Three Summer Looks

 I took tons of photos the other day, but the lighting just wasn't right. The photos for these 3 outfits were all pretty ho-hum, and two photos just doesn't seem like enough for a post, so I decided to combine them!

This chambray skirt was thrifted in Palm Springs and just sold on Etsy.

I had this dress hemmed to a shorter length and is still available in my Etsy shop! I love the rainbow pattern!

 I've been eyeing this Baggu bag at work for, like, the whole time I've worked there and decided to buy it for Palm Springs. The combinations of short and long handles made it great for travelling! My only complaint is that the blue rubbed off on my white romper -_-

The marbled shorts are just $10 (in-store) at Gap right now!

One final note, I'm having a mid-summer sale in my Etsy shop. Gotta make room in my apartment for Fall stuff! Use coupon code MIDSUMMER20 to get 20% off anything, even sale items! Ends 8/2

♠

Thoughts in Overalls: Insults & Comebacks

Saturday must have been International Rude Day. I woke up to a rude comment on Facebook AND a rude Tweet. The Facebook comment started with a compliment, but then quickly digressed into insults, lazily excused with an "I have to be honest"clause. The commenter said that "bigger people" would look like taxis if they wore a yellow blazer like mine. I was at first insulted, then felt bad for being insulted when I realized it wasn't directed at me. I gave it some thought, then responded with "Bigger people can wear what they want." Just minutes later, I opened up Twitter to find a tweet from some tactless girl expressing her feelings about my look that was featured on Your Next Dress. I don't think she even knew that it was tweeted to me as well as the website. So much rudeness and all before 11am!

To address the first comment, which I think is more important, I must first admit some things. I, like most people in America, have an automatic negative response to being called fat. I wish I didn't. I'm working to change my perceptions of my own body and the word fat. Through middle school, high school, and till about the age of 22, I was "overweight". Then, suddenly, the weight started coming off. The only explanation I have for it is that I was exploring the world and changing my outlook. I think those changes were enough to change my activity level as well as my eating habits. 

I was very happy in high school, so I don't want you to think I was completely miserable being overweight, because I was far from it. I did, however, feel like people couldn't see the real me. And I hated not being able to wear all the clothes that were in style. 

In the ten years that have passed since I graduated high school, I've made some huge changes and feel pretty lucky in life. Most people didn't recognize me at my reunion! I did however fall into my old pattern of only talking with my group of friends all night, but that usually happens at reunions, right? My husband did the networking and I was my typical wallflower self. It works out.

This Facebook comment has got me thinking, though. I still carry around a lot of the insecurities that come with being fat in a skinny-obsessed world.  But I've had a breakthrough. One that I think shows progress in changing my body image. I realized the insult wasn't being called fat. The insult was being compared to an inanimate object. No matter what your size, color, or gender you're a human being and you deserve respect and kindness.

To address the second rude comment. The girl said "Hell no!" in response to the question "What do you think of Catie Beatty's dress?" Bitch please, I've been in 4 magazines, a book and featured on loads of websites. Your tactless remark only made me realize just how awesome I am.

Vintage silk blouse - thrifted GAP overalls - Forever21 sunglasses - Madewell flats

♠

Summer-to-Fall: 1 Maxi 2 Ways

I'm divided right now. 

Do I let go of summer and embrace Fall in all it's layered glory, or do I soak up the last of these sunny days? Living in Seattle, it seems silly and wasteful to start donning caps or scarves when it's still in the 70s. No need to rush into that 9 months of clouds we have ahead of us!

Nevertheless, I'm still excited for Fall. I've been finding some amazing sweaters and scarves at garage sales, and I'm kind of excited to wear them. Especially the J.Crew cashmere turtleneck I got for $17 (that's like 92% off the original price)! This mix of guilt and excitement has inspired me to try my hand at transitioning Summer pieces for Fall. It's a good way to get more use out of seasonal items. For instance, this yellow chevron maxi dress from Gap. I found it on clearance for $17 (sorry the dress at the link I posted below isn't as cheap!) and was worried it wouldn't carry over into the next season, but I've found ways to make it work.

1. Casual/Work

 I always want to wear loads of black and grey in the Fall and Winter, but by the time January rolls around I've got fashion-induced depression. I've made it a goal this year to make color a part of my wardrobe year-round. It can seem tricky, but remember that most "Fall" colors are neutrals and go quite well with brights.

 A cropped sweater keeps the skirt looking long and lean. For extra warmth, layer maxi dresses and maxi skirts over leggings. No one will even know you're wearing them!

