tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66320649875628525872024-02-19T10:24:17.811-05:00The Cohabitating closetThe style adventures of two urban regular gals, with partners and pets at home.Radhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01946279879863336523noreply@blogger.comBlogger476125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-47815702439294576262013-02-02T19:09:00.004-05:002013-02-02T19:09:57.555-05:00Howdy, Style Nation!I have been enjoying reading your blogs, and following <a href="http://www.annereallyblogs.blogspot.com/">Anne</a> as she reaches new fitness heights. Starting last winter, I realized that I missed blogging. So I'm doing it again, not really more than a post or two a week, but it's fun. My clothing choices have been, uh, limited lately, so there's not as much as style as in the past. But there is cooking, DIY, and other developments, <a href="http://www.susanify.wordpress.com/">so pop on</a> by if you're interested.<br />
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King Gustav Aldoph says "Why not check out Rad's new blog?"<br />
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www.susanify.wordpress.comRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01946279879863336523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-76311702993352628732012-03-08T19:49:00.000-05:002012-03-08T19:49:54.977-05:00What's New?Hey Style Nation, what's up with you? Since I stopped style blogging regularly, I've been busy! The main things are that Fella and I are planning to get married this year, and I've lost 23 pounds. Totally unrelated, I swear. In any event, I'm still blogging over at <a href="http://annereallyblogs.blogspot.com/">my own blog</a>, and I've decided to start doing the occasional outfit post again. The pictures below are a shameless ploy to entice you to visit my new space, since I just posted my first <a href="http://annereallyblogs.blogspot.com/2012/03/outift-post-treat-yo-self.html">outfit post</a> there today. Since Rad's mostly out of the blogging game for now, I'm going to keep things up at my blog rather than here.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfvW0no4Oqc/T1k7rk-KUNI/AAAAAAAAc48/HvR0UDDlZCM/s1600/outfit+03-08+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfvW0no4Oqc/T1k7rk-KUNI/AAAAAAAAc48/HvR0UDDlZCM/s400/outfit+03-08+008.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is the red rectangle too matchy-matchy with the brick wall?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vD-zM4_ycb4/T1lQpZzkcyI/AAAAAAAAc5E/n1i9gm5rKgo/s1600/outfit+03-08+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vD-zM4_ycb4/T1lQpZzkcyI/AAAAAAAAc5E/n1i9gm5rKgo/s400/outfit+03-08+013.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meko loves a giant green blob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-92075214216260545872012-01-27T16:36:00.001-05:002012-01-27T17:23:25.892-05:00If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6772453357/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="01/18/12 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="01/18/12" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6772453357_d3d2749bc1_z.jpg" width="457" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress: Loft / Cardigan & OBI Belt: Limited / Necklace: NY & CO / Shoes: Clarks</td></tr>
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I'm sure I'm taunting the weather gods with this next statement, and we'll get a blizzard any day now, but I'll say it anyway - we've had an incredibly mild winter here in Chicago. It's snowed twice, and both times has melted within a couple of days, making way for warmer (like, 40 degrees!), sunny days. As a result, I haven't really had to dress for bitter cold winter weather just yet. My warm, lined dress pants are still packed away in my closet, because I've been able to get away with skirts and dresses. And in wearing dresses all the time, I've settled into a really easy, though perhaps boring, formula of dress + belt + cardigan. It's hard to mess with success. So here's a couple of those.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6772451681/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Meko takes a peek by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Meko takes a peek" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6772451681_b895f68cee_z.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meko looks on<br />
Dress, Cardigan & Belt: Target / Shoes: Indigo by Clark / Necklace: Macy's</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6772445413/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Jude remembers how this works by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Jude remembers how this works" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6772445413_22279422fa_z.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude hasn't forgotten how to take outfit photos</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6772448939/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Close-up by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Close-up" height="285" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6772448939_154c82ddd1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jewelry / cute sweater pattern detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-12509469820454904182012-01-05T15:30:00.001-05:002012-01-05T15:30:50.537-05:00New Year, New You<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6642924279/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="01/04/12 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="01/04/12" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6642924279_a4c34e4cbe_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay! I remembered how to take outfit photos!<br />Cardigan: Jones NY (gift from Fella's parents), Tank: Loft Outlet, Skirt & Tights: Target, <br />Shoes: Clarks, Necklace: The Limited</td></tr>
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Happy 2012, Style Nation! How were your holidays? And how is your new year shaping up? I meant to pop in much sooner than this, but I just haven't been able to find the time (which is a shame since I have managed to snap a few outfit photos). And with the busy holiday season last month, I was only actually in my office about 10 times, so I didn't have a ton of outfits to showcase anyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6642925565/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sometime in November by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Sometime in November" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6642925565_0c687b8f62_z.jpg" width="457" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometime around Thanksgiving<br />Cardigan & Tights: Target, Tank: Loft, Skirt: eShakti, Shoes: Born, Necklace: NY & Company</td></tr>
