Sweater Dress: Wildfox, purchased at Maya Star
Tank Top: Gap
Necklace: Ann Taylor
Messenger Bag: Squid Ink Kollective
Jeans: Levis
Boots: Kenneth Cole Reaction
I’m constantly brainstorming ideas for fresh post material, and one topic I’d like to talk about more is clothing and closet maintenance. So many aspects of our lives depend on regular and thorough upkeep: we take our cars to the shop, we make doctor appointments to maintain wellness, and we beautify our home space with repairs and adjustments. Yet our wardrobes and closets rarely receive this kind of attention.
I recently made a trip to Austin Shoe Hospital to re-sole my favorite fall/winter black boots and to repair a zipper on one of the sides. This is a good time to drop everything else you’re doing and listen to me because I am about to pass on wisdom I was given by the ASH doctor: stop wearing boots with jeans. Before you say it, yes I realize I’m being incredibly hypocritical saying this in a post where I’m doing just that.
The broken zipper on my boot, according to ASH, was most likely caused by tucking my jeans into my boots because the jean material acts like sandpaper rubbing against the zipper and stresses the zipper teeth. This is a bit of a dilemma for me because I love this look for cold weather. I either need to accept the fact that taking my boots to Austin Shoe Hospital will be a regular (maybe annual?) occurrence or I need to invest in jean capris.
Necklace: Betsey Johnson
Blazer: Ark & Co (purchased at Crush Boutique)
Tee: Betsey Johnson
Clutch: Urban Outfitters
Ring: Jennifer Hearts Art
Shorts: Target
Tights: Target
Shoes: Coconuts
Currently Listening: Ocean Rain by Echo & the Bunnymen
For the most part, I feel the rules of fashion are malleable. Think of all the standards that have gone out the window: don’t wear white after Labor Day, match your purse to your shoes, wear pantyhose with skirts and dresses, and the list goes on. One principle that I think should be added to the books is: always wear at least one statement piece or something that could strike up a conversation, some zazzle if you will. I try to wear at least one every day.
At the same time, it’s important to pair a really loud piece (or several) with tame neutrals. I think this idea is comparable to balancing out a voluminous blouse with a pencil skirt or tailored slacks. Case in point: this outfit. From the waist up, it’s all colors and sparkles and from the waist down, all black. Some people can make loud all over work, but if you’re like me and aren’t one of those fashion rock stars, I think this formula is a good one to abide by.
Earrings: Tarina Tarantino
Sunglasses: Giorgio Armani
Dot Mesh Top: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Trina Turk, purchased from Adelante
Purse: Saya Studio
Skirt: BCBG Max Azria
Shoes: Nine West
Currently Reading: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
This cardigan was one of my finds from this past weekend’s, Le Garage Sale. In case you’ve never been, this is a two-day event where you can find several of Austin’s independent boutiques under one roof…with much of the merchandise heavily marked down. The cons are: an admission fee of $10, a somewhat zoo-y atmosphere, and sometimes overhearing inane comments. The plus? You can find really cute clothing for cheap if you’re patient and willing to dig.
Back to the inane comment bit. While I was sifting through the racks, a woman next to me pulled this cardigan off the shelf and proudly proclaimed to her shopping companion, “now, you could wear this with some black pants.” You know what else you can wear with black pants? Anything! I guess this getup could be called my ‘spite outfit’ because I was determined to prove that this piece is more versatile than a black pants pairing.
Just remember readers, friends don’t let friends make pointless style comments.
Sunglasses: Big Buddha
Necklace: purchased from Toy Joy
Shell: Banana Republic
Skirt: Banana Republic
Gloves: Target
Clutch: purchased from Dress Shop
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Currently Listening: The Island by Le Tigre
I think this outfit is very Hitchcock-inspired, or at least has some retro flair. Women don’t wear gloves with their everyday ensembles like they did during the 1950s and 60s (or at least, in my perception of this time). Some may think the gloves are too old-fashioned or that wearing this suit outside of work is inappropriate, but if you don’t take risks in fashion, what’s the point?
