OOTD dark v darker

I wore this last Saturday to see Batman v Superman. I actually enjoyed the movie, although I did have low expectations. There were definitely some things I didn't care for in the movie but overall pretty good and I'm super hyped for the Wonder Woman movie.

Jacket: Target (old) T-shirt: Thrift (Old Navy) Jeans and Shoes: Thrift (Target) 

Anyway my desire to wear bright springy colors hasn't quite kicked in yet. I think It has to be a bit more consistently warm and nice out to spark a little color in my wardrobe. So for now I'm still gravitating towards blacks, grays, and olive green. But I did get to wear my new to me leopard booties. I've worn them a few times and they're pretty comfy. I wouldn't wear them for a long time or on a real walk intensive situation but they're fun and add a nice pop of pattern to the outfit.

 It was a cold and wet day that Saturday so grey seemed appropriate. Unfortunately my jacket, which is a good four/five years old is on it's last legs, the "leather" is ripping and it's just time for a new one. I'm hoping to find a good one during end of season sales or next fall, we'll see. Obviously the best scenario would be to find a great one at the thrifts, so I'll definitely be keeping an eye out there as well. Anyway hope you all had an awesome Easter if you celebrate or at least enjoyed some 50% off candy and/or time with your family if you don't. 

One of my three shirts

Shirt / Jacket / Shoes: Thrift  Jeans: Old Navy

      Though I have plenty of spring/summer inspirations (see last post) the weather here has been predictably unpredictable. One day it's 85 degrees the next it's 35 with flurries, thus I haven't broken out the skirts and dresses quite yet. In Fact pretty much all winter and spring when I'm not at work I've been rotating the same three shirts pretty heavily, my boyfriend even commented on it which means it's pretty bad (lol).
   
      Call it laziness, call it normcore, I just can't be bothered too much with fashion right now. Not really sure why. I do have a lot of clothes but to be honest my shirts, even my work ones, have been pretty sad for awhile. Part of the reason is that I never shop for them. I haven't been thrifting much lately and when I do I always seem to have a short attention span. Since shirts are generally the largest section it's hard to force myself to go through them and pick out some good ones. Even when I buy new shirts are the last on my list. But that needs to change. I do actually need shirts now so I guess I'll suck it up and put them higher on my thrift list.

       Either way I do genuinely like the outfits I put together with my three shirts. I will be documenting them and posting for you to see. But be forewarned until the temps stay consistently warm, or I acquire more tops, you may be seeing a lot of outfits similar to the one above. Apologies. 

Lumberjack Chic

Shirt: Target | Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: Payless

          Button downs have been having a serious moment in my wardrobe lately, I'm not really sure why. I'm guessing it has something to do with extreme cold we've been having this winter.  Either way they've become my go to item for a casual day out. I got this shirt a few years ago at Target and was super excited to wear it until I walked into class the next day and at least 3 other people were wearing the same shirt. I know it shouldn't but something about seeing so many people wear the same item kinda puts a damper on it. So I relegated it to dorm lounge wear and kept it moving. But, I could never bring myself to donate it so when plaid made a big trendy comeback last fall I knew I had to dust this baby off. Since the fall I've been wearing this shirt more than ever, it's super comfy and warm which is always a plus in the winter.

Spring?

          Yes those pictures are recent and yes it's the middle of April. Winter seems to digging it's icy fingernails deep into Minnesota this year, much to everyone's chagrin. Though we've had some nice days they have been eclipsed by the accumulation of multiple inches of snow in mid April. This is all to say that this weather really hasn't inspired any fabulous outfits. My fashion brain seems to be purely focused on warm weather and just isn't jiving with all this snow. Nevertheless I did manage to put together a halfway decent outfit to share with you all so here goes nothin'!

Top:thrifted  Jeans:Old Navy  Boots:Gifted 

I wore this to go thrifting on one of my days off. I was so tempted to go with my "go-to" outfit but forced myself to wear something else. Obviously this isn't an amazing outfit but It's still pretty good, I'm happy with it. Anyway here's hoping spring finally beats off winter soon so I can finally put my winter outfits and the thought of snow to rest, at least for a few months.

Thirft Haul

I haven't done a thrift haul it what seems like forever. But, I'm trying to get back into the blogging regularly pattern and I have a bunch of thrift finds from the last couple months that have been patiently waiting for me to blog them, so here goes nothin'. I'm also linking up with Apron Thrift Girl, Sir Thrift-a-Lot, Remnant and A Living Space. Be sure to check out all of their thrift finds as well.

