I'm a Bond Girl

Happy Halloween folks. Hope you all are going to do some fun stuff tonight! Can't wait to get around to everybody's blogs to see what they've cooked up for costumes. Ally's having a Halloween party, so that's where I'll be. Swing by and join the fun.
About my costume, well, it's only a costume in my imagination. You see, when I thrifted this sweater dress a few months back I thought it would be a way of taking the maxi dress look into fall/winter. Then I read an article tilted "A common Bond" in InStyle magazine featuring all the Bond girls over the years (minus Halley Berry! More on that in another post) and I then the light bulb came on in my head. I bet a Bond Girl would wear a long black sweater dress like mine. All sorts of weapons could be hidden under it! So there you have it. I'm a Bond girl. O.K. so it might be a stretch, but it was either this or one of those t-shirts that says "BOO".  Happy Halloween! Remember to drop by Ally's today... or the next.

Red October

Ambassador X along with two of her cohorts have been held against their will by Rupert Retail and his henchmen in an abandoned warehouse. Her special thrifting powers have been reduced to fatally low levels because she's been deprived of seeing the color red for months.

 My mission: To infiltrate the building undetected and allow Ambassador X to see my outfit in all it's red glory to restore her mega thrifting powers. The fact that it's mixed prints and mostly thrifted will only maximize the effect.
I must hurry and locate the shut-off valve. The effects of the spiked frozen yogurt I gave the guard will wear off in mere minutes!

I really hope the Ambassador likes my outfit. I kind of put it together at the last minute. This sassy red trench's last appearance was back in February here. The skirt was last seen in action here, and the blouse here.

If I'd been called upon to complete this mission just 5 short years ago, I wouldn't have been able to do it. I just absolutely did not wear red! I felt it wasn't my color, but I decided to give it a go one day and realized it suits me after all. I've been hooked ever since.

Mixing prints has never been a problem though, I was doing that back in high school. My feelings are, as long as the colors coordinate, then it's ok to mix the prints. Easy!

Have you ever become fixated with a color or particular pieces of clothing in your closet and you just wear them to death for about a month? I'm obviously going through a red phase. I believe it all started with the acquisition of this red dress. For some reason I've also been obsessed with this skirt and plaid blouse. I've worked out at least three other ways to wear them together.

There's nothing like a comfy shoes, easy fitting skirt and blouse and a trench in a fun color to get a lady through the day's missions. 

Ambassador X is safe, her thrifting powers have been fully restored. The thrifting community can breath a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, in the fray Rupert Retail escaped. No worries though, he can't run forever. Sooner or later, he'll end up in a thrift store or yard sale and I'll nab him!

 

October isn't over yet and neither is my red phase. What are you fixated with this month, a purse, an accessory, a piece of jewelry? Hope you're indulging some of your own obsessions as well. I'll be linking up at Monday Mingle and  Patti's Visible Monday.

Until we meet again, live long, thrift, wear red and prosper.

The End.

Style Agent 909's wardrobe on this mission:

Gallery red trench: thrifted

Liz Claiborne plaid blouse: thrifted

Jones New York skirt: thrifted

Gianni Bini sling back clogs: via Dillard's

Fossil purse: via Dillard's (on clearance last year)

Decisions, Decisions

Paper or plastic, credit or debit, left or right, heels or flats, this or that? These are the mundane, non-life-altering decisions I'm sure most of us make on a daily basis.  And let's not even talk about the most mind boggling question of all: "What am I going to wear today?"
This past week, though, I had a serious decision to make, at least in my book. I was half way to work (about 20 minutes into the trip) and realized I'd forgotten my cell phone at home, something I rarely do. I almost broke out into a cold sweat! Barreling down the freeway at 75 70 mph, I couldn't decide if I should turn around, go back home and get it or live without it for a day. Mind you, there's computers with internet and phones at work, but there's nothing like having my own little link to the world right in my hot little hand. Well, I quickly checked my purse to make sure I at least had my wallet. I did. Whew! I decided I could live without the cell for a day. At least I had money with me to buy something at the thrift store. Which would be worse for you, leaving your wallet or leaving your cell phone?

