Linen and things

Finally we are somewhat up to date.  I actually wore this outfit today, go figure.  I'm pretty much running out of clothing that I wear all the time so I have to dip into stuff I wore last year or the year before.

This top is actually BCBG, I think I have a thing for them.  I've had it forever and a day, bought it from L&T for the original price of like $75 dollars.  I think that's a ridiculous price for a shirt but seeing as I've worn it countless times and it washes well, it's worth it.  It's linen, hence the title of this post but it's also got these silver threads woven throughout the entire shirt which gives it these really pretty sheen. 
The pants are from the Gap, they were some cheapies for under $20 bucks I'm sure.  I've had them for so long that I really have no idea when they were purchased or how much they were exactly but they've been around for ages.
My neck piece is from Anthro, it's actually one of the first pieces I bought there years ago.  I actually forgot that I owned it and was going for dangly earrings when I spotted the necklace this morning.  Nothing like a statement necklace to just cap off the outfit.
My shoes are my suede Arturo heels from L&T, they're a nude so I usually just rock them when I need a neutral shoe.  They're super comfy and very versatile.

These pictures are making me realize that I need to get my hair colored desperately.  I was just going to throw a box color in but I really want some depth this time so I'm going to go professional.  I hope I don't regret this!

Love a dress down day...

Friday comes and Friday goes but everyday is a day to shine. 

Picked up this shirt at Anthro a while back for like $20 bucks.  I love the fact that the tail is long and there's a slit up the back.  When I'm not at work I usually just go bra-less but as this is work I put on my bright yellow tank from Madewell.
 These jeans are my Levis that I purchased in Harlem at Dr. J's for around $30 or $40 bucks, these things fit like a glove.
I figured I should rock these Bass shoes that I've been dying to put on forever.  They're just so hard to work into an outfit so I have to be really careful not to look like a dweeb!  These shoes were around $40.  I originally found them on my Shopstyle app on the iPad and purchased them online.  I could have gone down a size as the 7.5 is a little big.  Doesn't matter though cause they're super chic.  I'm thinking about rocking these for Fashion Night Out in September with a mini skirt and my see-through sweater.  We'll see, it just sounds a little crazy!

I wanted to get these in the blue and red too but as I barely wear these I figured it was unnecessary to have two pairs.  I would like to see if I can find an oxford for the winter months, that's probably going to take some patience as I've been looking for the past two years. 

Nana

This is Nana, he's one of the interns at the office.  He came in on Friday in these pants and this top and I just knew I had to ask for a picture.  I love the fact that he put together two colors that usually wouldn't work but color blocking is in big time.  He reminds me of my cousins, they love to put together preppy ensemble's that are usually off kilter but always seem to work.  I hope to photograph them at some point and showcase their style. 

Nana is confident in is choices and the boat shoes and brown leather belt add a nice touch.  You go boy!

I don't know...I just felt like it...

I just don't know why people don't like to mix and match patterns.  I've been dying to wear this shirt with these pants for so long but the shirt was extra tight.  Perhaps all this exercise is shrinking my boobs...hope not, I've finally grown accustomed to them.  Perhaps my back is finally decreasing; unfortunately I doubt it.

So, this top is from F21, got it for like $15 dollars.  As I said before, I really haven't gotten much wear out of this shirt lately as it didn't fit but I used to wear it all the time.  I'm just not good at throwing stuff away, so in my closet it stays until I either get bigger or smaller...preferably smaller.
The pants I've worn several times before, they're from Anthro and they were around $20 bucks.  I just adore them, I would love to wear them with heels but I just can't grasp what type of outfit that would be.
Of course these are my offending shoes by Jessica Simpson.  They still hurt like a bitch but they're so beautiful that I don't give a shit!

Stripes and Stripes forever!

I love to wear stripes in alternate sizes and directions. 

This top was from Anthro for a VERY small amount, like under $20 bucks but they should have given it to me for free cause it's breaking down fast.  I find a new hole in this shirt every time I wear it but I feel like it's just so cute that I don't care.

The pants are from Ann Taylor, I bought them one of my 8 hour shopping trips with my sister.  I feel like it was my last trip.  We had gone to Wooster, MA and she shopped for a total of 8 hours...I timed it!  I never went with her again.  I'm not a marathon shopper, I like to get in and get out...I'm like a man that way.  I don't usually shop in Ann Taylor as I feel like everything matches too much but I just need to get in there and get what I want and get out. 
This belt was from Anthro, got it for $20 bucks.  I get so much wear out of it as it's a summer or winter accessory.  I actually believe I purchased it last winter which is surprising as it just seems like it should be a summer accessory.
These shoes are from the shoe bar and yes they're turquoise.  They are very old and they were super duper cheap.  I believe they're Seychelles, one of the best things about these shoes is that they came with a shoe bag which comes in handy for traveling.

