Pages

DJ/Radio Producer-turned-Lawyer attempts to dress like a grown-up. Sometimes I comically fail. And I occasionally post fun stuff, like music videos, book-club reviews, or photos of beauty or oddity.
FYI: I was doing this entire blog from my Android phone, snatching moments out of my busy life for quick photos. But I hate auto-correct with a purple passion, so now I'm using the computer for most of the work. I am still using my phone for the photos, though. My photo sizes may be erratic, and the quality isn't stellar. I am not a professional blogger, and do not have time for lots of scenic poses with a great camera. I don't even own a great camera! However, I DO appreciate your continued feedback, even in the absence of photographic artistry.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Day 4 of the "No Black" challenge

I took the easy route, and am wearing the brown nubby pants with the paisley brown and tan top. Same as I've posted a couple times before, so no photos today. I will have a bit more variety in brown when the weather cools down.

Today I get to pick up two shirts from my tailor, because of course they needed altering. And I'm FINALLY getting my hair done today. So I should have something pretty to post tomorrow!

Update: since publication, I have reason to question my decision to let these pants down. We have a massive flood advisory, and the bottom inch of these pants is SOAKED!

My kayaks are still on the cradles, so I'm prepared for the flood.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Day 3 of my mission, because I foolishly chose to accept it

I was just about to sheath my fembot guns in the same brown and tan paisley blouse I've already posted at least twice with these cankle-sleeves, but I had another top that might do the trick and not bore you to death in the "mend" pile.

My carcass did not remain inert as the "snooze" mysteriously got hit for 20 minutes for once! I skipped the blow-dry I've been too lazy to do for months anyway, and did a quick fix. Why give away my mission by not appearing in my normal state?



I changed bras this morning to disguise my weapons, but alas, the pull across the chest seems to be a dead giveaway. My spies tell me that the two demonic hippies of the "all natural" ice cream may no longer be able to label their fat-girl-crack as such. I will resist their torture of tastiness!



I equipped myself with the top more because the colors blended with several pair of pants than because I have any real love for the pattern. I'm disguising myself as the kind of person who likes brown.



Jacket: Talbot's Petite
Top: Liz and Co.
Pants: Lane Bryant
Shoes: Bass
Earrings: art fair

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Once you go Black...

Who wants to go back? These pants are the (White) devil!

Yep, Day 2 of Freeda's challenge to me. I've worn tons of black since high school. Obviously, there's a reason for that: black is saddlebag-camoflage. Light pants only truly look good on the emaciated, who obviously can't stalk a pint of hippie ice cream to save their withered hides!



These shoes and pants have not found their way onto my Phish Food enhanced self in a good month or so. The only prey these pants bait is dirt, and the shoes are an assault on my poor feet.

I should get my podiatrist to look at them, since I've become "the Little Mermaid". The original Hans Christen Andersen story had the mermaid's feet in pain with every step she took. Many days, that's me! Rrrrr....



I actually planned my outfit the night before I wore it, like planning a battle against black. I was drafted into doing that as a kid, so naturally went AWOL as an adult. But with the "no black for a week" challenge, I have to plot more strategically. Using the finest tracking and weather prediction equipment available to me for conditions: Weatherbug and Google Calendar.



At least this means I got a shot of the goods last night. The Swarovski crystal stud is the earring initially planned, but it's no good without it's mate. Which has avoided tracking for a couple weeks. Any ideas for alternate uses?

Jacket: Kasper via consignment shop
Top: Grace Dane Lewis via Goodwill
Scarf: Limited (clearance at the Michigan Ave, Chicago store)
Pants: Lane Bryant
Shoes and Socks: Bass
Earrings: made by Baby Sis

Postscript: after publication, I went home to Hubby, who stayed home today. When I walked in, he exclaimed how nice I look today, and really made a fuss over the scarf. Maybe just the photo was bad?

Monday, September 27, 2010

so THAT'S where all my money went!!!

SERIOUSNESS ALERT!!! BEEP BEEP BEEP

This will be a slight departure from my usual goofing around, so be warned...

I've been thinking about how dull and repetitive I've felt for quite some time. The wardrobe is only part of the issue, since I'm also a newlywed getting used to married life, a new stepmother getting used to putting my desires second, and a transplant trying to find my groove in a completely new place.

