Mad Dress Game

Old outfit, new puppy

2012-02-08T15:52:00.000-06:00

Tee: Target
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Belt: Thrifted
Booties: Aldo
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Earrings: Turkey

Remember how I said I was going to blog more often? I'm a big liar apparently. I've been in near non-stop meetings as we prepared for the beginning of the school year (we finish in December and start in February here). Yesterday we headed to the US embassy to renew my passport, and then, because we're all about timing here, we decided to stop by the shelter and adopt a new puppy. Yesterday.

And today we started school. Like I said: timing. We're so good at it. She's the most adorable little mutt, and I have to say I'm pretty smitten with her, though Camila (that's her name) did keep us up last night with her whining. Y'all, I'm so happy to have a new puppy, although she's been pretty whiney.

Has anyone had any experience with whiney puppies? She does it even when she's wagging her tail, when I'm holding her, when she's playing, and when she's eating. I know she's totally traumatized after being taken away from the only home she's ever known, but it makes me feel like a bad pet owner. Any advice would be appreciated.

And of course, you will get a picture of the new baby instead of just me.

Meet Camila. So sweet and sleepy.

Seeing spots

2012-01-26T14:56:00.000-06:00

Sweater: Forever 21 (ages and ages ago)
Skirt: Gap
Belt: came with a blazer
Scarf: Turkey
Tights: Target
Earrings: Turkey
Boots: Noble Town Vintage

So... Hi. I'm Frances Joy and I used to blog around these parts. I guess I still do, seeing as one of my resolutions for 2012 is to blog more regularly; apparently, it takes me about a month to get on those resolutions. But I'm back! With lots of old pictures from before we went back to the States, some new clothes just begging to be shared, and some super successful sewing experiments I can't wait to show off.

In the meantime, I've got one of last year's looks. I have to say I'm still really proud of this all black, double leopard outfit, which I wore to church. Yes, I wore leopard print tights to church.

These tights are fantastic, though. I like to think they're subtle what with the dark grey/black color combo, and I love the way they played with my leopard print scarf. A successful pattern mix, if I do say so myself.

Kiku

2011-12-27T22:54:00.002-06:00

Y'all remember this sweetheart? Kiku came with us to the States from Puerto Rico two years ago. She was my sweet baby and I love, love, love her.

She snuck into quite a few of my outfit pictures and was the best cuddler ever.

And I know everyone thinks their dog is the best ever, but mine seriously was. She was so sweet and obedient and cuddly. Have I mentioned that she was cuddly?

We got a call on the 23rd with some bad news from Costa Rica. Our house was broken into, our school money was stolen. Worst of all, though, Kiku was hit by a car.

Our neighbors were taking (excellent) care of her, and they tried to get her to the vet, but she died on the way.

So, this is probably the saddest post ever, and I worried about sharing it, but she was kind of around these parts a lot. I can't say I'm looking forward to going back to CR and not finding her, but I'm trying to remind myself she was one happy, happy baby while she was with us.

Friend Friday: Holidays

2011-12-16T11:53:00.000-06:00

Dress: Kohl's
Tights: Simply Vera
Socks: Target
Belt: Thrifted
Boots: Nine West
Scarf: Target
Earrings Turkey

Friend Friday! I feel like I haven't participated in one of these in a looong time! But, as long as I'm taking advantage of the library's free wi-fi, I figure I can squeeze this into my schedule. So, this time around, we're doing one of those old school questionnaires that I never could resist.

No holiday party is complete without: a little bling.
My favorite Christmas song/album: Bomba en Navidad by Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz. Clearly, I come from a different Christmas tradition. As far as songs that are more recognizable in the US, I like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" by The Barenaked Ladies
My favorite seasonal recipe: Pernil. It's the best thing that can happen to a pig.
The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes: some hot shoes.
At the parties, I'll be drinking: water, as usual.
Eggnog, good or bad? I've never had it. I do love coquito, though.
Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall? Yep.
Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha: Neither.

Worst gift I ever got: has never arrived.
Best gift I ever received: a wedding. (B & I got married in Puerto Rico on 27 December 2009)
My family has this weird tradition: We love watching Banco Popular videos at this time of year and remembering Puerto Rico.
My best bargain find for a gift this year: I'm making all my gifts this year, so probably the 69 cent beeswax at the natural grocer.
If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I'd shop at: Potomac Mills.
Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman: Rudolph. I hate snow.
My favorite holiday memory: going back to PR for Christmas and seeing all the decorations. That or waking up on January 6th to see that the Three Kings had been by leaving gifts.
My favorite Christmas movie: A Christmas Story.

The best part about holiday decorations is: the fun lights.
Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape: I neatly pull off the tape and refold the paper.
Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life: I've never watched "It's a Wonderful Life"....
It doesn't feel like the holiday season until: I'm with my family.
All I want for Christmas is: lots of good family time.

Oh, hai...

2011-12-15T11:50:00.000-06:00

Top: Self made
Skirt: Thrifted
Pumps: Zara
Earrings: Target

Oh hai.... Yes, I've been MIA. Things have been super busy with work and getting ready to come back to the States, which is actually where I am right now. It wasn't my intention to disappear for so long, it just kind of happened. Also, I'm at my in-laws right now, and they have dial up, so let's just say there won't be much posting until I'm back in VA towards the end of the month.

Anyway, this outfit. It's bright, huh? I kind of love it, though, especially because I felt like I was finally able to pull off that "color blocking" thing that was super trendy over the summer. Is that still a thing? Does anyone still do it? I was pretty proud of my bright top and neon thrifted skirt (I found it for $1!) and super bright shoes.

Bright colors for a bright day. Also, I'm pretty sure that was the last sunny day we had in the mountains until the day we left for the States. We have to take advantage of the sun when it comes out up there.

Thankful, thankful, thankful

2011-11-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

I really meant to do an outfit post this week. In fact, I meant to do several, but between work and NaNoWriMo, things have been crazy, mostly in a good way.
But since this is my first non-Thanksgiving-y Thanksgiving (I'm at work right now, if that gives you any indication of how non-Thanksgiving-y I am feeling), I thought I'd say a little something about how thankful I am for a million things. Well, at least five. I won't make y'all read a million things.

First off, I'm grateful for my husband who is amazing and wonderful and hot. I am seriously in love with that man. So, yay for three years together, yay that our second anniversary is coming up, and yay that we're stuck together forevaaaaaaa!

I am thankful for the cuteness of my kittens and my sweet Kiku. Their cuddles and purrs make me unbelievably happy.

I am thankful for the times I've been able to share with family this year, particularly the time my parents took us all on a cruise. Sun, food, family, the Caribbean.... It just doesn't get any better. Also, I'm thankful I'll be seeing them again in less than three weeks!

I am thankful for old friends, particularly those that are in Costa Rica, and who are inviting us to share Thanksgiving with them. Also, the friends whose emails, calls, skype sessions, and facebook messages have gotten me through. Love, love, love y'all.

Finally, I am thankful that I am feeling so much better and that I have amazing readers who have been beyond supportive through what's been a really trying time for me. Included in that, I'm thankful for the wonder of modern medicine and for my faith, which have allowed me to see - almost for the first time - the incredible beauty of the place where I now live.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the States and all my fellow expats!

FFB: Sexuality and harassment

2011-11-16T13:34:00.000-06:00

Jeans: J Crew
Tee: Target
Scarf: Target
Belt: thrifted
Jacket: Land's End Canvas (gift from my mom)
Shoes: Steve Madden (ditto)
Bag: thrifted
Earrings: Turkey

So, first off, a million thanks for all the amazing comments on the last post. I've been humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude with the responses I've gotten from people I know in real life and people I've only ever met online. To be honest, I thought this would finally be the post when I got negative comments, but they never came. Everyone has been amazing, and for that, I thank you. I truly have amazing readers and friends.

Second, it's time for another FFB post. I totally forgot to post last month, though I've still the idea for a post kicking around in my head, so I didn't want to forget this time around. This month's topic is sexuality, you know, just to keep things light around here because that's how I roll.

I've been thinking a lot about modesty and harassment these days, partly because I read this article, partly because I work with teenagers, and partly because of the culture in which I live. To be really honest, I can't use the word "modest" to describe my own style. Not that I don't think I dress modestly, because I do and people tell me this a lot. That's fine. What's not fine is the association I have when it comes to that word. When I was about sixteen or so, this guy at our church basically told me that the way I dressed was "causing boys to stumble" which, as a feisty and articulate teenager, pretty much pissed me off, and I let him know that. I mean, my parents were still buying my clothes (and vetoing a lot of my sartorial choices) and they didn't have a problem with it. Besides, were the guys then not at all responsible for the way they reacted? Oh, and by the way, what was I supposed to do when I was wearing men's jeans and girl's tee shirts and STILL getting inappropriate comments from the boys at school? Because as far as I could tell, causing someone to stumble was not an exclusively female trait.

And I know, I should probably not be holding on to instances like this one (because, yes, there were instances. Plural.) and letting them color the way I view the word "modesty", because it's a perfectly innocuous word. It's fine. It's even good in some ways. It's just that in my brain, it's so inextricably linked to these types of experiences and power differentials that I just can't. And to say that it's this kind of thing that will suddenly throw up walls of protection around every woman in the world is just wrong. Because that doesn't work, and I know this. I live in a culture where men are expected to show their manliness by making comments about the women in their presence, especially the women they don't know. I can't walk to work without getting a look (you know the kind), a comment, a whistle, or a honk. I just give my best side eye and carry on. But you know what? It's infuriating and dehumanizing sometimes, and I hate it. And I'm covered up!

I'm almost thirty. I've found ways to fight it, both publicly and privately, but when I think of my students? It just breaks my heart because we keep telling them that if they'd just cover up a little bit more, they'd avoid it. But it doesn't work like that. I cover up because I'm more comfortable that way, because I get cold easily, because it's more practical for my job, but not because it's going to magically keep people from making all kinds of unsolicited comments and / or assumptions about me and my body. I've lived through too much to think it works that way.

A story

2011-11-09T15:27:00.000-06:00

Top: Kohl's
Skirt: Target
Belt: Ann Taylor
Booties: Aldo
Scarf: gift from my mom
Earrings: Kohl's
Adorable kitteh: Elefante

So, yeah, this outfit is basically the flip of this one here. I'm fine with that because I can't even tell you how happy the combination of green and leopard makes me. If it works, it works, and I'm cool with that.

Y'all, since we moved to Costa Rica, things were hard. Like, really hard. The work hours are long, there's little distinction between my personal life and my work life, and we're poor. The rains get to me, especially because the rainy season lasts about eight months here. I wasn't sleeping well - I'd wake up from a nightmare and I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. The nightmares were nearly every night for about nine months. Nine. Months.

And then there were the headaches. They'd start in my shoulders, move up into my neck, attack my jaw, and settle behind my eyes. Sometimes they were so strong that I'd feel nauseated. To make things worse, they'd last for two weeks at a time. And this, too, went on for nine months.

I didn't want to eat, I cried all the time, I imagined that Kiku or the cats had been hit by a car, I had no energy to do anything besides my actual teaching. And it sucked. It really, really sucked. I felt like I didn't even know myself, and I hated what I was putting B through, because, seriously? This was not what he signed up for, this weepy, sickly, emotional mess of a woman. Even if he was beyond supportive and stuck with me and told me it was okay and I could cry to him whenever I needed, and he LISTENED! Even then, I felt awful.

So we went to the doctor and told him everything that was going on. It didn't surprise me, not at all, but it did make me feel validated somehow. I'd thought I was going crazy, becoming someone else, and his diagnosis made me feel like it'd be okay. It's depression. Big surprise, right? So now I'm on Paxil and I've been on it for about a month and I feel like myself again. And I haven't wanted to talk too much about it because of the stigma, but really? I'm talking about it because of the stigma. Because I've been around a lot of Christian circles where if you just trust Jesus it's alright, and I was trusting and things weren't okay. Because mental illness sometimes - often - has additional physical consequences. Because I know I'm not the only one who's gone through this and has been too afraid to see a doctor about it.

So this is my story, and even though I don't like sharing a lot of these personal things with the internet, I think it's important. And y'all, I feel so much better now.

Sew Fun

2011-11-07T08:33:00.000-06:00

Top: Self made
Belt: thrifted
Skirt: Gap
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: gift from my sister-in-law

You guys. I made this shirt. Sure, I got some help on the hems and the finishing, but I brought in a little sketch and a ton of this slippery fabric to my sewing instructor and she taught me how to draft the pattern and we made this shirt. A.May.Zing.

I might be obsessed with the way it frames my tattoo perfectly and the shade of turquoise that makes me look extra tan. B's a fan of it when it's tucked in, otherwise he says it's too baggy, but, hello, that's kind of the point. It's supposed to be baggy and loose.

You guys, I feel like I'm living the dream. I wanted to learn to sew when I was a kid, but my parents don't know how and my grandmothers live really far away, so I never learned. My home ec class in 7th grade was kind of a disaster because I broke so many needles and basically messed up every project I did. It was sad and disappointing.

Now, though? Now I can manage simple straight seams and even some curves, and yeah, sometimes I have to rip the seams out, but you guys, I'm sewing! I'm inordinately proud of myself, for real. And it's been really fun to be able to transform a pile of fabric into something functional for my everyday life.

Friend Friday: Books

2011-11-04T14:35:00.001-06:00

Cardigan: J Crew
Tank: Target
Skirt: J Crew
Tights: Simply Vera via Kohl's
Booties: Aldo
Belt: Banana Republic
Earrings: Target

It's Friend Friday and I'm remembering to post, which means it's a big day. And it's November, which means I've spent the last four days writing frantically, just like I did last year. Real talk, I finally finished my first draft of last year's novel on the 31st of October. Mm hm. We'll see how this year's goes....

Anyway, this week's topic is books. I'm thinking I'll probably do a mix of what I've just read and some of my favorites. So, five books in no particular order:
1. On Fortune's Wheel by Cynthia Voigt - I read this about once a year and I love it. It's about an innkeeper's daughter who follows a young earl to the end of the earth. Except, you know, it's better than I make it sound.
2. Nefertiti: The Book of the Dead by Nick Drake - I just read this while on our mini vacation. A mystery set in ancient Egypt? Yes, please.

3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - This another of my all time favorites and it's a classic. I don't even know why I love it so much, I just do.
4. Edge of Grace by Christa Allan - This is one I read fairly recently, and, wow. A book that deals with deep faith and the things that can tear a family apart? Yeah, amazing.
5. Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes - I'm about half way through this, and it's pure fluff. But I read a lot of fluff, especially if it's free on Kindle (hello, I'm poor) and that's fine.

Any recommendations?