Strike a pose

This is the crap I'm talking about with JP Higgy, I had to do a pose off all the way back to my desk cause I knew he would be snapping pictures.

Pose

So, this is my Joe Fresh tunic, can't remember how much it was but it wasn't expensive and I love it.  These are my Gap pants that I've had forever and I can wear them in the winter and summer.  As you know I love a purchase that can be worn at anytime.  I've dyed these pants a few times already as they're old but they still fit so why can't I just keep wearing them?
These BCBG sandals were purchased at L&T so long ago that I really don't remember how much they were.
Lastly, the tank is another Madewell purchase for $10 bucks.  They are a great staple, I've gotta go back in and see if they have another other colors for $10.

Is that my phone

Pose

Pose but look...

It is my phone

May I help you?

Gimmie my phone crazy!

Green Machine

I don't know if anyone knows this but I love green...I'm kidding, I'm sure I have said that time and time again.  Here's one of my favorite shirts that I purchased from Uniqlo for $29 bucks.  I pretty much wear this shirt all the time with just about anything.  I wish I would have gotten the red and the blue one too but hindsight...

These pants I purchased from the Gap for 40something dollars on sale.  I'm sure they're much more expensive now as I bought them in the beginning of the summer.  I felt like I needed them just like I feel like I need all this crap so it's hard to talk me out of a purchase.
I decided to pair them with my snake skin shoes that I purchased from Nordstom's for some astronomical price.  I just wanted an animal print shoe so bad that I had to have them.  I've had them for a while now, at first they were tough to break in.  I'm always in these shoes now though so I feel like I got my monies worth.
The belt is also snake skin and came from L&T for all of $15 bucks.  Jesica had to make another hole in it for me as I didn't realize that I purchased a large.  Good thing that lady can wield a hammer. 

Wardwedj's bday

This is Jes, finally a picture of her right!!?????  It was her birthday on August 3rd and she wanted to roller-skate, I get it, she likes the 80's.  Imagine our surprise when we entered the time warp that is Middletown Roller Skating rink.

Look at the muscle's on this girl!!!  We work out hard in the mornings so she deserves those arms.  Jessica always looks good in a pair of skinnies, she has a bod to die for!  Happy Birthday girl!

I just realized that I have some really strong friends.  This is my girlfriend Erin; she can lift a mattress by herself, I'm talking about an Ikea mattress but a mattress none the less.  Erin always has fabulous hair, it's thick and takes nicely to short hair cuts. 

Yes, I roller skated as well.  Once that drip of sweat started moving down my back though I figured it was time to end it.  My choice of outfit was a romper type onesie that I purchased at Urban Outfitters for $11 bucks.  It's linen so I figured I could wear it even if I got too hot...which I was.  This was one of my best purchases from Urban Outfitters, I usually find that everything in there is so young but this is something anyone can wear. 

Dr. Scholls, where have you been?

Casual Friday!  I don't really know what they expect on casual Friday in corporate America but this is how I roll.  

So, I went through a bag of shoes the other day and found my old Dr. Scholls just hanging out waiting to be plucked from that bag.  I also found my ballet slippers and my zebra print driving shoes.  I probably won't wear the slippers and driving shoes but the Dr. Scholls are back in high rotation.

This cute little shirt was purchased in Anthro for $20 bucks, crazy thing is it's a small.  I guess this top is supposed to fit differently but I like it like this.  I love green so this caught my eye immediately. 
The blue shorts are from the Gap, got them for $20.  I felt like I needed another pair of shorts as most of the ones I have right now can only be worn to the beach or are too tight.  This was well worth the purchase

Wrap it up!

I love a wrap dress, I might have like 6 of them in all different flavors.  This particular cutie was purchased at Banana Republic for $19 bucks.  I usually don't wear it too often as my stomach has to be flat or else it's painful for everyone involved. 

