Saturday, January 30, 2010

A La Apfel

So I've literally been on the computer from 9am this morning until now, which is 12:05 am...gross. I'm going to try and keep this short, because I really really really want to go to sleep!
Scarf: YoKoo via Urban Outfitters (4.99 sale)
Sweater: Thrifted via Goodwill- Davis Square, MA (3.00)
Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)
Shoes: Forever 21 (13.00 sale)
Bracelet: gift from Jen!
This is what I wore yesterday, I'm so thankful that I photographed my outfit too because it was 5 degrees F today- definitely NOT picture taking weather! The wind has been incredible, I'm so surprised we haven't lost power!
I built this outfit around the amazing handmade bracelet Jen sent me on Tuesday. She and I went to the Iris Apfel exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem a while back, where we saw bracelets like these worn (and made) by Iris herself. We both thought they would be super easy to make, and I love how Jen's version came out! I was really excited to wear it and wanted to keep the rest of my outfit relatively simple, to draw attention to the bracelet. I bought this super soft sweater at Goodwill on my birthday outing, I loved the texture and thought it would make a great dress and now it is one of my favorite pieces!
The Yokoo scarf is another item I bought on my birthday, we hit up the mega-sale at Urban Outfitters where I snagged it for only 4.99! I love how the lime color pops against the grey of my sweater. I paired the look with structural heels from Forever 21, I love these shoes and after some serious cushioning care of Dr. Scholls, they are now semi-wearable. At least in the office where I'm at a desk most of the day!

Well, I hope you all have a great weekend! Stay warm! xoxo

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Your shoe is my shoe

Shirt: Gap (9.00)
Belt: J.Crew outlet (15.00?)
Skirt: Courtesy of ShopMamie.com
Tights: hand-me-down from adria
Shoes: Urban Outfitters bargain basement (19.00)
Scarf: Mom's vintage
Bracelet: Forever 21 (3.00 old)
Specs: Urban Outfitters (4.99)
This is actually what I wore yesterday for the brief period I was at work, I left early to head to Boston to celebrate my birthday with Chris. Since I knew I wasn't going to be in my office for too long, I chose to wear my go-to cold weather colors (red, orange, blue, brown) which made getting dressed fast and easy. The print on this cute skirt from Shop Mamie reminds me of early Andy Warhol shoe illustrations, the colors are perfect too- it'll match so much in my closet. Warhol's "factory work" is so well known, but the work I find most inspiring are his early illustrations for Harpers Bazaar and side projects. I have a book he illustrated called "Wild Raspberries" that is full of beautiful, loosely drawn illustrations of food that is just amazing.
Well, Chris and I found lots of treasures on our trip to Boston yesterday, I have a couple to show in a post tomorrow. Those of you that live in and around Boston may be interested to know that all of the red tag sale merchandise in the UO bargain basement is half off this weekend (but also yesterday, today, and tomorrow!).

A lot of you asked me how I made the .gif image in my last style post, I had to search around google for an easy tutorial, but I found one. It's the same one I used to teach myself the process. I had to tweak a few things (e.g. file size, color correction, timing) but after I got the hang if it, it was easy! Oh, also I used Photoshop. Here's the LINK! Have fun and be sure to leave me a link if you make one!

Also, thank you for the birthday greetings yesterday, I'm so lucky to have such sweet readers, thank you all so much for reading my blog!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Happy Birthday To Me!


What an awesome birthday gift Linda of Struggles Of A Creative Mind and MiSketch has given me: she chose me as her blogger of the month for January! She made this great illustration from one of my daily style photos and did a little interview, if you're interested you can read a little about me here! And it's so conveniently published on my birthday!

Have a happy January 27th everyone, I'm heading into Boston later today to do a little birthday shopping with my honey!
xoxo

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

White Collar Boy

Can you guess what I'm standing in front of here? think....creepy van....yes, but awesome colors too
Jacket: J.Crew outlet (20.00?)
Sweater: Thrifted J.Crew (3.99)
Shirt: Thrifted Gap (2.00?)
Shorts: J.Crew outlet (15.00?)
Tights: Target & Tjmaxx
Shoes: DIY
Specs: Urban Outfitters
Despite feeling completely uninspired lately, I feel like things came together this morning. I really love this outfit. What is it about this time of year that is just...a little blah? Is it all the "spring preview" emails in my inbox? I think that might have something to do with it. We're experiencing a little January thaw this week, so the weather was unseasonably warm, maybe 40 degrees? It was refreshing to be able to spend some actual time on my photos, and I really like how they came out. I wasn't necessarily going for a school-boy vibe, but I like how it turned out! I'll share little not-so-secret with you too, many people ask me how I can stand to wear skirts and dresses in the wintertime, the trick is to wear two pairs of tights- the second pair really blocks out the wind! Also, I spent way too long making my first .gif file tonight. I don't know how I feel about it. It kind of hurts my eyes...
I loved reading all of your responses to yesterday's post, you all had such lovely things to say!

