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

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 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 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 1 - Easy Peasy!

You all know how much I love the color black as a wardrobe staple.  Although I can recall many outfits that don't feature black, I'm well aware that it is a dominant color in my closet.  I've entered a challenge with Urban Darling's Facebook page to not wear black for one full week (August 1 - 7). 

I figured that taking part in this challenge might help me get out of my "black and white" rut I've been in for the past few weeks.  I'm feeling pretty confident that this week will go by quickly and without too much pain.  I just hope my black clothes don't get to feeling too lonely. 

The options seem limitless with this geometric skirt.  It takes on a different look depending on the color I pair with it.  Thankfully I'm a fan of all of the colors on the skirt so it makes choosing a top fairly simple... see how I styled it here.

Do you see these new gladiator sandals?  I found these at Target this weekend for $7.98.  That's right... less than a ten spot! I couldn't pass up a sale that good... especially on a sandal that feels a little trendier than what I would normally buy.  For the most part they are pretty comfortable, however, the top of the sandal was rubbing pretty decently by the end of the day.  I found that unzipping the back an inch or so relieved a little bit of the discomfort. 

When the boyfriend is deeply involved in Fake Fantasy Football, I can make whatever face I want and he doesn't notice!

Outfit Details
Blue Ribbed Tank: Old Navy
Geometric Skirt: Merona via FreeStyle Consignment
Brown Gladiator Sandals: Mossimo via Target
Cream Belt - NY&Co via Ross

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

I Made It! -- Black Skirt with Yellow Detail

The Bed Head Foxy Curls giveaway is open until Saturday, July 30 at midnight... have you entered yet? 

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Two weekends ago I taught my cousin and a friend how to make a skirt from the pattern above. I chose an "easy-to-sew" pattern because I was helping people sew that were beginners. I also knew this would be a project we could start a finish in a day... and to be honest, I have project a.d.d. If I can't finish it pretty quickly, I lose interest!



I was so busy going back and forth between the two gals that I didn't have a chance to work on a skirt for myself.  So last Friday night I taught my boyfriend's daughter how to sew and I worked on a skirt for myself at the same time.  When I picked out my fabric I chose a fabric with a subtle yellow detail so I could expand the amount of things I have to wear with my favorite yellow shoes. Surprised?

Here are a few of the steps along the way...

 

Look closely and you can see the start of a pocket on the side panel.



Pinning the front panel to the side panel.



A better picture of the pocket after the side panel was attached to the front panel.

 

Doing a top stitch along the side seam and a close-up of the fabric.



I'm really happy with the finished product.  I think I may add a button in the middle of each of the pockets to hold them closed.  It would also help the skirt to look a little less bulky on the sides.  I like this pattern for the most part and will use it again.  It is easy enough for me to alter and was great as a quick project. 

While I've been sewing since I was in 5th grade, I don't usually prefer sewing clothes.  Most of my projects are blankets, bags, whimsical purses and other little projects.  I can't tell you how many clothing projects I've started and walked away from more than half way through. I either get overly ambitious with my pattern choices or I find that the size I picked is WAY too small a good ways into the project

My biggest advice to any beginning seamstresses (or even forgetful people like myself) is to go by your measurements and NOT your size.  Case in point - when I took my measurements, I fit in to a size 22 on the pattern and typically when I go shopping I buy anywhere from a size 12-16.

Something about a poofy skirt makes me want to spin like a little girl and jump around... and I took pictures to prove it! 

By the way, hair today is compliments of the Bed Head Deep Waver... I'm a fan! It heats up in 30 seconds, provided nice waves, and was really easy to use.  Thank you Bed Head for sending the Deep Waver!

Outfit Details
Skirt Pattern: Simplicity 2224
Skirt: I Made It!
White T-Shirt: Old Navy
Black Elastic Belt: New York & Company
Yellow Flower Wedges: Steve Madden via Off Broadway Shoes
Yellow Beaded Necklace: Macy's 

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

Viva Las Vegas

Last weekend was the girls trip to Las Vegas.  We had a great time but I only managed to get a few usable pictures - strangers never seem to slow down long enough to steady the camera for a decent photo.  Outfit photos from the first day seem to be the only usable ones on my camera!