My yellow tank was from Madewell, another great tank purchase for $10.  I'm surprised but I seem to wear this tank with everything from salmon to black to anything.  It's weird that this color pretty much goes with everything and I never really noticed it before. 
The necklace came from J. Crew for a whopping $20, I saw it and just fell in love.  I don't usually shop in J. Crew as I find it to be expensive but I like to walk through every once in a while as you never know what you're going to find.  This bracelet was from the Ontario Museum of Art, it was cheap as it's plastic with some cord wound through it.  As you know, I love a museum gift shop.
These shoes are from Nine West and they were the most expensive item at $50 bucks.  They're super high so I had to stay seated most of the day and bring my change of flipflop to drive.

Eggplant jersey

I purchased this dress last year to wear to Sonia and Steve's wedding.  I like to purchase items that I can wear to all occasions if at all possible.  This dress can be dressed up or taken down a notch.  It's stretchy and comfortable and I really like this color surprisingly.  Coming from a girl that used to only love black this is a big improvement.  I think this would be the only purple I could stand as the thought of things like lilac make me want to vomit. 

So, I got this dress in Macy's, I usually don't purchase much from Macy's but they do have a section with Rachel Roy, Kendie and Bar III which is the label of this particular dress.  I can't remember how much the dress was but it couldn't have been too expensive or else I wouldn't have purchased it. 
The necklace was purchased on the street in San Francisco for around $25 bucks.  The streets of San Francisco are paved with jewelry of every kind.  I pared it with some wood and silver bracelets and a green glass ring I purchased at Ten Thousand Villages for $5.
Here is another pair of gladiators that I completely forgot I owned.  I realize that I wear the black BCBG's so much because I just have to zip up the back, these have to be buckled twice on both feet.  These sandals are Sam & Endelman, they used to be bright green but after years of wear in the heat and sometimes rain the color changed to this dark brownish green.  They are still stunners though and they're super comfy, I usually don't wear them surprisingly unless I'm desperate.

Love a natural look

I was in PF Chang's last week getting saucy with JP Higgy.  I love me some Chinese 88 which is gin and champage and the crab wontons, I was saucy and full. 

So, we were just having a little chat about this and that from sneakers to hats and in walks this natural beauty.  Her hair reminded me of a time when I used to walk around with big natural curls.  I don't miss those days but I can appreciate what natural girls go through.  Her name is Stacy and she's just stunning!

Stacy didn't really want to take this picture but no one really can say no to me especially as I'm so persuasive and complimentary.  She was just so put together and absolutely darling. 

Above is evidence of said hair, whenever I look at this picture I get nostalgic for my hair but then I think of the amount of time it took to get my hair like that and my feelings change immediately.  Between the application of a curling cream, tying back the hair so the excess water can come out without making it too dry, diffusing in sections, tying back again to stretch the curl and diffusing again on low upside down - it was really just too much.  There's my gorgeous twin that's older than me by 4 years, Stephen.

Cut this $#!+ off!!!!

This lady finally got a much needed haircut.  I can't believe I let it grow out so long, it was almost downright unruly.  I feel like I couldn't do anything with it.  I'm torn between growing it back out and just keeping it short.  I have got to get an appointment for a color because that color I added earlier is fading fast.

It's so much easier to deal with than that long hair I had, the cuts are a beeeeaaatch to keep up though.  Who wants to be in the salon every other week?  Not this lady...!  There's something to be said about waiting for two to three hours for a haircut when all you really want is just a haircut, no wash, no color, just cut.  I feel like it's a thing in black salons, they make you wait for some reason...and wait...and wait.  I'm very picky about who cuts my hair so I guess I just have to suck it up but I'm always on the lookout for someone who can do it well and quickly.  I'll let you know what I come up with.

Pompadour be gone

It was freeeeeezing one morning and I had no idea what to put on.  I decided on this see through stripped sweater that I purchased from Anthro and these linen harem pants that I bought from H&M for around $20.

I decided to do something a little different with my hair but I don't really think I liked what I was doing.  I guess I was bored with the pompadour but it's truly my thing so I should just embrace it!
There go those shoes again...again, don't judge me.

JP Higgy is so crazy!!!!

Mosaic

So, I pulled out this Zara dress that I purchased on a trip to San Francisco for $20 bucks.  I didn't think I would ever get any wear out of it but it's a favorite as I can wear it when Flo Jo arrives.  I've worn it with belts before but that just rides it up and I can't afford a ride up at work.  I don't need everybody in my business like that!

