Electric Orange

It's been a while since I did an outfit post, but I've been so very inspired by Pinterest and other blogs lately so I figured it was time to contribute to the pot!

I've been loving the cooler September days, and the chance to layer a bit more. I found this dress on super-sale at Ragstock, and even though it was a bit out of my normal taste, I thought I would give it a try. I was really excited when I got home and realized I had the perfect belt to wear with it! 

I wore this out and about on a few errands, and to dinner at my parent's house later that evening. I've gotten a few comments lately that I seem to "dress up" a lot, which I think is rather funny. I don't really consider this that dressy... But in any case, wearing something beyond yoga pants and sweatshirts is really helpful for me in creating a better mood! I honestly do it for myself more than anyone else!

Evie has been sick this week, and she has attached herself to this sweet little bunny rabbit we affectionately call "Mr. Bun." He's been her constant companion, along with her thumb. 

Outfit details: Dress/Ragstock, Sweater/Marshalls, Belt/Target, Shoes/Target, Shades/Anthropologie.

A Gatsby-Inspired Party

This past weekend, we had a little soiree for my baby sister (who is not actually a baby I must note, but in her 20's). She's getting married this coming August, so we decided to throw a Gatsy-Inspired bachelorette party for her. My sister Elsie hosted the party at her beautiful home, and all I had to do was bring some delectable treats, and figure out how to make myself look a little more old-fashioned. 

Turns out, finger curls are a huge pain in the rear, but so worth the end result! In order to get this look:

 

I had to spend 6 + hours looking like this: 

I did some research on the elusive finger-wave popular in the 1920's, and kind of came up with my own version. I used this blog to get an idea of how to set the curls. Basically, I parted my hair in a deep side part and completely wet that section of hair. I liberally applied mousse, and then used the clips to set it in deep waves (using the photos from the blog above as a guide). It took a really long time to dry, so I used my blowdryer with a diffuser attachment throughout the day to help it along.

Once the hair was dry, I curled the rest of my hair using a 3-barrel, and pinned it up in the back to mimic a bob. The finger-waves only needed a light combing to make them look more natural, and they were ready to go! I also put a couple of bobby pins in to help the finger curls stay put at least until I got to the party, but I'm happy to say they lasted through the night!

Josh snapped a few photos of the whole ensemble right before I left. I hemmed and hawed about what to wear for weeks, but I finally found the right outfit. The shirt is from Target, and the skirt is from Ruche. I didn't buy them for the occasion, I actually had both things already and at the last moment threw them together. The tights, shoes, handbag, and feather headband were also things I had on hand. 

Even though it was a lot of work, I really enjoyed doing my hair this way! It was fun to feel like I was living in my favorite decade for a bit. Usually I just live vicariously through shows like Downton Abbey and Poirot. Anyone else ever feel like they were born in the wrong decade?

Leather + Shades

I bought this leather jacket years ago, and never imagined that I would end up wearing it now, about 5 years later, almost nonstop! It was definitely one of those buys that you regret for a while, let languish in the back of your closet, and then suddenly find that you adore it. Go figure.

Since it's still pretty chilly here in MN, the key to being comfortable in a thin leather jacket is layers. I layered it over a comfy teal t-shirt, a fun chrocheted sweater, and a fluffy white scarf.

Also- my hair is getting SUPER long. I'm in that stage where I can't decide if I love it, or if I want to chop it all off. 

Outfit details:

Jacket- Wilson's Leather (old)

Sweater- Marshalls

T-shirt- No clue (really, I inherited it from my sister)

Scarf- Goodwill (no label)

Sunglasses- Anthropologie

Jeans- Gap

Boots- Target

Style that's effortless- or just lazy

Going for an "effortless" look is more work that one would imagine, but I hope I'm sort of pulling it off. My tips to achieve this look are to wear glasses because your eyes are itching with allergies, don't wash your hair for a week and have a baby who loves grabbing hair so your only option is the greasy ponytail, and throw on some new boots to make yourself feel better. 

