I don't know about the rest of you, but I tend to go through stages with minor fashion obsessions. I'll spend days or weeks looking for the perfect iteration of a particular item of clothing until either A) I find it or B) I give up and move on to the next thing.
My last fashion obsession was the perfect ankle-length hippie skirt. Long ago...all the way back in high school, ha...I had this great chocolate brown embroidered hippie skirt...it was full and heavy and swirled around my ankles most delightfully. And for some reason, a little while ago, I became obsessed with finding something similar. That one was a success...my husband remembered a local hippie clothing shop a few suburbs over and we headed out on a mission! This time, I went with deep blue instead of chocolate brown, but otherwise, the skirts are almost the same. It's too cold out to wear my skirt much yet, but I've worn it around the house and felt like a goddess as it swirled and clung. Love it.
My current obsession is finding the perfect cape. It has to be long enough, but not TOO long (I don't want a cloak!) It has to be warm wool with a lining so I can wear it into the coldest days of fall and even into early winter with layers underneath. It has to button up the front all...or at least most...of the way up--no single clasps or two-button closures! It has to have arm holes...I want a cape, not a poncho! And preferably, it should be a funky-yet-classic plaid, or, barring that, a nice bright red or blue or other jewel tone. Vintage is preferable, but new will do as long as it's quality!
I'm not too picky, am I?!? ;-)
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Comfort AND Style
Okay, so one more post. I was browsing my blogroll just a bit ago and ran across the most recent post by The Sartorialist. I enjoy his blog, even when I don't particularly like the style of the folks he features...which is frequently, to be honest. But it's because of the wide variety of style he features that I keep coming back. There's often some little element of an outfit that I find I can apply to my own closet contents. However, I find it ironic, given the preponderance of "haute couture" and highly polished, sleek looks to be found in most fashion blogs, The Sartorialist included, that the outfit I find myself drawn to is this one...so simple, so comfortable, so much the opposite of "haute couture," and yet so, so stylish as well.
Personally, I would apply this look in tones of navy, rather than brown. A long, soft navy dress or skirt, possibly in jersey, topped with a similarly-toned navy corduroy blazer with grey elbow patches. And since it's a fall look, I'd switch out the sandals for grey suede boots. Perfection. Comfort AND style, all in one simple outfit. Elements both of bohemian ease and scholarly disregard. Love it.
Personally, I would apply this look in tones of navy, rather than brown. A long, soft navy dress or skirt, possibly in jersey, topped with a similarly-toned navy corduroy blazer with grey elbow patches. And since it's a fall look, I'd switch out the sandals for grey suede boots. Perfection. Comfort AND style, all in one simple outfit. Elements both of bohemian ease and scholarly disregard. Love it.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Style Sunday: Newsie Caps
I recently cut all my hair off. I went from "flowing raven locks" (my husband's description) to a cute little pixie cut barely an inch long. I love it, though, don't get me wrong! I'm having a lot of fun accessorizing and dressing for my new hair, ha! But I recently discovered, while pulling out my winter gear to get ready for the cold, that my beloved cloche hats now look...well...ridiculous on me. They cover my whole head and you can't see any of my hair, so it just looks WRONG. So, it's time for a replacement! In my initial perusal of the hat racks at Target last night, it seems that the style most suited to my current crop is the newsboy cap. This boyish style sits just far enough back on my head to reveal the spiky bangs at the front, while not covering the entire sides. I didn't purchase anything last night...I'm picky about hats, and it has to be JUST the right one...but I found a few interesting options browsing Etsy today!
These two are a little more traditional and slightly more masculine in style, which isn't a bad thing! A little gender-ambiguity can be a very sexy thing in style, after all!
Mickey Cap by EarthWhirled
These two hats, though, are slightly more feminized in shape, color, and detailing, which offers its own appeal!
Shadow hat by BKMHattitude
Etta Hat in Pink Linen by piperandpaisley
These two are a little more traditional and slightly more masculine in style, which isn't a bad thing! A little gender-ambiguity can be a very sexy thing in style, after all!
Mickey Cap by EarthWhirledThese two hats, though, are slightly more feminized in shape, color, and detailing, which offers its own appeal!
