Blue Collar Catwalk

friday was a long time ago

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:06:00 +0000

I wore this on Friday, which feels like it was a month ago. Starting last Thursday until this Thursday, I've been working at the local Grange Fair. For about 4-7 hours each day, I've been slinging trays of 15 apple and peach dumplings in and out of a convection oven. It makes for a really looong week, but it's something I've done since I was 14, so it's just a part of me. Though I will say, the long hours and lack of sleep definitely get to me by the end of the week.

As far as outfits go, forget it. Monday, I was so wiped out that I didn't even get dressed until I went to the fair, and yesterday, I just repeated a previous outfit. I did manage an outfit photo today, so it looks like I'll have a little something more for you this week.

Jacket: Wet Seal, $34 - Tank: Target, $9 - Jeans: c/o indidenim.com - Necklace: JCP, $20 - Shoes: 6pm.com, $40ish

happy birthday, iggy pop!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:48:00 +0000

I'm still alive! Just a super crazy week that I will be sure to fill you all in on sometime over the weekend. But I had to take a few minutes to wish my very special pup a happy, happy birthday! Iggy Pop turned 4 today! Here's some of his greatest moments. Enjoy!

My favorite Iggy picture of all time! When he was a pup, we would put his hair in a little topknot and it produced one wild faux-hawk when we took it out!

I made this shredded tee (complete with a cat head and cross bones) and guitar for his Halloween costume one year. He went to work with me at my old job and people would stop by just to see him.

That pink tongue!

Where he spends 90% of his day.

The other 10% is spent licking ... everything.

I love it when he does this. No one in the world could possibly feel happier than he seems when he gets to stick his head out the window. It's complete and utter freedom personified.

I swear he's part cat!

the day a squirrel almost killed me

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:54:00 +0000

The craziest thing happened to me yesterday! During my morning run, I heard the sound of someone throwing something toward me. It had to be pretty loud, since I could hear it over my iPod. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something whizzing out of the tree above me. I jumped back, nearly pooping my pants, when the object smacked the ground like a sack of potatoes.

Turns out, it was a SQUIRREL! It immediately stood up and zoomed off. I couldn't believe it! Just a foot to the right and it would have landed on my head!

So, moral of the story: heads up for falling squirrels!

After having the bejeebus scared out of me before 8am, I needed to relax. Hence the free flowing getup. Truthfully, I've just embarked on a long week, so laid-back, comfy and casual is the name of the game. Have a great weekend! And watch out for those squirrels!

P.S. Don't I look like I could fight crime in that last photo?

Shirt: Rue 21, $10 - Pants: The Rag and Bone vintage, $20 - Shoes: OTBT, $50 - Earrings: The Village Idiot, $16

mmm ... love

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:21:00 +0000

Would you stop reading my blog if I wore this everyday? Talk about an easy outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks! This dress already had a special place in my heart. The moment I put these shoes on with it, I was one big pile of mushy, googly-eyed love.

Now, I have a bit of a confession for you. Brace yourselves. I spent $50 on this cardigan! Whaaa...?! I know. It's so not like me, but this is how it went down. Last weekend, I went to the outlets in Hershey and found myself in the Ralph Lauren outlet. I looked around, scoffed at the prices and was on my way out the door when I spotted this sweater. Love at first sight - the buttons, the thin, yet tightly woven cotton, that dreamy camel color. The price tag was $70 with 30% off. At first, I kept walking. Then, I had this thought - why don't you invest in a quality piece? This is something you will not find in good condition in a thrift store.

So, I had a little "when in Rome" moment. Only in this case, Rome was a Ralph Lauren outlet in Chocolate Town, USA and I was plopping out 50 bones for a basic cardigan. The good news, though? I don't regret it for a second. This cardigan is filled a long-time hole in my wardrobe ... and my heart.

Cardigan: Ralph Lauren, $50 - Dress: thrifted and hemmed, $5 - Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross, $17
*Even with the splurge for the cardigan, this outfit still comes in well under $100!*

you called it

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:38:00 +0000

When I featured these pants in last Thursday's remix post, a lot of you mentioned wearing them with army green. I agree whole-heartedly and wasted no time pairing them with my new utility jacket.

I'm a little luke warm on this, but it could just be because I was really tired (my eyes were closed in most of my pictures) and wasn't quite feeling up to par. Oh, well - tomorrow's another day...