Sweater: Marshalls, 

gingham shirt: Target, 

jeans: lands end (I know, it's scary, but true),

boots: Bjorn

Stylin' (at Home)

Well, these days my "fashion" sense is all about what is easiest, quickest, most comfortable, and washable. Don't get me wrong- I definitely don't live in sweats! Thank goodness. =) There's nothing bad about that, I just know that for myself, I feel so much better when I actually get dressed and feel at least semi-cute!

Also, I seem to have lost that little thing that goes on top of the tripod and attaches your camera to the tripod. I knew that would happen, and it finally did. So for now, my outfit posts may look a little wonky as I probably balance a child on my hip and the camera in one hand.

I was super excited to put this outfit together, because I got 2 of the pieces half off at Goodwill! The yellow striped shirt at the teal blue leather handbag were 50% off because of the President's Day sale. I think I paid $4 for them together. I wore it with dark-wash skinny jeans and bare feet because, alas, all I did today was stay home with Evie and do laundry.

That brings me to one of my points: Don't you hate it when you waste a cute outfit by staying home? Ah well. As I said before, it helps me feel better and more productive when I look nice. Plus, I can always put a picture up on the blog...

Outfit details: Sweater- Loft/Shirt- Thrifted (Report brand)/Bag- Loft/Necklace- From my Sis

Ruffle-Toes

I'd like for you to meet the newest addition to my shoe-drobe (that's a wardrobe for shoes in case I lost anyone there...). I actually bought these ruffled, metallic heels to go with a bridesmaid dress for a wedding I'm in later this year. I wanted to find something that wasn't too spendy, and that I would wear again (since we all know that you can NEVER ever ever wear those dresses again).

After scouring the internet for silver toned shoes, I was starting to get a little disillusioned. Everything was too expensive, too clunky, too high, or too "Barbie" for my taste. When I happened upon these at target.com, I was pleasantly surprised! Then, when they arrived in the mail I was even more pleased. Pleased as punch, if you must know.

Jeans: Old Navy, Shoes and Crdigan: Target, Tank: American Apparel (Macy's)

I put together an outfit  for fun, pairing the shoes with some skinnies, a chevron- printed shirt, and a cardigan. Another reason why I love Target? That cardigan was 75% off. It was $5.48.

If for any reason you are hunting for some cute shoes, here's the link to these ruffled beauties.

Now, I'm off to do Pilates for the 2nd time in my life. I did a 45 minute workout yesterday and I am SO sore. Like, I'm not sure if I should feel accomplished or if I should check myself into the ER and ask for a huge dose of morphine. Have you ever done Pilates before? Any advise for a newbie like myself?



 (Linking this up to Breanna's blog: My Beautiful, Crazy Life for Fab Friday!)

~and~

Flowers + Stripes (and a Surprise!!!)

 

Sometimes, inspiration strikes at the strangest of times. One night, I was laying in bed trying to convince my brain that it was time to fall asleep. Suddenly, right as I was about to give in to sweet slumber, a vision came to me.

What, no one else has visions of the sartorial variety?  =)

So, the next day I happily assembled this outfit, using a sweater that had been neglected for a few years and a lovely skirt given to me by my ever-so-fashionable sister Elsipeth. I knew I had held on to this sweater for some reason. It's fun to pull together a "new" outfit using things you already have on hand sometimes! 

(Skirt- Unknown, Sweater + Boots- Old Navy, Cami + Tights + Skinny Belt- Target)

When I wore this outfit out later to run some errands, I threw on a lovely red jacket (Target) and one of my favorite Christmas presents- this hat made by my talented Mother-In-Law.

Seriously, is she amazing or what? It's styled after a 1920's flapper hat (a cloche), but a little more loose on the top. It's fun to wear, and easy on the hair! 

And now, for the exciting news that I couldn't share before....

MY SISTER IS ENGAGED! 

It's finally Facebook Official. 

Elsie and Kyle were High School Sweethears (awww!) and now are going to be married in the Fall of 2012. That means not one, but two family weddings are in store this year! I couldn't be happier for my sweet sister and best friend, and her fiance who is already like a brother. 

