Wednesday, September 29, 2010

And talk about the weather





Oh man, I have not been keeping up with things! Mostly, it's due to the fact that there hasn't been adequate lighting, but I've also been out and about during the time I usually takepictures. And did I mention my keyboardis fallingapart? As you can see, my space bar is on its last legs. I also just bought a new mouse that can plug into my computer as the one on my keyboard is nearly dead. I guess I must really pound when I'm typing!

The weather here is ca-razy. Cold and blustery one minute, sunny and 70 degrees the next! The humidity has been ridiculous. Believe it or not, we aren't really used to humidity here, at least not the warm kind. Anyway, it's been hard to dress appropriately. It's been so warm and balmy that you can't, or don't want to wear a coat or anything with long sleeves, but then it has also been raining a lot, which makes it hard to go out with exposed skin. Ok, I will stop complaining because today it lovely: sunny, warm, and not humid! I'm ready for scarf weather though!

I wrote this for a contest entry on Chictopia:
Color is one of the most important aspects of styling and design. It’s a building block and can set the whole mood for an outfit. It can communicate a message, a feeling, a position. It can transport you to another time and place. Humans are visual creatures and the information we take in through our eyes has a huge impact on what we think and feel. This is why color is my foundation. I prefer a balance of neutral shades and vibrant colors.The outfit in my photo is a perfect example. I wear dark neutrals from head to toe and then top it off with a bag that features rich jewel tones. The burgundies, golds, and emeralds really stand-out against the brown and black but they also relate. They’re lively, but have an earthiness to them, which connects to the brown.

In this post:
Wool-blend Cardigan by Harmonic
Thrifted oxford shirt
GAP stirrup pants
Nordstrom Comfort Construction shoes
Thrifted duffel bag

Friday, September 24, 2010

Hobby/Addiction



I don't have any pictures of outfits today or even Polyvore compositions. All I have is this lovely portrait of my Corgi-Chihuahua. Her name is Frida and she is much older than she looks.

Anyway, I've been thinking lately: Do I buy clothes too often? How frequently do other bloggers go shopping? Maybe my habits are normal, but I do worry. Part of me is like "This is your hobby! You are being creative! You're writing!" But then there is another side that just worries about the money and the risk of over-consuming. For instance, this week I bought clothes on 3 different occasions. I went thrifting on Tuesday, shopping downtown yesterday, and then ended up at the mall today. I think I've spent roughly $80 on clothes and $30 on make-up. Doesn't sound like a whole lot, but I'm pretty sure I bought clothes last week, and the week before that, and probably the week before that. I should probably take a break for a while, because I really don't need anything!

So do you consider your closet a constantly growing collection or do you focus on building a seasonal wardrobe and then calling it quits until next season? Do you shop for key pieces or are you a treasure hunter? Personally, it's mostly about the hunt for me! I love finding new things, but I love the hunt the most!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Pantsuit!!!




I found it in a dream. A Goodwill dream. It was $15.

Anyway! The pluses: it's 100% wool, vintage; has pockets, stirrups and a Donna Karan label. The subtracty-signs: it's 100% wool, has a hole in the back I didn't notice, and the stirrups might rip off. I apologize for the lighting, but the suit is actually brown, not black. It was sunny today, but not sunny enough to provide proper lighting, so I lost all the details in my photos.

On the subject of pantsuits, THANK GOD Cycle 14 of America's Next Top Model is over and along with it (cross your fingers) Tyra's pantsuit craze. Who ever does visual concept and styling for the show should not let Tyra do her own styling. Actually, I imagine Tyra is in charge of all of that but someone really should have sat her down and said "Look Hun, I know you are like a supermodel and all but isn't one pantsuit enough? Ok, you can choose two, but only two!" And they were the weirdest, most unflattering pantsuits.

I promise I will stop at two pantsuits, and if I happen to find another, even MORE amazing one, I will get rid of one of my other pantsuits. As cool as they are right now, pantsuits are quite quirky. One season they may seem awesome, and the next a bit of a joke. But get the right fit and Oh! how sleek! As quick and easy as a dress (insta-outfit) but warm enough for Fall and Winter. Yay, pantsuits.

In other news, I can't stop reading The Oatmeal. It's comics by a guy from Seattle and it's hee-larr-ee-us.

As much as I love the photo collage up-top, it was mostly posted for vanity's sake (I have a fashion blog, you have to be vane to some degree). The main problem I have with it though is that it doesn't technically have a full-length shot in it. I fretted all night and composed in my sleep and promised my dog, Frida, that I would remedy everything in the morning. Here's the photo.

