Todays outfit- long busy day

I am so used to being a stay-at-home mom, that when I have a full day of things going on, I sort of pout. I was looking forward to putting together something really fun today to blog about, but I really just needed to get dressed and ready for picking up the kids at school, taking them to the dentist, buzzing around town, then off to my 5 hour art class this evening.

So, I kept it simple.

My new jeans, my shiny oxfords, a Boden sweater I bought at Consignment store, and a black belt. It's sort of ho-hum, but I look put together, at least. And I'm comfortable. I let my hair be fun, at least- doing the pinned-up braid thing. This style makes me happy.



Ok- I have 2 more planar analysis drawings to do, 4 sustained gesture drawings, 2 proportional sketches to do out of my textbook AND 3 still lives to complete before 5:30 this evening, and I have to drive 20 minute up to the kids school, down the hill 45 minutes to the dentist appt., which will be an hour at least, then get the kids off with mom. When will I get these done? AHHHHH!!!Maybe when I stop blogging!

Todays outfit- Purple dress and denim jacket

Big mistake on outfit planning today.

In normal California fashion, the weather switched from hot summer to cold autumn today. As though someone snapped their fingers! Bam! Freezing!!

I thought wearing a long sleeved dress and a denim jacket would be fine! But I froze on a field trip to Apple Hill. This after weeks of complaining about the inability to wear my new(read: thrifted)blazers and pants. I totally could have rocked something had I know it would have been that cold!!!


Oh well. The dress is thrifted (duh), but I know for a fact its from Marketplace India, a wonderful site that's sales directly benefit women in India. I love the clothes they have- and though, thrifting one of their pieces, doesn't really help anyone except me, it does make me want to purchase more directly from them. They have some really cool dresses and blouses.

Thrifted denim jacket, cheapie Wal Mart gladiators. Freaking freezing cold outside- I'm going in now to wear something sensible. I wish I had a Snuggy. (no- I don't, actually.)

Todays Outfit- Tank and shorts

Please PLEASE tell me summers over? Please-no more hot days? I can't bear it anymore.

I'm TOTALLY bored with my summer clothes.Todays ensemble was created around a day consisting of food shopping and other errands.

The top is from a clothing swap we did at an Equinox celebration- it was actually my friend Angela's, previously. The shorts were thrifted earlier this summer and the flats came from my mom (she wasn't wearing them!).

New Jeans

I've been searching and searching thrift stores for good jeans and have com up short. Some times, you have to just put aside some money and actually buy. So, I planned a massive jean shopping trip with some friends to try on a myriad of them. Before that happened I found these Calvin Klein's at Costco for $24.99 and took a chance on them.

I'm pretty happy I did- they fit great and don't bug me one bit! Most jeans bother my waist- which is, after three ginormous pregnancies, quite squishy and sensitive. I hate stretch jeans, since they seem to walk off of you as you walk. Or at least thats what happens to me- probably a result of having no actual hips to hang on to.


These work! It was hot last night, so I wore a tiny-striped top I thrifted months ago, and tall white wedges. The scarf was an after-thought- and later, got wrapped around itself more like a belt. The scarf is thrifted also. Sorry about the picture- it totally sucks. I was rushing out the door, and this is all I could get.

Here's a better shot of my necklace that I made:

Todays outfit- Neon silk and cropped jeans

No post yesterday? What a slacker I am. Trust me- I was pretty much in my running clothes all day with no makeup- yuck.

But today...such glorious possibilities!!! I'm going to attempt to sell some things to a consignment store in hopes of getting some good fall basics. I really need some nice blouses, as well as a good pair of jeans and some other pants. I hope they are buying today!!!


I'm wearing my newly thrifted neon silk blouse with my cheapie distressed jeans from TJ Maxx and Anne Klein sandals. This blouse rocks- it feels like wearing nothing!!

Scarlet insisited on being in the shot- which is fine with me because I love her little smug face.

Todays outfit- denim dress

Dress from JC Penney's American Living line, bought last year? Not current trend by anymeans, but I feel pretty in it and I like the detail in the front. It's made very well! Thirfted black belt, Anne Klein gladiator heels.

Gotta go to class! Sorry for rushing!! Off to sketch!

Weekly thift store trip!

My actual outfit today was sort of utilitarian because I was lead mom for the preschool co-op. This meant lots of moving around, lots of standing, the serious possibility of a paint apocalypse, etc. I didn't wear anything too notable, though, I had my normal bit of flair, I suppose.



