Since I've Been Gone...

Wow, I'm out of the swing of things!  I figured I would give you a little recap of what I've been up to since the last post.

I was the winner of the "Wear No Black" challenge hosted by Urban Darling.  I got my Jill Milan clutch and it is beautiful!  Thank you so much Urban Darling.  Not only did I learn that I can do without black for extended amounts of time, but I got a fabulous clutch out of the learning experience.

Tank Top/The Loft, Skirt/White House Black Market via Chic Boutique, Black Sandals/Bass Outlet, Belt/Target, Necklace/Cookie Lee

I got dressed a few times.  Truth be told, I've had clothes on everyday... they just haven't all been this exciting.  I liked the animal-print feeling of the skirt paired with the safari looking belt.  If I'm ever on safari, remind me to grab this outfit!

Boyfriend and I went to Las Vegas for his brother's wedding.  It was a great weekend spent with family and everything that Vegas has to offer.  On our way home we came up the back side of the Sierra Nevada's and then dropped down in to Yosemite.  If you've never had a chance to get there, make plans to visit.  No matter how many times I've been, I can never get over the magnitude of everything in the park.  It was really just a very short drive down the mountain, into the valley and back out again but it was well worth it!

Lace Top/Target, Black Crops/The Loft, Floral Heals/Madden Girl, Jewelry/Cookie Lee

I've really been focusing a lot of time on my Cookie Lee business. In case you've haven't noticed, the majority of the jewelry I wear is by Cookie Lee.  I've been a consultant for three years now.  The first year I started my business took off like wild fire!  Since moving to the foothills, I just haven't put much effort in.  Now, I'm back on it!  You can check out the jewerly at http://www.cookielee.biz/esuite/home/tiffanymorris.  If you would like to place an order, you can email me at blingandsparkle(at)gmail(dot)com or you can do so on the website.  If place the order by emailing me, mention The Clothed Commuter and you can take advantage of Buy one, get one 1/2 off if you order before September 30.

Conni, one of the hostesses of the evening - Some of the fantastic CAbi clothing - One of the guests and myself modeling

My friend Erin and her mother Conni hosted a CAbi party earlier in the week.  Although I look at the site regularly, I'd never been to a home show.  It was great to see the pieces in person.  My pictures don't do the colors justice and the fabrics felt wonderful.  If you'd like to check out the collection... the pieces are really timeless and well made. If you are in the Nevada or Placer County area, contact Melissa Parrett.  She was great about answering questions and suggesting styles.
 
And that, my friends, is just a small recap of what I've been up to over the last month!

I'm Fallin' For You!

I decided to go super casual for my visit with my sister and niece today so I went with these super stretchy cropped jeans and white tank.  The whole thing felt so plain-jane so I grabbed this t-shirt scarf I made a few months back. 

While going up the walkway to the front door I tripped and biffed it big time.  Clumsy isn't a word I would use to describe myself, but I felt like such a klutz as I was falling toward the cement.  My sister lives on a pretty busy street and while I was laying on the ground (thankfully behind a hedge) I kept thinking "Maybe I should just stay here for a minute so that anyone that might have seen me fall will be way down the street by the time I get up." 

The teal and white striped shirt I used to make this scarf had become a little warn looking over time.  I liked the colors but couldn't see myself wearing this shirt any longer in its current state.  I made the scarf in early March and in late March, Indiana at Adored Austin posted this tutorial.   Coinsindence or another case of great minds thinking alike?

Thankfully, I was mostly unscathed by the fall.  I scratched up my knee a bit and chipped a nail (really frustrating).  My sister had a beautiful shiny teal nail polish and a sharpie handy so guess who has a new leopard print manicure?  I dabbed a bit of the teal polish right over the chip and no one is the wiser - except for those of you that are reading this of course!

