Brighter than the Sunshine

On Wednesday, I accompanied the interns at work to a field trip in Green Wood Cemetery, "the most fashionable place to be buried" (according to a 19th-century NYTimes article.) Since we took a trolley tour, I wanted something that would be light enough for the 90-degree heat. This outfit fit the bill.

The list:

-white tunic, Lux

-patterned skirt, Gap

-yellow sneaks, OTBT

-white woven belt, UO

-portrait pin, gift from coworker

-yellow print scarf, vintage

My favorite part of the outfit (other than the pattern mix) was definitely this darling little pin. I wish I could tell you a great story about the portrait, but according to my coworker, it came with the pin! A visitor to the museum asked me if she could interview me about it; I think I disappointed her when I let her in on the secret.

Playground Chic

As you can see, that title is meant quite literally. I've been posing in front of the playground for months now; a few days ago, I finally had a thought: why not actually get on? This is the result. No small children were harmed during this photoshoot, I promise.

The list:

-blue tee, Generra

-red flowered skirt, Jungal

-brown buckle flats

-metallic belt, Gap

-brown newsie cap, London Fog

-silver filigree earrings, vintage

This skirt really goes with everything. In the past few months, I've paired it with stripes and leopard print, a pink tee, and a turquoise necklace. Here, I tried it with a plain blue tee, but jazzed it up a smidgen with the metallic belt. I actually bought the hat for hubs before Paris, since he wasn't sure how he'd feel walking around with a yarmulke, but it fit me quite a bit better (after some strategic safety-pinnage, at least.)

I'd like to introduce you all to a new blog I recently discovered called "Modestly Fashioned." Ally is the only other Orthodox Jewish daily style blogger I've found and I already love her looks. Show her some love, ladies!

What are your new blog finds? Share some link love below.

The Finer Things

I rarely get a chance to post my nicest outfits of the week, since I don't use electricity on Sabbath. But I liked this outfit from Saturday so much that I recreated the looks for a little picture-taking. Hubs laughed.

The list:

-white button-down, Banana Republic

-creme polka dotted skirt, Zoe D.

-sandals of death (will explain), Lucky Brand

-cluster flower earrings, F21

-black straw cloche, Sherel's

Debutantes have derbys. Brits have weddings. And Orthodox Jews have synagogue on Saturday. What is the connection? Fancy hats! Though you see my everyday headgear nearly every day here, I haven't shown off some of my favorite weekend pieces. This hat is definitely up there.

Ah, the shoes. I bought these nearly a month ago and have worn them for a total of about 4 hours. Make that 4 painful, blistery hours. I've foot petal-d, I've moleskined, and I still had to run home and change out of them before lunch because the back zip was digging into my ankle so. Any suggestions on making these beauts wearable? I hate leaving things just for show in my closet, and need your help.

Once upon a time (aka last year), I'd have saved this skirt for Sabbath or other dressy occasions (not really sure why, but I used to wear a jean skirt pretty much every.single.day.) Since deciding to wear everything by mixing casual and fancy, my style has evolved significantly in a direction with which I'm quite happy.

Do you save your nice pieces, or are they everyday wear?

Shop Updates

Looking for a new skirt? Jonesing for a dress? Check out shopalltumbledown for some great buys. I finally found my measuring tape, so email me if you'd like specs on any of the items listed.

Ubiquitous

Or: Nina Needs a New Fedora. I mean, I wear this at least twice a week. I've been on the lookout for a slightly modified version- straw colored, but slightly less in-your-face, but nothing compares 2 u, parrot fedora.

The list:

-blue embellished tank

-light lavender wrap, Stephanie B.

-flowy camel skirt, H&M

-gladiator flat sandals, Target

-parrot fedora, Eugenia Kim for Target

This very relaxed outfit was a Friday attempt at breezy clothing for yet another balmy day. My sister and I went to lunch, and after were supposed to go to the beach, until we discovered that my idea of beach fun involves swimming and hers tanning. Oops. We watched a terrible movie instead-- Orphan. Nothing like creepy pseudochildren to give you nightmares.

Looking back on this outfit now, I rather like how the drapey top and skirt complement eachother. With pieces like these, it is easy to get swallowed up in the loose fabric, but somehow this steers clear of the wrapped-in-sheet look just enough to be ok. I have been wearing the wrap cardigan to death these past few weeks (I am wearing it as I type, in fact.) It is always enlightening to see how clothing can go from an occasional pick to a constant wear given new circumstances, in this case extreme heat. On the list for when I can start purchasing again are a few more summer-weight cardigans.

Coming up this week: Shop updates! I sorted through my closet a bit this week and have weeded out the items in great condition that just don't get worn. Stay tuned for some great deals.

