What I Wore Sunday: "Why Can't I Get a Decent Picture?!" Edition! (*Now Updated!*)

Hello hello to the three people who still read this here blog! It's time for another WIWS! Head on over to Fine Linen and Purple for the link action!

The lighting in my home is terrible. Well, I guess I don't need to tell you that because these photos are enough evidence.

Original: Boo Lighting!

Original: So you can actually see my smiling face

Thanks to Katie for some suggestions, I went in search of a well-lit corner and a makeshift camera stand to try again... I'll let you decide but I think these are much more decent!

Update: Using a hobo-esque camera stand...

...to get some decent lighting!

Dress: Merona c/o Unique Thrift Stores for $4!
Cardigan: c/o TJMaxx
Belt: c/o an old skirt in my closet
Shoes: Croft & Barrow, c/o Kohl's (similar style)
Necklace: c/o Kairos Retreat, Fall 2008!
Frizzy hair: c/o my hair dryer and the hair straightener's inability to keep up with the humidity

How about those readings today, huh?  If I tell the wicked, “O wicked one, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death." (from Ez 33:7-9) and “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone... If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector." (from Mt 18:15-20)  As my priest said today... no one likes the IRS!

These readings certainly go against the whole "do whatever you want, whenever you want, and don't tell others what is right and wrong" kind of culture we live in today! How can we possibly live up to being our brother's keeper in a world that decries anything like this as judgment?

I think the key here is the reading second from St. Paul's letter to the Romans (13:8-10). The answer, as always, is love. We are called to be each other's keepers because we love each other, and want what is best for that person and his or her soul (the best being Heaven, of course!). It's definitely not easy for the world to see us lovingly calling each other out as a manifestation of love, but true love puts the good of the other first. This is what our Church does, and she is persecuted for it; and this is what we are called to do as well, even if we are also persecuted for it.

What I Wore Sunday: Blue Edition

Why, cello, everyone.

If you've been wondering why I haven't posted in the past couple of months, it's because I've been spending all that time trying to figure out what I was going to wear to Mass today.

Hey, a girl has got to plan ahead, right?

 

Say hello to my friends Emo and Knee-Popper.

Zee Outfit
Dress - Land's End, via Unique Thrift Store (on sale!)
Jean Jacket - Old Navy, via Unique Thrift Store (similar-ish)
Cami - Sonoma, via Kohl's (similar)
Wedge Sandals - Croft & Borrow, via Kohl's (similar)

My hair is also courtesy of being tangled and windblown from an outdoor concert last night, so I simply twisted it back to hide the tangles, very similar to this - except a) much simpler, and b) I was rocking this look waaaaay before her... I set the trends for the stars, you know.

This outfit has so much blue, I don't even know what to do.

I love to end with a little rhyme, so I'll see you next time!

Check out the other digs at FLAP

What I Wore Sunday: 1950's Flashback Edition

I decided to bring back the 1950's this Sunday, because sometimes I wish I could dress like that every day.

Mostly I just wish we could bring the classy 1950's bathing suits back.

I'm actually considering a second career of being an "I Love Lucy" double... but I suppose I'd have to dye my hair red.

Navy dress with white polka dots - Ann Taylor via The Salvation Army thrift store
Pink cardi - Macy's
Brown boots - Merona via Target (not pictured today, but pictured pretty much every other WIWS...)
Hairdids - courtesy of HairCuttery... where they apparently don't understand the "Please do not cut the upper layers of my hair *this short*" ... bobby pins it is until the man bowl cut grows out a bit...

Happy Palm Sunday! Cannot believe Lent is almost over... but I'm so ready to have chocolate again for Easter!

Trot on over to FLAP for more!

What I Wore Sunday: Back in Action Edition

Well... long time, no see! Is it accurate to say "see" when talking about blogging, since you never technically "see" me? Thought to ponder.

I have reasons for taking an unexpected hiatus, and some of them are good and some of them are poor excuses, but trust me when I say that I am missing you all and hope to have some fantabulous blogging ideas again soon.

Til then...

CLOTHES.

Huzzah!

The Clothes:

Hair - courtesy of "I laid in bed too long to do anything more than throw on some clothes and run out the door"

Black cardigan - Macy's, a couple years ago

Purple tee - Target clearance rack, awhile back (I love rhyming, yes I do, I love rhyming, how 'bout you?)
Skirt - Target clearance rack, same awhile back as the purple tee
Boots - Bare Traps via DSW

Mass:

How many of you heard the Prodigal Son today and how many heard the Blind Man passage?