Outfit Details
White Tank: Gap Outlet
Jean Cropped Pants: Gap
Shiny Sparkly Sandals: Bass Outlet
Scarf: I Made It! (out of an Old Navy t-shirt)
Bronze Bracelet: Cookie Lee
Turquoise Earrings: Cookie Lee

Strawberry Shortcake

Were you a fan of Strawberry Shortcake as a child?  I loved everything about that wonderful smelling character.  This outfit reminded me of something she might have pulled out of the closet.



Link

This is one of the skirts I picked up on a recent trip to Goodwill.  I gravitated toward the pattern immediately.  The combination of pink, green and red is so festive and goes with so many things in my closet - yummy!  And at $5.99 for a DKNY City skirt, the price was right on the mark!

Outfit Details

Pink Tank: The Loft ($8)

Striped Skirt: DKNY City via Goodwill ($5.99)

Brown Nautical Wedges: Franco Sarto via Ebay ($10)

White Woven Belt: New York & Co via Ross ($5)

Necklace: Cookie Lee

Leather and Sivler Bangle: Cookie Lee



I Made It! -- Skirt Refashioned From Men's Dress Shirts

On a recent trip to the thrift store I picked up a few men's dress shirts. 

I tried to choose shirts that color coordinated with one another so I could combine the different fabrics in one project if I wanted - blues and greens for my first project.  I wasn't sure how many shirts I might need so I picked up 5 at $3.99 each and left Goodwill spending less than $20.



Another look at the patterns of the shirts.

With my recent skirt obsession, I decided that would be my first project with the shirts.  I used the pattern from the skirt I made a few weeks ago and modified it by folding each of the pattern pieces in about an inch - I did this to make the skirt less full.  Then I chose the two shirts on the left (see above picture) for the skirt.  For the front and back panel I used the blue shirt and for the side panels I used the green shirt.  It was looking a little plain so I added the blue ruffles to the lower portion of the green side panels.

I then sewed the front panels to the side panels in blue/green/blue/green order.

I finished up the hemline and added and elastic waist to the skirt.

Viola...  

I have a skirt refashioned from men's dress shirts!

I love my new skirt!  It was breezy and airy for a hot summer day.  I can't wait to make another.



Outfit Details

Navy Ribbed Tank: Old Navy

Skirt: I Made It!

White Flippy Floppies: Old Navy

Necklace: Cookie Lee

Wear No Black Week: Day 7 - Blue, Orange and White

Day seven of the Wear No Black Week challenge hosted by Urban Darling.

This top found its way into my fitting room on a recent trip to Chic Boutique in Auburn, Ca.  I liked the airy feeling of the cut and the blue on blue gingham.  As I looked at the top, I kept thinking I could possibly make something similar myself. 

I headed up to my mom's house (in the middle of no-where) so I wanted to be comfortable for the 45 min car ride and then just lounging around her house for the day.  I probably should have avoided the white shorts in hind sight.  With the little dogs jumping on and off of my lap, the shorts were a little dingy by the end of the night. 

And do you know what this ridiculous face means?  It means that I've completed my Wear No Black Week challenge successfully!  Look forward to a recap and some suggestions about how to incorporate more color into your wardrobe.

Outfit Details
Blue Gingham Top: Cecico via Chic Boutique
Orange Ribbed Tank: Old Navy
White Shorts: Old Navy
White Flippy Floppies: Old Navy

Necklace: Cookie Lee

Wear No Black Week: Day 6 - Yellow and Grey and a Night at Naggiar

Day six of the Wear No Black Week challenge hosted by Urban Darling.

Our friends recently visited a winery off of the beaten path in Nevada County and had nothing but great reviews. They suggested we all head out to Naggiar Vineyards to enjoy some music and wine on Saturday night.  It was a beautiful evening in the foothills of Northern California.  The heat wasn't staggering, the music was nice and the scenery was fantastic. 