They got engaged on New Year's Day- Kyle took Elsie to several places that had special meaning to their relationship, gave her sweet little gifts at each one, and finally proposed to her by moonlight next to the Mississippi River. How wonderful is that?

That evening, our immediate family got together to celebrate their engagement. My Dad was playing around with his phone, after he had taken a picture of the ring, and said "Oh, I suppose I shouldn't post this on Facebook yet." We all said "No! Definitely not!" and then he said "Oops."

Thankfully, we managed to delete it (it only took 4 adults and 10 minutes to figure out how to do that... stupid Facebook), and no was was any wiser until their official announcement a few days later. Ah, it's those stories that we will look back on one day and smile about!

Sequined

I'm excited to share one of my latest creations! I love it when I get an idea that actually turns out the way I imagine it...

This sequined scarf was so much fun to make. I used a stretchy dance-fabric that had printed sequins, combined with an ultra soft polar fleece. Together, they make for one really fashionably comfortable scarf!

The scarf is no longer in my possession, since I made it with my Grandma in mind, thinking it would be the perfect Christmas present for her. I think she liked it! 

But, I'm just so happy with how it turned out that I think I may need to whip up a few more...

Don't Skirt the Issue...

A while back, I found this adorable houndstooth skirt at ye olde GW.

It was actually close to perfect just the way it was- high waisted, and hit right above the knees. However, I had visions of something even greater in mind... 

 Oh yes, I shortened that puppy! I love the look of a cute cropped skirt with leggings or sweater tights. All the modesty (not to mention comfort) of pants, but with the added pop of some hounds-tooth goodness.

{Sweater: Target, Tank: Gap, Boots: Blowfish (thrifted), Skirt: Vintage Express (thrifted), Tights: Target}

I love the versatility that a good pair of solid color tights or leggings can bring to a wardrobe. Suddenly, a whole new world of (shorter) skirts, and even shorts, is completely attainable! Have you been pulling off this look lately? I would love to hear about it!

*I should add as a side note, that I completely DO NOT condone wearing tights and/or leggings as the sole layer over your booty. I have seen this crime committed by younger girls as well as women in their 50's and it is just not cool. Even if you have the buns to attempt this, please refrain. Either that, or limit your wearage to your local Wal Mart. Thank you. 

Just for funsies... I thought I would share these pictures that I took to test the camera before the real photo shoot. Apparently, this is what Josh thinks I look like when taking outfit photos.... 

(I'm linking this project up to "What's Up Wednesday" over at Sew Woodsy)

DIY Feather Headband

 Last week, I finally decided to use my package of decorative feathers that I purchased at Michaels a while back. I love the cute, spotted feathers and have been waiting for the perfect project to put them to use!

This headband was SO easy to make, and I think it would be a really cute Christmas gift for some special girl in your life!

My step-by-step pictures are lacking, but it's just so easy that I think you can handle it without the pictures!

Here are the supplies you will need:

• Package of feathers (mine were purchased at Michaels in the craft aisle, sorry I can't recall the price! They are under $5 for sure).
• Slim plastic headband (I bought a 3-pack of these at Target a few years ago)
• Hot glue gun
• Cute button or bead for the center!

I took a picture at the half-way point. You will want to figure out how big you want the feather-decal to be. I chose to go with a longer line of feathers since they are pretty delicate. Starting at the TOP, start gluing feathers down one at a time, spacing them so that each feather is seen. You don't need much hot glue, just a little dab will do!

Then, glue a couple more feathers facing the other way. It should resemble a bow, with one side being longer. Finally, glue your button over the top, and voila! You have a pretty new headband. I kid you not when I say that this took me 5 minutes! 5 minutes! So easy. 

Yes, I am already thinking about Christmas gifts- are you? As usual, I'm hoping to do a combination of purchased and homemade gifts for an extra-special, checkbook-friendly Christmas! How about you?

Pinterest Outfit

 I found this outfit on Pinterest a few weeks ago and thought, "Hey, I could recreate that!" I even have the exact same belt! How often does that happen?

 Image found via Pinterest, original post HERE

So here's my take on the outfit. I loved wearing this, and felt like I had stepped out of a J Crew catalog or something. =)

 

(I realized after I took this picture, that I am holding money in my hand. I have no earthly idea why.)

