Fall-ing back to summer?

leather jacket: ONLY, via Wilson's Leather (similar faux option)

sweater: TJ Maxx (similar)

corduroy skirt: Forever 21 (cute option)

tights: Nine West, via Marshall's (similar)

boots: Diba, via DSW (similar light brown version)

infinity scarf: Forever 21 (similar)

sunglasses: Forever 21 (splurge or save)

The weather in Texas today is what most meteorologists would describe as "unseasonably warm."  We're pushing the 80s here, people!  What happened to fall and the glorious layers of scarves and tights and cardigans that come with it?!

While I'm sporting a short sleeve shirt and a skirt (without tights) in today's November heat wave, I'm thankful for the cooler days we've had this season...like last Wednesday when I wore this outfit.

So, fall (do you prefer the more formal 'autumn,' dear season of mine?), if you're listening, feel free to come back to Texas at anytime.  My closet will thank you with seasonably appropriate ensembles.

p.s. If you have a few minutes, would you please fill out this survey about health?  It's for a research paper I'm working on for my Sociology of Health class, but don't worry...all answers are anonymous.  Thanks!

DFW readers - don't forget: you can get 10% off of laser and spa services at ATI Laser Clinic!  See this post for more details.



Rainy weather fashion

Rain, rain, go away by jessicamarie626 featuring rubber wedge boots

We've had some pretty gloomy weather in these parts lately, and it's no secret that I hate the rain.  However, the weather would be far more tolerable if I was splashing through puddles in this cute rain-ready outfit.

Do you like rainy weather?

Sweater weather

Sweater Weather by jessicamarie626 featuring a studded satchel

Who's ready for sweater weather?  I am!!

Happy Independence Day everyone!  (And happy birthday to my niece Keira and my husband Caleb!  I'm enjoying time with them at Disney World right now!)

Let's hope this post doesn't vanish

 Let me start off by saying that I really wanted to get this post up last night, but couldn't because Blogger was down.  Please don't mistake this for an apology - Blogger is the one who owes an apology to everyone who uses the platform.  Having a post delayed is annoying, but it's really not that huge of a deal.

What is a big deal is the fact that I spent a LOT of time and energy on my last post.  It wasn't just a typical ol' outfit post, either.  I discussed struggling with fibromyalgia and the decision to go medicine free and improve the quality of my life by natural means.  It was cathartic to write and make the collages necessary for the post, and I also hoped it would inspire other people to dedicate themselves to taking care of their bodies.

A splendiferous evening

I live a simple life, but I love every minute of it.

Some colors are more equal than others

I usually think I look awful in red, but this deeper cranberry color always tends to catch my eye.  I've learned that jewel tones complement my skin tone better than most brights.

Are there any colors that you think just don't suit you?  You know...colors that you put on and just feel like, how shall I say, bleh?  Hear my sad story [enter violins playing somber music]...

School's out, fashion's in

Let me just say that I am so excited to do some fun writing right now!!

Today marked the official end of my third semester in grad school.  All of my final papers are turned in, and I feel so wonderful to have completed this semester!  [insert sigh of relief here]

Don't get me wrong - I absolutely LOVE school.  But when final papers come up, I spend a whole lot of hours staring at a computer screen and typing.  I wrote a paper for hours on end yesterday, and I was way too exhausted to make a blog post.  But, alas, I have returned refreshed and revived.  (Alliteration, much?)

The hubby, Caleb, and I went out for dinner and drinks tonight, and it provided some much needed downtime.  I got to chow down on one of my favorite foods - fish tacos...yum!  The thought of them used to gross me out, but the last time I visited my brother in San Diego he finally convinced me to try one, and I've been hooked ever since.  So if you made a squishy face at the mention of fish tacos, open your mind!  They are de-lish!

Going out for dinner was kind of a last minute idea, so I didn't have much time to get ready.  I wanted to put something together that didn't take a whole lot of thought but would still be cute for a date night.  I grabbed a tank with a little front ruffle detail and a cardigan and matched them up with some skinny jeans and flats...always an easy look.  I decided to try peep toe flats one more time before the weather becomes too terribly cold.  Since I live in Texas, I can push this more than most states.

I slicked my hair back with a headband and added some fun earrings and a large ring.  And by the way, I've had a thing for rings lately.  I used to never wear them...literally.  Well, I've always worn my engagement and wedding rings on my left hand, but I used to never wear anything on my right hand.  For some reason, it would drive me crazy.  I'd be bothered by the ring on my right hand and eventually take it off.

Then it hit me - I like rings.  Every time I'd look at an accessory section I'd always glance that way, but I wouldn't dare touch.  So, I decided I needed to get over my weird ring phobia and suck it up.  I bought several rings last week, and I've loved every minute with them.  I want more!

To top off my look, I grabbed a colorful clutch, which I absolutely love.  It's my go-to clutch when I want to infuse a little color into my ensemble.  I grabbed a simple black blazer and headed out the door.  I was date ready!  (And hungry.)

I recruited Caleb as my photographer.  I learned very quickly that self-portraits are not easy!

Smile worthy:
Fish earrings and
colorful clutch.