1. Decorative Owl Side Table. 

 I was never really that into the whole owl craze, but when I saw this table at Goodwill I had to have it. You just don't see stuff like this everyday at the thrifts so when you do you pounce, and I did. The table was a little pricier then I would really have liked to spend, but I didn't want to chance loosing it and it was so unique I figured I could deal with the price ($50.00). Plus I got paid the next day. I've never really had a great score at this Goodwill so this was a first, a very welcome first.



2. "Made in Italy" vase and Art Deco Salt and Pepper shakers. 

This vase was another find at Goodwill. It's simple, cute, and was only 3 bucks so I had to get it. The Salt and Pepper shakers were found at Value Village. I've seen some of these in antique stores and thought they were cool but generally antique stores just make me hope i'll one day find that item in a thrift store. So when I found these for 4 bucks I had to get them.

3. Ceramic cat set.

 I got these at the Salvation army for around 4 or 5 bucks (for all of them). They're kinda creepy and kind of cool, my favorite combination, so I got them.

4. Patterned Shift Dress.

 I'm never sure if you guys want to see my thrifted clothes just on the hanger like this but I figured i'd give it a shot. I got this dress at Salvation Army, It's originally from Old Navy and I though it was pretty cute.

5. Striped H&M Shift Dress.

I got this at Value Village. Value Village tends to be hit or miss, like most thrift stores, but when you hit at Value Village you really hit. I'm kind of obsessed with this dress, it's a touch shorter than I'd like but it's so cute  I had to get it. Plus it's not that short.

6. Sequin T-shirt. 

 I found this shirt at Value Village too. It is also kind of short but I really like it so I'm determined to make it work, we'll see how that goes.

7. Poodle on Wood. 

I found this at Savers and it was just "so bad it's good" that I couldn't help but get it, and it was only 3 bucks. Interestingly enough it was apparently given to someone as a birthday gift last year, or so says the inscription on the back, guess they weren't into it but one man's trash is another man's come up, right?


8. 70's Orange Coat.

I found this at Savers a few weeks back. I'm kind of obsessed with it and now that it's getting slightly warmer I'm totally gonna wear it. This will definitely go into my Fall/Spring coat rotation. Also every time I see it I think of the thrift shop song, because you know "I'm in this big ass coat, I look incredible."

9. Donut Mug. 

I found this mug at Value Village at their Martin Luther King Jr. holiday sale. By the time I got the store it had been pretty cleaned out but I saw a sort of funky looking box in the housewares aisle and inside was this guy. I thought it was a pretty cool mug and who doesn't like donuts? especially ones with SPRINKLES, which were totally my favorite as a kid. Obviously it was destiny for the donut mug and I to meet. Also it makes me think of Homer Simpson every time I drink out of it, unexpected bonus? yups.


Anyway those are my recent thrift finds. I'll try to bring you guys an outfit post later this week. I haven't been wearing anything super interesting lately, thus the lack of posts, but with warm weather around the corner (hopefully) I'm starting to get my fashion mojo back. I'll also try to get more of the Florida pictures up in a post. I don't want to drown you with photos but editing them down has been taking awhile.

Also though I still don't have a smart phone (yet?), I do have an iPod touch and that means I also have instagram. So if you'd like to see LOTS of pictures of my cats as well as thrift finds and other random stuff you can follow me @blackcatlies, or click here, or click on the instagram button on the bottom of the "Follow me" window to your right.

Warm and Cozy

Sweater and Denim top : Thrifted  Jeans: Old Navy  Boots: Gifted  Necklace: Bauble Bar

        Sorry for the lack of outfit posts lately. It's been pretty freezing out lately and for the most part when I go out I've been reaching for essentially the same outfit every time. Anyway I went out to dinner the other day and decided I should probably wear something else, so I put this together. I was cold that day so I wanted something warm and had been looking through a J.Crew look book earlier that day, this outfit is the result. J.Crew is always good at layering and mixing and matching, they're generally a little preppier than I like to go but I still find inspiration in the ways they put outfits together. This outfit is also a little preppier than I would usually go but overall I like it. The necklace I got as a Christmas present to myself. I like it but with the curlycue on the end I think it look more like Zorak than Zorah, but I digress. Either way I can't return it and I like it enough to still wear it.  I'll try and post more in February, hopefully the temps will be warmer and I'll try and put together more interesting "blog worthy" outfits when I go out.