2. Fancy/Event

 Try some lush layers and textures to add some drama, as well as warmth, to any outfit. Here I'm wearing vintage fur and an oversized cardigan that my husband hates, haha. It's so thick, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to wear it as a coat this winter.

 A great thing about maxi length dresses & skirts is that you don't need to wear heels. That means, whether you're walking around at Fashion's Night Out or dancing the night away, you'll be comfortable.

 Again, neutral colors keeps this texture-loaded look from getting too wild.

 Don't forget to add a bit more glam with some jewelry. Don't overload, though. Do earrings or bracelets, but not both.

GAP chevron maxi dress - H&M blazer - Vintage sweater - Handemade circle scarf - Vintage leather satchel (similar) - Madewell Meshbound Earrings - Thrifted cat eye sunglasses - Thrifted wool cardigan (similar) - Gap clutch - Chloe flats - Vans Classics

 ♠

time to pretend

I wish I could say I wore this look all day, but I was only able to enjoy it for a little while. I'm still suffering from tendinitis in my feet and can't wear "fashionable" shoes for very long. I am resigned to wearing tennis shoes and Naots; shoes with lots of padding and little style. Tendinitis takes so long to heal!

My ex-podiatrist (he did not have enough time for me so I've stopped going to him), said to find flat, stiff-soled shoes. Turns out that is nearly impossible to do! 99% of shoes have a slight heel and/or are completely flexible in the forefoot.


Enough about my dumb feet and on to a happier topic! My husband and I are leaving on our "honeymoon" on Wednesday. We will be spending 5 days in northern California. Specifically, San Francisco and Santa Cruz. His mother has cousins there, so we will staying with them. Other than that, we don't really have any plans. Our most recent trips (Baltimore and Houston) have been exhausting, because they both involved weddings. We spent our days "off" running around like mad. This time we are just going to relax and go with the flow. The weather looks like it's going to be perfect and since we will be there in the off season, the crowds will be smaller. I'm excited :)

I'm hoping to do some blogging, or at least take outfit pictures while I'm there, but it's always so hard when you have a limited wardrobe!

So about this look. Today I discovered that I can zip the wool liner out of Trevor's Burberry trench coat. Happy discovery since that coat is too big and kinda looks ridiculous on me. The liner fits well under my cheap-o Forever21 coat. I'm loving the mix of patterns too. The skirt is from Value Village and features messy polka-dots, as you can see.



In these photos:
Forever21 Coat
Burberry wool liner
American Apparel leotard
Vintage skirt and belt
GAP clutch

Fall Brights

Yesss, new clothes! I love getting new clothes, but who doesn't??
I ordered a few things from www.felicee.com and can't wait to style them all! It took a whole 5 days for my package to get here. That's incredibly fast, considering it was shipped internationally.

Isn't this sheer skirt lovely? It's a little see-through, but nothing some spanks won't fix. Other than that, it's perfect! It fits really nicely. I was afraid it would be that really itchy tulle they use under prom dresses and such, but it's not. It's comfortable and light, and is quite nice to wear. Plus, it was under $16!! You can find it here along with a lot of other awesomely affordable things. For instance, the leopard-print belt I'm wearing! It set me back a whole $4.46. Pretty great deal, huh?


The magenta jacket is new too, but it was a lucky find at a thrift store. It's 100% wool! I wish I could have taken more pictures, especially better ones of the detailing, but my feet were killing me, so I had to cut the photo shoot short.


Look at the pin-tucking on that jacket, though. Definitely a quality piece!



In these photos:
Skirt and belt from Felicee.com
GAP merino turtleneck
Chloe flats
Vintage wool jacket

Faux Fall

I really wanted to dress for Fall, but it was 80 degrees out, so I had to fake it. It seems like I’ve done a lot of this this summer. For the magazine shoots in July we had to dress for Fall, and even though it wasn’t very hot, it was incredibly muggy and very uncomfortable wearing jackets and hats. I learned, though, that adding some key pieces-a hat or scarf, maybe a jacket just on your shoulders-can really make an outfit look seasonal without making you too miserable, plus you can take them right off when you’re done shooting. So for any of you ladies (and gents) who live in warmer climates where you don’t get cold weather even in January, why not style those looks anyway? This whole blogging thing is about developing your styling talents, so why not push yourself and experiment in areas of fashion you’re not as experienced in? This goes for everyone in cold climates, too!


For me, styling is like playing dress up; I can go wherever I want and be whoever I want just by changing my skirt. Today, I’ve decided to go to Post-War Paris. Where do you want to go?

