleneck: Mossimo

Camisole: Forever 21?

Pants: Merona Fit 2

Shoes: Dansko Clogs (it's doing the wintry mix thing so I need to wear "sensible" shoes.)

The Where:

The office, preschool pickup, Qdoba for dinner with boy, Target for diapers, home and hopefully early bedtime as the young one is not feeling well, like me, and woke up at too early o'clock and wanted us to "Please stand UP!"

Comfy Cozy Day

And.........................Frumptastic is back. I decided to take a sabbatical during the warmer months because we traveled and I got distracted by shiny things. So anyway, I'm back. It's almost December and that means dressing in layers and trying not to look like a bulky roll. I titled my post "Comfy Cozy Day" because my son's preschool is having comfy cozy day and he dressed in a Middlebury sweatshirt and sweatpants this morning. Can I say, jealous much? We both have colds so sweats are much more appealing than office wear.

I suppose I am not dressed in comfy cozy. Instead let's call it "Librarian Chic." Once upon a time, okay yesterday, I wanted to be a librarian. So it is only appropriate that I dress like one today so I can pretend I am not what I really am. Follow?

This outfit is centered around a LAURA ASHLEY sweater. My teenage years centered around LAURA ASHLEY clothes when wearing floral dresses was really cool when you were 15. Wait, it wasn't? There was a Laura Ashely in our hometown and my brother's ex-girlfriend worked there so score! Bright blue and pink floral dresses galore! Now I do not think you can find a Laura Ashley store in the U.S. (at least not anywhere near me and that's what matters) so I can no longer drape myself in floral frocks. Sad. Actually, the last time I saw a Laura Ashley store was in Helsinki, Finland. Weird, right?

The Wear:

Sweater: LAURA ASHLEY (duh)

Dress: Mossimo

Tissue long sleeved tee: J. Crew

Tights: Target

Boots: White Mountain

The Where:

Office, Home. Not to the gym. Running in wool is itchy.

Where is Frumptastic?

I apologize for my lack of appearances on this blog as of late. I thought I would be able to take pictures, be creative in my outfits, etc. but it seems like that is just not happening. Work is a busy disaster, we've been traveling a lot, we are trying (in vain?) to sell our house and I'm focusing most of my (nervous) energy on my son's surgery a week from today. Frankly, I don't care what I'm wearing. Add in some body issues and you have a good mix for not wanting to get dressed up and take a picture of myself. I AM doing some things to resolve this problem.

First, I am returning to the gym. I hope that this will make me feel both physically and mentally better because right now, both fronts are not great.

Second, I am eating better. I am exploring some different recipes, healthful meals and snacks, and cutting out as much processed food as possible.

Third, I am giving myself a break. I hope to be ready to start posting entries with photos in September. I will try to express some thoughts here about body image and my process (hopefully it won't be too depressing) when I have the inspiration.

Yours in Frump,
Frumptastic
::Insert jazz hands here::

Worst Blogger EVAH!

I apologize for my lack of blogging. It seems that life has gotten in the way. We spent last week in Seattle for a little vacation. I planned on taking photos there but with all the business, I plum forgot! Having fun can get in the way of blogging too.

I did purchase a few new items for my wardrobe. We scurried up to a super fine outlet north of the city and I FINALLY bought some new gap jeans. I love their Long and Lean jeans because I don't have the constant fear I will be exposing some crackerage and they are not so high up that I could be on a commercial for Mom Jeans. Win win! I found two cute shirts in the BR Outlet two which are colorful, light and perfect for summer. I wore one yesterday and I plan on wearing the other on Friday. With my new jeans, of course!

Besides my lack of posting, I've been neglecting the gym and it shows. I plan on returning to said gym and getting all fit and sh*t. It will be rad fab (ridiculously fabulous!)

I hope to post tomorrow night. I'll have the good professor take a photo of me tomorrow night after work and from there, I shall go forth and POST!

Welcome Back, Frumptastic!

