High heels, high expectations

This morning I posted an optimistic Facebook status:

I was glad it was so well-received, but I think that my reality fell flat of my hopes today. Sometimes you've got to crash and burn in order to learn something, right? You've got to take your critical feedback in stride and get right back on the horse. 

If you've got to fail, at least you can look like a winner while doing it. 

Blazer: Camden Market, London
Blouse: Thrifted
Skirt: Target
Tights: (probably) Forever 21

Shoes: Madden Girl (hand-me-up from little sister)
Brooch: Antique
Rings: Meijer jewelry counter
Photos: Hakala Imagery

This brooch is the most fabulous thing. Some close-ups of it in action, and me looking about as frazzled as I feel.

Tomorrow is a new day, folks. Fall down seven times, stand up eight.

"I whip my tail back and forth!"

Today's outfit post features a very special guest model. Her name is Willow.

Willow is my roommate's pit bull puppy. She is snuggly, snorty, and sweet... but, as we swiftly discovered, not the best at holding still for pictures. Even when we entice her with promises of toys and treats.

Distracted puppy is distracted.

I had a crappy day yesterday, so I decided to amp up my style to prevent a further mid-week slump. I am a firm believer in the Dolly Levi school of fashion—that is, to put on your Sunday clothes when you feel down and out. Nothing like a shift dress and your favorite heels to kick it up a notch, am I right?

And it worked! I felt cool and confident, and a man on the bus told me that I "belonged in Hollywood." I feel that I will always be a Midwestern gal at heart, but it's the thought that counts.

Blouse: Forever 21

Dress: JC Penney
Shoes: Forever 21
Necklace: ???
Nails: Color Club's "Pardon My French"

Photographs: Hakala Imagery

Ah, Willow. Next time we will do better at this whole picture thing.

"Teach me to be more adaptive!"

Today's lesson: do not make jambalaya in your class clothes. If you do, you will inevitably splatter vegetable oil all over your new skirt, because that is the way that the universe works (this is why we cannot have nice things, coincidentally).

I was able to salvage the skirt, thanks to the saintly folks at WikiHow, but my pride remains wounded. I once had a boyfriend whose mother refused to wear aprons because they were purportedly a tool of the patriarchy, but now I feel that I truly understand their value.

Top: H&M
Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: Forever 21
Shoes: Forever 21
Necklace: Forever 21 (probably?)
Ring: Vintage

Nails: Sinful Colors "Verbena" and OPI "Pamplona Purple"

I am still learning ~*appropriate fashion blogger hand placement*~ so that I don't look like an ape, obviously.

Thanks for taking these photos and making me your forest nymph, Jill.

I had planned for a cutesy rain photoshoot, but by the time we got outside, the sun was peeking out. Today was truly a day of flexibility—between the jambalaya fiasco, listening to tales of dynamic research questions in seminar, and consulting with my first client ever at the campus writing center. I struggled with the consultation at first: without revealing too many details, this client had a range of difficulties facing him as he attempted to compose his paper. I found it difficult to prescribe specific solutions to the issues that he was struggling with, so instead I highlighted the strengths that were already present. I offered praise and encouragement. I expanded upon the good parts. 

I did what I knew best—and what I could with what I was given. Sometimes that is all that you can do. Sometimes you can just scrub your skirt with a little dish soap and hope that the rest will come out in the wash.

PS: I am watching one of my favorite concert recordings as I blog, hence the title. Name that musical?!

Interviews and Opportunities.

I love this orange dress. It makes me feel like a super career woman who can meet deadlines faster than a speeding bullet, and wield her red pen of truth with unyielding precision.

Forget the jewel-toned, elbow-padded power suits that our foremothers wore: this is my power dress.

Today, in between my classes, I had an interview for a graduate position. I felt like I rocked it with my boundless enthusiasm, carefully articulated responses, and well-placed humor. It's amazing what a shift dress, a good home manicure (see my dove gray nails?) and kickin' pair of high heeled oxfords can do for your confidence.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Bongo, via TJ Maxx
Necklace: Forever 21 (Easter gift from my Mum)

Coat: Banana Republic
Scarf: Bought at a cheap import place in Pittsburgh's Strip neighborhood last weekend

PS: Sorry for the grainy pictures! I took them in a hurry so I could bask in the gorgeous weather outside.