In this outfit:
Vintage wool beret
Vintage velvet midi skirt
GAP t-shirt and cardigan
Xhilaration flats

Breaking Rules

According to rules of taste, these pants should not be worn by anyone. They are ridiculously loud and rather shapeless. Yet somehow, they are not completely unflattering.

Underneath the sweater, the pants are attached to a tube top, so technically it's a jumpsuit. But the elastic is fading and the top is no where near as awesome as the bottoms. This is where the cropped sweater comes in.

It gives the whole thing a slouchy, yet polished look. Think 80's power-suit goes on vacation.


In these photos:
Vintage jumpsuit
GAP sweater
Vintage frame bag
Aldo flats
Vintage watch and costume jewelry
Forver21 sunglasses

Birthday, giveaway, and big news!

Today is the one year anniversary of Fleur d'Elise! It's been a great year :) I have met so many wonderful bloggers and connected to so many amazing blogs and communities, thanks to this blog.

Some Stats:
In total, I've posted 131 blogs articles (not including this one)
Gained 104 followers via Google
Since I started using StatCounter.com in April, I've had over 4000 visitors

Here is a picture from my first post

This is from my second post


The past couple of weeks I've been immensely busy with work and planning my wedding reception, but I've been thinking about the blog and all of you a lot. Mostly I just feel guilty; I've neglected something I really care about, but sometimes it can't be helped! I've also been trying to figure out how to my measure my blog's success now that it's a year old. Is it the number of followers? The number of comments? The number of affiliates or official recognitions? It would make more sense that success is a product of all those things, and not just one.

For instance, 104 followers is a drop in the bucket when compared to the fan base of other more established bloggers, but I am lucky and flattered to have everyone of you. I'm also thrilled to share some awesome news with you: I've been contacted by Glamour for a street style photo shoot and I am a finalist in Marie Claire's What I Love About Me Contest! I am not guaranteed to be in either magazine, but the simple fact that they would even be interested in considering me for publication is completely awesome! As stressed as I am this week, I am feel completely blessed. Thank you all for your support and readership. I would not have come so far without it.

And now for my official THANK YOU! It's time for another giveaway!

One lucky reader will win this necklace and vibrant lipstick. The necklace is from Forever21 and features a Goldstone pendant and I've added a pink ribbon. It's very similar to a bracelet I made back in January. The lipstick is a Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren. It's a gorgeous, creamy orange-red and is one of the colors I recommended in this post. It's a fantastic shade for Summer and will look stunning with dark and muted colors this Fall.

Ok, so to enter:
Follow me via Google or BlogLovin' +1
Like Fleur d'Elise on Facebook +1
Link to my blog/giveaway on your blog +2
Remember to leave me a comment with your name and email and links!

The giveaway will end in one week. Good luck!

If you ask me...

Time for some good ol' fashioned product reviews! All based on personal experience; all from companies and stores I patronize regularly.

First off, Pajama Jeans! The hottest new thing in fashion!

JOKING. But really, when I'm watching The Today Show and that commercial comes on, my morning is a little bit sunnier.



I'm going to post this in two parts. We'll start with clothing and fashion, since I have more reviews in that category. Later, I will review Services and Beauty Products.

Apparel:

-H&M-
Pro: Great value (as I'm sure you've figured out)! The sizing makes sense and is pretty consistent from garment to garment. Most things are really well made, considering how much they cost.

Con: I have had the hem come out of 3 different items. I love their tank tops, but 2 out of 3 have come undone at the hem :(

-J. Crew-
Pro: They have gorgeous designers and great stylists. Somehow they know exactly what I'm into the week they send me a catalog. They usually have colors you can't find anywhere else. Their clothes last forever!

Con: The "vanity sizing" is BEYOND ridiculous. Example: I'm an 8 or so at H&M, but I am a SIZE 2 (!) at J.Crew. I have trouble finding things that fit, in the sales especially. I would not recommend buying pants there. They stretch out really badly. I've bought three different types; skinny denim and Minnie City Fit in a lighter twill and one pair in a heavier cotton fabric. The denim and the lighter twill stretched out to the point where I looked like I've lost 15 pounds. In my crotch. Seriously. The heavier ones have held up much better, but I still have to wash them often so they will shrink back into shape.

-Forever21-
Pro: Surprising value and amazing selection (this is also sort of a con). Stuff is actually made pretty well. I've had some things for years now. Even a button-up blouse that I've never had to replace buttons on!

Con: The return policy is dumb. You only have 21 days to exchange something, and you can only get store credit. They have soooo much stuff, it can be kind of overwhelming. I used to have panic attacks in Forever21. My friend had a seizure there once (but that may have been her fault). The sizing runs pretty small, so when I was a stylish heavy-set high schooler I couldn't shop there.




