New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve isn't a big holiday for me, if I'm awake at midnight I'll kiss my sweet husband; but otherwise, big whoop!  Today I'm at the office again, working on my year end chores. [Note: the previous sentence is code for writing and reading blogs all day.] It will be in the 30s today, with the big chill coming in tonight. So today I decided on a basic black V-neck cashmere sweater (with a fun message ringing out the old year on the back), blue jeans, black short boots and my favorite peace-sign scarf.

BTW, I started off the morning thinking I would go with leggings, a turtleneck, and a dress, layered over boots. But when I was trying all this on, I got so hot I couldn't STAND it! Nope, not a hot flash, it's just not cold enough today to wear all those layers! Tomorrow is supposed to be wicked cold, with the low tomorrow night of 1. BRRRRR.....

As you can see, I'm still experimenting with poses. I am using Flickr to upload and "fix" my photos, and that is getting easier to do. I'm still not great at getting my blog page laid out the way I want it, but it's nice to have a goal to work towards.

I hope everyone out there has a safe and Happy New Year's!  See you in 2010.

Details: Work, no meetings, home early!
Sweater: Matilda, cashmere, rhinestone detail on back, Filene's Basement, 2004?
Tank: Express
Jeans: Joe's Jeans, Honey, remixed
Boots: Unisa, remixed
Scarf: Steve Madden, San Francisco Steve Madden store 2009
Jewelry: Same pieces I always wear

Snow Day!

A snowy day in Springfield. I'm going to the office to get the end of the year stuff done. I wanted to feel warm and cozy today, so I've opted for knee high brown boots, skinny jeans and a long sweater. I tried taking the photos in my sunroom, where the walls are painted a vivid blue. What do you think of the background (next time I'll make sure I take the little fan out of the picture!)? I love the red chaise, I think it will make a fun spot for more photos.










Details: Work - casual - SNOW - no meetings


Sweater: Brown BCBG angora/wool - TJMaxx last year
Tank: Brown tank - Express
Jeans: Skinny jeans with zippers at the ankle - Old Navy 2007?
Boots: Steve Madden Luxe - DSW in Texas (aren't they cute?)

Working Week - It's been busy!

I've been running around like crazy this week, but some of the outfits were pretty cute!

Wednesday, December 15th. Occasion: Work, meetings, dinner meeting













Details: Pants - Tommy Bahama - Tommy Bahama Store, Houston (a few years ago)
Tank top: Cashmere - Boston Proper - The Scholar Shop
Blazer: Rena Lange - The Scholar Shop - fun black, white & red houndstooth pattern, with some sparkle. I love the lining, too
Booties: BCBG Max Azria via TJ Maxx St Louis


Thursday, December 16th - Work - Luncheon Meeting - Dinner out


ha ha ha, I HATE my expression in this pic, but it shows the look pretty well:





and here's the "booty" shot:





Details: (all Scholar Shop unless otherwise noted)
Dress: Max Mara sleeveless charcoal grey shift
Turtleneck: Akris Punto, sleeveless, light blue
Blazer: Akris Punto, light blue
Shoes: Joie black platform pumps, Neiman Marcus Las Call Store, Ft Myers Beach, FL - I absolutely LOVE these shoes. They are surprisingly comfortable due to the platform, and I wore them for about 12 hours yesterday!


Would the color combo in this outfit be called grlue? Yesterday was not the ideal day for bare legs (it was 16 when I left the house), but I couldn't do tights with the outfit, and I hate nylons; so for fashion's sake I froze my legs off! I did have my long coat, so it wasn't too terrible!

I am thinking of getting a new camera for my Christmas present, as the quality of the one I'm using is pretty low. Any suggestions on a reasonably priced digital (maybe SLR)?


That's all for now. I hope I can get a photo of today's outfit before the end of the day.

Working it - on a Saturday

I usually stay pretty casual on Saturdays, but today I knew we'd be going out for dinner after I spent a few hours at the office playing catch up.  So, I decided to kick it up a notch - with high-heeled booties, cozy cashmere sweater and dressy jeans.  I tried belting the sweater, since I've seen so many bloggers with that look. The bag is another favorite, in bronze. It glams up any outfit I pair it with.