The only problem with this dress is that sometimes it wrinkles a ton.  I love the colors and the style so I put up with a little wrinkle from time to time.  The tank I'm wearing underneath is a little stripped number from Martin & Osa.  I think I might have paid like $5 bucks for it.  I used to love me some Martin & Osa but alas they went out of business cause it appears that I was the only one shopping there.  Peep the shoes...that's right gladiators!

Little gray number

I'm trying to do this thing where I don't wear the same thing twice at least for a while, we'll see what happens.  I'm running into difficulties now as I have my favorites but I don't want the viewing public to see me in the same things over and over.

This is one of my absolute favorite outfits.  It's comfortable and cute, and it was so CHEAP!!!

This top is of course from Anthro, it cost me all of $29 bucks.  I wound up purchasing two, this one and one in a light pink.  I've worn the pink one maybe once but this gray one is in high rotation in my closet.
These pants are Vivian Tam and I found them in Marshall's for $11, I get so many compliments on them which is cray as I didn't think they were that great when I purchased them.  They sat in my closet for about a year before I broke them out.  I figured folks would look at me like I was crazy but it was just the opposite.  I've learned that I guess you really just need to go for it if you're going to wear something outlandish.
The shoes which I got from TJ Maxx are BCBG, I just love BCBG for some reason.  They're always comfy and the styles are super cute, these were $40 bucks.
The earrings are the ones I purchased from Forever 21 for $4.80.  One of them is tarnishing already so I have to get back in F21 and purchase another pair...I mean they were only $5 bucks!!!
That's my bracelet that took a month to arrive from Wanderlustco.com and I got the ring from TJ Maxx for $16.

Thanks to JP Higgy for taking my picture everyday.  The only problem is when I try to take my phone back he usually continues to take more pictures until we are in fits of laughter.

Gladiators

This lady loves her gladiator sandals.  I feel like I wear them at least 2 to 3 times a week.  I really wish I could find another pair that I liked just as much as I just can't get enough of them. 

These BCBG sandals were purchased at Lord & Taylor for around $40 bucks last year.  I have definitely gotten my wear out of them.  Please be aware that you will see them over and over with everything from pants to jeans to dresses...don't judge me.

Tiny dancer

This three week hiatus has been refreshing and nerve racking at the same damn time.  On one hand, I know I have people reading this so I need to update before folks get bored and never check my blog again.  On the other hand I was sad and had no desire to talk about fashion and all the things this lady likes.  I'm still shocked by the turn of events over the past couple of weeks but I need to move on and continue with what I started so here goes nothing!!!   Annette would want me to suck it up and continue as she never let anything stand in her way of achieving greatness!

So, the other day Diana and I went to visit D's good friend Jessica who was insistent that we go with her to the mall as she wanted to purchase a new iPhone.  I don't think I have ever discussed the iPhone in such detail as I did that evening.  Not only was Jessica asking a bazillion questions about the iPhone but we just happened to get the most informed sales person on the planet to help us.  It was good to see someone else make a major purchase.  Perhaps it will help me in the future cause when I bought mine all I thought was "do I want the black or white".  I didn't ask questions about how many gigabytes I would use or if Siri is necessary.  In my eyes of course Siri is necessary...right?

We're from CT, so people don't put together outfits the way Jessica put this outfit together.  However, she's living the majority of her life in NYC so it's just a different world all together.  I love her style and the style of her sister Rocio as you know.  I figured I would snap some pics of her while she wheeled and dealed.  Check it out!!!

You would think that this T was a creation she made herself.  Alas, that is not the case as this puppy was purchased from Urban Outfitters on purpose.  I thought it was super cute but didn't tell her as her mom was making so much fun of it.  From the brim to the cut off jeans to the gladiator sandals.  She has inspired me to think outside the box, I just hope it doesn't look cray cray on me.

Finally, the iPhone was purchased after several hours...needless to say, everyone was happy!

Annette Palmer-Russell

Hello blog world!  I know I have been slacking for the past couple of weeks but I've had some sad times as I lost a fellow fashionista just recently.  My girlfriend Annette succumbed to breast Cancer a couple of weeks back.  Annette was the type of woman that didn't let anything or anyone stand in her way, nor did she let any of her difficulties stop her from being fierce.

Please bear with me as I get my creative juices flowing again...it's been a rough couple of weeks.  I'll be back on in full force this week once I get my $#!+ together.  In the meantime; here's a beautiful picture of my girlfriend as I remember her, tall, beautiful and regal!

We used to put on fashion shows to raise money for women's shelters and the homeless back in the early 90's.  This girl could walk...simply elegant.