Well, hello! I apologize for my extended absence. I do not have a really good excuse other than I've been lazy about planning my outfits and relatively busy at work and home. It seems like a relaxing summer is not a reality and we have plans every other night. We are traveling to visit family in the Northwest tomorrow and my plan is to post every day out there. We will have different scenery and hopefully some fun outfits. Today The Professor took my photo out on the deck and if you can see in the front lower corner, there is a metal plant holder made to look like a cat. At first I thought I'd crop it out but I think Rusty Kitty sort of fits my style. Huh?

The Wear:
Jean Jacket: Banana Republic
Dress: Old Navy
Shoes: Mossimo

The Where:
Work, bank, pool party, home to finish last minute packing.

Weekend Wedding

This weekend my husband and I made a 1000 mile whirlwind tour to go to his brother's wedding. The ceremony and reception took place in Southie so needless to say, I was excited. Of course the only thing I know about Southie is Good Will Hunting. And yes, it is kind of like that. The wedding was in a reception hall above a bar and pretty low key. The bride and groom looked happy. The dress code varied from a long ball gown to jeans and a t-shirt. I have no idea where I fell in the spectrum other than I am in LOVE with my new Lilly Pulitzer shift dress that I found at...wait for it...T.J. Maxx. SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!! It might not have been the most flattering dress in the world because it was so straight but honey badger don't care because the pattern! Oh the pattern. Turquoise, yellow and black koi fish? Yes, please! I will need to work a little harder at Zumba to make this dress fit better because of late I've been slacking and well, it shows. We have another wedding at the end of July and hopefully this dress will work better for me. And again, it's another 1000 mile (that's round trip total) but it's all worth it.

The Wear:
Dress: Lilly Pulitzer (from T.J. Maxx!)
Shoes: Franco Sarto

The Where:
Wedding in Southie (our waitress even had a thick Irish brogue!)

The Suitable Alternative to a Suit

Thankfully, I work in an office where I do not have to wear a suit very much, if ever. Although I like wearing skirts and dresses, and suits are flattering, they are just too much effort. They are stiff and uncomfortable and I feel like I should be in court. Well, if I am wearing a suit, I usually am in court so yeah. There you go. Tonight we have our big board meeting and I might have to say something so this is my quick fix for a suit. Because it's a 174 percent humidity, I am not going to wear a suit. Instead, I am wearing a light white blazer with a full skirt as a suitable alternative. The skirt is actually brown and white but the damn iPhone makes it look black and white. It's comfortable and cool and I don't look completely frumpy in it. Frumptastic, maybe but not frumpy.

The Wear:
White summer blazer: Merona
Brown tissue tee: J. Crew
Brown and white full skirt: Willi Smith
Pink shoes: Mossimo

The Where:
Daycare, work, lunch with coworker, daycare, Co-Op, home, board meeting.

Glorifed Jammies

For some reason the little fella woke up at 4:40 a.m. and didn't feel much like falling back asleep. On top of that, I had some GI malfunction and felt pretty much like bleck. And for an extra special cherry on top, because I'm generous that way, the significant other left for a conference for the week. So needless to say, I did not feel like dressing in anything more than glorified jammies. Oh, and for a little something special, I didn't have enough time to do my hair so I put it back in headband. I look a bit like those Irish Step Dancers with the fake curly wigs. But hey, I'm half Irish. It comes naturally.

The Wear
Cardigan: Merona from Target
Dress: Old Navy
Shoes: xhiliration
Necklace: Superhero Jewelry
Headband: Etsy shop which is not longer available
Engagement Ring & Wedding Band

The Where:
Airport, daycare, work, ophthalmologist, work again, daycare again, home.

Socialite

Let's pretend for a moment that I really am a socialite and I am constantly being covered by my local paper's society section. Ok, stop laughing. I think if I were, this would be my go-to outfit. I feel very confident and comfortable. I'm business but relaxed (much like a mullet.) I'm indoors at the office and out by the water. It works for a Friday afternoon lunch and an evening for drinks by the bay. So there. I'm actually happy with what I'm wearing for a change. Cha cha cha!

