Pretty and Punk

It’s not always possible to post as many outfit pictures...

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:27:00 -0500

It’s not always possible to post as many outfit pictures as I’d like, especially on uber busy weeks like this one. Other style bloggers will supplement clothing posts with recipes, advice, tutorials, and design ideas. Since one of my goals for this blog is to promote buying handmade and shopping locally, I think featuring some of my favorites from Etsy is a perfect way to achieve this. These are a few fresh pieces I’ve seen this spring. Hope y’all like ‘em!

1. Landscape Print Bandeau Top - Showboat Clothing, $55.00

2. Grey Feldspar and Gold Spike Necklace - Deuce Fashion, $30.00

3. Faux Leather Earrings - Love Sexton, $24.80

4. Summer Meadow Dress - Mrs. Pomeranz, $532.25

5. Aqua Chevron Earrings - Little Kiku, $9.00

6. Pastel Suede Clutch - Grace Design, $68.00

7. Flower Coasters - Decoy Lab, $30.00

8. Galaxy Skirt - Girl with a Serious Dream, $178.00

9. Hard Candy Lollipops - Andie’s Specialty Sweets, $32.00

Tee: American Apparel, Ume band tee Cardigan: Express Necklace:...

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:10:15 -0500

Tee: American Apparel, Ume band tee

Cardigan: Express

Necklace: Ann Taylor

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Steve Madden

A few notes about this outfit:

This tee is for/from my favorite Austin band, Ume. I met and chatted it up with the lead singer/guitarist when I bought this shirt and found out that on top of making great music, the band members are really nice and all about their fans. When I told Lauren (lead singer/guitarist) I played guitar and appreciated she posted the tabs for one of their songs online, her response was, “awesome. Let us know if you’d like to see any other tabs posted.” So, yeah, check out this band if you haven’t already

The color saturation on these shoe pics is turned up all the way. Sorry if it’s offensive to any of my photographer friends; it’s the only way the true colors of the shoes came through. When I originally bought these, I thought they were too loud, but I couldn’t resist the sparkle factor. They’re now one of my favorite pairs.

I can’t decide if I like for tees paired with this skirt to be tucked in or not. The tucked in look is a little less flattering on me, but I think the black band nicely frames the outfit and makes the look more put together. Let me know what y’all think.

This post is a few days late because I have been crazy busy...

Sun, 05 May 2013 18:12:25 -0500

This post is a few days late because I have been crazy busy lately. I hope y’all enjoy these snaps though; I think Bridget busted out some great looks this week (they may be my new favorites). These were inspired by this past week’s outfits from Monday and Wednesday, respectively. I think the scalloped effect on the blue cloud mani is really sweet, and I’m mesmerized by the matte effect, glitter colors, and the overall floral print on the second set. Be sure to check out Bridget’s post for a more behind the scenes look at these fantastic manis.

The red and blue cloud mani used:

-Sally Hansen Insta-dry: Straw-ready

-Essie: Brooch the Subject

-OPI: My Boyfriend Scales Walls

-Zoya: Wednesday

The black and floral print set used:

-Sally Hansen: Black Out

-OPI: My Boyfriend Scales Walls

-Zoya: Blaze

-Zoya: Logan

-Zoya: Apple

Hard Candy: Matte-ly in Love

Nail art brushes

Rhinestones

Dress: Nanette Lepore Jacket: I.N. San Francisco Necklace: Ann...

Wed, 01 May 2013 16:32:26 -0500

Dress: Nanette Lepore

Jacket: I.N. San Francisco

Necklace: Ann Taylor

Purse: gift, purchased in Italy

Shoes: Melissa

Cupcakes and Cashmere is one of my favorite personal style blogs, and I think Emily has great taste and a good eye. Whenever her outfits incorporate a jacket, she’ll drape it over her shoulders instead of wearing it. The reasoning is that it shows off the outfit underneath better; I agree with this and add that it just looks better overall. Period. When you’re a hot shot blogger like Emily, thousands of people know about and pay attention to your content, trolls included.

Sometimes, some of those people make what I’m sure they think are snarky and clever comments that come off as mean-spirited and idiotic to me (and probably most sane people). They’ll ask questions like, “Do you ever actually wear your jacket or do you just drape it over your shoulders?” I mention this not only because I’m draping my jacket in this post but also because I want to have some say in who reads my small blog. If you’re one of the people who always has something negative to say about content other people create or if you ask inane questions like the one mentioned above, do not read this blog. It is not for you.

