how to wear a mullet

Business in the front

Party in the back

If I close my eye, I can almost hear you gasp with horror reading this title and thinking I've gone all man-repeller on you.  I think I'm more known/liked for the wonderful cuts by stylists than fashion; but hey, we can't have it all.

You can breathe a sigh of relief because the closest I will ever come to this style is my clothing.  Yes, I'm talking about my sweater.  This is one of my favorite tricks when I don't like the ways something fits.  I mean who really cares what the back looks like anyway?  I seriously never check.

I'm wearing:  ralph lauren shorts, loafters (thrift); sweater and gingham shirt (jcrew outlet)

sunday obsessions: sleepwalks nine to five

All photos from here

In the dating world, there are types of people that are attractive to an individual:  tall/dark/handsome; athletic type; the entrepreneur good-doer, etc.  In the blogging world, I have developed a type that I'm drawn to:  Urban Asian Nerdy Chic- types.

So here is my newest blog crush--Cindy.  She's not a person that I would necessarily try to copycat, but there is something about her style that is so effortlessly pulled together and dashing.  She's such a cutie and often posts pictures of not only her creative ensembles but also what she cooks.  Both are delicious.

Follow.Read. Love.

(un)kempt

Wheelhouse Collective

Fashion challenge:  how do you pull off slouchy chic?  Unkempt has many definitions and ideas attached to it.  I'm thinking more "disheveled" rather than "lack of hygiene." 

I love accessories.  I love when outfits look tidy and neat--it feeds my pathological need for order and clarity.  But Robert Rules of Order belongs on the bookshelf, not in the closet.  So along with rule-breaking, I'm embracing slouchy carefree. You should try it.  But before you boycott leg-shaving and hair-combing, maybe start with un-tucking the shirt.  Unkempt is better with small steps like boudoir.

I'm wearing:  top (gap); skirt (target last season); shoes (kohls); clutch (thrift)

trend watch: midi skirts

Yes, I'm well aware of how late I am on the trend bandwagon.  However, do you know how difficult it is to thrift a midi-style in a hobbit size?  My fellow shorties can relate. 

The alleged rule for my height of 5'3" is to wear my skirts an inch above or below my knee or all the way to the ground.  The calf-length skirt has a tendency to make me appear shorter than I am (if that's even possible). 

While I do agree, that's is not the most flattering style for me, I do love a midi skirt and heels.  And when winter comes, I'll throw a baggy, oversized sweater over it with boots.  You can call me Ashley Olsen if you want, or whichever Olsen twin looks homeless.  There's a trend:  homeless chic...The Little Orphan Annie movement.

I'm wearing:  clutch, skirt, belt (thrift); tank (old navy); heels (urban outfitters)

rules are for breaking

Have you ever read or participated in Clothed Much's Rule Breaking Monday?  I find it fascinating and somewhat liberating to break fashion rules since the Type A/slightly OCD part of me believes rules are there for a reason and must not be broken.  (Ask my husband if I'll even drive my car if I've forgotten my license.)

Fashion magazines and books tell me that I should not wear low rise, baggy pants, and that horizontal stripes are a big no-no.  But I couldn't help myself.  I was fixated on some idea about J.Crew meets the Boyfriend outfit.

So I'm throwing caution to the wind. You should too. Live a little.

I'm wearing:  necklace, purse (target); shirt (thrifted H&M); shoes (tjmaxx); jeans (old navy)

sunday obsessions: frankie hearts fashion

Lace Blvd

Let's walk through each photo for all full understanding of my obsession with Frankie Hearts Fashion.  First of all, let's talk shoes.  If those are not enough to make you go gaga, I don't know what need.  I'm a starving cartoon that sees delicious steaming foods when I look at these shoes. And that bag is perfectly accessorized.

mom's belt

I'm digging the sheer top.  If I tried to wear anything that displayed clothing resembling undergarments, I would look a hot mess.  Very few can pull this and still make it look like they're not trying too hard.

cute style. bad name.