Filed under colorblock
Featured Artist: Yellowcake by Valerie Mayen
Currently Listening: Bouncing Souls- s/t
This is the first of a new series that I hope to make a regular on this blog. There are so many wonderful handmade pieces and creators on Etsy, but time and money don’t allow me to keep up with all of them. On top of this, sometimes you really need to dig to find the cream of the crop. I think features like this will enable me to maximize the number of quality artists I can introduce.
Valerie Mayen is the brains behind Yellowcake, which she defines as “sweet design with classic style.” The brand is based out of Cleveland, and Ms. Mayen is a former Project Runway contestant. And, the fact that 5% of profits from her sales go to non-profit organizations is the icing on top. My favorites from this batch are the Mod Mini Chevron Dress and the White Chevron Driving Coat, both featured on the top row. The entire line is so chic and pretty, though, that I’d be happy to own any of these pieces. Check out the Yellowcake site to find out more about this yummy brand.
Sunglasses: Deep Eddy
Earrings: Tutti Frutti from Blue Elephant
Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs, from Buffalo Exchange
Cape: F.M 908
Gloves: Merona
Tights: Target
Boots: Nine West
Currently Listening: Cage the Elephant- s/t album
I’m frequently asked questions like “where do you shop?” or “how do you find such cute clothing?” and am always at a loss for how to answer. My go-to responses are a) I shop everywhere and b) I just have good taste (this second answer doesn’t always go over well). In part, I respond this way because I’m embarrassed at how many pieces I own from Gap and know this could only be matched by others’ horror at this knowledge.
That being said, I shop everywhere and firmly believe that it doesn’t matter where you shop; you can find stylish clothing anywhere. You just need to know what stylish looks like and what is complementary to your body. This answer is gradually changing as I make the conscious effort to shop handmade and locally and encourage others to do the same.
Hopefully, most of my outfits will be a testament to this philosophy and my garments will come from a variety of sources (with at least one or two pieces being from local businesses or handmade artists). The upshot of all this, of course, is that you can’t buy style. And as much as any clothing corporation wants you to believe they can sell you that, they simply can’t.
Sunglasses: Big Buddha
Top: Lela Rose for Target
Vest: Skaist Taylor for Target
Necklace: Ann Taylor
Coat: Guess
Gloves: Merona
Clutch: Target
Jeans: Levi’s
Boots: Via Spiga
Currently Listening: Empty Bottles, Broken Hearts by Murder City Devils
I may make a few enemies with this outfit. And no, it’s not because the vest is fur (it’s completely faux). There are few articles of clothing more controversial than puffy or fluffy vests. Some may think this look is an unforgivable fashion misstep; others may dig the viking look I’m inadvertently achieving. All I know is I like it.
For this ensemble, I took a page out of the book of one of my favorite style bloggers, Sea of Shoes. She recently sported a multicolor Alice + Olivia coat that inspired me to be brave and try out this vest. What I love about SoS (besides the unlimited fashion budget) is how daring she is and how she’s usually a few years ahead of the curve. It doesn’t hurt that her pictures are fun and artsy on top of that. Perhaps my bold outfit choice can serve as an invitation for someone else to be brave.
Sunglasses: Big Buddha
Earrings: I’m Your Present
T-shirt: Model Citizen
Cardigan: Gap
Coat: Guess
Gloves: Isotoner
Wristlet: Betsey Johnson
Jeans: Levi’s
Boots: Via Spiga
Currently Listening: Bloom by Beach House
To those of you wondering what that white in the background of my pictures is, it’s 100% real snow. I’m visiting my mom and sister in Colorado this week, and there are enough scattered patches to make it feel like a real winter. Our week, so far, has consisted of shopping, mani/pedis, and a few great meals (including one at this gem in Castle Rock). My mom bought me these skinny jeans on our day at the nearby outlet mall. I’ve been in the market for some dark cigarette and straight leg pants that are still flattering, and this pair got the thumbs up from my dressing room critics.