Green and leopard

2011-11-02T13:59:00.000-06:00

Turtleneck: Express
Cardigan: Apt. 9 via Kohl's
Skirt: Self made
Tights: Simply Vera via Kohl's
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: gift from my sister-in-law
Belt: came with a blazer

Well, I'm back in the mountains after four blissful days on the Pacific coast. And I'm back to work, though our post-exam schedule will be considerably easier for me. Of course, I'm trying to figure out what to do with all this spare time I have now. Any hobbies I should take up? You know, besides my pinterest obsession.

I built this outfit around the cold weather and the fact that I have laryngitis. And yes, I have taught with (mild) laryngitis. All it takes is an interactive lesson plan and some decent classroom management. And telling your students you're sick. They're always nicer when you tell them.

This really fit the bill for keeping me warm and had the added bonus of being comfortable and comprised of my favorite color (green) and my favorite print (leopard). Add my favorite booties and some funky fishnets, and I'm all set.

Vacation

2011-10-24T21:50:00.000-06:00

Last week, I sat in meetings for about eight hours a day. This week? This week, I'm relaxing on the beach thanks to a former boss who hooked us up with a great deal at her beach house. I'm hoping for some sun, some warmth, and a lot of beautiful sunsets over the Pacific.

Rains and Lady Gaga

2011-10-19T13:54:00.000-06:00

Turtleneck: Ann Taylor
Skirt: J Crew
Fishnets: Simply Vera via Kohl's
Booties: Aldo
Belt: Ann Taylor
Earrings: Kohl's
Brooch (on headband): gift from B's grandmother
Headband: gift from my mom

Y'all, this is not what people imagine me wearing when I tell them I live in Costa Rica. I mean, seriously. Cashmere? Turtleneck? Corduroy? Tights? Yes, please. Because it's freezing in the mountains as a general rule. So, I'm dressing for warmth.

The rains here have been the stuff of legend. It's rained pretty much straight for the last ten days, and it's been making the news because it's gotten so bad. Not sure how much coverage it's getting in the States, but it's crazy.

When I wore this to work, my students told me I looked like Lady Gaga, which made me question if they'd ever seen Lady Gaga's outfits because I look like a human and my heels aren't abnormally high. I thought maybe it was because of the big, shiny brooch on my headband (pinning something pretty on a simple elastic headband changes EVERYTHING!).

But no, they clarified that I only looked like Lady Gaga from the knee down. Scratch that, from knee to ankle. You know, Miss, because of those weird tights with the holes in them. Ah, of course. I get it now....

BBCA 5 - Friend Friday: Fall

2011-10-14T08:19:00.000-06:00

Cardigan: J Crew
Shirt: Target
Cami: Target
Pants: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's
Scarf: vintage, thrifted
Shoes: Steve Madden
Earrings: Turkey

So this week for the visual Friend Friday, we're linking up our quintessential fall looks over at 260 Days, No Repeats. Of course, it's also the last day of my BBCA week, so my fall look also has a touch of pink.

I have to say that at this point, I consider myself an expert in fall looks. I've mentioned before that I live in the land of eternal fall, so I've built a lot of outfits around boots, cardigans, and scarves. To me, fall is about classic silhouettes, mixed neutrals, and piled layers.

I really like the simple white button up, navy chinos, and cognac flats, but I like them better with the purple cami, chartreuse cardigan, and patterned scarf. I love the pops of color peeking out, especially when all those pops serve to keep me warm.

Feel free to ignore my award winning under eye circles, mmkay? Let's talk about this scarf. How pretty are those pink and green and turquoise swirls? So pretty. Also, it keeps my ears warm and hides my crazy hair - both are bonuses in my world.

BBCA 4 - Belting

2011-10-13T14:38:00.001-06:00

Shirt: Ralph Lauren, thrifted
Dress, worn as skirt: Target
Pumps: Zara
Belt worn as belt: Target
Belt worn as headband: Etsy (although the vendor is no longer around)
Earrings: Turkey

Apparently the way for me to get BBCA done is by tying stuff around my head, and I'm cool with that as long as you're cool with that. Actually, even if you're not, most of my pink is in accessory form, so this is how it's going to be.

Anyway, this outfit. I've seen a lot of midi skirts on the Internet - apparently it's the new thing this fall. I've had this dress for something like six years and it's terribly stretched out (and faded, though you can't tell in these pictures) to the point that it's a bit midi in length. I've been playing with the idea of wearing it as a skirt for a while, but I hadn't quite worked out all the kinks yet.

Anyway, it just happened to be hanging next to this top which I thrifted (for $1!) while we were back in the States in September. I keep meaning to ask my sewing teacher to help me take it in, but I'm way more interested in learning to draft patterns and make new stuff, so I haven't yet. I figure I can figure this out on my own when I'm reunited with sewing machine in December. I guess pairing two ill-fitting, loose pieces shouldn't be natural, but the color combo was hard for me to resist.

It took a bit of creative tucking, folding and belting, but I think I made it work. It's the silhouette I was hoping to recreate, and the crazy high green pumps keep me from being overwhelmed by the length of the skirt. That said, one of my students asked me why I was dressed like a pilgrim, so maybe the heels didn't mitigate the frump factor. Or the pilgrims had some hot fashion sense.

Oh, and just as long as we're on the topic of pilgrims, I think it's time for confessions of a closet nerd. When I was in second grade, I was a pilgrim for Halloween. I had a long, grey dress, an apron, and a bonnet. I thought it was the most amazing costume EVER and I may have worn it in third grade, too. I guess I've always been a fan of Puritanical dressing....

Less Puritanical, however, is the belt around my head.

BBCA 3 - Scarf it

2011-10-12T12:00:00.001-06:00

Tee: Target
Skirt: Gap
Cardigan: Ann Taylor
Belt: came with a blazer
Tights: Target
Boots: Noble Town Vintage
Earrings: Turkey
Scarf: the chopped off hem of a thrifted and refashioned skirt

So, let me tell you the story of this outfit. I was looking for something to wear to church and I was going crazy because the mold! Oh my gosh! Why do things get moldy as soon as they enter this region! Mold, mold, mold. If you've never lived in the cloud rainforest in a house with no heating of any kind, let me tell you: stuff gets moldy pretty much instantly.

Every week or two, I go through the closet and pull out all the stuff that smells moldy or actually has mold growing on it, because, yes, that's possible. Sunday, thanks to the amount of rain we've had lately, I filled our hamper with stuff that smelled suspect. It made me want to cry (I think I wailed to B about "Oh my gosh, the MOLD!") and it also distracted me from the outfit that I actually wanted to wear.

Somehow, in the last few minutes before church, this came together. And guess what? It worked! I loved it. It felt fresh and fun. I know I turned some heads as I was walking home past the soccer field because of the tights. Of course, the floral head scarf was a close second when it came to attention getting.

BBCA 2 - Skirting the issue

2011-10-11T12:42:00.001-06:00

Skirt: self made
Top: Sonoma via Kohl's
Belt: Target
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: gift from my sister-in-law

Another BBCA post. This one came together pretty easily once I picked this skirt out.

I love this skirt. It's poorly made since it was my first sewing project (the hem is wonky, it's made from a thrifted curtain, and the pockets are barely functional), but it's still fun.

For some reason, this green top seemed to work with the colors in the print. I like the explosion of brights, and the silhouette of the whole look. Besides, it was work appropriate and super comfortable. Super comfortable, for real. This is one of those looks that I will probably repeat.

BBCA 1 - Family

2011-10-10T15:41:00.000-06:00

Cardigan: Target? gift from my mom
Tee: Ann Taylor
Pants: New York & Co.
Scarf: gift from my mom
Brooch: vintage
Earrings: Target
Shoes: Steve Madden

Well, hello, y'all. Can I start by saying that sometimes a week off is just the right thing? It's been a rough couple weeks. Let me go ahead and confess that it's been a rough nine or so months since we moved. Things haven't been easy and the blog felt like one more thing on my to do list, which wasn't cool, so, a break.

But! I am participating in BBCA, started by Melissa over at A Working Mom's Closet (breaks are apparently going around these days...). I don't own a lot of pink; I don't really like it, but I did want to participate so I've been digging out my pink.

I love this outfit and I honestly built it around this brooch, with its pops of pink. When B and I were back in the States, his grandmother pulled out her jewelry box and let me and B's sister M take whatever we wanted. I fell in love with this brooch, and I love the sense of connection I have with B's family - now my family, too - when I wear it.

And, yeah, I think I've just come to a point where I feel like they're my family, too. Apparently it takes me visiting them four times to get to that point; that's the problem when the family lives all over the place.

This week.

2011-10-04T14:52:00.000-06:00

This week, I'm going to pretend the blog doesn't exist mostly because it's the beginning of exams here at my school, I've had a headache for two weeks straight, and I haven't slept well. I'm using my limited free time to try to sleep. So. Next week. And I'll be wearing pink.

Reversed lace

2011-09-30T14:16:00.000-06:00

Top: Turkey
Cami: Petite Sophisticate
Jeans: Elle via Kohl's
Shoes: Zara
Earrings: gift from my sister-in-law

Hello, my name is Frances Joy and I am addicted to Pinterest.... I check it every morning before getting dressed and/or doing my hair. I wish I were joking, and I don't know how to quit - or if I even want to. This outfit? I pinned a similar outfit awhile back and I finally put it together.

I started with some dark wash jeans that are supposed to be skinny, but fit more like a straight leg. Then I grabbed my black, lacy top and put it on backwards. I like the white cami underneath because it gives me some contrast and makes the lace stand out. B wasn't as big a fan of this combo, though.

I considered putting a jacket or a cardigan on with this, but I didn't want to lose my new scoop back or cover up the lace on the front. Besides, I really wanted to wear this with that one blazer that's in storage in the States. When I'm back home in December I plan to wear nothing but the stuff that's in storage right now....

I also decided I needed a pop of color in the shoes, so the impossibly high green pumps it was. Overall, I loved this outfit. I felt very much like myself even though I was in jeans. I also loved the backwards shirt. Sometimes I get a little bored with my wardrobe and this kind of stuff makes me feel like I have new clothes.

It's the little things....

Boho

2011-09-28T14:45:00.000-06:00

Tunic: Banana Republic
Jeans: Costa Blanca (thrifted)
Cami: Target
Wedges: Toms
Earrings: Turkey
Scarf: gift from my mom

In case you couldn't tell, I built this look around my new-to-me jeans. I mean, I've seen similar pairs online for way more than I ever want to spend on jeans, and I scored these for $4 at a thrift store.

I generally think this silhouette is (a) a bit too reminiscent of mid-nineties Frances Joy and (b) a little too much for my height, but I wanted to try the trend and these jeans make my butt look good. That's important.

I decided I wanted to wear these jeans with a flowy top and some heels. I chose this tunic because I haven't worn it in a while and it went well with my Tom's. The Tom's are important because I had to walk to work and they are ridiculously comfortable.

More comfortable than my jeans. Sigh. Stupid jeans. You do NOT beat skirts in my world of comfort.

Headscarves, however, are always a win.

P.S. This scarf is all kinds of tacky. It's got pictures of Venetian landmarks on it. I can't figure out of my mom actually bought it while we were there (doubtful) or if someone gave it to her. Either way, I love it.

Not quite awesome

2011-09-27T11:47:00.000-06:00

Tee: Target
Dress (worn as skirt): some random store in Turkey
Boots: Steve Madden
Belt: Target
Scarf: Target
Socks: gift from sister-in-law
Earrings: Turkey

I want to like this outfit more than I do. I'm not totally sure what I don't like, I just know it's not my favorite. But my students loved it. They told me - and I quote - "You look AWESOME!" I think it's the boots.

I'm not totally sold, though. What do y'all think?

Lazy

2011-09-26T13:42:00.000-06:00

Turtleneck: Express
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Steve Madden
Belt: thrifted
Earrings: Target

Sometimes I just don't feel like getting dressed. On those days, I tend to reach for black because it's easy and I love it. Then I add a little brown so it looks like I tried.

Done and done. Easiest thing ever, am I right?

What do you do when you don't want to think about getting dressed? Any other go to combos out there?

Friend Friday: Refashioning

2011-09-23T15:46:00.000-06:00

Tee: Hanes
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Steve Madden
Belt: Target
Earrings: Turkey

Today's visual Friend Friday is about refashioning, which is something I have only recently started doing. Well, I guess that's not entirely true because I've cut the necks out of a bunch of crew neck shirts for years.

Lately, though, I've been dabbling in hemming and I've got big plans to dye some stuff (I even have dye and rubber gloves on hand). Oh, and I took in this men's shirt so that it didn't fit me like a giant bag.

See? I got my instructions here and although I haven't quite gotten the technique, I think I can try it again.

As it is, I can still wear the shirt and not just as pajamas. Besides, any no sew trick is good in my book.

Oh, and speaking of DIY... I cut my hair. Just me, a pair of scissors and the bathroom mirror. It was scary as all get out, but I'm pleasantly surprised. Besides, it was so long, I was going CRAZY.

Obsession

2011-09-20T12:09:00.000-06:00

Top: J Crew
Skirt: Self made
Shoes: Tom's (gift from my mom)
Earrings: Turkey

Y'all, I might be obsessed with this skirt. I'd wear it every day if I thought B wouldn't sit me down to have a serious conversation about how I need to separate myself from this skirt long enough to wash it.

I got the idea for this outfit from this image I pinned over at my favorite website ever. My take is considerably more casual since there was a possibility I'd be walking home from work (again).

And, yes, I did walk home in these shoes. Most. Comfortable. Heels. Ever. It's been proven by this girl who walked up the mountain in them; that's pretty much scientific. The look on my face in the above photo isn't about the shoes, though. That's me singing about how this skirt fits me so well and is so cute.

Classics

2011-09-19T13:55:00.000-06:00

Shirt: Target
Jeans: 7 for all Mankind (thrifted)
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: Turkey

This is an outfit I've been dreaming of wearing for the longest. Is it earth shatteringly creative? Nope. Is it new and exciting? Also no. Is it classic? Yes.

For some reason, it's the classics that give me a hard time. Good jeans are hard to find for me - somewhere between my waist and my booty, and my thighs, it all makes me crazy and I give up. But these worked out. Are they my most comfortable jeans? No; they're a little too low rise for that. But they do work.

And then we've got the white button-up. Y'all know these are not made for women larger than a B cup, right? But B and I wandered into Target while we were in the States and I found this shirt on the clearance rack. The second button buttoned, so it was a go. It's still a bit loose elsewhere, especially tied this way, but I think that's fixable.

So, while this might be as classic as they come, it wasn't the most effortless look. Am I the only one who has the hardest time ever finding jeans and button ups? Someone let me know I'm not alone....

