Faded Memories

These photos are from last week. I honestly have no idea what I did that day. How am I supposed to have a witty or silly snippet of my day if I can't even remember what I did? Maybe I have Alzhiemer's. (or as my friend thought it was called, Old Timer's. Seriously. She thought that's what it was.)

Enough about me. Check out Mugdha. As soon as I saw her, I loved everything about this outfit. Check out the amazing color combo. Plus, those earrings. I. Want. Those. Earrings. NOW.

What I Wore While Doing Who Knows What:

• dress (Lane Bryant)
• shoes (?)
• white cardi (via Ross)
• bracelet (?)
• earrings (via swap)
• necklace (antique store)

What Mugdha Wore That Made Me Want to Steal Everything:

• blue skirt (Ann Taylor)
• fushia tank (Inc. via Macy's)
• mustard embellished cardi (Kiki via Macy's)
• shoes (Katie & Kelly vis DSW)
• earrings (from India)

Different Floors

Mugdha and I work on different floors in different departments in our firm, so we don't usually see each other during the day. So we've been taking a few minutes in the middle of the day to meet in this beautiful area in the building to catch up and snap our pics. It's a great space with fountains, plants, and even a couple of rock gardens. Plus it's got amazing views of the city b/c we're up in a skyscraper. So occassionally I don't just see Mugdha while I'm there, I also get to see tourists snapping photos out the windows. It's a photo extravaganza!

What I Wore While The Tourists Took Photos Of Things Other Than Me:

• floral skirt (via Kmart)
• white tuxedo front tank (Target)
• red belt (Target)
• black cardi (Target)
• black pumps (Nicole Miller)
• bird pin (via Goodwill)
• silver earrings (gift)

What Mugdha Wore While Avoiding Stares:

• grey skirt (Inc via Macy's)
• black shirt (H&M)
• black pumps w/ white trim (Sofft via DSW)
• gold chain
• ring (from India)
• earrings

Meet Mugdha

It's time to meet reader and my new coworker Mugdha. She's very nice and beautiful to boot. We thought it would be fun to showcase what someone else in my same office wears to work.

What I Wore While Photographing Mugdha:

• brown animal print blouse (Lane Bryant)
• brown slacks (George via Wlamart)
• brown flats (Sam Edleman)
• wooden bangles (Lane Bryant)
• jade elephant necklace (via TJMaxx)
• earrings (??)
• purse (?? Kohls?)

What Mugdha Wore While Photographing Me:

• blouse (Ann Taylor)
• blue skirt (Inc. via Macy's)
• nude pumps (Liz Claiborne via DSW)
• earrings (from India)
• ring (from her Mom, also from India)
• necklace (made by a friend)

Guest Blogger: Heather

Do you read Heather's blog Goober? If not, you should. Every once in a while she does an Evolution of an Outfit where she shows all the steps she went through in order to select an outfit. I love it. So I asked her to do a guest post for me. Below is her detailed evolution.

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I'm so thrilled Tina asked me to guest post. She always has such great outfits, and witty posts, and I'm honored to get to be a part of her blog. I don't know about any of you - but my wardrobe and I don't always get along. Some days I'll have great outfits thought up in my head, but when I put them on - it's not a big N-O. Other days, I'll just be grabbing stuff and end up with something fabulous. Sometimes it's a process, little or big tweaks until you get it right (or it gets so late you just have to stop and go with what you're currently wearing).

I started this evolution with what has been a particularly tricky flowered cardigan.

1 - I started with basic black pants and nude pumps. I then added one of my favorite combos - the skinny belt and flower pin - and found a bracelet with the same bright pink that's in the sweater. It was all just a bit too much, so...

2 - ...off with the bracelet. But that still wasn't right, so...

3 - ...bracelet on, and the flower wasn't the right color so off it went. Then I really started scaling back.

4 - Goodbye bracelet.

5- Goodbye belt. Still just not right. Then the black pants seemed to be the culprit - just too dark with the more springy quality of the nude shoes and floral cardigan, so...

6 - ...off with the pants, on with a khaki skirt, bracelet and belt back on. I've seen cardigans layered with other cardigans and loved it, so I tried adding a pink cardigan - ick! - so...

7 - ..maybe if I take the bracelet off? No. So...

8 - ...off withe the second cardigan. Now we're getting somewhere. But heck, maybe I can do better! So...