Shadow hat by BKMHattitudeEtta Hat in Pink Linen by piperandpaisleySo many choices out there! I'll have a lot of fun browsing the hat sections of stores for a while to come, I'm sure, until I'm able to find the perfect hat for my new hair!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The Elements of Style
I don't read many "style" or "fashion" blogs. A few, here and there...those that, for one reason or another, grab my attention fairly consistently. I'm more interested in personal style than in fashion, you see, and a lot of those kinds of blogs are more about trends and couture. I firmly believe that while fashion is transient, true personal style can see one throughout one's life. As Oscar Wilde had it, "Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months." Which isn't to say, of course, that I never find myself trying out something that's a current hot item or fashion. But only if I feel that it meshes well with what I consider to be my own "look" or style identity.
And here's another quote for you, one that I actually ran across while reading Scott Shuman's blog, The Sartorialist: "...I am realizing that great personal style is made up of a certain percentage of "always" items and methods, mixed with a certain percentage of "sometimes" fashions, and a certain percentage of "nevers."
And that really resonated with my own thoughts on the subject. There are definitely things that I consider my "always" or my staple style elements, some few things that I mix in as fashion comes and goes, and a whole heaping pile of things I'd never consider. (Hello, peep-toe boots? I'm looking at you! And Uggs, you're on my sh*tlist, too!)
It inspired me to really think about my own personal style and to discover what I consider to be my "always" staple items or elements. It was kind of fun and illuminating, and I think it will be useful, too! With a list of my "style rules" well defined, I will (hopefully!) be less inclined toward impulse buys that don't really go with my wardrobe and will be worn once and then gather dust at the closet's back.
My "Always" Style Staple Elements
And there you have it! There are certainly items in my closet that don't really fall into any of those categories, of course. Those would be the "sometimes" fashion items, or just the "occasion" stuff...you know, the fancy dresses you just don't have a reason to wear very often. But mixing and matching from that list encompasses the majority of what I consider to be "my look." It really covers my personal sense of style...in just 12 basic style elements. Admittedly, some of those elements encompass multiple actual items (the various types of boots, the "Americana" section), but still...it's more a general philosophy than a list of specific things, I suppose!
What are your "always" style elements? Do you have a philosophy of personal style?
And here's another quote for you, one that I actually ran across while reading Scott Shuman's blog, The Sartorialist: "...I am realizing that great personal style is made up of a certain percentage of "always" items and methods, mixed with a certain percentage of "sometimes" fashions, and a certain percentage of "nevers."
And that really resonated with my own thoughts on the subject. There are definitely things that I consider my "always" or my staple style elements, some few things that I mix in as fashion comes and goes, and a whole heaping pile of things I'd never consider. (Hello, peep-toe boots? I'm looking at you! And Uggs, you're on my sh*tlist, too!)
It inspired me to really think about my own personal style and to discover what I consider to be my "always" staple items or elements. It was kind of fun and illuminating, and I think it will be useful, too! With a list of my "style rules" well defined, I will (hopefully!) be less inclined toward impulse buys that don't really go with my wardrobe and will be worn once and then gather dust at the closet's back.
My "Always" Style Staple Elements
- Multiple pieces of heavy/chunky silver jewelry all worn together (at least 6 rings at a time, often paired with dangling earrings and a pile of bangle bracelets or a thick cuff.)
- Chunky leather boots such as: motorcycle harness boots, cowboy boots, and combat boots.
- Well-made leather purses/messenger bags in brightly saturated colors.
- Clean-lined, unfussy dresses, shirts, and skirts in natural fibers (cotton, linen) and jersey.
- Dark denim.
- Black leather jackets.
- "Americana" styles...that is, worn-in jeans, soft flannel workshirts, cotton chambray shirts, and simple white v-neck tees or ribbed white tank tops.
- Punk detailing such as studs and heavy metal hardware.
- Structured blazers and classic cardigans in bright colors
- Simple and comfortable ballet flats and sandals.
- A few versatile pairs of what I think of as "dangerously impractical heels."
- Aviator style sunglasses
And there you have it! There are certainly items in my closet that don't really fall into any of those categories, of course. Those would be the "sometimes" fashion items, or just the "occasion" stuff...you know, the fancy dresses you just don't have a reason to wear very often. But mixing and matching from that list encompasses the majority of what I consider to be "my look." It really covers my personal sense of style...in just 12 basic style elements. Admittedly, some of those elements encompass multiple actual items (the various types of boots, the "Americana" section), but still...it's more a general philosophy than a list of specific things, I suppose!