FFB: Ethics: new, old, self-made

2011-09-14T12:17:00.000-06:00

Top: Zara
Skirt: self-made (with help, I mean, obviously.)
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: Target

Time for another FFB post. This month we're talking ethics, which is appropriate because, strangely enough, I've been thinking a lot about this topic in the past few weeks. And I've been thinking about it in terms of my clothing in particular.

B and I try to live simply. It's not that we're always good at it, but we try. We don't do flowers in our house except for the kinds that we plant because the flower industry makes me feel sick and icky. We don't do diamonds. We try to buy locally as much as possible and we make an effort to not buy stuff we don't need (I struggle more in this area than B). As someone with my particular educational and personal background who is currently working and living in rural Central America, it's hard to not be more aware of where things are made, especially clothes.

I've already talked about the americanas and I don't think I've really gotten through the ethics of those just yet. But let's talk new clothes for a minute, shall we? Like, maybe we should talk about my Zara shirt and the fact that Zara's been using child and slave labor to make its clothes in Brazil.

I'm not naive enough to think that they're the only retailer pulling such stunts. I don't do American Apparel, Forever 21, or Walmart because I don't agree with their business practices (similar to Zara's). I'm not the MOST educated on this, but I try to use what I know to help me make better shopping decisions.

I don't care so much if things are produced in the States, because I know that there's a need for jobs abroad, but I do care about a certain level of justice when it comes to working conditions. And I realize I can't always know what these conditions are like. I'm tempted to stick to the thrift stores, though those bring another set of questions (US American consumption, for one) but I think making clothes can be another way to fight the man. Maybe?

We'll see how my sewing class goes....

Safari

2011-09-13T12:33:00.000-06:00

Tee: Banana Republic
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Belt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Crocs
Earrings: Kohl's

I almost like this outfit. I think I like the idea of it better than the execution. I needed something that would be appropriate for work - and the walk to and from - on a relatively warm day and this fit the bill.

I've had this tee shirt for, roughly, forever; by forever I mean since 2006. It's a little too long and quite sheer, but it stays in my closet because it (a) layers nicely and (b) has a zebra on it. The zebra is important.

I kinda like the zebra tee with the elephant earrings and leopard belt. See? It's like a theme! I'm going to tell myself it's subtle, okay? I like my delusions.

Green

2011-09-12T07:18:00.000-06:00

Sweater: Target
Dress: Target (gift from my mom)
Belt: Target
Shoes: Steve Madden (gift from my mom)
Earrings: Turkey

Seriously? How did I end up wearing so much Target? I don't even know. But I guess that's okay because B picked this outfit out and if he'd wanted more variety in clothing sources, he'd have made it happen, right?

He loves this sweater, and I love it in theory. What I mean is that I love it when it's on, but it's not the thing that I reach for when I'm getting dressed. I don't know why because the silhouette is perfect and the color is so much fun. I should be reaching for it more often, am I right?

I'm glad B helps me to get some use out of this particular item, though. Any outfit suggestions for this sweater?

Also, I asked my mom for some flat shoes so I can keep walking to school when our car breaks down (it's at least once a month, y'all) and she sent me these and the oxfords I've already shown off. Cute, right? I'm pretty smitten.

Friend Friday: So(ng) inspired

2011-09-09T13:51:00.002-06:00

Tee: Gap
Shirt: Ralph Lauren (thrifted)
Skirt: thrifted and hemmed
Shoes: Steve Madden (gift from my mom)
Earrings: Turkey
Sunnies: Target

For this week's Friend Friday, we're wearing song inspired clothes. So it kind of looks like I was inspired by the Saved by the Bell theme song, but let me assure you that it wasn't. I mean, maybe I'm channeling Lisa Turtle, but that was not my intention.

Mostly, I woke up with two songs running through my head. The first was Cultura Profética's "Amante luz" and the second was Draco's "Obra de arte". I'm actually kind of impressed that the songs go together (yeah, amazing Puerto Rican artists!) because usually my iTunes mixes sound a little...ADD. But this morning I kept singing two lines to myself, one from each song: "Borinquen, amante luz, rayo de sol" (Puerto Rico, lover of light, ray of sun), and "De los cuarenta colores que yo sé pintar, eres ese color que no lo puedo ni soñar" (Of the forty colors I can paint, you're that color that I can't even imagine).

So I knew two things: I wanted to wear yellow and I wanted to wear something like forty colors. I wanted to look like I was wearing Puerto Rico. Or something. My recently hemmed thrift store skirt fit the bill. Pairing it with yellow stripes seemed natural. But then I was cold, so I reached for this shirt, tied it up, and called it a day.

I think my sunshiny, tropical inspiration served me well because it's nearly two and the clouds seem to be holding off. Amante luz, rayo de sol, indeed.

In other news, I've finally succumbed to wearing oxfords and I'm kind of in love.

AND I tied knots in my hair. Fanciness all around y'all.

Break.

2011-09-02T10:06:00.000-06:00

I'm not hiding, I'm just visiting B's family in the States....

Great hair day

2011-08-26T14:46:00.000-06:00

Sweater: Banana Republic
Tank: Target
Jeans: J Crew
Shoes: Sperry
Bracelet: gift from friend
Headband: Forever 21
Earrings: Target

This outfit is neither interesting nor original, but my hair and I were having a great day, so I thought I'd post them anyway.

See?! Look at this hair! I woke up with it, put on a headband and told facebook my hair was amazing. Because the internet needed to know. It was that amazing.

So, boring outfit. I mean, I love it, but it's not spectacular. I probably wear it once every couple weeks, especially on the days that I have to walk to work. Again.

Dreams

2011-08-25T17:47:00.001-06:00

Jacket: Land's End Canvas (gift from my mom)
Tee: American Eagle (gift from my aunt)
Jeans: 7 for all Mankind - thrifted
Sandals: Simply Vera via Kohl's (gift from my mom)
Scarf: Target
Earrings: Target

So I totally built this look around this hair tutorial and my newly thrifted 7 for all Mankind jeans. It's a pretty simple look, but I kind of love it. Mostly because I found these jeans at the Americana for less than $4.

Let me repeat that: I got these jeans for less than $4. I did a little happy dance in the dressing room and told B that one of my dreams had come true: To find designer jeans in my size for some ridiculous price at the thrift store. I dream big, y'all.

I wore this outfit with the jacket for most of the day because it was so cold and rainy after eight in the morning. The sun was all, "I quit", and I shivered and cursed my bare toes and wished that our car would miraculously get fixed and come back to me because I miss him so.

Melodramatic? Perhaps. I just miss my shoes is all. My booties and I are longing to be reunited and that won't happen until we get the car back because that hill? Y'all, that hill is no. Joke.

On the plus side, I love this hair.

FFB: Dating and Relationships

2011-08-24T15:57:00.002-06:00

Y'all, I'm going to start by telling you this is going to be a long post. Both B and I wrote for it, which is why it's going to be long. On the plus side, there are pictures (that you can click on to enlarge)!
Now that that's out of the way, for this month's Feminist Fashion Bloggers post, we're tackling dating and relationships. I was trying and trying to think of something to blog about regarding this topic. I briefly thought of having B pick out my outfit, except remember how I hired him to be my stylist and he did an amazing job? He knows what I like to wear. That got me thinking about the things I like that he doesn't (skinny jeans, for example) and that led to this post: a his and hers top five looks.
So here's B's take on the whole idea:

So, Frances asked me to pick five of my favorite outfits from her blog and write a little about why I like them. This is difficult because I like a lot of them and I don't know much about fashion, so my reasons generally consist of "she looks hot in it." But I will give it a try and see how it goes.

And now, the outfits in no particular order:

His & Hers (originally seen here)

His Take: I like this one because it's a good mix of things that make it interesting. The booties and the purple corduroy skirt (yes it's corduroy) are businesslike with a little sexy. After that it gets crazy with the big belt buckle and the leopard print shirt. I like the combination.
Her Take: I like this look because of the mixed neutrals, my favorite booties, a pop of animal print, a crazy belt, and my amazing hair. It was comfortable, functional, and pretty. Win, win, win. (And yeah, we totally picked the same look...)

His (originally seen here) Hers (originally seen here)
His take: I like this one because I love the yellow dress/skirt, I like it when my wife wears bright colors. The colors are simple and the tank top shows off her, um, endowment. And the bracelet is just fun.
Her take: I love the fifties bombshell vibe this look has going on. The color combination isn't too crazy, but it is a little unexpected, especially with the navy shoes. It is a dreamy look that I miss now that we're living in the mountains.

His (originally seen here) Hers: (originally seen here)
His take: This outfit is definitely my favorite! I'm a big fan of the booties and I really like the leopard print skirt, it fits well and shows off her legs. Also one of my favorite blouses, it's a little classy and also very sexy. Once again, I love bright colors on my wife and the blue sweater is a great color for her while not covering up the rest of the outfit too much. And the earrings we bought in Turkey - good memories.
Her take: How could I go wrong with a jersey wrap dress, black and brown, and my favorite booties? I felt so comfortable, beautiful, and powerful in this look. Also, can I just take a minute to say that I also love the look that B picked? That's a great outfit and definitely high on my list of favorite posts.

His (originally seen here) Hers (originally seen here)
His take: What can I say, this is crazy and fun. No one around here wears anything like this and it shows how far my wife has come in her confidence in herself and what she wears.
Her take: This outfit was pretty revolutionary for me. It was quite fitted on top and on bottom, there were jeans involved, and my hair was huge. There was no hiding in this outfit and I felt so amazingly confident and - dare I say it? - sexy in it. Plus, it reminded me of something my mom had worn about thirty years ago so there was that whole family connection going on.

His (originally seen here) Hers (originally seen here)
His take: This is in the running for my most favoritest as well. The grey heels are possibly my favorite shoes and I don't get to see them too often up here in the mountains. I also love this blouse, it's work-safe and smokin' hot at the same time. I like the elephant earrings because I know they're some of Frances's favorites. And I always like her hair up better than down (apologies to her mom...). The whole outfit is classic-looking but she also looks hot in it :)
Her take: Yeah, this might feel like cheating because it looks a whole lot like the third outfit on this post, but y'all, I like dresses, I like black and brown, and I like these booties. When something works, it just works. Also, my first fishtail braid looks pretty good and I really like that post.

My conclusion? B picked some really good looks - outfits that I felt beautiful and confident and even creative in. Also, he apparently thinks I'm pretty good looking (which is fine; I think he's pretty smokin', too). Do I think there are some huge differences between our choices? I noticed that he picked a lot of recent looks, but there's not so much of a difference in style. I think that's because B knows me and my style really well and he likes it (except for my penchant for skinny jeans).

How about y'all? Any favorite looks? Would your partner have chosen super different looks than you?

Heidi

2011-08-23T14:55:00.001-06:00

Cardigan: Target
Tee: Gap
Skirt: swapped
Belt: thrifted
Shoes: Crocs
Earrings: Kohl's

I built this whole outfit around my Heidi braids. If you follow me on pinterest, you'll know that my Hair inspiration board is dominated by braids and buns, and it's just a matter of time before I try all these looks out.

Anyway, for these braids, I figured I might as well go ahead and go as all-out Heidi as I could. Enter full skirt and snug tee. And because it gets chilly quickly up here, I threw on a cardigan. Oh, and flat shoes because the car was still in the mechanic; I mean, it's still there, but it was there when I wore this outfit last week, too.

I'm pretty certain we've paid more in repairs over the course of this year than we (ADE) paid for the car in the first place. I try not to think too hard about that because that's just depressing.

So, how about I show you my pretty hair instead?

Pretty, right?

So much better than thinking about our money sucking car....

Untucked

2011-08-22T13:03:00.001-06:00

Blouse: thrifted
Jeans: J Crew
Sandals: Simply Vera (gift from my mom)
Earrings: Turkey

This outfit was going to be more interesting. It was going to involve a leopard print belt and some heels, but our brakes are shot and the car's in the shop and I have to walk to work, so the heels were a no go. And then I started fighting with the top slipping out of my waistband when I tucked it in and the jeans bunching when I belted them.

So I said, "Bump proportions. I'm just doing this." And I put on some sandals and left my shirt untucked. Untucked shirts and I aren't too well acquainted and I often feel like a different person when I do this.

I do love this top, though. It was $.40 at the thrift store last weekend (direct from their 2 for 1 floor - yes, they have an entire FLOOR dedicated to 2 for 1 deals) and I couldn't resist the pattern or the yellow. I've got big plans for this top, many of which involve pattern mixing, because doesn't this look ripe for the mixing?

I'm also welcoming any outfit suggestions you might have for this top.

Welcome to Americana

2011-08-19T12:50:00.000-06:00

B and I had our first date day in six weeks this past weekend. Six. Weeks. Yeah.... Let's not let that happen again, mmkay? I mean, it's not even like we have kids to keep us from having couple time. There is just no excuse for that kind of foolishness.
Except for, you know, work....

We went to Alajuela to hit up some Americanas. We stumbled into one that's probably my new favorite - the prices and the selections were AMAZING. B was sold because, Michigan boy that he is, he stumbled across a Pistons' jersey.
We don't talk much about the Pistons because I spent nearly nine years in the Chicago area and that's a sore spot for him. (We can agree on the Celtics though, and that's important.)

He also found this ridiculous Speed Racer jacket. I mean, really....

I was lucky enough to find this pink polyester jumpsuit which I would have gotten if it hadn't (a) been meant for someone six inches taller and (b) had a huge stain on the back of one leg. Even though it was a whopping $.80, I couldn't take the chance when it needed so much work.

We also went to the mall for crepes (mine was Nutella filled because I have an addiction that needs to be fed, okay?) and a movie.

B's crepe was fruit and whipped cream filled and came with ice cream. He thinks he made the better choice, but I beg to differ....

Friend Friday: Dreamin'

2011-08-19T08:46:00.000-06:00

Friend Friday!!

This week we're talking dreams.

In Katy's words:

This month I have been overwhelming inspired by two
separate blog posts I read in which the blogger quit their day job and
has started on the path to self-employment doing what she loves to do.
If you haven't read Sally from Already Pretty's post on this rush over
and do it now. And then to top it all off my younger sister has
decided to quit her job and start her own business. So that got me
thinking... we all have dreams, goals, aspirations. Putting them down
on paper is often the first step to realizing those dreams.

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be?
I'd write novels while living in a beach house in Puerto Rico or somewhere just as warm. Or at least write novels wherever.

2. What draws you to this?
I love writing (and reading). I love the process of creating a story and working it out the way I can see it in my head. That and I would like to read more books featuring women like me.