Close up of the booties:





Occasion: Working on Saturday, casual dinner out
Sweater: Cashmere-Saks Fifth Avenue-Tan with black spots: The Scholar Shop
Belt: The Scholar Shop
Jeans: Joe's Jeans-The Honey-Clayton Wash: TJ Maxx
Booties: Michael Kors-DSW

Dinner was at Maya Fusion, a new Mexican restaurant in Springfield, IL that opened a couple of weeks ago. The food is fresh and delicious. We eat healthy, so at Maya we get a grilled tilapia salad and a chicken tortilla soup (without all the tortillas). I splurge on the chips and salsa, SO yummy!

Tomorrow

Sorry, no outfit post today, but I'm trying to decide what to wear tomorrow. I'm registered with a modeling agency in St Louis, and I got a call for an audition tomorrow. The casting call says "casual or business casual," and the commercial is for a hospital, so I'm racking my brain for ideas.

I wear a lot of black / white / neutrals, which I think will work for a video audition. I know not to wear patterns, as they can fuzz out the camera. I was thinking a pop of color, maybe a red sweater under a black blazer? Any suggestions are welcome.

So, I'm off to peruse my closet. I know you're not supposed to wish me luck, but "break a leg" works!

xxxooo Ellen

Birthday Duds

Ha ha, no NOT my birthday suit! (Sometimes I make myself giggle.) Yesterday was my birthday, so I took a drive to St Louis, MO to visit with Ruth and my peeps at The Scholar Shop.  Ruth and I went shopping together, we spent about 3 hours at GW (Goodwill) and TJs (TJ Maxx), then to the Scholar Shop for some real love.

Before I headed out, I decided to try a few outfits, to see how they would work for future events. When I uploaded the photos to my computer I really started laughing - my humidifier was on in the bedroom - so I got the awesome "smoke machine" effect in some of the photos!  LOVED it!

Here's what I ended up wearing yesterday:
Occasion: Shopping and schmoozing with friends, birthday dinner at Maya Fusion with husband and friends, staying warm in COLD weather
Details: Sleeveless black/cream houndstooth silk ruffled blouse, Trina Turk, The Scholar Shop
Merino wool cardigan, Banana Republic via The Scholar Shop
Joe's Jeans Muse Fit, TJ Maxx
Ugg's Boots (sheepskin lined with a rubber sole and 1/2 inch heel), Mosser's Shoe Store, Springfield, IL

I was an Uggs fan for years, then decided I needed more structured footwear. When I found this new style, it fit all my needs, especially the need for warmth (the low last night was 7 degrees). They're still a little "blocky" at the toe for me, but I was all about staying warm.  I waterproofed them and you will be seeing a lot of them on this blog this winter!





Before I finalized my daily outfit, I tried something new with this dress from The Scholar Shop. I belted it, hiking it way up (a la Chelsea  http://brightsidedweller.blogspot.com/2009/09/outfit-log-flouncy.html) and turning it into a tunic. I think I'll like it better with leggings and boots or heels, but I was getting in a hurry and went ahead with the photos. The dress is a silk jersey, and I layered a black sleeveless turtleneck underneath.
Details: Dress/Tunic Silk jersey, The Scholar Shop
Turtleneck: Sleeveless Michael Kors, Macy's
Belt: Lucky Brand Store, St Louis, MO
Jeans: Joe's Jeans, Muse Fit
Boots: Uggs





For the finale - CHANEL!


One of the reasons I am such a fan of The Scholar Shop is this dress. The shop has an annual bag sale - you can fill a brown grocery bag with items from the store for $25 per bag. The first year I found the store, this CHANEL dress was the first thing I put in my bag. Then I piled in St John suits (most of which I sold on ebay) and tons of other goodies. But, the Chanel dress was the prize, don't you agree? I have two holiday parties next week to which I plan on wearing this gorgeous dress - one at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield, IL and the other in Houston, TX (the only person who will see me at both is my husband, so I think I'm safe to wear it twice).