Afterwards I went to my secret thrift store up here in no-man's land, and though I only had $2.67, I managed to put an outfit together, as well as get a shiny tank top, a great vintage blazer, some Gymboree leggings (which are a very good thing- fellow moms will understand) and a horrible looking plastic horse for Scarlet.

I was short by more than a dollar, and was about to put a few things back when the store owner said, "You're here every week, and you always take the stuff no one else wants- just take 'em." So I did!!!



I love, LOVE this neon pink silk blouse. It's wrinkly right now, but I'll fix it, I promise. I can't wait to mix this one with other things! Maybe leopard print pants? For sure jeans!!!


The skirt is wool, Evan Piccone. I love it- very classic. The shoes are the BCBG heels my sister in law gave me.

Editing to add shot of the red blazer I got today- which is a tad big, but it's great, regardless.

Todays outfit- Teaching outfit #2

Another day of art lessons at the kid's school! So tiring, yet so awesome. I was glad to be in flats this time!

I wore my favorite blouse- I got it on clearance at TJ Maxx or $3. The tag says Persaman New York. It's cut well and it's linen, and its very soft. It's got this braid detail on front and back.


I wore my fave denim pencil skirt from J Jill (about $19 on clearance), and my thrifted Ferragamo flats. Simple outfit, but effective.

More clothing karma!!!

Last night at an Equinox celebration, the women from our community did a massive clothing swap. I didn't expect to get anything myself- but I did donate a huge basket of stuff. I figured I had so much I'd thrifted and not used, I'd pass them on. I sifted through the piles and found a few things, but was trying to be extremely picky, so as not to get greedy!

My hands landed of cotton rayon...black....a leg? With ties at the ankle? I pulled until the rest came out. High waist? Gathering at the hips...could these be...Harem pants? In MY size?


I scored. (and what a classic weird-Carolyn face I'm making, lol!)

And I last week I found this scarf I'd been missing in the dress up bin at out preschool co-op. (oops!) So, I paired it with the pants for a super cool outfit on an unfortunately warm day.

I can't wait to try these pants with heels or a long sleeve blouse I don't own yet. And the scarf...I'll have to Google some instructions on how all you ladies do the scarf thing. I only know how to wrap it on my head, or tie it at the neck.


I love the top of these pants, but can't remember the term that describes this style? The v-front? What is it called? I LOVED it in 1990- had lots, and lots of skirts with this. (where are they now?)

Layers of Fall!

Remember when I posted pictures of what I liked in H&M's fall catalog? I tried to re-create one of the looks, or at least do an inspired outfit from one of the shots, this one to be exact:



These are all things I've had for a while- and really, nothing was thrifted. The sweater is 3 years old, the dress a year, the tights are really, really old. I bought them in college for harsh NY winters! (I went to college in Nyack, NY) The shoes are the sandals I've been wearing all week from my sis-in-law. The jacket- my niece gave me last week- she'd never worn it. The belt I wear everyday. :)



Please excuse my horrible modeling faces- I really shouldn't try so hard! There goes THAT career! lol (don't worry, I'm not delusional)

Todays outfit- mulching and herding chickens

This is what one wears whilst doing these things.


But the pants are cool- more or my extended Thai Fisherman pants collection. I heart them. These are my favorite pair. They are raspberry colored with tiny pinstripes.
The tank is old- from Old Navy. And the necklace is the Possible New York necklace I won from Sugar Rock Catwalk!
Ok, the shoes...not so practical. I may have worn boots. Shut up.

I'm super tired after getting home late last night from band practice. "What?" you ask? (although you didn't ask...I'll go on) I'm totally stoke to get to sing with a group that does music for big parties and soiree's. They do mostly oldies and folk- stuff everyone knows, but they do it very well, and sometimes with a twist. It's a basic band: 2 guitars, bass, drums- but with an incredible guy that plays sax, flute and and clarinet. I'm there because I'm a master at harmonies! I have no desire to sing alone ever (hence dropping out of college as a voice major), but I love the richness of great harmonies on classic old songs like Peaceful, Easy Feeling, or even something fun like Wake Up Little Susie.

I know, you're thinking...."What a dork." But trust me- you'd sing along...you know the words....

(and I haven't even mentioned my love of all things Star Trek, have I?)

Todays actual outfit- Teal Romper AGAIN

So, I took my mom to her biopsy, which actually ended up being a simple aspiration of a cyst. No cancer! Phew!

Anyway, she took this picture of me when I picked her up. That's her house in the background, actually. And if you are looking for a quiet house in the country, this one is for sale!