9 - ..still not sure about the bracelet, so off it went. Hmm...

10 - ..thinking maybe it needed more color. How about a lace-trimmed turquoise shell? Yeah, that was just awful. Too bright.

11 - ..maybe if I button the cardigan up more. No, the tone of the shell was just off in comparison wit the tones in the cardigan.

12 - I got this lighter turquoise blouse a couple weeks ago. Better, but I decided to keep making tweaks.

13 - unbuttoning the bottom buttons...

14 - then losing the belt and unbuttoning the entire cardigan. Just too much color I think. And sort of sloppy looking with the cardigan unbuttoned - okay for a weekend, not so much for work.

15 - i tried a white blouse, and still didn't like it.

So, after all that which did I choose? #8

Hope you all enjoyed the craziness that is sometimes the process of my picking out an outfit. I'm always amazed how little changes can make such a big different. And I think half the fun of fashion is experimenting. Thanks Tina!
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Thank you, Heather! I love seeing all the steps you took to make the outfit just right. My personal favorite was #13. Thanks for the inspiration.

Guest Bloggers Unite!

Rand's Daily Outfit Assessment: "You look like you are going to church. That's a church dress." What makes it a church dress? "It's got no cleavage." Not everything can have cleve, Rand. "I rest my case - church dress." I was laughing so hard. Sure, I wear my see-through*, bright red dress to church. Yeah, right. Sheesh.

* I had to dye a slip red specifically to wear under this dress, b/c it is completely sheer.

I got an email today from prior guest blogger Brooke. She and prior guest blogger Coco have struck out on their own and now have a daily fashion blog called The B/C Changeover. I was just getting ready to ask these lovely ladies if either of them wanted to do some fall guest blogging for me, but clearly the time for guest blogging has passed. They are all grown up and on their own. I am so proud. hehe. Seriously, go check them out.

What I Wore While Admiring The B/C Changeover:

• red dress (handmade, Goodwill)
• black beaded belt (Ninewest?)*
• black/silver bead deco heels (Newport News)
• black bead earrings (Ross?)
• black ribbon necklace (Target)

* sadly the leather on the belt gave way in the middle of the day. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to have it repaired or if I should just use the buckle and make my own belt with fabric or ribbon.

What I've Been Eating Confession Time:

I've been eating everything in sight. Fastfood, Little Debbies, random snacks, and dinner out every night for the last week. I told myself when I started this blog that I would document the good moments and the bad. And I haven't been trying to hide what I've been eating, but since I haven't been thinking about what I've been eating, I haven't been thinking about taking photos. And I've been eating so quickly that when I do remember that I should take a pic, I've already shoved it all down my gullet. It has not been good. And I feel gross. I miss veggies. So send good produce-filled thoughts my way. I'm hopinh to get it all back under control tomorrow.

Guest Blogger - Tracy, Part II

While I was out of town for a romantic getaway weekend, Tracy was getting this great post together for us. Be prepared for shoes, glorious shoes!!

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I want to thank the people who commented on my guest post last week, you are all so nice! And I must admit I got a kind of goofy thrill when Diana and Sher left comments as I read their blogs and love their style!

Well, the heat and humidity of summer have finally come to MA, which means I am able to wear some of my cute summer clothes. The winter lasts soooo long here, I dream of spring and summer and of wearing cute dresses and sandals. My winter wardrobe consits of jeans everyday (except for church) with long sleeved t's and cute cardi's and boots. Not cute boots either, heavy-duty-keep-your-feet-warm-walk-in-snow boots. Fall finds me in jeans as well but usually slightly boho tops with a jeans jacket and long thick cardis. I can't really break out the summer clothes much before May and will layer with t's and cardi until the hot weather sets in. My style really changes for each season (as does my mood-HA) and I'm glad I am able to guest post at this time of year!

I saw this maxi dress at Target last night, on sale, so I grabbed it. It was too long but I just cut about 4 inches off the bottom. I don't plan on hemming it as unfinished hems are in and as its jersey, I think it would be too hard. I don't think it's noticab;e eithr as it's so long. I remeber wearing maxi dreses in the 70's when I was little, my mom and older sis more so, and I think they are so cute. I think even tough I have short legs and am just 5'4' I don't look too Stubby McStubbypants--at least that's what my mom and sis told me. I also think I look better in person, but I always think that, I hate myself in photos! I have issues w/my arms and found these great layering Ts at Old Navy last year. I like that they are low in front and back, I think it looks better with summer dresses.

