black and bangles

Entering the dog days of August, I not only want to be in as little as possible, but also whatever "breathable"....if that's even a term. 

I went shopping last weekend for fall inspiration; and ironicially, everything catching my eye was not only black and white but also had some pattern to it. I'm not sure why my eye is drawn to that which is void of color, as I'm sure J.Crew would disapprove. I think it's time to grab a latte and embrace the tortured artsy cliche hipster look....perhaps I'll get a facial piercing to go with it. If blogging doesn't work out, I can try writing angry girl music.

Fall Inspiration:

I'm wearing:  tank (xxi); midi (express); bag (h&m)

off balance

This is one of my rule breaking outfits/the outfits that look fantastic on but don't photograph so well. How many rules did I break?
Horizontal stripes: check.
crop top: check.

I was out thrifting, saw the top, and went through the "But I really want to wear this trend!" fit in my head. So I've thought of a few new loopholes that can help...a little...
1. Show that clavicle. Not only considered "sexy" by the gents, but asymmetrical necklines are flattering. 
2. Wearing longer necklaces can draw the eye down which breaks the never-ending wide effect.
3. Wear heels...the taller those legs look, the better. I looked 3ft tall and 3ft wide without them (in this outfit).

I'm wearing: shorts (jcrew outlet); top/shoes (thrift--yeeeeaaaaaah!); necklace (h&m)

sunday obsessions: picnics

 

There's nothing more relaxing or romantic than picnicking in the park. I'm not sure if it's the warm sun, good food, or lying in the grass; but I love it. Unfortunately, what is not happening for me is that bottom picture of what inspired me.  I most likely sleeping from a heat-induced food coma...but my outfit looks cute!!

I'm wearing:  white dress (xxi from years ago); gingham shirt (jcrew outlet); cardi/shoes (thrift)

The inspiration: 

 Source: Uploaded by user via Karly on Pinterest

Source: thatkindofwoman.tumblr.com via Dorian on Pinterest

Source: womeninme.com via Miranda on Pinterest

peace and pearls

 

Summer trends checklist:

1. high low dress (round 2)
2. floral print (teeny tiny)
3. Sassy slit in dress

In the spirit of infinite femininity, I wanted a take two at the high/low dress.  With belt accessorized this time, I wanted softer touches. In the dead of summer, less is more; but I couldn't help let my imagination drift to winterizing this dress.  Is it too early for this? It's only July, but I miss scarves and tights. There. I said it.

I'm wearing: dress (nordstrom); belt (h&m); heels (tjmaxx)

summer fest

 

 

There's something about summer that makes me want to embrace my inner hippie and listen to music on the grass... such a conflict because I enjoy sandalwood but avoid marijuana and the crowds that follow.

I'm wearing:  boots (old navy); shirt/bag (target); jorts (thrift)

little whispers

I am fascinated with high/low dresses. Designers are genius because they have taken one of the most heinous hairstyles of all times and translated it into a fantastic fashion trend.

I'm still learning how to wear these dresses so this will be a work in progress. I added a blazer for the work appropriate audiences. Honestly, I prefer it with the blazer because it gives more shape. I didn't have a belt that I absolutely loved with it...yes, I broke one of my own rules with keeping the waistline defined.

I'm wearing:  dress (sugarlips); blazer (gap); shoes (kohls); clutch (thrift); necklace/headband (xxi)

feelin' fruity

Have you ever had pieces that you loved but had no idea how to wear it? This is a pretty typical battle for me; and every once in a while, I throw caution to the wind and start pairing things. I'm hoping this pairing works a little more like peanut butter and jelly and less like fruitcake...now that I think I about it, I kinda look like a fruitcake piece of watermelon.

I'm wearing:  all thrift. oh yes.

scouts honor

 

Here's the thing with hunting in the thrift stores, aside from all the characters that typically shop there:  one may have to be willing to broaden their horizons in the name of fashion.

Case in point:  I had been looking for a skinny green belt to wear with this dress.  I didn't want patent leather or neon green.  So when I found this one in a thrift store for $1.99, I was ecstatic.  I put on the outfit and look down and realize that "girl scout" is printed right by the buckle. I'm probably too old to rock the girl scout fashion...also I never did girl scouts; but I love their cookies, and they make a great green belt. So there you have it.

I'm wearing:  dress/belt/necklace/clutch (thrift); shoes (payless)

CMH Launch Party

(I'll be doing a post on what I'm wearing here so stay tuned.)

I'm not sure how many of you get involved with local fashion, but I attended my first fashion event for Columbus last night. In spite of feeling like a fish out of water with "real" models and stylists, I was pleasantly surprised by how relaxed I felt once there.

Blogging kinda puts me in a bubble. Occasionally, I'm recognized in stores; but for most the most part, I blend in like everyone else in Columbus. So when the board member from CMH Fashion Week recognized me and said she read my blog, I instantly starstruck as if I had just been introduced to celebrity. I completely forgot my words. (I can write, but voice on voice interaction was lost.)