It's warm again today, so I choose the teal romper again. I still am so glad I kept this and hemmed it. I keep wearing it! It's so easy and the color is superb. I started the day with my thrifted denim jacket, which came off just and hour ago. I choose more shoes that Mandee gave- these being wooden platform wedges by MIA that are totally comfortable. And my trusty Target belt, as usual.


Red lipstick is totally a comfort thing for me. It's the natural choice for me- I gravitate to it and it feels like "my face" when I put it on. Right now, the red I'm wearing is actually by Kat Von D, I think it's called Misfit. It really wears well- it's matte, but not drying at all! And it doesn't wear off and leave a red line around my mouth. I get the feeling its for serious lipstick-wearers. And that's what I am. You can always tell which glass is mine. (or my moms...I guess it runs in the family)

Monday night outfit- trying a maxi!

So, I'm in a massive hurry today- have to get my mom to a biopsy, actually (good vibes a dn prayers appreciated), so, not photo this morning. I forgot that Matt took a picture of me on our way to dinner the other night.


My sister in law Mandee, also bought me this dress for my birthday (which was in June, she forgot to get it to me!), so I wore it out the other night. I don't usually choose long dresses because I'm mildly short (5' 4") and mildly smallish (135 pounds...small if you're in you 30's and have 3 kids....), and the length usually swallows me.

But, I love this dress- it's very soft- a sort of woven fabric. I wore some of the tall shoes she gave me to get the hem off the ground! I also belted it, since I couldn't resist mixing my favorite belt with this!

SOrt of a horrible picture- but you get the idea, right? I'll post properly later!

Todays OTHER outfit- vintage floral dress

Art class looming over me in my congested state, I decided to don something a tad more creative this afternoon!


I found this dress at the Salvation Army and fell in love with the flowers. It was too long, though- terribly matronly and just plain too big. So, I took in the waist, and hemmed it by lots of inches. I like the result- it's still a bit large through the bust and hips, but I kind of like the effect. I thought I'd wear a belt with this- but the back has this sort of bustle-thing that I didn't want to obscure! (hard to see in the photo- if you click on the photo, it's easier to see)


I'm so mad, though- these are my favorite tights- grey fishnets, I think they're DKNY? They have a hole in them! I'm so mad. Anyone know if you can repair them? Stitch them or something? Ugh. I'm pissed.

The shoes I bought at like, Kohls or something last year.

Todays-outfit, T-shirt and quasi-jeans

I've got a cold! Agh!!! I can't be sick today- I have class tonight, and I really can't miss even one of them, since they are a one-night-a-week class. I'll be ok. I'll load up on stuff tonight before I go.

So, I'm not feeling super stylish today, what with all my congestion and coughing. My sister in law also passed along these pants, which are not jeans, but actually leggings? But not like my denim-look leggings I got from eBay- these have all the pockets and stuff like regular jeans! They're a tad loose, but feel like you could sleep in them.

On top is my NaNoWriMo shirt from 2007. What is this? Well, allow me to shamelessly link you to my other blog, Fruit of my Daydreams. It's become the neglected step-child to this blog of late, but I'm starting to ponder posts for it once again. Not only do thrift-shop, draw/paint and parent. I also write. Or, rather, try to write. Mostly I dream up wonderful stories and them try to figure out how to translate those dreams into actual words. NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, is in November. Thousands of budding writers sign up to a challenge of writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.


My husband started doing this in 2006, and by 2007, I was convinced to give it a try. It's not a contest, you don't win anything, but the motivation and support you get is awesome. I have finished NaNo two years in a row now, and I'm excited to go for it again in November. There is no pressure, really- no one will read your novel. It's just a tool to get people started, and there have been some great books that have come out of it, one being Water For Elephants, by Sara Gruen.

My shoes are from Mandee, my sister in law- part of her giant load of shoes she gave me. (and yes, she is named after the Mandee stores!) I have them in white and in brown and they are suprisingly supportive and comfortable! I never buy white shoes- I'm just not drawn to them, but I keep grabbing these!

As far as the blogging and internet world is concerned, I've found there are lots of blogging moms who write ad paint. And I've found there are a lot of fashion-ladies who write and draw. But, I don't know of any other writing, drawing, painting, thrifting, fashion-obsessed moms living in rural California who are obsessed with Harry Potter AND getting the perfect belt. I'm the perfect blend of nerdery and cool.

Todays outfit- Cool again

Finally, right? I felt cool today. Like I could go to the city and not feel lame- thats how I measure "cool", I suppose.

I just felt like wearing these pants again- they are totally comfortable and seem to go with everything. The sweater, is from Target- Thakoon. My absolute favorite cardigan EVER, perhaps. These are good examples of items that match with nothing, thus, they go with everything.