Here's another situation I'm often faced with, more so in the big city than out in the  rural area where I live. I'm approaching a traffic light and have to stop. And right outside my window is a guy with a sign indicating he's homeless, lost his job, broke, war vet, blind, deaf, hungry, etc. Sometimes he may even have a dog with him. To make matters worse, I'm usually chowing down on a hamburger or something at the time. I have to make a split decision about what I'm going to do. I'm sorry to say I haven't developed a standard response to this situation yet and that my decision usually depends on my mood. Sometimes I give some spare change, sometimes I offer to buy food, and other times I just quietly ignore the person.  What do you do when this happens? When I approached the blind, deaf, homeless, broke (and thankfully dogless) guy at the traffic light this week. I didn't give him any spare change. I was selfishly saving it for a cup of frozen yogurt.

I have a great camera. But I'm still learning how to use it. So sometimes my photos aren't really what I'd like them to be, but I post them anyway. The flip side of that situation is feeling like I said something really stupid in a post or it just didn't make sense. Which is worse in your opinion; stupid posts or bad photos? Sometimes I do both
 . . . at the same time!
 I've been wanting to thank you all, my fellow bloggers for helping me make  a decision couple of weeks ago when I purchased a pair of sweats that I wanted to refashion. You offered all kinds of great suggestions. Thank you so much. Turns out though, that they weren't too small after all and I kept them as they were.
I need to call upon you all again for help. A few posts back, Madame Lotta Prada posted a horoscope. It got lots of views, but not a lot of comments. So I'm putting it out there for my fellow bloggers to help me decided if it should continue to be a monthly feature. The poll is at the bottom of this post.

Here's a couple of things I don't even need to think twice about: linking up at Visible Monday and Monday Mingle. Those are no brainers!
What decisions (non) life altering or otherwise, have you had to make lately?

Pendleton plaid wool jacket: thrifted
L.L. Bean Slim Leg jeans: thrifted
Van Heusen blouse: thrifted
a.n.a denim vest: thrifted
Gianni Bini boots: via Dillard's (clearance, last year)

Do you like the idea of a monthly horoscope?
	Absolutely!
	No Thanks. I'll get mine from the newspaper.
pollcode.com free polls

Date 'Night'...I'm Feelin' Lucky

Gap t-shirt: in store purchase. Spiegle metallic leather skirt: thirfted.

Lucky Magazine is hosting a "Date Night" contest where contributors can submit their best outfit. I really want to participate, trouble is, Stephen and I don't really have date nights per se. We have "date days". And to be perfectly honest, I prefer it that way, because I'm pretty useless by the time 9:00 p.m. rolls around.

Unlisted pumps: thrifted. Vintage Coach bucket bag: yard sale. Bracelets: thirfted.

Now about the date "night" outfit, as long as it's comfortable and has pockets; it's a go. I like this one because the t-shirt keeps it casual, but the skirt has some shimmer and shine...just in case we actually do make it a real date and do some fine dinning at McDonald's.

I love these old vintage cameras, but can't download any pictures with them.

A typical date day will usually involve exploring some old country back roads and me practically jumping out of our moving vehicle every time we pass a yard sale, thrift or antique store. Stephen has to throw on the breaks and avoid swerving into on coming traffic, make a quick U-turn and backtrack to said store/sale. Right now vintage suitcases and cameras seem to catch my eye. Come to think of it, everything catches my eye. That's how I ended up with this vintage Coach bucket bag, shimmery skirt and crazy retro looking pumps. I also must confess it's not just the vintage luggage, cameras and coach bags that catch my eye... the hot hunky husband does too and that's what date night day is really all about.

Let's make a date to meet up over at
Patti's Visible Monday and Monday Mingle.

Cozy Coats Circa 1978

When Disco ruled...

