Preppy western

Preppy western, originally uploaded by Cohabitating_Closet.

Today, I have many many non-teaching duties, including yet another extra credit opportunity for students. They can go and see a panel presentation on sexual violence during war and conflict (uplifting, I know, but important). I would wear something crazier (like my recent goal of dressing in the colors of animals, since I am so color shy), but they need to check in with me to get some of the extra credit points. I am also "experimenting" with "jewelry," namely an earth toned shell short necklace, which I think may work with the wider crewneck/smaller U neck/confused, but deflated boat neck deal that this shirt has going on.
I am of the belief that anyone can wear (proper) cowboy boots almost all the time. Even those who dislike country music and George W. Bush. For some reason, I think the width and cut of the top flatters most figures. And the best thing is that you can find cowboy boots for less at most thrift/vintage shops. These camel colored puppies were $25 at Beacon's closet, but I've seen plenty more at the local charity shops. (I paid $16 to have the soles fixed, and now I don't stumble on them when I clomp around NYC).

These things are lethal weapons- against cockroaches and other forms of NYC apartment vermin

Also a brief interlude and contribution from a good friend, who know how much I've been paying attention to clothes lately. She sent me an email explaining how she went on a nice date with a nice dude. However, this was his look*:
She'd like to you know that the grey trousers are cut at a capri length.
As she is a European-turned Midwesterner recently relocated in Oregon, her only explanation was "Oregon is weird."

I think chimney sweeps and general Victorian raggamuffins are quite popular in Brooklyn as well.

*It wasn't a dealbreaker though.

Skirt: Uniqlo (2008)
Shirt: H&M (2008)
Tights: Uniqlo
Shell necklace: street vendor, Hawaii, 2005
Boots: Durango, thrifted via Beacon's Closet