I'm a Cheater

shirt: macy's forget the brand
skirt: wet seal
boots: target
belt: forever 21

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Revelation.....

I've had a BRA SIZE Revelation.....

In one day, I went from a size 36B to a 32DD. No, I'm not pregnant. And no, I didn't sign up for a pie eating contest. And god no, I did not get implants. I was simply wearing the wrong size. My 36 band was making up for the shocking lack of cup size.

So, now I'm officially sized as a 32DD! Yikes, I know.

What I've come to realize:

In the past I had been sized a 36C, which may have been accurate. But then I lost weight and those bras didn't fit and somehow I fit myself into a 36B mostly because I didn't know what I was doing and they don't really help you out at Target (not that I'd want them to).

Why I figured there was a problem:

As a fore mentioned, I just started in a position at a high end department store. We talk about clothes pretty much all day and of course size and fit. And bra size came up one day and I was tagged as a C. Which I actually get a lot, but it's hard to believe because I don't feel bigger than most of my friends who are B's. And I definitely don't look like a Victoria's Secret model.

But, the last straw was when a specialist from the lingerie department took a two second glance at me and told me I was at least a D. WHAT?!?!?!?! So, I gave in and followed her into a dressing room for a fitting. Turns out I pour out of a 32D......so we upgraded to a DD. PERFECTION!!!

What's different:

My clothes actually look better.
I don't feel frumpy in a tee shirt. I feel sexy.
I stand straighter.
I get more compliments on my clothes.
I don't have to adjust my straps all day.
And they don't look like they're DD's. They look like C's cause everything is in the right place!

The Downfalls:

They don't sell many 32DD's in stores. So, I have to figure out what I like based on a 34D and then order the 32 DD online. It's kind of a pain in the butt. But it's worth the way it feels!
It's expensive. But, honestly a more expensive bra really is made better and will last longer. And that's important when you get into the bigger sizes.

Interesting facts I learned during my fitting:

You should be fit every 6 months (twice a year) due to weight fluctuation.
You should always alternate your bras to give them a chance to air out and keep their shape.
Don't store your bra with one cup folded into the other to save room. It will ruin that cup.
You really should buy new bras every 6 months. YIKES....I know. We'll see about that.


Here's the new bra I got.

Chantelle Intimates 'Rive Gauche 3086' Underwire T-Shirt Bra

Not a Slacker - Day #1

Ok, so I'm gonna cheat and use a photo that I meant to post a few days ago (when my blogger- droid failed me)!

Received quite a few great comments on this outfit! Yay!

Earrings: Hand me down from my roommate!
Top: Charlotte Russe
Bottoms: Charlotte Russe
Shoes: Rocket Dogs (I KNOW!)

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Epic Fail

Not that anyone is actually reading this (so I shouldn't have to apologize) but "I'm sorry"! This blog couldn't possibly be easier and there are hundreds of people out there posting about more research intensive material out there on a daily basis. Apparently, I'm just a big slacker.

So, in an effort to try again I will make a promise of at least a week's worth of posts, nothing more. Continue by reading my next post. If you believe me! :)

Friday

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Top: Target Boyfriend T
Sweater: St. John's Bay JC Penny
Jeans: Forever 21
Boots: Justin's Boot Barn

Day #20 - Love me some Friday

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Top: Target boyfriend T
Vest: Forever 21?
Jeans: Forever 21
Shoes: Target

Day 19 -

COMING SOON....

Day #18 - Chillin

tops: pink zone and Walmart
sweater: vera Wang for kohl's
jeans: Levis
shoes: urban outfitters

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Guest Outfit - Ari

aviators- Forever 21
blazer- silence and noise from urban outfitters
romper- ny&co
shoes- calvin klein

Day #17 - Roll Out of Bed

top: Target boyfriend T
vest: hollister
jeans: forever 21
I forgot to put my sandles back on for the photo.

personal critique: I was super lazy this morning. sorry.