Casual Reception

Top: ASOS Jeans: Old Navy Shoes: Thrift Cardigan: Vintage Necklace: Stella and Dot

             The daughter of an old friend of my mom's got married  in mid september and had a low key reception in a local park. Randomly it happened to coincide with my first Saturday off in what seemed like forever. I figured it'd probably be pretty casual, and I was definitely over dressed, but I wanted to dress up a little and I finally had an occasion to wear this top. I couldn't resist.  It was too cold to wear just the top so I threw my favorite fall/winter cardi on top. I seriously need more cashmere in my life, but it's soo expensive. I mean on J crew it's almost $200.00 for one sweater, way out of my price range. I guess I'll have to keep a look out at the thrifts. Anyway I love this look, I've worn it a few times since and I always feel good in it. I also love any occasion when I can sport my favorite necklace.  I seriously need more events to wear my "fancier" clothes.

Peplums are for funny poses

Top: Dorothy Perkins  Jeans: Old Navy  Boots: Gifted  Cardigan: vintage

Remember me?

Oliver photo bomb

trying to take pictures in my room, where there is better sun. Can you guess what my favorite color is?

Top: thrifted Jeans: Old Navy Boots: Gifted 

      Sorry for the impromptu blogging hiatus! November was kind of a busy month for me with the election, my birthday, thanksgiving, work and a serious lack of sun I just haven't been able to get outfit pictures done. But I'm back, promise! I've got a bunch of outfits to show you, some from way back in September, so things should be up and running around here this month! Now onto the outfit post!

     
        Recently my favorite pair of skinny jeans died and since Old Navy was having a sale on their Rock Star skinny jeans (really their more like jeggings) I decided I'd go and stock up. I got three pairs all for 19.00 (each) and I have to say they're kind of my favorite. They are so comfortable! I got a pair in black, dark blue, and slightly lighter dark blue. They come in a bunch of colors but for some reason none of the colors were really getting me. I'm just not that into the colored denim trend, although I could definitely go for some oxblood jeans. I've been wanting a pair of black jeans for a while and am totally in love with these. While trying to think of tops to wear with them I remembered this shirt which I've only worn  a few times. Most of my jeans are the same color as this shirt and the same color denim on denim is kind of a fashion no-no (not that that should stop you!), but with the black jeans I could finally wear this top with pants. I have to say I really love this outfit. It's fun, cute and simple. Definitely one of my favorite recent outfits.

Summer Wishlist

Summer Wishlist by cleopatrajonez featuring a lace dress

With warmer weather, green grass and buds on trees I find myself pining for the long warm days of summer. Of course this also means dreaming up outfits for those warm summer days and nights. The list above is a collection of things I'm currently looking for in thrift stores, possibly DIY projects and some items I'm contemplating buying retail. This set is maxi free because I've recently acquired two maxi skirts, so they're no longer on the top of my look-for list. 

1. Lace dress. I haven't been sure whether or not to get a lace dress for awhile. Now I'm kind of sold on the idea and am on the look out for a cute lace dress.

2. A Cute pair of wedges. Though I have a pair of cute thrifted wedges I'm still on the lookout for a nice pair of strappy wedges. I'm also looking for some more flats since most of mine have seen better days.

3.  Retro inspired Glasses. Though I still love my current glasses I've been pining for a new pair for a while. I'm pretty into the retro inspired styles that are trendy at the moment. I figure since my current glasses are pretty classic I can go for a trendier look. At first I wanted a wayfarer but now I'm leaning towards the half-rim wayfarer-esque ones above. 

4. A cute and easy summer dress. I have a bunch of dresses but I'm always on the lookout for a fun flirty summer dress . Basically a dress that's light and breezy and works well from day to night. 

5. Black and white striped T. I've been looking for a while for a chunkier black and white striped T-shirt. I plan to pair it with my new maxi skirts for a cute and casual look. So far I've had no luck at the thrift store and am tempted to buy the one above from Zara. 

6. Collar. Collars have been trendy or awhile but for one reason or another I haven't acquired any clothes with collars or any detachable ones. I'm currently looking for a detachable one that tickles my fancy. I'd love to find a really cool vintage one or a cheap one. I've also seen some really cool peter pan collar DIY's that I might try as well.