Details: Dress, Chanel, The Scholar Shop
Shoes: Anne Klein, black suede peep-toe pumps, DSW


(Now admit it, you love the smoke effect!)

Fun Blazer

I just picked up this blazer from The Scholar Shop, and I love the color and textures. Since it's a subtle red - cream - black nubby tweed, I decided on a black palette to enhance the blazer.

I'm still working out the kinks in my photo sessions, I don't have my "model" expressions down pat. I'll continue to post dork pics until I get used to posing!








Occasion: Work, no events
Details:
Blazer: Moschino, The Scholar Shop
Tank: Express, remixed
Pants: Paniz, The Scholar Shop
Boots: Cole Haan, The Scholar Shop


I like the straight leg silhouette of the pants. They have a high waist, which balances nicely with the proportions of the blazer. I'm wearing a capri Spanx underneath to give a smooth line.

First Snow of the Season

When my husband whispered in my sleeping ear, "honey, it snowed last night," I got a big grin on my face.  Since I grew up in the balmy climate of Houston, Texas, to me snow is a rare occurrence to be treasured.  Now I know my Midwest friends may disagree, but I enjoy snowy weather.

For the first snow of the year, I decided to go with the snow bunny look - a monochromatic white/cream look, from top to bottom.



Occasion: Work, no events
Details: Sweater with fur detail: The Scholar Shop (thanks, Ruth)
Tank: Express (I buy them in bulk when they go on sale)
White corduroys: Banana Republic  from 4+ years ago
Boots: Canadienne from Neiman Marcus (snow boots with a heel, LOVE that)

Scholar Shop

My favorite resale store EVER, is the Scholar Shop in St Louis, MO. I started volunteering there a few years ago, after finding the store when I was out shopping near the St Louis Galleria.

This is me and my fashion guru/friend for life, Ruth. Ruth has an eye for quality and helps you discover what look works best on you. Amazingly, at 73, not only is she beautiful (uh uh, no plastic surgery) and stylish, but she volunteers 5 or 6 days a week at the Scholar Shop in Clayton.

The shop features gently used clothing, shoes, accessories and collectibles from area residents. The proceeds from the store go to fund interest free loans for secondary education for area students.

I have found some amazing treasures in the store, including designer labels like Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, and St John, among others. The prices are amazing, and they often have special discounts.

It's a no-brainer, stop by and take a look. Not only are you getting amazing prices, your shopping dollars help fund a wonderful cause.

http://www.scholarshopstl.org

There are two locations:

Clayton, MO
8211 Clayton Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63117
314-725-3456

and

Webster Groves, MO
7930 Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63119
314- 961-2525

First Blog Post - Casual Friday

I must admit, I'm a little nervous about putting my fashion foot out there, as most of the bloggers I follow are in their 20s and 30s. I will be 51 next week, and I still love playing with clothes and shoes, and finding a great outfit that makes me feel good about what I'm wearing that day.

Onward...

Today's outfit was inspired by the weather. I wanted to feel cozy (snow flurries this morning) and comfortable, yet look polished. I just had these Joe's Jeans hemmed, so I put them together with a tan tank top and tan wool sweater/blazer.

Details:

Joe's Jeans - Honey fit - Clayton wash: TJ Maxx - St Louis, MO

Tank Top: Dana Buchman

Blazer: Iisli - The Scholar Shop, Clayton, MO

Boots: Unisa

Earrings: Jewelry Show in Collinsville, IL

Necklace: My own - my wedding band and the heart from my husband

Ring: My engagement ring

I have loved the blazer / jeans look since the 80s, and now that it's back I'm a happy camper. I like the sweater details and the fit of this blazer; with the slight puff to the sleeve, and the length in the back. The tonal look of the tank top with the blazer keeps the look fresh. Unless I'm working at the Scholar Shop, I tend to wear a heel of some kind, and these boots have a 2-1/2 inch heel that is comfortable for all day.

As a side note, I am exploring the whole self photo-shoot thing, with a tripod and a timer. I noticed with these photos that the first pic, with my feet in the classic T position, is the most flattering in this outfit.