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal?
No joke, I think I was in Kindergarten. It was the year I started reading novels (I skipped the picture books) and it was the year I started writing down the stories that I wanted my Barbies to live out. And yes, I firmly believe that playing with Barbies sparked my storytelling creativity. Judge her all you want, but I think Barbie did me a world of good.

4. What's holding you back from going all in?
True story: fear. Although I've been working on a novel and as soon as it's finished (soon, soon, soon....) I'm going to take a deep breath and give it out so we can start editing. My problem is that I am so convinced people will (a) hate it or (b) think I'm crazy even though people do keep coming back to read what I write. Or maybe it's just the pictures?
(I am a contributing author in a real book, though, and that's pretty much my claim to fame at this point. Not a novel, but it is my name in print in a book that I pretty much love.)
That and I kind of like having a different day job - it gives me more material to work with and forces me to take advantage of my writing time.

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream?
I'm writing. I try to write every day, but I don't push it. Sometimes I don't and that's okay. But yeah, I've been working on a piece since November (NaNoWriMo was the push I needed to get it started - try it if you're into it.) and I hope to finish the first draft in the next two months. So, there's that. After that, who knows? I'll take any and all advice you can offer.

The case of the mysterious sliding belt

2011-08-18T12:34:00.000-06:00

Dress: Kohl's
Belt: Target
Booties: Aldo
Cami: Petite Sophisticate
Earrings: Sarchí, Costa Rica

So, I've had this dress for a long time. Like, six or seven years kind of long time. I like to call it my travel dress because it dresses up and down easily and it's jersey. Jersey! That's a "roll it up and throw it in your backpack" kind of fabric if ever there was one.

It's been with me to Vietnam, to Turkey, to Guatemala. It's also what I wore when we flew down here to Costa Rica. It was appropriate for the early January cold of DC and the warmth of Costa Rica. All I did was swap a pair of boots for a pair of flip flops when we landed. Easy peasy.

But I haven't worn it again since we've been here until this past Sunday when I pulled it out and put it on. The nice thing about a wrap dress is that it fits through 10-15 pound weight fluctuations, and I'd say I'm at the lower end of my normal fluctuations at this point. The bad thing about being at this point is that I need a little more definition in my outfits because I'm losing my curves.

Well, I know how to add definition! Just belt it! So I add this very adjustable belt at the waist. The problem? Between the slippery fabric, the bunching of the self-belt, and the slipperiness of the belt itself, it was sliding down as the day went on and that is just annoying.

Seasonal

2011-08-17T15:25:00.000-06:00

Tee: New York & Co.
Skirt: J Crew
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: Target
Belt: thrifted
Big hair: good atmospheric conditions

I'm kind of amazed I haven't worn this outfit before because it seems like a natural fit. I mean the deep plum of the skirt and the leopard of the top play well together, and Lord knows I need a 12 step program to quit these booties.

It's also Kiku approved, which is always a bonus. Although now that I think about it, she's approving ME and not my clothes.

Oh, and if it looks like I'm wearing fall clothes it's because the seasons never really change up here. Down in the city it's always spring/summer and here in the mountains it's always fall. Funny how I feel like I can't wear brights on cloudy days and how I feel like I can't wear earth tones when it's bright and sunny.

Clearly I have some seasonal clothing issues to work through while I'm here....

Gifts and questionable outfits

2011-08-16T15:25:00.000-06:00

Tank: H&M - gift from my sister
Dress (worn as a skirt): Papaya - gift from my sister
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Earrings: Target
Beach: Cahuita

I wore shoes this day, I just don't remember which ones and they're not in the pictures, so I figure it's okay to skip that little detail. This feels like so long ago, and that's because it was and I have a backlog of outfit pictures that I'm slowly going through. I'm fine with that. I'm taking it slowly because I'm enjoying the let up in the amount of work in my daily life.

I don't know if I love this outfit. I mean, it was appropriate for what we were doing (driving out to the East Coast to drop off our sweet intern, A, at her family's place in Limón) and it's comfortable... But somewhere between the blue on blue, the dress pulled down as a skirt, and the knotted top, I feel like it just wasn't working.

On the plus side, my sister gave me both the dress and the tank when I saw her in July. She tried to give me piles of stuff, but I have little use for anything summery up here in the land of the eternal fall (that's my affectionate name for this region of Costa Rica) so I selected these two pieces because I thought I could do a lot with them. And I will. Just maybe not together again.

White shirt week day 4

2011-08-12T14:06:00.000-06:00

Tee: Target (gift from A)
Cardigan: Ann Taylor
Tank: Banana Republic
Belt: Etsy (don't remember which vendor and it was ages ago)
Leggings: Target (gift from my sister)
Earrings: Turkey
Boots: Noble Town Vintage via Etsy

It's the last installment of my white shirt challenge, y'all. I still have mixed feelings about this outfit, though I did feel like a dancer while I wore it (especially when I lost the cardigan when I hung around the house). Feeling like a dancer makes me happy because (a) I love dancing and (b) am OB.SESSED. with So You Think You Can Dance.

Of course, I'm a perfectly mediocre dancer so this about as close as I get to feeling like a real dancer - you know, piles of thin layers with some flowy pieces.

Y'all, my husband and I have the house to ourselves for the first time, in, oh, forever. We had seven people living in our house for most of the summer, which was sometimes nice but often overwhelming. Not that we didn't love our interns (we did), just that sometimes I'd like to live with just my husband and our pets.

We're on our own for the next two weeks and I'm. So. Excited.

White shirt week day 3

2011-08-11T12:20:00.000-06:00

Tee: Target (gift from A)
Dress (worn as a skirt): Victoria's Secret (gift from my mom)
Sandals: Simply Vera via Kohl's
Belt: Target
Earrings: Kohl's
Ring: swapped
Bracelets: gifts
Drama face: ?

Truth: I spent most of the day wondering about this outfit. I kept switching from "Hate it" to "Love it" like a crazy person. In the end, I think I kinda like it. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone in terms of silhouette and jewelry, and it made me get a little creative with stuff.

I mean, the bodice of this dress has a huge flounce on it which I had to tuck under so that I could layer appropriately. Also, I spent most of the day holding the skirt up like that so I could, you know, walk. Because that's kind of important sometimes.

B really liked this, though, and my students told me that they loved the skirt and that I looked like an angel. Win, win, win.

Also winning? My hippie hair. I've got two baby French braids along the crown and five baby buns in the back.

That and a couple fistfuls of bobby pins. I have to say, this might be the easiest thing to do with freshly washed hair early in the morning. It totally dries the way I want it to and it stays out of the way. That and it takes me all of seven minutes; I didn't time it, I just like the number seven.

White shirt week day 2

2011-08-10T11:19:00.000-06:00

Top: Target (gift from A)
Skirt: J Crew (gift from my mom)
Scarf: Target
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: Turkey

I don't know that this is my favorite look. Part of it is that the skirt was super wrinkled by the end of the school day, so I feel like I look a little sloppy.

But B really liked it and he liked the way the skirt fit, even though I was a little skeptical. So that made me feel a little better. I'm still not loving the look, though.

It could be the bagginess of the top combined with the pleated waist of the skirt. Or it could be the wrinkled mess that I'd become by the end of the day. Or it could be that this is kind of a boring look to begin with....

Help me out y'all. How can I make this work?

Mixology

2011-08-09T13:45:00.002-06:00

Top: Zara
Skirt: Target
Booties: Aldo
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Earrings: Target

I know what you're thinking: That's not your magical white shirt, Frances Joy! But it's time for EBEW, so I decided to interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to do this. Besides, I only have pics of four white tee outfits; this works out perfectly!

I woke up feeling pretty this morning, though I couldn't tell you why. I just did. When I wake up feeling like that, I think I'm bolder in my clothing choices. I've been eyeing this stars and leopard combo for a while, but I didn't have the guts to actually put it on until today.

I had a back up outfit in mind, but once I put this on, I was in love. In. LOVE. I mean, how can you feel bad wearing stars AND leopard?! I feel like a rockstar. And besides, everyone here knows I dress like a crazy person and they don't even notice it anymore. Either that or I'm OWNING it. Probably the latter.

Also, you can't really tell, but my earrings have flowers on them. One more pattern, right? I mean, why not?

White shirt week day 1

2011-08-08T10:14:00.001-06:00

Blazer: Apt 9 via Kohl's
Tee: Target (gift from intern A)
Jeans: Elle via Kohl's
Sandals: Chaps (gift from my mom)
Earrings: Target
Scarf: gift from my mom via Etsy (don't know which vendor)

Last Monday, our intern A gave me this white top which was pretty much the white tee I've been searching for. I decided to wear it all week, and I did, though I only got pics of four outfits. (That was not a totally original idea. I read it somewhere on the internet months ago and I've been thinking about doing it since. If you know where I read it, let me know...) This might be one of my favorite looks of the week, though, for real.

It was comfortable and warm and oh-so-cozy, which was perfect for a day of meetings in a very cold building. Also, these jeans fit after a week of gorging myself on the cruise. Seriously, I ate like a crazy person.

I enjoyed every minute of it, too. We were long overdue for a get away and it was so nice to be able to spend time with my family - especially my sweet, sweet niece. I love that kid beyond words, I tell you. Also nice? Getting tan. (Bad Frances. Though, in my defense, I slathered on the SPF 30 AND reapplied. It's just that the Caribbean sun missed me.)

Friend Friday: Location, location, location

2011-08-05T11:21:00.000-06:00

Friend Friday seemed like a good time to return to blogging, and I'm pretty excited about this topic because it's something I've been thinking about a lot since I moved to Costa Rica in January.
So, in Katy's words:

"I was in New York this past weekend and it dawned on me that I dressed differently when I lived there as opposed to when I lived in St. Louis. And then as I watched
all the people rushing by and I could identify the Europeans from the Americans and the true New Yorkers from the tourists, it got me thinking, where we live has a lot to do with how we dress, or at least it can. So these questions are along those lines."

1. What part of the world do you blog from?
When I started blogging, I was in North Philly and then we moved to Middle-of-Nowhere Costa Rica. I live in a super rural area (can we say culture shock?) in what was once cloud rainforest and is now mostly strawberry, chile, and/or dairy farms.

2. If you had to describe the overall mode of dress for where you live what would you say?
It's practical. We live on a mountain and people walk a lot - uphill - on roads that have been destroyed by an earthquake and the constant passage of heavy trucks up and down the mountain. Also, rubber boots are de rigueur between the farm work and the heavy rains and mud.

3. Do you fit in with the status quo around you or do you break the mold?
I'm a mold breaker. Between my skirts, dresses, and heels, I'm not exactly the most practical. Also, I definitely am less matchy-matchy in my approach to dress and I definitely accessorize more than the average woman up in these mountains.
I tried to do the jeans and flats with no embellishments but between that and the weather, I got way too depressed and I went back to my usual style.

4. If you have lived or traveled to another part of the country/world did your clothing choices evolve?
This is funny. So, I was born in Puerto Rico where style means a whole lot - for real. I grew up in the DC area, the Chicago suburbs, Heidelberg, Germany. As an adult, I've lived in Atlanta, Maryland, Northern VA, Philly, and Costa Rica. And I've traveled a lot.
I think I've picked up a lot in those places. From my Puerto Rican upbringing, I definitely have a need to "present myself" well which is why I even care about my look. When I lived in Illinois, I learned to dress for cold weather, how to wear my parents' clothes well, and how to fashion up my school uniform. From my time in Germany, I developed a love of heels and quirky style - let me tell you, I was all about some trends when I lived there. That was also where I learned to not dress like a tourist, which I try to continue to this day. Northern VA gave me that love for preppy, professional classics. My East Coast roots mean I love black and other neutrals, while visiting my sister in LA has given me an appreciation for brights and flowy styles.

5. If you had to describe your style by naming a specific city, what would you be?
Oh, this is a hard one, but I'm going to go with DC. There's a pulled together chicness to DC that I love. And while it might not be the most cutting edge of fashion, it's definitely classic with a twist and I like that.

Around the internet

2011-07-25T19:39:00.001-06:00

Check me out over at Mode Moods, y'all!

Guest Post - Melissa of A Working Mom's Closet

2011-07-25T07:42:00.000-06:00

I'm cruising the Caribbean this week, but don't worry! I haven't abandoned y'all! You're in the capable hands of a few of my favorite bloggers. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do as they share their vacation inspired looks.

Well hello, readers of Mad Dress Game! My name is Melissa and I blog over at A Working Mom's Closet.

When Miss Frances Joy asked us to guest post while she's on vacation, my first thought was, "Sure! I'm honored!" (Okay technically, my first thought was, "Oh, I'm so jealous!" but whatever.)

My second thought was, "Wait, you want me to write something vacation related? What's a vacation?"

I haven't been on a "real" vacation in YEARS (and by real, I mean one that requires time taken off from work longer than half a day. Typically my "vacations" are long weekends.)

There have been a few times when I've left work at lunch to start my long weekend early. Since that's the closest I've come to a vacation, I figured I'd share my "from work to vacation" outfit!

Now I know there are some people who argue that a maxi dress is too casual for the office. However...since my boss usually wears slacks with a plain tee every day, I don't think a maxi dress is a stretch. Especially because for work, I paired it with a blazer!

Honestly, this outfit was like wearing PJs all day. I need to find more maxi skirts so I can do this more often.

Those of you who read my blog know that I wear a belt pretty much EVERY single day. I love belts. However, I tried this outfit on with a belt too and really felt like it looked just as nice (and was more comfortable) without it, so for ONCE, I went beltless.

Sure, I felt naked all day with that belt. But that might have been in part due to the comfort of the dress itself.

When the clock is punched and you're gone for the day, take the blazer off and bask even more in the coolness of a tank maxi dress. What's perfect is that not only is this dress easy for long car rides (yeah, all of my vacations are usually just a few hours' drive away) but when you get there, you're still lookin' good for a night out.

Mostly because the black doesn't show the wrinkles from the car ride. But whatever. No one needs to know ALL your secrets.

Just let them think you're that gorgeous all the time.

What do YOU wear to go from work to vacation?

Pinterest love

2011-07-20T12:55:00.000-06:00

Sweater: H&M
Skirt: Target
Belt: Thrifted
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: Kohl's

Y'all, if it weren't for pinterest, I'd probably walk around naked. Or in pajamas. Or in the same boring outfits I always wear. Anyway, I pinned the third image on this post and this is my interpretation of that look.

I don't know if I love it on myself, but I'm glad I tried it. Also, I love these shoes. Have you noticed that? Because I do. I wear them ALL. THE. TIME!

So are any of you on pinterest? If so, can I stalk your boards?