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If you've been reading <a href="http://annereallyblogs.blogspot.com/">my blog</a>, you might know that my focus has shifted away from style and onto my own personal health and fitness journey. While many people have resolved to be healthier starting on New Year's, I made that decision toward the end of November. Along with getting healthier, I set a goal of losing 60 pounds with no end date, and thus far I'm down 7. I started working with a personal trainer at my gym in early December, so exercise and healthy eating has taken up most of my time. I assume that the further along I get in this, the easier it will be and, thus, the less time I'll have to spend thinking about it, making my weekly gym schedule, logging my food, planning meals, finding new recipes, etc. Then I might be able to make a return to TCC, since I do miss style blogging. In the meantime, I am reading your blogs, even if I don't always get a chance to comment. Keep on looking great, Style Nation!Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-47284354037089337172011-11-18T09:42:00.001-05:002011-11-18T09:47:55.787-05:00I Couldn't Stay Away<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6358101091/" title="At least the sun's out by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="At least the sun's out" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6358101091_2e6d59096b.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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And look, I've totally forgotten how to take a proper outfit photo after just a week off from style blogging! Just as I thought I had everything all figured out, I spotted this dress at Loft. It was half off, and with my $20 "rewards coupon" (which means I spend <i>WAY</i> too much of my money at Loft), it ended up being $20. Stylenation, you know I can't pass up a good deal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6358103319/" title="Close-up by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Close-up" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6358103319_7365cbfdfd.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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I love the cute lace yolk styling on the neckline and the elastic waist that was just begging to be belted. And I thought that being 2 neutrals that are already pretty heavily represented in my wardrobe, it'd be easy to work into my rotation. The problem is the high neckline. I ended up pairing it with a black boyfriend cardigan that would accommodate the shape of the neckline. But that's the best I could do. And you know I need some more color than this. <b>How would you style this dress?</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6358102197/" title="11/17/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="11/17/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6358102197_c3ba5cf00b.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
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Dress: Loft<br />
Cardigan: Ann Taylor<br />
Belt and tights: Target<br />
Earrings and Necklace: New York & Company<br />
Shoes: BornAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-34091222187633945802011-11-10T16:00:00.001-05:002011-11-10T16:00:05.680-05:00Cheers for the memoriesHello Style Nation. After Anne's very sweet "<a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/11/taking-step-back.html">stepping back</a>" post, I thought I'd say a few words before I sign off the style blogging world for now. Since I last posted many moons ago, I feel that my priorities have shifted towards new things. I still really love style and I read many blogs still (although my ability to comment has gone). But after some good long talks with the Blokey, accompanied by some money related goals, I've decided to basically stop buying clothes as much as possible, and not blogging helps a lot with that. I pretty much wear black, grey, and other neutrals all the time. Hopefully still in a stylish way. One of my grad students, who is a self-declared shopaholic, told me yesterday that I "dressed well." (I was flattered. The other students made fun of him).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWd6ZKXea-o/TrwM4ZF89eI/AAAAAAAABdo/ZwaL9geD-wg/s1600/291758_10150391897610380_720225379_10542360_2022128520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWd6ZKXea-o/TrwM4ZF89eI/AAAAAAAABdo/ZwaL9geD-wg/s320/291758_10150391897610380_720225379_10542360_2022128520_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">(A pretty typical outfit lately. I also wore a knee length pencil skirt, black tights, and 3 year old black kitten heels)</div><br />
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But in addition, I've had lots of new, exciting things that I've been involved with. Surely you didn't think someone who calls themselves "Rad" would sit on the sidelines during <a href="http://www.nycga.net/">Occupy Wall Street</a>? This requires multiple, 3 hour (sometimes longer!) "participatory democracy" based meetings every week, in which everything is discussed, at <i>length</i>. (Did you see the video with Ketchup on <a href="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2011/11/stephen_colbert_18.php">Colbert Report</a>? The hand signals are about right). In addition to my participation in a couple working groups, I've also recently become an "irregular correspondent" on a Chicago-based community radio program, <a href="http://thisishell.net/">This is Hell</a>. Well, it's not official yet, but I agreed to it on air last weekend. This is all on top of this my usual teaching/research/service, as well as a running regimen. Lastly, Steven and I are in the midst of a key marital dispute over whether to get a dog (I say yes; he tries not to roll his eyes). <br />
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Hope all is well and I will continue to follow your blogs on Googlereader. I do not have plans for any additional blogs, but perhaps I'll have a political one in the future. In the meantime, happy November to all! If anyone comes to NYC, I'd love to meet up for some herbal tea (which is in the cup above) and many some Caribbean food.Radhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01946279879863336523noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-89538353528259972212011-11-10T10:05:00.000-05:002011-11-10T11:25:37.232-05:00Taking a Step Back<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6332039350/" title="11/09/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="11/09/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6332039350_eb61ce3dba.jpg" width="269" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6332040634/" title="11/09 close-up by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="11/09 close-up" height="266" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6332040634_3725e6ed86.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I don't know how to say this aside from just coming out and saying it - I'm going to be stepping back a bit from this blog right now. It's not that I don't like sharing my office style with you all, but I just don't feel like I have a lot to actually write about here. Sartorially, I've gotten myself into a pretty good groove. Some may call it a rut, but what I've come to realize is that it's just my own personal style. I've found it, and since it's pretty consistent, there's less posts where I'm experimenting with new looks or seeking advice on how to wear things. I'm just happy and comfortable with the way I'm dressing, which is a pretty good place to reach. Now I have outfit photos just sitting on my desktop, waiting to be posted because I don't have much to say about them. I'll still be posting outfits, but probably not as often. Meanwhile, if you need your fill of me in the blogosphere, you're welcome to check out my <a href="http://shepwellcamera.blogspot.com/">photo blog</a>, where I'm currently about halfway through my own <a href="http://content.photojojo.com/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/">365 project</a>. And because I really enjoy writing and clearly needed another blog, I recently started up a <a href="http://annereallyblogs.blogspot.com/">personal blog</a>. So there you have it.<br />
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And who knows, maybe this opens the door for Rad to finally return to TCC :)<br />
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Cardigan: Target<br />
Tank: Loft Outlet<br />
Pants and Necklace: New York & Company<br />
