I say Yee Haw!

I've been scouring hundreds of pages of country-western wear on my search for the perfect dress for attending an upcoming country concert. I really was about to give up. The more I looked, the more discouraged I became. The problem was that I had no idea where to look for it. Is it that hard to find cute western wear? But, I knew that it MUST exist having seen many country videos of hot stars rocking cute little country-western styles. Suddenly a flashbulb went off! Free People!!! They aren't western per se, but you could definitely say they rock a bohemian/western vibe. I was surprised at how many cute dresses they had to offer. Of course not everything I liked would work on my body, I'm fairly sure their styles are geared more toward the 20 somethings, but I was able to narrow it down.

Here is the dress I picked out. When I think country-western I regularly think of plaid, but I'm not into plaid. The more I looked at Pinterest the more I discovered that lace can be very western also. It's a little country & classy all in one. I thought this would work great for an evening look.

Free People Maya Off Shoulder Mini (see more black velvet skirts)

There is only one problem with the dress, and it's not the dress. It's going to be cold in Chicago and I am often caught out in a cute little dress and freezing my butt off. I was originally looking for a jean jacket, but I'm not sure I'd get much wear out of it. I love denim, love...love...love it, but usually only on my legs. I ran across this jacket which has the feel of a denim jacket but well, it's not. Don't you just love the deep red color!

Free People Fitted Utility Jacket (see more Free People)

Now that I have the dress and the jacket down, I'm going to need a belt. I love the belt that the model is rocking in the dress pick, but at $128 maybe I could find something a little cheaper. When I find myself buying an outfit for an event I try to save money where I can like in the accessories. I found this cute belt at Free People also. It appears to be the same color as the jacket, and right now I'm not sure if that is too matchy for me. Again, I love the deep red color and I think once I lose the jacket at the concert, the matchy-matchy thing won't be an issue.

Free People Z & L Wilder Leather Belt (see more 100 leather belts)

Here it is all put together, the best that I could arrange it, on Polyvore (It's been a couple of years since I used it). I will need everything by next Friday, since the concert is on Saturday. I'm so hoping that everything will arrive in a timely manner, fit properly and that I'll look cute as Daisy Duke!  :D

My First Country Concert by justchar featuring a fitted jacket

Free People fitted jacket
freepeople.com

Free People black lace mini skirt
freepeople.com

Sparkly earrings
calypsostbarth.com

Free People 100 leather belt
freepeople.com

Dan Post Moon and Stars Boot

History

My last post on my blog was over two years ago. I think I lost my blogging edge, got too busy with life, or just perhaps wasn't sure where to go with it. First off, I decided to make Erato's Closet my own personal blog. For a long while I shared it with my friend Soraya and as things happen we both lost that blogging feeling. I've cleaned up the blog and now it is just my posts. 

Looking back through my blog, I am tickled at all the outfits that I modeled and purchased, because now I can't wear most of it. :-/ Here it is two years later and I'm 20 lbs heavier. I still have all those wonderful Anthropologie pieces sitting around in boxes, determined to either lose the weight or sell all of it. I haven't figured what I will do yet, but one thing I do know...marriage make me gain weight. I gained 20lbs during my first marriage, and then lost it during the divorce, but here I am again 20lbs heavier. I've asked my husband to divorce me so I'll be skinny again, but the answer is always no. (He loves me through thin...and thick). The thing is that I'm more comfortable in my own skin than I have ever been in my life. Yes, I could stand to lose several pounds and a few inches of belly jiggle, but that doesn't own me. I'm more concerned with being happy now, and I have to say other than a little fat, my life is great!  Cheers to blogging again!

Let's get to it...

I can't decide what to wear to my first country concert. My husband wants me to wear a cute dress with cowgirl boots, but I envision an all American tee with some cut off shorts and boots. However, I'm probably too old for short shorts anymore, so I'm trying to gear myself toward finding a comfy, yet stylishly sex country dress to go with these fabulous boots that I just purchased. The outfit is partly for me, but mostly for him. If he can go to dance clubs with me in NYC, then I can put on my western wear and have a "yee haw" time with him.  It's what you do.

Dan Post Moon and Stars Boot by justchar on Polyvore

MYHABIT
pinterest.com

OOTD

Happy Pi Day!

