Packing for Florida

Off to Orlando!! Here's some of the stuff I packed for my vacay:

Clothes:

Day 1: Pink patterned Target shorts with coral H&M tank 
Why? This is the most form-fitting tank top I'm packing. I figure I'll get the potentially most uncomfortable outfit out of the way the first day.

Day 2: Purple Target dress with black Walmart spandex shorts
Why? No reason except this was the leftover day.

Day 3: Tan patterned shorts with green cotton racerback tank, both from Old Navy
Why? I wanted to wear something green on the Universal day since we're visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I guess a couple of the other girls are packing green, too, so I may have to switch a couple days around to avoid being too matchy.

Day 4: Yellow Kohl's dress with gray Walmart spandex shorts
Why? This dress is on the sheer side, so I'm saving for a day when we probably will not go on a water ride since it's also the day we fly home.

Comfortable Sandals:

Last year, I wore some Reebok active-type sandals that ripped up the top of my foot from the strap (I exaggerate slightly). I've tested these Crocs and Keens on longer outings with much better results, so I'm hoping to have relatively painless feet this time around.

Watch:

I wanted something practical but still fun, and something that I didn't have to worry about on water rides. This was another cheap Target purchase.

Sunglasses:

Just some cheapies from Target. We'll see how they do.

Bag:

I specifically bought this bag (Tyler Rodan via Boston Store) for this trip although I've used it a handful of times before. The leather strap is going to be the bane of my existence, I already know. On the other hand, it's a decent size bag without being too big, and it's yellow.

Entertainment:

All magazines and a crossword book. At first, I had Modelland packed, but I didn't really think I was going to read a book on the plane. I'm generally too nervous to concentrate on a novel, but the crossword puzzles usually distract me just enough.

And finally, I got a Harry Potter themed pedicure and painted my fingernails myself for the trip. I have another post scheduled for tomorrow to tell you more about that process.

Corduroy

Blazer: ELLE (Kohl's); Top: Old Navy; Pants: Kohl's; Shoes: Target; Bracelet: Kate Spade

I was trying to show the pleating in the back of the blazer, but it looks more like a gratuitous butt shot. Sorry 'bout that.

These are some old pants. I must've bought them whenever gauchos were in style, which was probably 2005–6ish. And because they're corduroy, there's of course the distinctive "swish swish" sound when I walk. Everyone could hear me coming! At one point, I even tried walking like I just got off a horse to prevent my wide-leg capri pants from swishing. Ah neuroses. I don't know, maybe I'll get rid of them, but I kind of dig 'em still.

The top is a closet orphan because how many times can you really wear a leaf-patterned ruffled one-shoulder top that's a tad too short and tight (right now)? But it's also something I've had for a number of years and can't bring myself to get rid of yet.

As for my new blazer, here's hoping that gets a lot more use in the coming months.

Tad Sloppy

Collared Shirt: Rock & Republic (Kohl's); Striped Top: Old Navy; Skirt: Gap; Shoes: Payless

This studded collar shirt is harder too style than I thought. I changed the shirt on top five times before I decided that this striped one would do. The finished product looked a tad sloppy for work, but I kind of liked it in a weird way. Next time, I'll have to either tuck in the shirt and wear it under a crew- or V-neck sweater, or wear it alone over skinny jeans.

It only took being at work an hour and a half before I felt self-conscious and tucked everything in. For most of the day, I actually looked like this:

In non-clothes-related news, I ran two days in a row! This morning, I jogged for a total of 20 minutes (not in a row, but I did jog for 10 minutes in a row, which is new), and walked the other 20. Shall we make it three days in a row? We'll see about that. Probably not.

White before Labor Day

Dress: Old Navy; Blazer: Gap; Shoes: L.L.Bean; Bangles: ?; Necklace: gift

This outfit has been in my Google Drive document of ideas for awhile now, and I figured this would be the last week I would be able to wear it since a white cotton dress gets less and less appropriate after Labor Day. I couldn't figure out how to accessorize until last week when I saw this outfit on Fashion Salade and decided to go with a delicate necklace and bracelets instead of the more statement-type pieces I usually gravitate to. I wanted to wear an open-toed shoe, so I went with green wedges although a leopard print flat like the Fashion Salade outfit would've been cute, too.

America's Next Top Model: College Edition Premiere Recap

First of all...U-DUB-DUB, represent!

There was a lot of school spirit going on throughout the episode, so I had to get in on the action and give a shoutout to my alma mater.

College. Good times. Anyway, moving on.

I was all ready to give up on Top Model and boycott this cycle, but Tyra took the show back to its roots and drew me back in. The format was much what I was used to in past seasons - they had a little background about some of the girls, did a mini photo shoot, brought the interview portion back (yesssss!), and then announced who made it into the house. There was a slightly cheesy and gimmicky sequence at the beginning, but that was fine. It wouldn't be Tyra's show without a little bit of that.