To top things off, I'm also dealing with a lot of weight gain, due to several injuries in a row over the last few years.

So the blog was conceived to get me out of my rut.

I've been sorting through my messy jewelry box and closet. While I'm not even close to finished with this project, I thought a preview of the goodies that I will try to break out of hiding would be fun.



As you see, I have a LOT of scarves. It's a little insane, really. Early into practicing law, I decided that, since ties are mandatory for the guys, I should make sure to wear necklaces or scarves to project a feminine yet professional image.

And because I was single, I had plenty of money to spend.

These gorgeous scarves were buried in the back of my closet under dry-cleaner plastic. No wonder I haven't been wearing them. What a waste....



Um.... yeah... I have a lot of necklaces too. Good thing I have these belt-hangers to store them! A lot of them had been stored in more inconvenient ways, so they haven't seen a neck in ages.



And a lot of the earrings I haven't been wearing, because they were tangled up in my jewelry box. I picked up these containers in the Walmart craft section. They are meant for storing beads for crafts-- and are the perfect size for most of my earrings.

I don't even think this is all my accessories, but this is the bulk of them, anyway.

Oops! The purses... I have quite a few, but most of them are a bit small for my life today. Hubby and Stinky always want to put something in my purse. Yep, I'm the family pack-mule.

I wonder if I will find more accessories once I'm finally done with the basement sort? I started a month or so ago, and gave a bunch of my too-small clothing to one of our interns, who had a terrible wardrobe and no money. I gave her the things that are office-appropriate, but too "young" for me now. Things I wouldn't wear to work if they fit me tomorrow, but were still a little tough to let go.

I've had a lot of beautiful clothing, and I have a ton of gorgeous things that don't fit now. I'm donating a lot of them to charity, but hanging onto the clothes I would wear to work or other events today if they fit. But I'm not ready to give up on them, so I'm investing in Space Bags. So if this diet I'm on, which makes me cranky as hell, works-- I'll be shopping in my basement first!

I'm not even getting into the shoes, so many of them I can't wear at the moment due to foot, knee and ankle issues. But I haven't given up yet, so I'm not ready to clear them out, as I'm sure the "Clean House" people would make me do. I love watching that show- it's like a train wreck. I just can't look away!

It's a bit crazy to think of how much money as been spent on clothing that does not fit anymore. I bought some things at thrift shops and yard sales, but still...$$$$. But I am way too cheap to throw stuff out, so I am really pushing myself to get rid of some of the stuff anyway. I'm making decent progress, sticking to my self-imposed "rules".

Come out of the darkness, Day 1

Freeda posted a challenge to me last week: NO BLACK. At all. Today's outfit was a snap- I've already posted a head-to-toe pic in a prior post, so I'll just show the fabrics and earring today.



Which is good, because it better shows how Snookums' earrings match the top. Obviously, I'm wearing the brown Bass flats.

But I'm cold. It's a rainy, dreary day, and this top is sleeveless. Once I finish my wardrobe audit, I will probably look for tops I can wear under my cute sleeveless stuff.

I'm expecting this challenge to become more difficult as the week goes on.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

A gray day, my clothing echoes the sky

It's another soccer day... Stinky's team actually scored a few goals. So to protect myself from chills and from boredom, I layered up again. And still avoided sweats!



This sweater is super warm, I didn't need to break out the fleece. Was still a bit overdressed, but keeping Freeda and Shybiker's notes in mind. I cannot let my standards deteriorate just to fit in. Or does that just make me a snob?

I'm not crazy about the thing it's doing around the zipper, though.

Then off to WalMart with Stinky. For more Nerf bullets. Because my home is apparently an arsenal. Guns, swords, even a battleax. Stinky requested funding for a Nerf mace. Denied by committee.



But at least I wore cool earrings again.



Sweater: Talbot's via Freeda's castoffs
Top: Isaac Mizrahi for Target via Goodwill
Jeans: Lane Bryant
Shoes: (not shown): Bass
Earrings: Lia Sophia

Raiding the archives

Between the blogging and the clothing-sort projects, I'm rediscovering some of the goodies buried behind the clutter. Maybe all the episodes of "Clean House" I've been watching are doing some good. Although Hubby would beg to differ.

Another two-outfit Saturday. The first was to carry me from a lunch get-together at a friend's (including riding herd on everyone's kids-- though Jane did most of that) to kayaking. For various reasons, the kayaks were further neglected. Waaahhh!