Shirt: Gap

Sweater: Limited (thrifted)

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Bare traps

I love all of the inspiration I glean from Pinterest, especially when it comes to style! I get into clothing ruts SO very easily, so it's nice to be able to look through the photos and find inspiration for items I already own. What do you do when you get stuck in a style-rut?

Twinkle-Toes

Remember that fairy-tale obsession I hinted at in my post on Monday?  Well, that may have slightly influenced my purchase of these shoes.

When I saw them sitting on the shelf at Goodwill, I knew that they had to be mine. Nevermind that the only other time I have seen shoes like these were on the feet of a 5 year old girl dressed up like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (and yes, I had to resist the urge to steal her shoes even then!).

I wore them on our date-night last week, and boy are they fun. They may have pinched my big toe a little, but every time I looked at my sparkly feet I smiled. And maybe giggled a little. 

I decided to pair them with some cuffed jeans, a black sweater, and my military-style jacket to offset the sparkle. After all, when your feet look like they've been dipped in a vat of Martha Stewart's Craft Glitter, you're already going to be drawing plenty of attention to yourself. (Consequently, no one else cared that I was wearing glitter shoes. Josh just smiled and suggested we eat somewhere dimly lit.)

Military-inspired jacket: Herbergers (2010)

Sweater: Target

Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: Steve Madden (thrifted)

Weekend Update

The fashion show was a huge success! It was such a blast to be a part of this whole thing, and get a glimpse into the wonderful world of fashion. That's Beth in the middle and the other model, Jackie, right after we both got done with makeup. The makeup artist penciled on fake eyebrows (over my real ones) and made my lips about 20% bigger. Up close I looked completely ridiculous, but it gave a good effect under the lights. 

Jackie's dress was inspired by Lucille Ball- it is hand-dyed silk with hand stitched trim and beading, and hand painted design. It was a huge hit with all the guests! 

Here's a video from the fashion show in case you care to take a gander, Jackie and I were on last so if you want to skip to us you can go to the end of the video. =) 

As for the rest of the weekend, we spent some time with family at the Apple Orchard, carved pumpkins, watched some Firefly (best show ever!), and spent lots of quality time together. A lot of our weekends lately have been just jam-packed with stuff, which is lots of fun but not so great for time as a couple! How was your weekend?

 Also- I'm about to take Aggie in for a vet appointment. Yup, she is getting spayed. I think she knows something is going to happen, she has been very docile this morning... Poor kitty!

Friends in the Fashion Biz

(Photo Credit)

This past Spring, I had the privilege of helping out a friend of mine who is an up and coming fashion designer here in the Twin Cities. Beth Kendrick started out by taking classes on fabric dyeing from a local textile school, and gradually became more interested in fashion design. I modeled two of her beautiful creations that she wanted to enter in the Surface Design Association fashion show. Her piece Lucette (pictured above and below) got in, and ended up winning first place! You can click on that link to see more pictures from the show (I didn't model the dress in the show).  

The two-piece ensemble, entitled "Lucette", is made from several different types of fibers. Here's the description in Beth's own words:

"Lucette," Paul Bunyan’s girlfriend, stands as a fiberglass statue on the shores of Birch Lake in Hackensack, Minnesota.  She’s now a strong, glamorous woman of the modern frontier.
Hand-dyed silk satin skirt with rhinestone embellished train; cotton and silk chiffon corset hand-dyed, discharged, and painted with hand and machine sewn embellishment.

Tonight, I get to wear this dress again for a fashion show at the Minneapolis Textile Center. "Hot Art Cool Jazz" is a yearly benefit to raise money for the Joan Mondale Gallery. Beth will be showing two pieces, Lucette and Lucille (a new creation!) in the runway show. I'm so excited to be a part of this and support this kind of design! Hopefully my runway debut will go smoothly, I'll let you know how it goes! Meanwhile, feel free to check out Beth's facebook page for her studio Nineten Textiles to see some more photos of her amazing work.

 

 Photos by Kristina Jager