If this does not apply to you, I encourage you to keep reading because I have plenty of new outfits and cool pieces to show you. You should also check out Cupcakes and Cashmere to see what a really well put together blog looks like. /rant

Currently listening: Marry Me by St. Vincent This past weekend,...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:11:19 -0500

Currently listening: Marry Me by St. Vincent

This past weekend, Austin Craft Riot hosted their first ever clothing swap. I was both delighted and mildly weary at the outset. I’d heard some ladies get carried away these events (plus, I’ve been to Le Garage Sale and witnessed this madness), that the selection can be mediocre, and the organization non-existent. That said, I’ve always wanted to check out a swap, and ACR knows how to throw a party, so I wasn’t too worried.

On top of what you might expect from a clothing swap, ACR lined up a Yeti Frozen Custard food truck for the event, taught attendees how to make reusable bags out of old t-shirts, and supplied crafting swapping goodies. I was really pleased with the organization and helpfulness of all the volunteers and walked away with a few great pieces including: my reusable bag made from a Hot Fuzz t-shirt, a black halter mandarin dress/cheongsam, a silver glitter knit top, khaki chords, a striped floral vintage top, and retro stickers. These will likely all appear on the blog before too long. Of course, I had to treat myself to custard too; it’s hot enough for daily frozen sweets to be mandatory.

Top: Gap Scarf: Cloth & Ink Purse: Saya Studio Ring: Metal...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:35:50 -0500

Top: Gap

Scarf: Cloth & Ink

Purse: Saya Studio

Ring: Metal Sugar

Shorts: Target

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, purchased at Spring Frost

This outfit is indicative of a few things: the weather is becoming too warm for me to dress in layers or pants, I am ready for a vacation, and I don’t like to iron. Not only does the red and teal color combination read relaxed to me, but the details of these pieces contribute to the effortless casual look that is ideal for trips. The scalloped edges are evocative of waves, and the scarf color and print softens up the whole look. On a side note, I’m really pleased with how the close-up of my cupcake ring turned out.

Jacket: Dress Shop Austin Top: Gap Necklace: Blackbird Purse:...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:44:59 -0500

Jacket: Dress Shop Austin

Top: Gap

Necklace: Blackbird

Purse: Saya Studio

Jeans: Levi’s

Flats: Gap

Does anyone remember that Vera Wang dress Michelle Williams wore to the 2006 Oscars? It’s one of my favorite red carpet gowns, and I feel it had a big impact on the fashion world. Following that year’s Academy Awards, goldenrod (or canary yellow, according to Marie Claire) pieces seemed to pop up everywhere overnight. The blouse I’m wearing in today’s post is like my own homage to the iconic gown. Alec thinks the cinched tunic fit makes the piece look Jedi-inspired, but I think of it as my Michelle Williams-inspired top.

Earrings: Vinca Tee: Mars Volta concert tee Bag:Rory...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:08:00 -0500

Earrings: Vinca

Tee: Mars Volta concert tee

Bag:Rory Skagen

Skirt:Custo Barcelona

Shoes: Doc Martens

I was definitely channeling my love of the 90s with this outfit. Despite all the tacky fashion trends and bad music that came out of the decade, I have a real nostalgia/affinity for the era that gave us Doc Martens, Clueless, and grunge (and happen to think the good outweighed the bad). So, it’s only fitting that an outfit inspired by one of my favorite (if not absolute favorite) decades incorporates several unique and well-loved pieces. This skirt is ten years old, if you can believe it. I don’t regret holding on to clothing for this much time, but I do wish I would have been smart enough to keep more of my treasures from the 90s.

Jacket: Old Navy Dress: H&M Necklace: Ann Taylor Clutch:...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:09:04 -0500

Jacket: Old Navy

Dress: H&M

Necklace: Ann Taylor

Clutch: Dress Shop Austin

Shoes: Doc Martens

Currently Listening: Galaxy News Radio

This shoot was almost perfect. The lighting was great, I was pretty excited about the outfit (I’d never worn all the pieces together), and the end result pictures turned out well. Then, when I was copying the files to my computer, my cat jumped on my hand while it was on my mouse and bye bye photos. As you can see, there were a few survivors. It was one of the best sets of pictures we’ve ever taken, so I was disappointed that they couldn’t all make it. You win some, you lose some.

This week, Bridget from A Painted Nail designed a manicure based...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:17:22 -0500

This week, Bridget from A Painted Nail designed a manicure based on the leaf print skirt I wore on Wednesday. Bridget and I are on the same page when it comes to eagerly awaiting summertime; it definitely shows in both looks. This set mimics a palm/fern pattern through abstract brushstroke technique and incorporates the following tools:

-OPI - My Boyfriend Scales Walls

-China Glaze - Sunday Funday

-Nail Art Brush

For more insight into this manicure set, head over to Bridget’s post. She’s also participating in a 31-day nail art challenge where she follows a road map of styles and colors to incorporate over the course of, you guessed it, 31 days. The first week involves a color spectrum and progresses through all the colors of the rainbow. My favorites so far are these and these. On a side note, I’m proud to announce that Bridget and I are ahead of the style/nail art blog team-up trend. I recently saw this post on What I Wore (big name in the personal fashion blogosphere).