I know I've posted this top before, so I'm focusing on the other components.



This necklace has also been buried in my archives. I can't think of the last time I wore it. Those people who say "if you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it" are obviously wealthy or delusional.



I haven't worn these shoes in forever. Which really stinks, especially because the were expensive. But they are really comfortable for heels. I can hear other bloggers snickering "those aren't heels!", but two inches is about as high as I go. My cankles fold like sheets, and are not to be trusted!

Have I mentioned that capris are a tool of the devil? They emphasize the least attractive part of my body. Trying to follow Baby Sis' advice and say "F the cankles" to myself". My usual thought is more "F my mutant gene puddle"!



I tried playing with the drawstring to bring the hem up a little further, which I think is more flattering. But it did weird things to my knee, mysteriously making it look even fatter. Who knew that was possible?

Top: Lane Bryant
Capris: Fashion Bug
Necklace: Max 10
Earrings: Gold Mine in Bath, NY
Shoes: Clark's

When I got home, it was time to get ready for dancing with a couple other girls. New York chilled down quite a bit from the daytime.



I know these jeans still suck. And when I find better ones, these will go bye-bye. At least nobody hit on me... could it be my boy-repellant jeans?



I love this sweater, but the neckline usually hangs dangerously low. This time, I got really creative with the safety-pinning for modesty. I'm actually really pleased with how it turned out, and how it held up.

Hubby thought the necklace might be a little much. Stinky didn't think the colors go. But I love it, and haven't worn it in ages.... so I went for it. I figure you will tell me whether this combo should be repeated.

Wow, the silver earrings really photograph differently than the "totally fake" necklace... Most of my jewelry is of semiprecious stones, but I loved this necklace when I spotted it in a store window. And I'm sure I paid too much (darn Euro conversion rate!), but I still love it.



Another heinous hair day, so into a ponytail it went... I sprayed the heck out of it, and covered the band with this clip. My hair appointment is set.

Top: Macy's INC
Jeans: Lane Bryant
Shoes: Bass
Hair clip: Goody
Earrings: Gold Mine in Bath, NY
Necklace: random store in Bayeux, France

Friday, September 24, 2010

Texture today... and it's Friend Friday!

I have already posted the top half and shoes from today's outfit in my second post. So no real pint (it is Friday, isn't it!) in reposting the full and top-half shots. The only change is navy trousers rather than jeans.

What I wanted to show is the textures, which don't come through well in the previous post:



My easy lap-shot. I just love the woven pattern on this jacket, and still want to find matching buttons. I'm not crazy about the gray ones it came with. I have one scarf that goes, but I hate the fabric so I only use it as a headband. I was running late this morning, or I would have worn it and posted a pic.



I wanted to show the texture of the stones, they are not flat, but are polished. I have a necklace (not matching) I bought awhile ago at the farmer's market, but it broke so the lady is restringing it. Maybe I'll wear it next week.



I just wanted to show off the mock-lizard on these Ariat shoes. I've had several mock-croc accessories, but no lizard. Love!

Now for Friend Friday questions from modlychic:

1. What do you think are some of the top fashion don’ts?

Exposed brastraps or thong underwear, clothing that clings to lumps and bumps (I'm talking to you, Ms. Muffintop!)

2. What previous fashion don’t do you now wear with pride?

Granny panties! Most other panties leave unsightly lines right across the tummy.

3. Do you think there is a universal fashion do?

Dress in clothing that flatters your shape. Wear the colors that compliment your skin tone.

4. What items lately, either recently in style or coming in now, do you think should never make it off the retail shelves?

Jumpsuits. Look good on no one.

5. In your opinion, is there any blogger, fashion icon, celebrity who some how manages to pull off some fashion don’ts and still look good?

So far in my blog travels, ephemera at blogspot pulls off some crazy combinations I wouldn't have the nerve to even try!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

It's hot then it's cold, it's yes then it's no... I'm losing my mind!

It's one of those cold/hot/cold days, so my shell/sweater combo is as schizophrenic as the weather. Or is that Multiple Personality Disorder?



Then again, this top is as crazy as much of my clientele:



I believe my plea of "Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity" plea for killing Hubby for not standing up before taking these photos would probably be successful. Or should I just plead "Justifiable Homicide"?