The grey top was thrifted, it's super stretchy and great. The shoes? Yep- more from my sister in law. These are so cute. Not walking-friendly, but date night? Oh yes!

Todays outfit- Art Teacher?

I think I can get through this post without some sort of rant about being broke, feeling sorry for myself, or generally bringing my readers down!!

Today I went to my son and daughter elementary school to teach art. I've been doing this for a few years- our school district, like many others, no longer has money for Art, at all! So, I go up about twice a month and teach K-5 art. And I LOVE it!

My sister in law visited from New Jersey this weekend, and brought me some shoes that she couldn't wear due to an allergy she has. I totally scored! I will have to take a picture of the PILE of shoes she brought me. My favorites are these:


BCBG black patent heels. I love them! And they just what I needed for fall!


Also on me are my Gap jeans I bought after losing baby weight a few years ago. I wish they had a higher rise- then they'd be almost perfect. The blouse is my favorite J Jill blouse, the velvet vest is thrifted, and the wool blazer is also thrifted. The necklace is my old stand-by that I made myself.



Do I look responsible enough to teach? I think so. My feet hurt by 2pm, as I'm not used to non-comfort heels, but it was worth it!

Onemore shot of me in front of one of my paintings...just to prove I DO paint. I may not get paid for my non-commissioned stuff...yet....but I'm an artist.

Todays outfit- Hippy top and heels

I'm so out of motivation and inspiration, it's ridiculous.

I'll admit it- I'm doing the "woe is me" thing. I'm tired of the stuff I have. I can't seem to put anything together that looks like anything. It's been that sort of week. I've been busy and tired- I can't seem to get a good picture of myself. Boo-hoo.

Every year, I go and buy basics for myself- whether it be new jeans, a new jean and shoes, or some other combination of things. But I buy as high a quality as I can afford- I usually have about $500 to spend. (usually a compilation of birthday money) This always injects my wardrobe with the base of good things that fit perfectly, allowing me to thrift the rest.

But this year- that didn't happen. There has been no money. (hence starting this blog about dressing on zero funds)But, I'm lacking basics again. The last time I bought nice separates, I was more than a size or two larger than I am now. I need some separates to help me work in the thrifted and vintage pieces I have. Or, at least I think I do. Maybe I'm just depressed? Maybe this is the pity-party of the year at my house?

Maybe I should stop watching What not to Wear. (I keep thinking how awesome I would do with $5000- I wouldn't need anyones advice, so long as I had the money to buy well)


Ok, anyway- today I threw this top on- thrifted, of course. I love it, but I'm not sure if it is good on me, or if I should care since I'm not really going anywhere today, anyway. The shorts are my cut off Levis, and I added the heels to keep it all from looking too hokey. I could wear Birkenstocks with this- but that would be something else entirely that I'm trying to get away from. (not that I'm NOT a hippy, but the hippy look is something I'm sort of over)


Don't worry, I'll get chipper again. I know something will come along and inspire me and everything will be cool again!

Todays outfit- tiny floral dress and brown leather goodies

I have my drawing class tonight, in which I'm the second oldest person by probably 5 years. (the other woman in her thirties is 36, with 3 kids, divorced and trying to get her degree) The class is mostly comprised of college kids, half of which are just taking the class to fulfill the elective requirement, the other half are serious and beginning their education in art, as I am.
I feel sort of funny, though, I don't really stand out as OLD, or anything. I also don't wear pajama pants and a bra top to class. I do layer for class, as it's been hot outside, but the classroom is extremely cold. It's also a 5 hour class, ending at 10:30 pm- so, my body temperature shifts.

Today, I'm wearing this perfect, thrifted dress- I love how it's cut! It's just an old 90's dress- very similar to what I was wearing daily in high school. It's great, and I wear it a lot.

I'll tote the sweater with me tonight, to wear if I get cold. It a really simple little sweater I actually bought new- gasp- from Costco. (yep, I'm outed as a mom, now) It's made well, the tag says Kersh- whatever. It works.

The belt is my favorite belt of the year from Target- this thing really should come in black, too. I'm wearing it backwards today- so cute.

The boots are J Crew- thrifted J Crew, that is! I got them for $2.50!!! I'm not sure the pointy toe thing is current, but they have a classic feel, they fit perfectly and are made quite well.

I'm probably going to wear sandals right now, and save the boots for later when I actually go to class. This morning, I'm just doing homework, and then have to clean. Ugh.

Oh, yeah, I promise to put on some makeup and brush my hair before leaving hicksville for class tonight.