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Day #16 - Disastrous Room

Top: Stolen from my roommates closet because my closet was all on my floor
Undershirt: Nordstrom's P.O.V.
Necklace: Nordstrom's BP
Bottoms: Old Navy
Shoes: Same old ones!! lol. I need to remedy this!

Personal Critique:

I had two comments on my shirt!! Yay! And I really need to find an alternative pair of comfortable flats and some skinny pants that aren't jeans!

Day #15 - Brunch

COMING SOON....

Day #14 - Casual Casual Friday

Top: Urban Outfitters Men's Dept.
Jeans: Forever 21 skinny rolled
Shoes: City Sneaks from Payless

Personal Critique: Okay, I really wanted to wear these shoes today and I couldn't find my tangerine Urban Outfitter's shirt so I opted for the gray. I know it pretty casual, but I'm spending my dad behind a computer and then visiting a new Farmer's Market!

Day #13 - Jeans Day

Top: "Coke" T from Target
Vest: My fave from Express
Jeans: Forever 21
Shoes: Express

Personal Critique: I was so excited when I went to bed last night that I would get to throw on jeans in the morning. I feel like I'm in high school again where we had uniforms and every once in awhile (not nearly enough) we got to wear jeans!!! :O) Happy girl!

Day #12 - Getting Serious

Dress: Something I picked up in Dublin last summer.
Blazer: Clothing Swap Score
Shoes: Stolen form my roommate's closet!
Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Personal Critique: I'll let you know after work.


Open Blazer:

Day #11 - Fair Weather

Dress: Forever 21
Necklace: Nordstroms B.P. (I added an antique key to it!)
Shoes: those same damn Rocketdogs (not pictured)

Personal Critique: Not gonna lie, I felt totally under dressed Tuesday. I'd come from a day in the sun and forgot to grab a cardigan before I left the house. I felt like a customer at work all day.

Day #10 - Monday Funday

COMING SOON.....

Day #9 - Working Sundays Again

COMING SOON.....

Day #8 - Outdoor Concert

Sweatshirt: College SDSU
Top: Boutique in Pacific Beach, bikini top underneath from Target
Shorts: Old Navy
Boots: Justin's from Boot Barn
Purse: Nordstrom Brass Plum

Personal Critique: I wish I'd worn a tube top to avoid tan lines. I absolutely love these white jean shorts they Fit really well! Oh, and my new purse is amazing. I found I could wear it as a fanny pack! I just tightened the strap a bit and it worked perfectly and no weird tan line across my back! I also bought a straw cowboy hat at the event! It's super cute!

Shopping Day #1

Strip Skirt on sale

Day #7 - TGIF

COMING SOON.....

Day #6 - Dress Up

Dress: Macy's (tbd)
Undershirt: Old Navy embellished cami
Sweater: Clothes Swap Score!!!!! What's that?

Belt: Resale Shop (attached to another piece)
Shoes: oh look, it's those Rocketdogs again buy here

Personal Critique: I thought this look worked really well. I love the dress 'stand alone' but I need to have my shoulders covered at work. I also had to add the cami underneath because of the deep V.

I'm gonna try some wedges on Sunday and see how my feet hold up!

Day #7 - Sales Floor

Top: I.N.C. at Macy's buy here

Vest: Express buy here ON SALE

Bottoms: Close Swap Score!

Shoes: Rocketdogs again...

Personal Critique: I was very happy with this outfit today. I seriously need some new shoes. I only have this one pair of close toed black flats. I need some that are different colors and with different accents. A bunch of girls have told me I shouldn't even attempt heels for the first month on the floor. I'm really going to have to get used to working on my feet all day again. Good news is I may shed that little extra on my inter thighs! I'm going to try a dress tomorrow!!

Clothes Swap Score

Wondering what I mean when I talk about a Clothes Swap Score?

It means that item wasn't purchased and wasn't a gift. It was swapped. Once or twice a year I host a clothing swap where I invite a bunch of girls to bring their unwanted clothing and SWAP it! You can bring clothes, shoes, belts, hats, scarves, belts, jewelry....anything you can wear! And then it's a free for all! I've never had anyone fight over an item before, but I'm sure it's possible. This year I grabbed a few blazers and anything I thought I might be able to wear for my new sales job. It was really great! I've already worn one item and will wear another tomorrow!