I do NOT have that big of a double-chin--- and this is NOT denial! I accept that I'm chubby, but... damn!

Breathe.... I own my choice to post these rotten photos. They have value because I get to display my beautiful shirt and necklace. This gains for me the recognition of others of my marvellous taste level.... Breathe....



I adore this necklace, but have a lot of issues with it not lying flat. Do we need couples therapy? Why won't it cooperate with me? *sob* But I love it, and I am willing to work on this relationship....

I know I have to work on my "choices" in life. Like pairing a necklace with gold flecks in the stones with silver earrings. These are the things that get us into trouble with the Law (of good taste), girls.

I choose not to kill my husband.

Top: Steinmart
Sweater: Limited via consignment shop
Pants: same old LB Houstons
Shoes (not pictured): Bass Darcy flats
Earrings: Gold Mine, Bath, NY
Necklace: farmers' market

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Stalking fashion prey through the jungle...

some might call my closet, I found several specimens that still fit. The poor babies have been trapped behind a mass of still-fat, but pre-obeast clothing that viciously decided to shrink on me! (Pay no attention to the pint of "Chubby Hubby" behind the curtain!)

I was going for the tone-on-tone look that garnered praise in an earlier post. I admit... I do like the feedback on this blog!



Including this teal shell. Which goes beautifully with this hardly-worn necklace, my first anniversary gift from Hubby. Because to him flowers, candy, and a weekend trip weren't enough. Gotta love that man (even though his photography skills need work)! This shell is the only top I had that went well with it. The prodigal shirt has been returned to me!



Have I gone colorblind? I thought I matched this morning... by afternoon, I'm not so sure. I am puzzling whether this top and jacket go together, or if the ensemble makes me look mentally challenged:



The jacket to too warm to wear in the summer, so it's been hibernating in the closet. Like my red one in an earlier post, this has also been heavily altered, with decorative strips removed, darts added, waist taken in, and fabric taken out of the back.

Another query is whether these earrings "go" with the necklace. These are the only gold-tone pair I own.



So if I were hunting in the jungle, would I slink back to camp hungry?

Top: Laura Ashley via Goodwill
Jacket: VanHuesen outlet
Pants: oh, come on!
Shoes: what else?
Necklace: some jewelry shop in Ithaca, NY.
Earrings: part of my haul from the JC Penney doorbusters sale mentioned yesterday.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The good, the bad, but at least not ugly...

except these danged sensible shoes, of course.



Note to self: I know the detail on the front of the pants is cute, but NEVER tuck this shirt in again! (I have to be stern sometimes)

I took Freeda's advice re: letting down the hem on the pants from my "Oompa Loompa" post. I thought I was OK on the fading line, but a glimpse in the mirrored window at City Hall this morning told me I obviously hadn't shaken off the effects of the sleeping pills I took last night when I made that assessment!



I was happy to see that Dr. Scholl's now has the "diabetic" socks in tan. I have about a dozen pair of the black ones, but have been deprived of comfy socks for brown pants and shoes. I like these because they don't cut the circulation from my feet by strangling my cankles.



I adore this glass-beaded collar, and bought these plastic (Gasp!) earrings to go with it. I have a love-hate relationship with the coordinating fabric lining the collar of this shirt. What a gripping life I do lead....

I was running late to court this morning, so once again showed up with a wet head. I don't think that judge has ever seen me with dry hair. But at least I have some pretty hair catches!

I gotta go get my hair did...



Top: VanHusen outlet
Jewelry: JC Penney (super-cheap at doorbusters sale!)
Pants: Lane Bryant
Shoes: Bass outlet
Barette: gift from Mom

Monday, September 20, 2010

An experiment... is it ALIVE?

We have a riot: not of color, but of pattern and texture. You tell me, is this harmonious or heinous?





I've adjusted the engineering on another artsy pendant on a cord for my own safety. Is my mother trying to tell me I should just give up and hang myself? The woman keeps giving me ropes for my neck! With a few lava rocks:



I really love the rough-looking stones next the the smooth clay. The beads flipping around irritates the heck out of me, though.

I just love these shoes so much, I had to show them twice! After months in the fugly Bass shoes, anything remotely cute would have me turning cartwheels... if I knew how....