What are your "always" style elements? Do you have a philosophy of personal style?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
On "Stuff" and the stories we tell ourselves
So, there's this Target commercial on right now. A woman picks up a hat and asks herself if she's a hat person...then proceeds to enter a lovely daydream of the kind of life she'd have if she were a hat person. She's strolling in an orchard, has a handsome husband and perfect children. Then she snaps back to reality, checks the price on the hat, and decides she's totally a hat person.
I love this commercial, because it really does just point out and make obvious what most commercials only hint at or even try to disguise under marketing jargon...when we shop, what we're really buying isn't the hat, or the shoes, or the expensive cast-iron cookware. What we're buying is the story we tell ourselves about what our lives would be like if we were the sort of people who owned that retro-style red cloche or those fashionista heels or that dutch oven in the perfect shade of peacock blue.
And as much as I realize how silly it is to fill our lives with useless junk in the pursuit of some idealized vision of ourselves...instead of, you know, actually working on ACHIEVING that vision the hard way, through introspection, personal challenges, and a willingness to take risks...I'm just as guilty of it myself.
In, yes, Target, just the other day, I picked up a grey-and-black woolly shawl decorated with a swirling pattern reminiscent of paisley. I put it on, marveling at the sheer coziness...and was immediately swept into a vision of myself, wrapped in the shawl to ward off the crisp chill of fall, wandering through a local harvest festival with the smell of woodsmoke and dried leaves in the air and a mug of hot apple cider wrapped between my hands. It was a perfect vision of all that is best about autumn, all things considered. And in that vision, I was lovely and bohemian in my warm and cozy shawl, a vintage film camera hanging from my neck and my handsome husband at my side. I snapped back to reality and checked the price tag.
And yes, reader. I decided I'm totally a shawl person. Touché , Target. Touché.
I love this commercial, because it really does just point out and make obvious what most commercials only hint at or even try to disguise under marketing jargon...when we shop, what we're really buying isn't the hat, or the shoes, or the expensive cast-iron cookware. What we're buying is the story we tell ourselves about what our lives would be like if we were the sort of people who owned that retro-style red cloche or those fashionista heels or that dutch oven in the perfect shade of peacock blue.
And as much as I realize how silly it is to fill our lives with useless junk in the pursuit of some idealized vision of ourselves...instead of, you know, actually working on ACHIEVING that vision the hard way, through introspection, personal challenges, and a willingness to take risks...I'm just as guilty of it myself.
In, yes, Target, just the other day, I picked up a grey-and-black woolly shawl decorated with a swirling pattern reminiscent of paisley. I put it on, marveling at the sheer coziness...and was immediately swept into a vision of myself, wrapped in the shawl to ward off the crisp chill of fall, wandering through a local harvest festival with the smell of woodsmoke and dried leaves in the air and a mug of hot apple cider wrapped between my hands. It was a perfect vision of all that is best about autumn, all things considered. And in that vision, I was lovely and bohemian in my warm and cozy shawl, a vintage film camera hanging from my neck and my handsome husband at my side. I snapped back to reality and checked the price tag.
And yes, reader. I decided I'm totally a shawl person. Touché , Target. Touché.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Dreaming of spring!
The new spring items from Ruche have me dreaming of spring and, perhaps even more so, dreaming of summer! Lovely light dresses paired with bold accessories...right up my alley! If you haven't yet, do yourself a favor and give a gander at their spring lookbook!
But perhaps my favorite item is this fabulous pair of Kate Spade slides. Canvas upper, wooden sole, and that lovely bright green button and ribbon detail...easy, cheerful, and versatile! I can see slipping these on with almost any of the spring/summer dresses and skirts already in my closet!
But perhaps my favorite item is this fabulous pair of Kate Spade slides. Canvas upper, wooden sole, and that lovely bright green button and ribbon detail...easy, cheerful, and versatile! I can see slipping these on with almost any of the spring/summer dresses and skirts already in my closet!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Statement Necklaces
Okay, unless you've been living in a cave for the last several months, you have to have realized that the statement necklace is hot right now. Huge bejeweled bib necklaces, linked pectorals of beads, ruffly explosions of fabric or flowers...who could forget the young lady on the Sartorialist with her simple jeans and tank top paired with a huge red flower necklace and simple perfect red lips? Her statement necklace is what really made that outfit work!