What I Wore While Squinting Into the Sun:

• T-shirt (Old Navy, summer 2008)
• Maxi Dress (Target, yesterday)
• Sandals (Steve Madden copy from Target, summer 2009)
• Blacelet (Target, Sring 2009)
• Earrings (made by me)
• Necklace (gift from mom from a little boutique in Duxbury, MA called Marmaids )
• Headband (bottom of dress that I cut off-lol)

Since I am not on a diet (YET-WW will be seeing me next week) I thought I would share my collection of sandals since people seemed to love my sandals last week (thank you).

I'm a little bit of a shoe whore; it's a fat girl thing I think.

• The first 2 pics (black and whit, green and fuchsia) are Steve Madden knock offs I got at Target this year. So comfy I bought 'em in four colors! (I admit to being somewhat of a Miss Matchy-matchy Gal).
• The orange pair I got at Payless a 2 years ago and i heart them sooo much. The black beaded ones I wore last week. These are my 2 fav pairs.
• The brown and red I wear the least as they are the least comfy. Brown are from Payless, red from Walmart (I think) both a few years old, the brown has a bit of a wedge.
• The brown beaded I love and wear a lot, Payless 2007, white I love too but have never worn! I got them off season at Payless 2 years ago and forgot I had them! I have another pair of white sandals I have worn to death over the past 4 years, maybe that's why I haven't worn the others.

I want to Thank Tina for the opportunity to be a guest on her blog. I love reading real people style bogs and now I can appreciate them so much more. It takes guts to post a pic of yourself on the internet, especially if you are not a size 8. And it is work just taking all the pics and writing , never mind formatting it all on a blog. So, thanks to Tina and all the other bloggers out there--you guys rock!

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It's been great having you as a guest blogger for the past two weeks. Thanks for being such a good sport. A good sport with a great sandal collection!

Do Not Spit on the Floor

Rand and I dropped by his parents house for the night on our way out of town. They live in east Texas so as you can see, there are tons of beautiful trees on their property.

Rand's Mom's Daily Outfit Assessment: "You look so beautiful. Doesn't she look beautiful, Randall." I like Rand's mom. Can you tell why? hehe. Seriously, she's sweet.

After leaving their house, we headed to Jefferson, Tx. This sign was on display in the Jefferson Museum. I'm pretty sure it's a historical sign, not a current rule. Too funny.

What I Wore While Not Spitting on the Floor:

• blue T (Old Navy)
• cargo capris (Sonoma via Kohls)
• bronze gladiator sandals (Target)
• blue/tan scarf (Ross)
• brass/tan bell necklace, yes I made tinkling noises all day (thrifted Goodwill)
• brass bangles (thrifted Goodwill)

What I Ate While Trying the Local Cuisine:

• breakfast: cream cheese filled pretzel (Schwann's)
• lunch: Texas chili cornbread sandwich and broccoli salad (Kitt's Kornbread Sandwich & Pie Bar)
• snack: cherry pie (Kitt's again)
• dinner: pate, bread, ahi tuna w/ mango salsa, spinach, wine (Stillwater Inn)

As an extra bonus today, here is my future mother-in-law posing for us. Hi, Sandra!

What My Future Mother-in-Law Wore While Having Us Over:

Guest Blogger - Tracy

It's time for a new guest blogger. I would like to introduce you to Tracy who will be with us for two weeks. Take it away, Tracy!
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I want to thank Tina for her awesome blog and the opportunity to be a guest blogger. Tina's is my favorite fashion blog and the one I read first everyday!

I'm Tracy and I'm originally from Boston but have been living in a small beach community on the way to Cape Cod for the past 15 years. I've been married for 13 years to a great guy and have one funny 8 year old son. I have always loved fashion but for most of my life I had to wear a uniform most every day--parochial school, nursing school and work as a nurse. For the past 8 years I have had a private duty job and can wear what ever I want to work. And believe me, there have been times when I have been running late or it is a crummy day and I've shown up in pj bottoms and a t-shirt! But for the most part I try to look pulled together, it just makes me feel better about myself.