Shirt: thrifted, free - Jacket: Wet Seal, $35 - Pants: B Green Loft, $7 - Shoes: Ross, $9

just for fun

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

I love the nights when I sit down with my dinner plate to see that it's overflowing with fresh, yummy goodies. The other night, I had seasoned garbanzo beans, roasted cauliflower, and garden-fresh cuke salad topped with garden-fresh tomatoes. Yum, yum, YUM!

graphic novel winner and more!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:40:00 +0000

According to random.org, the winner of the Comic Swap, Inc. giveaway is comment #40 - Mary! Mary, drop me an email with your mailing address by Friday, and we'll get your new graphic novels to you in a jiffy! I can't wait to hear how you like them!

If you didn't win, but you are interested in learning more about comics and graphic novels, drop the guys at the Comic Swap an email. They really know their stuff and can recommend something you're sure to love. They also offer mail order and a subscription (comics and graphic novels) service, so check them out!

Thanks to all of you who entered! It was awesome reading your comments and the books that you're loving now. The feedback and interest was overwhelming! You guys rock!

not so golden hour

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Yesterday was one of those late-August days that brings the first taste of fall. Not only was it cool and rainy, but the shortening of the days is not so subtle anymore. Just a couple of weeks ago, the perfect golden hour was just after 7 o'clock. This week, that same time is grey and gloomy.

As sad as I will am to see summer on its way out, yesterday's weather did afford me the opportunity to wear one of my new purchases from this past weekend. One of the must-have items on my fall list was a green safari/military-style jacket with a drawstring waist. I've come across a couple of styles that were close, but no cigar. Of all places, I found exactly what I wanted at Wet Seal!

There wasn't a whole lot of forethought that went into this outfit. It was planned in my head while I was rushing through the shower to get out of the house on time. Luckily, it all came together just as I'd hoped - casual, pulled together and totally me!

Jacket: Wet Seal, $35 - Tee: American Apparel, c/o Buffalo Exchange - Skirt: Target, $17

Shoes: Boutique 9 via Gilt.com, free w/credit

ramblings of a monday afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:24:00 +0000

It's that time again ... already.

1. I spent most of the weekend mourning the end of summer. That's right - the students are back in town and classes started today. I cannot believe how fast the last 2 months have flown by. Why can't February and March go just as fast?

2. Like I said, the students are back in town, which means about 20-30K people were moving in on Friday and Saturday. In an attempt to get the hell out of dodge, John and I went on a little day trip. I was in the mood to do something fun that didn't involve food or sweating - easy to please, I know. John jokingly suggested the casino in Harrisburg (he's a bit of a gambler, that guy) and was shocked when I said, "Okay, let's do it!" But instead of going to the casino with him, I dropped him (and two friends) off there and spent the day at the nearby Hershey Outlets. It was perfect - a day together spent apart. Haha. It's nice to do the things you love and have a nice car ride to come together and share the happenings of the day. The only downfall to that plan is that we had two other guys in tow, so the conversation on the way home was predominantly focused around poker and poo. Boys never grow up. Any girls wanna join me next time?

3. I have to admit, I really like shopping by myself. Anyone else like that? There's no distractions, no expectations to be social and nobody else's schedule but my own. It's just so relaxing to me, even if I don't buy anything. I lucked out, though, and picked up a jacket and 3 sweaters. Now, I just need some cooler temperatures. Well, today delivered that. Fall is creeping in, no doubt.

4. Another monumental mark to the end of summer is fair time. That's right - the Grange Fair starts this week. Already! So, starting Thursday, I'll be working 'round the clock (what's new) as I spend my nights making homemade apple dumplings and peach dumplings and dipping homemade ice cream. It's a deliciously fattening week. I'll be chewing a lot of gum!

5. Check out my guest post over at Distinctly Desiree where I've outlined a quick primer to print mixing. Also, I'm featured in Glamour.com's latest slide show here. Thanks so much, you guys!

modesty is hot

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Oh, Friday - seems like so long ago.

I went with an uber comfy jersey pairing that I wore last summer. However, it seems that I've come down with a slight case of modesty since then, because I felt compelled to throw my sleeveless jacket over this before heading out the door.

It was righteously hot out, though and modesty quickly lost out. I shed the jacket and pulled my hair back shortly after work to keep from melting. And now, a mere 4 days later, the temperature is topping out at 68°. Fall is a-comin'...

