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)

sunday obsessions: blushing ambition

 

i drink too much coffee

 

see more at

 

easy breezy

One of my favorite things about Blushing Ambition is the whole urban-city-effortless thing she has going on.  There's something so relaxing and chic to her style that doesn't seem planned or overly accessorized.
Some can rock this style (see above), and others look more Ke$ha-does-K-Mart when they try (like me).  I'm super excited to see some of her fall looks.

friday inspire

Although my heart may be holding out for fall, my body is still stuck in the miserable heat of August.  I suppose I should embrace what can be celebrated today, which is why I'm sharing this little post.  I'm working on creating an outfit(s) that goes along with the trends of lace, florals, and neutrals; and this is my inspiration board.  Yes, you're getting a sneak peak behind the madness method that is my thinking process. 

Also, have you guys discovered the Style Bloggers Map?  I'm most likely to trusting, but how neat to be able to meet up with others bloggers in your area/state.  If you love blogging for the fashion community, check out the little map located underneath the friends/followers section to the right.  

weekly posh

By popular demand, I have temporarily given up my obsession of the coral/blue combo for the a palette of pastels/earth tones.  I think it suits me.

I've been on the hunt for a white blazer for quite some time, but white can be such a weird color on me--in spite of my tan.  While mall bargain-hunting is typically something I try to avoid, I grazed into the Gap found this little gem on clearance.  It was not only clearance but also had another ridiculous percentage taken off and it ended up costing $10.  My experiences in malls are typically draining and disappointing, but the Gap has a tendency to be my fashion Hail Mary in the 4th quarter.

I'm thinking about doing a fall remix of this outfit by adding tights, boots, and a darker bag.  Yes fashionistas, the temp highs are lower 80s this week; and I'm preparing for the most wonderful time of the year:  Fall Fashion.

Wearing:  blazer, top (gap); shorts (h&m); shoes (kohls); bag (thrift)

that's mighty wide of you

I would apologize for my absence, but I'm sure most of you understand a much needed break after the remix challenge.  I honestly didn't know how to dress myself and almost had a mental breakdown when I entered my closet with freedom.  There were too many possibilities.  I short-circuited.

Upon recovery, I made myself get out of bed on the 5th morning and choose items I had never featured before. Voila. I know you're all surprised to see that I own other jeans that aren't the skinny style.

Also sometime during the Remix, I became a diva.  This was a morning shoot; and I simply wasn't having it. Be grateful for the one smile you got in the first picture. I'm adding "evening shoots only" to my contract. :P

Works Cited:  shirt, bag (thrift); jeans (gap); shoes (old navy); necklace (xxi)