7. Chambray button down. I've been looking for a chambray button down for the last month or so. This is another thing I plan to pair with my new maxi's. I've found some in thrift stores but none were perfect, so the search goes on. The one above is from Old Navy and I'm slightly tempted to buy it, but I still have that voice in the back of my head that knows I can find one for cheap at the thrift store. 

8. Colored Pants. I didn't jump on this trend when it emerged this fall but I'm now ready to embrace the look. I got some cobalt pants from Target that I love and now colored pants have made it onto my list of things to look for at the thrift store.

Day 7: Flower Power

   Shirt: Old Navy Skirt: Kohls Shoes: Target

          So if you adhere to the no white after labor day rule fret not I wore this labor day weekend and therefore broke no rules, though I don't really believe in fashion rules and will wear white whenever I feel like it.  This is another outfit comprised of clothes I've had for years and never really wear much. I used to wear the shirt a lot but it's seen better days and isn't really that great to begin with so it's sort of relegated to the back of my closet. In the beginning I was going to pair this skirt with a red and grey striped top but I decided it looked better with a solid top and this was one of the few ones that had a color that really worked with the skirt. The skirt I bought two years ago in a little pre-study abroad shopping trip. I went to Ecuador in spring 2009 for study abroad and wasn't really sure what the climate would be like so I figured I should have some items I could wear if I went somewhere really warm and/or had to be a little bit more put together. My program was based in Quito where it's pretty much like spring most of the year and layering was a must. I did go to warmer parts of the country but ultimately never wore the skirt. When I got back this got pushed to the back of my closet and I kind of forgot about it until this challenge came along and I rediscovered it. I really like this skirt, it has kind of a 50's-esque vibe which I always like and the print is kind of fun and interesting. I didn't really wear it much this summer but I'll definitely be wearing it more summer '12. This skirt has also made me a bit Ecuador nostalgic, I had such a good time there, if you're thinking of studying abroad in Latin America I definitely would look into programs in Ecuador. Anyway since I'm feeling nostalgic and recently spoke with my host niece/little sister Manuela I figured I'd also post a picture from Ecuador. Enjoy!


View of the Panicillo (Virgin of Quito, on the hill) from the Basilica in Quito



Day 6: Make it Classy add a blazer

 

 

Tang and my shoes

       Blazer & Belt: Target  Shirt: Old Navy Skirt: Thrift  Shoes: DSW

              Sorry for this slightly delayed post, I wore this and couple other outfits the last few weeks and took pictures this weekend but we changed internet providers and had a mini lapse in internet for few days. Anyway we're back up and running and I have a bunch of skirt challenge outfits to post and will hopefully be wrapping up this challenge soon. 

             On to the clothes! I wore this outfit to get up really early on a Saturday and try and get some amazing things at the final day of an estate sale. I totally lucked out and got all the pieces I wanted, about eight things for $40 bucks, all of which I'll show you in an up coming A Sale-ing We Shall Go. Most of this outfit I've had for a really long time. The blazer I think I've had for roughly five years and never really worn. I've never really been much of a blazer person, I think they look amazing on a lot of people and can really pull an outfit together but I've just never really gravitated towards them. I bought this one because I'm an avid What Not to Wear fan and Stacy and Clinton always praise a good blazer. Anyway I think I may be a convert now, I really like how the blazer pulled together the outfit and I think i'll have to start giving them more of a chance. The skirt was originally an 80's dress I got at Savers a couple years ago in a very last minute decision. I liked the color and pattern so I just decided to get it. When I got home I tried to twerk it and make it work as a dress but it just wasn't cutting it, so a year or so ago I cut my losses and made it into a skirt. I think I made the right decision. It's a lot more versitle as a skirt and I really like it. The only slight downfall is it's kinda sheer. It could probably use a slip but the only one I have is really long so I just wore it as is, I figure I don't really care if in the right sunlight you can kinda see the outline of my hips. 

      Anyway  you may have noticed a little furry friend at the bottom of a few of the pictures, that's one of the two cats behind Black Cat Lies, my fur baby Tang. Usually when i'm taking pictures she wonders what the hell i'm doing and comes over to meow at me and rub against my legs. As you can see she's not a black cat but she's adorable so you can't really complain too much. The other cat behind BCL is Diamond who isn't really a black cat, she's a torise shell, but she's mostly black so just go with it. You'll probably see more Tang pictures in the future since I can't resist a gratuitous cute cat picture and she always seems to be following me around when I take outfit pictures You probably wont see as much of Diamond, she's not as much of a ham but i'll try and post pictures of her too.