Shoes: TsuboAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-14349416079659472812011-11-07T10:20:00.001-05:002011-11-07T10:20:08.375-05:00Going the Distance<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6322109487/" title="11/07/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="11/07/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6322109487_5ceaedde0c.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6322109743/" title="11/07/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="11/07/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6322109743_8eab13c252.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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Dress, cardigan and tights: Target<br />
Necklace: New York & Company<br />
Shoes: Born<br />
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Happy Monday, all! How was your weekend? Mine was incredibly busy. Fella and I both had family visiting from out of town, so it was fun to catch up with everyone. And on top of all of the family time, we participated in the <a href="http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/chicago/">Hot Chocolate 5k and 15k</a>. Fella and his friend ran the 15k, and I did the 5k with a few girlfriends. I did my first 5k back in May of 2010, but it had been so long, I forgot about how awesome it feels to actually finish one. I'm not generally a big runner, so I didn't train as much as I could have. I'm hoping to do another one later this year, and with some actual training, I'd like to knock about 3 minutes off my time. Anyway, the run was bright and early on Saturday morning. It was a perfect day to run through the streets of downtown Chicago, and our reward for finishing was - you guessed it - chocolate! We received Ghiradelli chocolate squares, hot chocolate and fondue. Totally worth running for.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6320708347/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Michigan Ave at Jackson, early am by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Michigan Ave at Jackson, early am" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6320708347_52f8df5972.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the run, downtown Chicago at about 7:15am</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6321233106/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Running on S. Michigan Ave by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Running on S. Michigan Ave" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6321233106_a0ed3acbbc.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running along Michigan Avenue</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6320713599/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chicago Skyline by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicago Skyline" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6320713599_7640d4f24d.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chicago skyline at the post-race party</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6321236840/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Me and Fella, post-race by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Me and Fella, post-race" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6321236840_c84a106897.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Fella after the run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-33270658301491334192011-11-03T10:32:00.000-04:002011-11-03T10:32:15.444-04:00I Can't Stop Wearing This Dress<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6309137376/" title="11/02/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="11/02/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6309137376_20cdef07bb.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
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I feel like I wear this dress <i style="font-weight: bold;">a lot</i>, so much so that I had considered making it take a little break. But apparently I haven't blogged it nearly as much as I've worn it, so at least you all won't get sick of it just yet. It's a great print in colors that are easy to style around, comfortable and flattering, so I can't help myself. What piece(s) do you have that you just can't stop wearing?<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tbEapTq_t45U_gwBCOISBc0namgsL_uVIwkXx18NLQU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yzQO18is0LEX7CnJ1CoplgcP1qWHdf5DojlZnefZPN8CzBYrwaG0BGr4YmdZ9MYamaSHofSHAFbPa7Imvf6kzuLwpgB5TvYHTEis3ow9hRnctzuvXJuxeB0CThSZcBnT3QvdJ8Cc8qNl/s144/thursday%252520006.jpg" width="96" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/5364654891/" title="closet 004 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img "="" 48178222@n02="" 5804685218="" alt="closet 004" height="144" http:="" photos="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5364654891_bf36b2d260_m.jpg" title="06/06/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr" width="96<a href=" www.flickr.com="" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/5804685218/" title="06/06/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="06/06/11" height="144" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/5804685218_1ee80661ce_m.jpg" width="96" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6100062944/" title="08/31/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="08/31/11" height="144" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6100062944_6daf20cdf1_m.jpg" width="96" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6309137672/" title="11/02/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="11/02/11" height="360" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6309137672_fdf9bc6778.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This close-up was intended to show you my brooch-wielding (or my necklace emboobening), but since I'm also sharing my puffy undereyes with the blogosphere, can we talk skin care for a moment? As in, can any of you recommend an eye cream that<i> actually works</i>? I've been using <a href="http://www.clinique.com/product/1683/15601/Skincare/Eye_Lips/All-About-Eyes-Rich/index.tmpl?cm_mmc=google-_-ENG_ENG|Skin%20Care|Brand%20Product|Exact|PC-_-Skin%20Care|Eye%20Creams|x|All%20About%20Eyes|Rich|SPP|OK-_-clinique%20all%20about%20eyes%20moisturizer">Clinique's All About Eyes Rich</a> for a while, and though it feels nice, it hasn't done much for the puffiness. Before that, I tried <a href="http://www.garnierusa.com/_en/_us/our_products/product.aspx?tpcode=OUR_PRODUCTS^PRD_SKINCARE^SKIN_RENEW^SKIN_RENEW_DISCOVER^SKIN_RENEW_RTN2&prdcode=P19112">Garnier's Skin-Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller</a> and a few others that I can't remember off-hand. Most recently, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P54100">Fresh Lotus Eye Gel</a> was recommended to me. But before I shell out $50 on another eye cream, I want another opinion.<br />
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Dress: Target (remixed, as above)<br />
Cardigan: The Limited (<a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/09/oktoberfesting.html">remixed</a>)<br />
Necklace and brooch: New York & Company<br />
Tights: Target<br />
