On flipped up collars and sweet rolls

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh7SLmfevcarEVVliVUOg6RQiNk5UAXhwEeqZzLz5DcvvKbTqHImwL1mQCGjLXeqSr8_59aAhM-5CHQJ2p0PzI1uMdw4jzO0Ve-n1gOkiQEF_YYWe8Y8i2IFYBKhuEpsMP0Gyts4OH6F2/s1600/S1britt4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550606983358043106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh7SLmfevcarEVVliVUOg6RQiNk5UAXhwEeqZzLz5DcvvKbTqHImwL1mQCGjLXeqSr8_59aAhM-5CHQJ2p0PzI1uMdw4jzO0Ve-n1gOkiQEF_YYWe8Y8i2IFYBKhuEpsMP0Gyts4OH6F2/s400/S1britt4.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0zzv6Ojus9AHQJpjNqfcue_7AMdvddr9ylMlUTYnCEGH_V3xd_w-NubOpNlgRpo2C4UH8mxcdoo14LUmLAn-Cu_kCcJ73H-0gPUn_UJNMtAPhTJ3rjdhRGzGXcewXaEHzsdxH8cGqhDW/s1600/S1britt1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550606883849807346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0zzv6Ojus9AHQJpjNqfcue_7AMdvddr9ylMlUTYnCEGH_V3xd_w-NubOpNlgRpo2C4UH8mxcdoo14LUmLAn-Cu_kCcJ73H-0gPUn_UJNMtAPhTJ3rjdhRGzGXcewXaEHzsdxH8cGqhDW/s400/S1britt1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu3RqgsoA6y-kyaRXqO0mhGG7MFiLQceNVS9clKUpPrIB4VBM8XsxyHroXcVDICmVANVhLHFPqCB6weo3t9nSbIxDh5XBvNYDCiJdMlvTPTvYJgZaWmXslKfYSbqxmpCsryxTFw0zRxfh/s1600/S1britt3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550606763985671538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu3RqgsoA6y-kyaRXqO0mhGG7MFiLQceNVS9clKUpPrIB4VBM8XsxyHroXcVDICmVANVhLHFPqCB6weo3t9nSbIxDh5XBvNYDCiJdMlvTPTvYJgZaWmXslKfYSbqxmpCsryxTFw0zRxfh/s400/S1britt3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 327px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> What say ye about an outfit's jumping-off point being a lovely coral necklace? Because that was mine. Given to me yesterday by my fabulous friend Brooke with delicious taste. I couldn't wait to wear it in an ensemble that would make it the star.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">It's a perfect salmony-corally-pink, the one and only pop o' color in this outfit (minus the sash belt, which I'll explain in a minute). Mostly, I didn't want to deck myself all out in different shades of pink to go with the necklace today because (a) too matchy-matchy, and, more importantly, (b) that would turn me into a walking piece of valentine's day vomit. And I try to avoid that look whenever possible.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So I donned my faded black skinnies and a fully buttoned-up pinstripe lavendar number. I buttoned the top button so as to cover my neck and, hopefully, draw all attention to that great crochet detail on the top necklace bit. I figure there's a 50/50 chance of that happening. The other 50% probably goes a little something like "psst-check-out-that-girl-over-there-with-the-top-button-done-what-a-nerd-alert." I'll take my chances. </div><br /><div align="center"><div align="center">Unexpected & Maybe Awesome: The mix of tough (olive jacket) & feminine (heels) in this outfit. I added the jacket to neutralize, slash, downplay the lavendar. And, just because I was feeling sassy, I flipped up the collar. Add a pair of taupe mary jane heels (read about my mary jane obsession <a href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/just-pleasant-sabbath-daycirca-1940.html">here</a>), black pearl oyster shell earrings from Hawaii, and an attempt at a top-knot bun. [Editor's note: No, nothing died up there, people. That IS my hair, sadly enough.] </div></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ohp! Almost forgot. As you can see, I started out with a sash for a belt today. I don't know exactly why. But after a couple of pics, I realized I really didn't like it, so I swapped it out for a real belt. A shiny little skinny number, which I'm wearing now. Much better.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"That's all well and good, but what about the sweet rolls you mentioned in the title?" you ask. Nuts. I kind of wish you'd forgotten about that... Just like how I wish that I'd forgotten about them mid-photos this morning. But you didn't and I didn't. [Editor's note: Enter an instrumental take on "This Little Piggy"...]</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegkvpdbIRTag1NzzBIBxMmd2y-EwEwEneauEb5bYR7fNsJ2gE46CCywuYCgXo0isXI5nBT0iLg4snNB-Qj-yD-7tPXOZJBkuWcPvjvx-Pv7a3_lmfOUxApfiv5DgF1HcHvOTxz7CAgg7T/s1600/S1britt2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550606647472940642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegkvpdbIRTag1NzzBIBxMmd2y-EwEwEneauEb5bYR7fNsJ2gE46CCywuYCgXo0isXI5nBT0iLg4snNB-Qj-yD-7tPXOZJBkuWcPvjvx-Pv7a3_lmfOUxApfiv5DgF1HcHvOTxz7CAgg7T/s400/S1britt2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Happy Tuesday.</div></div>

On flipped up collars and sweet rolls

What say ye about an outfit's jumping-off point being a lovely coral necklace? Because that was mine. Given to me yesterday by my fabul...