Day #6 - The First Day

Top: Clothes Swap Score!!!!! What's that?

Sweater Vest: Old Navy buy here

Bottoms: Old Navy buy here

Belt: Forever 21 buy here

Shoes: Rocketdog buy here

Personal Critique: So, I'm starting to realise just how much stuff in my closet is from Old Navy. I don't think I've worn these capri's since 2007. But anyway, I think this was a good first day outfit. I have three pieces going on; close toed shoes with backs, and a belt!

I really felt that I had it together compared to some of the employees I saw today, which makes me feel like I might not have to do this project... But I will, because it is really helping. Even after just a few days I feel more put together. Since I have a clear history of what I've already done I'm not just wearing the same thing everyday out of laziness. I know I have to show you something different everyday, And I know I won't always be able to, at least it makes me make the effort.

Day #5 - Manic Monday

Top: long sleeve Pink Zone
Wrap Vest: Deletta at Anthropologie
Jeans: Levi's (again)
Shoes: Rocketdog buy here (mine are raw satin)

Personal Critique:

Sometimes these are just the only jeans that fit. Ugh. Love my Deletta vest. I wear it a lot. And I love Pink Zone for their cheap tees, etc. I also adore my Rocketdog flats! Tomorrow begins a straight three days without jeans. Will I survive? Watch and see.

Day #4 - Errands & Pool Day

Top: Walmart (I know.)
Bottoms: Old Navy (circa 2002)
Shoes: Urban Outfitters buy here

Personal Critique: Today was a day to automobile run errands, i.e. oil change, wash, tire rotation. And then I proceeded to do some Costco shopping and made my way to my 7 year old nephew's pool birthday party BBQ! So, I'm not really going to critique this one. I was comfortable and happy! I love the neck line of this shirt, love that I still fit in jean shorts from 2002 and love love love my printed Urban Outfitter shoes sans laces!

Day #3 - Saturday

Top: Old Navy (sale rack)
Sweater Vest: Old Navy buy here
Bottoms: Levi's (hand me downs)
Shoes: Coconuts by Matisse buy here

Personal Critique:

Ok. I need help. I don't look bad but I seriously need to stop wearing jeans everyday of the week. And yes, I bought this vest in two colors. But come on it's amazing. It definitly saved this outfit from making me look 12. Well, barely. :)

These sandals are my favorite. I've had them for 2 years and it's time for a new pair. Check out the link here to buy a pair. The pair I have doesn't have the back strap but I'm going to be making a purchase from the new collection really soon. Make sure to get a pair with the cushioned sole. I've never had more comfortable sandals.

Day #2 - Slacker Friday

Sweatshirt: Radford University
(covered) Top: Pink 2010 Stagecoach Festival T-Shirt
Bottoms: Levi's
(Hand-me-down from a friend.)
Shoes: Urban Outfitters buy here
(I took the laces out. I also have a floral pair I love.)

Personal Critique:

In my defense I was in a hurry this morning. But, that's not my goal. My goal is to dress better. And if that means I need to get up earlier, so be it. Again, jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts and tennis shoes won't work next week.

Project #1 - My Fashion Plate

A friend of mine was recently featured on My Fashion Plate. It's a website that offers you the opportunity to upload your wardrobe piece by piece and maximize it.

I must say I'm skeptical about the entire process. And I don't know anyone actively using the site. But, the premise of the project really seems to provide a great tool.






















My Fashion Plate allows you to see your entire wardrobe from anywhere with an internet connection. In the same way Facebook can organize your social life, My Fashion Plate can organize your closet virtually. After uploading your clothes you can pay a small fee for professional stylists to put outfits together for you and they can also recommend items to add to your collection. And for free, you can make packing easy by selecting pre made outfits to make a packing list for any season or event. Stylists can also do a body and style analysis to "shop smarter".

I can see where this could really maximize the number of outfits my wardrobe produces. But, I'm still not certain it's really worth the time and energy of uploading all those photos unless you really have no clue about how to dress and what to buy. I'll let you know how it goes...