Headband: Urban Outfitters Necklace: Blue Elephant Cardigan:...

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:22:55 -0500

Headband: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Blue Elephant

Cardigan: Betsey Johnson

Dress: BCBG Max Azria

Shoes: Nine West

I love this dress. I bought it a few years ago when paint splatter fabric and prints were a trend. Does anyone remember that besides me? Because of the color palette, this dress has a little bit of a 90s feel in my opinion. Even though its former trendiness and colors make it seem outdated, I wear this garment all the time. This dress is so comfy, and the way the fabric drapes is very flattering; it’s definitely one of my go-to pieces.

Necklace: Urban Outfitters Cardigan: Express Tank: Gap Skirt:...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:36:12 -0500

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Cardigan: Express

Tank: Gap

Skirt: Target

Purse: purchased at MoMA

Shoes: Converse

Currently Listening: My Way by Frank Sinatra

I have a confession to make. I make a point of giving my friends a hard time for having all black and gray wardrobes, but the truth is I may be the biggest offender of this crime. For example, my first instinct was to pair this skirt with a black tank top. I realize the black cardigan doesn’t help my case, but I made an effort with the tee, purse, and necklace. Reform doesn’t happen overnight. This pairing was inspired by a recent post from Writes Like a Girl. Both of our outfits are colorful and a tad loud, but I think we make it work. Plus, soon it will be summer. If we can’t wear bright colors now, then when? What about you- are you a monochromatic dresser?

Earrings: Tarina Tarantino Jacket: Dress Shop (local) Halter:...

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:59:07 -0500

Earrings: Tarina Tarantino

Jacket: Dress Shop (local)

Halter: BCBG Max Azria

Bag: Betsey Johnson

Pants: Banana Republic

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Currently Listening: Sun by Cat Power

Like all creative endeavors, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes for style blogging. This marks day 1 of self photography for me, and it goes without saying that it was tough. I imagine it was pretty amusing for anyone who was watching though. Envision the already awkward act of taking pictures of your outfits while trying to nonchalantly pose while people watch you trying to do so…except you are your own photographer…and you’re hopelessly finagling with a tripod and centering the shot…all while wearing heels. That encapsulates this morning’s shoot pretty well.

So, even though this set isn’t perfect, I’m satisfied with how the snaps turned out all things considered (on top of everything else, I wasn’t feeling this outfit at first and the sun was starting to come out). I think the first photo looks especially characteristic of shots you’d see on a style blog. All this and cracking open my camera manual got me to thinking that it may be time for a new camera. I came across these tips a few weeks ago and after reading them realized EVERY style blogger sets their camera aperture wide…which my camera can’t do. If you have any tips for photography or camera shopping, I’d love to hear them!

Welcome to another edition of Mani Friday. This week, Bridget...

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:14:02 -0500

Welcome to another edition of Mani Friday. This week, Bridget did an updated version of a classic manicure to go with Monday’s look. There is a really nice balance with this set between the sharpness of the black lines and the femininity of the sheeny pearl pink. The set inspired by Tuesday’s outfit look is part pop art, part watercolor. This floral nail art is really lovely and reminds me of some of my favorite contemporary painters.

The Pink and Black Mani tools include:

- Julep - Teresa

-Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Black Out

- Striping Tape

The Black and Floral Set tools include:

- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Black Out

- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - White On

- Revlon - Urban

- Nails Inc - Baker St

- Sephora by OPI Betsey Johnson mini - Too Too Turq

- Sephora by OPI Betsey Johnson mini - Yellow My Name is Betsey

- Sharpie Fine Point Marker

As always, be sure to check out Bridget’s post for more information on these manicures.

On a side note, here are a few handmade shopping events going on this weekend:

-Jewelry Jam at Wanderlust Yoga Austin (206 E. 4th St) on Sunday, April 7, 3-7pm

-Austin Nerd Cave Showcase at Tribe Comics & Games (2919 Manchaca Rd, Ste 102) on Sunday, April 7, 6-10pm

Hat: handmade, artist unknown Dress: Zara Coat: XOXO Ring:...

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:10 -0500

Hat: handmade, artist unknown

Dress: Zara

Coat: XOXO

Ring: Unrepeatables

Purse: BCBG Max Azria

Shoes: Melissa

Currently listening: Violator by Depeche Mode

Today’s outfit is another product of my retro inspiration. I bought this dress when I was shopping for something to wear to a 60s-themed dinner party. To me, the colorblocking combined with the print evoke a genuine vintage feel. This is what I think of when I envision southern California fashion from the Mad Men era.