In case you didn't catch my whinging in an earlier post, I seem to have lost my white gold go-to earrings. I left the house yet again with naked lobes because I had nothing to go with this necklace. Changing that was not an option. Because I wanted it on the blog today.

So I bought a pair of silver earrings on my way back from court. Actually, I bought two pair-- I'll post the others another time.



I was waiting for what seemed like ages to get my grasping claws onto the new non-animal fiber tweed pants from Lane Bryant. I had to order them, because the store only carried the "Red Triangle" fit, not my trusty "Blue Dot" fit pants. That always fit me perfectly.

There was a bit of hype over the pant line for the fall... a total re-do. I was excited... until I received my order. The waist was HUGE on me! I took them to my wizard-lady to take in. They still are a bit big in the waist, after altering! Hence the tucked-in top with a belt:



Silver lining: this style has the same butt flaps my brown ones do. Taking in the waist actually helped with the placement of those sins against the booty!



Hubby really likes this jacket. He pushed me outside my usual bounds (of good taste?) by talking me into buying it. It has been heavily altered: the waist has been brought in a little, and fabric from the back was taken out to accommodate the satellite behind me. The back seam is not original to the design.

Bear in mind that:
1. This pic is at the end of the day, and
2. I bought this jacket a few pounds ago.

Jacket: Talbot's
Top: Pip's in Corning, NY. I can't tell the brand because the tag drove me nuts so I cut it out!
Pants: really...?
Belt: Nine West
Shoes: Ariat
Silver Earrings: Gold Mine in Bath, NY
Necklace: made by me with a pendant gift from Mom

I only just found out about Friend Friday, so I'm posting Monday

Courtesey of modlychic:

Friend Friday: Work Vs. Blog Wear

1. When it comes to outfit posts on your own blog, be honest-- are they what you actually wore that day?

Oh, yes.... as you can tell from my photos, which are often snatched moments during my work day on my phone camera. And some of these photos/outfits are pretty awful!

2. For a fashion blogger, working in a corporate environment can be tricky. How do you mesh your day job with your personal style choices?

I have a government job in a rural area, so standards are a bit more relaxed than for many attorneys. Admittedly, I also have much more leeway as a woman.

My biggest issue is that I cannot find suits to fit (I'm different sizes on top and bottom), so I am forever trying to pair jackets and pants in a put-together fashion. My biggest complaint is that when I find cute separates that could be paired into a decent suit... the pants always turn out to be capris! Not only are my legs heinous, but capris, in my opinion, are completely inappropriate for courtroom practice.

I've settled on "classic with a twist" for my style. No crazy colors, nothing terribly trendy, no over-the-top patterns. I must be taken seriously in my work.

I used to live in combat boots and concert T-shirts. I miss that, it was easy, cheap, and felt great!

3. When you get dressed in the morning, do you think "what should I wear to work" or "what should I wear for the blog"?

I'm using the blog to prompt me to pull it together a bit better than I had been. So I suppose the answer is both.

4. Do professionals you interact with ever make comments about your clothing choices?

Not much-- most of the professionals I interact with are men. Occasionally one of the secretaries might make a comment.

5. Some bloggers openly admit to wearing outfits only for the blog post. What's your opinion on that?

For some, I suppose it's OK. It depends on the goal of the blog. For some, it's about experimentation. But I usually prefer the blogs that are about finding ways to perk up one's real-life look.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

I'm not really a soccer mom, I just play one on TV

Hubby and I had to take Stinky to his soccer game today. This may be the only time in my life I wished I liked to knit... it is boring, boring, boring... with a few moments of funny thrown in.

Some of the parents really get into it, though. I just don't get it. But I've never been a sports fan... at least until they start showing "What Not to Wear" on ESPN.



Admittedly, this is before the wind tried to blow me off the field, and I bundled up in a cheapo WalMart fleece hoodie and a lap blanket.

The shirt under the sweater is on backwards to cover my chest from the wind. And the soccer dads. And to show the pattern for interest. That top is way too tight for me to wear it alone, and the v-neck in front would hardly show any fabric under the sweater. But the top rather than my laughter was choking me, which I don't remember happening before my more recent weight gain. Hmmm...



Is it weird I wore earrings to the game? And Bass flats instead of sneakers? I definitely felt overdressed, but I don't own the super-casual clothes the other parents wore.