Boots: Eddie BauerAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-65144437907441220912011-11-01T09:03:00.002-04:002011-11-01T09:03:28.910-04:00Happy (belated) Halloween!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6302381748/" title="10/31/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/31/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6302381748_993039417e.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6302382780/" title="10/31/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/31/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6302382780_4b9327fbb1.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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And more importantly, happy November! How on earth did it get to be November already? I think I've said that at the start of every month this year. But really. Anyway, what did you all do to celebrate Halloween? Fella and I aren't big Halloween people. It's a fun holiday when you're a kid, and it's been fun seeing all of my friends' adorable kiddies all dressed up. And I may be hunting for dog Halloween costumes which should hopefully now be on sale (I've had my eye on this <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Banana-Pet-Costume/-/A-13472809">banana costume</a> for Jude and <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Cow-Pet-Costume/-/A-13471383#?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=%7C13471383&CPNG=pets&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=13471383">cow costume</a> for Meko). But dressing up as a grown-up? Eh, it's not for me. Though we did carve pumpkins and stock up on candy. On Saturday night, which was the big Halloween party night around here, we turned down an invitation to go out with our neighbors and stayed in and grilled and watched <i>Crazy Heart</i> (I know, we're SO behind on movies) instead. And above is my not festive work ensemble from yesterday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6301858557/" title="Privo purple heels by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Privo purple heels" height="358" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6301858557_7fa58893aa.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Cardigan: Target<br />
Tank: Loft<br />
Pants: New York & Company<br />Necklace: The Limited<br />
Shoes: Privo<br />
Sunglasses: Loft<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6302380994/" title="Happy Halloween! by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Halloween!" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6302380994_f489d59e70.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Happy Halloween from Meko & Jude pumpkins!Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-32785850585501064202011-10-28T11:16:00.000-04:002011-10-28T11:16:08.312-04:00Can We Just Start Today Over?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6288267863/" title="Closet 10-28 003 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Closet 10-28 003" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6288267863_30f87eb409.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
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Happy Friday morning to y'all! Do you ever have mornings that you'd like to totally do over? Or avoid all together? Yeah, today was one of those. Cara over at <a href="http://www.citygirlchicago.com/">City Girl Chicago</a> posted her <a href="http://www.citygirlchicago.com/2011/10/morning-routine.html">morning routine</a> today, so I'm going to share mine. This is more or less how my morning goes on a typical office day.<br />
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<i>5:30am</i>: Alarm goes off. Fella pops out of bed, hits snooze. Jude snuggles up with us.<br />
<i>5:37am</i>: Alarm goes off yet again. I very slowly get out of bed and grumble about the downstairs neighbor's dog keeping us up all night with his barking. Totally don't understand how my neighbor sleeps through this, or thinks that we don't hear it and doesn't think that it's just a bit rude to let your dog bark for 10 minutes at a time ALL NIGHT LONG (Can you tell I'm really annoyed?). Anyway.<br />
<i>5:40am</i>: Start a pot of coffee. Both dogs run into the kitchen, thinking it might be time to go outside or eat something. It's not. Check email while waiting for coffee to finish. Pour a cup loaded with Bailey's toffee almond creamer, knowing it'll be just the temperature I like once I get out of the shower.<br />
<i>5:49am</i>: Shower, moisturize, blow-dry bangs, suck down coffee.<br />
<i>6:10am</i>: Get dressed in the dark since the sun is nowhere close to coming up this early anymore.<br />
<i>6:20am</i>: Hair & make-up.<br />
<i>6:40am</i>: Wake Fella up, get dogs ready to go on their walks. They don't generally walk very well together, so Fella and I take them on separate walks every morning. We're pretty dedicated dog owners.<br />
<i>7:00am</i>: Feed dogs, make breakfast-to-go, pack lunch, computer, coffee travel mug in work bag. Take OOTD photos even though it's STILL dark out.<br />
<i>7:15am</i>: Fly out the door to walk a mile to the train station.<br />
<i>7:37am</i>: Catch Metra train up to the Northern 'burbs for the first 20 miles of my commute.<br />
<i>8:22am</i>: Arrive at my stop. Proceed to wait for company-chartered shuttle bus to drive the last 9 miles to my office. Keep waiting...<br />
<i>8:45am</i>: Bus finally arrives. It's cool, I didn't want to get to work on time today anyway. Think that maybe I should've driven to work, though that would be bad for the environment and the traffic coming home would make me regret that. Probably should've just worked from home.<br />
<i>9:10am</i>: Finally sit down at my desk, nearly 2 hours after leaving the house and 3.5 hours after waking up. Ugh!<br />
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So yeah, I'm a big ball of sunshine today. I am, however, really looking forward to the weekend. We were so busy with house stuff last weekend that I didn't get much time for r&r. I don't have much planned, though we're heading to see <i>Moneyball</i> with a friend on Sunday, and having dinner with Fella's family. What are you guys up to? And what does your morning routine look like?<br />
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Tee: Loft<br />
Scarf: Target<br />
Jeans: Old Navy<br />
Sneakers: ConverseAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-73806171446697890722011-10-26T08:27:00.000-04:002011-10-26T08:27:21.217-04:00Golden Autumn Day<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6281575505/" title="10/26/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/26/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6281575505_da456796fa.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
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When I bought <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/08/dress-for-all-seasons.html">this dress</a> back in August, I wondered about other ways to style it than just with some sandals. The weather has, indeed, cooled off, making way for a scarf and some boots. I think the dress works pretty well in a fall iteration. We had gorgeous 70 degree weather yesterday (though with some intermittent rain), but it's cooled back down today and sort of looking like rain. I kind of miss the warmer weather of August and I'm not looking forward to winter, but it's nice to have more options with my clothes than wearing as little as possible because it's really hot out. How about you? Do you prefer warm weather or cooler weather dressing?<br />
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Dress: New York & Company<br />
Scarf and tights: Target<br />
Boots: Eddie Bauer<br />
Sunglasses: LoftAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-58689676884782110362011-10-24T13:10:00.001-04:002011-10-25T10:28:03.621-04:00Leftovers<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6263595700/" title="10/20/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/20/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6263595700_8305df480d.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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Happy Monday, Stylenation! I'm working from home today, but here's an unblogged outfit I wore last week. Nothing too exciting to say about it - I was just keeping warm and cozy on a chilly fall day.<br />
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Cardigan: Old Navy (<a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/09/sunday-morning-rain-is-falling.html">remixed</a>)<br />
Tank: Ann Taylor Factory Store (<a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/08/another-friday-in-denim-skirt.html">remixed</a>)<br />
Pants: New York & Company<br />
Scarf: Embellish<br />
