Adrien: Saturated.

I will be the first to say that this outfit doesn't thrill me - I just can't get that excited about pants, a t-shirt and a cardigan. Eh. It's not terrible, just not that interesting. What I do like is saturated color and that I do have going for me:

And fine, here's a toothy smile for the anonymous commenter who demanded it:

t-shirt: Gap button back striped tee

pants: Gap perfect trouser 

cardigan: Banana Republic Italian spun pointelle cardigan

shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (similar)

bag: Marc Jacobs (similar)

necklace: Twist Style

Smited.

M: WAAAAAH.

photo: http://streetfsn.blogspot.com/

A: GOD. I don't understand what she's wearing BUT I WANT IT REAL BAD.

M: I mean what the fuck? Green...leather? Is it leather?

Those shoes.

A: I think it's a green...leather...trench? She's wearing a green leather trench. And making it look like awesome.

And those shoes? Make me want to break my face because I will never have them. Or the life they require.

M: I swear to god she's wearing some kind of breastplate. She is from another planet.

A: She is! I think my favorite thing about that photograph is all the normal floating around her like a muted background for her insanity. I think she is an alien. A glorious alien.

M: I need for our readers to understand that this is a Gio Positive Zone. I will not abide hatefulness.

How many virgins do you think I have to sacrifice to get my hair to look like hers?

A: Dude, your hair is already there. Many would have to die for mine to even come close.

I'm obsessed with the little metallic V notch on the pocket of her coat. I want that.

M: I keep looking at her shoes. And the jeans on the man behind her. I can't believe she isn't incinerating him with her eyes.

You can have the little v notch, I'll have the odd (perfect) snappy placket up by the collar. We can cling to these.

M: Look at her ring! She will kill you with that ring.

A: Oh, I dig the snappy placket too! I think that's what I love about enormously expensive clothing I can never hope to own - the details are just so PERFECT.  I can't even look at the shoes anymore because because because they...hurt my feelings by not being mine.

I keep expecting lasers to shoot from her eyes. Pew pew pew!

A: You know what she keeps in that tiny clutch? Souls of the unfashionable.

M: Bwahahahahaaa.

A: Don't laugh, dude. There is room in there for SCOFFERS too.

M: *meep*

Adrien: Snake Charmer.

I just want to start by saying that I've been sick as a dog for the past four days and the amount of makeup I had to slap on for these photos is kind of unprecedented. But, I managed to make myself look "healthy" instead of "at death's door" so successful, I guess.

I bought this snake print BCBG dress marked waaaaay down at the outlet because Nina swore it was cute, though I was very uncertain about what the pockets were doing to my hips. Why the hell do clothing designers put pockets in dresses like this? It completely ruins the line and I'll probably have them removed/sewn up because they drive me insane. Anyway, I didn't do anything too exciting with it because getting dressed at all was hard enough:

 Why pockets? Why?

Dress: BCBG snake print dress (in green)
Tights: Target brushed lined tights (similar)
Cardigan: Banana Republic (similar)
Belt: Talbots (similar)
Boots: Camper (similar)
Bag: Marc Jacobs (similar)

Marianne: Favorite.

Let me start by saying this isn't a favorite outfit. And it's also a lesson in Take Pictures In The Morning Before The Weight Of The World Shows On Your Face.

But it's a favorite shirt I've had this pretty Marc Jacobs shirt for...6 years? I think six years, if I do the math. Possibly even longer. I could not possibly love the fabric more. I'm trying to not wear it as often now because it's finally showing some wear. Just a bit of fading in the trim and pilling around the armpits. I think the cost per wear at this point is something like half a penny.

Close up of the fabric. The shirt is sleeveless and the straps are a coral pink. Even though it's sleeveless I prefer to wear it as a pop of color under cardigans in the fall and winter. The loose cut isn't as flattering on me without a cardigan to nip in the waist a bit.