The show began with Tyra and a man in drag, whom I felt like I should probably recognize, talking about the revamp of the show while Tyra wore an OMS Oh My Smize T-shirt. Then, she introduced the new people on the show - boxer and model Rob Evans as the new judge; Johnny Wujek, who has styled Katy Perry, as the new creative director of photo shoots to replace Mr. Jay; and blogger Bryan Boy as the social media correspondent. I'm not sure what his role will be exactly, but we already saw some interaction with the CWTV website and Facebook in this show.

Tyra, Kelly Cutrone, Rob Evans, Johnny Wujek (source)

Next, the 30 contestants, which would be weeded down to 13, came in to a college party setting at the sorority house where they would live to do a runway show and a photo shoot. The girls introduced themselves and excitedly announced their schools, which included universities, cosmetology schools, and even one home-schooled girl who attended school online.

The first thing I noticed was that Taryn Manning from Crossroads was the DJ for the party??? OK, apparently she's been in dozens of things since then, but that's what I recognized her from. (At least I didn't say Zoe Saldana from Crossroads. Although she was.)

While the girls assembled, Tyra came out, followed by the other judges, including the "sexiest model alive." Oh heeyyyy, Rob Evans. You can talk all day, kthxbye. Tyra explained the new rules about how the fans are the fourth judge, and their vote will hold an equal weight to the other three judges' votes. Then the runway show commenced.

Jessie and Allyssa (source)

I don't know how much each girls' runway walk matters in the grand scheme of the competition, but I always like to critique them myself anyway. There were a handful of solid walkers; some of the not so promising ones were a few girls who didn't make the house, Kristin, and Jessie. After runway, the girls went right into a mini photo shoot, while the judges continued to watch on and make comments about each contestant.

From the photo shoot, the girls got to go into a room with computers set up and check right away how fans were responding to their pictures on Facebook. They also were encouraged to interact and encourage friends and family to vote. I can already see how that might actually be a fun aspect to the show. At first, I was rolling my eyes about the whole thing (although I did vote a few times), but the models are going to be able to get instant feedback from their public. Whether that will end up being good or bad for the models is to be seen, but they'll definitely need to develop a thick skin quickly.

I was excited to see that they brought the interview portion back to the show. Some of the funniest moments come from when the girls each get to make an impression on the judges. Here are some of my notes from that portion:

Laura - what the hell is tyra doing to her? stripping her and pouring water over her to make her look more model-y (in)
Brittany - Disney lover (in)
(Rob's smile = <3)
Destiny - sad story, similar to Rob Evan's story (in)
Ivory - retainer with a fake tooth (not in)
Allyssa - boss tattoo on the inside of her bottom lip (in)
Amber - terrible dancer (not in)
Briana - sang a song including "pot ledom" (not in)
Christin - did some cheerleading moves with pom poms (not in)
Jasmine - speaks in meows and thinks she's a cat (not in)
Victoria - Jewish and Native American, homeschooled, weird in a good, model-y way (in)
Leila - judges and fans called her a Kristen Stewart lookalike, gap tooth (in)
Maria - Harvard girl, smart girl who kept her modeling a secret (in)
Darian - wore a boa, posed with Rob Evans (in)
Kaci - singer, grandma, who recently passed away, got her into modeling (not in)
Jessie - judges liked her booty (in)
Kristin - mean girl, got suspended from high school multiple times, lots of drama in her future (in)
Nastasia - pop and lock dance (in)
Yvonne - plus size model, beauty queen (in)
Kiara - b'ball player, looks 35 until she smiles, inspirational story (in)

Kristin and Nastasia (source)

So those are the girls. Tyra narrowed them down to 13 and then let them run like crazy into the sorority house and claim their bedrooms. Each bedroom had a theme - sports, geek, and pink. Kristin took the middle bed in the pink room because the world revolves around her, she said. Yeah, drama will ensue.

The previews didn't show too much except we know that it looks like the girls will be doing a sexy runway show. And also, the show was dubbed the "Comeback Series." Here's hoping, Tyra! I hate to say it, but you've done a good job so far. I will definitely be back to watch next week's ep.

Emma Watson Inspiration

Source

Hat and Sandals: Target; Top: Luci Boutique; Vest and Watch: NY&Co; Jeans: Lee via Kohl's

I guess it's only appropriate to wear an Emma Watson inspired look since I've been re-watching all the Harry Potter movies to get pumped up for Orlando. I watched Goblet of Fire (fourth movie) last night, which I have a new appreciation for. Although I still don't think it's as good as any of the odd-numbered movies, I definitely like it more than I used to. I'm already kind of not looking forward to Half-Blood Prince (sixth movie). Easily my least favorite; but who knows, maybe I'll like that one more now, too.