Knowing it would be pretty warm, I grabbed my flowy yellow top and grey cropped pants... and of course, my favorite yellow shoes!  I find that drinking white wine is always a safer option while wearing a light colored top so I had a crisp glass of blended white wine - La Contessa Sylvana.  The one on the left was the Barbera - also delicious!  I'd highly recommend the drive out the Naggiar Vineyards if you are looking for something to do on a Saturday night before the warm weather leaves us.  It is was definitely out of the way but the property is gorgeous and the wine is tasty.



2008 Barbera and 2009 La Contessa Sylvanna

How fantastic is this view?  There were children running up and down the hill by the lake, groups with picnic baskets enjoying their snacks, and couples dancing the the music.  I think I may have found a new favorite spot to enjoy summer evenings!

Outfit Details

Yellow Top: Gap Outlet

White Tank: Target

Grey Cropped Pants: New York & Co

Yellow Wedge Sandals: Steve Madden

Necklace: Cookie Lee

Bracelet: Beach Vendor in Cabo San Lucas

Wear No Black Week: Day 5 - Fit to be Tied

Day five of the Wear No Black Week challenge hosted by Urban Darling.

 

I started the day in denim and this brown ruffle detailed top.  I spilled something on the front of the shirt causing a grease stain.  I went in to the kitchen at work and attempted to get the stain out by putting a little water and soap on the spot.  Within a few moments there was a wet spot (basically, the size of the lower half of the shirt).  Thankfully the black hole known as my trunk had a spare shirt, a tie-dyed shirt, so I decided to go a little more casual than normal rather than wearing a soaking wet shirt.

Last summer a load of white clothes was infiltrated by a black sock and the load was washed on hot.  I won't name any names or point any fingers but most of the load was this terrible color, dingy, grey color and a few of the items had big splotches of grey. This top was one of the victims.  My sister had plans to tie-dye a few things so I brought along this shirt.  I was really pleased when we untied the shirt and looked at the pattern and the vibrancy of the colors.   

Have you done any refashions on items that were damaged in a wash-load gone wrong?

Outfit Details

Brown Ruffle Front Shirt: Down East Basics

Tie-Dyed Tank: Old Navy -- dyed by me!

Denim Crops: Gap

Brown Wedge Sandals: Bass Outlet

Abalone Shell Necklace: Cookie Lee

Wear No Black Week: Day 4 - Teal and Floral

Day four of the Wear No Black Week challenge hosted by Urban Darling.

I've been dying to wear this dress for quite a while.  And by "quite a while" I mean, since I bought it... over two years ago!  I got it at Gottschalk's in Auburn before the chain went under. Come to think of it, I did wear it one time but the arms were so uncomfortable that I walked around like a Tyrannosaurus Rex for the whole day in fear that I would rip the sleeves off if I made any grand gestures with my arms (such as reaching for a door handle, pencil or simply brushing the hair out of my face).

Two years later I got out the scissors and cut the band of the sleeve off.  I think it freaked the boyfriend out just a little when I walked in to the bedroom at 11pm with a sharp set of sheers and an intense look on my face.  He probably breathed a sigh of relief as I passed him and went straight toward the closet, took hold of the cuff on one of the sleeves of this dress and started cutting like a crazy lady.  He still looked a little puzzled until I explained that I could never wear this dress until I took the cuffs off.  Boyfriend actually had to help me take it off the one time I wore it (get your mind out of the gutter) when I literally couldn't get the darned thing off because the cuffs were stuck on my upper arm. Only slightly embarrassing.

Last night while I was in a project sort of mood, I grabbed this dress and finally finished it off! I thought this bright and cheery color would be great for a week in which I could wear no black!  Often when I'm wearing a monochromatic outfit, I feel like there are more liberties to grab the crazier or more colorful accessories... so these shoes seemed like a great match up!
 

Outfit Details
Dress: Susan Lawrence via Gottschalk's (long gone)
Floral Peep Toe Heals: Madden Girl via TJ Maxx
Silver Sparkly Disc Necklace: Cookie Lee

Wear No Black Week: Day 3 - Gingham and Pearls

Day three of the Wear No Black Week challenge hosted by Urban Darling.