Now that I am on the other side of 40 (I am 45) I definitely have to think a bit more about what I wear, if it is too young/age appropriate. Sometimes it is soooo hard, especially since a lot of 80's fashion has made a come back. I was in my mid teens and early twenties in the 80's, the funnest time ever! Even though I have never been thin, I've always had nice legs. But mini skirts/dresses at my age are out. Thank goodness that leggings have come back, I love the look under tunic and short dresses. And empire waists are my friend! I have been sucking my stomach in for 30 years, somedays I just want to breathe!!

What I Wore While Stiffly Posing:

• Dress (color is really a deep purple) -K-mart 2009
• Legging capris-Target 2008
• Sandals-Payless 2006
• Daisy necklace-Target 2008
• white gold and diamond Cross necklace- Macy's (Mother's Day gift from hubbs)
• Bracelet-??Target/Walmart??
• Earrings-made by me

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Thanks, Tracy! You are too sweet! My favorite part of your outfit today is your shoes, but then I am a total shoe whore, so that's not too surprising. You look great. So summer breezy! I can't wait to see what you have for us next week.

Guest Blogger - Brooke, Part II

Please welcome Brooke back as this week's guest blogger. And don't forget to tell her Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday, Brooke!!! I hope you had a great day!
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I had a cute outfit picked out for today based on a new dress, but I woke up this morning to the kind of gray, cold, drizzly, windy which demanded long pants. And, naturally, the only rain-appropriate pants I have with me are blue jeans. Ah well. Such is life out of a suitcase. I decided to make the best of it with my accessories.

This scarf was a hand-me-down from my extremely stylish aunt - I absolutely love the rich colors of it. This ring is a traditional Russian style of hand-painted ceramic called finift, which I found in a gift store in a small town called Murom a few hours away from Vladimir. Most rings of this type are huge, like up to your knuckle huge, so I was delighted to find this dainty version.

Today, in addition to being my guest blogging day, happens to be my birthday (fortuitous!). When I got to work this morning, I discovered that my coworkers had not only remembered my birthday but had bought me these gorgeous earrings, which I happily put on. We celebrated with champagne and chocolate, then dispersed to our various tasks. And of course, by the late afternoon the sun had come out!

What I wore while being fooled by the weather on my birthday :

• Black t-shirt: Forever 21 (hand-me-down from a friend)
• Jeans: Banana Republic
• Scarf: Oscar De La Renta for Accessory Street (hand-me-down from my aunt)
• Hot pink flats: JCPenny's
• Leopard-print flats (worn outside): Payless
• Watch: Target
• Ring: jewelry store in Murom
• Earrings: gift from my wonderful coworkers!

What I ate for lunch that was typically Russian:

Black bread, a salad made with potato, ham, onions, cucumbers, and dill, and keffir, which is a sort of unsweetened drinkable yogurt. It's not for everyone, but it's really healthy and I actually like the taste. And for dessert, because it was my birthday, I served everyone ice cream with berries that my friend's mom gave me - right from the forest!

Sadly, I haven't been able to get any good pictures of the awesomeness that is Russian women's style. I should say that of course not every girl is dressed to the nines all the time - lots of women wear jeans and t-shirts. It's just that even in casual clothes they look polished, never sloppy. It might have something to do with wearing ridiculously high heels.

Anyway, if anyone is interested in reading more, my good friend Jane wrote this commentary on Russian fashion when we were here together in 2006: From Russia With Love

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Thanks so much, Brooke. Enjoy the rest of your time in Russia!

Guest Blogger - Brooke

It's time for my new guest blogger. Brooke is providing T Minus T Plus with some international flair. She is blogging all the way from Russia.

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Hi everyone! Tina, your blog rocks, and I am so happy to be a part of it.

I'm writing this from Vladimir, Russia, where I am currently working on a research project for my master's paper. A few words on Russian fashion: women here are super stylish. They tend to have only a few clothes, as clothing here is very expensive (think mid-range American prices but on about a third the budget). It's not uncommon to see my co-workers wearing the exact same outfit three or four days in a row. But the clothes they do have will be carefully chosen, well-cared-for, and perfectly fitted. Young Russian women like skintight jeans and super high heels, sparkles and short skirts, bright colors and anything trendy (and they've got the genetics to make it look good). They never leave the house without fixing their hair and makeup. It's easy to feel like a shlub surrounded by all this loveliness, especially when you're limited to the contents of one suitcase.