Flats: born<br />
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How was your weekend? Mine was incredibly busy. Fella and I went out to celebrate friends' birthdays on Friday and Saturday night, and the rest of the weekend was spent being super domestic.<br />
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We finally painted our dining room. <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/06/more-of-same.html">Here's</a> what it looked like when we moved in. The room's makeover isn't quite finished yet, but here's what the new colors look like. The trim was a chocolate brown before, which was okay, but I wanted to go a little more bold. The top part of the walls are Dapper Tan by Glidden, and the bottom is Behr's Ruby Ring.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6277196230/" title="Dining room by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Dining room" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6277196230_3e5a5e8f3b.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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While not painting, I did a ton of cooking. Cooler fall weather always makes me want to be in the kitchen. I made <a href="http://shepwellkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/steak-brisket-chili.html">chili</a> and <a href="http://shepwellkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/07/grilled-mexican-style-cornbread-with.html">cornbread</a> for dinner last night, and <a href="http://shepwellkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/10/pumpkin-pie-cookies.html">pumpkin pie cookies</a> for dessert.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6276673709/" title="Chili & cornbread by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Chili & cornbread" height="357" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6276673709_f15dedf8d8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6276676891/" title="Pumpkin pie cookies by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Pumpkin pie cookies" height="358" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6276676891_69c727062a.jpg" width="500" /></a>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-13349006963068344892011-10-21T08:35:00.000-04:002011-10-21T08:35:01.141-04:00Giving In To... Oxfords<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6265017079/" title="10/21/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/21/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6265017079_ee30fd7b66.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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Has there ever been a trend party that you've been super late to? My most notable one thus far has been <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/04/dressing-around-sunburn.html">leggings</a>. I remember them being kind of big while I was growing up in the 80's, but it took me until just this year to finally snag a pair. And now I'm finally embracing oxfords. Rad has had a pretty <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2010/03/evaluation.html">sweet pair</a> for a while now (so great, she even wore them to her <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2010/03/wedding4-originally-uploaded-by.html">wedding reception</a>), but they never felt like my style. I even remember girls at my high school wearing heeled oxfords with their uniforms and again, I liked them, but didn't think they were for me. I've been seeing them all over the blogosphere this fall, and what finally did me in was Kristen of Low Fat Dressing's <a href="http://lowfatdressing.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-deer-season.html">post</a> devoted to her 3 awesome pairs of Franco Sarto oxford booties. I had to have a pair of oxfords, and I finally decided to <a href="http://chalkdustandboots.blogspot.com/2011/10/treat-yo-self.html">treat myself</a>. So after 15 years of admiring the style, I'm finally on board with a pair of my own. What trend have you spent half a lifetime warming up to?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6265017935/" title="Shoes! by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Shoes!" height="358" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6265017935_84823861b8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Sweater & Necklace: The Limited<br />
Skirt: Old Navy<br />
Tights: Target<br />
Shoes: BornAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-41330500950671698452011-10-20T08:56:00.001-04:002011-10-20T08:56:06.542-04:00A Not-So-Summer Skirt<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6257456460/" title="10/19/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/19/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6257456460_6504d0ddd5.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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The last time I wore this skirt, in a pretty similar color scheme in <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/03/summer-skirt.html">March</a>, I noted that I was breaking the rules by wearing a warm weather skirt while it was still really cold out. I was such a rebel back then, wasn't I? The funny thing is, the skirt didn't get worn during the summer at all. It's one of the many skirts and dresses I have that are too short for summer's bare legs, but I'm totally fine with wearing when it's cool enough to sport some tights underneath.<br />
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Cardigan & Skirt: The Limited<br />
Tank: Gap (it's got some cute detailing that you can kind of sort of see <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2010/12/so-tired-that-i-couldnt-even-sleep.html">here</a>)<br />
Necklace: New York & Company<br />
Headband: Loft<br />
Tights and Sunnies: Target<br />
Boots: Eddie BauerAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-12326041197084888632011-10-17T07:30:00.000-04:002011-10-17T07:30:03.664-04:00A Little Fancy for a Monday<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6251180304/" title="Closet 10-16 007 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Closet 10-16 007" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6251180304_04364f350f.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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This outfit feels like it's way too nice for a Monday, like I'm totally wasting it by wearing it to work. Do you ever feel that way about what you're wearing? Nonetheless, I couldn't keep passing over this dress in my closet, hoping for something more fun than work to wear it for. I'm sure I'll get a chance soon, perhaps around the holidays, but in the meantime, it was just wrong to let this dress hang in my closet, unworn. It's a comfy wrap dress that isn't a neckline offender, though I've covered up the modest neckline with <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/09/beautiful-weekend-in-neighborhood.html">Meko's leopard print circle scarf</a>. You can see the full dress <a href="http://www.thelimited.com/detail/34-sleeve-wrap-dress/3314702">here</a>, since I didn't capture the detail too well. The hat didn't make it to work - I'm just sparing you all a bad hair day. Though sometimes I do wish hats were office-appropriate. That'd save me SO much time in the morning.<br />
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Dress: The Limited<br />
Belt, hat and tights: Target<br />
Scarf: The Limited<br />
Boots: Eddie BauerAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-50496832219987115512011-10-14T09:23:00.000-04:002011-10-14T09:23:36.156-04:00Autumn Leaves are Brown, and the Sky is Gray<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6243596470/" title="10/31/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/31/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6243596470_3bdb7a2ceb.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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I knew our awesome unseasonably warm and sunny fall weather had to come to an end soon, and it did yesterday. It rained pretty much all day, and this morning, although the sun is shining again, it's dropped below 50. But it's not snowing or freezing, so it could be worse.<br />