I think I've mentioned before that I need to a) clean my closet, b) pick out my outfit the night before.  No surprise, I haven't done either yet.  This morning I was running around my room looking for a specific skirt and could not find it anywhere.  That meant that the outfit I had in mind was scrapped and I had to come up with something entirely different.  I COULD find the white pants and I just went with it from there.  I really love the feeling of this light-weight gingham top and thought it would be a fun match.

Still avoiding black, I reached for these red, white, and blue wedges my sister gave me a while back.  Look mom, I'm pattern mixing!  I thought the plaid with the gingham was a little whimsical so I went with it. 

Outfit Details
Blue and White Gingham Top: Old Navy
White Ribbed Tank: Old Navy
White Wide-Leg Pants: Gap
Red, White and Blue Plaid Wedges: Gap via my sis Erica (thanks again sis)
Pearl Necklace and Bracelet: Cookie Lee

Wear No Black Week: Day 2 - Peaches and Denim

Day two of the Wear No Black Week challenge hosted by Urban Darling's Facebook page.

My first instinct was to pair my peach blouse with my brown skirt this morning.  Once I put it on, I realized it was just a boring substitution for black and I was hoping for something a little more lively than that.  The peach colored top with the blue in the denim did feel a little more interesting although not very creative.   

I went to my local Goodwill at lunch and found three awesome skirts.  I've decided I'm just not a huge fan of pants anymore.  They have their place and I'm not ready to toss them out but I just feel better when I wear a skirt.  Prettier, more feminine, put together, maybe even sassy. Back to the story... I went in to just look around and wound up with a black and white paisley (Jones New York) skirt that I intend to shorten by about 24 inches, a peach colored a-line skirt (can't remember), and a fantastic pink and green striped  number (DKNY).  For less than $15 I ended up with 3 skirts that are very different from any that I have in my closet.  I'll post pictures tomorrow because I'm just too tired to hang them up and take photos tonight!

Outfit Details
Peach Cowl Neck Top: Ross
Denim Skirt: Merona via Target
Sequined Sandals: Bass Outlet
White Woven Belt: NY & Co
Silver Necklace: Cookie Lee

Another Black and White Number

It's not too late to enter the Bed Head Foxy Curls giveaway.

You have until Saturday, July 30 at 11:59 PM.  Good Luck!

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 Hi, I'm Tiffany, and I love black and white... *Hi Tiffany* 

Oh, but wait... I put on red too.  Really stepping outside of the box on that choice!  This picture was taken on my first day back to work after returning from Cabo.  Half of my clothes were in the hamper and I needed something comfortable and simple. Check and Check.

Boyfriend and I picked up the bracelet in Cabo from a beach vendor.  If you've never been to Cabo, here is how the exchange goes...

I walk over to a vendor with a jewelry case and peruse for something I like.  I knew I wanted a piece of hammered silver so I just needed something to catch my eye.  Once I find the piece I like, I do a little bargaining myself to see how much the vendor will budge.  I NEVER carry the money with me while looking.  Then I call the boyfriend over and let the vendor know that HE (now pointing to boyfriend) is the one calling the jewelry purchasing shots.  Boyfriend barters with the jewelry vendor until we reach a prediscussed price OR we walk away... there will always be another vendor to come along.  On this particular day we scored the cuff for $20 and I was happy with the price we reached.

Boyfriend is the ultimate bargainer.  I'm pretty sure the vendors tell tales of the loud Italian that walks the beaches of Cabo nearly stealing the items by driving such a hard bargain.  I think I actually heard a mariachi band sing a song about the Italian Bargainer of Cabo... then again the song was in Spanish and I don't always understand all of the lyrics.

Outfit Details
White Sweater Top: Old Navy
Red Ribbed Tank: Merona via Target
Black Cropped Pants: The Loft
Black Sandals: Bass Outlet
Mixed Metals Necklace: Cookie Lee
Silver Cuff Bracelet: Beach Vendor in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Flower Power

There is still time to enter the Bed Head Foxy Curls giveaway.