So! On this warm, breezy summer day, I opted for one of my favorite color combinations, green and white and gold. I just got into belts recently (inspired partly by Tina and the academichic ladies!) and I like the way they make me feel put-together. However, as I am also quite fond of puffed sleeves and full skirts, I think that belting it at my waist makes me look too square-dance, so I tried to keep it a little lower on my hips.

In Russia it's often customary to keep a seperate pair of shoes to wear at work to change into, since the streets tend to be filthy. So I keep my hot pink flats at work (hot pink is a neutral, right?) and wore my happy sparkly gold sandals to walk to and from.

What I wore while trying to blend in with the Russians:

• Green top: TJMaxx (altered by my wonderful friend Lisa)
• White eyelet skirt:TJMaxx
• Gold woven belt: thrifted
• Pink flats: JCPenny's (thanks Mom!)
• Gold sandals: Old Navy
• Gold earrings: probably Target
• Bronze watch: Target

I didn't realize until I took these pictures how the shoes pick up the eyelet pattern of the skirt! Cool.

Just for fun:

What I ate for breakfast that was typically Russian:

For breakfast, kasha (basically oatmeal) with fresh berries my host mom picked, grapes, and a cup of black tea. Russians drink tea after every meal, and often midmorning and midafternoon as well. With tea you can eat cookies, chocolate, or this stuff:

...some tvorak (a kind of sweet, soft cheese) with fruit. I think this had apricots. I am addicted to this stuff.

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Thanks, Brooke! I can't wait to see what you have for us next week!

Have a great holiday weekend, everyone!

Guest Blogger - Beth, Part IV

Beth joins us today (yeah yeah, it should have been Friday. Sorry. See my previous post for an explanation. Sorry, Beth!) for her final installment on her month-long guest blogger experience. Take it away, Beth!
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Oh, is it hot and humid in the Midwest right now! I know the thermometer is breaking 100 degrees in Texas (sorry, Tina!), but, man, is it sticky here. My office is in a building that was built right after the riots at Kent State. University administrations across the country took this as a lesson to build “safe” fortress-type buildings that are easily locked down. That translates to no windows, none except on the front façade. And now that this building is almost 50 years old the air handling is less than fantastic.

This in itself doesn’t make it tough to choose an outfit, except I’ve been spending my mornings in a research facility that is extra air conditioned! So I go from the refrigerator to the frying pan.

Also, a little help please! I bought this skirt on the clearance rack for $3 this winter. I thought that if it didn’t work on me it would make a cute bag (a la Dooney and Bourke). Should I keep it or upcycle it?

What I Wore While I Froze and then Sweated:

• Brown Patterned Skirt: George via Walmart
• Brown Cami: Merona via Target
• White Cardigan Sweater: Croft and Barrow via Kohl’s
• Brown Wedges: Aerosoles via Macy’s
• Green Bead Necklace: Made by Mom
• Jade Bangle: Gift from Sis

What I Ate While Trying to Recover from the Heat

No pictures, but Thursday is traditionally pizza night in our household. I was really too hot to eat (even with the A/C running!!), so I had two small pieces and then some homemade blueberry ice cream. It hit the spot! And I was still 22 calories under my goal, thanks to the heat! 1872 for the day!

I use a handy iPhone App to keep track of my caloric intake. It works well for me because I can enter as I go, it’s easy to use, and it’s free! Lose It!

And, finally, I’d like to thank Tina for letting me guest blog this month! I’ve had a great time. There are quite a few negative things said on the Internet about outfit-a-day blogs, but I think these critics don’t understand the spirit in which these bloggers blog! I’ve learned a lot about confidence, beauty (yes, also, beyond skin deep), and maturity from the women I visit “virtually” each day and I am glad to be included in a community of women who support and encourage each other! Thanks for letting me share.

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Thank you, Beth. It's been so great having you as a guest blogger. I really cannot say enough nice things about you. Week after week you have impressed me with your thoughtful posts and witty commentary. Don't be a stranger.

Guest Blogger - Beth, Part III

Please welcome Beth back for her third guest blogging installment. This time with video! I would like to say that I am saavy enough to have posted this video without blinking. Sadly, I had to email Beth to figure out how to do it. Thanks, Beth!
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This has been a low week for me fashion-wise. I haven’t been really inspired to work on my outer appearance for a couple of reasons. Grading finals is incredibly time consuming, and campus is nearly deserted (seriously, it’s like a zombie apocalypse).