By the way, who knew I would like white bootcut jeans so much? The tags on these said they were slimming and wouldn't stretch out and sag throughout the day, and I have to agree. They stayed put pretty well; I didn't have to hike them up or wear a belt. And they stayed white all day except for a little mishap with chocolate in the car. That never ends well, but Tide to Go saved the day.

Full disclosure, though, I only wore the hat for the pictures. I did wear the rest for work.

No Longer a Dress

Dress as a Top: Jason Wu for Target; Skirt: Webster for Target; Sunglasses: Target; Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors

This dress has gotten a little shorter each time I wash and wear it. See?

Exhibits A, B, and C

Maybe you can't really tell from those pictures, but it has. That's why from now on, I'm either going to be tucking this into a skirt or wearing leggings underneath.

Top Model Eye Candy

Before work:

Dress: NY&Co; Top and Sandals: Target; Belt: Walmart; Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs

After work:

I have no idea what to write about today.

America's Next Top Model college edition premieres this Friday. I was planning on boycotting this cycle (the show won't be the same without Nigel and the Jays), but my DVR was already set to record the season. So...I'm going to give the first episode a shot. Rob Evans, the new judge, may be worth it. He is pretty yummy.

Source. It was hard to find a picture of him with a shirt on.

Even still, he's no Nigel Barker.

Source: sweetspot.ca via Rebekah on Pinterest

Pearls, Lace, and a Tassel

Top: NY&Co; Skirt: ASOS; Necklace: Charming Charlie; Bracelet and Shoes: Kohl's

I had a fun end of the day at work today. I was in a meeting where I actually felt like I knew what I was talking about, and I also liked the other people involved. It always helps when you get along with your coworkers, and I do enjoy working with the writers on the team even though I can be a quiet loner at times.

And now I'm chilling at home with Bridge, watching the third Harry Potter movie. It really blows my mind some of things J.K. Rowling came up with in these stories. That's one creative lady, to say the least. I still believe the odd numbered movies are the best.

Yeah, I can't multitask, so I'm gonna stop writing and just give you a detail shot.

Mickey D's

A little late, but here's my outfit for Style Imitating Art. I couldn't not participate this week. The inspiration picture was too cool, and it gave me an excuse to wear my red MICHAEL Michael Kors skirt, which is becoming one of my favorites.

Georgia O'Keeffe - From the Plains II

Top: Forever 21; Skirt: MICHAEL Michael Kors; Blazer: LC Lauren Conrad (Kohl's); Belt: H&M;
Shoes: Target; Bracelets: Marc by Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade

Even though red and yellow together remind people of McDonald's, I figured little pops of yellow were probably acceptable (although it might've served me better if the belt and bracelets were actually matching yellows). The blazer was necessary to break up the orange and red right next to each other, especially when my husband said, "You're very orange and red today. But you're the fashion guru."

In the Kohl's Fitting Room

Since I had an hour to kill while my car was in the shop getting new tires (yay, now I won't be nervous driving in the rain with bald tires), I walked across the parking lot to kill some time at Kohl's. And of course I spent money.

Here's everything I lugged into the fitting room:

I loved the studded collar of his top, but they only had a Medium, which was a little tight in the chest. The tent-like cut is not ideal on my body shape, but it's going to be perfect for layering. I ended up buying this online in a Large. The jeans have a lace pattern on them, which I wanted to love although I'm anti-patterned pants on myself. They were just too tight in the legs, I thought, but maybe that's how they're supposed to fit. They are called "super skinny."

Oh my gosh. Every woman I saw shopping in the misses department, including me, picked up this top. I probably will regret buying it later because I'm sure I'll run into someone else wearing it in life, but I bought it anyway. The jeans are the same style as the lace ones, so of course, I didn't like the fit of these either. The color was cool, though.

I loved this blazer when I tried it on. It's so fun. I have like three blazers at home that are too big, so I think I'm going to get rid of a couple of them. Since I already have two pink blazers (one really pale and one bright), I ended up ordering the blue version of this one online.

I kind of wanted white jeans, and these fit pretty well and were on clearance, but I still couldn't justify it. Am I really going to want to wear white jeans in a couple weeks? Probably not. And who knows what size I'm going to be next summer.

Same thing with these pants. They were cheap, but I still couldn't bring myself to buy them. I tried on skinny cargo pants last year and wasn't crazy about them on me then either.

This dress would be adorable on different body type; but on me, it fit on the bottom, but it was too big on the top. I tend to need separates when it comes to fitted skirts.

Lauren Conrad actually made a dress that's not super short! It's a miracle! But I grabbed a size too big, and I wasn't super excited about it anyway. I would like the top and the bottom separately, but I wasn't all about it in dress form.

This dress (which I thought was also Lauren Conrad, but I can't find it online) was cute, but a tad on the short side. Not as short as her stuff usually is on me, but still shorter than I'd like to go, especially for work.