Day #1 - Making an Effort

Sweater Vest: Old Navy buy here
Top: Forever 21
Bottoms: Forever 21 buy here
Shoes: Steve Madden buy here

Personal Critique: I need to wear a tan bra or an undershirt with this top next time, oops. Also, I don't think sandals nor jeans will cut it at work next week. Oh, and I could use some sort of belt. I could also use some statement jewelry instead of my standard Tiffany's heart necklace and bracelet from Athens.

Please leave some feed back!

Goal

This is a personal experiment enabling me to view my individual style from an outside prospective and learn how to dress for work. Yes, I've been dressing myself for quite awhile now, I'm 26 years old, but I still don't feel I have it all figured out. I learn mostly by observation, so fashion is actually something that comes fairly easy to me. The hardest part is making my wardrobe go as far as I'd like it to. I haven't had a reason until now to branch out and wear my clothes in different ways. I tend to stick to the same outfits most of the time because I don't need to look fashionable and put together all the time. But, beginning Tuesday I'm starting in a sales position at a high end department store where I have to dress well to sell well! :)

I feel that if I record my daily outfits, it can only encourage me to dress better. And I'll also have an opportunity for honest and anonymous feed back from my peers.

Watch me.

The Girl in the Mirror

My Body:

Height, 5'5"
Weight, ranges from about 110-125
Bust, 32DD (it's ridiculous)
Waist, about 27"
Hips, about 34"

Body Image:

I'm happy. That's not to say that I couldn't eat healthier and exercise more. But, I'm not unhappy with my shape or weight. It's control that I need to focus on. I know I don't like to weight more or less than between 115-120. And if my habits continue, my metabolism is going to get the best of me in a few years.

________________________________________

Just a little bit about me.

I'm a 26 year old, Southern California girl born and raised. My style is laid back and casual. I could not live without sandals, just as an East Coaster could not live without boots. I wear jeans almost everyday. I have a fascination with vintage jewelry, but not the budget for it. I believe you could wear a white tee shirt and jeans to just about anything with the right accessories. I love texture and patterns, but my wardrobe mainly consists of solids and clean lines. I've started to add more texture and pattern to my collection piece by piece in the last 6 months, but solids are still so easy.

It wasn't until the summer of 2008 that I really started experimenting with my style. Before then my closet was full of Old Navy and things my mother bought me at Christmas and my birthday. One day in June a friend asked me to model for him. He's a local photographer who takes club pictures, does animal photography, and shoots local magazine fashion spreads and runway events. So this was by no means an invitation to take off my clothes and expose myself to the world wide web. He just loves taking photos and finds it more interesting to involve people. And I can't agree more, I hate nature photography. As beautiful as it can be, it all looks the same to me. I digress.

The next day I went to Forever 21 and picked out a dress I never would have had the guts to wear in public. Number 1: I wouldn't have any place to wear it. Number 2: it was rather short. It was a short sleeve, cream, sweater dress...a very mod 1969 Spy Who Shagged Me-esque. And I borrowed shoes from a girlfriend. The result was the image to the left and some other amazing shots. Needless to say the entire experience of modeling boosted my non-existing self confidence level after a traumatizing breakup with my boyfriend.

After that I did a few more shoots and started to feel comfortable in my skin. Then I started shopping differently. I'd been a dancer most of my life and knew my body so well, yet not in the slightest. I think the number one reason I lacked style was because I simply didn't know who I was. And I think that happens to a lot of young women. They grow up wearing what their mother buys them or getting their sister's hand-me-downs because they simply don't have the money to buy their own clothes. And then they continue making the same purchases because it's comfortable. Then there are the girls who seem to have all the style. The one's who make their own clothes and have a subscription to every high fashion magazine on the market. My closet was full of my school uniforms, my mother's purchases, over sized hand-me-downs, leotards and tights!

I feel I've come a long way from those days.

Now that my style is more definable and I have some good variety in my wardrobe I have a new fashion goal.

Check out my GOAL.