Be sure to leave your email address so I have a way to let you know you won!

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This title may be a little deceiving... because this outfit didn't make me feel powerful at all - I felt a little like a wall flower.  The floral pattern feels so feminine and girly but I was having a hard time pairing it with anything this morning.  The brown capri pants didn't clash so on they went.  Truth is, I really need to clean and organize my closet so I can find things in the morning.  The look was unoffensive but I'm not dying to recreate this look anytime soon.

The whole outfit felt a little blah so I put on the bronze and pearl necklace in an attempt to dress up the outfit a little. It seemed to at least finish off the look. 



Thankfully the boys liked the look.  Then again, aren't dogs color blind? 

Either way, I enjoyed their enthusiasm over the ensemble!

Outfit Details

Floral Flowy Top: Jovovich Hawk for Target via FreeStyle Consignment

Brown Capri Pants: Gap Outlet

Brown Wooden Flip-Flops: Candies

Pearl and Bronze Necklace: Cookie Lee

Instant Sleeves (and a pesky hair)

I checked the mail after vacation and found a white envelope package with my name on it.  I don't do a lot of online shopping for clothing so I couldn't think of what it might be.  When I opened it up, I found LucieLu Instant Sleeves in taupe.  I entered the online giveaway hosted by Jessica at Surely Sonsy and I WON!  It was such a fantastic little surprise to find in the mail.

I know we've seen a very similar outfit just recently but the taupe in the instant sleeves matched the taupe in the design and I had to take the skirt out for a spin again.  These little sleeves are great.  I was able to keep the slim silhouette of the camisole and I was able to make it work appropriate.  Some of the details that are hard to see are the pucker at the shoulder and the slight gathering that run the length of the sleeves. LOVE.

I'm now debating what color to pick up next!  Thank you Jessica and Lucie Lu!!!

This stupid hair would not behave.  I must have redone my "poof" a half dozen times to try to get that little sucker to behave... but to no avail.  A coworker even came by to try to help with that little devil horn.  Guess what?  It popped right back up!  Oh well...

Outfit Details
Instant Sleeves - Lucie Lu via Surely Sonsy giveaway
Black Camisole with Lace Detail - Express
Floral Skirt - Apt 9 via Goodwill
Black Flats - Nicole via Ross
Necklace - Cookie Lee 

Gingham and Birthdays

The weather forecast for June 28th was for rain and cooler temps so I didn't think twice about grabbing chinos and a button down shirt to keep myself properly covered for this unusually cool weather.  The look was a little drab with just the top and pants so I grabbed for the brightest belt I have.  I was pleased with how the look came together.  I did chuckle a little though when I pulled up my blog roll and found another snazzy lady rocking the blue gingham on her daily outfit post.


Lena - Erica - Tiffany

After work on Tuesday, I headed over to Blue Nami sushi to celebrate Erica's (my middle sister) birthday.  A little bit of rain freakin' down poor didn't stop us from enjoying family time and yummy sushi.  Lena, Erica and I are all Cancers.  Our birthdays are all within a week of each other - ok, so they are seven years younger, but who's counting?

Brooklynn and Momma


The great thing about having a baby around family gatherings is that there is never any lull what-so-ever - her entertainment value is priceless.  She is babbling, drinking water out of her sippy cup, trying to pull off my jewelry, playing drums on the table, and in general, being just about the cutest thing ever.

Baby B isn't afraid of going bold with colors!

Did I mention that she is a good sport? I'm the mean auntie that handed her a lemon wedge - it was hysterical. I wish we would have captured the squidgy face expression she had with the first taste.  Maybe I should feel bad about handing her something so sour but after the first time, she kept grabbing the lemon and putting it back in her mouth - still making a face each time of course!