We heard the Prodigal Son, which is a great reading. The priest brought up a great point - that we almost always focus on the sons in this parable, but the Scripture is really all about the Father and how merciful He is. All we have to do is come home, and we are welcomed with open arms, joy, and lots of celebration! How beautiful is that?

Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple, as always!

What I Wore Sunday: Classy(ish?) Librarian Edition

I got dressed in my warmer clothes for this cold and blustery evening, and realized when I looked in the mirror that I kind of looked like a librarian. Too lazy to change? Eh. C'est la vie.

Awkward fuzzy hair tuck.

15 points to Gryffindor if you can spot the package of Oreos in that picture that came out of hiding for Sunday's chocolate feast.

Modeling my ear(rings).

Zee details:
Let's got from bottom up, today, just to be fun!

Black suede shoes - Macy's via my favorite clearance rack
Black tights - Tarjeta or Ross... who knows, I just keep buying tights!
Black and gray skirt - Jones New York via le thrift store
Purple blouse-ish - Macy's via not-the-clearance-rack (but on sale, of course!)
Earrings - Kohl's via the clearance rack... probably

Now that I think about it... the librarian look is missing something...

Every librarian needs teeny reading glasses, right?

Ah... there it is!

Gallop on over to Fine Linen and Purple for the rest!

What I Wore Sunday: Everybody Loves Pockets Edition

Yes, you read that right.

POCKETS.

I don't know about you all, but I love skirts with pockets. Love them. Maybe even agape love them.

(Kidding.)

Whoever took the pocket out of skirts was seriously disturbed. Like whoever said that orange is the new pink.

Because what lady doesn't need a pocket? I mean, I might need to carry a dainty hankie to wipe the tears from eyes because the homily was so beautiful, or a tissue because I have the sniffles, or a bag of Cheerios in case the baby in front of me is just too darn cute and loudly distracting, or some chapstick in case there's a handsome lad sitting next to me and I want to give him the Judas version of the sign of peace.

(Definitely kidding with that last one, winkity wink.) 

You just never know when you'll need a pocket!!!!

So I thought this skirt was cute when I found it at the thrift store, and then when I saw that it had pockets?!

Sold. To the lady in the second row. She's an 8, she's a 9, she's a 10, I know.

The pockets in all their beauty!

The whole ensemble, awkward poses and all.

Oh, you want to know more than just about the pockets? Alright, then...
Hair - courtesy of my mother's genetic code and old lady bun
Blouse - Fashion Bug, via Unique Thrift Store, a steal with the tags still on it for $2
Skirt with POCKETS - Ann Taylor, via Unique Thrift Store, another steal for $3
Tights - Merona, via Target
Boots - Bare Traps, via DSW, which were not a steal, but good boots come at a price.

Rocking the purple today, just for all you Fine Linen and Purple ladies. You're welcome.

What I Wore Sunday: Exciting Debut Edition

Well, the weather here has been... interesting. It fogged over last night and hasn't cleared since. With this lovely fog has come an even lovelier dewy drizzle everywhere.

What does this have to do with what I wore to Mass, you say?

Well, it means me putting on a skirt and heels was not going to happen today. Helloooooooo pantalones!

But this is an exciting debut.

I bought my very first pair of skinny pants!

I know. I am pretty shocked too. I've always thought that the skinny cut was for... well, skinny people! but I thought I would give them a try and I don't think they look too bad! I decided to go all out too. They are dark purple cords (I went with a dark color as darker colors are more slimming to the figure) and they have a light paisley pattern on them.

So I need you all to be honest. And by honest, I mean lie in the comments and then privately e-mail me your honesty if you think I should never ever ever EVAH!!!! wear the skinny pants again. Because that's how Jesus would do it.

Channeling my inner Audrey Hepburn.
In poor lighting. Sorry.

Close up of the print... which is still bad lighting.

More deets:

White v-neck sweater: Old Navy (clearance for $7)

Green scarf: Old Navy (on sale for $10)

Elle patterned skinny cords: Kohl's (originally $48, on clearance for $10, plus 30% off = $7 pants!)