Last Saturday I was doing my usual thing; yard saleing. I came across a box full of ladies' magazines all from the same year, 1978. I thumbed through them and was instantly transported back 34 years. Now for those of you who didn't even exist back then, are too young to remember or were merely existing in a haze, here's a short recap: Jimmy Carter was president, gas was .63 a gallon, people were shaking their thangs to Y.M.C.A, Stayin' Alive and Gloria Gaynor's, I Will Survive. Must see T.V.  included The Love Boat, Three's Company and Charlie's Angles (the original). Oh yeah, and John Travolta was the sexiest man alive. It was a good year in my opinion. I was young enough to not have any responsibility other than taking out the trash and old enough to pick out my own clothes.
Some of the 'must have' coats of the season were featured the September issue of Good Housekeeping (then .95). Seriously, I could have been looking at the 2012 issue of any fashion magazine (now ~4.99). I'd pretty much rock any of these coats. I've numbered them from left to right. Which one would you wear this season?

  1 ,2, 3

4, 5, 6

7, 8, 9

10 (my favorite), 11, 12

13, 14, 15

16, 17, 18

19, 20, 21

22, 23, 24, 25

What were you up to in 1978?
Do you buy a new winter coat every year?

Hangin' out at the usual spots, Patti's Not Dead Yest Style and Monday Mingle.

Your Monthly Horoscope Awaits...

Illustration by the lovely Melanie of bagandaberet.blogspot.com

September 23 to October 22

(depending on the year)

Your monthly style horoscope presented by 

Madame Lotta Prada  

• Lady Libra, you are a stylish, playful, creative life form; and those traits should serve you well during this time of transition from mild to cooler climes. The way awaits you in your very own closet. Several well selected additions will make the journey sweeter.

• You tend to be more generous with others than yourself. That item online that's been in your shopping cart forever - make it yours. You deserve it!

• The hills have eyes; so do the neighbors and your significant other. It may seem over the top, but next time you're waiting with the kids at the bus stop, working in the yard or out for errands, try wearing something a little shorter, body skimming or flowy, preferably in ox blood,  the results will delight. 

•  Reach for a long forgotten piece in your closet. Commit to it for a few days. Give yourself a dollar for every compliment it gets you. Within no time you should be able to treat yourself to a grande size beverage of your choice...yes, you'll want whip cream on that.

• Take a cue from these stylish bloggers and put the following five items on your fahsion radar: Megan Mae's button flowers, Kathleen's Beret, Rachel's snuggly sweaters, Amber's ankle cowboy boots and Gracie's hounds tooth. 

Your lucky numbers are:

1: as in the number of new lip stick colors you might want to invest in this month.

3: as in the number of belts you can wear... all at the same time!

5: as in the number of bras you should try on before settling on one.

6: as in the number of pockets your new skinny cargos should have.
8: as in the number of days you should wait before wearing the same patterned jeans again.
14: as in the number of pieces you might want to edit from your closet this season.

These ladies are Libras too...

Left to right:Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ashanti, Gweneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Freida Pinto. Photos via Google images

Pssst...guess who else is a Libra? Sheila of Ephemera. Raise your hand if you're a Libra too.

 

 Friends of the zodiac

Scorpio: 10/23-11/21 Wedges of cheese, pizza and pie are good; wedge boots even better. Wedgies...not so good. Pick (no pun intended) your undies carefully.
Sagittarius: 11/22-12/21  One word: Boots!
Capricorn: 12/22-1/19 Color is fashionable, black is forever stylish. Combine the two often until the new moon.
Aquarius: 1/12-2/20 Having several dickies in your drawers will not make you a clothes whore. 
Pisces: 2/19-3/20 Upcoming social events, meetings and the like demand that attention be focused solely on your words. Assure your clothes do not compete with you for attention.
Aries: 3/21-4/20 Your inner cowgirl is begging to be released. Russel her up some denim, Native American prints and leather. Happy trails...
Taurus: 4/21-5/21 You have a low tolerance for fashion boredom. This can be avoided. Rock a trend of years past... Hello square toe pumps!
Gemini: 5/22-6/21 You appreciate style and quality. Consider an artisan handmade bag for your next purse; custom made, even better.
Cancer: 6/22-7/22 Disruptions of your usual routine may have you pressed for time. Predetermine you outfits for the next seven to ten days and save yourself extra frustration.
Leo: 7/23-8/22 Your glamorous side is coming to the forefront. Metallics, glitter, sparkle and shine should be considered daily.
Virgo: 8/23-9/22 Denim choices abound this season in color and pattern which can confuse and overwhelm. Keep your sense of style balanced and assure that a pair of long ,lean dark wash jeans is among your picks.