 Also in the works: A post about winding down on the year of no clothing purchases. I'll reflect on the past 11 months and my thoughts about reentering buying society.

...And I'm Back

I have been a bad little blogger these past few weeks. I'm not quite sure why I stopped posting--- too much heat makes taking outfit shots a little challenging, perhaps?--- but once I stopped, the idea of starting again seemed slightly daunting! I've enjoyed this unexpected hiatus, and hope you'll all forgive me. I've missed being a member of this fun little community! And now for some pictures:

The list:

-striped dress, Plenty by Tracy Reese

-black cardigan, Spring + Mercer

-nubby black and white flats, Payless

-Hamsa charm necklace, gift from coworker

-vintage pearl drop earrings, gift from coworker (she is pretty amazing!)

-paisley scarf, vintage

On supremely hot days (read: the entire month of July here in NY), the only headcovering I can bear is a scarf tied into a thick headband. At least I get a little breeze on my neck this way, and don't trap sweat underneath a hat or pirate-tied scarf (TMI? Sorry.) In terms of inconspicuous looks that don't involve fake hair, this is probably the best covert cover-up I've discovered. I feel less self-conscious and sore thumblike with this method of tying, which is a nice change of pace.

Since this dress has great volume and swing, I decided to make a little video for y'all.

Thrifty

The pirate returns. Ahoy, matey.

The list:

-white tank, Target

-light lavender wrap, Stephanie B.

-brown pencil skirt, Banana Republic

-argyle flats, CL by Chinese Laundry

-beaded bracelet, gift from coworker

-cameo necklace, gift from Mom

-brown patterned scarf, vintage

Since I work late on Thursday nights, I get to come into work around 1. Today, I took a trip to Astoria, Queens and checked out a few thrift stores, but sadly walked away without a single item. I had been hoping to score some $1 belts or a pair of new (old) oxfords, but the selection was pretty weak. 

 New Yorkers- any favorite thrift shops?

Sorry for the little hiatus. Sometimes, you just need a little blogging break to get re-inspired. These pictures are from last week on yet another scorching day. Deodorant, I think I love you.

The list:

-black maxi dress, As U Wish (After checking the label, I now think this dress is meant for 12 year olds. Whoops.)

-blue cardigan, White + Warren

-gladiator sandals, Target

-earrings, gift from coworker

-parrot fedora, Eugenia Kim for Target

-sunnies, H&M

I also wore this outfit to go up to the sleepaway camp I attended for 10 summers this past Sunday with just a change of earrings (see above. Hi, Gabs!)We left at 7 AM for the 4-hour drive; thinking of a new outfit was beyond me. Ah, the joys of rewearing.

Last week's iteration on left, Sunday's on right

Were you a camp kid? How did you spend your childhood summers?

Menswear

With the oven-like temps outside, I've decided to forgo women's clothing. It is just too fitted. Instead, I stole my husband's shirt after he left for rounds and wore it all day. Shhhh, don't tell.

The list:

-pink button down, Club Room

-black pleated cotton skirt, Club Monaco

-silver ruffle flats, Steve Madden

-shell belt, H&M

-black cotton beret, Parkhurst

Does the sweetness of the rest of the outfit counteract the way-too-big shirt? I'm not sure, but it sure was comfortable. After a long walk outside, I gave up on the belt (for some reason, they add 10 degrees to my body temp) and tied the shirt like the day before. I liked that version too-- maybe even more-- but didn't take pictures. One set is more than enough for one day.

Do you wear menswear?

You Give Me Fever

Talking about how hot it is outside makes me sweat all over again, so I'll keep it brief: for the love of all that is sacred, I need this heat wave to end. Yesterday I kept my cool with breezy natural fabrics and a straw hat (I am wearing it again today. Don't judge.)

The list:

-blue men's linen shirt, Dad's from Banana Republic

-high waisted polka dot skirt, cannot-remember-brand from Fox's

-brown wedge sandals, Old Navy

-glass ring, Venice

-drop earrings, F21

-parrot fedora, Eugenia Kim for Target

Yesterday, nearly everyone in the office was wearing black. Only in New York is that the standard answer to hot weather. I rebelled against the trend (ok, not that I knew what everyone would be wearing...) in neutrals. Tying the shirt rather than tucking prevented layers trapping in additional heat, and the blousiness over the slim-fit skirt was a fun touch. Plus, the skirt covered my gnarly bug bites. What a winner.

Thanks for all the sweet comments on yesterday's post. I can't believe we're an old married couple already! Hubs started his 3rd year rotations yesterday, so I'll unfortunately be seeing him a lot less. That may give me more time for blogging, so you may be the beneficiaries!

And last order of business: I am on the lookout for cute and comfortable shoes. I walk way too much to be wearing shoes with no padding or support. Any brands you particularly like for nongrandma foot support?