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I've been kind of bad about mentioning what item(s) is being rescued for <a href="http://www.befabulousdaily.us/post/10151459828/no-repeats-ii-electric-boogaloo">No Repeats</a>, but I have been digging through the depths of my closet and/or unpacked moving boxes. This sweater hasn't seen the blog since <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/02/friday-feminism.html">February 25th</a>. I like the space-dyed pattern of it, but the color totally washes me out, so it needs to be paired with bright, bold colors to prevent that. Similar to how <a href="http://lowfatdressing.blogspot.com/2011/10/earning-my-weekend.html">Kristen</a> broke up her all-cream-on-top ensemble with a bold teal scarf. I bought this sweater before I had a good handle on which colors I should probably avoid, but tricks like this help me dress around that.<br />
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Cardigan: Gap Outlet<br />
Tank: Target<br />
Jeans: Old Navy<br />
Necklace: New York & Company<br />
Shoes: BornAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-89429272291119976652011-10-12T11:56:00.000-04:002011-10-12T11:56:01.037-04:00One More Day in Sandals<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6237225199/" title="10/12/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6237225199_11aacd0004.jpg" width="356" height="500" alt="10/12/11"></a><br>
Some days there's just not much to say about an outfit. Today is one of those days. I haven't been to the office since Thursday, so I was less than enthused this morning. I wanted to just throw on some jeans, but there's a client visit somewhere in my building at some point in time today, and whether or not I actually cross paths with them, there's no jeans allowed during client visits. A knit jersey dress is a nice back-up, and I'm glad these sandals are getting another wear before it gets too cold for them. And before I throw them out, since they're just about falling apart. It's sad how run into the ground these sandals are, but they've definitely been loved the past 2 summers.<br><br>
Dress: Old Navy<br>
Cardigan: Target<br>
Belt, Necklace and Earrings: New York & Company <br>
Sandals: Aerosoles<br>
Sunglasses: TargetAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-25265418846051535912011-10-09T14:24:00.001-04:002011-10-10T22:28:53.029-04:00I {heart} Fall<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6226757819/" title="Fall foilage by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Fall foilage" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6226757819_65bc4df1f4.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Have I ever mentioned how much I love fall? The only thing I love more is a fall with sunny, unseasonably warm weather, which allows me to go outside and enjoy the beauty of the season. And this weekend, I've done plenty of that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6227285716/" title="10/08/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/08/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6227285716_9f41353217.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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This is a fairly simple outfit, totally copied from Rebecca's post on <a href="http://www.minnchic.com/2011/10/more-fun-with-scarves-10062011.html">MinnChic</a> the other day. The scarf was last seen on <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/09/beautiful-weekend-in-neighborhood.html">Meko</a>. She totally wears it better, but thankfully, she was nice enough to let me borrow it.<br />
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Tee: Loft<br />
Pants: Loft Outlet<br />
Scarf: Limited<br />
Shoes: Puma<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6227288076/" title="Dogs, post-bath by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Dogs, post-bath" height="357" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6227288076_32ccda857d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Speaking of the dogs, one outdoor thing we did this weekend was give both the dogs a bath. There probably won't be many more weekends where it's warm enough to hose them down in the backyard, so Fella and I took advantage of the weather. They look happy here, but they were less than thrilled about baths.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6227278676/" title="Montrose Harbor by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Montrose Harbor" height="357" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6227278676_cf3a8391b3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I also went on 3 bike rides this weekend, logging close to 35 miles! Above, was a ride down to Montrose Habor on Friday. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6226765991/" title="International Friendship Garden in Evanston by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="International Friendship Garden in Evanston" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6226765991_05ee492401.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
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Yesterday Fella and I took a 17 mile ride up to Evanston and back. Here he is above, in the International Friendship Garden in Evanston. It's just beautiful, though definitely a trek to get up there. We decided that, should we get another nice Saturday, we'll pack up some snacks and just ride as far north as we can. And probably take our bikes home on the train, since I don't know how much I can ride beyond 20 miles or so.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6227282574/" title="River Park by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="River Park" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6237/6227282574_2392a6d777.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here's some pretty flowers and plants in River Park on Chicago's north side. I don't think it's technically one of the city's prairie areas, but it reminds me a lot of what I've seen in prairie habitats around here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6226770903/" title="Sunday morning skyline by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Sunday morning skyline" height="357" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6226770903_233fe85e5c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And this morning I took a ride down to the lake, hoping to see some of the Chicago Marathon. The northern edge of the route is just west of where this picture was taken, but alas, I didn't see any marathon runners. I did, however, see a pretty, somewhat hazy city skyline.<br />
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How are you enjoying fall?Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-21023289002174852072011-10-06T18:33:00.003-04:002011-10-06T18:34:21.450-04:00Plain and Simple<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6218696238/" title="10/05/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/05/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6218696238_4cfd2fa979.jpg" width="355" /></a><br />