In these photos:
Donna Karen pantsuit
H&M scarf (last year's model)
Madden Girl pumps
vintage belt
Earrings by me

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Cowgirl

My boyfriend might go as far as to say he wishes everybody would dress as awesome as him, but then the other day he was whining about how all the stuff he likes (Filson, Barbour, Red Wing, etc.) is popular right now! It's that common human dilemma; you wish everyone was just like you, but then get freaked out when you meet a "copy-cat".

Anyway, I rag on my boyfriend a lot, but he loves ragging on other people (mostly in joking), so I feel it balances him out. He really is my best friend and yesterday he told me that he would give me money even if I spent it on "dumb stuff," because he knew I would blog about that dumb stuff and blogging makes me happy. I cried. I love him a lot and hope I make him as happy as he makes me.

His biggest wish is for me to dress just like him, so I've done my own take on "Cowgirl." Maybe he will buy me the Proenza AND the Pendleton cuz he loves me soo much.

Flannel Check Shirt
15 GBP - uniqlo.co.uk
Flannel tops »

Acne Pistol Leather boots
$650 - net-a-porter.com
High heel boots »

Kai Cowboy Boots
140 GBP - julesb.co.uk
Cowboy shoes »

Pendleton Overnighter
$198 - urbanoutfitters.com
Wallets »

Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses
184 GBP - sunglasses-shop.co.uk
Aviator shades »



I usually let the clothes speak for themselves, but I have a new goal: work on my writing! I'm going to work on explaining the goals of my outfits and describe the importance of the key pieces. That's what bloggers do, right? Well, that's what I'm going to do.

I was inspired by the "Western Prep" feature in the October 2010 issue of Elle magazine (page 190) and the Saddleback Leather Co. bags that my boyfriend is so crazy about. Polyvore didn't have any good pictures of Saddleback bags, but this Proenza Schouler bag has a very similar style, plus it's Proenza Schouler!! The Pendleton Overnighter is wool and leather. It's a shame they don't make them in the U.S. anymore, but the quality is still amazing for the price.

There are certain key elements when dressing Western. Most are obvious: boots, hat, pearl-snaps on plaid, etc. Leather is important as well, but when looking closer, a lot of cowboy boots are made of a myriad of skins: horse, snake, pig, to name a few. Neither of the boots I've included in this collection are from traditional Western wear clothiers, but they are both leather. Let's face it, it's very obvious when boots have man-made uppers, so to pull off this look real leather is critical.

Other common fabrics are also classic fabrics: wool, chambray, and plaid. These are all warm and durable, which is why they were favored, and still favored, by ranchers and other manual laborers.

For more hints of cowgirl, opt for high-waisted jeans. Whether bootcut or skinny, a high-waist means you can tuck in your shirt, which is an important feature. Have you ever tried to work in low-waisted jeans? They're obnoxious! You have to stop and pull them up every 5 minutes! Plus, it's going to be constant plumber-butt when you're riding across the plains. Cowboys and cowgirls always look tidy, even when shoveling out stalls, so tuck in that shirt and put on a belt!

Anyway, those are my tips. If I think of anymore I will add them!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Please

Will someone buy me all of this, pleeeease? Yes, the apartment in Paris, too. Ok. Thank you!

I need beef.




I was inspired today, but then my boss got back from China. He called me from the airport and made me cry. Seriously, it is not that easy to just call up and order a refrigerator! Especially when you don't have access to any company money or permission to spend $400 on a fridge (that is the cheapest you can find them around here). Also, the apartment that needs a new fridge is on the second floor. Stresssssed.

I tried to do some styling and photo-ing, but I had kinda lost my energy by the time I got the chance. This is what I ended up with. I like the yellow.

Other than that, it was a nice day. My friends came up for a visit. We went to the farmer's market and the big Asian market up the road, then I made vegetarian Pho! It was pretty good, but was sadly lacking in BEEF.

Also... WHY DIDN'T SOMEONE TELL ME ABOUT POLYVORE SOONER?? I am going to probably spend the rest of my life on this site.

In this picture:
Vintage earrings
GAP cardigan
Vintage rabbit fur stole
H&M dress
Tights from Forever21
Vince Camuto boots

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Eggy, the Jellyfish


Please come back Sun!! I need to take pictures! Oh well, we will just pretend Eggy is very stylish.