Head scarves and classrooms

2011-07-19T13:42:00.000-06:00

Tee: Target
Cami: ?
Skirt: Gap
Belt: Thrifted
Boots: Nine West
Scarf: vintage - thrifted
Leg warmers: Target (and, yes, it's cold enough for leg warmers up this way)
Earrings: Target

So I pinned this tutorial and I've been OBSESSED since. True story, I have worn a head scarf four out of the past five days. Once, I even wrapped a belt around my head. It totally worked.

These pictures were taken at our school, which is also the community center. That's why it's so fancy. By "fancy", I mean pretty much the opposite. It's a big room and a covered porch that we've converted into three main classrooms, a computer table, and a "presentation" area.

Y'all, I may never complain about classrooms and school buildings in the States again. I mean, I think back to the good old days teaching in VA, when I had a classroom (after my first year as a floater), a cubby in the Foreign Language lounge, and a mail box in the main office. So many luxuries, y'all. So, so many luxuries....

P.S. I helped make that whiteboard behind me. Cuz I'm fancy like that.

FFB: Class and all that's thrifty

2011-07-13T16:57:00.002-06:00

Sweater: H&M
Dress: thrifted
Shoes: Crocs
Earrings: came with a pair of boots
Scarf: J Crew
Kitten: Pirata

Remember when this kitteh disappeared and I thought she was dead? That was sad. But she's back! I thought that warranted a photo op.
Anyway, it's time for another FFB post, this time about social class.

I'm not totally sure if my topic fits under that category, but it's one that's been on my mind since I first stumbled into a Tienda Americana here in Costa Rica. This little dress (which is probably actually a nightshirt, but let's keep that between us, shall we?) came from a tienda americana, which is the equivalent of a thrift store, except different.

See, the americanas here are THE place to get clothes. In my deep and thorough research of Costa Rican malls - and by that I mean the anecdotal evidence I've collected by visiting four malls in different cities at different times - they might as well call them "Centers where you can get stuff for $60 US or more". New clothes are prohibitively expensive here, and this is where the americana comes in.

They sell Goodwill and Salvation Army cast offs at reasonable prices. Sometimes, they're even downright cheap - I managed to snag a neon skirt for about 90 cents. The thing is that this is pretty much THE ONLY place where the average Costa Rican can afford to buy clothes. And there's nothing wrong with that, I mean, I like thrifting. A lot. Probably because I wasn't allowed to as a kid (class issues abound in that statement...). Also, I think thrift stores provide a necessary service.

That said, the fact that a single country can supply another country with clothes from its cast offs raises questions for me. I mean, seriously, the stuff that gets here has already trickled through the system: from the store (new), to the closet (worn), donated to a thrift store in the States, and then donated AGAIN to these stores in Costa Rica. Doesn't that say something about social and economic class at a global level? And in some ways, isn't that just perpetuating some neocolonialist attitudes? (Hi, my name is Frances, I majored in Latin American Studies and then went on to study International Development and I blog about what I wear....)

So here I am, in my tienda americana dress and my fast fashion sweater and my over-priced scarf and rubber shoes (I love you J Crew, but let's be real: your accessories are way over-priced). I'm part of the system, part of the consumption - on both ends, no less - and I don't quite know what to do about that. And I haven't even begun to deal with the can of worms that is the origin of most of these items - in many cases, other Central American countries... In some ways, it's coming full circle.

On a lighter note: I didn't know if I'd like knotting my shirt like it's 1992, but I think I'll do it again.

EBEW: Yellow and a return to my roots

2011-07-12T17:12:00.001-06:00

Tank: Target
Cardigan: Target
Belt: Target
Dress (worn as skirt): Target
Flip flops: Ann Taylor
Earrings: Turkey
Bracelet: gift from our intern, A.

Another Everybody, Everywear post, y'all. It was hard to come up with this look - not because I don't have much yellow, but because I love yellow and I couldn't decide what to wear. Apparently it was Target day, though, so I reached for this dress. (P.S. Hey, Target, if you want to sponsor me, we can talk. If not, I accept gift cards....)

I got in touch with my roots today and visited a sugar processing plant. My maternal grandmother grew up in a town that was basically a sugar plantation / processing plant and my great-grandfather and great-uncle worked there in some capacity. I'm not sure of all the particulars, but it was cool to see this thing that was, for so many years, the driving force behind the Puerto Rican economy. And, yeah, we're in Costa Rica (two totally different countries), but it was really cool.

They also process coffee at this place - it's the oldest cooperative in Costa Rica - so we got a tour of that, too.

And yeah, I took pictures while we were on our tour and pretended that no one else could see me. Behind me are the machines that move the sugar cane and break it down into little pieces. And then they squeeze it so the juice comes out. Eventually that thickens to molasses and then they put it in the centrifuge and you get raw sugar. You guys! Sugar processing! It's so exciting!

Or maybe that's just me....

Sad story and upcoming vacation

2011-07-07T11:18:00.001-06:00

Tee: Target
Skirt: I made it
Belt: Target
Sandals: Chinese Laundry
Earrings: Turkey
Scarf: J Crew
Kitteh: Elefante

True story: late on the evening of the fifth, Pirata, our other kitten disappeared. We live in the country and there are coyotes and big herding dogs that just kind of...roam. One of them must've roamed off with our other kitten.

So, I'm pretty sad about it, and now probably way overprotective of our remaining fur babies, Kiku and Elefante. The irony is that she disappeared on a day when we were all home all day long.

Anyway, we're on our short school vacation here in Costa Rica. We're off until the 18th, and then we leave for our real vacation on the 24th. I. Am. So. Excited! Development work requires even longer hours than teaching, and I'm doing both, so, long, busy days. But! Vacation is in sight.

And vacations make me do the happy dance. Oh, yeah! Even if it's a little tempered by the loss of our sweet kitten.

ETA: Pirata came back on the morning of the 8th. I walked out to feed Elefante, and there she was, meowing away as if I'd run away.

Snug

2011-07-04T05:46:00.000-06:00

Tee: Ann Taylor
Jeans: J Crew
Wedges: Nine West
Bangles: gift from my uncle and aunt
Earrings: Turkey
Sunnies: Puerto Rico

This is the kind of outfit I could only wear while coming off the high of Dress Your Best Week. I think I'll be celebrating my body in a slightly less intentional way this week because I'm feeling so confident and in love with the body I have. And it's weird to think that and type that because I'm not the kind of woman who likes to draw attention to herself (even though I share a lot of stuff with the Internet).

But yeah, I put this on expecting it NOT to work, but it did, and even though I was a little afraid of all the body-hugging pieces, I went with it. And then to top it off, I let my hair do the 1960s-meets-1980s thing it was doing all by itself. Because if I'm going for it, I'm going all out. Go big or go home, baby. That's how we roll in our house.

And these shoes? I love them. They're so old, y'all. I've had them for five or six years - maybe even longer. They remind me of some shoes that my mom wore in her engagement pictures with jeans a lot like these. Honestly, I kind of felt like I was channeling my mom circa 1981 in this outfit.

I wore this to go out on a date day with B. We went to the farmer's market down in the nearest city (15 plantains for $2? Yes, please), then off to the mall for a cheap lunch and some bookstore browsing. Then we wandered through the streets of Alajuela where we did a little thrifting (we scored some amazing pieces) and enjoyed ice cream cones. I love our date days.

Oh, and Happy Fourth, to all of you in the States (and my fellow expats). I'll be celebrating on the beach.

Dress Your Best Week - Day 5: To lean on

2011-07-01T17:00:00.001-06:00

Tee: J Crew
Skirt: Target
Belt: Target
Booties: Aldo
Bracelet: gift from A
Earrings: Turkey
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Hair: courtesy of this tutorial (though I couldn't quite get the video to load, so I improvised.)

I will admit that I had a hard time deciding on the fifth feature to highlight this week. I was torn between my wide hips or my equally wide shoulders, and in the end I decided there's a lot of similarity between hips and thighs, so I decided to go with the shoulders.

I've often said that I have linebacker shoulders. I don't really know what a linebacker does because I prefer my football spelled fútbol, but I've heard they have broad shoulders. I do, too, especially for a woman of my stature. My mother is so tiny up top, with delicate little shoulders. My shoulders, however, come from my dad's side of the family. There is nothing delicate about my shoulders - they're wide and strong.

And while I've often been self-conscious about most of the other features I've talked about this week, I'm strangely proud of these shoulders. So I decided to play them up with a scoop neck top that's just a little ill-fighting in precisely that area - no scarf to draw the eye down, no necklace to serve the same purpose, just me and my shoulders in a simple tee.

Everyone says I look like my dad - la misma cara (the same face) - but I just don't see it. I do see him in these shoulders, my calves, and my bellybutton, though. (Yes, I know the last one is especially weird, but it's totally true.)

And I love that, because I love my daddy. I see him in my penchant for travel, in my work ethic, in my perfectionism (though I've got that coming from both parents), in my love of music, and my need to dream big. I feel like I talk a lot about what I've learned from my mom here on the blog, and she's really taught me a lot - a whole lot - but so has my dad.

My dad taught me to fight for things, that good things are worth making a sacrifice, that sometimes peer pressure works for the best, that I should demand the best treatment in every situation and relationship, and that I should let myself be led while dancing.

So thanks, Daddy, for all those lessons and for these shoulders. Oh, and I didn't drop anything, I just don't like looking at the camera. ;)

Dress Your Best Week - Day 4: Thunder

2011-06-30T15:36:00.000-06:00

Jeans: J Crew
Tee: gift from a friend (similar to this one)
Sweater: Banana Republic
Shoes: Sperry
Earrings: Target

First of all, thanks for the support for yesterday's post. I was scared to talk about my chest on the Internet, but apparently I am not alone in that arena, so, again: thanks.
Second, just when you thought I couldn't get any more awkward, let's talk about my thighs, shall we?

I have thick thighs. Even when I was at the lowest weight of my adult life, my thighs were round and heavy. They've been this way for as long as I've had a woman's body, which as we discussed yesterday, came early in my life. And while I haven't always enjoyed it, and while the delightful young men in my 6th and 7th grade PE classes liked to shout "thunder thighs" when I ran past (it wasn't special treatment, they were that nice to all the girls), I've come to appreciate these thighs.

I appreciate them so much that now I wear skinny jeans (drawing attention the the fact that my leg is not a single long line) with a lighter colored top that ends at my widest point (drawing attention to said "flaw"). Because I'm so over rules that don't make me feel more comfortable in my skin.

These thighs, with their round heaviness, connect me to a line of women I love. My mom and my sister have thighs like these. My aunts and cousins do, too. It's in our DNA. There's something that's almost like validation when I see these quirky parts of me and remember that they connect me to the people I love most.

So, I appreciate my thighs today. No, they're not slim, and no, it's not easy to find jeans that fit in the waist and the thigh, but they're a point of connection. They are strong. They are mine.

Are there any parts of your body that make you feel connected to your family? Am I the only weird one?

Dress Your Best Week - Day 3: Ruffles or bust

2011-06-29T15:26:00.003-06:00

Top: Ann Taylor (gift from my mom)
Bolero: Ann Taylor
Skirt: Target
Booties: Aldo
Bracelets: gift from my uncle
Earrings: gift from my sister-in-law
Crazy face: not sure...

I feel like I'm pulling out the big guns with Dress Your Best Week this year. It's been harder to make my list, but I feel like it's given me a new and improved appreciation for my body. For today? My chest, and trust me when I say that this post might be the hardest (most awkward?) one for me to write.

I got my first training bra in third grade. Third. Grade. And it was not a "let's make you feel all grown up" kind of training bra experience. It was like a "Hey, mom, people at school are asking if I wear a bra" experience. Next thing I knew, we were at JC Penney's picking out 32AAs. In fifth grade, I was the only girl who had to wear a bra every day (and my mom told me it had to be EVERY DAY) which meant I got "plinkied" every time we had a bathroom break. Plinkies were when the other kids snapped the back strap. It was awesome.

By "awesome", I mean "mortifying", of course. Naturally, I was self-conscious because I was a kid who didn't know what to make of her body. As I got older, there were all kinds of rules about what I could and couldn't wear thanks to all I had going on in the front. No tank tops, definitely no spaghetti straps, cardigans or jackets to cover me up, no scoop necks, few v-necks, nothing with an empire waist, no tops with writing across the front, avoid embellishment across the bust, no woven button-up shirts...

That's a lot of rules, especially for a high school kid, which is what I was at the time. Some of those were my parents' rules and some were my own, but it pretty much guaranteed that I had no idea what to do with my top half. I'll readily admit that these days, I'm much more comfortable covering up, but at the time, I felt awkward and ashamed. I mean, I didn't ask for what I had, right?

But I feel like these days I finally have perspective on my chest. For one, I'm just below the national average, which makes me feel way better about my options. For another, I've stopped fighting it. This is the body I have, the only one I have, and I've got a chest that women will literally pay money for. So I thank the sweet Lord for what I've got and move on.

And I'll just go ahead and put some ruffles on 'em to make up for lost time.

Dress Your Best Week - Day 2: Thick skin

2011-06-28T16:00:00.001-06:00

Tee: Target (men's undershirt)
Skirt: J Crew
Belt: Banana Republic
Scarf: gift from my uncles
Booties: Aldo
Bracelet: gift from our intern, A
Earrings: Turkey

Today, I'm celebrating my skin. This is a big step for me because I have not loved my skin for most of my life. This is another one of the things that I have learned to love about myself, mostly because it does its job. Skin is important, y'all.

So, when we moved to the States, Oprah taught my mom English. What I mean by that is that my mom watched Oprah to learn English. I thought Oprah was the most beautiful woman in the world, and I was pretty sure that in order to be beautiful, I had to be a lot darker than I was.

By the time I got to high school, I'd get a lot of "Aren't Puerto Ricans supposed to be darker?" comments. And though I knew - I know - that we come in a variety of shades, I felt like I was lacking. I was jealous of my sister's caramel tone, and I hid my skin, especially my legs, for many years because of their whiteness.

I don't know when things changed, when I got over the hiding and started showing off my skin and really caring for it - because it is seriously dry and flaky no matter how much cocoa butter I rub into it. I've been embracing my skin, though, in all it's (relatively) pale glory. I'm thankful that I can wear colors like green and yellow and orange. I'm thankful that jewel tones pop against my skin. I'm thankful that I rarely burn out in the sun, and that if I do, it turns to a tan the very next day. I'm thankful that white shows off my tan when I've got one and that I look good in black whether I'm tanned or not.

This is my skin. I'm finally okay with it.