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Belts & boots & stuff

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa5ld1je69Y0nks83CCgmMpQQ447Wu8q9GnYmKgcq8cgV5lv367uqfNWg7p9wF12f5DxLM8uG4H7CH95gvqBMxdl4oZss1X9hiP48IEmIeUgIASzHr01M5ZWSwZUqlyTlaprQBvggVBiu/s1600/R1britt2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550276389266893794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa5ld1je69Y0nks83CCgmMpQQ447Wu8q9GnYmKgcq8cgV5lv367uqfNWg7p9wF12f5DxLM8uG4H7CH95gvqBMxdl4oZss1X9hiP48IEmIeUgIASzHr01M5ZWSwZUqlyTlaprQBvggVBiu/s400/R1britt2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 356px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8ia5iUi7P_4-4fz3FM8lx_80lA_Svzr1kgXgLnwfyXliWtJVBcJco01IyF4S1dDO4AO0WGbu5I4nTvSvIH0A8I_vgOotu0tg4IdW-OyBwaw1QCdwVNre7mT0OC9lBX7g0dSv2zm5cizP/s1600/R1britt1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550276263630285794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8ia5iUi7P_4-4fz3FM8lx_80lA_Svzr1kgXgLnwfyXliWtJVBcJco01IyF4S1dDO4AO0WGbu5I4nTvSvIH0A8I_vgOotu0tg4IdW-OyBwaw1QCdwVNre7mT0OC9lBX7g0dSv2zm5cizP/s400/R1britt1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygIVAf2_foIKHb-y0IG0L3kRUuOwfwKBDrQ2FfDOZkZdzQCHoZF3_k6tq75cYd8kokHBSJxZ4XuKLm34LHtSfA2tq61exhNPo80BZg0mtcjrQzpMYJ0BrnP_yvt0n8k13frROqUWgBXXt/s1600/R1britt3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550276097116674658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygIVAf2_foIKHb-y0IG0L3kRUuOwfwKBDrQ2FfDOZkZdzQCHoZF3_k6tq75cYd8kokHBSJxZ4XuKLm34LHtSfA2tq61exhNPo80BZg0mtcjrQzpMYJ0BrnP_yvt0n8k13frROqUWgBXXt/s400/R1britt3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 356px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> </div><div align="center">"What the red tights?!" You're thinking that, aren't you. I know, I know. But they fall into my "Unexpected and Maybe Awesome" category today because, really, what else is this outfit but fairly mundane without a pop of orangey-red at the knee?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Truth be told, this is the first time I've worn these tights. I actually didn't think they'd be so bright (I'm pleasantly surprised, mind you. But still, you know, surprised.), so as I was drifting off to sleep last night dreaming about combinations that could come out of my closet (please please tell me I'm not the only one out there who does this?), in my mind they possessed the same hue neutrality (hue-trality? I think I'm onto something here) as my boots. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">[Editor's note: This kind of skewed thinking can sometimes get me into trouble. Like when I decide that eating a pound of M&Ms really really fast will actually be GOOD for me, because (a) it'll put my metabolism into hyperdrive (yep) and (b) there will be no more M&Ms around to tempt me, so I'm actually doing myself a favor.]</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So. Blah blah blah. Red tight randomness. I decided on this skirt that has a very small green and navy check, but from afar it reads as fairly neutral. I needed some kind of pattern in here, anyway, and the skirt kinda sorta filled that gap. Added a navy button-up and a brown leather belt. Originally, I had my blue shirt untucked and a different, more feminine belt worn on top, a little higher on my waist. But I think the waist detailing in this skirt is too cute to cover up, so I tucked the shirt and belted the skirt.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">At this point, everything was looking okay but overall was pretty dark. 'Cept the tights, of course. Like a lighthouse, they were. But I added my very most favorite ivory cableknit cardigan (with a fur-ish lined hood, no less! Sweet!), an orangey-red necklace pendant paired with some glam grey beads, and my trusty boots. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"What? No bracelets?" you ask. [Editor's note: Dare I assume you've even read this far? Gold star for you. And one for your dog, too, whose typical brisk evening walk must now be significantly downgraded to a stroll to the mailbox and back due to the unnecessary length of this post.] Nope, no bracelets. Could've, but didn't. After all, I wanted the tights to shine, baby, shine.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Happy Monday.</div></div>

Belts & boots & stuff

"What the red tights?!" You're thinking that, aren't you. I know, I know. But they fall into my "Unexpected and Mayb...