Therefore I'm not only encouraging all of you to get plugged in to your local fashion scene, but also come hang out with me at mine so I look less awkward. :)

Check out Ladybird if you like the above looks.

Mark your calendars:
Official Fashion Week of Columbus:  October 14-20
Oct. 14:  The Mayor's High Fashion Tea
Oct. 15-18:  Fashion Events
Oct. 19:  The Finale Runway Show, featuring top local designers
Oct 20:  Fashion Market Place by S.W.A.G.G. Revolution.

rise and shine

 

So many of you have emailed and asked about thrift tips and how to choose the clothes....talking about this immediately makes me want to go thrifting....focus.

I'm wearing:  top (banana republic outlet); skirt/clutch (thrift); shoes (payless this season!)

So here are my rules with a few loopholes-- because sometimes a girl needs an out.

1. It's all in the fit:  knowing your body type and what shapes work for you is key. For example, I know that I'm considered a "neat hourglass," and all clothes should accentuate my waistline. Do I do this every day? Absolutely not. 

2. Quality Control

• Seams should lie flat and not pull or wrinkle.
• Check your hemlines--flat and even.
• Don't be fooled when original tags are still attached.
• Side seams should hang straight.
• How faded is the fabric?
• Search seam and necklines for holes.

3. Experimentation:  Do your research in magazines, blogs, and online fashion sites then hit the stores with inspiration and somewhat of a game plan. Don't be afraid to shake up your usual style with things you wouldn't otherwise try. If you pay $2, and it doesn't work--not nearly as guilt ridden as spending $20 or more on an item.

4. What to Wear to thrift:  Some places don't have changing rooms so I'm always prepared for that.

• Thin cami or tank to try clothes on over.
• Strapless bra
• Loose fitting skirt for trying on pants/shorts
• Comfortable shoes that slip on and off easy. (I wear heels every once in a while but they don't really bother me to wear for extended periods of time.)

Hope this helps and happy hunting!

blush and bashful

Lace and nudes--a combination that never fails to disappoint and often associated with the effortless sexy vibe.
I'm sorry that you can't see my shoes, but they are a nude color...pretty much the only nude pumps I wear.

Now that it's consistently warm, I ready to the tanks and short skirts to work!

I'm wearing:  skirt, purse, belt (thrift); tank, necklace (xxi)

light as feathers

First of all, I have missed posting!!!  Secondly, thank you for all the kind emails; I sincerely love reading them. Bright spots in my day.

I was out of town last week in Charleston, SC (suffering for work, right?) so I'm way behind.  We're still having weird weather patterns in Ohio so I feel like my outfits are not congruent.  I've pretty much taken fall outfits and removed the tights and/or heavier sweaters.

I'm wearing:  cardigan (aerie); dress/boots (old navy)

pocket aces

Why is leopard the new go-to accessory? I find myself trying to work it into nearly every outfit. After seeing this pin, I had no choice but to recreate it.  I mean, how could I have ever question the combination of floral and leopard...it's my new pb&j.

I'm wearing:  all thrift except the shoes which were from a Vegas tjmaxx.

sunday inspiration

 

While everything is inspiring about Blake Lively, I'm in love with the maxi skirts and dresses.  Possibly because April weather is giving me whiplash with occasional warm weather and cloudy, overcast chill.  For those of you live in windy weather, the longer skirt is a lifesaver.  I've had too many Marilyn Monroe moments in the last two weeks...and it was not sexy.

I have yet to find a pair of printed pants in stores.  I know H&M had some great ones, but their availability of sizes are scarce and bizarre.  I have decided that if the fashion gods ever smile on me, I would wear printed pants more simple on top...pattern mixing those gems will take some courage and strategy on my part.  Baby steps.

I have lace skirts and lace tops that have not been properly utilized in my outfit coordination.  So if you have pictures of a lace crop top, meant to fit loose style suggestions, I'm all ears.

(All images pulled from pinterest boards)

summer lovin'

Yes, I've been MIA when it comes to blogging. Would it help if I said I was in the middle of changing jobs?  And unfortunately, the new job is not professional blogger/shopper.

For some reason I've been wanting to dress like school teacher lately, which is only indicative of this post and the outfits that don't make the cut.  I have a tendency to get on "kicks."  I think I'm about to move into a denim cutoffs phase.  Hopefully, it translates as summer-festival-chic rather than "what animal got a hold of her clothes?"

I'm wearing:  dress/shoes/belt/jacket (thrift); bag/leather necklace (h&m); green pendent necklace (xxi?)

green goddess

Mint + Maxi + Grecian style + title that magically references food.  Best blog post ever.

It's 8pm in the middle of the work week; succinct is key.

Wearing:  maxi (old navy); necklace (honey rose&k); shoes (thrift); clutch (h&m)