And yet, somehow, those necklaces are just not for me. I mean, there have certainly been some of them I have enjoyed, and I'm pretty well-known in my group for my adoration of big chunky jewelry. But I tend to prefer a less sparkly, less frilly, more classic look to my large jewelry.
This wonderful copper necklace is the kind of statement necklace I like:
Bold, certainly. It would make a statement, definitely. And yet, as the seller says, it really is the kind of thing you could see an Egyptian queen wearing...classic in the truest sense of the word. But couldn't you see pairing it with a simple black tank top and a pair of dark-wash jeans, as well? And it would look wonderful with my favorite pair of copper earrings.
So what do you think of the current statement necklace trend? Yay, or nay?
And yet, somehow, those necklaces are just not for me. I mean, there have certainly been some of them I have enjoyed, and I'm pretty well-known in my group for my adoration of big chunky jewelry. But I tend to prefer a less sparkly, less frilly, more classic look to my large jewelry.
This wonderful copper necklace is the kind of statement necklace I like:
Bold, certainly. It would make a statement, definitely. And yet, as the seller says, it really is the kind of thing you could see an Egyptian queen wearing...classic in the truest sense of the word. But couldn't you see pairing it with a simple black tank top and a pair of dark-wash jeans, as well? And it would look wonderful with my favorite pair of copper earrings.
So what do you think of the current statement necklace trend? Yay, or nay?
Monday, August 31, 2009
What I Wore: Falling into Fall
Shirt: AnthropologieA-line denim skirt: Anthropologie
Crochet tights: Sock Dreams
Green suede books: Aerosoles
Peacock-print bangle: Modcloth
Silver necklace: vintage
Sadly, it has become apparent that fall has arrived. The days are getting chillier, the wind has picked up, and the sun is setting earlier and earlier. I say "sadly" because I'm never ready for summer to be over, and this year especially! We've had a very cold, wet summer and it feels like the warm days were never here at all...just a passing fancy rather than a lasting fact.
Honestly, though, I do love fall...at least I love EARLY fall. The time when the air is just crisp, not yet cold, when the skies are still blue and not that slate-grey so common to November, when the leaves are changing colors but are, for the most part, still on the trees. So I'm trying to embrace the season gracefully. I think today's outfit is a good compromise, ha!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
What I Wore: Moody Blues
Cardigan: Express
Embellished tank: Anthropologie
Denim a-line: Anthropologie
Skinny black belt: Kenneth Cole
Flowered headband: Anthropologie
Red heels: Merona, from Target
I'm just bright and sparkling all over today! The tank has this lovely band of beading and raw-edged lacy material at the top, the cardigan is anything but neutral with its row of rhinestone buttons, and the red shoes...well, who doesn't love a pop of red? I realize that the belt buckle looks gold here, but it's actually silver. Reflecting the light strangely, I suppose.
I love this cardigan. It's this perfect shade of grey...when paired with something in blue shades, like the tank, the cardigan looks blue-grey. When paired with just about anything else, it looks more of a deep grey. A wonderfully versatile neutral, and such soft fabric!
I'm sure I'll be wearing this exact outfit well into fall, paired with tights and knee-high boots instead of the bare legs and red heels.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Uniform Project
Have you heard about The Uniform Project? It's fascinating!
A young woman, Sheena Matheiken, has committed to wearing the same dress for a year, only changing up her accessories to make different outfits. She has seven identical dresses specifically designed for the project...the dress can be worn backwards or forwards or open as a tunic and is made of a durable cotton that will be light enough for summer wear but able to be layered in the colder months. Many or all of the accessories she'll be using to jazz up her uniform dress are vintage and thrifted, or gifts...making this year-long clothing experiment both affordable AND sustainable/green.
Some of her outfits are amazing! Despite the fact that she's wearing a black dress in all of them, this girl has definitely got style. It's so, so nice to see someone who puts such creativity into her clothing without having to resort to the latest-greatest (and therefore most expensive!) trends and designers. Inspiring!!
