Work // Thrifting // Girlie Time

Dress: Aqua Geometric Faux Wrap Dress by Liz Claiborne, thrifted 

Tights: We Love Colors

Shoes: Boden, thrifted

All Jewelry: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

I picked up this fun bright dress while thrifting...aqua isn't my color, but those pops of orange are spectacular. Great fit & length on this work dress. I did have to pin the neckline closed. 

Quick snaps outside our building at work...so handy.

I thrifted these shoes at Savers years ago & always enjoyed wearing them, however, the size 10.5s got too big for me (they were always a size larger than I needed), but I found these on Poshmark in 2 sizes smaller. 

Despite orange being my favorite color, I don't have many orange earrings. I like the layers in this neckline. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Zero, Synth eyeshadow from KVD, Slowburn eyeshadow by UD, UD lipstick & lipliner in Bang, & OPI nail polish in My Chihuahua Doesn't Bite Anymore.  

Indoor farmers' market...we stocked up on bread, including from this new to us place, Sweet Grass Bread, we chose cinnamon swirl & it was fantastic. Sadly, I haven't seen her since. Origins is always wonderful, & we also picked up several loaves from Cress Springs. Collectivo for coffee...I like the Pistachio Pandan Latte. Then home for breakfast & the beginning of tree decorating. 

We sipped on egg nog while I untangled lights & David draped them on the tree. 

This topper is extremely special...it was David's maternal grandparents first tree topper & we are lucky to have it. Dinner that night was roasted sweet potatoes, cooked apples, & grilled pork chops. Sparkling water & record time at Kate's place. 

This is the dress I wore...I wore this thrifted lace number to work a few times, but never got around to pictures...maybe next time. After visiting with my girlie...I stopped at the Goodwill on my way home. 

I got everything I tried on except for the plaid skirt...which I decided was not the 90s vibe I wanted to revisit. I also came home to the Karina dresses I ordered when they were having a Black Friday sale. Lovely work dresses with a similar vibe to Leota. 

And more Black Friday buys...flower necklaces from bel monili & a new bottle of my cold weather scent, Ginger Essence from Origins. Another day, another thrift store. I wonder why I passed on that mustard cardigan?! It must have had some pilling. 

Weird mixed pattern sweater from Anthropologie...will I ever wear it? Interesting color combination...I liked the puffed shoulders & of course, orange. Fluevog sandals & Effie's Heart strawberry dress found on Poshmark (replacing some of the dresses I had in my previous size). 

I forgot to post these gold Coach duck boots David found for me at Retique...they were tagged the 1/2 off color of the week & for $15, I couldn't say no...& I have been wearing them to work every day since there's been snow on the ground...& then changing shoes. Courtney was on vacation in Japan, so I saw her colleague a few times. I wore this red & black leopard maxi, again...no pictures. Dinner with Kate! Jason was out of town, so we had them over for salmon with salt & vinegar roasted cabbage...yum. 

More thrifting...sadly, that red velvet dress was too big, such a gorgeous color...everything else came home with me, including a brand new Anthropologie mixed print dress. I find some good stuff at our local Goodwill on the north side...there is a ritzy neighborhood near there, Maple Bluff. Not surprisingly, areas with money have better offerings. 

I now own all 3 fun colors of these Fluevog Mille Miglia shoes (lime & purple are the other ones)...I couldn't resist these I got for a steal on Fluevog B/S/T. Speaking of Fluevog, for the past several years I've participated in their gift exchange & for the first time...I actually received a gift! It was a nice thought & I appreciate it...but I feel my person just gave me lots of random stuff they wanted to get rid of as none of it had anything to do with the interests I listed. I only kept the Burt's Bees lip balm. 

Ulta was having a buy 2, get 1 free sale on UD eyeliners...I got replacements/back-ups for some colors & 3 new to me colors. There was also a NYX sale & I need to be well stocked on my eyebrow pencils...AND the best thing was not only were these excellent deals, but I had a $20 off coupon as well. David ordered me 3 sparkly pairs of tights...gold, black, & copper...I immediately stuck my fingernail through the gold pair while trying them on...& one size fits all doesn't really do it for my big butt & thighs. The final time I threw this dress on was to have my very first ketamine therapy session...& there was this cute dog, Bentley/Benny. Home to cook dinner. I'll talk about my ketamine experience more down the line. I'm going to do a series of 6 sessions in a row (1 a week) & I will say...it's unlike anything I've ever experienced. I highly recommend it to everyone, but you have to be willing to really let go & enter into it with intension of what you'd like to work on...for me, it's anxiety. 