On my feet...

Frye Gerry Metal Bead Sandals

Springing forward and moving onward!

I'm going to do some posting about spring, debt, new purchases, and perhaps a little spring cleaning too!  Okay, axe the latter.

Can you believe it has been almost 2 month since my last post?!?!  January 19th was my last post to be exact.  If you've forgotten who I am, hi everyone.  I'm Char!  I'm looking forward to the coming spring, minus the terrible allergies I've been having, because I love spring colors and cute little dresses.  I started this blog last spring inspired by the new plant life blooming and all things bright, warm, and happy.

I, probably just like most of you, receive a Hautelook email daily about current sale and coming sales.  For me, I either eagerly open the email or delete it sight unseen for fear of spending money.  A little history...I'm currently 4 months away from paying off all my credit card debt.  I've learned that shopping isn't good for my credit cards, nor the limited budget I've been on for AWHILE now.  Debt is one of the main reasons I've been away so long from the blog.  It's really, really hard for me to blog about clothing when I have nothing new to show.  However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  The closer I get to my goal of paying off all my credit card debt, the more cash flow I have to buy new things; I'll pay with cash of course.  That's right, no more credit.  Here is to my future...a cash only, spend thrifty, happy little spring place!
^-^

I think I got off topic a little, I do that sometimes.  My recent purchases from Hautelook:

Loveappella - Angle Maxi Skirt

 Loveappella - Strapless Maxi Dress

Bought this in gray too! 

Loveappella - Strapless Pocket Dress

I've also made a new purchase recently that doesn't fall into the area of fashion.  I definitely think it will affect my future fashion purchases and the need not to have to totally replace my wardrobe.   I recently quit smoking; I am three weeks tabacco free. Yay me!  However, in three short weeks I can already tell that I've been gaining a few pounds.  I could actually use 5 lbs because I've always been told that I'm too skinny.  Unfortunately for me any new weight I put on goes to all the wrong places.  Right now my extra weight is going to my tummy, and yes it is giving me the dreaded spare tire look.  Disgusting right?  I think so.  To battle the bulge I've purchased this contraption, so maybe now instead of just sitting around watching Netflix, I can step to it too!

Ebay win!

I drooled over the Cultivated Maxi at Anthropologie for quite awhile.  After some time, I just forgot about it because it was out of my "comfort" price range.  I saw one on Ebay today at a greatly reduced price, bid on it, and won!  Yay!  I can't wait until spring, though I'm sure with the right cardigan I can wear this now.

Past Due Outfit Posts

WISPY POINTELLE CARDI

I bought this cardi when they were having the 30% sale because it looked really cute on the website and the model.  I thought it would be easier to pair this cardi with almost anything, but I'm having difficulties, because it is fitted on the waist.  I tried wearing it open, but I thought it looked messy.  On this day I paired it with Anthro's Loosened Shelby Blouse, Tag Jeans, and my most favorite Minnetonka Front Lace Hardsole Knee Hi Boot.  

FLARED & CABLED SWEATER DRESS

I'm kind of on the fence with the way this dress fits.  I think it is really cute, but it could be cut a little slimmer in the waist.  The dress definitely looks better belted, so I thought I would add a splash of color with a Merona turquoise belt and Seychelles Password pumps.  I also found that because of the way the neck is cut that it looks better on me with my hair up.  :)

Hautelook Blowout Jean Sale!

I haven't been buying jeans that often, but over the past month Hautelook has had some incredible deals on jeans.  I'm assuming they are closeout styles, but at 75% off who can complain.  I eagerly bought a few pairs, but unfortunately the True Religion Billy Straight Leg Disco Fever Jean in Lonestar got cancelled.  :(  Here is what I did receive:

William Rast Sadie Straight Leg Jean in Hurricane

The William Rast fit TTS to a bit small.  I bought these in a 26 which is my normal size and they fit perfectly.  However, I just recently bought a pair of Seven For All Mankind Rockers in a 25, which also fit perfectly.  We all know how jean sizing can be all over the place, so if they fit irregardless of the size printed on the tag, who cares!