A young woman, Sheena Matheiken, has committed to wearing the same dress for a year, only changing up her accessories to make different outfits. She has seven identical dresses specifically designed for the project...the dress can be worn backwards or forwards or open as a tunic and is made of a durable cotton that will be light enough for summer wear but able to be layered in the colder months. Many or all of the accessories she'll be using to jazz up her uniform dress are vintage and thrifted, or gifts...making this year-long clothing experiment both affordable AND sustainable/green.
Some of her outfits are amazing! Despite the fact that she's wearing a black dress in all of them, this girl has definitely got style. It's so, so nice to see someone who puts such creativity into her clothing without having to resort to the latest-greatest (and therefore most expensive!) trends and designers. Inspiring!!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
What I Wore -- A Little Bit Southwest
Fluttery beige skirt: La Redoute
White button-down: Ann Taylor
Turquoise cami: Express
Red peep-toes: Franco Sarto
Bangle bracelets: Vintage, thrifted
Adjustable black belt: Vintage, thrifted
Carved bone sea turtle necklace: a shop in Hawai'i
Silver-toned earrings: World Market
I was aiming at a slight Southwest flavor here, without having to pile on the cliched chunky turquoise and silver jewelry. I think the red and turquoise color palette and the crispness of the sand-colored skirt paired with a simply white button-down, with just a few silver and bone accessories pulled off my intended effect nicely.
I hardly ever wear outfits which involve a shirt being TUCKED IN, though. So all day long, I've been sort of tugging at it, making sure it's still sitting right, ha! And the belt is adjustable in size and tends to slowly get larger as the day passes and the movements of my body stretch it out, so I've had to fix it once or twice, too. Over all, a nice outfit, but high maintenance!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Most Perfect Dress Ever
Just a quick note to say that this new dress from Anthropologie may just be the most perfect dress (for me) ever.
Let's review, shall we?
Oh, Anthropologie, how you tempt and torment me...!! And see, they KNOW it's the perfect dress. They even named it the Plum Perfect dress. *siiiigh*
Let's review, shall we?
- Bright, rich, jewel-tone color? Check!
- Flattering wrap-style bodice and ruffled peplum? Check!
- Easy-breezy jersey fabric? Check!
- Curve-enhancing straight/pencil skirt? Check!
Oh, Anthropologie, how you tempt and torment me...!! And see, they KNOW it's the perfect dress. They even named it the Plum Perfect dress. *siiiigh*
Monday, June 29, 2009
What I Wore -- Flowery Fields
Given that it's pretty overcast and slightly cooler today, I decided to perk things up with my new vintage bright-colored dress. I threw on a cardigan against the wind and the rain that's supposed to be coming later and paired the whole thing with the simple black strappy wedges I've been wearing with just about everything lately.
Dress and coordinating ribbon belt-- Vintage, from Pretty Little World Vintage
Cream cardigan-- J.Crew, several years back
Black wedge sandals-- Born
White scarf worn in hair-- vintage, thrifted
Bangle bracelets-- vintage, thrifted
Dress and coordinating ribbon belt-- Vintage, from Pretty Little World Vintage
Cream cardigan-- J.Crew, several years back
Black wedge sandals-- Born
White scarf worn in hair-- vintage, thrifted
Bangle bracelets-- vintage, thrifted
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Retail Therapy
I've been feeling pretty down lately...tired all the time, irritable, and just plain off, you know? And I'm certain that it's all (or mostly) weather-related. Here it is June 23, and we're only just now starting to get consistently summery weather. The last month has been one of the wettest, dreariest, and chilliest Junes on record, and May wasn't any better. So we're going on 2 months now of crappy weather! There were days in March nicer than some of the days in June! And I've discovered that, in my old age (ha!), I've become much more sensitive to that kind of thing...sunny days make me distinctly happy and dreary ones make me distinctly depressed. And a long spate of dreary just makes me...well, not all that much fun to be around, I'm sure!
So, of course, what do I feel like doing when I'm depressed for long stretches of time? Well, if you read the title of this post, you might have some idea...but if not, I'll tell you: I feel like SHOPPING. There were several dresses I'd been eyein' on ModCloth recently. (I know I'm late to the party on this one, but I've discovered I pretty much adore almost every dress ModCloth sells!) I narrowed it down to two, then asked the husband for input. He thought they'd both be cute, but that "the blue one" was more me. "The blue one" was the La Boqueria dress, which I adored for its Mexican vibe, its bright colors, and the sheer comfort factor of the smocked waist and wide straps. Pretty, mais non?