Dress Your Best Week - Day 1: Waist not

2011-06-27T13:46:00.000-06:00

Skirt: I made it
Tee: Target
Cami: ?
Cardigan: J Crew
Belt: Target
Socks: gift from my sister-in-law
Boots: Nine West
Earrings: Turkey

I'm participating in Dress Your Best week again this year, though I'm not sure how consistently the posts will be going up this week with our spotty internet. We'll see how it goes. Anyway, I'm hoping that most of what I'll be showing off this week will be different from last year's choices. For one, my body has changed in the past year; for two, I've been embracing my body in new ways lately. So for this first installment, let's talk about my waist.

True story: I discovered my waist through blogging and a fitting for my wedding dress. See, my mom and my sister are super curvy. They're pear shaped and I always envied their tiny little upper bodies and wide hips. I was convinced that I was a rectangle. And then the tailor at my fitting gave me three different numbers for my measurements and I was like, "Oh, I've got a waist!"

And then I forgot about that and started thinking I was a rectangle again until my readers and commenters told me I was crazy and I was actually pretty hourglassy. So I started looking at my pictures and looking at my body, and yes. There it was: the waist.

Maybe that's kind of ridiculous, but I know I'm alone in the slightly warped (or a seriously distorted) sense of body. And it's taken a lot for me to start to see myself in a more realistic way, and I wouldn't say I'm totally there yet, but I do feel like I'm making progress. So, yeah, this recently discovered waist is one of the things I'm celebrating this week.

Has anyone else discovered something positive about their body through blogging?

And just to keep this light, a picture of my adorable kittens:

Elefante on the left, Pirata on the right. Aren't they cute?

Thrifting and Muppet legs

2011-06-25T10:31:00.000-06:00

Dress: Isaac Mizrahi for Target - thrifted
Tights: Target
Boots: Noble Town Vintage via Etsy
Belt: came with a blazer
Earrings: Target

While y'all are enjoying summer in the States, I'm pulling out my tights and boots. Rainy season is cold season up here in the Costa Rican mountains and I miss summer while I'm living in the land of eternal fall.

I scored this dress at a thrift store down in the city (where it's the land of eternal spring) for about $4. There are these "tiendas americanas" or American stores which sell used clothes and seconds from the States. There are none up where we live; honestly, there's nothing but a corner store up where we live, so when I spotted one while we were buying paint down in the city, I convinced B to go in with me. He doesn't like shopping unless it's thrifting, so it was a good day for both of us.

I love the hot pink lining on this dress because it was just the right amount of pop as far as color is concerned. I decided to play it up by layering my hot pink tights under the dress. My students were in awe. Is that all one piece? Is it like a jumper? How does that dress even work?! It was pretty funny to blow their minds with so much hot pink peeking out.

I have to say that this was the most comfortable I've felt with hot pink legs. Bright tights are one of those things that just freak me out. I like them on other people but I have no idea how to wear them myself. And yet, I felt like I was working them this day.

I love this combo, and I love that I have a new (to me) addition to my wardrobe. I'm envisioning this as a top at some point in the future or paired with a zebra belt and some sandals (when I go on vacation in July, certainly not up here in the rainforest).

I think I might be in love.

Friend Friday: Ch-ch-ch-changes (in style)

2011-06-24T10:23:00.001-06:00

Friend Friday!

This week's topic as stated by Katy:

This was partly fueled by a suggestion from Suze of MissVinylAhoy and partly by my own realization that I like some odd things since I started blogging – things I never would have looked twice at before.

So then, here we go...

1. Since you began blogging do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping?
I'd say yes. I find that I'm more drawn to pattern than I was before, and that I'm not as afraid of color in unexpected places. That said, I'd say that my style has been more refined. I'm a lot more selective about what I shop for. I take greater risk with pattern and shapes, but I've also reminded myself that I don't really need those pants because I'd rather wear skirts every day. And, oooh! yellow skirts!

2. Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that?
I think I come from a very stylish family, so they don't think it's weird that I dress the way I do. We have very different styles, but we're all pretty stylish. They do think some of my pattern mixing and color combos are a little funky, but as my aunt says: "Sometimes you wear things that don't really go, but they go." So that's a ... compliment?
I feel like I get more comments from coworkers and friends. My friends are used to my style - this has been a long time obsession, after all - but my coworkers often think it's weird. And my students? Forget it! They don't understand how I could possibly be more comfortable in a skirt or a dress than jeans. I also get a lot of comments that I don't exactly know what to do with. Like those, "Oh, Frances? Yeah, she sets the bar high...." in a tone that's not quite a compliment. Tell me I'm not the only one who gets those comments. I usually smile and walk away or say something about how really, this is me dressing for my own comfort. Seriously, no one up here in the mountains is checking out my style like that.

3. What’s the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren’t bold enough to wear it?
I don't know if I'm into weird fashion. I mean, I don't think these fashions are weird. I enjoy some serious pattern mixing and I'm convinced that cowboy boots match with everything. What I wish I were bold enough to wear are crazy bright tights.

4. Looking at current trends – what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do?
Oh, I wish I knew what the current trends were.... Some things I've seen around the blogs that I wish I could pull off: bright tights (as mentioned above), shorts (I have the same issue with shorts that I have with pants), neon. Neon makes me feel too much like I'm living in my NKOTB love days, but I have a feeling it would look fabulous with my skin tone. Also: head to toe vintage. I wish I could do it well.

5. Toot someone’s horn – what fashion blogger out there inspires you with her bold fashion choices?
Shey's choices always inspire me partly because her style is so different from mine. It's so romantic and vintage inspired, and she makes me think about color, pattern, and cut in different ways.
Also, pretty much everyone else on the blog roll.
I'm the worst ever at tooting horns....

Target addict

2011-06-23T11:38:00.001-06:00

Dress: Target (gift from my mom)
Cami: ??
Belt: Target
Cardigan: Target
Boots: Nine West
Earrings: Sarchí, Costa Rica

Y'all, I finally found some time to post pictures from two weeks ago. Or was it three weeks ago that I wore this outfit? I can't even remember, all I know is that we have not had sun like that in the mornings for a minute here.

All I know is that I still like this outfit. It's flowy and comfortable and a mix of neutrals (win-win-win, if you're playing along at home) and just happens to be mostly from Target. Sometimes I get dressed and later realize that everything I'm wearing is from the same store.

That sometimes feels like cheating. As a style blogger, shouldn't I be mixing things up? Showing you how I wear Target with J Crew and LOFT and vintage? Except I'm not usually that cool.

Tell me I'm not the only one who feels a little bit like a cheater when this happens. If I am, that's okay, too, though.... I guess.

Oh, and yes, that's just me checking out good old Volcán Poás. Seriously, that view is stunning, even if I do have to force myself to ignore the fact that it's been quite active recently....

FFB: Women in Media

2011-06-15T19:48:00.001-06:00

Tee: J Crew
Blazer: New York & Co.
Skirt: Gap
Belt: Ann Taylor
Scarf: Target
Flats: Naturalizer
Earrings: Target?

This entire look was based on a picture of this hair.

source

That is a true story. I pinned that image I don't even know how long ago and now that my hair is so terribly grown out that I can't wear it down, I've been trying to find a look other than my traditional high bun.

But, enough about my crazy hair. I've been slacking on my Feminist Fashion Bloggers posts for the past few months, but I've been thinking a lot about this month's topic: Women in the Media and Popular Culture.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and, of course, I'm thinking of this from the perspective of a Latina who grew up primarily in the States. So, there's my bias. I've been thinking a lot about the representation of women of color in the media quite often these days and thinking about how that plays into my own sense of identity and self expression. Too heavy for a style blog? Perhaps, but let's take it there today, shall we?

I've been thinking about this as I (finally) got caught up on Glee. I think Glee has one of the more diverse casts on television, but one of the issues I have with the show is its reliance on stereotypes for so many of the characters (Mercedes, for example). I think they try. I think there are some characters that are actually complex. As a Latina, I have to mention Santana. While that's one of those names that non-Latinos think are legitimately Latino and I am kind of weird about having believable names, I do like that they've developed her character a bit. The thing that bugs me, though? She's so spicy, that Santana, with all that attitude.

Because, you know, that's what we Latinas are: spicy. And all of us "ethnic" girls are angry, or at least attitude-y. (Either that or subservient women oppressed by machismo - but that's a different post. Also another post: the label "ethnic" for people who are not white.) I grew up seeing these images - not often, of course, because for the first twenty years of my life, I didn't see many Latinas on tv or in movies - and I've fought so hard against being the stereotype.

Because, really? When all you see is that woman with the attitude, who gets mad and spouts off in Spanish for everyone's amusement, it does get to you. Is that how you want to be represented all the time? I'm lucky that I had a family that held up other images, but what about kids that don't have that? You get a little angry that you're constantly portrayed as a one dimensional angry woman. Self fulfilling prophecy....

I often tell B that what I want to see is Latinos on tv just living. And I guess there are some shows like that (Ugly Betty), I just don't watch enough tv to really know. Ditto for the movies. Even more for books. When I write a book, I'm not explaining any of my Latinas. Does that make sense? They're just going to live and be. Maybe they'll be angry, maybe they'll be pushy, but they'll be a whole lot more besides. You know, like me and all the other Latinas I know.

Everybody, Everywear: Lace

2011-06-14T09:52:00.001-06:00

Top: some random store in Turkey
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Belt: Ann Taylor
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: Target
Crazy face: laughing at B and Kiku

I'm finally participating in Everybody, Everywear, and I'm beyond proud of myself. It's been a busy few weeks as we get our summer interns settled in, teach, and start some new projects, so to find time to build an outfit around lace, and post in time for EBEW is a feat in and of itself.

I love this top. It's about three sizes too big for me, but it works, especially when I tuck it in. It has the added benefit of reminding me of our vacation in Istanbul where we hung out, relaxed, and ate delicious foods.

The lacy back is a little risqué, perhaps, but I wore a sweater most of the time that I was at work, so it was totally appropriate. Although I always have a hard time with this kind of look. Too sexy? Just enough? I don't know....

All I know is that I like the simplicity of brown and black and that this top makes me think of good times, so I'm going with it.

Awkward pictures day

2011-06-07T12:38:00.000-06:00

Top: Zara
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Belt: Banana Republic
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: Target

Today was apparently awkward pictures day around here. I blame the pouring rain. True story: if I don't get pictures at seven in the morning, by the time I finish the school day, sit through a meeting, and eat, it will be raining - not just raining, pouring.

Also, it'll be so cold that I'll just stand around awkwardly and shiver. (I can just hear Tyra telling me that I need to pose through my cold - no one should know how cold I am! A model's job is to suffer for beauty! - Good thing I'm a teacher, then.)

BUT! I"m wearing a star shirt. And, if you didn't know, star shirts are second only to yellow shoes in the happiness factor. I got this shirt for my birthday at Zara, which in Costa Rica should be called the $60 store because EVERYTHING is $60. I was (a) depressed and (b) feeling guilty for how expensive the two items I wanted for my birthday were. B consoled me, though (it didn't take much) and I got this top and one other thing that will be revealed in due time.

Thanks for the birthday wishes, too, y'all. I won't lie - the past few months have been tough for me, both personally and professionally, and I am counting the days till I can have a vacation and see my family again. On the plus side, my birthday was good: time with my sweet husband, a movie date (complete with popcorn, because it's the little things), pizza, and a little shopping. It was a little taste of relaxation, and it was so nice.

And, because I promised more awkwardness:

That's me saying "It's so cold!"

Random numbers

2011-06-06T16:22:00.000-06:00

Blazer: Apt. 9 via Kohl's
Tee: Ann Taylor
Skirt: Target
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: Target

So let me tell you about how this outfit came together. It went a little something like this:
Me: Hey, B, why don't you pick out my outfit for tomorrow?

B: Okay, choose the fourth item from the end....
Me: Which end? (Can you tell I'm really uninspired these days?)
B kindly pointed out the far end of the closet.

I pulled out the black blazer.
Me: Okay, I can't wear this by itself.
B: Wear it with the eleventh item from the end, not counting the one I just picked.
And the leopard print skirt was the eleventh item.

B: You should wear that with a white shirt.

And a new way of picking out my clothes is born.

Happy birthday to me!

2011-06-04T08:39:00.000-06:00

Dress (worn as skirt): Target
Tee: J Crew
Scarf: Covered Ladies Designs
Earrings: Turkey
Belt: Target
Booties: Aldo

Confession: B picked this outfit out, too; I'm too lazy to dress myself. Either that, or I just hired myself a stylist.

It's my birthday today. I'm turning twenty-nine, and yes, I did just tell the internet that I am a year shy of thirty. Y'all can go ahead and tell me how young I look; I get it all the time. Since I missed my blogiversary (bad blogger), I thought my birthday would be a good time to think about the past and future of Mad Dress Game.

For one thing, my pictures have definitely gotten better since my first post. For another, I've gotten a bit more creative in my mixes, have "met" a lot of people, and have drastically reduced my wardrobe.

I'm also going to tell myself that my poses have improved.... And that makes me think about the future. Just go with it, because we all know that was a terrible transition sentence. Anyway, as I think about the future of Mad Dress Game, I know I want to do a few things in the next year.

For one, I'd like to revamp the blog - maybe a "hire-a-professional" kind of revamp. For another, I'm thinking of doing a feature focusing on teachers who style/fashion blog (if you'd be about it, let me know and I'll email you.) I want to really want to focus on getting the most out of my limited wardrobe while I'm here in Costa Rica - that might involve some remixing and creative layering challenges. I want to be a blog where women (and men) who can't shop - for whatever reason - can be inspired to work their closets.

Also in mind for the future of Mad Dress Game: more awkward hands and goofy faces.

Friend Friday: Summer Vacation

2011-06-03T08:53:00.000-06:00

It's Friday, and it looks like I actually have time to blog (Yay!), so here I am answering some Friend Friday questions.

I couldn't resist this week because I am in full on countdown mode for our huge family vacation in July. So, in Katy's words:

Now that summer is in full swing here… and vacations are coming up, let’s talk about what you’re packing to take on vacation.

Okay, so here we go:
Summer Vacation

1. When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra?
"No one will know that you already wore that three times this week." Truth. Even before I started thinking critically about how much to pack, I noticed that I'd reach for the same seven to ten pieces while I was on vacation. Why pack more if that's all I'm going to wear?

2. What are your must packs?
Because most of my vacations involve the beach (I'm from an island; I need some ocean in my life!) and I hate cold weather, this will skew tropical (or at least warm weather).