 7 For All Mankind Women Dojo Flare Leg Jean in Worn Hawthorn

I bought these Seven for All Mankind Dojo in my normal 26 and they fit a bit big.  I'm not sure if it is enough to go down to a size 25, so with a belt they will work out just fine!  These Dojos are super long too at a 35" inseam, I will definitely need to hem about an inch so they don't drag all over the floor.

Needled Paths Sweater Skirt

Gotta love things that are 50% off, especially sweater skirts!  Update:  I just got an email saying the skirt sold out.  Boo!

Everyone Loves a Jean Sale!

The holiday season is probably the worst time of the year for me to control my spending habits.  Not only do I have to buy gifts for my friends and loved ones, but they put so many great sales out there that it is hard to resist buying myself stuff.  Take for instance these 7 For All Mankind jeans.  I love their jeans, but typically they are out of my price range unless I buy them used or deeply discounted.  The other day I just happened upon a midnight sale at Hautelook where they had a dozen or so jeans for sale.  They didn't have many sizes available and my size in the few pairs that I was looking out were in somebody else's shopping cart.  Through persistance and constant page refreshing once my size popped out of a cart, I managed to snag a pair of Pine Shore Rockers.  Well, actually they aren't my size...a 25 and a 34.5" inseam, but since I always need to use a belt to keep my jeans up and I typically wear heels, I'm hoping these will work out just fine.  For $47 I figure if they don't work, I'll just sell them.

A girl needs new things...

I didn't want to combine wedding and new purchases into one post, so I'm making another post...two posts in one day!  Go me!  LOL!  I haven't purchased anything from Anthro in awhile because I've been trying to save money and pay off debt, but every once in awhile a girl needs new things.  When I saw this sweater dress I just had to purchase it, I love anything sweater.  I couldn't buy just the dress of course, I had to have things to pair with it. Here are my latest Anthro purchases:

WISPY POINTELLE CARDI

FLARED & CABLED SWEATER DRESS

COLOR PALETTE TIGHTS, DARK GREY

My idea is to combine all three things I purchased into one outfit.  The gold sweater dress looked really cute with the grey tights in their catalog photo, so I thought I would try to recreate the same look.  I added a grey cardigan because it is winter and one can't run around sleeveless, not that it is even the slightest bit cold right now where I live.

It's been awhile...

I've been away from the blog for a bit.  I realized that after I started going back to school, between it, work, son, and getting married that I didn't have time to blog.  I'm glad Soraya has been keeping up our blog for us and for me.  What did I say, married?  Yes!  I got married on 11/11/11 to my best friend and soul-mate, he is the one for me in every way.  We had a very small ceremony with just family and my one friend Sarah who introduced us way back in jr. high school.  I'm so glad that we reunited after all these years.  Here are some of my wedding pictures that I would like to share with everyone, you should if you love Anthro, recognize the dress.  :)

Our friend Sarah who introduced us.  :)

New AG Jeans!

It's been awhile since I've bought anything, a couple of sad closet months.  I've been due to buy something, and at long last I've finally purchased something...a new pair of jeans!  In the past jeans were like my Anthropologie, but having accumulated so many I realized over time that I really didn't need any more jeans.  It has been at least a year since my last jean purchase and I decided that I deserved a new pair and what do you know a sale.  *Happy Dance*

I've heard a lot of favorable reviews about AGs and the Angel cut in particular, so I thought I would try a pair.  It is getting colder here and I tend to wear more grays and blacks in the fall/winter so I opted for the dark wash.  Here is hoping that I love them! :)

AG Angel in Perry Dark Wash

Tuesdays exams

I hope everyone had a good Labor Day weekend, and for those of you not in the States I hope you had a good regular weekend too!

I took my first test today in Accounting I.  I was soo nervous because it was the first exam I've taken in a million years, so it felt like.  As soon as I received my exam my mind went blank.  *POOF*   Not good.  I read over the test and it started to come back to me.  Debit=Credits.  The increase side of an account is the normal side.  *WHEW*  In my blur I even answered some questions wrong, luckily I was smart and went back over the test twice after completing it.  I'm hoping for an A, but I'll take a B.  I hope at the next exam my mind won't choose that moment to go blank.  :P

I don't have any pictures for today.  Sorry.  Maybe I will go take a pic in the restroom, even though I detest those toilet photos....LOL!  No offense to anyone.

