Happy Halloween!

This weekend Rhett and I frantically tried to put our Halloween costumes together for a party.   Luckily, it was the last weekend of the month which means...50% off everything at Goodwill!

With Whitney and I's nine-year-old costume in mind (see here) we decided to recreate the grandma and grandpa costume.

Isn't that dress amazing?  I honestly wish I was 80 years old so I could wear it everyday.  

So, before you guys go out and celebrate Halloween, do you think you could help me with a small predicament?

Okay, thanks.

Do you think there is anything I could do to this dress to make it wearable? I just love the color and the polka dots.

Is that ridiculous question?

Fancy Floods

This is me at 7:05am before school (hence the lunch pale, backpack, and no makeup). I've worn this shirt before, but the item in question here is my pants. Soooo they used to be super dark navy, and a decent length. Then I washed my $12.99 dark  jeans and they turned into jean cigarette pants (fancy word for floods).

Ignore that the backpack and belt make it look like I'm wearing a parachute.

My face is awkward here, but are my pants an awkward length?? On a different note, look at my cute blue car in the background... it's a subaru and we named it "Subjan" (pronounced suub- yaan, after sufjan stevens). Does your car have a name? I felt justified in my love for my car when I listened to this.

Free Money

When I was in college I always looked forward to the end of the semester when I could sell my textbooks back and get free money.  Okay, so it wasn't really free money since I technically bought the books in the first place...but it always felt like free money.

At the end of my junior year of college I took that free money and purchased two FULL PRICE items: a pair of jeans and this polka dot blazer.  Two items that I had been eyeing at Nordstrom for months.

Unfortunately, when I purchased the blazer I had just finished two weeks of studying for finals.  Which, if you know me....you know that means 5 things: pizza, Swedish Fish, Hot Tamales, Reeses, and Diet Coke. I'm a stress eater.

But let's not focus on that.  The point is, it's a little bit too big now and needs to be belted.  But whenever I belt it, I end up just taking it back off again for two reasons.

1. I don't know whether or not it is acceptable to belt blazers/jackets.
2. I feel like it looka awkward wearing a belt around my waist when you can see the empty belt loops on my pants as you can see below:

Blazer: Nordstrom Shirt: TJ Maxx 

Belt: Thrift Store Jeans: Gap Shoes: TJ Maxx

And yes...those are the same curls that I had on Monday.  No need to shower, remember?

So, what do you guys think? Should I just keep my blazer in the back of my closet until finals roll around again?

READER SUBMISSION

We can't wait for you to meet our good friend Amy today.  Who is actually somewhere in the Caribbean at the moment.  Doesn't that just sound lovely?  I wouldn't mind dropping all of my responsibilities and heading to the Caribbean.  But anyway, back to fashion, take a look at this amazing dress she has on and let her know what you think about them sleeves...

Hey new friends!  My name is Amy and I blog over at Amy Day to Day.  I write mostly about my personal style along with my adventures in motherhood and everyday life.

Now, I'm not one of those awesome fashion bloggers who does most of their shopping at thrift stores.  I'll be honest, all of the thrifted or vintage items that I own I bought from bloggers who are good at finding that sort of thing.

Which brings me to my question.

I bought a dress from Busy Bee Lauren's vintage shop this summer, but I haven't worn it in public yet.  I LOVE it, but I'm not exactly sure what to do with it.  Please help me?!

Here is what the dress looks like by itself:

I added a belt because, well, this dress should never see the light of day without one.

But I really don't love the sleeves.  My impulsive side wants to cut them, but my practical side knows better.  Not to mention that my thifty friends would think that was blasphemous.

So I rolled the sleeves under.

What do you think?  Does that look ridiculous?

Or better than the former?

What should I do?!

Have a question for the Duplex?  Email us at asktheduplex@gmail.com

A Nomadic Independent

There are a lot of interesting things about teaching in the Bay Area.  I don't think I've ever mentioned that I work at a "no trash" school. That means everything we use, everything the kids pack in lunches, etc.  either needs to be compostable or  recyclable. We also are really big in representing and hearing the voice of any or every culture/religion/idea that has ever been misrepresented. For example, I didn't know that the word "gypsy" is politically incorrect, but maybe I'm just uneducated?? Anyway, that's a long explanation for me saying, sorry if you are offended by my use of the term gypsy...

Something about this feels a little too gypsy-ish... would you agree? Should I loose the headband? The beads?

I feel like some people might say "your torso looks funny", I'm aware of that and am okay with it. I'm just trying to not look so much like a gypsy, or maybe I should say a wandering dancer?

Fall Faux Pas?

When I was in elementary school my school district had a strict dress code.  The kind of strict where you couldn't wear backless shoes, professional sports apparel, bandanas, or blood stained clothes (I learned this rule the hard way when I got a bloody nose at school and had to cover the blood stains up with 12 bandaids.....I looked really cool that day.)


The dress code also outlawed shorts after a certain day of the year--when it started getting cold.

This rule always confused me.  First of all Fresno, California did NOT get very cold.  Secondly, if we had a rule against wearing shorts, shouldn't we have also had a rule against wearing pants after a certain day?  Especially when it would get up to 113 degrees once in a while.

Although I don't have to adhere to a district policy, I do wonder if there are some fashion faux pas with clothing and weather.

Let's take scarves for instance.

Can you wear scarves when you're still wearing short sleeves?

Scarf: TJ Maxx Cardigan: Shade 

Shirt: TJ Maxx Jeans: Gap Shoes: TJ Maxx

Should scarf-wearing when it is in the low 70s be a fashion faux pas?  I mean...my neck isn't exactly freezing cold and in need of layers.

Fred Flinstone Feet

I think Monica and a few select other readers are the only people aware that I have a very large big toe. It is BIG. and guys, it has busted through two of my most beloved pair of shoes, my gray flats and my ballerina flats. I mean, I knew that they were on their deathbed, but I didn't think my toe would come busting out of them like it did.

Casualty 1:

Casualty 2:

I have been facing this question for a long time, but I am VERY curious what your go-to winter shoe is?????

I've worn both these flats in cold weather and lots of other inappropriate footwear, but I would love to get a good pair of shoes to wear this winter. ANY SUGGESTIONS??? (I know boots, but what kind? It's not cold enough for like sorels, I need comfort and warmth)

I'm Not Your Venus

Good news, ladies.  Remember when I asked you about what razor you use? Well, I finally made a decision.  I dropped the Venus.

A lot of you mentioned that you use men's razors.  So, I decided to give it a whirl.

Rhett and I went to Sam's Club this past weekend.  In between getting seconds and thirds of free samples...this beauty caught our attention.

It was even glimmering in the package just like this picture portrays.  We decided to buy one razor handle with several refill razors.  So we share the handle but have our own razor blade.

And let me tell you.  This thing is FABULOUS.  See that little button that is all lit up? This bad boy is battery operated for a super close shave.

Has anyone else tried this thing?

See? Can't see the line....Can ya, Russ?

If you can name the movie I just quoted...I'll love you forever.

Does anyone else find themselves quoting childhood movies as if they're common knowledge?  What movie do you always find yourself quoting?

READER SUBMISSION

We can't even begin to tell you how much we have LOVED meeting new e-roomates. We consider Erica to be amongst our roommates. Erica writes the blog North Meets South and not only is she super cute and stylish, she's an accountant in New York City, girlfriend has got it goin' on. We're so pleased that she stopped by the duplex with a fashion question. Here's Erica-

Hi Roomies!

I'm super pumped to be here at the Duplex today! You see, I live with a man. A very smart, kind, funny man, but a man nonetheless. And when I have a wardrobe crisis, I need a WOman. My husband, as much as I love him, just doesn't cut it fashionably speaking. For example, one time, my husband told me I have too many cardigans. Too many cardigans?!?! How can I trust the sartorial advice of a person who lives in a world where the concept of "too many cardigans" even exists? Srsly?

So ladies, I need your advice. There are 2 trends I'm totally loving right now: loose layers and flare jeans. 

And I love to wear them together.

I know you are supposed to pair loose with tight (i.e. tunic and skinny jeans or fitted top plus trouser jeans), but I just can't help myself! It's so comfortable! And besides, how else am I supposed to hide that second (or third) helping of dinner? 

Can I get away with my loose clothes with the addition of a top knot and red lipstick to glam it up?

Thanks for the help!

xo Erica

this is not a maternity dress

Let me preface this by saying I AM NOT PREGNANT, although the picture below kind of looks like I'm making that announcement... I'm not. I think the dress is a little billowy so every once in awhile it looks a little maternityish. ANYWAY. I got this dress in Bali over 6 years ago and I don't wear it very often. I just can't figure out how it looks best. Recently I paired it with this sweater and I can't decide which way I like it.

 Option 1:

Option 2:

Which do you think is best? Or do you think another way would be better? Should I add tights? It is spaghetti strap so I have to wear something over it. Any ideas?

Fall Uniform

Remember when Whitney showed us her summer uniform?

Well, meet my fall uniform.
My fall uniform... in a beautiful garden in Lexington, Kentucky.....with a little man statue?

Whenever we have somewhere to go- Sam's Club, Kroger, Papa Murphy's, or ....Lexington, Kentucky-- this is what I put on.  Black jeans.  And a striped shirt.  It's just so comfortable.

 Everything on my body: TJ Maxx

So, since this outfit is going anywhere soon...I realize I could really jazz it up with some additional items.  AND I could also wear this outfit more if I had different ways of accessorizing it.  Right?

Right.

So, if you're thinking, "Hey, why don't you try a smidge of make-up and actually doing your hair"-- I see your point.  I think that would do a lot for the outfit.   But, I can't take back the fact that I didn't actually get ready when these photos were taken. And plus, I don't usually get ready when I run errands.  So I really need some accessory help to make up for it.

So, what would you add to this outfit to liven it up?  Necklace? Belt? Sombrero?

The options are endless...I just need some direction.

Take My Breath Away

Did you know that in Berkeley and Oakland, Columbus Day is now called "Indigenous Peoples Day"?? Well, it is and so on this last Indigenous Peoples Day, I decided to celebrate the indigenous people of the Yosemite area at a cabin with friends and hiking. Thank you indigenous peoples.

Have you been to Yosemite? It is spectacular. I was laughing going through pictures because in all of the candid ones, we are all pointing:

We were probably pointing at views like this:

and this:

Breathtaking, huh? Funny how it shows no signs of fall. Are you taking any trips to see fall leaves this Autumn? Where do you think is the best place to experience Fall?

Oops, I Did It Again

Whenever I walk out of the bedroom in one of my husband's clothing items, he always stops what he's doing and says, "Wait, hey, that's my shirt."  I guess I better start asking his permission before I waltz out making his manly clothing look so feminine.  

Last time I tried wearing my husband's shirt you guys seemed to think tying a knot was an appropriate way to wear a shirt that is too big.

Today I want to know if either of these options work, too.

A. Shirt Un-tucked like a tunic

I don't know what my face is doing in either of these photos. 

B. Or tucked in

Blazer: TJ Maxx Shirt: Husband's closet Belt: Thrift Store Jeans: Gap

Oh, and I wanted to show you guys the best comment I have ever received in the history of the Duplex.  

Man.  Do you understand how much I wish this would become a reality? I think "anonymous" and I would be good friends.


But back to the question: tucked or not tucked?

3 Little Facts

Me and Monica dancing at my sister's wedding, apparently we all take dancing very seriously

I think one of my favorite things about blogs is finding out random little facts about people's lives. Turns out I'm not the only one, Rebecca over at Rebecca with an R started an entire series on that thought! She asked us to participate in her Three Little Facts series, so here you have it...

Three little facts about the Duplex roommates:

1. All throughout our childhood, Monica and I had Top Ramen eating contests every Friday night.  We would drain the water out, tie our hands behind our back, put our hair back with a headband, and see who could finish the entire bowl in the least amount of time.

2. When we were 16 we went to Europe and kissed strangers at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

3. In high school there was a "dress up like a hobo day" (I don't know how PC that is, but whatever) and we dressed up like hobos and brought our little plastic recorders (remember those things?). During break and lunch we played "Hot Cross Buns" and other random songs with a hat in front of us and ended up making $18.00!

Pink or Brown?

I should maybe stop taking pictures with these navy pants for the ol' blog because they look so black in pics and soo blue in real life. So pretend you're seeing me in real life.

And if you were seeing me in real life... which shoe looks better?

Pink:

I can't tell you how many hours a day I spend in this position tying shoe laces, attn: parents, velcro!

Or Brown:

Knees

One time in high school, Whitney said to me, "I am pretty sure I could pick your knees out of a crowd of hundreds of people...without even seeing the rest of your body".  I laughed and laughed.  I just thought it was such a funny thing to say.  Then I stopped laughing.  And then I thought, wait a second...I don't think that is a good thing.

Right now you may be thinking, "I don't think I've ever really seen Monica's knees".  That's right.  For the most part, I try to keep those bad boys covered.  There are only 2 posts on this blog (that I know of) that show my knees.  And if you find those two posts, email me, and you can make fun of them to my face.  I dare you.

Last week, I showed you guys my yellow skirt and several of you recommended that I hem it.  So, I have two questions for you today.  One clarifying question and one new question.

1. When you said I should hem it...did you mean hem it so my knees show? And..uhm...do you really think I should do that?
2. After I put this skirt on for church, I wondered if you guys would say the same about this one as you did my yellow one.  Do you think this skirt needs to me hemmed a little?

 Rhett said, "C'mon, act natural" and this is what I did.  

Apparently when I act natural, I put my head down and touch my face.  

Also, you guys should be proud of me.  None of my clothes are from TJ Maxx today.  Well, except the belt and shoes...but those are just accessories.  

Cardigan: Old Navy Shirt: DownEast 

Skirt: Target Belt: TJ Maxx Shoes: TJ Maxx

Ramshackle

 Last night I had a semi freak-out. It started raining and at 2am our ceiling started leaking and then huge chunks of the ceiling started to fall off and wasps started flying out... Wasps. and a leaking ceiling. and it crumbling around me. this is not an exaggeration. So I was like, forget this, I'm sleeping on the couch. That might have sounded like a good idea, but guys, my couch is falling apart too.

Luckily in the daylight I find this all humorous and I am just able to call my landlord to get it all repaired. BUT something needs to be done about my poor couch. Here is a picture of it during better days: 

and this is when we form it into a huge bed (ignore my dirty apartment): 

But now all the white has began to crack and is falling off. I got the couch off craigslist and we call it "The Cloud" and it is, well was, the couch of my dreams. But I can't be living in an apartment with a crumbling cieling, wasps, AND a crappy couch, so I'm in the market for a couch. But I'm LOOSST. Where is a good place to get a couch? West Elm? uhhh Pottery Barn? I've never bought anything not on craigslist so I don't know where you get this type of stuff.

Where did you get your couch? Do you like it? Any tips when looking for a couch??


(I promise I'll return to style/fashion questions, but I've got a lot of issues I need help with that have nothing to do with my pants or shoes)

I'm Your Venus

A little over 3 weeks ago, I had a birthday.  Most of my gifts were food related-- but I did receive one gift that was not food.  

The Venus.

Apparently my husband thinks I need to be shaving my legs more.  Well, I think he actually feels bad for me because every time I come out of the shower I have blood running down my legs from my crappy razor.  I always just buy those super cheap disposable razors.  They cut my flesh but they don't even really shave my legs.  I can't remember the last time I had smooth legs.

My thoughtful husband decided I should have a nice razor.  But, I have had this Venus package sitting on my dresser for the past 3 weeks debating if I should keep it.  If I am going to spend money on a real razor, I want it to be a good one.  Then it occurred to me-  I should just ask the Duplex!

Do you have a favorite razor that gets your legs nice and smooth? Should I keep the Venus? Is there something better?