Doing it myself (with a little help)

Outfit: Skirt: Handmade, Cardigan: Anthropologie, Tank: Express, Shoes, Belt: Target, Necklace: Vintage via Etsy- Archives Vintage, Bracelet: Flower by me attached to gifted bracelet

1. It's time for the second edition of the Paper doll project, also known as one of those glorious days where I don't have to dress myself, and someone else makes that hard decision for the day.  I was pleased as punch by the outfit that Cassie picked out, and really enjoyed getting to style her (once again by picking out some of my favorite items she's used for outfit posts- and they're all thrifted).  Check out the links to everyone else's looks here!

2.  I made my skirt! After dropping some subtle hints (followed by some very unsubtle hints) to the bf that I'd appreciate having a sewing machine to make my own clothes (and replace some zippers that I've needed to do for quite some time).  It's an early anniversary present (which he knew I'd want to play with immediately, so he gave it to me as soon as it came in and making sure it arrived on the weekend).  I made it by combining this skirt that I first saw on Sarah (based off of a tutorial from Megan Nielson's diy maternity site) with some touches from this elastic waist band skirt (mostly the pockets), and my own desires (has two tiers of fabric, and it's not reversible, even though reversible things are awesome, cuz I decided I wanted a different style skirt from the other fabric I purchased).  I'm really looking forward to making more things (suggestions?) and awkwardly asking friends for their waist size so that I can make them all skirts.

3.  Bf looked at me getting ready this morning and said that he really liked it- I dress for myself, and I don't (often) ask his opinions on what I'm wearing (except when I'm actually planning an outfit out for a reason), so when he offers one up I treasure it (even when he says I look good while wearing a tshirt and leggings).  Bf approved ftw!

The best bike rack in Houston

Outfit: Skirt, necklace: Vintage via Etsy- Archives Vintage, Shirt: Old Express, Shoes: Wanted via Delias, Socks: Target, Bag: Mommed

I coerced Bf to take these photos while we were running over to do Pub Trivia at one of the local bars, since I'm so in love with both of these items that I picked up a little while back when Lisa did a sale, and I'm delighted that there ended up being a couple of cooler days this week so I could wear it now (instead of staring longingly at it all summer).  I even got to wear my boots during the day! I never thought I'd be wearing a knit skirt and boots in May in Houston, but I'm glad to be proven wrong.  Unfortunately, the first round of trivia was based off of current events, and since I get most of my news by way of twitter, I'm not necessarily the most informed and we were not totally awesome at trivia.  Fortunately, there was a ridiculously awesome bike rack that looks like a bike nearby and I got to take a picture with it (and plan on using it many times over the summer now that it's staying light out later and bf has a bike).

Perfectly pleated

Outfit: Shirt: Urban outfitters, Skirt: Vintage via Etsy- Blue Barn Vintage, Shoes: Seychelles via Anthro, Cardigan: Victoria's Secret, Belt: Goodwill ($1!), Bracelets: Gifted, Necklace: Failed earring attempt from class with Dismount Creative

Pay no attention to the generally atrocious quality of these photos- it was too late to get good light, but I was deeply in love with this outfit (even though it's super similar to one from last week).  It also may have been, as you might notice here, ridiculously windy (also, ridiculously cold for Houston in May- amiright fellow Texans, what is up with the weather these days?)  But oh gosh, do I love the way that you can see the movement of this skirt.  I'd been eying a gray pleated skirt from Urban Outfitters, so I was delighted to stumble across this one on Etsy.  And the belt? Why do I not shop more often at Goodwill?

Long time coming

You would think that it wouldn't take me over a month and a half to put together a post using pictures that I didn't even have to take (or process for that matter since they came to me beautiful already by way of the adorable Suze of Miss Vinyl Ahoy.  Unfortunately, if you thought that, you'd be wrong.  I still have vague good intentions of finishing up the wrap-up post on TxSCC, but in the meantime, I couldn't wait any longer to put up the best pictures ever seen on this blog (and number 23 on the list of why I want to get a DSLR).  I struggle with other people taking my picture (and not spending the entire time making ridiculous faces), but it was pretty spectacular having someone who knew what they were doing taking outfit pictures.  I didn't get a huge number of pictures with the other attendees, but I'm so glad that I got one with Suze.

Outfit: Dress: Vintage via Etsy-Finders Keepers, Cardigan, Bag: Anthropologie, Necklace, belt, ring: Ruche, Shoes: Target

I can't remember if I've said this before, but it bears repeating. Meeting people at TxSCC was the best part of it all- I was worried about being the awkward shy kid in the corner, but after sending a tweet Suze's way she looked all over for me and even enlisted the help of Amy of Stylish Year (who just finished her first year- go check it out). She then endeared herself further to me when she offered to take outfit pictures the next day of one my favorite outfits that I've ever worn.

MOAR arches!

Outfit: Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Skirt:Vintage via TwitchVintage, Shoes: Lulu's, Necklace: Modcloth, Bracelet: Etsy via Friendly Gesture, Belt: Ancient BR
 

This is my serious face. Also the face that I make after I think I might have terrified a college student.  Unlike yesterday, this time when someone walked past me they walked very quickly with a look of terror, and then it looked like he had pressed his face up against the glass of the door he just entered (probably thinking wtf).  I was really tempted to throw the door open and say "haven't you ever seen someone taking pictures of themselves in their awesome new skirt before?" But then I realized that I would never be able to get it all out from laughing too hard, and the poor kid had probably been through enough already.

P.S. I just got this skirt in the mail from TwitchVintage's ebay store (she sells vintage and is totally adorable) and basically couldn't resist wearing the skirt as soon as I had opened the package. Win.