Yesterdays outfit- Mom's Birthday party

I wanted to look cute, so I wore a great little denim pencil skirt from J Jill. Its actually not denim, not true denim, its almost the same fabric as a sweatshirt, but heavy and extremely stretchy.
I found the top last week at the thrift store- it appears to be from the 80's, but it does have stretch. It's sorts like a heavy stretch rayon? Anyhow, I like it. I like the length and the cut.
The shoes are my newly thrifted Ferragamo's that I am loving! I also brought my turquoise blazer, but didn't wear it due to the heat.



Today I am wearing clothes, but I honestly am stealing time to even type this. I'm trying to type while waiting on hold for the doctor! I will try to post later.

Some new finds to cheer me up

Though I don't look it in the shot! My computer is doing something weird- and won't load all the shots I took. My sister wold say in this picture, I have "the poop eyes", meaning, I look a bit strained. Well, my three year old was harassing me. But, I usually (and I'm outing myself, here, in my vanity) touch up my skin in these photos which is atrocious today for no good reason. Oh well. I have acne- for almost 20 years now. Awesome.

I got all this yesterday at my secret thrift store up here in the sticks. I fell for these super soft grey pants that have a very subtle herringbone pattern, and this little rayon shell, as well. The pin is actually something someone made for me out of some of my grandmothers buttons and costume jewelry. I feel bad, but I've never worn it, as I've never liked gold...or pins. But, I like it with this.

The flats....oh the flats- yes, from that same store for a dollar! Salvatore Ferragamo....ever heard of him? ;) I love the watermelon color of these, and the buttery leather!! And the price!!! Thrift Karma strikes again. Such beauty for those of us who can barely scrape by month to month. (uh-oh, the crankky is coming back)

Todays outfit- Red shorts, white t-shirt

Still cranky.

We are going to a friends cabin for the weekend near Lake Tahoe, and I'm still trying to get excited about it. This is were I start spouting complaints about my children when this is a blog about clothes. But it is affecting my inspiration to put together outfits. The cabin will be fun- it's very rustic, and we actually sleep in our tent, since the cabin only sleeps 5 and there will be lots of people there. (this is another reason I'm not super thrilled- I'm having an introvert sort of week)

So, yeah. I'm cranky. I'll be better. Hopefully I'll loosen up and find some inspiration. If it would only get cooler, I could wear some of my fall clothes and that would make things fun, but the heat goes on. (sheesh- what a downer, eh?)

In this picture, I'm tucking in a white t-shirt into thrifted J Crew shorts and I'm wearing my rope wedges that I bought almost 5 years ago.

Todays outfit: a reflection of my crankiness

I'm sorry, I just can't do it today. I had a bunch of chores to do today and just don't feel like putting together anything cool. (maybe later)

I threw on this newly hemmed thrifted dress, which I'm wearing with my redundant studded gladiators. (can you tell I'm bored and un-inspired?) I think I'm tired from my art class? (which was AWESOME, by the way)

Love me?

Todays outfit- Leopard pants

Oh, these pants make me so, so happy. I paid 50 cents for them, they fit exquisitely, and the pattern is good for my shape- or, lack thereof.


I tucked in a black shirt that was a black dress before I realized I look like a lollipop in the skinny black dress and need to stick to outfits that flatter my proportions more. I may un-tuck this at some point. Maybe.


The necklace is something I made myself with supplies from the craft store. Took about 2 minutes. Theres really no excuse for not making your own jewelry nowadays- they make it so easy!! Just buy stuff and try it! I'm NOT crafty- artsy, but not crafty and I can do this, so you can too.

I try to go by the law of "dress for you you want to be, not who you are", so, today, I'm dressing like a successful artist and writer. I do have my art class tonight, so, I'm getting closer.

I decided after years of hemming and hawing to take a college level drawing class. I took art all through high school and planned to go to Fashion Institute of Design and Mechandising in San Francisco once I graduated. My parents, however, wanted me to go to 2 years of Christian college to get my bearing, and I agreed to give it a chance. The college I went to didn't have art. So, my other love took the focus there- I was a voice major.

I ended up dropping out after getting married in 1997 and got a real job and put all my dreams in the backseat to what I thought was just real life. After having my kids, though, I've started remembering that I'm an artist. And I have some real actual talent. I started painting and doing some pencil portraits here and there for money, but my stuff is....well, just ok. I get lots of accolades for what I do, but I know it all lacks a sense of skill due to my lack of training.

So, here I am, going back to school- starting with good old Elementary Drawing and Composition at the local community college. I'm so excited to get some real criticism, and I get the feeling the professor will challenge me despite the elementary nature of the class. You get what you put into things, I believe.