Disclaimer: This horoscope is purely for fun, entertainment, shits and giggles. For the real answers pray to God or consult your local psychic.

The Serpent and the Cargo

Ladies I've had this post sitting in the draft folder awhile and I figured I better get it out before the clothes go out of style...
For this outfit I'm taking a cue from two fabulous bloggers. a few weeks ago, Judith, the Style Crone did snake print and pearls ensemble, a terrific mix of neutrals that left me speechless, definitely one of my favorite outfits of her's. The other part of my outfit, the vest was inspired by Simply Chic. Those words describe this blogger as no others. She's exactly that. I really like what she did with her cargo. So what do you get when you put the two together? This...

I had some paperwork to wrap up for my new job and even though I was done with the interview process, I felt this last detail was still an extension of it. I didn't want to show up in jeans, but I didn't want to put on a suit either, so I chose this dress. I originally wore it belted with a black cardigan but when I was done with official business, I switched the cardi for the cargo and headed for the mall. I felt stylish and chic. Thanks to two great bloggers for the inspiration!
Guess who's birthday is around the corner? Sheila's. No, not me, Sheila north of the border. She's invited us to the her party and basically said we could wear anything we want. I've been known to change my mind at the last minute, but I think I'll wear this only with a little more bling...
Go, go, go, go
Go, go, go, shawty
'Cause it's your birthday
We gon' party like it's yo birthday
We gon' sip Bacardi like it's your birthday...

-  Lyrics from 50 Cent's "In da Club" (as if you didn't already know).

I Don't Have a Thing to Wear!

Why is it when spring arrives I feel like I all I have to wear is sweaters and boots, then when fall arrives, I feel like all I have is tank tops and flip flops? Every. Single. Year. Guess what? This year's no different. So as usual, I'm sneaking some summer stuff into fall. This floral skirt is something I picked up at a yard sale this spring, but couldn't quite bring myself to wear. I think because it looked heavy visually, but now it seems appropriate. I played around and figured out a couple of different ways to style it.

 ...and that makes me happy!

Hmmm...there's a lot of prints going on here. Plaid blazer, blue and white striped shirt, floral skirt and buffalo checked rubber boots. My formula for winterizing summer stuff is to add a turtleneck and be done with it. I'm trying to be a little more creative with the layering this year, but sometimes things don't quite turn out like how they looked in my mind...it's still fun to experiment though.

I guess the other reason I didn't wear this was because of the awkward length; not quite a middi, not quite a maxi. So I did the ol' hike-the-skirt-over-the-boobs thing. This is the only one I've ever been able to pull that trick off with.

...and that makes me happy! So does hanging out at Patti's Visible Monday.

Are you one of those stylish people who can make their clothes do tricks by wearing them inside out, upside down and backwards?
Is your wardrobe ready for fall?
Any tips or tricks you have for layering?

Ann Taylor Loft yellow sweater: In stores now
Phool rayon skirt: yard sale
No name ombre dyed scarf: thrifted
Apt. 9 button down shirt: thrifted
Dress Barn blazer: thrifted
Bracelet in second photo: gift from Lynne. Thanks, love it!
No name black cardi: thrifted, old
Clarks Indigo black Majorca Villa boots: In stores now