Headband: Jen Hearts Art Necklace: I’m Your...

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:27:00 -0500

Headband: Jen Hearts Art

Necklace: I’m Your Present

Sweater: Betsey Johnson

Top: Betsey Johnson

Skirt: Betsey Johnson

Clutch: Target

Shoes: Melissa

Currently Listening: Mars Audiac Quintet by Stereolab

Over the weekend, I had a surge of motivation for improving/working on the blog. The cloudy but relatively dry weather this weekend enabled us to take (what I consider) some great pictures. You’ll also notice few new perspective shots with this week’s posts that I really like. I’ve been playing with the different settings on my photo editor and think I’ve found a new balance that I’m happy with. The next step is to crack open my camera manual to figure out how to change the focus width (i.e. achieve an ultra-clear foreground with a blurry background).

Earrings: Vinca Top: Banana Republic Skirt: The Limited Clutch:...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:31:01 -0500

Earrings: Vinca

Top: Banana Republic

Skirt: The Limited

Clutch: Dress Shop

Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo

Currently Listening: Louder than Bombs by The Smiths

Where do you look for inspiration when deciding what to wear? I’m usually indecisive and have been known to change outfits several times before heading out the door. When I’m not particularly drawn to any piece in my closet, I have a routine of scrolling through my favorite style blogs. Sometimes that does the trick, and sometimes I feel the need to turn to alternative muses.

This week, I ripped through the fifth season of Mad Men on Netflix and played the first few levels of Bioshock (for non-gamers, this is a first person shooter computer game set in late 50s/early 60s), so that’s put me in a retro mood, stylistically speaking. This is my very loose interpretation of that style, and even though the outfit is a little frou-frou, I think it works.

Turtleneck: Banana Republic Coat: XOXO Necklace: Toy Joy Purse:...

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:20:06 -0500

Turtleneck: Banana Republic

Coat: XOXO

Necklace: Toy Joy

Purse: Squid Ink Kollective

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Melissa

Currently Listening: Bavarian Fruit Bread by Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions

For anyone unfamiliar with Texas weather, there’s usually a cold snap around this time of the year. It can make the simple task of dressing yourself seem impossible and downright aggravating. This outfit is a warmer weather variation (for yesterday’s highs in the 60s) on the original outfit I left the house wearing yesterday morning when the temperature was in the 30s. If you don’t have the luxury of being able to return home to change clothes at some point during the day, trying to dress for Texas spring weather is all the more frustrating (and I’ve had my fair share of sweat stains to prove it). The upshot of all this? If you live in Texas, don’t leave your house or apartment until midday when it’s no longer frigid outside. If you don’t have this option (which is most or all of you) and you’ve mastered dressing for Texas spring, be sure to let me know because I still haven’t figured it out.

Cardigan: Gap Dress: BCBG, purchased at Crush Boutique Necklace:...

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:30:52 -0500

Cardigan: Gap

Dress: BCBG, purchased at Crush Boutique

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Purse: BCBG

Tights: Target

Shoes: Melissa

Currently Listening: Three by Black Heart Procession

For the past few weeks, many of my favorite shows haven’t been adding new episodes to Hulu. This lead me to the discovery of tons of Project Runway archives not only on Hulu but also on Lifetime’s website. I haven’t followed the show at all since season 5/since I last had cable, and I forgot how easy it is to become a Project Runway marathon zombie. Now that you all know my deep dark television addiction secret (I can quit anytime I want, really), I won’t tell you how excited I am about the Game of Thrones season premiere next Sunday. Even though I want to. And even though I’ve been reading the series ferociously in hopes of being caught up in time for the third season.

Currently Listening: Tooth and Nail by Billy Bragg Hope you all...

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 21:32:00 -0500

Currently Listening: Tooth and Nail by Billy Bragg

Hope you all survived South by Southwest. If you didn’t go, don’t worry, you didn’t miss much except grumpy cat, a three-hour Prince set, and a handful of celebrity spottings.

If this past week’s heat wave was any indication, spring is here. That means it is now acceptable and almost expected of you to start wearing plants and animals on your body (no, not real ones). I’m immune to this rule since I wear floral prints and animal jewelry year-round, but I break them out more often once the warm weather rolls in.

3.1 Phillip Lim Souvenir Jacket (sold out; Otte)
Pencey Mia Jacket (sold out; Shopbop)
Hot House Leaves Necklace (Tatty Devine)
Seahorse Earrings (Vinca)
Etta Glitter-Heel Pumps (J. Crew)