 

Traveling to Tennessee

Dress: Floral Faux Wrap Dress by Leota (size M) via Gwynnie Bee

Tights: We Love Colors

Cardigan: ?, thrifted

Shoes: Fluevog, Elegant Conversations: Gail

Necklace: former Etsy shop

Earrings & Bracelet: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

Another great Leota dress...always ideal for work, spot on fit, pretty pattern. My only complaint about this brand is that I always have to pin the neckline...although sometimes they stick a snap on. 

I love my orange stockings with purple shoes.

What I love about the colder months...more chances to pattern mix with cardigans.

I found these rather conservative Fluevog heels on Poshmark for $80...in perfect shape...& purple...so I had to get them. 

I ADORE this vintage penny farthing necklace...once upon a time there was a seller on Etsy that I bought oodles of stuff from...she had a knack for combining vintage components. I used to wear this a lot, but I think it fell out of favor because I felt it was too small. 

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Love Drug, Nars eyeshadow duo in Mediteranee, Huda Beauty eyeshadow in Amethyst & Nefertiti, NYX lipliner in Nectar, Nectar lipstick by Sugarpill Cosmetics, Hypnotic Rust lipstick from Make Up For Ever, & OPI nail polish in Mural Mural on the Wall. 

The first time I wore this dress was back in March (when these outfit photos were taken)...to have an initial session with a therapist. Do you know how difficult it is for a therapist to find a therapist?! I'm still looking. Afterwards...some thrift store try ons. Note that the green with white polka dots is a romper...how cute is that?! 

Gotta check out my butt in dresses. That yellow cardigan is an Anthropologie brand...I'm always tickled to find those second hand. 

Gradually replacing my We Love Colors collection in my proper size. Fun fact: all the hosiery I wear has been the same pairs I wore at 445 lbs...super stretchy...one size fits all...in both WLC & Snag. One of my tattoo people turned me on to this Instagram...it gives you a selection of the colors from various movies. New to me Chie Mihara polka dot sandals found on Poshmark. 

More of me trying clothes on...I was going to share less of this, but someone on Facebook commented that she likes it...& I am going to continue to take these photos anyway.

Some days I only get a few things I try on...other days...most/all of it comes home with me.

I was on my way to Vinny's in Sun Prairie when a guy started coming into my lane & would have hit me had I not swerved & hit the curb...blowing my tire out. Now we'll never know what I missed on that lost shopping trip. Veronika doesn't have a spare...so despite a few kind men offering to change the tire for me...there was no tire to switch out. I waited for a tow truck. 

Carsie Blanton's new vinyl arrived. My very last Boxy Charm...I've cancelled before, but this time I think I mean it...I just don't get enough make-up I like...mostly it creates a clutter of facial products I'll never use & don't know what to do with. This is my life...do you need skincare, make-up, or pretty clothes in size 26/28...hit me up. 4/5 pairs of shoes from the annual IFD (International Fluevog Day/John's birthday) sale. Sadly, I had to return the burgundy/floral Dr. Gunter's because the 8.5 didn't work (they were out of my usual 'Vog size 9)...they are being replaced with the same shoes in black/cream...but I'm watching for a restock (crosses fingers). 

I wore this dress to go to Sephora to find a better foundation match...the woman who helped me was unhelpful...so I took a few samples home. I also picked up my 3 new pairs of glasses at Ulla. Lilacs in bloom...I smelled them quite a bit, but never did pick any this year (they seem to die within a day anyway). 

Look how quaint...they printed me out a paper ticket. On a plane to Tennessee to visit my parents & go on a road trip with my mom. 7:30 am...the flight attendant comes around offering beverages...the guy next to me orders an OJ with 2 vodkas. Not judging...but totally judging. My travel reading, Platonic. While on a layover at the Charlotte airport...a woman sits down next to me at a table...talking on her phone via speaker. I gave her the evil eye, then decided I'd put in my AirPods & listen to music...I couldn't hear it, so I turned the volume up as high as it would go...then realized my earbuds hadn't synced...& I was blasting music to everyone. She moved. This (accidental) passive/aggressive thing really works. 

My mom & dad picked me up at the Knoxville airport & we had a late lunch outside at a place on the river. The shrimp tacos were decent...mango, yum...& I'm glad I ordered a side of okra, because this was the only time I got it during this trip. Back at their house...my dad made us strawberry daiquiris with strawberries from their garden & we visited on their porch overlooking the mountains. 

Pizza for dinner...this time with a strawberry margarita. After our meal...I took a walk with my mom & the doggies. A spicy nightcap with dad on the porch.

 

Thrifting // Milwaukee

Dress: Rosalia Butterfly Faux Wrap Dress by Leota (size M) via Gwynnie Bee

Tights: We Love Colors

Boots: Fluevog, Half Truths: Bronte 

Earring: Kerala Rose

Necklaces: Green Goddess Vintage

Bracelet: Vintage

Stats: 5'7" 38-32-42

Another dress in the same style as this b&w one I wore a few weeks before. I liked this one better as it's more the classic poly/spandex Leota fabric & I was smitten with the dark subtle butterfly print & the dramatic ruffled cuffs. Faux wrap, needs to be pinned at the neckline, great fit. 