Tank: Target, $6 - Skirt: Target, $19 - Shoes: Ross, $9 - Necklace: Macy's, $10

don't forget...

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:30:00 +0000

Don't forget to enter the Comic Swap, Inc graphic novel giveaway!

basic

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:49:00 +0000

The only drawback of a dslr is that it's not idiot proof. And some days, I'm an idiot. I forgot to change the white balance, so these pictures were blue and needed some serious TLC and photoshop lovin.' Yesterday was a busy day, spent mostly on my feet. I feel like I kind of phoned it in, and then threw on a giant piece of jewelry to pretend I didn't.

Everyone should have a pair of drapey white linen pants in their summer wardrobe. Comfy, chic and easy. Unfortunately, mine have spent most of the summer in my to-be-ironed pile. Sad, I know, but there are just too many other exciting things to do besides iron. Hope you find one of those things this weekend! Have a good one!

This is what you get when you say "nice butt."

Sleeveless jacket: Sears, $25 - Tank: Target, $6 - Shoes: Ross, $9 - Pants: JCP, $18 - Necklace: JCP, $20

on safari we go

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:19:00 +0000

These pictures don't quite do this outfit justice. I hate it when that happens. Especially because I loved wearing it!

I picked up this shirt for $10. I was looking for a safari-esque green shirt and this was the closest I could find. I fell in love with the buttons down the back. This time, I chose to tie the tails in the back - next time, maybe I'll try tying the ones in the front. So fun!

Shirt: Rue 21, $10 - Pants: Thrifted, 30¢ - Shoes: Target, $17 - Necklace: Gift from Desiree

four for thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:01:00 +0000

More remixing! How would you style these funky pants? And which one is your favorite?

May

June

happy birthday, mom

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:21:00 +0000

Happy birthday to the best mom a girl could hope for - one who has chosen to live a fulfilling life and always looks good doing it. I can't imagine a better role model.

Can you believe this picture is nearly 30 years old?! Also ... those are some bitchin' shades.

Love you!

hot tomale

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:02:00 +0000

I had some mixed feelings on this outfit. I 99% loved and 1% was annoyed with my pants. The waist is so big that it tends to bunch a little funky, which is not nearly as cool as a funky bunch. Haha - I kill myself! Anyway, so, yeah, the funky bunching (holding back shameless giggles) was the only thing keeping this from being a ten in my book.

I picked up this vintage blouse at The Rag and Bone this past week - just before the parking ticket incident. Totally worth it. I couldn't resist the pretty embroidery on the pretty sage green cotton. Add a little gold and a little zebra and you're good to go!

The only downfall of a shirt this festive? Every time I looked down today, all I could think about was yummy Mexican cuisine. Guess what we had for dinner.

Shirt: The Rag and Bone Vintage, store credit + $6 parking ticket

Cargos/Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $26/$8 - Shoes: Target, $17

five for five

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:56:00 +0000

I give you the "big splurge" dress remix #5. Love. It. This dress can do no wrong.

This time, I used the big necklace in place of the corset's zipper detail to totally change up the look. And then kept it more work appropriate with the vest. Of course.

This necklace was another one of those purchases that I slept on. I carried it around the store with me for about 20 minutes last week, then put it back. Then went back 2 days later to buy it. So glad I did, though. It's the bomb...

On a completely unrelated topic, I'm so psyched at your response to the Comic Swap, Inc. graphic novel giveaway! I'm loving the comments and learning what your favorite books are - thank you, thank you, thank you for participating! Truly, I have the coolest readers. Please know how much your readership and comments mean to me - they undoubtedly make me smile every day. End gushing. No, but really ... you're the best.

Dress: Kohl's $36 - Vest: Charlotte Russe: $13 - Necklace: JCP, $20 - Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction, $40ish

ramblings of a monday afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:00:00 +0000

This weekend went fast! Too fast!

1. It all started with a whirlwind of a Friday. I delivered 2 jobs, worked at another, then drove to my parents to surprise my mom for her birthday, bid a friend farewell as she prepares for a move to the west coast and bought my little brother a birthday drink. Then, drove home. Needless to say, I was exhausted on Saturday!

2. I got an f-ing parking ticket this weekend! Oh, I was pissed! For a small town, the price of parking downtown is ridiculous - you get 15 minutes for a quarter! Anyway, it was 5:30 on a Saturday evening no less, and when I got to my car, the dude was giving me a ticket. He even handed it to me and never said a word. Uh, thanks?