One dress for going out
Two to three sundresses
Basic skirt
Comfortable sandals for walking (I'm obsessed with my Rainbows for this purpose)
Lightweight cardigan
One or two swimsuits (like I said, I love me some beach)
One or two sarongs
Three more pairs of unders than days of vacation
Socks
Pajamas
Three to four tops
A pair of heels
A handful of accessories
Toiletries and make-up

3. What are you happy to leave behind?
So, this is not what the question is looking for, but I'm happiest to leave work behind. For real. Also, I like the creativity and simplicity of a limited wardrobe. Is that me just putting a positive reinforcement spin on this question?

4. Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase?
Right, so I'm an Army brat, I have always lived hundreds of miles from most of my family, and I'm an avid traveler - all of that means that I have a lot of packing experience. Oh, and B and I packed for three years in six suitcases. Here are my tips:

Repeat to yourself: "No one will know if I wear the same thing three times in a week."
Pick your favorite items, because you already know how to remix them.
Roll. You can pack so much stuff in a bag when you roll!
Wear your heaviest, bulkiest items and plan to wear that same outfit when you travel back home.
Pack solid toiletries whenever possible: shampoo bars, conditioner bars, solid perfume, soap in bars.... They take up less space and spare you the hassle that is taking out liquids for airport security.
Travel and sample size liquids are your friends.
Limit make-up: bronzer, powder, blush, and mascara usually do it for me.
Carry a big purse - put a change of clothes - and pajamas - in it. (You never know when you'll lose a suitcase.)
You can check out my packing posts here.

5. Beach reading… what are you taking with you to read in the sand?
Whatever's free for Kindle on Amazon. That is the reason I read three or four books a week these days....

Now I'll be thinking of what I'm packing for our vacation in July - a week long Caribbean cruise to celebrate my parent's thirtieth wedding anniversary. They're the cutest, y'all - they're celebrating by taking both daughters with their husbands (and my sweet niece) on a cruise. I'm beyond excited to get some sun because while you're enjoying summer in the Northern Hemisphere, here in Costa Rica, we're experiencing "invierno" - rain, rain, and more rain.

So how about y'all? Any tips for packing? What do you take with you on vacation? What the heck should I pack for a cruise?

Rediscovering my closet: grey tunic

2011-05-31T11:21:00.003-06:00

Tunic: New York & Co.
Skirt: Gap
Belt: Came with a blazer
Pumps: Steve Madden
Earrings: Kohl's

I wore this outfit to church on Sunday because there was a possibility that I'd have to stand up front and translate the sermon. Lucky for me, I got a break from translating duties and I just got to look a little extra fancy for church.

I love this tunic, but I haven't worn it since I've been here in Costa Rica. I know, a limited wardrobe and there are items I haven't worn - I'm ashamed of myself, too. Anyway, as a challenge to myself, I'm going to be trying to pull out more of these items this week.

I mean, seriously: check out that pretty beading and the contrast of grey and bronze-ish (totally a color). How could I not have worn this in the past five months? Part of my issue is that I don't really know how to wear it. This is the first time I've tucked it into a skirt and I rather like how it turned out.

Any other suggestions?

Rockstar bling

2011-05-30T11:15:00.000-06:00

Dress: Ross
Scarf: Target
Booties: Aldo
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Bracelets: gifts from my uncles
Earrings: gift (from Guatemala)

My secret: when I don't feel like getting dressed, I reach for a dress. People think you tried, and you didn't at all.

Of course, if you spend any amount of time around these parts (and by these parts, I mean fashion and style blogs in general) that's neither news nor a secret.

I wore my favorite bracelets: this collection of embellished bangles that make me feel like a total rockstar when I wear them. I've had them since I was twelve (that's sixteen years, y'all) and they've always been this cool. My students were totally impressed with them - both the girls and the boys. When the boys are taken with your jewelry, you know it's totally cool.

And now can y'all help me figure out why I'm pointing at Kiku? Weirdest pose ever....

B strikes again

2011-05-25T14:34:00.001-06:00

Blouse: Ann Taylor
Cami: Target
Sweater: Target
Skirt: Gap
Boots: Nine West
Bracelet: gift from friends
Earrings: Sarchí, Costa Rica
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Watch: Coleman via Target

B dressed me again. I was honestly skeptical about pairing this ruffly blouse with the wrap sweater, but the man's got a good eye. I mean, am I right? Isn't that a great pairing?

I love the bright shade of green of the sweater, but I've never layered it this way because I'm (a) a creature of habit and (b) not that creative. I like the way it turned out, and I might try it again.

He's getting good at this, y'all. He's still a tee shirt and jeans kind of man, but he's developing quite the eye for what works for me. Can I tell y'all how wonderful he is? So many levels of wonderful.

What I've got

2011-05-24T14:30:00.000-06:00

Tee: Gap
Skirt: Gap
Belt: Target
Scarf: J Crew
Booties: Aldo
Watch: Coleman via Target
Bracelet: Banana Republic
Earrings: Turkey
Sassy face: in response to B being a smart aleck

This outfit is from last week. I am so. Stinkin'. Behind. But I loved this outfit, and I wanted to blog it. Pretend we're in a time warp, okay?

This shirt is how I know I've lost weight since I've been in Costa Rica. It used to be so tight that I could only wear it as a layering piece, and now it's totally doable for all the time. Also, this skirt falls off now - additional evidence that I need to eat more sandwiches.

I won't lie to y'all: sometimes I get frustrated with my two and a half suitcase wardrobe (including sleepwear, unders, outerwear, and work out gear). We don't really have a budget for clothing right now, and I can't justify buying anything when we're so tight on money as it is. So, there's that. This is what I've got. Yeah, my mom gave me some of her stuff when she was here and she even brought me some new stuff, but this is what I've got.

Some days it's easier to work with what I've got than others, but it's how I roll, how I'm rolling.

Any styling advice, however, is more than welcome.

River

2011-05-17T13:40:00.000-06:00

Tee: Target (men's undershirt)
Jeans: J Crew
Boots: Aldo
Scarf: gift from my uncle
Earrings: Target
Watch: Target

This outfit is pretty much a variation of Saturday's look, but I feel like it's totally different. Less flattering, perhaps. Anyway, I woke up and it was gorgeous out! Quite a welcome break from the days and days of rain, and it was so warm, I could wear sandals. Of course, I also had to go down to our education center to meet with the students who are visiting from the US.

These pictures were taken on the trail down to the ed center. The other parts of the trail involve gravel paths, mud, and about 30 meters of cow poop thanks to the presence of a milking barn and I don't know how many adorable calves. Calves are insanely cute and all, but cow poop calls for rubber boots.

This is hands down my favorite part of the trail. That, behind me, is the Sarapiquí River before it grows into the giant river it is further towards the coast. There's something amazing about the rushing waters, the rickety bridge, and the rainforest that I just can't get over. I'm not outdoorsy at all unless we're talking beach, so for me to say that means it's pretty stinkin' amazing.

Classic

2011-05-16T12:32:00.001-06:00

Tee: Ann Taylor
Jeans: LOFT
Scarf: Turkey
Earrings: gift from sister-in-law
Bangles: Banana Republic
Purse: Nine West
Sandals: Target

I'm really sad that I have exactly two good pictures of this outfit, because I'm a big fan of how it turned out. I've long been stumped by these jeans, but I think this look works. I got these jeans from my sister for Christmas and I've been kind of dipping my toes in the boyfriend jean looks, but this outfit felt like I jumped in. I might still be in the shallow end, but I feel that this is progress. I wore this on Saturday for a date day with B. We went to the mall while our coworker picked students up at the airport. We wandered around, looked at stuff we couldn't afford to buy, had lunch and dinner at the food court, and watched the latest Fast and the Furious movie because THAT is how much I love my husband. All in all, it turned out to be a good day.

Paper Doll Project

2011-05-11T14:58:00.001-06:00

Tank: Target
Cardigan: J Crew
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Target
Earrings: Turkey
Belt: Banana Republic

Have y'all heard about the Paper Doll Project started by Suze of Miss Vinyl Ahoy? Basically, you sign up and you get paired up with another blogger who styles you for a day, and, of course, you style her. I've been in such a style rut lately, so I signed up and got paired with the lovely Nicole of Employed Panache.

She challenged me to wear some more color, and while this is not an outfit I would've come up with on my own, I really love it. This tank is one of my favorites, and I never quite know what to do with it, so it was nice to pull it out today.

It was just the right pop I needed for another wet, grey day up in the rainforest. Also, can we discuss how easy it was to get dressed this morning?

So easy. I could get used to this.

Leopard and B

2011-05-10T14:33:00.000-06:00

Cardigan: Target (gift from my mom)
Top: New York & Co.
Belt: thrifted
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Boots: Nine West
Tights: Simply Vera via Kohl's
Earrings: Sarchí, Costa Rica

When Ashley over at A Fashion Fixation tweeted that Monday felt like a leopard print kinda day, I took note. And then I got lazy and gave B the job of styling me, based on leopard print, of course.

He vacillated a bit on the skirt, afraid that it was too "safe", but I told him monochromatic isn't totally safe, so it was cool. Then he decided I need a pop of color (he's learning, y'all!) so he added the green cardigan that my mom left behind for me. He also picked out the belt and boots. He thought about adding a scarf, but he decided it'd be too much.

I say this because this is a man who, when we first met, did NOT understand why I cared at all about my clothes. He didn't have the context for it and initially thought it was a purely shallow activity. We've had a lot of conversations about the cultural aspects of dress and style, and I think his perspective has changed considerably.

Not that he's putting a lot of thought into his own outfits as far as I can see, or that he's suddenly on the pattern mixing bandwagon, but he's definitely thinking more critically about it.

Mixing it up

2011-05-09T08:36:00.000-06:00

Cardigan: Target
Tank: Ann Taylor (gift from Mom)
Belt: thrifted
Skirt: Gap
Boots: Nine West
Earrings: Kohl's

I love this outfit. There's nothing really special about it, but I love it. It was comfortable for walking to and from work and professional and presentable for actually working. So, win-win.

I guess when I really think about it, there are two things that I really like about this look.
1. The mixed neutrals. I love the black with accents in various shades of brown. It feels so rebellious to mix up that many shades of brown with the black base.

2. I love the juxtaposition of the ladylike tank, skirt, and cardigan with the rugged belt and boots. There's something about the combination of "Office appropriate" with "Just another day on the range" that appeals to me. Maybe it's the fact that I live next door to a lot of cows (and the attendant cowboy types) that's making that aesthetic my new favorite thing ever.

And y'all, I love these boots. Love them to pieces. That may deserve a "literally" soon, as you can see from the scuffed toes. What you can't see are the torn up heels (stinkin' gravel on the side of the road!) and the deteriorating lining on these boots, especially in the heels. I just can't let go, though. They're just too comfortable and, at least in my world, stylish.

Oh! I've got good news - we've (mostly) fixed our Internet issues at our place. We can't actually get internet at our house, because the petition for phone service has been languishing at the government office for the past ten years, so we've talked to our neighbors. They got Internet at their place, which we pay for. We're close enough to them that we can get decent service at our place from theirs, but they had the modem in the back of the house, so we finally moved it to the upstairs front room (closest to our place) this weekend. Success! As long as the rains aren't too bad, we've got signal.

I"m beyond thrilled.

Friend Friday: Shoes

2011-05-06T12:54:00.001-06:00

It's time for another Friend Friday, brought to you by Katy of Modly Chic. I've been a real slacker about participating, but I couldn't resist this particular subject.

This week, we're talking shoes. (Cue choirs of heavenly angels here.)

1. What is your go-to pair of shoes?
I'm pretty sure this will come as no surprise, but I'm going to say my Aldo booties.

If you don't believe me, just click right here and see all the ways I've worn them. And y'all? I paid $45 for them at the outlet. Original price was something ridiculous like $130 or something, and there was no way I was ever going to part with that much money for a pair of shoes, no matter how perfect. Mostly because I'm cheap; I wasn't poor then, just cheap - now I'm both.
Anyway, the color and the just slightly funky style make them a natural for just about any outfit.

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?
I'm going to say I have a three-step process for buying shoes:

Are they affordable? As mentioned above, I'm cheap, and I've gotten decent quality leather boots for $60. I won't pay more than $80 for leather boots, $45 for pumps, and $30 for sandals. Even then, they better last me forEVER because I want value. Case in point: I paid $60 for these Nine West cowboy boots like, seven or eight years ago. I can't even remember how long I've had them and they're still around and kicking.
From 2010-09-30
Are they comfortable? Y'all: I'm a teacher. I'm on my feet all. Day. Long. That said, I'm also shorter than most of my students - at least that was the case when I taught in the States - so I like heels to give me a bit of authority - more presence, perhaps. They force me to stand up straighter and walk with more purpose. I'm not going to sacrifice authority for comfort or comfort for authority, so I'm going to make my shoes give me both. Pass the comfortable heels, please.
Can I wear them with everything else I've got in my closet? I've got very few shoes that I don't wear with skirts because we all know I'd rather wear skirts than anything else. Yes, there are shoes that I need for specific activities (hiking or working out) but for the most part, I want versatile shoes. Versatility, of course, has nothing to do with color in my world. Bright shoes are easy for me to work into my mostly neutral palette.

3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?
Actually, right now, they're brown - shades of brown. The shoes I've got back in the States though, are in a rainbow of colors that I miss more than I can adequately express. (Dear red, electric blue, and yellow pumps: I miss you so. Also, leopard print peep toes, I wish I had at least one of you here with me. We could cuddle.)

4. When it comes to designer shoes what are your favorite brands and why?
Real designers, I don't even play that game because it just makes me wish I had stuff I can't afford (and would feel way guilty about paying for anyway). As far as brands that I love: Nine West, Steve Madden, and Aldo for heels. They just work with my feet - comfortable, walkable, stylish, and affordable.

5. If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe?
I've got two options for this one.
First, these Brian Atwood pumps:

source

Second, these Fluevogs. These shoes win an award for being the first pair of Fluevogs I actually thought were cute.

source

Tribute

2011-05-05T13:07:00.000-06:00

Tee: Target
Jeans: J Crew
Scarf: J Crew
Belt: Banana Republic
Bracelet: Sarchí, Costa Rica
Shoes: Sperry
Earrings: swapped

So, I didn't even realize how preppy my sources for this outfit were until now, but I assure you, it wasn't intentional. What was intentional was to try to copy this look by Fer of Moda Fora de Moda.

Fer, sadly, is no longer blogging over at Moda Fora de Moda, but I highly recommend scrolling through her archives. My grasp of Portuguese is tenuous, but I really dig her funky style - completely different from my own. If she could teach me to wear jeans and skirts with sneakers, I'd so sign up for the course.

Anyway, I don't know that this is my best look, but it was practical for a day when I had to walk to and from work. It's probably two or two and a half miles round trip, and the way home is all uphill. Add to that my asthma and my heavy teacher bag and books, and it's the kind of walk that calls for comfortable shoes.