Top: Freeda's castoff
Sweater: Worthington via consignment shop
Jeans: Lane Bryant
Earrings: gift from my "other mother"

I'm carrying twins!!!

and their names will be "Ben" and "Jerry"...



Much to the disappointment of the in-laws, that's just the result of eating too much "ethical business practices" ice cream. No babies. Of course, now I'd be afraid to get pregnant, as I might get drafted to be the recession version of a parade float!

Why am I posting this Gawd-awful photo?

First, I decided right at the start to be honest with my pics. No dressing up just for the blog, no major photoshop changes, no taking five zillion photos to get one flattering one. Besides, I'm usually short on time, and just get someone to use my phone camera because I always forget my real one.

Second, seeing this pic was a bit of a shock for me. I'm hoping that it will spur me into much-needed diet and exercise changes. Don't worry, I have no intention of morphing this into a weight-loss blog. What is more boring that hearing about someone's diet?

Context for above and below photos: Saturday night, I decided to take Stinky to the mall for a 3-D movie. Hubby said I looked cute. I believe his exact words were "Hot Mom". LIAR!!!

By the time Stinky and I got home, after a lovely evening with movie, ice cream, and a trip to the bookstore, Hubby was out with a friend. So I got Stinky to take my photos. I never got around to posting Saturday's photos last night due to shell-shock.

I love the sequins around the neckline of this top, but hadn't worn it for awhile. I had no idea it looked this bad on me now! The twisted part is that I felt cute! As I've said before, having a belly is very new for me, so I'm still adjusting my inner picture of what I look like.



Ew! How on Earth does a girl with a teeny waist get a muffin top? *shudder, sob* I remember when this shirt was a little big on me.

Top: New York and Co.
Jeans: Lane Bryant
Earrings: Lia Sophia
Shoes: Bass

Earlier in the day was fun playing with my favorite toy: my kayak!



A couple months ago, I was seduced by the Dark Side : I purchased capris. I hate capris... I'm perfectly willing to pay for the extra foot of fabric. But this summer was stinking hot, so I occasionally subject the innocent to the lumpy, veiny mess claiming to be calves. I sure hope the unfortunate viewers don't turn to stone.

The top is loose and cool. And looks exactly like the ones my mother makes for herself. The sleeves come gathered with elastic, but it was too tight for all the muscles (OK, OK, so they're buried under my "bingo wings") so I removed the elastic.

I wear Crocs for kayaking because there are often sharp stones I'd like to protect my tender tootsies from. I don't wear them as actual shoes, unlike many folks I see polluting my visual field with them.

OK, I'm not being entirely honest.... When my feet are absolutely killing me, I wear them as shoes. I hang my head in shame.

Top: Lane Bryant
Capris: Fashion Bug
Visor: WalMart
Sunglasses: random store

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Not one of my better days- I could just dye!

After he saw me in the sunlight, Hubby decided he didn't like these two blues together:



I like that I have a matching necklace for the top, but get irritated at how easily the top spots!

I couldn't find my white gold earrings today- I'm getting worried.... they were expensive. I never like wearing no earrings, but felt stuck today.



I'm having another bad hair day... so I threw it up into my favorite clasp.



I don't like this jacket. I think it's the white I'm not digging... it's kind of see-through in places. And it's cotton, reminding me of a short lab coat. Maybe I'll follow my inspiration from some of the other fashion blogs and just dye this jacket.... what color?

Jacket: Lane Bryant
Top: Ann Taylor outlet
Necklace: Ann Taylor outlet
Pants: Lane Bryant
Shoes (can you even see them?): Ariat
Hair clasp: I forgot

Monday, September 13, 2010

Delivering on my promise

of posting close-ups for my "Oompa-Loompa" post. I made the jewelry at the local bead shop, but the large pendant was a gift from Mom.

I didn't think the cord it came on was office-friendly-- my clients often drive me to despair, so having a rope around my neck could get ugly quick! So I got ambitious (and really bored one afternoon) and went for a less "suicide-friendly" construction.



I went with a differently shaped but still matching bead for the earrings, to avoid being too "matchy-matchy". The only thing I don't like about the necklace is that the smaller discs tend to flip around, and won't lie flat. Suggestions?

Even though I don't normally like browns and tans, because "swimming in mud with my hygeine-challenged clientele" is not my favorite look, the combination of pattern and texture saves me from being bored to death: