09.01.09

09.01.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

This dress would look so much better with a belt. I think I have a red one that would work. I "slept in" this morning and got dressed in a hurry again so I nixed accessories. These boots are beautiful but murdered me. I'm sticking to my rule of little to no heels at work. Ouchie.

Dress: Lane Bryant
Tights: We Love Colors
Boots: Gift from Mum
Tattoos: The best accessory ever...you can't forget them at home!

08.31.09

A hum-drum outfit for a hum-drum day. I thought I'd experiment with black and brown together as it's something I'd had the mindset just didn't go together. Wrong. I rather like it now.

Shirt, Cami & Pants- Lane Bryant
MJs- Doc Martens
Recycled leather cuff- local incense/jewelry/water pipe shop

08.28.09

It's painfully mainstream tattoo garbage but I had to have it. It's so goofy I love it.

leppy flats
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

It was "Dressy Jeans" day at school...so i took it literally and wore both. The secretaries got a kick out of it.

Jeans- LB Right Fit Blue
Dress- Lane Bryant (Last summer)
Belt- Lane Bryant
Satin Leopard Print Flats- Mossimo
Feathered headband and Tattoo Cuff Watch- Hell-Mart

08.27.09

08.27.09.two
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I overslept by an hour this morning. Stupid alarm. >.< Sooo...I grabbed whatever was handy that I hadn't already worn this week (save the trousers). I love this shirt; it has little metallic threads runnign through the fabric and cute little puff sleeves with sparkly buttons. Unfortunately I have to cover some of my tattoos so the cardigan is a necessity. It's the same as the teal one I wore earlier this week. A little shapeless but it's got some nice details.

Cardigan: Mossimo
Shirt and trousers: Lane Bryant
Fave MJs: Doc Martens

08.26.09

08.26.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I finally got my hair cut today, hence the extra poofiness.
I've had this dress since January and only worn it twice. Not sure why...it's super comfy and fits relatively well. *shrugs* I'll be keeping it in a higher rotation since I got so many compliments on it at work. ^_^

Dress- Chelsea Studio
Belt- Gift
Tights- We Love Colors
MJs- Doc Martens

08.25.09

flower brooch
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I got approval to wear my denim trousers to work! Woo-hoo! My school has a no-jeans policy for staff/teachers but I was relieved to find out that these are okay to wear. So comfy and great for crawling around under tables after wires and cables.
This blouse had an issue when I bought it but I quickly remedied it with a brooch. The self-ties do not like to stay in place in the slide without the brooch pinning them together. It's a nice little decorative touch that is functional too.

Blouse-Cato
Denim Trousers- Lane Bryant
MJs- Doc Martens
Adorable Fluffbutt- Freyja Mouse

08.24.09

08.24.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Simple enough. Shaker knit sweater and a pencil skirt. The tights and scarf keep it from being too boring, I think.

Sweater- Cato
Skirt- Lane Bryant (clearance summer 09)
Scarf- Wal-Mart ( I think)
Tights- Gift (my Mum found them on clearance a few years ago and bought me 3 pairs)
MJs- Doc Martens

Today was a good day at school. I got a lot accomplished but uncovered more things that will have to be dealt with. I survived lunch duty and dismissal!

08.22.09

08.22.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

All gussied up for a cookout with some people from work. There's supposedly a pool involved but I won't be partaking.

Skirt and Top: Lane Bryant (Recent clearance)
Sandals: Earth Shoes (2-3 years ago...on clearance of course)

I normally don't go out of the house in sleeveless tops because I hate my upper arms but 1. it's too hot not to and 2. I have awesome tattoos that make me care less and less about my jiggly bits. Body modification for the positive!

08.20.09

08.20.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Both the weather and my wellness have been questionable all day. Storms have come and gone and I've been fighting a summer cold. I think the cold and the storms might win.

This blouse doesn't look nearly as bad as I thought it did all day. I don't own a full length mirror so it's nice to know I look better than I imagined.

Blouse: Mossimo (super-duper clearance last fall)
Cami: Lane Bryant
Pants: LB Right Fit Blue
Ugly but comfy shoes: Brooks
Funny look on my face: Letting the wind blow through my hair

08.19.09

081909
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Shirt, Tank, and Skirt: Lane Bryant (various clearance sales over the past couple of years)
Tights: We Love Colors
MJs: Doc Marten

Today was a good day at work. I got a lot done but still have alist waiting for me in the morning.
I love the details on this skirt! The back has a strap and buttons that create a gather at the hem. It makes me feel a little saucy when I wear it with heels (which I will never wear to work again...omg.)

08.17.09

08.17.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

My first Monday at the new job with the kids. I started 2 weeks ago and the kids started back last week. So far so good!

Cardigan: Target
Dress: Apt. 9
Tights: We Love Colors (<3)
Shoes: Doc Marten (new...found them on super clearance this weekend. DM + maryjanes=love.)




I love the screw and grommet details on them.

Long TIme No Art...

I've been so busy with work the past few months that I haven't taken time out to make art. This...is bad. I discovered that it makes me kinda sick in a way. Bad stuff. So, I've started working on my shrinky-dink jewelry when I have time and it's given me a great outlet and I'm pleased with the results. My latest batch is now finished and uploaded on DeviantArt and I'm taking them down to the tattoo studio today to put in the sale case.
I started a new job officially this week. I'm now a school technology coordinator at an elementary school in the city just north of us. I'm very excited about this and it will give me more time to create and work on art. The downside is I don't get to see my husband much through the week as our schedules are opposite each other. Things will work out somehow though.

I am still alive...I think...

100_3261
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

The depression had me down but I'm winning, I swear! I've been gainfully employed for a month and a half now and am quite happy on that front. I haven't been blogging much or taking outfit shots because it's a very jeans-and-tshirt kind of environment but I'm trying to step it up a little and dress nicer than I have to. Blogging should get me back into the spirit of things!


I went to a friend's wedding over the weekend. Here's a few shots from that, although I didn't manage to get a full-body shot of my dress. Maybe Maggie did...I'll have to check.






Maggie and Me at the reception.


I found these gorgeous wedges on clearance at Target on the way to the wedding. They were great except for the left one cut into my big toe. It's not pretty and I'll probably be wearing toe-less shoes for a few days. That said, I'll probably wear these shoes again once I'm healed up. >.<


One of my favourite rings ever. It was a Christmas present from Mum and Dad a few years ago. It's a Mystic Topaz and looks soooo fake but it's a certified piece. <3

light and dark

My BFF Mags and I went crazy and tried to relive my college years which were filled with mohawks and liberty spikes. My hair is a little too long for it now and I was left feeling slightly depressed and feeling old. I miss having purple hair. This responsible adult stuff is for the birds.

light and dark
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

He's just in it for the devil lock.

04.01.09

red necklace
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Super comfy for chilly morning errands but the long sleeves won't be necessary the rest of the day I can tell. I never thought I'd wear leggings and flats again (post childhood that is...oh early 90's...) but I can't pass up the comfort level of both.


Thermal shirt: American Apparel
Dress: Apt. 9 @ Kohl's (several years ago now)
Leggings: Family Dollar
Leopard Print Flats (<3): Mossimo Supply Co.
Necklace: LB (clearnace for $4!)
Dandelion: the first signs of Spring!
Fluffy head: Mr. Bowen

03.25.09

03.25.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

New hair cut and colour!
Worn to take my Aunt out to lunch for her birthday. Some new stuff courtesy of Mum! We hit up Cato's yesterday in search of some short-sleeved tops for her since she's so much smaller now than this time last year. I'm so proud of her!

Hoodie: Cato's
Tank: LB
Capris (rolled up to bermuda-length)- Cato's
MJs- Cato's

Ha! Normally my outfits are predominantly LB. A nice little reversal. Now if only I could find thrifted and vintage goodies in my size around here...

More DM

Dear Dave-
Marry me? Please?
Most Sincerely,
A Not-Crazy-I-Swear Fan

03.16.09

03.16.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I look pretty vacant today. Feel it too. This gray weather is starting to get to me. At least I have new chest tattoos to cheer me up. (They're mechanical bats flying out of my clockwork heart)

Dress- WW catalog (Go clearance!)
Belt- Wrangler
Tights- We Love Colors
Mary Janes- Cato
New Tattoos- Renee

03.09.09

030909
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I wore this to get out of the house. I went to Hell-Mart and the greeter told me I looked very nice. I was very surprised.

Dress- apt. 9 (umpteen years ago)
waistcoat- Mossimo
Tights- We Love Colors
Shoes- Aerosoles
Scarf- Hell-Mart
Nosey fluffbutt- Freyja Mouse




My Favorite shoes. They make me feel like Wonder Woman.

Today I love:
Depeche Mode. I've rotated through their greatest hits this morning and it's been superb. Fits my mood perfectly. Plus, they've a new video out from the new album due out 04/21/09. Said video:


Also, I love my dogs. I'd be lost without them.




I'm also in love with the new U2 album. <3 I've been alternating that and DM today and feel pretty good because of it.


I have my first training for Mary Kay tonight. Yeah...I'm not your typical MK lady, that's for sure...but I'm walking testimony for their products so why not try my hand at it? We'll see how it goes.

You know what? Depression sucks ass and blows chunks. Duh, right? I've not been this depressed since...well, I guess since I ruptured a disk in my back the semester I was supposed to graduate from college. Hell, even then I at least had pain pills to make me not care so much. I'm trying to keep a positive outlook overall but shit just keeps happening. My husband is having trouble with school, I'm having no luck with my grievance OR finding a new job and I'm just plain unhappy and pissed off at life right now. You hear that life? You can go eat something big and nasty right now.
I've dealt with depression my whole life and taken pills for it since I was 15. Most of the time the pills work just fine. Perfectly even. But when I get too stressed BAM! I want to hide in bed and not eat for weeks (when I hit bad rock-bottom depression status I quit eating entirely). This time though...I'm fighting it tooth and nail. I'm making myself get up around 8 every morning, I'm making myself do housework, I'm getting out of the house with Mum and I'm making myself eat(mostly healthy...).
On an upswing, I traveled to Maryland last weekend to see some friends I've not seen in too long. My best friend Savy was offered a job in Fredrick and is moving this weekend. I am eternally jealous. She's getting out of Richmond (and KY altogether), she's getting a decently paying job and she gets to live near some of my favourite people on Earth. If I didn't have a house (and husband) to contend with I'd be joining her. I'm going to miss her like mad. My other best friend, Mags, is leaving in August for the Disney intern program at DisneyWorld. I'm going to be all alone and I'm frightened of that. Not that I'm codependent but it's nice to have people to talk to outside of my husband and Mum sometimes.
Another high note...I go to get my chest tattoo worked on next week. It's the little things in life that keep me from choking someone...

03.05.09

03.05.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

So, here I am, fighting the wind in my back yard. Back to blonde again. Probably for good this time.
I wore this for a meeting on campus about my grievance. I felt a little too casual with the jeans but I was comfortable at least and that eased my nerves.

Sweater- Daisy Fuentes (Clearance for 10.00)
White polo- Faded Glory
Jeans- Levi's 515 (Super cheap at Sam's Club)
Black Peep-toe Wedges- Nine West (thrifted for 3.00)
Faux pearls- thrifted (1.00!!)

02.24.09

Last Friday I was forcefully terminated from my job.
Since then I've been angry, sad, depressed and delirious. Sometimes all at once. I'm trying to keep a positive outlook, like this is a catalyst for a good change in my life. Time will tell I suppose. But for now, I'm applying for jobs and working on a case against my former employers. More about that as it comes to fruition.
I'm going to still try to post outfits for interviews and meetings. Or if I feel especially cute and confident. Perhaps I need to make myself post everyday so I'll get out of my pajamas...

02.17.09

02.17.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

The Freyja Mouse makes an appearance today. She's my mischievous youngest child. Today was a long day at work to say the least. At least I was comfortable!

Dress- LB (Clearance racks, yeah!)
Sweater- LB
Belt- Cato (I really need more belts...)
Scarf- Vintage (Hand-rolled in Japan)
Wedding boots- My Vintage Sole
The Black Blur- Freyja Mouse

02.16.09\02

02.16.09\02
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

My husband rearranged the living room and the couch is in front of where I normally take my photo. So, I'm outside until I can find another spot. The pups decided to make an appearance today.

Dress- Apt. 9
Vest- Mossimo
Tights- We Love Colors
Flats- Mossimo Supply

Not sure if I'm in love with this brown hair colour. It's darker than what I'd imagined. We'll see how it washes up.

02.13.09

02.13.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Casual Friday a.k.a. The boss is out of the office today. It so tempting to not cover any of my tattoos and not fli up my septum ring but I have to be out on campus today representing the department. *sigh*


Mini trench- LB
Stripey shirt- Abney Park band tee (www.abneypark.com)
Wide leg, high-waist jeans-LB
Ugly but comfy shoes- Brooks

02.12.09

02.12.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

This is the only turtleneck I own. I've been very anti-turtleneck for years but this one isn't so bad.

Dress- LB
Turtleneck- American Apparel
Jeans- LB Right Fit Blue
Flats- Mossimo supply
Fluffy head- Mr. Bowen

02.10.09

02.10.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I feel very patriotic in this. It's a little out of my normal comfort zone as the only black I'm wearing is the belt and shoes. ACK!

Dress- WW Catalog
Tights- We Love Colors
Belt and Shoes- Cato

02.09.09

02.09.09, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

I have no feet it seems. Ha!

Scarf- Vintage (Lot off of eBay)
Sweater- LB
Denim trousers- LB
Invisible but trust me they're ugly shoes- Brooks
Silver Halloween charm bracelet- Gift from Mum

helloraiser kitty

helloraiser kitty, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

The newest (and fresh!) tattoo. It amuses me to no end and I think that's important sometimes.
I go back in 2 weeks for some more work on my chest.

I'll hopefully return to outfit blogging next week. I've been lazy the past few days after returning to work post-ice storm and didn't put much thought into my clothes so I didn't photograph them. I realized how much I actually enjoy putting outfits together now! I kinda missed it.

Off to pick up my Mary Kay order then to a baby shower for the cutest couple I know.

02.04.09

020409, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

A wonky morning picture! My tripod was crooked it seems, much like my belt. Oh well.

Baby blue thermal- American Apparel
Brown sweater- Sonoma
Wide Leg Trouser Jeans- LB
Belt- LB
Shoes- >.> These are my husband's Skechers...I thought they'd make good snow-going shoes. I was right. And yes, we wear the same shoe size. >.<

I've finally got power and heat back after the big ice storm last week. We were without power at our house for 6 days and I was off work for 4 of those, thankfully. Sunday it was 65 and melted the last of the snow and ice away. Tuesday it snowed all day and this mornign I awoke to 2+ inces of snow on the ground and it's still going strong. Work was on a 2 hour delay but the roads were still a mess. It took me 5 tries to get up the hill on my street and the rest of the drive was not the easiest either. I doubt they'd call school off again after beign closed all last week but it would be nice to not have to be out in this all day and evening, as I've class tonight.

On a better note, I get to get tattooed again on Friday! It gives me something to look forward to thus it helps me get through the week.

Full Colour

Full Colour, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

A non-blurry, fully-healed shot of the first part of my chest tattoo. I'll be adding more to it soon, mostly tiny bats flying out of the 'arteries' and connecting to my left shoulder, which has bats on it already. Yup, I'm a geek for chiroptera.

Some things I love

As I was getting ready this morning, I realized there are a lot of products I use on a daily basis that I just love. So, I thought I'd throw together a list of things that keep me feeling presentable and maybe just plain pretty sometimes. ^_^

1. Organix Shampoo and Conditioner (Shea Butter formula)- The smell and the feel of my hair when I use these makes me so happy. Plus they're organic and free of sulfides so theyr'e better for me and the environment!

2. Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 Facial Scrub and Lotion- The one set of products I've found that I'm not allergic to and they make my skin look great! Fewer breakouts, more even tones, smoother complexion...etc. Plus a bottle lasts me forever (4-5 months on average with daily use). It's pricier than everything else I've tried BUT it works better and by the time I buy 2 or 3 tubes of stuff that makes me itchy I could pay for one tube of something that works! <3 MK

3. Mary Kay TimeWise Day and Night Solutions- Last year I noticed the beginnings of crow's feet around my eyes and laugh lines around my mouth. I panicked...I was only 26! Ack! I joke about feeling old (because my body is in such bad shape) but to have visible evidence ON MY FACE? OMG NO! So, I talked to my MK consultant and she recommended this set of serums that work to undo all the crap your face goes through during the day. The daytime " Think of it as a veil of defense. With an SPF of 25, this innovative product helps prevent lines and discoloration before they occur by blocking damaging UVA/UVB rays. A calming peptide helps relax expression lines." (MaryKay.com) The nighttime formula is "A unique delivery system of encapsulated vitamins and antioxidants combined with collagen-enhancing peptides help fade away deep lines and wrinkles. Nutribeads® microcapsules are vitamin-packed. Rest assured your skin is being revitalized while you sleep." And I think they work! Those early-onset crow's feet are receding and the laugh lines are only there when I laugh! Take that old age!

4. Nexxus Headress Leave-in Conditioner- This stuff makes me love my hair. It's not only a leave-in conditioner, it heps your hair retain styling with heat tools (hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, etc.) So, I don't have to put extra crap in my hair, always a bonus since I seem to be allergic to everything coming and going like gel, hair spray, mousse...either my face breaks out or my scalp breaks out. But this leav-in conditioner allows me to heat style my hair and go without extra crap and it leave my hair feeling smooth and silky while keeping it protected.

5. Almay Triple Effects Mascara- One of the few non-MK cosmetics I use. (I've not had luck with MK's mascaras as of yet...I've one more to try and it's on order.) Almay's products are known for their 'hypoallergenic' qualities and this is no exception. It curls, lengthens and volumizes my long-but-blonde lashes. It doesn't irritate my eyes since it's not waterproof, which I've found to be one culprit of my eye irritation woes. It does what it says- it makes my lashes appear long, thick and curled.

6. Mary Kay Eye Primer- I won't wear eye makeup without it. It really does the trick keeping shadows in place through the day (or night). It also helps weaker pigmented shadows go on smoother.

7. Vidal Sassoon Ceramic Ionic Hair Dryer- I don't know how I ever dried my hair without this thing. Before I lopped off all my hair and before I got this wonderful thing it would take me up to 30 minutes to get my hair mostly dry. Now with my shirter hair and the ionic beast- 8-10 minutes and it's fully dry. YES!!!! It's also great for styling too. <3 <3 <3

8. Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm- I'm a sucker for anything pomegranate. It's my second favorite lip balm (after my own homemade formula) and my favorite tube balm.

9. Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover- Again, I'm not allergic to it and it does it's job very well.

01.22.09

012209, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

New boots again and what little bit of school spirit I have is covered by my scarf. Ha!

Scarf- gift from Mum
Sweater- College bookstore (The college I work at and attend)
Skirt- LB
Leggings- Cuddle duds
Boots- LB
Pretty Kitty- Laurel

WoW Geekery...

My friend Reid showed me this awesome WoW video at work today. <3



It is one of the best WoW videos I've seen. Ever.

01.21.09

01.21.09, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Some new goodies from LB online. Simple and warm. This would look better with a nice coloured belt and tights. Now I just need to acquire said accessories...

Sweater Dress, belt and boots- LB
Leggings- Cuddle Duds

I darkened my hair again. I think this is as close to my natural colour as I will ever get out of a box. the boy says I'm a turtleneck sweater and a pleated skirt away form being Velma form Scooby Doo and I'm quite alright with that.

A brief Interlude...

...featuring one of my favourite shows of all time "The Young Ones", a BBC production from the 1980's. I adore it and I found some clips on YouTube!

01.20.09

012009, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Cozy warm sweaters are so nice.

Sweater- Sonoma
Belt- Cato
Dress- Lane Bryant
Tights- We Love Colors
Boots- Demonia
Scarf- VIntage, eBay lot

Happy Inauguration Day! ^_^

Also...REPO! The Genetic Opera was released on DVD today and I can't wait to get my copy (once my paycheck shows up...)

Mum has ordered me some new boots (2 pairs) and a few new dresses and I'm very excited for them to come in! New stuff on the cheap; I love catalog clearance shopping!