Purple flats: Macy's (clearance $19)

Random thoughts from Mass:

- Who is not ready for the Christmas decorations to come down off the altar yet? This girl!
- I went to Mass at the parish where I teach catechism today, and the woman in front of me turned around and said I sing so beautifully and I should be in the choir. Aw shucks!
- I just really love simple music at Mass sometimes. Just a guitar and husband and wife duo led the music, and it was really beautiful.
- Does anyone else have a major problem focusing their thoughts on the actual Mass during Mass? Sometimes I feel like my mind is everywhere but what's actually happening. Thoughts for how to squash the wandering mind?
- Jesus is baptized! Holla! (That's how you say "Hallelujah!" in half the number of syllables) Even though Jesus did not need baptism whatsoever, I think it's awesome that he chose to "debut" himself to the community through baptism, just as we are all debuted to the Christian community at our baptisms!
- Did y'all know that Lent starts in one month?!? Yes, that's right. I'm already starting to ween myself off of chocolate.

Trot on over to Fine Linen and Purple to gander at all the other lovelies.

What I Wore Sunday: Designer Dress Edition

So I realized while choosing my post for the month of December for the New Evangelists Monthly that my posting lately has been a bit skewed... three posts were about clothes, one was a quick takes (that also mentioned clothes), one was a wonderful guest post from Mary, one was a compilation of quotations that I didn't actually have to do anything to write... and one was a bunch of pictures about how I see Jesus in a Rihanna song.

So I think maybe my new year's resolution should be to write about something of substance - you know, with actual words - perhaps at least once a month?

Glad I'm starting off on the right foot.

I actually went to Mass at the Saturday vigil, but calling this post "What I Wore Saturday Night Which Is Really Sunday in the Eyes of the Church" was too long.

Más details:

Dress - Elie Tahari designer dress (he was on Project Runway a couple of weeks ago!) originally priced at $200 that I got on clearance at TJMaxx for $10

Black tank - Sonoma from Kohl's (because modest is hottest, of course)

Black tights - Merona from Tarjeta

Black boots - Bare Traps from DSW (and probably the only thing I paid full price for in this ensemble)

I felt it was time to whip out my crazy print dress once again. Because I love it but sometimes feel like it's crazier than me (I know, that means really crazy, right?) so I have to be in the right mood to rock it.

I think the print could be best described as a leopard that fell into vats of red, pink, purple, and orange dye.

Mass details:
I once again sat in the old lady section, although there were some old men there this time, too! Moving up in the world.

The priest gave a great homily on the Epiphany, tying in the gifts the Magi brought to what it said about Christ, and teaching us that if we follow the light (of the star) as the Magi did, we too can encounter Christ!

Be sure to check out everyone else's party attire at Fine Linen and Purple!

Happy Feast of the Epiphany! 

What I Wore Sunday: Clearance Rack Edition

Well, this is embarrassing.

I had two - that's right two - posts not about clothes planned for this past week, and as we can see... that just didn't happen. Don't worry, they're coming soon!

But off to talk about more important things. Like what I wore today. Obviously.

Today is Gaudete Sunday, which means REJOICE! I especially love the readings today because they are definitely what I have been needing to hear - to not be discouraged and to not be anxious, but to rejoice and trust in the Lord. His will is what will bring each of us the greatest happiness here on earth... even if we have to be patient and wait for God's timing.

But, I have to say that I like this Sunday mostly because I love to see the priests rocking the pink rose vestments.

 

Black dress - Gap super duper clearance rack, bought many moons ago
Cardigan - TJMaxx clearance rack
Deep berry (aka "rose") scarf - Unique Thrift Store, brand new!
Black velvet pumps - Macy's how-is-it-possible-these-shoes-are-so-cheap clearance rack

As you can see, I am a clearance rack shopper!

Be sure to head over to Fine Linen and Purple to check out everyone else rocking the pink... I mean, rose.

What I Wore Sunday: Emo Pose Edition

Another week, another Sunday!

Which means, of course, another reason to ogle at everyone's clothes!

You mean everyone doesn't take emo looking photos in their kitchen?

 My kitchen gets the best light, ok? I'm just thankful that the stove top is actually clean.

I feel like I ended up channeling a bit of Grace in that photo... Thanks for letting me steal your signature pose!

My attempt at looking more normal...

I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!

...ends up just looking kind of creepy.

You mean everyone doesn't have a creepy finger pose?

Guess it's just me.

And a close up of the boots, because they just don't like to photograph well.

Más details:
Green dress - Old Navy
Jean jacket - Old Navy, courtesy of Unique Thrift Store
Brown opaque tights - from the "I have no idea where I bought these" store
Brown boots - Merona, from Tarjet

As I am a walking ad for Old Navy today, it seems, I welcome them to send me free clothing and accessories to model. I'd willingly do that.