Photo by moi.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

My boyfriend, the clothes-horse


So my boyfriend really, really likes coats and jackets. He has 3 of the exact same Aeropostale jackets. He just bought a $200 Levi's-Filson waxed something-or-other. He has two closets full of coats. Then last week, I was at his parent's house and his mom asked "Do you want to take Trevor's coats?"

Whaaaa?? More??

This vintage Burberry was sitting on top. I told his mom I would take the "Burrr-bree" for sure.

My boyfriend gets angry when I cuff the sleeves, but the sleeves are too long on me (as always) and who else is going to wear it right now? He looks silly in it since he only wears cowboy boots and won't get a haircut. Oh, did I mention that my boyfriend is 5 years-old? Sheesh.

I love him and I love that we can (mostly) wear each other's clothes. Things are a bit big in the shoulders and arms for me, but I wouldn't have it any other way... Especially since I would risk having a boyfriend with girl arms :/

In these photos:
Vintage Burberry
Thrifted lace shirt
Wool skirt from J.Crew
New Look wedges

Strange days





So instead of taking pictures yesterday, I decided to take my dog for a walk. Better for the both of us, I think!

Yesterday was a weird day. It just felt off. I got a weird compliment (if you can call it that) when I was getting petrol. There was a man getting gas at the pump in front of me who I could tell was looking at me when I got out. This made me self conscious, so I checked to see if the tag was sticking out of my leotard as it always does. Yup! So I tucked it in. I proceeded to pay for my gas and then I heard him go "Thank you." I turned and said "Pardon?" and he goes "Thank you. Thank you for tucking your tag in. It was ruining a perfect line." I thanked him, not sure why though.

Now I'm looking at these pictures and am reminded, by my generous calves and thighs, about a woman I once talked with at an estate sale. The conversation last about 5 or 10 minutes and went something like this:

Lady: "Wow! Look at those thighs! You have great thighs! Are you on a crew team?"
Me: "Oh...thanks."
Lady: "You have incredible thighs! Do you play rugby?"
Me: "Nope, I should probably be on crew though. Definitely have the legs for it."
Lady: "Have you ever rowed? You look like you're on a crew team! Great thighs!"


That's the gist of it. I think she also told me to enjoy them because things start to sag with age. I'm still not sure if I should be offended or complemented. She meant the best.

On a side note, if any of you are ever in Seattle (or are already here), make sure you get to Queen Anne and check out Meadow on 6th Ave. West. The owner is lovely and always up for a chat. She fills the store with adorable and affordable clothes, accessories, gifts, and home decor. I bought my shrug there, along with a pear-shaped soap and cafe au lait bowl for my mom's birthday.

In these photos:
Brown Wool-blend shrug by Harmonic
H&M blouse
Shiny vintage leggings
Vince Camuto booties
Classic Coach Station bag

Monday, September 13, 2010

Productive!



Getting stuff done feels so good. I worked in the office for 3 hours, started on laundry, mopped the kitchen and bathroom, and ate delicious soup! Now all I have left on my official list is to show someone a rental house. I really wanted to take some pictures for the blog, especially since the weather is gorgeous here, but there are workers right outside my window. They won't leave! Hopefully it will be just as nice tomorrow. I have new treasure I found in my boyfriend's collection that I'm really excited to work with.

Until then, enjoy these plaid-y pictures I took last week.

In these shots:
Black thrifted coat thingy
Vintage plaid blouse
H&M high-waisted pants
Coach "Station" Bag
Madden Girl pumps

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Jill Stuart- Spring 2011




So far this is the only show I've reviewed from New York Fashion Week, and I have mixed feelings about it.

As much as I loved the neutral shades and gorgeous fabrics I was not a fan of most of the silhouettes. A lot of the outfits made the models look rather boxy and large. I love the feminine shapes that are popular right now and I see glimpses of that trend in this collection, but it seems Jill Stuart has taken her own approach to it. The waists are cinched but the shoulders are wide and breasts completely masked. The shape is there, just way oversize for the svelte models that are wearing the garments. In a way, Jill Stuart has jumped ahead of everyone and the "Mad Men" trend to the 60's with boxy dresses, swing coats, and patent boots.



I really like the following two ensembles. They're very ladylike. Beautiful fabrics, beautiful details, and nicely tailored.



The shoes were another subject I found myself very divided on. I loved the cap-toe pumps and wedges (first picture below), but was completely flabbergasted by the "duck-feet" boots (second picture below).

I'm sorry, but this whole outfit makes her look like a duckling.




Photos courtesy of STYLE.COM
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