officially 2016

Today was my first day back at work since… last year. I decided to mark the occasion by wearing a new item. My birthday was at the end of November, and I used the gift funds I received to purchase some things from Modcloth. Today was my first day to wear the Lighthearted Lecture Dress in Leaves.

However, my friends, I barely got ready for work on time, and could not take photos at home. So you get to see selfies of (an unfortunately windswept) me in the glamorous work bathroom.

My complete outfit: the Lighthearted Lecture dress, a decade-or-so old ivory camisole, new Hue ivory ribbed tights, and five year old boots I got from JC Penney are warmed up by a decade-or-so old brown sweater.

But you can’t really see the dress!

Ta-da!

I’d like to point out that I have not yet and do not plan to photoshop or Instagram filter my fashion photos in any way, except when I might create a header or something that is supposed to be “artsy”.
And in the above photo I forgot to suck in my stomach, so this really what the dress (bought in large) looks like on someone who is a 5’4″ mesomorph. My current measurements are 38(B) chest, 30 inches at the waist, with 38 inch hips.

I have become an ardent fan of wrap dresses, and this Modcloth dress is a thick, soft blend. The site says it’s 95% polyester & 5% spandex, but it feels more like a heavyweight cotton or jersey knit. It’s very comfortable, but will definitely be a fall and winter dress as it’s rather warm.

Possibly better detail shot. Since I was in the work bathroom on break, I was trying to hurry – so it’s blurry.

And, lastly, accessories. I’ve no idea when I picked up these earrings, but I thought the many leaves went really well with the print of the dress. And I’d no idea until after I took all of these photos that the walk to work from the parking garage goofed up my hair.

But, you see, I’m not fashion blogging because I care so much about what I look like. I wanted to do this because WHEEE! CLOTHES!

The interesting twist here is that, as I recently changed sizes due to medical issues, I spent all of my birthday and Christmas money on clothes that fit, and the amount of money I did not set aside for other items left me feeling anxious.

So, although I’m not prone to New Year’s Resolutions, I decided that I was going to try not to buy unneccessary clothes in 2016. Now, if I have a worn-out pair of sneakers (as I do), I can replace them. I have a few holes in my wardrobe – I created a list while I was trying to clean my closet – so if I find any, say, workout shorts, I am allowed to purchase a pair. But I’m going to try not to buy something just because it’s cute or I’m bored. I have to be able to justify this year’s purchases.

I think this will add an interesting element to this blog, and I think that being public about it will make me more accountable.
But never fear, fellow lovers of fashion!

I have a looooooooot of clothes in my closet. In fact, I need to clean it out and sort through my accessories. There will be so much to post about!