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What would the Midwest be without unseasonal weather? After a week of rain, cooler temps and gray skies, this week has been sunny, gorgeous and <i>warm</i>! I'm trying to fit in sandals and bare legs a few more times before it gets too cold for that. I have two pretty simple outfits here because I just haven't felt like putting a lot of effort into dressing for work this week. It happens. I bought some new tops at the outlet mall over the weekend, so I was eager to mix them in. And wouldn't you know, they go pretty easily with black bottoms.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6218696974/" title="10/06/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="10/06/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6218696974_f336637acf.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6218174583/" title="!0/06/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="!0/06/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6218174583_2f20c2cec5.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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Tee: Loft Outlet</div>
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Pants, Cami and Necklace: New York & Company</div>
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Sandals: Aerosoles</div>
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Cardigan: Ann Taylor Factory Store</div>
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Tank: Loft Outlet</div>
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Skirt: Target</div>
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Necklace: New York & Company</div>
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Shoes: Tsubo</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-27271259967682241392011-10-03T23:50:00.000-04:002011-10-03T23:50:35.574-04:00Date Night and Girls Weekend<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6199972376/" title="09/30/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="09/30/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6199972376_2a10295298.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
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Greetings, Stylenation. I've had a busy few days since my last post! On Friday (above), Fella and I had a date to see the <a href="http://fleetfoxes.com/">Fleet Foxes</a> play downtown at the Chicago Theater. They're one of my favorite bands, and they definitely didn't disappoint. If you haven't heard them before, they're described as "baroque pop," and have kind of a 60's vibe to me. They're a band for music nerds like me - their music incorporates things like tempo changes, key changes, complex harp-like vocal harmonies and themes borrowed from gospel and folk alike. So yeah, I'd recommend checking them out.<br />
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Top: Target<br />
Cami and Earrings: New York & Company<br />
Jeans: Old Navy<br />
Scarf: Loft<br />
Boots: Rampage<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6209418001/" title="Chicago Theater by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicago Theater" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6209418001_c46f70159b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6209933898/" title="Fleet Foxes by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Fleet Foxes" height="356" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6209933898_5e4756806e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
(more pictures from the show posted <a href="http://shepwellcamera.blogspot.com/2011/10/fleet-foxes-at-chicago-theater-093011.html">here</a>)<br />
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On Saturday morning, I drove to <a href="http://www.frankenmuth.org/">Frankenmuth, MI</a>, a small city known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," to meet one of my girlfriends, who currently lives in Cleveland, for a girls weekend. We went to high school together and were roommates together when I first lived in Chicago, but now that we live 6 hours apart, we don't get to see each other too often, rarely without at least one of our boyfriends in tow. We enjoyed a weekend of spa time, good eats, adult beverages, dips in the hotel hot tub, beautiful fall weather and outlet mall shopping. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6209410705/" title="Covered Bridge on the Cass River by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Covered Bridge on the Cass River" height="356" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6209410705_bf956872b5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This is the <a href="http://www.michigan.org/Property/Detail.aspx?p=G15956">Covered Bridge</a> over the river. Next to the bridge is a shopping center, complete with a spa that we visited upon arriving to town to kick the trip off with some pampering.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6209412541/" title="Horse & Buggy on Main Street by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Horse & Buggy on Main Street" height="358" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6209412541_1196d4b767.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The downtown tourist district, which lies along the Cass River, is laid out like a small German town, full of cute shops, markets and restaurants.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6209929106/" title="Say Cheese! by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Say Cheese!" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6209929106_b75e3bca8a.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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Getting cheesy. I remember this cheese block from trips to Frankenmuth as a kid (because most kids growing up in Northwestern Ohio go there at some point). And it's even older than me - my mom was able to drive up to Michigan to meet me for lunch today, and she told me about girls trips she and her sisters took to Frankenmuth before they were all married, and all of the goofy pictures they have with this block of cheese. So that mouse is pretty well preserved.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6209416227/" title="Wine and Chocolate Tour by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Wine and Chocolate Tour" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6209416227_470fa6aff1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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On Sunday, we took a wine and chocolate tasting cruise on the river. It was amazing! They paired 5 delicious locally made wines with all kinds of tasty treats. I may have come home with 4 bottles of wine and about a pound of fudge.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6209409193/" title="Maypole fountain by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Maypole fountain" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6209409193_65857e122b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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All in all, it was a pretty great weekend. And we're already looking forward to another girls trip next year.Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-59921026447949639822011-09-30T12:22:00.002-04:002011-09-30T12:58:29.979-04:00Oktoberfesting<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6198321542/" title="09/29/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="09/29/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6198321542_5e152e7aba.jpg" width="356" /></a>
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This is what I wore to work yesterday. It was a pretty casual day, as we had our annual office Oktoberfest party in the afternoon. This space-dyed cowl tank, previously unseen on the blog, hasn't been worn since it's purchase at the end of August. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6197802617/" title="Looking Right... by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Looking Right..." height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6197802617_e1b40a24ac.jpg" width="356" /></a>
