My Favorite Accessory this Week

I've been a bit rushed recently, but I thought I'd share one accessory that literally made me forget myself all week- Swamplandia!, by Karen Russell.  I can't think of one outfit that wouldn't be better with a good book.

There is nothing sexier than reading on the bus.

Thrifting TRIUMPH - my new favorite dress?

I love thrifting.  Most of the time I'm wearing something that was either thrifted or on heavy clearance.  When I saw this lovely at goodwill a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't believe my luck.  I can't wait for an excuse to wear it!

Pinup Couture!  Tags still on!  My size!  One of my favorite colors!  I hyperventilated when I saw this on the rack.

Not sold on the bow, I may remove it.

It even passes the kitty test!

A Reason to Smile: Opportunities

Last night was a really significant night for me.  I started to really learn to roller skate in January 2010, I tried out for the Denver Roller Dolls 4 times and finally made the league in January 2011, and last night, I finally tested to a point where I can scrimmage and join a team within the league.  I'm so happy I was given the chance to take the test.  Life is pretty good to me.

So in honor of last night, I present my (perhaps arguably) favorite shoes and accessory that I own- my skates and helmet!

Helmet: Triple 8
Paint on helmet: Sharpie Paint Pens!
So that's where my blog title comes from, my derby name is TexMex Takeout.

Skate: Riedell
Wheels: Radar Devil Rays (black), and Radar ...somethings (pink) 

Toestops: Gumball
Shoelaces: the stars are from Hot Topic, many many  years ago.

 I love these skates so much!  I'll probably change my wheels soon, but they have treated me very well.

On Thankfulness and Clothing; A Beginning

Today it is Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the Lenten season.  I'm a Catholic (if not a particularly good one...), and I went to mass to get my ashes after work this afternoon.  In mass, I had the time to continue some reflection with the help of the homily, and I've realized that the thing I want to change the most this season is not a habit like eating lots of candy, or wanting to do more push ups, or anything like that (though I know there are several that could use some attention...).  The habit I want to change most is part of my general attitude.  I need to cultivate more thankfulness in my life.

I've been blessed with a fantastic husband and family, and a good job, and the ability to mostly pursue my passions as I see fit.

One of my passions has always been style, though I haven't always realized or admitted it.  And over time, I've amassed a fantastic collection of clothing.

Yet I keep on trying to acquire more and more.

I've wanted to start a fashion blog for a while, and since the beginning of the year, I've wanted to cull my clothing collection a bit, and put at least a temporary halt to my clothing purchases.

With the start of Lent, I can tie all of this together.  I want to be more thankful for what I have, and for the body I am adorning.  I also want to be more mindful of my clothing intake.  I start this blog with the intention of documenting things I like about my clothing and outfits so I can better appreciate what I have, and as a motivation to stop buying clothes, at least until Easter.  I'm not sure about the clothing ban after Easter, but I think even that short period of time will be an improvement over my current habits.  I'll try to work in the (numerous!) other things in my life that I should be thankful for in here as well.

There are exceptions I will allow- I am a member of the Denver Roller Dolls, so if I need to make any uniform related purchases, those are fine.

I can totally do this!

And so, the first pictures on my very own style blog-  please note that I currently don't own a tripod or a full length mirror,  and my house is messy, so...these aren't great yet.  But that is okay.

Skirt, thrifted
boots, I think I found them at JC Penney

Ashes, Holy Ghost Church
Necklace, self-made
Sweater, Old Navy Clearance
Ciela the cat, Recycled Critter Rescue!

my poor boots failed today

Outfit overall-

Like it- the sweater seemed lumpy to me, I'll give it a 3.5/5

Functional- boot fail!  Everything else was fine; 2

Comfortable- slightly cold today, but everything held up in the wind.  4

(completely arbitrary) Overall score- 3.17 /5