Outfit Details
Blue Gingham Ruffle Buttondown: Old Navy
Grey Chinos: NY & Co
Pink Skinny Belt: Target
Black Flats: Nicole via Ross
Necklace: Cookie Lee

Skirt: This Way or That Way?

New-to-me Goodwill skirt

I brought this skirt home with the intent of deconstructing it and and making it in to a summery top for my upcoming trip to Cabo.  But then I got it home and decided to give it a shot before I got out the seem ripper.  Now I think I'm sold on it as a skirt. 

I found this skirt at my local Goodwill and there are still some things I just can't get over while I'm in there.  EVERY time I've been in there I've experienced:

• A Von Trapp sized family of screaming children that all seem to belong to the same family.  I realize it is cruel and unusual to leave a gaggle of children in the car during the summer, but it is annoying to have to listen to each of your eight kids should crying, shouting and carrying on!
• A shopper that wants to be in my exact location at all times "C'mon, pick a different isle or section until I've had a chance to browse this 2ft section... yes you!  Move along!"
• A man in the women's shoe section in serious contemplation over a pair of shoes - "Are you buying shoes for yourself?  Or does your wifey trust you to bring home a fabulous pair of shoes for her from the Goodwill?" 
• The smell! Does a person ever really get over the smell of a thrift store?  I'm beginning to think I should stick coffee beans in my nose while browsing to neutralize the "thrift store stink."

When I got dressed in the morning, I left the black and pink layered tank tops untucked.  When I got home I decided to see what it looked like with them tucked in... I will be going with the look on the right next time.  I feel like the look on the left draws a little more attention to my mid section.  The look on the right shows off the different pattern on the waist of the skirt and I think it looked a little more polished.

This way or that way? What do you think?  To tuck, or not to tuck?

Outfit Details
Black V Neck Tank: Express
Rose Tank: Loft
Floral Skirt: Apt. 9 via Goodwill
Rose Sandals: American Eagle Outfitters
Necklace: Cookie Lee

**By the way, I will be on vacation in Cabo San Lucas from July 2-9.  I have guest bloggers lined up during the week and I'm excited to read their take on style.  Stop by and show them some love!**

Super Casual

Let's hear it for a super casual Friday look!

I seldom dress this casual for work but there were a number of reasons I felt comfortable enough to wear this to work last Friday.  Every two years the company I work for has to go through a certification process and the time leading up to it can be a little stressful. We have a general idea of when they will show up, as in a one month window. On the day of the visit we get (at most) two hours notice before the representative shows up.  We had our review on the Thursday prior and passed with flying colors... 100% baby!  Our files were not only in order, we were told they were a fantastic example of how a file should look.  We exceeded many of the commission's standards and felt a great sense or relief (maybe a little pride) after hearing her thoughts on how we are handling things in the office.

Knowing that we'd passed our certification (and kicked ass on it) I thought I could get away with the ripped jeans.  There are certain people that feel that overalls or sparkly graphic t-shirts are appropriate for the office but I tend to disagree.  Realistically, the office is pretty casual but I just don't feel profesh enough wearing something like this daily.  But Friday felt a little like a holiday so I went with it! 

I was very pleased with how the look came together.  It's aways fun to pair a masculine piece (the ripped jeans) with a feminine piece (the white top).  I'm a huge fan of white tops and I'm guilty of buying way to many of them.  But, this one isn't your average white shirt!  When I found this top, what caught my eye was the beautiful detailing on the front and the sheer quality to the rest of it.  I played with the contrast of the picture below so you could really see the detail.  It looks a bit like an antique doily and gives the top a beautiful feminine touch.



I will definitely be on the look-out for more tops by this designer - Daniel Rainn.  When I did a google search I saw that most of the tops have a similar feeling with the light weight, flowing material and lace details. Love!

Outfit Details

White Doily Top: Daniel Rainn via TJ Maxx

Jeans: Express

Shoes: Bass

Shell Necklace: Cookie Lee

Turquoise/Gold Earrings: Cookie Lee