So I bought it. And it arrived just in time to coincide with one of the first really warm, sunny days of the summer. So of course, I had to wear it out to brunch on Saturday! And you know what? Maybe it was the adorable, breezy dress, maybe it was the sunlight and the warmth on my skin, and maybe it was a little bit of both, but by golly if I wasn't happy and shiny and feeling very good about myself.
Retail therapy actually works! Who knew? ;-)
And now, of course....I want to pop back over to ModCloth and buy the OTHER dress for another shot of that happy-shiny-sexy retail-inspired happiness. Hhmm...this could get expensive! ;-)
So, of course, what do I feel like doing when I'm depressed for long stretches of time? Well, if you read the title of this post, you might have some idea...but if not, I'll tell you: I feel like SHOPPING. There were several dresses I'd been eyein' on ModCloth recently. (I know I'm late to the party on this one, but I've discovered I pretty much adore almost every dress ModCloth sells!) I narrowed it down to two, then asked the husband for input. He thought they'd both be cute, but that "the blue one" was more me. "The blue one" was the La Boqueria dress, which I adored for its Mexican vibe, its bright colors, and the sheer comfort factor of the smocked waist and wide straps. Pretty, mais non?
So I bought it. And it arrived just in time to coincide with one of the first really warm, sunny days of the summer. So of course, I had to wear it out to brunch on Saturday! And you know what? Maybe it was the adorable, breezy dress, maybe it was the sunlight and the warmth on my skin, and maybe it was a little bit of both, but by golly if I wasn't happy and shiny and feeling very good about myself.
Retail therapy actually works! Who knew? ;-)
And now, of course....I want to pop back over to ModCloth and buy the OTHER dress for another shot of that happy-shiny-sexy retail-inspired happiness. Hhmm...this could get expensive! ;-)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Timeless Style: The Little Black Dress
I found a great image over on the blog Sally Jane Vintage the other day. It's a vintage shot of a lady in a classic little black dress, surrounded by all the different sorts of accessories she could use to change the look of the dress. In fact, why don't we look at that image now, hhmm?
It's wonderful inspiration for anyone interested in fashion and shows that the more things change the more they stay the same. I mean, okay, we don't really use gloves as accessories quite that way anymore, but that dress wouldn't look out of place on the streets today. In fact, I found an almost identical version on Modcloth! And certainly the idea of using a classic piece like the LBD and simply adding accessories to change it up is one that most truly fashionable people still subscribe to. Just for fun, I took the dress I found on Modcloth and used Polyvore to make my own modern version of this vintage image.
It's wonderful inspiration for anyone interested in fashion and shows that the more things change the more they stay the same. I mean, okay, we don't really use gloves as accessories quite that way anymore, but that dress wouldn't look out of place on the streets today. In fact, I found an almost identical version on Modcloth! And certainly the idea of using a classic piece like the LBD and simply adding accessories to change it up is one that most truly fashionable people still subscribe to. Just for fun, I took the dress I found on Modcloth and used Polyvore to make my own modern version of this vintage image.
Clearly, one thing I did differently was to use shoes as an accessory more, and I didn't exactly use dickies and gloves, either. But the basic principle is the same. Long live the LBD!!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
What I Wore, May 21, 2009
I've been inspired to do occasional "What I Wore" posts whenever I think my day's outfit is particularly cute or well put-together...in my own personal opinion, of course, and hopefully yours as well! Ha!!
Today's outfit fits the bill, I think!
Back view, showing the cute ruffles on the skirt!
Black pencil skirt from Anthropologie with ruffles on the back and white piping on the pockets and waistband, ruffled blouse from (I think!) La Redoute (back before the US store closed, boo!), cute new black slingback peeptoes by Seychelles, yellow Movement-of-Waves back from Anthro, and two vintage bangle bracelets. I felt very classy and kind of French!
A bit coquettish!
Big thanks to my husband for taking these shots for me! Much easier than setting up a tripod, ha!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Shoe Obsession -- Flats
Hi, my name is Artful Magpie, and I'm obsessed with flats!
Hi, Artful Magpie!