So, yeah. Nondescript jeans and cardigan, cute shoe and sock combo that I forgot to document (argh), but a great shirt. Do you have a favorite or unique wardrobe workhorse? Do tell.

jeans: Hudson Jeans Supermodel

shirt: Marc by Marc Jacobs

cardigan: Tahari

shoes: Biviel (here in taupe for a great price! I love these shoes.)

necklace: Diana Warner

Adrien: Are you happy now?

I did it. I finally got something to close that damn loose cardigan. I used a kilt pin, though probably not very elegantly because I was running late this morning. I got the kilt pin idea from Lara at My Milk Glass Heart and I like it, though I definitely need to experiment a bit:

And yeah, I realize I'm all matchy with the bag and shoes but I didn't really have time to switch out my bag. (I don't mind the matching, but I usually avoid direct coordination if possible.)

shirt: Gap cowlneck tee
cardigan: Gap double-layer open cardi
pants: Banana Republic (similar)
shoes: Chie Mihara (similar)
bag: Marc Jacobs (similar)

More from the Inbox.

M: Can we discuss?

Flaw. LESS.

A: Um, I think her pants need hemming.

M: HMPH. Do you know how exciting it is to wear pants that are just a little too long when you're a giant. VERY.

But really, let's look closer. The (sheer-ish?) shirt, the lipstick, the eyeliner, the hair. Perfect.

I still want to be Michelle Williams (though we can all agree to ignore this, right:

But, I want to be Cate Blanchett in 10 years. And maybe Helen Mirren after that. Apparently I want to be blonde.

A: The super-bright lipstick is still taking a bit of getting used to but she's definitely pulling it off. Also, her pants are TOO LONG. But she's gloriously pretty, yeah.

Michelle's dress is...not.

And, I should point out that Cate is only three years older than me so I can be her NOW. HAHA.

M: Why you gotta go crushing my dreams?

A: It's what I do. Sorry. I didn't take Helen Mirren away from you?

M: I can't even talk to you any more.

A: Well, but why do you get to be all the prettiest ladies? It's like you called John Taylor before I even showed up. SO NOT FAIR.

M: WE ARE IN LOVE WHY CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT.

A: That's what he told you?

 M:



A: Dude, you can have him. I was just MAKING A POINT.

M: Sniff.

A: Fine, you can have Cate Blanchett.  BUT I GET MIRREN.

M: Whatever. You know Cate Blanchett has an aging portrait in the attic and will be smoking hot until she dies.

Adrien: Belted.

Hey, remember when I tried on hideous stuff at Anthro and then hinted that I had purchased something? I did, it was this:

I knew it looked familiar and then realized Mich at Top Drawer has it. Isn't she the cutest? Sheesh. Anyway, they didn't have my size in-store so they mailed me one from the Georgetown store with free shipping and applied my 15% birthday discount. I was pretty pleased. It's a beautiful belt and I wore it the other day belted over my dress/cardigan combo:

(Hi! Are you sick of this cardigan yet? SORRY.)

While i like the look in theory, I don't like how the cardigan bunches up around it, making it look like I've got it belted too tight. I really don't, it's just the fabric. When I got to work I belted just the dress and it looked better that way. Less muffin top-y.

The cute sparky bracelet was a birthday gift from Kate. Thanks Kate!

dress: En Focus Studio (oddly similar)
cardigan: Martin + Osa (similar)
boots: Frye Veronica
tights: Spanx Tight-End Tights
belt: Linea Pelle via Anthropologie (similar)
bag: Michael Michael Kors Large Leather Satchel
watch: La Mer Wrap Watch
sparkly bracelet: Banana Republic (similar)

Adrien; Confession Time.

Okay, I'm just going to start by saying it right up front: I paid $30 for a lipstick. And by God, it was worth every penny:

There is just something about Chanel, even in lipstick form. I seriously love it just as an object - the shiny metal case, the white Cs on top, the satisfying click you hear when you put the top back on. I even love that it has "Chanel" carved right into the lipstick itself.