3. We went to see The Kids Are All Right yesterday. It was a great movie, but single-handedly triggered a series of events that can only be referred to as "The Twizzler Debacle of 2010." I really wanted Twizzler Nibs to eat during the movie and even worked them into my food plan for the day. When we stopped at Sheetz to get some, they only had the big bag, which I didn't want. Regular Twizzlers were more calories and such than I anticipated, so five minutes and 6 labels later, I panicked and grabbed the best choice I could - a York Peppermint Patty. Unfortunately, I didn't want a peppermint patty. Sooo, I pouted the rest of the way to the theater and then ended up paying $3.75 (more than I paid for a fully-lined pair of JCrew wool trousers at Goodwill the day before!) for a bag of Twizzlers when we get there. Highway robbery and I was the sucker.

4. Last week, I caught The Big Chill on TV. Man oh man, I loooooove that movie! Then, this morning, I caught the second half of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, 80's fashion, dance and a pre-teen Shannon Doherty. What's not to love?

5. September issues are all over the news stands already! What's the best fall fashion spread you've seen so far? I'm dying to know!

seeing spots

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:28:00 +0000

Was it cool in your parts this weekend? It was here. Yesterday topped out at a mild 70°, yet today hit 80° at 10 this morning. I guess a couple cool days in the midst of this heat and humidity can be a welcome respite. Especially when you have a groovy new pair of pants to wear!

Found these babies on a Saturday afternoon Goodwill outing. *Love* They were the perfect tool-around-town pants. We spent our Sunday reading mags at Barnes & Noble, grocery shopping and catching a matinee. These babies were comfy, comfy, comfy. And who can resist those bubbly dots?

I really loved how they paired with this pinstripe top and brown leather wedges. AND these funky cicada earring I got from The Village Idiot 's etsy shop. They arrived Thursday, and I haven't taken them off since!

This combination kept inspiring me to make little heart shapes with my fingers and sing "love" in my most lovesick girly voice. All of which inspired John to give me the side eye on more than one occasion. Ah, love...

Shirt: Gap, $? - Pants: Thrifted, $2 - Shoes: OTBT via endless.com, $50

comic swap, inc. giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:21:00 +0000

Let's start the week off right, shall we?

Thanks to Comic Swap, Inc., I've got a prize pack of THREE graphic novels up for grabs. I picked the titles myself, and I promise, they will not disappoint!

This prize pack includes:

1. Pedro & Me by Judd Winick - Remember the days when The Real World was one of the only reality shows on TV and it was actually awesome? You may remember Judd and Pedro from those days - more specifically The Real World: San Francisco. The is an amazing story about Pedro's life and struggle with HIV, as told by his Real World friend Judd. It's an incredible read that will surely bring you to tears.

2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home by Joss Whedon - Since I know a lot of you are Buffy fans, I thought this would be a great pick. To be honest, I haven't read this series, yet - but it comes highly recommended. It picks up right where the TV series left off, and since it's written by Joss Whedon himself, you can trust that your favorite characters remain intact.

3. Echo: Moon Lake by Terry Moore - This is the second series by my all time favorite comic writer and artist Terry Moore. His first series Strangers in Paradise is nothing short of perfection and will most definitely be a great future giveaway. Until then, this sci-fi story contains the best of Moore's story-telling, flawless art and incredible characters.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post. If you're a comic reader, I would love to know your favorite books. If not, what intrigues you most about graphic novels?

For bonus entries:

1. Follow Blue Collar Catwalk

2. Like Comic Swap, Inc. on Facebook

3. Follow Comic Swap on Twitter

Remember to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Contest ends Sunday, August 22 at midnight EST. Be sure to check back next Monday when I will announce the winner! Open to US residents only (sorry, guys!).

cpw

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:36:00 +0000

For those of you keeping track (all zero of you, I imagine), the cost per wear on this dress is now $9. That's all for now. I'm off for a whirlwind kind of day. Have a great weekend!

Dress: Kohl's, $36 - Jacket: Ross, $9 - Shoes: Ross, $9

it doesn't have to be hard

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:40:00 +0000

Shirt, skirt, shoes ... done.

Some days, I can get so carried away accessorizing and so on, but really, it doesn't have to be that hard. Especially when you have a fantastic skirt like this. I can't wait to wear this into the fall with tights and boots. Just to clarify that - I can't wait to wear this skirt with tights and boots, not to be confused with I can't wait for cold weather. If it never dropped below 60, I'd be a happy camper.

