Case of the Blues

I recently read something on MSN that said avoid monochromatic looks- but I think I'll stick with lucky and the many, many, MANY bloggers who work it!

My rule today was all things blue, any shade!

Heels: Michelle B. via Dillards, $15, tights: gifted, Skirt: Buffalo Exchange, Shirt: Gap outlet, T: Downeast Basics, Cardigan: AE, Earrings: Made by me

A GOOD excuse

I just wanted to take a second to thank the 72 followers who have stuck with me during this crazy time in my life. I try not to be a one-upper, but I think right now I may win the top 50 busiest people award. Teaching full-time at a high school, getting an MBA from a tough program, and dating one handsome devil kept me busy enough- but the October engagement almost did me in with lack of sleep.

It's a decent excuse right...madness of getting married? If you don't agree just look at this handsome devil I get to marry and hopefully that will help you see why I've had some distractions! :)

(Side outfit note, I saved this dress for a long time thinking just in case we decided to get married it would be a good fit for engagement pictures- I tried to go classic and not have everyone think "Yep, 2011 wedding. I tried to do this with my wedding dress too, which I can't wait to show you!)

Blogging naturally had to take a back seat. BUT I realized just last week that it is something I love- something that makes me me. I love the positive vibes sent through the web. I have had some lonely moments in my life and blogging for a few seasons helped me feel more connected to people. It's awesome to have friends who like the same things you like.

I don't think I can thank you enough for sticking with me as a follower- I certainly haven't been consistent!
I want to be more consistent- I've tried a lot harder lately and I've carved out some time now that wedding plans are basically done.

It's also time for a makeover at Igetdressed- I mean my hair is long now, I've healed from some horrific scars of the past (life story post coming eventually), and my style has evolved. It's time!

I am also down to my last 10 weeks of my MBA before I graduate! I can't wait to have a normal life again! I'm going to cook, run more, sew, decorate a house, and of course blog!

You've made it this far...can you tolerate sporadic posts with lazy outfits for just a couple more weeks? Please? I promise I will stick with you when you work full-time and go to school full-time and plan a wedding too! :)

"Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy" - Queen

This was a tough one for me- but menswear seemed to keep coming to mind every time I brainstormed what to wear. I wanted to wear a younger, more playful rendition of menswear since the song has a young and playful vibe. I have a rule when I do menswear- either girl shoes, accessories, or hair has to be used. I tried to compliment it with some beach waves.

Pants: Gap, Shoes: Mall Store, Blazer: AE via Buffalo Exchange, Sweater: Loft, Earrings: Custom made

University President Speech

I was asked to do one of the scariest and most intimdating things in my life: speak publically in front of a very large group of people. The president of my university gave a speech on religion and education, I was asked to speak before him. Because I'm a Mormon, I'm an MBA student, and I am a teacher those in charge of the event decided I would be a great fit. Crazy, I know! I go to one of the largest schools in the nation, it was not a small task asked of me! It's a pretty amazing thing to meet powerful, intelligent people- I may have even fooled him into thinking I could one day be one!

I was pretty worried about what I would wear, I love color and I love girly touches- but the occasion called for some business casual conservatism. After much toiling I settled on this! Go ahead, tell me honestly, did I make a good choice? Do you think he'll let me intern for him? Do you think he'll let me take over the university someday? (Just kidding... kind of ;-) )

Cardigan: NY&co, Skirt: BR, Shoes: Famous Footwear, Shirt: NY&Co, Pearl Necklace: Lia Sophia via ebay, Pearl Earrings: NY&Co

"Turn It On" - Franz Ferdinand

I have to be honest- rocker looks are a stretch for me. I love them, I enjoy others rocking the rocker, I just don't feel like it's me. Apparently I want it to be me because last year I purchased black skinnies and over a year ago this snake-skin cardigan entered my wardrobe- but sat with tags until this week.

Franz Ferdinand's "Turn It On" gave me the inspiration to dig deep into my closet and grab the items I haven't worn often if at all. I am going to have to unleash my inner rocker more often!

Jeans and Cardigan: NY&Co, Tunic: Anthropologie, $30, Shoes: Famous Footwear, Earrings. F21, $1.50

"I've Never Woken Up In Handcuffs Before" - Hans Zimmer

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Shirt: Anthropologie, $30, Skirt: Loft, $15, Shoes: Foreveryoung Shoes, $20, Belt: Target, $8, Bracelet: Old Navy, $2 Earrings: NY&Co, $5ish

When I listened to this song I immediately recognized it from the film Sherlock Holmes. My mind went racing from the fashions in the movie and I new I wanted two things: ruffles, and printed satin. I wasn't meaning to do this challenge when I put on this shirt, but as I looked at my skirts I had the Ah-ha moment combination I hoped would happen from the inspiration from this song.

Air High-Five

I know what you're thinking, leggings are probably more on the out than an up and coming thing, but I felt like I should take a picture and give myself a kudos. I have hated my legs and thighs since I was a pre-teen. I'm a pear and no matter how much I run or get in shape I'm just a smaller pear. I've had a hard time doing skinny jeans and thought leggings would never happen for me. I actually bought these about 4 years ago thinking I would jump on that trend before others. They have sat in a drawer as I've never had the confidence to wear them.

Something inside of me told me to get over myself and quit hating the one part of my body I can't change. I am tired of seeing fat, I should see that I have some muscle down there! I know I still wimped out and wore a long tunic, but this super late trend wearer finally got over herself. If you want to give me an air high five I'm totally okay with that. If you want to go dig up that item you wanted to wear but never have because of confidence issues- will you please go do that and let me know that you did? I want to air five you too!

Leggings: $10, Tunic: H&M, $10, Shoes: $13

"Little Secrets" Passion Pit

Sweater: Target $5, Cami: PacSun, $8, Skirt: H&M, $10, Shoes: Last Chance, $20, Necklace: Loft, $10

When I first heard this song I thought how upbeat and busy it sounded. I have to admit I watched part of the music video and also thought of the red confetti and how I was inspired by that color palate. I have had this sweater for over a year and haven't felt like the busy pattern suits me- I am glad this song forced me out of my shell and got me to wear it!

"French Navy" - Camera Obscura

I thought I'd be cheap and go with my first instinct on this song- NAUTICAL! I can't think of many color combos I like more than red and navy blue. The song is so upbeat thought, I had to swing away from the typical stripes and add something more whimsical. This read sweater with a touch of pink/peach flowers did just the trick for me. Also, the line where she says "The legs" repeatedly, yeah, had to show those off. I liked this idea so much I wore it for some engagement pictures a friend wanted to experiement with us on. I cut out the awesome fiance because he'd appreciate it, but he's not going to get off so easy with wedding pictures I fear!

Dress: Target, $6.24, Sweater: Anthro, $30, Belt: F21, $2, Shoes: Last Chance, $20, Earrings: Old Navy, $2

"Let's Call The Whole Thing Off" - Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong

I took Ella Fitzgerald as my style inspiration for this particular song. She was such an awesome woman of 1950's! Not only do I completely and utterly respect her for being a black woman in the 1950's and breaking through both racial and female discrimination, but for seriously having one of the coolest and most amazing voices ever! Did I mention her fashion sense? I love that she always wore clean, simple items with one or two feminine details. I tried hard to be a classic 1950's woman with a few fun surprises!

Skirt: Banana Republic via Buffalo exchange: free on trade, Shirt: Anthropologie, $30, Tights: Wal-mart, $4, Shoes: Famous Footwear, $20, Headband: Self-made