Freesia Friday

The Spring Pantone Color Challenge draws to a close with FREESIA, also known as the-color-everyone-thought-would-be-purple-but-isn't. Pantone has decreed that freesia is a vibrant in-your-face YELLOW.

I realize these shoes have made an appearance rather frequently as of late, but they are just SO comfortable and versatile!

What I'm Wearing:

Blouse: The Limited (thrifted)  /  Cardigan: Worthington  /  Jeans: a.n.a. (thrifted)  /  Shoes: LifeStride (DSW)

Here's the thing about yellow: I am often tempted to pair it with navy blue, and have even walked out of the house in yellow and navy before giving it too much thought.  However, I live in OHIO STATE BUCKEYE country, and the sight of NAVY and YELLOW together all too quickly brings to mind thoughts of THAT SCHOOL UP NORTH (COUGH - University of Michigan - COUGH).  Technically their colors are "maize" and blue, but any yellow/navy color combination is enough to elicit a rather visceral reaction from the Buckeye faithful.

And so, because I bleed scarlet and gray, I am very careful to never, ever wear my yellow cardigan with a blue shirt.  (As tempting as it may be.  Because, you know, navy and yellow really DO look quite nice together...)

"Don't give a damn for the whole state of Michigan, 'cuz we're from O-HI-O...!"

Linking Up:
Pantone-Inspired Color Challenge: Freesia

Hemlock Green and Socrates

Today's Pantone-inspired color of the day is HEMLOCK GREEN.  I interpreted it as a kind of minty green, and pulled out my favorite pocketed "hemlock" and gray skirt to style for the occasion.

 

What I'm Wearing:
Blouse:  Lauren Conrad (Kohl's)  /  Skirt:  Mossimo Supply & Co. (thrifted)  /  Boots:  LifeStride (DSW)

This look is something completely different for me.  I typically always tuck shirts IN to skirts, but I thought the cut of this blouse made for a fun, loose, almost kind of edgy look. Besides, it bunched up really weird when I tried tucking it in, so out it stayed!

The word "hemlock" immediately gave me flashbacks to my plant toxicology course in vet school.  Believe it or not, I once sat through a 30 minute lecture on the dangers of hemlock poisoning in sheep, pigs, goats, and horses.  Bottom line: it's bad news bears (I guess that's why they call it POISON hemlock, yes?). Thank goodness the plant apparently tastes terrible, so most critters will stay away from it.  Oh, and here's a fun fact: the ancient Greeks executed Socrates with the juice of poison hemlock. So now you know.

The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David

To celebrate hemlock and Socrates, here are a few of my favorite quotes by the old philosopher:

“Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.” 

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” 

"To move the world we must move ourselves.” 

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” 

“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.” 

Have a wonderful Friday, friends!

Linking Up:

Pantone-Inspired Color Challenge: Hemlock Green

Paloma Tuesday and Introvert Woes

The Pantone-Inspired Color Challenge week continues! Tuesday's color is Paloma, a lovely light gray. I wore this outfit thrifting with my sister the other day, and I must say it was quite comfy:

What I'm Wearing:
Shirt: Belle du Jour (thrifted) |  Jeans:  Grane
Scarf:   Old  |  Shoes: Merona (Target)

Just a quick update this evening, as I am BEYOND exhausted.  For an introvert, a day full of non-stop social interactions can be more than a little draining.  Fulfilling, yes, but draining nonetheless.  I need some time to reflect and digest on the evening before I share more about my first date.

Instead, I'll just leave you with an excerpt from an incredible poem I recently discovered by the amazingly talented Warsan Shire:

...And you tried to change didn’t you?
closed your mouth more
tried to be softer
prettier
less volatile, less awake
but even when sleeping you could feel
him travelling away from you in his dreams
so what did you want to do love
split his head open?
you can’t make homes out of human beings
someone should have already told you that
and if he wants to leave
then let him leave
you are terrifying
and strange and beautiful
something not everyone knows how to love.

Linking Up:
Spring Pantone Challenge Paloma 

Radiant Orchid and Firsts

Modern Austen and Literate & Stylish are hosting a Pantone-Inspired Color Challenge this week, and I'm very excited to participate!  Sometimes I just feel really uninspired staring at my closet, and these are just the sort of challenges that help me find creative new ways of wearing the pieces I already have.

Today's challenge: RADIANT ORCHID, Pantone's color of the year.  It is a brilliant, warm mix of purple and pink.  Here's what I did with it:

 

 

What I'm Wearing:

Blouse: Chaus (TJMaxx)  |  Cardigan: Talbots |  Belt: Thrifted 

Necklace: Gift from Sister   |   Jeans: New York & Company (thrifted)   |  Shoes: Life Stride (DSW)

I'm just coming off of a long 3-day weekend, which is always a little tough.  The definitive highlight of my day was vaccinating a pair of 6-week old kittens this afternoon, who were tiny enough to fit in the pocket of my lab coat.  I'm convinced there is NOTHING cuter than a kitten...except maybe TWO kittens.  Both of the little cuties were orphan kittens, and the dedicated owner had bottle raised them.  I'm always a bit worried about bottle-fed kittens, as they are some of the more challenging behavior cases I see later in life.  There is something to be said for the boundaries mother cats teach their babies that we humans just aren't able to set for them.  I'm hopeful that the two I saw today are on their way to becoming well-adjusted fur kids!

I am actually super excited to have tomorrow off, because for once in my life I have exciting plans that extend beyond doing dishes or entertaining my cats with laser pointers.  I have a hair appointment at noon for a cut/color (MUCH overdue, I might add!).  Afterwards I'm going consignment shopping with my mom, and then...tomorrow evening...I have a first date.  Yep.  Moi.  Me.  It has been a very long time since I've had a first date, so naturally the butterflies are wreaking havoc.  Seriously, it's like a butterfly mosh pit rocker convention in there.  Perhaps it's time for some tea.  Anyone have any tips on settling these nerves so I don't end up an awkward jumble of nervous energy and, well, awkwardness?

P.S. I'm saving up for a new camera.  Not just any camera: a DSLR CAMERA.  Just you wait, world! One day grainy photos will be a thing of the past for The Fashionista Vet!  

Linking Up:
Spring Pantone Challenge Radiant Orchid / Monday Bloom