This was a pre-holiday purchase, something I'd been thinking about for a while. I wanted a serious red lipstick for a while but it had to be the right red. Not too pink, not too orange, just a true glamorous red. The color I got is called Rivoli and even though it's way outside my comfort zone, I feel great every time I wear it:

Sometimes a girl just needs to buy something fabulous and completely frivolous, you know? Tell me about your thing.

Adrien: Casual

I'm wearing jeans to work like the rebel I am. I think the trick to denim at work is to wear jeans that don't look so much like jeans. But, mostly I just think nobody really cares. These jeans are a pair I bought at Marshall's (or TJ Maxx) while visiting Marianne in Knoxville a few years back.  She handed them to me and said, "You need these." Who am I to disagree?

shirt: Banana Republic (similar)
cardigan: Martin + Osa (similar) (also here)
jeans: Paige Premium (similar) (also here)
peacock feather print scarf: Nine West (similar)
shoes: Chie Mihara (similar)
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo

Marianne: Copycat

I loved Adrien's outfit from last week (don't you love it? I love it!), and set out to copy it and...well.

Okay, so it's not really the same at all. But regardless, this was a comfortable outfit that made me feel like I wasn't succumbing to the siren call of the frigid weather. Grey tights would have been better, but my last pair has a hole, and I'm on a shopping ban, so black it is. Whatever.

Side ponytail, bitches.

scarf: J. Crew

cardigan: Sparrow via anthropologie--anyone remember the name of this one? (similar here)

tissue tee: Mossimo via Target

high waisted denim skirt: Powder Blu (very old, but somewhat similar here)

tights: Assets Terrific Tights

boots: Charles David Rowdy

Adrien: Fancy Legs

Every time I reach into my tangled bin of tights I push a certain pair aside with a mental note to just freaking wear them one day, just to do it. They're quite a thing and I think they're exactly what was needed to make a work-appropriate outfit more interesting:

I have no idea what's going on with my sleeves in every single picture, but whatever.


cardigan: Theory (similar)
necklace: Charming Charlie (similar)
skirt: Semantiks (similar)

tights: Givenchy (similar)
shoes: Chie Mihara (similar)
bag: Marc Jacobs (similar)

Gamine Smackdown.

Adrien: Okay, can we talk about Carey Mulligan?

because I've decided I want to be her when I grow up.  Shut up.

Marianne: Oh, I think that's a completely reasonable goal. I know! You be her, and I'll be Michelle Williams. We can swan around being blonde and gamine together.

A: God, we are so freaking CUTE. Look how cute we are!

M: I know! Have you noticed how good I look in red lipstick? It's always perfectly applied, too. Man, we really rock the platinum bob, don't we?

A: We totally do. And, I'm really likable. Do you know that in my Vogue interview it was mentioned that my favorite movie is Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? Could I be more ADORABLE. I DON'T THINK SO.

I have no idea why I'm dating Shia LeBeouf though. I think my agent is making me. He's such a douche.

A: Oh wait, we broke up! Phew. Close call, that one.

M: Your accent is so charming!

A: Isn't it just? So, how are things with Ryan Gosling? JUST ADMIT YOU'RE DATING.

M: *bats my mile long lashes demurely*

Carey, darling, I am a professional. We have a mutual respect for each other and I find him deeply talented.

In bed.

DEEPLY.

A: Hmm, I'm going to be filming a movie with him soon, so.

M: Just because we're friends, don't think that I won't cut you.

Can we talk about how good I look in this yellow dress? The other day I was swimming in my pool of hundred dollar bills and this dress popped into my head. Fabulous, aren't I?

 

A: Please don't hurt me!  That dress looks super on you! It's hard to pull off yellow.

M: Thank you. You know, dear, you look pretty cute in yellow, too. This dress would look awful on a commoner. Plus, adorable hair.