I got a cool new t-shirt at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this weekend so that was my one inspiration. However after seeing these pictures I think it is time to get rid of this skirt. It definitely accentuates the disproportionate hips! I won't be getting rid of this jacket anytime soon because of one story. Once I was interviewing a job candidate at a breakfast and afterward he helped me on with my jacket (EEK!). He said, "That's a little jacket for such a big girl." Ouch. He didn't get the job.

What I Wore While Pretending I Rock:

• Black Linen Skirt: Lands’ End
• “Prepare to Rock” tee: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Denim Jacket: Gap
• Jacket Flair: various
• Bead Bracelets: Fair Trade store in Waukesha, WI
• Star Bracelet: Gift from Sis
• Black Peep Toe Wedges: Naturalizer via DSW
• Earrings: Made by my friend Rebecca

What I Shoveled into My Mouth while Grading:

Not too bad, I made a sirloin Caesar with homemade dressing. It’s not hard, just run the ingredients through the food processor and use less oil and more spices for a healthier but tasty dressing!

Also, I had some help with appetite suppression while grading. My students in “Media and Web Delivery” had to prepare a videocast fortheir final projects. This was one that has me off fast food for quite awhile:



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Maybe it's the angle of the photo, but I don't think this skirt makes your hips look disproportionate. I think you look rock and roll!

Guest Blogger - Beth II

Please welcome Beth back for her second week of guest blogging. Judging by her photos and witty comments, I think she might just be better at this than I am. Uh oh. Please enjoy her guest post as much I do!
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I’m drawing a lot of fashion inspiration from Mrs. O. I’ve always been a cardi-loving girl but I am trying to work the belts and bright colors like Michelle. If only I had her guns…but there’s not much time for gun-making this week. It’s Finals Week at the university and I am spread a little thin. How do I know? I’ve made enough mistakes that I’ve said, “I’m an idiot!” out loud about 800 times AND I came home yesterday with a nervous stomach (as you can see by my dinner below).

What I Wore the Day After My Nervous Stomach:

• Dress: Made by mom
• Shoes: Sam & Libby via Endless.com (again!)
• Belt: ?? via Kohls (super clearance this week, $2.40)
• Necklace: vintage via Betty’s Vintage Finds
• Earrings: ?? (about 20 years old)

What I Wore the Rest of the Week While Feeling Fine:


What I Ate While Not Feeling Very Hungry:

Toast. It cures all that ails you. Don’t worry, though, I had beer cheese soup for lunch so I am sure I am over calories for the day. Come to think of it, maybe that’s the reason for the nervous stomach – not stress as I had suspected!

I did exercise a bit this week. Saturday and Monday I spent 20 minutes on the treadmill. I’m going to be happy I made time on two days for exercise and not think about the other five!

Have a great weekend!

Guest Blogger - Beth

Please welcome Beth, my new guest blogger. Beth is a reader who answered my plea (for Rand's sake) to not blog on Fridays. Today she's showing us not one, not two, but THREE outfts from the week.

Take it away, Beth!

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Thanks to Tina for letting me be Friday blogger for the month of June!

I’m Beth: mother to an almost-three-year-old, wife to a flight instructor, and professor of digital media at a midwestern public university. You can also check out my sewing blog.

My colleagues’ (mostly men) dress varies from jeans to suits. I try to straddle the line. I like to think my style is modern vintage, and I don’t like to buy anything that isn’t on clearance, or at least on sale.

What I wore while wishing it was summer break:

• Navy and Green Dress: Merona Collection via Target (not a great view, but the boy wanted in the picture!!)
• White Denim Jacket: ?? via Elder Beerman
• Yellow Bead Necklace: vintage via thrift
• Green Jade Bracelet: gift from sister
• Yellow Wedge Peep Toes: Sam & Libby via Endless.com (gift from mom)
• Navy Handbag: vintage via thrift

I work from home one day a week during the school year, and Fridays are meeting day so I tend to dress a bit more casually. Here are my other outfits this week:

Exercise & Meals:

I didn’t get any shots of my dinners this week, but I did successfully keep to 1800 calories everyday except today, and I am just barely over. Packing my lunch has done wonders!

I have a goal of shaping up. As you can see I’m pretty pear-shaped and I’d like to get my body alittle more proportionate (I’m a 10/12 on top and a 16/18 on bottom). I think exercise will be key, which I’ve done very little of lately. I don’t think my Wii Fit will know me next time I log in! I’m hoping my guest stint will get me motivated.