Yes, it's true. As much as I do love heels and boots, I have a special fondness in my heart for flats. Easy to throw on with just about any outfit, easy to walk around in, and so, so simply chic. I guess I'm a little bit Audrey somewhere in my soul. But then, aren't most women?
I have a few pairs of go-to flats already in my closet, but I always find myself eying more whenever I go shopping in real life or online. Some of my current obsessions:
T-Strap flats! I always thing of the t-strap as a feature of heels. I love the idea of a flat with that detail! And the pointed toe would look particularly good paired with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt.
Studded or otherwise embellished flats. We're not talking a little bit of beading here; we're talking some serious hardware. Over the top? Yes, definitely. Fun as hell? That, too!! Specifically, I have a fondness for this pair by Steve Madden.
Bright, fresh, summery colors. Both these sweetly preppy grey-and-green canvas peep-toes and these rich vibrant yellow leather flats fit the bill, in very different ways!
So much lovely, so little space to store them! And only two feet! I know I don't need any more flats in my life, but a gal can dream, can't she?
Hi, Artful Magpie!
Yes, it's true. As much as I do love heels and boots, I have a special fondness in my heart for flats. Easy to throw on with just about any outfit, easy to walk around in, and so, so simply chic. I guess I'm a little bit Audrey somewhere in my soul. But then, aren't most women?
I have a few pairs of go-to flats already in my closet, but I always find myself eying more whenever I go shopping in real life or online. Some of my current obsessions:
T-Strap flats! I always thing of the t-strap as a feature of heels. I love the idea of a flat with that detail! And the pointed toe would look particularly good paired with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt.
Studded or otherwise embellished flats. We're not talking a little bit of beading here; we're talking some serious hardware. Over the top? Yes, definitely. Fun as hell? That, too!! Specifically, I have a fondness for this pair by Steve Madden.
Bright, fresh, summery colors. Both these sweetly preppy grey-and-green canvas peep-toes and these rich vibrant yellow leather flats fit the bill, in very different ways!
So much lovely, so little space to store them! And only two feet! I know I don't need any more flats in my life, but a gal can dream, can't she?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Anthropologie 2009 Swimsuits
I shudder just as much as the next girl when the dreaded words "bathing suit" or, god forbid, "bikini" are mentioned, despite my general love of summer, swimming pools, and the beach. There's just something so scary about the idea of baring so much winter-pale and winter-chubby body to the world! But then, it does seem that bathing suits have gotten itsy-bitsier and barely-there-er over the years. Those 1950s pinups and bathing beauties didn't have to worry quite as much about it, because their suits were cut to actually flatter and provide a bit more coverage...not like those of today, many of which require a Brazilian wax just to let you feel comfortable dropping the sarong.
So, all that said, I'm awfully excited about Anthropologie's swimsuit line this year! Most of the suits are vintage-inspired and absolutely sizzle with pinup-girl sex appeal. If I hadn't just bought a new suit last fall for our honeymoon trip to Hawaii, I'd be snagging one of these, for sure! Hmm..but then, that was a one-piece. I don't have a nice bikini.... ;-)
Some of my favorites from the collection:
The Majesty Palm Maillot--I'm a sucker for graphic black and white, I love the green belting, and the deep neckline would show off my best assets, ha!
The Taffy Stripe Maillot--Oh, those candy colors and those ruffles!!
And finally, the Vargas two-piece-- I love that it's named for a classic pin-up artist, and it is sooo pin-up and perfect! The stripes! The shape! Throw on a pair of high heels and pose for the camera, gals!
So, all that said, I'm awfully excited about Anthropologie's swimsuit line this year! Most of the suits are vintage-inspired and absolutely sizzle with pinup-girl sex appeal. If I hadn't just bought a new suit last fall for our honeymoon trip to Hawaii, I'd be snagging one of these, for sure! Hmm..but then, that was a one-piece. I don't have a nice bikini.... ;-)
Some of my favorites from the collection:
The Majesty Palm Maillot--I'm a sucker for graphic black and white, I love the green belting, and the deep neckline would show off my best assets, ha!
The Taffy Stripe Maillot--Oh, those candy colors and those ruffles!!
The To-The-Beat two-piece, with the Skirtlet bottom -- Cute ruffled skirt! Bright color! Yum!