-GAP-
Pro: Good for basics. Sometimes they have some really good designs. The sales are great! Their jeans age perfectly. They don't stretch out like some jeans I know.

Con: Another place where the vanity sizing is getting out of control. I am not an XS. If I were, then there would be 5 million other woman who would not be able to find any clothes to wear, except for in the Toddler's section.

-Sam Edelman-
Pro: Sometimes the designs are pretty cute.

Con: I have only bought one pair of Sam Edelman shoes, but I have had 3 different pairs of the same style. The first pair was the wrong size (not Sam's fault), the second pair dyed my feet green, and the third pair came unglued after a month. Based on this experience, I've decided that I will never pay full price for a pair of Edelman's ever again. (Thank goodness I bought them at Nordstrom; they have an excellent return/repair policy, which I will get to later.)


-Urban Outfitters-
Pro: Fun stuff! They usually have a lot of trendy pieces. Great selection of store brands and name brands. I really like their selection of shoes and haven't had many problems when it comes to quality. I have two pairs of Cooperative wedges that I live in.

Con: I like to call this place "The Fifty-Eight Dollar and Up Store". Things are kiiinda overpriced.


-American Apparel-
Pro: Amazing choice and variety. You want something basic and sensible? They have it! You want something crazy and different? They have that, too, and everything in between! Great selection of colors, sizes, and styles. Have never had any hems or seams come out and the colors stay vibrant for a long time. Everything keeps its shape, despite the fact that most is cotton!

Con: Another dumb return policy! Store credit only :( Sometimes I have a hard time paying $18 for a t-shirt.


Coming Soon!
Make-Up:
L'Oreal
MAC
Ulta

Services/Returns:
Nordstrom
J.Crew

Rouge

I needed more red in my life, so I bought this sweater. It's thin, but I like sweaters that way. I like to think I will layer them one of these days, when it is extra cold outside.

Other colors I need more of:
Teal
Forrest green
Peachy-pinks
Beige
White

What colors do you feel are missing from your life?



I feel that the majority of my posts are about colors. They are the most obvious aspect of a piece of clothing, so it makes them easy to write about.

Lately, I've really been enjoying my brooches. Turns out I have quite a few; most of them never worn. I seem to be missing my favorite. It is a bug, but not a real bug. It's sterling silver with a green amber body. I got it for my 17th or 18th birthday. The one in the pictures is real, its exoskeleton being affixed to a gold body, and is of the genus Chrysochroa. I'm not sure which species though. We have similar beetles here that are in the same family, Buprestidae, but they are around 1/2 inch long, instead of 1 1/2 inches. I can't recall where exactly I find this pin; probably in my dad's things or at an estate sale.

In these photos:
GAP wool sweater
American Apparel Harem Pants
Rabbit Fur Stole
Madden Girl heels
MAC lipstick

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

Vegetarian Pho by catiebeatty featuring polka dot socks

Old Navy Womens Shirred Cross-Front Dresses
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com
Empire waist dress »

RALPH LAUREN SS10/C391CALV A7087 COTTON CARDIGAN
106 GBP - farfetch.com
Ralph lauren tops »

polka-dot tights - j.crew
$23 - jcrew.com
Polka dot socks »

Marc by Marc Jacobs Clog Sherpa Booties
$450 - shopbop.com
Bootie shoes »

Leaf And Stone Flower Drop Earring
6 GBP - oasis-stores.com
Leaf earrings »

Faux Fur Stole
$50 - topshop.com
TopShop scarves »

Farewell

One last hurrah: a day at the beach. It was rather melancholy as it was my first visit of the entire summer. I think it is shameful if you live in the Puget Sound region and don't make it down to the beach during the summer. Shame on me.

My beach visit reinforced my preference for cotton pencil skirts. So comfortable and practical, with the perfect amount of stretch. They make for easy outfits and look so much more put-together than shorts. And let's not forget how perfect they convert for Fall! The thin cotton is perfect for layering, and I would suggest you try doubling up with two skirts. The one I have on is from American Apparel, and is perfect for the double skirt combo. They have so many colors and the waist band folds down nicely so you can have two skirts of varying length. If American Apparel is not in your budget, then Forever21 should be your next stop. They have great cotton skirts for around $6. They're a few inches shorter than American Apparel's, but aren't scandalous. I wear them to my nanny job even! Anyway, at $6 it's worth it, even if you just want to experiment with them.


In this shot:
Sun hat from GAP
Tank top from H&M
Pencil Skirt from American Apparel