Keep me honest blog readers!

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Thanks, Beth! You look amazing. Your pink skirt and necklace are calling my name. And I see that you have a budding shoe model at your house. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next Friday.

Guest Blogger - Coco

Please welcome Coco for her blogging debut! She kindly agreed to guest blog for me ths Friday. Take it away, Coco!!

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First, let me thank Tina for giving me the opportunity to do something this fun! Now, the outfit. So, today I felt the need to be a little bit professional and a little bit casual all at the same time. I just recently graduated with my Master's, and I'm on the hunt for jobs. Today I dropped my resume and cover letter off at one of the local public libraries (keep your fingers crossed, it sounds like a great gig!) and needed something that looked professorial but not too stuffy, especially since it wasn't an interview, just a drop-off (and it was pouring out by the time I actually got my day started). It turned out the HR woman wasn't even there, so I had nothing to fear. I was happy I looked put-together, though!

The ruffle on the shirt was something I wasn't sure I would be able to pull off, but as the day wore on I liked it better and better. One thing I'm never sure about is this salmon-colored cardigan--it's a little wide and I think it makes me look a little heavier, but the color is bold without being too in-your-face; it's cheery without being too much.

Later, I went to the bike shop to look for a new bike! I want it to be my new mode of transportation. I'm looking to get more fit and perhaps a little more green in the process. I tried three bikes without being too thrilled with any of them, then went to the local Sports Authority and found a Columbia bike I liked a lot...but I'm skeptical. I have to do some research on that.

What I Wore While Pretending to be an Adult:

• Salmon cardigan: Eddie Bauer, thrifted
• White button-up: Allison Morgan via TJ Maxx
• Dark denim jeans: Old Navy
• Freshwater pearl necklace: Lia Sophia party
• Tan flats: Fashion Bug
• Wood bracelet: Kohls

What I Ate While Out With My Mother:

Today's food intake was a total bust. I consumed about 27 Weight Watchers points by lunch because my mother took me out to eat at an Italian restaurant, where I got something DRENCHED in alfredo sauce. I don't even usually like alfredo sauce, but those giant cheese raviolis smothered in cheesy sauce were truly heavenly. I've promised myself I'll lose 20 pounds by January 1st, but I'm not doing a very good job of holding myself to it. I keep telling myself that the bike will help!

Have a great weekend everyone!

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Thanks, Coco! I my opinion, the ruffled shirt is a hit. It's a sweet detail without being too over-the-top frilly. And you thrifted it. You are a girl after my own heart!

Good luck with the job search. And definitely get a bike. I love riding. It's great transportation, great exercise, good fun, and good for the environment. Don't forget to look at your local bike shops and on Craigslist. In this economy, there are a lot of really good used bikes available. That's even more green!

Guest Blogger - Maria Part IV

Please welcome Maria back for her final guest blog post.
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The online version of Hook Or Crook is taking off! I'm selling so many hooks that I have to buckle down this weekend and make lots more. Better get my creative juices flowing! You all have been so supportive that I wanted to offer a 20% discount to any "T Minus T Plus"readers. Just mention it in your order.

I can't wait to see the next guest blogger!

What I Wore While Trying To Use As Much Jewelry As Possible:

• Shirt - Mossiso (Target)
• Skirt - Jacyln Smith (Kmart)
• Orange Brooch - Grandma's collection
• Grape Brooch - Vintage Jewelry Stash
• Flower Brooch - Vintage Jewelry Stash
• Necklace - New York and Co.
• Shoes - Enzo Angiolini (Macy's)
• Purse - gift from an ex - (Coach)

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Thanks, Maria! It's been so much fun having you as a guest blogger.

I am sure this won't be the last everyone will hear of her since I am in the middle of her Rock It Challenge, and I continue to steal/borrow jewelry from her stash.

Guest Blogger - Maria Part III

Maria graciously agreed to participate in the $20 Challenge this week.
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I got the offer letter, signed on the dotted line and start as the Investor Relations Manager on Monday. Thank goodness for promotions! And little did they know, I'm wearing a bunch of (nearly embarassingly) cheap clothing. Tee hee hee hee.

What I Wore During My Last Day at My Old Job!!!!!:

• Dress: Walmart, On sale $5
• Sweater: Target, On sale $4.99
• Shoes: Off Price Shoe Warehouse $5.99
• Necklace: From my unusable-for-pursehook vintage jewelry stash.... $.50???