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Meko wanted to come outside to help with my pictures, so we worked on looking to the side and staring off into space. She's a natural.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6198319934/" title="Looking to the left by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="Looking to the left" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/6198319934_a883772668.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
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Cardigan: Limited<br />
Tank: Loft<br />
Jeans: Old Navy<br />
Necklace: New York & Company<br />
Flats: Born<br />
<br />Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-47592491137531285432011-09-28T10:43:00.000-04:002011-09-28T10:43:16.156-04:00Dressing Down a Party Dress<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6192273504/" title="09/28/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="09/28/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6192273504_f055172fd9.jpg" width="358" /></a>
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It's - surprise - <i>another</i> rainy morning here in Chicago, and the gloomy darkness this morning caused the flash on my camera to fire. Hence the kind of odd lighting. Just once this week, it'd be nice to wake up and not hear rain pouring down. But that's neither here nor there. I'm back in my comfort zone, wearing some black, white (I know the dress looks black and gray, but it's black and white) and red. I last wore this dress to Rad's and my friend <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/06/rad-visit-wedding-and-more-condo.html">C's wedding</a> in June. Before that, the only other time I wore it was out for my birthday this year. It's a cute dress, but I guess I considered it to be a little too dressy for work. But styled with a cami underneath (since it's a total neckline offender), tights and a cardi, it doesn't look so formal. The other reason it's been dormant is that it's a little shorter than I'd like with bare legs. But once it's tights weather, I don't mind showing a little knee.<br />
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Cardigan: Target (last worn <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/08/getting-back-in-style.html">August 10th</a>)<br />
Dress: New York & Company (last worn <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/06/rad-visit-wedding-and-more-condo.html">June 18th</a>)<br />
Cami, Necklace and (sort of hidden) Brooch: New York & Company<br />
Tights: Target<br />
Shoes: NaturalizerAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-65612246372941795222011-09-27T12:42:00.001-04:002011-09-27T12:42:41.383-04:00Upon us all, a little rain must fall<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6189407776/" title="09/27/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="09/27/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/6189407776_d796ed1305.jpg" width="358" /></a>
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I think this blue and gray colored outfit conveys my feelings about our seemingly constant rain here. Blah. I love fall, but not so much when it rains everyday. But enough complaining about the weather. I really like the pattern and coloring of this skirt, and even managed to make it office-appropriate, but I think I'd like it more if I got it altered to be closer to knee-length. Thoughts?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6189406664/" title="09/27/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="09/27/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6189406664_d78711840f.jpg" width="356" /></a><br />
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The lost items for No Repeats are the cardigan, which apparently I haven't worn since last December! Or maybe I just haven't worn it on the blog since then. And the shoes haven't been worn since May, mostly because they're not very summery.<br />
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Cardigan: The Limited (last worn <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2010/12/baby-its-cold-outside.html">December 14th</a>)<br />
Tank: Target<br />
Skirt: Old Navy<br />
Belt: Target<br />
Shoes: Tsubo (last worn <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-dont-want-to-jinx-this-but-i-think-we.html">May 6th</a>)Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632064987562852587.post-30746010947320953812011-09-25T13:07:00.001-04:002011-09-25T13:07:26.655-04:00Jeans for Work and Play<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6181405123/" title="09/23/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="09/23/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6181405123_d11630d303.jpg" width="358" /></a>
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Happy Sunday, Style Nation! How is your weekend going? Mine's been fairly busy, considering I'm supposed to be resting up with a sinus infection. Woops. Above is what I wore to work on Friday. Just my typical bottoms + tank + cardigan combo. But it's easy, and it works.<br />
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Tank: Loft<br />
Cardigan: Target (last worn <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/08/note-to-self-avoid-sunset-photos.html">August 1st</a>)<br />
Jeans: Old Navy<br />
Necklace: New York & Company<br />
Flats: Born<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6181929800/" title="09/24/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="09/24/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6181929800_6fd226dd1f.jpg" width="357" /></a>
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Yesterday, Fella and I went to the <a href="http://hideoutchicago.com/">Hideout</a> Block Party here in Chicago. It was a gray, gloomy and rainy day until we left to head down there, but because of the weather (and the forecasted storms and hail), the Hideout had apparently scaled back on everything, not expecting a huge crowd. By about 8:00, they ran out of food, toilet paper, water for hand washing, and were rumored to be about out of beer. And speaking of beer, we waited in line for about 40 minutes for one! But despite all of that, it was really fun. We got to see Chicago blues singer <a href="http://www.mavisstaples.com/">Mavis Staples</a> and Chicago's own <a href="http://www.andrewbird.net/">Andrew Bird</a>. That was our 5th time seeing him in the past 2 years, and he never disappoints.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48178222@N02/6181407753/" title="09/24/11 by Cohabitating_Closet, on Flickr"><img alt="09/24/11" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6181407753_b0f2cb5dee.jpg" width="355" /></a>
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Anyway, this is what I wore to be comfortable, warm and kind of fit in with the concert crowd. Have I mentioned before how tricky concert dressing is for me? I bought this peacoat-style sweatshirt jacket last year, and was very happy to find it while unpacking another box the other day. You can almost see the sequins on my t-shirt in this shot, but since I didn't actually take a picture of it, you can see it <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Tops/Sequin-Stripe-Short-Sleeve-Tee/259686?colorExplode=false&skuId=89955512&catid=catl000011&productPageType=search&defaultColor=8931">here</a>. And my scarf has a giant hole in it because Meko thought it was a toy (I don't know how many times I have to tell my dogs that accessories, although fun, aren't toys!), but fortunately I was able to hide that and still wear it.<br />
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Jacket: Old Navy<br />
Tee: Loft<br />
Scarf: Target<br />
Jeans: Old Navy<br />
Sneakers: Converse (last seen on the blog on <a href="http://cohabitatingcloset.blogspot.com/2011/01/break-from-casual-wear.html">January 4th</a>)Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18403024177515079403noreply@blogger.com11