Back in the beginning of May...it was still cool enough to need long sleeves.

Is this my first time wearing these adorable booties I got used from the Fluemarket? I think it might be. 

The purple-ish color in this dress did not play well with most of the jewelry I attempted to pair with it...but I think this worked...

My make-up with this outfit included...Urban Decay eyeliner in Rockstar; Alchemy, Bondage, Last Sin, & Alien eyeshadow by UD; MAC lipliner in Currant; Spiced Plum lipstick from Bite Beauty; & OPI nail polish in Black Magic Mountain. 

I briefly considered another pair of Fluevogs...but these won because I hadn't previously found an outfit to match them. I first wore this dress to work & take the 2 frames David got me at Ulla back to them to put lenses in. No one offered me a drink. I strolled on over to Anthropologie nearby to browse. 

So many pretty things.

Orange & oranges.

And...big surprise...I wore this outfit to do a bunch of thrifting...first stop, Goodwill on the west side.

I spied this cotton fox dress that reminded me of Kate...it was marked a 3x *laugh*...oh, China. I just try everything on...I have anywhere from size 2 up in my closet...sizes don't mean a thing. I'm typically a modern 8/10, but a vintage size 16+. It would be nice if sizes were consistent. 

When these Body Parts: The Business came up for sale on FB...I immediately claimed them...soooo sexy...I need longer laces though. Lymphatic massage with Courtney, returning my sunglasses frames...no one would make them into prescription sunglasses for me...they said they weren't made for prescription & would most likely break. 

A bit of Goodwill shopping (close to Courtney) in Middleton. 

That green blouse looked vintage, but wasn't.

This Express dress reminded me of one I had from them in the 80s.

I happened to glance over at the locked case...& saw this glass bowl I keep make-up in...2 is better than one. Finally, I wore this dress to Milwaukee with Super Boo. 

We had lunch at Kawa...which began with calamari. 

SO much sushi that it wouldn't fit on one tray. 

I noticed this Milwaukee Film Festival billboard...it was just finishing up...but I'm going to keep an eye on it for next year. 

Retique...& 25% off during my birthday month. We meant to go again, but never had another free day. Adorable doggie! 

I really wanted this dark floral dress to work out...but it was several inches from being able to zip up...I was still swollen from surgery...but I'll never be that tiny. 50% off yellow tagged items made this fit & flare only $6.50.  

And this wrap top $4! Plus 25% off. 

I would have gotten this black & red dress...but discovered a hole, which is unusual as their stuff is normally in fabulous shape. 

David picked out some shoes...I tried them on, but had to disappoint him by stating those bright floral heels were just too tacky for me. While being rung up...David pointed out a few Vera Bradley bags & this yellow one was just huge & will be perfect for carrying stuff to the beach or a spa. Orange Corvette. Someday I will find some shoes that speak to me at (shōō). 

Next stop, Lela...a clothing boutique we discovered last time we were in Milwaukee. I was quite taken with those flower power pants...but they were $160 & I was hoping I could find them cheaper online...but the only places I've found them have been $200+...I should have gotten them. Browsing a bookstore. 

Amilinda. First cocktails, for David, Flor de Jerez (Amontillado sherry, apricot liqueur, Angostura bitters, lemon)...& I had La Sirena (Plantation rum, simple syrup, lime, creme de violette).

David had an amazing experience last time we were here...I thought it was merely alright. The cocktails were outstanding, but the food was just so average. It's so disappointing to go out to dinner & know you could have made better food at home. For starters we had Piri Piri Shrimp (leeks, Jerusalem artichokes, fennel), Mushrooms in Madeira (shiitake & oyster mushrooms, thyme, pistachios, double cream), & Asparagus Paté (jersey cow ricotta, toasted sourdough). Second cocktails, Palabra Ultima (gin, Luxardo, tunel liqueur, lime) & Sazerac (rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychauds bitters). 

For our main courses...David selected Beef Tongue (parsnip puree, black lentils, ramps, braised liquid) & I tried Chicken Naufragado (sweet potato, hearts of palm, spicy coconut sauce). And for the final cocktails of the evening...a Sangria for David & for me, a Menorca Mule (ginger vodka, white port, ginger beer, lime). 

And for some reason...I wanted to try their desserts...even though dinner had been disappointing. I don't remember what they were...completely unmemorable. And the reason we'd come to Milwaukee...Sunset Blvd. I somehow missed the Andrew Lloyd Webber part...so it was an unexpected (to us) musical. It was fabulous. I like surprises. 

Retique finds, plus a vintage blush lace skirt from Lela.