The Wear:
Blouse: NY & Co.
Dress: Old Navy
Shoes: Mossimo

The Where:
Work, lunch with husband, pick up the boy, boy brought home to stay with babysitter, out for happy hour with work colleagues.

Eat, Nap, Love

Sometime in the last week, my husband and I watched Eat, Pray, Love. I had no interest in reading the book and honestly I never planned on watching the movie but when nothing else was on the other 873 channels, E, P, L was our only hope. And honestly, it wasn't that bad. I loved the scenery and locations. If my hypothetical publisher wanted to pay me to go eat a ton in Italy, get all centered and sh*t in India, and then lounge or be a guru's assistant in Bali, you probably wouldn't have to twist my arm too hard. However, I'd need to bring my son and husband. And perhaps my cats. And the dog. So my hypothetical trip finding myself and relaxing actually wouldn't be too relaxing because I would be trying to keep the boy out of the Roman fountains and trying to keep the dog from killing too much livestock.

What the heck does any of this have to do with this outfit? This is my effort at being all yoga zen relaxed today. The tunic is long and soft, the dress underneath is a cozy jersey and honestly feels like a nightgown (wait, am I wearing a nightgown at work?!) and the shoes are the most comfortable flats ever! No really, ever! I'm not sure if I've been totally zen today but at least I'm making the effort. Ommmm....

Oh, and I changed it to Eat, Nap, Love because I'm all about naps and not that there is anything wrong with prayer but I'm more familiar, at least I was, with naps.

The Wear:
Tunic: Merona from Target
Dress: Old Navy
Shoes: Mossimo
Necklace: Superhero Jewelry

The Where:
Home, Work, and the gym but I won't be wearing this to Zumba. Such a shame, no?

Everybody, Everywear: Itty Bitty Lace

Actually, I do have a very nice white lace shirt which would be cute with something; however, a lot of my clothes are in storage while we sell our house and I am afraid that shirt is one them. Sigh. So instead I am wearing a hint of lace to add color to this rather brown ensemble. It's actually one of my favorite camisoles which I purchased before going to Taiwan where I knew it would be steamy hot. Now that I am in cooler climate, I wear my camisoles under shirts for modesty (oh my!) and as I am here, to add a hint of color (despite the photo, it's more of a olive or pear color) and texture (lace.)

I find myself inspired by two themes of late: 1950's and 1960's fashion and the west. I am embracing outfits which flatter my curves because let's face it, I cannot really hide them. I plan to invest more time in thrift stores and looking for belts to cinch in my waist. On the other hand, I love the western look and if I could get my hands on a great, but reasonable, pair of cowboy boots, I would be pleased. These boots are the closest I can get to cowboy and this full skirt makes me think of a square dance, although I hated them in middle school!

The Wear:
Brown tissue tee: J. Crew
Camisole (with lace!): Elle by Kohls
Skirt: Willi Smith
Harness boots: White Mountain

The Where:
Work, telephone hearing with clients, Co-Op for rice milk for the boy, home

The Easter Bunny Meets Miami Vice

I am sure that there are days where my coworkers look at my outfits and think, say wha'? This might be one of those days. For some reason, I couldn't locate a short sleeved white shirt so instead I decided to go with a long sleeved pink tissue tee. Yes, I was in a hurry. No, I did not lay my outfit out last night. So sure, it is thrown together a bit but what the hell. If the Easter Bunny and Don Johnson from Miami Vice picked out an outfit, I'm sure this would fit the bill.

The Wear:
Blazer: Merona
Tissue long-sleeved tee: Merona
Tank: Banana Republic
Skirt: J. Crew
Shoes: American Eagle.

The Where:
Work, meeting with client, home. I will be changing into jeans for book discussion group.