And finally, the Vargas two-piece-- I love that it's named for a classic pin-up artist, and it is sooo pin-up and perfect! The stripes! The shape! Throw on a pair of high heels and pose for the camera, gals!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Who knew yellow was so versatile?
So, you remember that wonderful yellow purse from Anthropologie that I posted about a little while back?
Well, my wonderful husband went out and bought it for me!! He gave it to me yesterday. (Don't I just have the best husband, gals?!)
And so far this morning, I've been going crazy on Polyvore, putting together various looks with which the purse will be amazing. And a variety it is, indeed!
My favorites:
Well, my wonderful husband went out and bought it for me!! He gave it to me yesterday. (Don't I just have the best husband, gals?!)
And so far this morning, I've been going crazy on Polyvore, putting together various looks with which the purse will be amazing. And a variety it is, indeed!
My favorites:
Simple, glamorous elegance!
Grey is my current favorite neutral!
With the jacket, work ready. Without, dinner date!
Perfect for running around town doing errands.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Weekend Rundown
I'm not really feeling very bloggy just now. It's been a grey, rainy, cold day, and that always tends to leave me feeling rather uninspired. But I did have a lovely weekend, so instead of blathering on, I'll just post some images.
On Saturday, I met up with a girlfriend for brunch and a shopping trip. I didn't really spend too much...two spaghetti-strap tanks that were buy one, get one 50% off and two cardigans that were 40% off. A cardinal rule of fashion is that one can never have too many tanks or too many cardigans, after all. But I fell completely in love with a purse at Anthropologie. I didn't buy it. But I love it dearly and muchly.
It's big and yellow and bright and springy and made of buttery-soft leather. It would be a real investment bag for me, though. I don't usually spend more than $50 on bags because I tend to be hard on them, throwing them about and all, and I don't want to waste money on something I'm just going to damage or dirty later. But for a bag like this one, I'd have to just plain grow up, act my age, and learn to be much more careful with my things, ha! It would go with everything and would make me happy. Pondering...pondering....
Then on Sunday...also known as "Easter" to some people...my husband and I went to the little restaurant around the corner where the staff and owners all know us because we go so often, then headed to the Chicago Botanic Garden to enjoy the sunshine. We're not religious people, and we have no children to entertain, so to us, a day like Easter pretty much just means everything's closed and everyone is posting pictures of eggs and bunnies online. But the Botanic Garden is open every day but Christmas, and it's been long enough since we were there last that there were plenty of new blooms.
Hmmm. Look at all those bright colors....the bright yellow purse, the brilliant colors of the flowers...hmm. You know, I see wonderfully soft, dreamy, pastel-toned Polaroid SX-70 shots and the like around a lot these days, and I do like them. Often I even love them. But I think that for me, brilliant shots of pure color is just where it's at!
On Saturday, I met up with a girlfriend for brunch and a shopping trip. I didn't really spend too much...two spaghetti-strap tanks that were buy one, get one 50% off and two cardigans that were 40% off. A cardinal rule of fashion is that one can never have too many tanks or too many cardigans, after all. But I fell completely in love with a purse at Anthropologie. I didn't buy it. But I love it dearly and muchly.
It's big and yellow and bright and springy and made of buttery-soft leather. It would be a real investment bag for me, though. I don't usually spend more than $50 on bags because I tend to be hard on them, throwing them about and all, and I don't want to waste money on something I'm just going to damage or dirty later. But for a bag like this one, I'd have to just plain grow up, act my age, and learn to be much more careful with my things, ha! It would go with everything and would make me happy. Pondering...pondering....Then on Sunday...also known as "Easter" to some people...my husband and I went to the little restaurant around the corner where the staff and owners all know us because we go so often, then headed to the Chicago Botanic Garden to enjoy the sunshine. We're not religious people, and we have no children to entertain, so to us, a day like Easter pretty much just means everything's closed and everyone is posting pictures of eggs and bunnies online. But the Botanic Garden is open every day but Christmas, and it's been long enough since we were there last that there were plenty of new blooms.
Hmmm. Look at all those bright colors....the bright yellow purse, the brilliant colors of the flowers...hmm. You know, I see wonderfully soft, dreamy, pastel-toned Polaroid SX-70 shots and the like around a lot these days, and I do like them. Often I even love them. But I think that for me, brilliant shots of pure color is just where it's at!
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