*This may be one of my favorite "less than $20 outfits" ever!

I love the pattern and the colors on this skirt.  I'm hoping to find a top with royal blue accents soon. The outfit was super comfortable for travel - even the wedge shoes were easy to wear for the whole day.

I'm going to check with my friends that were on the trip to see if there are any other photos worth sharing.  Is that a sign of a good trip when you don't slow down long enough to take many pictures?

Outfit Details
Embellished Tank Top - Old Navy ($3 - can you believe it?)
Skirt - Merona via Free Style ($2 - can you believe it?)
Wedge Sandals - Franco Sarto via Ebay ($9 - can you believe it?)
Belt - NY&Co via Ross ($5 - can you believe it?)

Pomp and Circumstance

Today my little cousin, Lena, graduated from California State University, Chico... Go Lena!  It is always wonderful to watch a loved one reach such an incredible goal.  I'm positive she will go far in life.

My favorite thing about Lena's sense of style is that it is unpredictable.  She had on this fabulous blue gingham dress and cute, white heels with bows on the ankle straps.  The outfit had a retro feel and it looked great on her.  

My outfit pulled double duty this weekend.  I wore it to a friend's birthday party on Saturday night and then put it right back on to go to the graduation.  I know, I know... so unoriginal but I had to be out of the house a little after 6am and I didn't have enough energy to come up with anything different.  Plus the dress was just so bright and airy feeling.

Outfit Details
Maxi Dress - Ross
Teal Tank - Lauren Conrad via Chic Boutique Consignment
Denim Jacket - Baccini via Ross
White Flip Flops - Old Navy
Necklace - Cookie Lee
Heart-face Watch - Lucky Brand via Macy's

Case of the Cold Office

I've mentioned before that my new office has bipolar temperature issues so I have to be sure to grab a sweater or light jacket while getting ready in the morning.  I grabbed my hooded jacket because I thought the blue and the lime would play off of each other well.  

While I liked the way the colors worked with each other, I didn't like all of the volume at the bottom.  I think next time I will grab a shorter sweater or something a little more form fitting.  I feel like the jacket/pants combo made me look much larger than I would like. 

Outfit Details
Blue Hooded Jacket - kikaPaprika
Embellished Lime Tshirt - Old Navy
Black Cropped Pants - Larry Levine via Ross
Black Flats - Nicole via Ross

Back At It

 

I decided to take a few days off between my old job and my new job.  I had all of these grandiose ideas about how I would try to take pictures outside, update my blog, organize my closet, purge items that don't work any longer, and do all of my laundry.  Of that list, I did a few loads of laundry.  Where did the time go???  We had a production dinner at our house this weekend and much of my time off was spent cleaning and running around getting ready to have a bunch of people over.

#24 - She'll Be Headed 'Round the Mountain



Items 5, 19, 22, 28

#15 - A Pile Of Clothes

Items 6, 19, 23, 28

#1 Was Not Fun!

It started off with me staring at the 30 items, blinking, and then staring some more.  The first day should be the easiest right?  Not so.  I’m trying to consider what I have going the rest of the week so I don’t choose something today that I really wanted to wear tomorrow.  These aren’t good decisions to be making at 6:00 am.  I should have thought this through last night.



Items 1, 18, 19, 29



And... Action!

There is a monthly video newsletter that goes out to all of the employees in our department and this month’s installment featured our department’s mascot.  I often help out with the mascot by either being the character actor inside of the costume or by assisting the person in the costume.  This is a large costume weighing in at about 35lbs and visibility is low for the person inside.  Most of the today was spent helping my coworker in and out of the costume (Yay, no costume hair for me).  I was aware I would be helping with the mascot today but I didn’t take into account how much work goes in to these five minute video newsletters… about four hours just on the part of the actors, that’s how much!