Aaanyway, the only little extra I needed with this was a hot pink pout -

the perfect accessory for any look!

Shirt: Target, $13 - Skirt: Target, $17 - Shoes: OTBT via endless.com, $50

planes, trains and boomerangs

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:02:00 +0000

Behold the fruit of my weekend productivity! I finally rescued this thrifted dress from my "to be altered" pile. Is it not fantastic?! I picked it up about a month ago. The sad thing is that I saw it there one day and decided not to get it. Then, I came home and couldn't get that cute little peplum and boomerang print out of my mind. I figured if it was still there the next time I went, then is was meant to be. Nothing like letting fate build your wardrobe, huh? Why do I contemplate such purchases? We're talking $5 here, people! It should have been a no-brainer!

I removed the matching belt and shortened it quite a bit. It's definitely on the shorter side of what I wear, but I think it's okay - it'll be perfect over tights this fall. Remember back in March when I said I would be avoiding short skirts in the summer? Yay for grown confidence! Just think of all the great looks I would've missed out on!

Dress: thrifted, $5 - Shoes: Target, $17 - Lipstick: Revlon Certainly Red

because five is never enough

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Last week, I showed you the five ways I've worn this shirt. Well, here's another one for you! This time, I changed it up yet again. I started out with it belted, but wasn't really feeling comfortable with it, so wrapped and pinned until I came up with this. Gotta say, it sure beats wearing a belt.

The skirt is a recent Target purchase. I absolutely adore the zebra print (especially after Noel's version) and the fabric is a heavy bottom weight with a lining, so it will be perfect over tights in the colder months. I did, however, alter tquite a bit - cut 4" off, stitched the pockets closed (slash pockets and I do not get along), and closed the back slit. I love it!

Sheesh! This outfit is full of new purchases! The shoes are one of the pairs I ordered last week. They were half off and everything I've been looking for in a wedge for over a year now. I love them so much, let me count the ways:

1. They are wedge, but with very little rise, which means no pain!

2. They are thick leather straps with a suede-covered platform, so they will work perfectly with socks in the colder months.

3. They are a beautiful brown color, sure to go with everything!

So, yeah, I'm in love. I'm also in love with this bag. I haven't bought a bag in a long time. For two reasons really. First of all, it is impossible to find a high quality, yet affordable bag these days and two, even the cheap bags are expensive. I found this at Ross and had no intention of shopping for a bag that day. While glimpsing through the bag selection, I caught this out of the corner of my eye. It was nearly $40, which is more than I care to spend on most things, but I love it - the slouchy shape and drawstring top were exactly what I wanted. There's nothing like looking at a new purchase the next day and still loving it. No regrets over this one!

Top: B Green Loft, $5 - Skirt: Target, $15 - Shoes: OTBT via endless.com, $50 - Bag: Ross, $37

ramblings of a monday afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (Kyla) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:06:00 +0000

I kicked this weekend's ass, you guys!

1. Some crazy tidal wave of motivation came over me this weekend and I was CRAZY productive. Activities included, but were not limited to, one of my best runs ever, organizing months worth of paperwork and piles, naked tub scrubbing (admit it - you've done it), nearly doubling my wardrobe by ironing, going gangbusters on my "needs altered" pile, and making a serious dent in an invitation order. It was awesome!

2. To cap off all the awesomeness, we went to my mother-in-law's for dinner last night. She made rice balls. They were amazing. If you don't know what a rice ball is, man, are you missing out! Imagine the love child of yummy sticky Italian rice and a mozzarella stick - perfectly spherical in shape and sinfully delectable in taste. That, my friends, is a rice ball.

3. It came in the mail, you guys! I actually got a "Babysitter of the Year" certificate in the mail today. Thanks, A! I totally laughed out loud when I got it!

4. The comic book store in my previous post is Comic Swap, Inc. and is the store that my husband just bought back in June. People often ask if I work there with him. No, I do not. Someday, I might, but for now, I think we're all happier working our own gigs and talking about it when we get home. Anyway, would you guys be interested in winning a few of my favorite graphic novels?

5. I'm officially starting to make some fall purchases. Ack! I always start from the bottom up. So, last week, I bought three, yes, three pairs of shoes. Don't worry, I got a good deal!