 

A: Oh thank you! Too kind. Those shoes hurt like a bitch, but worth it. ALL WORTH IT FOR GAMINE WORLD DOMINATION. I mean, what? Goodness. I must have a cough. *cough*

M: Even when you're plotting the downfall of Western Civilization, you're precious. Your voice sounds like butterfly wings.

A: Oh, you are a delightful creature. We should combine forces.

M: I'm going to tell you a little secret...all of this crazy snow?

I did that!

A: I am scared now.

M: Wait until you see what I have planned for spring. Did you know that in some third world countries the translation for El Nino is Michelle Williams? MWA HA HAAA. Ahem. Excuse me, I don't know what that was.

A: I...am... going to go now?

M: Goodbye dear. Don't forget, while you're filming with my Ryan...

sleep with one eye open.

Kisses!

A: meep!

Adrien: Sleety.

Apparently all I wear is Gap these days, which I didn't realize until I started listing up this outfit. But, I never actually intended on photographing this one because it was sleeting and nasty out and I mostly was just interested in being warm and cozy. (Hence, still wearing that open cardigan all frumpy and...open.)

However, I was not un-pleased with how it looked so I grabbed an umbrella and yeah. Stood in the sleet. Here you go:

 

top: Gap Back button Scoopneck
skirt: Gap button-front denim skirt
cardigan: Gap double-layer open cardi 
boots: Frye Veronica Slouch
necklace: Twist Style
bag: Marc Jacobs blake (similar)
belt: Gap. (similar)
umbrella: cheap piece of crap

Marianne: Cleaning out my closet.

Yup. My resolutions have begun in earnest. I'm taking a hard look at my closet and finally parting ways with things I love, but don't wear for a variety of reasons. And...my loss is your gain! I'm listing these things for sale for well under what I could sell them for on eBay.

There are shoes that are like a beach vacation for your feet:

A truly covetable handbag:

An iconic wrap dress:

And a classic jersey dress:

I'll be listing all of these things for higher prices on eBay in a couple of days, so this is your chance to get some great deals! And, if I stick to my resolutions, there is plenty more where this came from.

Adrien: Sale Goggles. Or, I try on the World's Ugliest Pants just for you.

The things I do for you people. I mean it. It's my birthday month and Anthropologie sent me a cute little 15% off birthday discount card. My last perusal of the sale racks there left me shaking my head, so I wasn't sure I'd really find anything. But, I do need a belt (see my last outfit) and I thought it was worth a look. I took Kate with me because I'm mean like that.

Now, it's been well-documented that I have a love/hate relationship with Anthro. What I love I really love and what I hate is just, well, hateful. I can't abide the no-color frills and floof that they seem to be stocking, but I do really love a simple drapey top, interesting and vintage details and the shoes. Oh god, the shoes.

We delved into the sale racks and it quickly became clear that the only things left were the horrible things. So, hell, I decided I'd try on a few of them. This first top (not on the website) actually looked interesting on the hanger, but the material felt awful and it was too big:

And remember when I was all, "I will try on skinny cargo pants to prove they look awful!" yeah, well, THEY DO:

These are the Joe's Sateen Skinny Cargos. Please note how cute they look on Kate who's standing next to me. Hmph. She didn't buy them, though, because even though they were on sale, they were still a bit too much.

Next I tried on these Ella Moss Free-Spirited Tunics which, again, looked cute on the hanger, not so much on me:

The size small was ENORMOUS. And not in a "tunic" way, just in a baggy sad mess way. The second one is an extra small and it fit, but was not for me.

Finally, just for kicks, I tried on something horrid called the Lunar Mum Crops. That is a bad name for a pair of truly hideous pants. I mean:

FOR YOU. For you I have tried these on, taken a photo and POSTED IT IN ON THE INTERNET WHERE IT WILL LIVE FOREVER. I hope you appreciate it.

(PS. I did buy something! But that's a story for another entry.)