Ramblings...

I liked Soraya's post on thoughts, so here are some of the things that I have been thinking about.  


1.  I'm taking an accounting class.  The first week was great, I totally got everything.  Now that we've begun the second week, I'm starting to get lost.  To me, it makes no sense that to add an asset like cash to an account is considered a debit.  This goes against everything I know.  + cash = credit.  Yes?  No.  Must rewire my brain.


2.  I detest having a kid on my son's soccer team when their parent is the coach.  Why is it that their kid never listens, distracts everyone, and wastes time.  I think it should be illegal to coach your own child's team.  Period.  


3.  One of these days I'd like to get a DVR so I can record the shows that I like to watch but never am able to because they conflict with my whole dinner and put my son to bed routine.  I should buy one, but when it comes down to it I'd rather buy a new Anthro top or a pair of shoes.  =D


4.  Living with your partner/spouse/fiancé  has its benefits and downfalls.  Sharing expenses=good.  Having more laundry to wash=bad.  Getting help with chores=good.  Waiting for him to unplug=bad.  Getting to sleep together every night=good.  Having to share the TV during football season=bad, unless it's the Hogs and then I'll watch.  Having someone around all the time=undecided.  LOL!  No, really I like having him around, but I will say that I do miss those occasional Thursday nights when I could lay on the couch and do whatever I wanted without having to discuss or consult with anyone.  All in all it has been a positive experience, and I should hope so because it has only been a month.


5.  Seriously, how many more reality shows can we make?  Is Jersey Shore really reality?  I hope not.  I live in reality, I watch TV to ESCAPE reality.  Enough with the talent, dancing, surviving and opening suitcase TV crap.  I want the fantasy.


That is all for today.

Multi Purpose Picture Post

OOTD on 8/24

I love wearing new things.  My Expanding Horizons Top and Duo-Patterned Skirt came in the mail on Friday and I wore them to work on Monday.  I think that is one of the reasons I love to shop, because I love new things.  

And a rare outside picture!

Anthro Expanding Horizons Tank (S)

Duo Patterned Skirt (2)

Corso Como Emerald Isle (7)

My OOTD on 8/25:


The Visionary skirt is one of those pieces that got me back into Anthro and began my obsession with shopping there.  I pull this skirt out often, but put it back just as frequently.  I never really know what to wear with it. You would think with the red, yellow, blue, and black it would be easy to pair something with it. For me, not so much.  I think it is kind of a dressy skirt with the multitude of pleats, but I'm not really "dressy" so I always try to dress it down.  I hope this works.

Michael Stars Capped Sleeve Shirred V-Neck (OS)

Vintage Belt from Mom :)

Anthropologie Visionary Skirt (2)

Some fit pics of the a few sales items I've bought recently:


I love these pants!  The Work Board Trousers are as comfortable as pajama bottoms but can also be easily worn to work.  I purchased these in a size 2 on sale for $9.95 after having already bought the mint colored.  The fit on the trouser is a bit big, however in this style of pant I think roomy looks better. :)

Wash Board Trousers in Tangerine (2)

I really wanted to love the Hourglass top from Deletta.  Due to manufacturing errors this top is going back.  I guess they sewed it crooked because it hangs longer on one side than the other, though for the picture I tried to adjust it so you couldn't see it.  This is a cute top and would have been a good purchase if not for the flaw.  For me, this top runs a bit big, I'm typically closer to a S and the XS fit slightly big.  On a happy note, I love the Duo Patterned Skirt!  I bought my typical size 2 and it fits a little big, but it is actually nice not to have something that hugs my waist.

Anthro Ruched Hourglass Top (XS)

Anthro Duo Patterned Skirt (2)

Fun pics with my son.  :)

August outfits to date...

Here are a few outfits from August that I never got around to posting.

From August 1st:

Mossimo dress from Target...bought many years ago

Vintage belt from mom :)

August 5th

Velvet Tube Top

Vintage belt from mom

Shorts???

Close up of belt.

and today!

Michael Stars - Back Seam Scoop Neck Camisole

Anthropologie Paint Swatch Skirt