How adorable is this dress?! When I style-crush other bloggers, there is usually that one outfit I would try to steal in which I connect.  And here it is. 

Follow. Read. Love.

color of the season: green

Photos by Wheelhouse Collective

If there was ever a dress that made me feel like a lady, this would have to be it.  Before you all turn green with envy, I admit that it was NOT thrifted but found on clearance at Macy's last fall.  I don't think I paid more than $30 though, which is a steal in my book.  It's easy to accessorize for all seasons; and therefore, falls under the "My Perfect Dress" category.

So how to wear this color? So glad you asked.  Real Simple suggests the following:

with dusty rose

with pale blue

with tan

I'm wearing: dress (macy's); shoes & clutch (thrift)

mixing old & new

Photos by Wheelhouse Collective

Every since the EBEW challenge, I have been mixing patterns left and right.  You have to look really close, but this skirt actually has some sort of embossed floral print on it.  I'm mixing in disguise...very sneaky.

One of the the many things I love about thrifting is the joy of mixing old and new.  Everything in this post (minus the necklace and shoes) is from a thrift store.  From someone's old throw outs to my new treasures. I guess nothing is ever outdated in the fashion circle of life. Except acid wash jeans. Those will never be accepted in my closet.  Speaking of-- a reader asked about my closet and organization, in which I realized I have never posted pictures of it.  I'll have Jared take some.  I love feedback, questions, and fashion challenges from you guys.  While I may not have every answer or be able to accept or successfully complete every challenge, I appreciate being kept on my toes-- so please keep them coming.

I'm wearing:  clutch, blouse, skirt (thrift); necklace (target); shoes (kohls)

mad men

Have you ever had one of those days that you wander aimlessly into a thrift store to blow off steam before interacingt with civilized company?  Well, that day for me was about two weeks ago when I was doing a little retail therapy.  And on this particular day with a self-loathing pity party, I found this dress and these shoes.  Within a matter of minutes, my universe's balance was restored; and I realized all would be right in the world once again.  If a 60s inspired look can't pull you out of an existential crisis, what can?????

I'm wearing:  all thrift. And yes, those shoes are Ralph Lauren.

sunday obsessions: kendi everyday

(re)mixed and rematched

wishful thinking

casual tuesday?

Kendi, Oh Kendi. How I love thy style; let me count the ways.

Kendi Everyday was the first blog I discovered that not only taught the power of The Remix, but also inspired my own ability to give blogging a shot.  I literally love everything she wears and want to copycat everything.  If her style wasn't enough to win you over, her writing is completely brilliant that illustrates the tangential thought processes of us all.  Do I have a girl crush or what?

Follow. Read. Love.

mint condition

Photos by Wheelhouse

I wore this when I went to take the NCE roughly a month ago.  I was determined that even if I failed the test, I would still be the best dressed candidate there.  The typical process for getting ready usually includes comfort and mood factors, but there is something to be said for "dressing the part." Besides, who would want to celebrate such a victory in sweats?

Unrelated:  Do any of you use pinterest? I'm a wee-bit obsessed and the iphone app is not helping my cause.  I'm always looking for new people to follow so include your pinterest link in the comments below if you're on.

I'm Wearing:  skirt, belt (thrift); top (xxi); bag (target); shoes (c/o tjmaxx)

ebew: pattern mixing

Photos by Wheelhouse Collective

It's my favorite time of the month:  the link-up for Everybody, Everywhere.  Are you participating?

Mixing patterns is the fashion equivalent of Russian Roulette for me. However, I found myself actually enjoying the challenge. The shoot was supposed to be outside, but summer thunderstorms reign supreme in Ohio evenings. We shot this at the studio on an old clothing rack from Objects for the Home, which doubles as my throne.  I asked Jared if we could keep at the dinner table, but he said no.

I'm wearing:   shirt, shoes, clutch, brooch (thrift); skirt, belt (xxi)