Mass details:
We got a homily on confession and a walk through of an examination of conscience, which I think is a homily that should be given more often.

I also got to see the transubstantiation and say hi to Jesus.

My overall Mass grade for myself is a C, because I got there early and prayed and hard core prayed before and after communion and stayed after Mass and prayed, but I was distracted by other thoughts most of the rest of Mass - unfortunately, said distraction did not involve a cute baby sitting in front of me that I was trying to plot how to steal. I guess I can't always win.

Make sure you trot on over to Fine Linen and Purple to sneak a peek at everyone else's Sunday best!

What I Wore Sunday: Rough and Tough Edition

I promise that I will start writing less about clothes and more about not-clothes... someday. 'Til then!

Linking up with the ladies of Fine Linen and Purple once again!

Did you read my guest post with them yet? You should.

The digs:
- My new do, courtesy of Hair Cuttery ($22 for a haircut! How do I love thee, let me count the ways!)
- Black and white dress, unkown origins but courtesy of le thrift store and taken in by my momma
- Brown boots, Merona from Target (Target, feel free to send me gift cards or coupons or free clothes, whatever suits your fancy!)

- Blue earrings for Advent, courtesy of the Kohl's clearance rack (Kohl's, my email address is in the sidebar if you want to send me free goods!)

- Jerusalem Cross Necklace, from the Kairos retreat I went on my senior year of college (any other Live the 4th-ers out there?!)

- Busted lip, courtesy of a blister I somehow got while biting my lip while sleeping... I really have no idea. But does it make me look rough and tough? That's the look I'm really going for...

Related but unrelated...

Are any of you single ladies plagued by how to get your picture taken each week? I use my computer to snap my photo, but it's always so dark in my apartment (even with every.single.light.on!!!) and so I feel like the pictures are not the best quality. I'm intrigued to see how you all manage!

As always, I love ogling at your outfits and poses (do you knee pop like me or go for the more model-esque approach?). And... Happy New Year!

What I Wore Sunday... errrrrr, Monday!

Let me 'splain. I had planned on wearing the below photographed outfit to Mass on Sunday, but for undisclosed reasons, it didn't happen. You don't get a picture of what I actually wore to Mass because my hair was a ratty squirrel's nest, which no one needed to see (sorry people in the pew behind me!).

So, instead, you get "What I wore to work Monday and had planned on wearing to Mass on Sunday but just didn't happen", which is far too long for a link up title.

I didn't want to miss out on the linkage love with all of you ladies over at Fine Linen and Purple, so I hope you all can forgive me for posting what I actually wore on Monday. If you can't, you can kick me out or ban me from next week's post, I totally understand.

Someday I'll find a way to take a decent, not awkward, self portrait. Til then...

As I wrote about last week, I love playing with color, and I got to do that with this outfit. It might be hard to see because the lighting is so utterly terrible in my apartment, but I am wearing a new teal skirt (bought for a steal from Ross), a white tee (Van Heusen from the thrift store), a pink berry colored scarf (from a London street seller), brown boots (Merona from Target), and a yellow beaded bracelet (Kohl's). 

Yes, all these colors do go together!

Scarf-less, but always with the knee pop.

To be honest, I originally hadn't planned on wearing the scarf all day, but for some reason, my office was freezing, so it stayed put. I think it actually adds some more fun to the outfit though!

Off to put on my running clothes... but you all probably don't care because there isn't a "What I Wore to Sweat In" link-up, which is probably a good thing.

What I Wore Sunday

Long time, no post.

Which means you're going to get the longest post EVAH!!!

Just kidding. You get a picture of me with a few words. You are so lucky!

This week I am linking up with the ladies of Fine Linen and Purple with "What I Wore Sunday", because who doesn't love talking about their clothes.

Me and my fine posing/computer photography skillz.

What I am trending right now, H2T:

Rocking the bushy squirrel tail ponytail
Purple and white striped sweater, from Old Navy
Khaki slacks, from NY&Co, but purchased for a major major steal from my favorite thrift store, with the tags still on them!
Purple suede shoes, from Macy's

I usually rock a skirt or dress to Mass, but I went this morning instead of my usual evening Mass, so you get lazily dressed Liesl for today.

Hope all of you have had a fantastically wonderful weekend. Mine was pretty much awesome :)