These earrings were designed by I’m Your Present, who I had the opportunity to meet at the Bust Holiday Craftacular in 2011. Her Etsy shop is filled with really playful jewelry and kitschy clothing in all colors and prints (she has an ice cream sandwich dress). And, if you’re one of those people who’s into tacky cat art, she’s got you covered. I’m Your Present creates pieces reminiscent of the 80s and early 90s at prices I consider reasonable for handmade fashion. Some pieces on my wish list from this designer are: the Be Mine Banner Necklace, Mint Ice Cream Sandwich Dress, and the Lucky Charms Charm Bracelet. In reality, I would be happy owning anything from this shop.
My tee is by Model Citizen. She was one of the first Etsy designers I discovered when I started making jewelry and was a huge inspiration in the burgeoning stages of my creative days. I own more pieces by her than any other handmade artist. The MC aesthetic is part punk rock, part comic book art and revolves around her original drawings. The artwork translates fluidly and beautifully onto clothing and jewelry, and I’m not the only one who thinks so (MC has caught the attention of Bust Magazine and Kathleen Hanna). I feel like the cool kid whenever I war my MC pieces; I think that’s why I own so much by this brand.
Sunglasses: Big Buddha
Necklace: Broken Ear Productions
Blouse: MinkPink from Dog and Pony
Tank: Gap
Cape: F.M 908
Purse: gift, brand unknown
Pants: Express
Flats: Gap
Currently Listening: OK Computer by Radiohead
I feel like this outfit is fancy, perhaps too fancy. More often than not, I dress up for even the simplest occasions. People used to ask me why I did this or whether I was a debutante (completely true-the question, not being a deb). My answer, internally at least, was that I wasn’t especially dressy and that I was just putting effort into how I looked. Everyone seems to possess a style compass that dictates their uniform in life should consist of jeans and a t-shirt (or Nike running shoes and Uggs if you’re in a sorority). I think that’s boring, but it makes me constantly second guess my outfits. The good news is that as I get older, I care less and less about whether I look like a 50-something New York socialite and just run with it.
This cape was a birthday present from my boyfriend after I discovered it on What I Wore, one of my favorite fashion blogs I regularly follow. The blouse is from Dog and Pony, an Austin boutique/gem, that I was really sad to see close its doors this year. I would love to own one of their studded and dyed denim jackets (shown here on Keep Austin Stylish). The lucite bauble strand is a Broken Ear Productions piece. Fun Fact: BEP was the first to win the Austin Fashion Week’s Best New Designer Award in 2009. So, you could say that my fabulous necklace was crafted by a famous person. The classic black purse featured was a gift from my sister from her trip to Italy years ago.
Earrings: Betsey Johnson
Sunglasses: Deep Eddy
Hoodie: Old Navy
T-Shirt: Paired Hearts
Infinity Scarf: Cloth & Ink
Shorts: Anthropologie
Wristlet: Betsey Johnson
Tights: Target
Shoes: Nine West
Currently Listening: The Only Place by Best Coast
Before I delve too far into this post, I need to preface it by saying yes, I know I look like a hipster in this outfit. What’s worse, I don’t hate it. In fact, I adore all of the individual pieces and think this is a well put together outfit. I have a love/hate relationship with the hipster style. The aesthetic looks effortless and is almost chic in its simplicity, but it is incredibly formulaic. Girls who flaunt this are praised as having savvy street style, which may or may not be unwarranted.
Like I said though, I adore all the components of this outfit. The earrings and wristlet were birthday gifts from one of my closest friends, and I have received so many compliments on both. I purchased the infinity scarf at this past Renegade Craft Fair in Austin from Cloth & Ink. What I love about this brand is how fresh and classic the designs are. Each piece looks like it could be featured in one of those immaculate Apartment Therapy spaces that you (and by you, I mean I) are totally jealous of. My Marvellous Mustache shirt is a Paired Hearts design, which I purchased during their moving sale. The Paired Hearts aesthetic is so sweet and playful and also falls into the same design magazine-worthy category as Cloth & Ink.