Down by the boardwalk

If I lived by a boardwalk, I would like to be on it or perhaps even by it, as the song goes. And actually, it doesn't look at nice out so maybe stuck in my office will have to be the way to go. Lately I seem to be inspired by the 50's and 60's. Something about the ballet slippers and rolled up jeans make me feel like I should be bopping with a milkshake in hand and listening to some Beach Boys.


The Wear:
Pattern shirt: Banana Republic
Jeans: Gap
Belt: Gap
Shoes: Mossimo

The Where:
Work, grocery store, home.

Retro

For some reason, this outfit makes me feel late 1980's retro. I feel like I should be wearing these boots and listening to The Specials or Violent Femmes. I could be totally off but I'm getting that vibe. The skirt is actually a dress but I am feeling under the weather due to an unfortunate encounter with a falafel sandwich so a tee just felt more comfortable. The skirt has a funky pattern and the necklace goes along with it. It's sort of a geometric theme today, I suppose.

The Wear
Black tee: Old Navy
Dress: Old Navy
Shoes: Mossimo

The Where:
Work, home, salon

How Now!

Today I am wearing one of my favorite pair of shoes! They are brown and white fake cow hide sandals. Unfortunately, my front food got cut off and I don't have time to retake the photo, or a closeup of the shoes, so this will have to do. I bought them years ago when I lived out west. The backs have some chew marks from my very large pooch but they are not noticeable unless you are on the ground looking at my feet and if you are, ew! Go away, perv! The rest of the outfit basically was put together to go with the shoes. It's comfortable and cool for this hot humid day.

The Wear
Cropped white blazer: Merona
Dress: Target
Shoes: Franco Sarto

The Where:
Work, lunch out, the boy's ENT appointment, home

Busy Bee

Today I am quite busy at work so it is only appropriate that I am dressed like a bumble bee. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz... I think I need to invest in another wide belt because I'm liking the look. That's all I have for today as I said, today is a busy day and I'm waiting on some paperwork to be brought to me.

The Wear:
Shirt: J. Crew
Skirt: J. Crew
Tank: Banana Republic
Belt: Express
Shoes: American Eagle from Payless

The Where:
Work, home, salon

It Might Not Match

This outfit has been brought to you by Benadryl, allergies, and sleep deprivation! I am not 100% sure if this matches but I wanted to wear this skirt and I was too lazy to find a shirt which matched. Oh well. I almost took a picture of the outfit I work Saturday but dammit I didn't have time! All this house selling, open houses, keeping it immaculately extra clean. Bleck. I just want to lounge around in my underwear with chocolate wrappers thrown about. Is that too much to ask?

The Wear:
Shirt: J. Crew
Skirt (remixed): Willi Smith
Shoes (remixed): Mossimo
Necklace: Who the heck cares? (Or, I don't know)

The Where:
Work, home. Wow. That is yawn-worthy.

Friday Hoedown

Okay, I'm not going to a hoedown. For some reason with the rolled up jeans and the espadrille wedges, I feel a little bit country. Or maybe it's because I just went down to the "Rib Fest" for lunch. It is not a place this vegetarian likes to hang but out summer intern wanted to try the Tennessee ribs so away we went. I tried not to gag when I saw the whole pig rotating on a spit. Super gag.

So yes, the outfit. Actually, let's talk shoes. In case you haven't noticed, I wear flats 113% of the time. Today I decided to go all CRAZY and wear high heal wedges. They are actually the only type of heals I will wear without screaming Uncle! I tried to put a closeup photo of the shoes but it appeared upside down and I didn't want to strain anyone's neck trying to look at them. So, trust me, they are cute.

The Wear:
Cardigan (remixed): Motherhood Maternity (Not. With. Child.)
Beaded shirt: Boutique in San Diego from a gajillion years ago
Camisole: Banana Republic
Jeans (remixed): !it Diva
Belt (remixed): C. J. Laing
Espadrilles: Franco Sarto

The Where:
Work, Rib Fest, eye doctor, grocery store, cookout