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Just a pleasant sabbath day...circa 1940

<a href="http://s1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff436/bnsmart/?action=view&current=P1britt1.jpg" target="_blank"></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549924393021623314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuRtFtAj2NrVvprj1RihLLtfPeMnHPrDRdVFA6bsw1l4Vgo9ncyBmy94VB-BQ9h3cbGzyeJHEONCtgQ57N8US8xNWRlWs5VRl_L638IiDSeiLHVduuYjD3VWsJxXKear-BrRwc53xZu-N/s400/P1britt1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcruuIwcTK8WQbiu4m_54yP0FZcz4uSBigAfcPgWm4VzusDa2WhdJupESzohVcDGA7VGD1XlsBPDQXQM-MEEGdsaOj-9GtMOC12ig7uphmmOll3ya8GMbOZLURATmiIp1I7da9k1iy3K1d/s1600/P1britt2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549924284719099298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcruuIwcTK8WQbiu4m_54yP0FZcz4uSBigAfcPgWm4VzusDa2WhdJupESzohVcDGA7VGD1XlsBPDQXQM-MEEGdsaOj-9GtMOC12ig7uphmmOll3ya8GMbOZLURATmiIp1I7da9k1iy3K1d/s400/P1britt2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 343px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxLlVxKmJM7SxVChqElydD7fwnEgjSP0H9y64SqZsLCjJuPTDYvsZebG1YEljNf4LhKJgJqjDmwoKPtqTl1qUCrL5Dn1OGax5Na0bvuwmzynnHHLAt-vam2h3pFsytAwb0rHxy2YI2ufC/s1600/P1britt3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549924186126924882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxLlVxKmJM7SxVChqElydD7fwnEgjSP0H9y64SqZsLCjJuPTDYvsZebG1YEljNf4LhKJgJqjDmwoKPtqTl1qUCrL5Dn1OGax5Na0bvuwmzynnHHLAt-vam2h3pFsytAwb0rHxy2YI2ufC/s400/P1britt3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 343px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I love Lucy, anyone? At least, that's kinda what I felt like today. And loved every minute of it.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So here's the deal. I got this dress a few years back, and I love it because it appears very simple but it's got a lot going on. Like a thin black pinstripe, full skirt, full-front buttons, a matching sash belt, tuxedo-ish pleats on the bodice, and a demi collar. (Okay, actually, I've never even heard of a demi collar. TOTally made that word up, but can you see what I'm talking about? A collar that isn't really a collar? What's that called, anyway?) I've always worn the dress with the matching sash belt and called it good.</div><div align="center"><br />Not today, my friends. I needed COLOR today. So I pulled out my trusty cardigan-o'-brightness and, if that wasn't blinding enough, added a silky red sash for shine. And polka dots. And shine.<br /><br />[Editor's note: I'm naturally built like a square. A big hunk-o-box in girl form -- no waist, no hips, no chest to speak of. So. I wear belts to pretend I have a girlish figure. Sometimes I worry that I'm just emphasizing the fact that I am, in fact, a box. But today I got over it and wore the belt anyway because, hey, box or no, who can resist a little polka dot action every now and then?]</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ahem. Anyway. In the true spirit of midcentury womens wear, I added a feminine pearl necklace. And the closest thing I had to a corsage. (Recognize the flower? I wore it in my hair <a href="http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/youre-never-fully-dressed-without-smile.html">here</a>.) And some --surprise!--bracelets. Pull on some classic black houndstooth tights and my trusty chunky mary janes, and we're good to go.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">[Editor's note: I feel like I owe you all an explanation about the shoes. I know chunky mary janes are out of "season" or whatever. But I have an especially soft spot in my heart for all things mary jane. Period. Including those with chunky heels and unsightly rounded toes. I've had these shoes for years and still love them. So scoff all you like, you fashion purists, but I wear them happily and will probably continue to do so for the next 23 years, much to the embarrassment of my kids. I hope.]</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">[Assistant Editor's note: The Editor can occasionally be a pompous windbag and was becoming such in the course of this post. I've sent her to the office kitchen to find a cake to nibble on while I wrap up here, which, without Editor, should take about two seconds.]</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Happy Sunday.</div></div>

Just a pleasant sabbath day...circa 1940

I love Lucy, anyone? At least, that's kinda what I felt like today. And loved every minute of it. So here's the deal. I got this dr...

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