Y'all, our car is in the shop. It's been in the shop for the last two weeks or something like that. Last month it was in the shop for about two weeks, too. It's so lame. I've been telling the students that our car fell in love with the mechanic; I'm not sure if they're buying it, though. Say a prayer for the car, y'all. The rains have begun in earnest and it is a wet uphill walk these days....

Inspired

2011-05-04T13:43:00.001-06:00

Pants: New York & Co.
Top: Banana Republic
Cardigan: J Crew
Shoes: Naturalizer
Earrings: Turkey
Sunnies: Puerto Rico

Y'all, I've been having a hard time getting dressed for the past couple weeks. It's gotten to the point where I take a shower and then stand in front of the closet for the twenty minutes it takes B to shower. And then he STILL gets dressed before I do. Meanwhile I'm all standing there trying to figure out what I can do with a wardrobe that fits in two suitcases.

BUT! My mom brought me a few magazines when she came to visit. And so, on this particular morning, instead of staring at my closet waiting for my clothes to put themselves on me, I pulled out the May issue of Lucky and flipped through until I found my inspiration. Y'all - I totally had the necessary pieces to put this together!

The two suitcase wardrobe pulls through! And I'm dressed! This may not be the most flattering look - cropped pants, flats, a top that's a size too big - but I felt almost as if I were finding my way out of a rut.

Someone tell me I'm not the only one with this problem....

Late Feature

2011-04-29T17:04:00.002-06:00

Y'all, I meant to post this way earlier (way, way, way earlier....) but you know how life is - especially life with limited Internet connectivity.
Anyway, I was featured over on Weesha's World as part of her "What makes me feel beautiful" series. It's such a great idea, y'all. Anyway, you should check out my humble contribution....

Styled by B

2011-04-29T14:33:00.000-06:00

Top: New York & Co.
Skirt: J Crew
Belt: Banana Republic
Cami: Target
Booties: Aldo
Bracelet: Sarchí
Earrings: Kohl's

Y'all, I have barely been able to get dressed this week. Putting outfits together felt like a chore. So, I did what anyone else would do: I asked B to pick out my outfit. And this is what he picked - including shoes and bracelet, not including earrings and belt.

My students were all like, "You look so elegant!" And then I told them that B picked out my outfit and they were amazed. Amazed! I have to say I was pretty impressed myself. It's very me and I like the pop of yellow in the bracelet against the plum of the skirt.

Have any of y'all had your husbands or boyfriends style you? How did they do? I'm thinking I might need to have B style me more often...

Also, get a load of that blogger bun! My hair is so big!

Wanna Be Style Blogger - My mamita

2011-04-28T09:30:00.001-06:00

Cardigan: Target
Top: Banana Republic via Marcas
Jeans: Ann Taylor
Sandals: Chaps via Kohl's
Jewelry: I'm going to guess Kohl's

This is my mamita. This woman is so many levels of stylish and put together that I can't even stand it. As I've said before, she's the reason I have any kind of fashion sense.

My mom is all about classic pieces and funky jewelry. I mean, seriously, she loves her chunky bracelets, necklaces, and rings. I think she's also caught my love of dangly earrings.

I love the way she finds classic pieces (a black wrap top) with pretty details (eyelet) to keep things from being too boring.

How pretty is my mom, y'all? Also - good genes. If I've inherited her genes, I should look young for the rest of my life.

¡Te quiero mucho, mamita linda!

To be featured as a Wanna Be Style Blogger, email me, find me on facebook, or send me a tweet!

Embellished

2011-04-26T10:53:00.000-06:00

Tee: Ann Taylor (gift from mom)
Jeggings: J Crew
Cardigan: Ann Taylor
Shoes: Target
Earrings: Turkey

Y'all, I made out like a bandit when my mom was here. She got gifts for everyone and I was happy to take some weight out of her suitcase. You know, clothes are crazy heavy. Or something....

I was so pumped about this pretty tee that I wore it the same day I got it to see my mom off at the airport.

See how pretty?

Back

2011-04-25T15:42:00.000-06:00

Top: Nectar via Marcas
Skirt: Gap
Booties: Aldo
Belt: came with a blazer
Earrings: gift from sister-in-law

So, my mom was here last week, which is why I pretty much didn't touch the computer. And I'll be honest, I'm kind of having a hard time bringing myself back to the blog. But! I've got all these pictures sitting around! And I have to do something with them, right? So, here I go....

So, my mom's suitcase didn't arrive with her, which meant that we ended up going to the mall to find clothes for her. We ended up stumbling into this store called Marcas (that translates to "Brands") which basically sells seconds from stores like Express, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Hurley.... So, US stores. Y'all! So. Stinkin'. Cheap!

My mom got this top, and I immediately borrowed it because I loved the pattern and the color. It's an XL, which, you know, isn't my size, but I figured I could make it work. And I think it did. The lesson? Sizes mean nothing.

Not my favorite

2011-04-18T10:21:00.001-06:00

Shirt: Gap
Dress (worn as skirt): Ann Taylor
Socks: Target
Boots: Nine West
Belt: Target
Earrings: Target

You win some, you lose some. I wanted to like this outfit more; maybe it's the hair that's throwing it off. Either that, or the fit of this shirt.

So, I'm ambivalent. But, it's done, it's worn, and it's on the Internet. Let's not do this again, Frances, okay? Okay.

The end.

Friend Friday: Gratitude

2011-04-15T11:45:00.002-06:00

Hey, look, y'all! It's a Friend Friday post! Remember when I used to do this? Yeah, me too. This week, we're celebrating the one-year anniversary of Friend Friday - started by Katy of ModlyChic, and that kind of coincides with the day that I realized that I'd missed my own blogiversary. I'm lame like that. I guess it's due to the lack of Internet access, general busyness, and planning for my mom's arrival (Tomorrow, y'all. Don't expect me to be around.)

So for this week, we're being grateful and filling in blanks.

1. When it comes to me personally – I owe a lot of who I am to: my parents and extended family. I get my sense of humor and love of music from my dad, my sense of style and sassiness from my mom, my love of travel from my Army brat upbringing, my need for sun from my Puerto Rican heritage.... You know, all of those fundamental things. So, thanks, family.

2. When it comes to be professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to: again, my parents for being models of hard work. Also, Mission Year for giving me a framework for combining my love of justice and service with my faith in my everyday life, because, yes, that's professional. Oh, and Dr. Zuffi, my college advisor who gave me some amazing opportunities and saw more potential in me than I saw in myself.

3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots: First, B, of course. Then, my bestie M and my mamita who secretly and not so secretly read and enjoy. Finally, all my blogger friends. Y'all are such an inspiration.

4. One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was... my first experience with blogger burnout, because it taught me just to roll with it and move on with the blog my way. And now I feel better equipped to deal with the same.

5. To my readers, I’d like to say… a million thank yous. Mil gracias, en serio. Thanks for sticking with me through patchy internet connections, a drastically limited wardrobe, an international move, three jobs, and all the craziness that has been the last year and one week of blogging. Y'all are the best.

Oh, is that the music? They're telling me to wrap this up, so....

Lots going on

2011-04-14T15:57:00.000-06:00

Top: Apt. 9 via Kohl's
Skirt: Target
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: ???

I. Love. This. Look. I thought it might be too much, but I was going to a quinceañera and I figured that this was the occasion to go all out. So, studs on my shoulders, booties, and leopard print it is.

It felt so rock star, y'all. The purple eyeshadow helped, I think.

The eyeshadow or the exposed zipper. Can I also confess that the zipper is why I even got this shirt? I'm not usually into exposed zippers, but it just seemed to WORK on this top and I fell in love with that little detail.

So, yeah, I wore this to a small-town quince. And the whole town was there. And most people wondered who the girl dancing with the tall gringo was. The tall gringo was B, just for the record, and they were also probably wondering who invited the gringo, too.

And this outfit reminded me of how much more confident I feel about unorthodox outfit choices. Because, honestly, there's a lot going on here, especially in this rural, traditional environment. But you know why I think it works? Because I feel amazingly confident in it and I love it.

An Ode to my Booties

2011-04-09T15:58:00.000-06:00

Turtleneck: J Crew
Skirt: Target
Belt: Ann Taylor
Booties: Aldo
Earrings: gift?
Sunnies: Puerto Rico

Dear booties,

I love you. I love that I found on super sale at the Aldo Outlet and thus paid a fraction of the price for you. I love that you have a sturdy heel, that you've challenged me in my shoe styling options, that you're warm but not too hot.

I love how comfortable you are and how strong I felt the day I walked uphill for 3/4 of a mile on my way home from work while wearing you (I won't mention how sore I was for the next couple days). You're probably my best shoe purchase is what I'm saying.

Don't ever change.

Love,
Frances Joy

Thankful

2011-04-06T10:55:00.000-06:00

Top: Sonoma via Kohl's
Skirt: Gap
Belt: Banana Republic
Earrings: Turkey
Booties: Aldo
Sunnies: Puerto Rico

Y'all, I live here. This is my front yard. Let me say that again, because it is so amazingly beautiful, that I can't even believe it: this is my front yard.

I have to admit that sometimes I have a crappy attitude about living in the middle of nowhere. We have no phone service at our house, not even cell signal. We can't get Internet until the state-run communications/electric company approves the request for phone service that was put in for this house ten years ago (yeah, you read that right). We don't have a tv, can't get mail, and have electrical issues that I won't even go into because they are myriad and complicated.

And I'll readily admit that I'm not outdoorsy and don't believe I'm cut out for country living. If this were Green Acres, I'd be Eva Gabor. But this, this beauty around me? This reminds to be thankful.

And I am thankful. I'm thankful for the experience, for our sweet, sweet students, for the mountains and volcanos around us, for the strawberries grown in this region, for the hospitality and friendliness that's been showered upon us. I'm thankful for my coworkers, for the fact that Kiku is here with us, for the miraculous health care I received here, for the fact that I'm forced to take a mini vacation every three months to keep me refreshed. I'm thankful for the blog and the connection that it provides to the rest of the world....

And seriously, how amazing is it that I live here?

Wordless on the beach

2011-04-05T10:38:00.000-06:00

Dress: J Crew
Sandals: Chinese Laundry
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Earrings: Turkey
Bag: H&M

Y'all, my words can't compete with that sunset.

Color Rotation - Purple

2011-04-04T16:25:00.000-06:00

Dress: New York & Co. via Ross
Earrings: Turkey
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Beach: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

I think I'm going to make this my last color rotation post, just because I've lost track of what I've posted, what I've photographed, and what I've blogged. I'm lame like that.

Anyway, this is purple. When I was fourteen, I wore purple almost everyday, and then my mom said, "I'm not going to buy you any more purple stuff." I think she was afraid I was going through a Prince stage or something - funny because I've never really liked Prince (Sorry). Anyway, after that, I kind of didn't really like purple for a long time and I avoided it. Clearly, I'm less avoidy now, but I don't have a whole lot of it.

Anyway, we spent the past weekend in Nicaragua renewing our Costa Rican visas. Basically, we need to leave the country for forty-eight hours every three months. Some people might consider this an inconvenience, but I have to say that I NEEDED the weekend off - for real off, not off like, I just have one meeting this weekend! Yay! No, this was like, no cooking, no alarm clocks, no being far from the beach off.

I did a whole lot of this (three books in a single weekend, y'all!), a lot of swimming, and a lot of tanning (yell at me; I know better). I ate well, I walked on the beach with B, and I relaxed more than I have in a long, long time. It was nice. Really nice.

Color Rotation - Red, round 2, with a twist

2011-03-30T17:32:00.000-06:00

Tee: J Crew
Scarf: J Crew
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Crocs
Earrings: Turkey

The second time around the rotation, I got braver and wore a red skirt. If I do a third round, I'll go for a red top. Baby steps.

Anyway, I've been thinking a lot recently about the way women who care about fashion and style are perceived and how that intersects with what I've learned from other feminists (our topic this week for FFB). Sometimes I get a lot of flak from people for caring about how I look, as if somehow that makes me weak or shallow or insecure.

Except that that's not why I care. That's not why I get annoyed when people make comments about my interest in clothes and style. I get annoyed because the assumption that a smart woman shouldn't care about clothes, that clothes are nothing more than frivolous vanity, that caring about appearances is shallow is (a) not true, (b) misinformed, and (c) shallow. Yeah, I said it. Judging based on nothing but outside appearances is shallow, the end.
Well, that, and that writing off what's traditionally feminine as frivolous is antifeminist in my book.

I don't know if my mom would call herself a feminist, and I'm almost sure that my dad would have a hard time labeling himself as one, but as I look back on my upbringing, I see the feminist tendencies. I distinctly remember my mom telling me that blue was NOT for boys and pink was NOT for girls when I was setting up my Barbie and the Rockers band - an earth-shattering revelation for a five year old. I remember my dad playing Barbies with me when he got home from work so my mom could breathe without small children underfoot. I also remember the way he took me out on long bike rides and trips to the park to fly kites or play ball.

I was encouraged to develop diverse interests, and I think that spurred me to buck stereotypes as often as possible. So here I am, a twenty-eight year old Christian Latina. I like clothes, hunting for bargains, wearing heels, dancing, music of all kinds, boxing, Glee, stupid funny movies, Latin American history, baseball, languages, my hips, going to church, cooking, soccer, serving, reading, shoes, travel, and challenges. You know, among other things.

Because if there's one thing my parents taught me that has influenced my particular brand of feminism is that women (and men) are made stronger by diverse interests. And this is me, confident in my brain, my body, my heart, and my faith. And that's why I will talk style in one minute and immigration policy in the next. Because that's how I roll.

And I'm infinitely thankful that I have parents who've encouraged that. Son los mejores padres del mundo.

Color Rotation - Pattern

2011-03-29T11:05:00.000-06:00

Skirt: Kohl's
Top: Target
Shoes: Steve Madden
Earrings: Turkey

Like I said, I skipped purple for the rotation, and will pick it up over the weekend, so instead of purple, here's my pattern.

I felt a little weird in this outfit; it's not something I would've put together on my own. I told B I didn't feel like getting dressed and asked him to pick something out for me. First he picked out a sweater dress on a day when it was actually warm. This was his second attempt.

I probably wouldn't've paired such a blousy top with this full skirt, but I got lots of compliments on the look. It's very ladylike and romantic.

I tried to echo that vibe in my earrings and hair. Less ladylike than pearls, but more me. Also ladylike? Climbing the fence in this outfit. I can. not. figure out the lock on our front gate, and B wasn't around to unlock it for me, so I just threw my purse over the fence and climbed over. Like I said, ladylike.