Total: $14.98

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The first time I saw Maria wear these shoes, I fell in love. So she took me to the store where she bought them and now we both have a pair. I know it's hard to tell from the pciture, but they are a slightly aquamarine blue patent, with a cream buckle detail. I might have to lookfor this dress too. It's a great sheath.

Want to Be a Guest Blogger?

I've mentioned before that Rand really doesn't like it when I spend every night doing my blog, so I agreed to try to take Fridays off (not that I always do). So far I have accomplished this by having my adorable sister Stacy and my wonderful friend Maria blog for me on Fridays. Maria just sent me an email asking who was going to be my Friday guest blogger for June. Well, I have no idea. Do you? Come on down! You could be the next guest blogger on T Minus T Plus!

• Do you look at other people's fashion blogs, but don't have one of your own?
• Would you like to get feedback on your style?
• Do you want to try some of the challanges that other people post, but don't want the effort of making a whole blog?

If anyone is interested, I would love to post your look for an entire month or for a single Friday. There's no need for long-term commitment. My only requirements would be that you send a well-lit, in-focus (or at least as much as mine are in focus) picture of your outfit, as well as close-up shots of the details. If you can edit them, great. If not, I'll do it for you. (Stacy did her own, I do Maria's.) And I'll need all the details of what you are wearing too.

If you are watching what you eat, or are training for something, that would be a bonus so you can talk about that too.

Just leave a comment if you are interested. If no one wants to, I may be forced to break up with Rand. My committment to you, dear blog readers, is such that I would ditch the love of my life just to give you something to read Monday through Friday. LOL

Guest Blogger - Maria Part II

Please welcome Maria back for her second week as a guest blogger.
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I have been waiting for my offer letter for an internal position all week. What that means is that I have had to at least look semi-professional all week just in case I was going to get invited to HR to chat! Today I took a bit more casual approach. It's also the shortest skirt I've ever worn to work. Do you think it is too short?

What I Wore While Waiting, Some More, For My Offer Letter:

• Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft
• Shirt: Isaac Misrahi for Target
• Shoes: Calvin Klein
• Brooch: From my own, personal vintage collection
• Earrings: Sam Moon, a local discount importer
• Necklace: Arthur's
• Really White Legs: what my momma gave me :-)

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Thanks, Maria! You look cute! I love the color combo!

In response to your question, it's my personal rule that anything that doesn't at least touch the top of your knee is too short for work if you work in a professional, non-creative capacity. But you have the gams to pull it off, and I don't think you look inappropriate.

Can I borrow that brooch?? Pretty please?

Oh and - my momma gave me those same legs! You and I could stand together on a beach and reflect all the sunlight right back out into space. ha!

Guest Blogger - Maria

Okay, I've talking about Maria all week, since I stole a bunch of brooches from her before she made her fabulous purse hooks out of them. Well, she has agreed to be my guest blogger for the month of May.

Please welcome Maria! (and her fabulous little puppy that is licking the glass door behind her. He cracks me up. Ha!)
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For months I have been planning to volunteer at the MS 150 Bike Ride. And, no, I will not be riding. Tina, as some of you know, is a master bike rider-ess. She's biked across Iowa, has a fancy set of wheels and even got her whole family into cycling.* Seriously, she's amazing. Me? Yeah not so much. I went to a spinclass for the first time a few weeks ago and in the first 10 minutes I had jello legs. Not fun. ANYWAY, the first day of the 150 mile ride is mostly in Dallas County. The second day of the ride, however, is in a neighboring county which has suspended all mass gatherings of people. Included in that prohibition was my MS event. We should get final word tomorrow on alternative plans, but still. I'm bummed that so much good fund raising potential will be wasted!

What I Was Doing While Being Bummed About Pig Flu:


So, on to the outfit. I was conservative this go-around: I just wore an outfit that I had never worn before. And shoes which are lighter than my pants which is a big step! So, here it is.

• Sweater: Target
• Pants: New York and Company
• Shoes: BCBG Girls
• Earrings: Claimed from my stash of vintage jewelry that I use to makehand bag hooks
• Ring: From my grandma circa 1920

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Thanks, Maria. I love your grandma's ring. I'm so glad you are wearing it!

* My parents got both my sister and I into cycling, and we ride as Team Potter. We have a lot of fun.