Over the Weekend...

So as I mentioned in last Thursdays post, Chris and I went to my mom's house in Maine this past weekend. The weather looked like it would be pleasant and perfect for snowboarding, so we made plans to head to the mountain on Saturday. It was so nice being somewhere that has NICE snow- not the mashed potato mush of Boston!
The view driving down my mom's road is pretty amazing when it's clear out (the white peak is Mt. Washington)...
What's great about our local mountain is that it's almost guaranteed you will find someone to ride with, and true to form we ran into our friend Shawn in the parking lot! WInters in our town were never boring, it's great having so many mountains around, my brother even has time to come here during his study hall...
Chris and I looking pretty gnar after deciding we were old and crotchety and swapping the slopes for hot chocolate...
My brother has the most amazing one-piece snowsuit I have ever seen. He got it super cheap at the local charity shop, and it makes spotting him on the mountain extremely easy (what's missing is his leopard-print scarf and lime green helmet) ...
It was so nice to get away for the city and see friends and snow and family, I'm really looking forward to going back up!

Monday, January 25, 2010

10 Things....

So I've decided to embrace it this year, my birthday is in two days and I'm kind of excited. Historically, I've always been weird about January 27th and it's never done me any good. So there it is, in 48 hours (almost exactly) I will be 26!

But that's not what this post is about, this post is about a very sweet blog award from Annie of Time Enough For Drums!
I'm supposed to list tens things that make me happy, so here they are:
1. Nutella, straight out of the jar.
2. When the actors on Saturday Night Live start laughing mid-skit.
3. My coffee maker. Filled with hazelnut coffee.
4.When one of my cats sleeps on my lap.
5. Coming home to a mailbox filled with mail that is not bills.
6. Looking at old photos of me and my boy from years ago.
7. Grilled cheese sandwiches.
8. Maine Public Radio streamed through ITunes.
9. Days where it snows all day and night.
10. Browsing flea markets in the summer with my boy.

Now it's your turn: I want to hear what makes my beautiful readers happy!

(over the weekend will be coming later tonight!)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

I just wasn't made for these times...

No dudes today, but the van is still there!
Sweater: Thrift (3.99)
Dress: American Apparel outlet (40.00)
Tights: from Adria
Shoes: Minnetonka (30.00)
Bag: Dooney&Bourke via thrift (7.00)
Sunnies: Vintage (10.00?)
So, I had an entirely different outfit planned for today, but once I got it on I realized it was way too casual for work. My original plan was to wear jeans because I would be sitting in meetings all morning, but this outfit had to do. Still comfortable, but slightly more appropriate. This sweater is another item I scored last week when Chris and I went to Salvation army. I had been looking for a shawl collar pullover for so long, and this vintage piece is perfection, I really love the salt and pepper wool, and it's so soft!
I tried something new with my hair too by making a messy bun, pulling it halfway out, and then pinning it to the side of my head. I really like how it looks super complicated, but in actuality, it was kind of accidental. If anyone would like a tutorial, let me know!
No interruptions in my photo taking today, except for the intense sun! I love this spot in the parking lot behind my house. Over the years, rainfall has discolored the concrete making these really beautiful streaks and when the sun shines on the steps, it warms the spot right up!
Is everyone excited for the weekend? I can't believe that tomorrow is Friday already! I have some fun things planned, the weather will be cold but sunny- perfect for outdoor things!
I'm not sure if I will be posting tomorrow (probably yes) because my mom is picking me up and we're driving to Maine tomorrow night! Yay!
G'night!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Winter is Blue

Scarf: H&M (9.00)
Sweater: Thrift (2.00?)
Skirt: J.Crew outlet (8.00)
Belt: J.Crew outlet (15.00)
Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)
Shoes: Thrift (7.00)
Specs: Urban Outfitters (4.99)
So, I'm looking less than stoked in these photos and- surprisingly- it's not because of the weather or the cold this time. Now, generally I've become pretty comfortable taking photos of myself in public, I've come to care much more about this blog than my own dignity in recent months. In the winter I'm pretty much relegated to the parking lot behind my apartment due to it's convenience, and up until today it's usually pretty quiet when I'm out there. However, today was different. As soon as I had my tripod and camera set up two dudes roll up and start jump-starting the monster van in the space next to where I'm standing. And when I say "monster van" I mean it exactly how it sounds...a conversion van that's been spray-painted blue and jacked up on tractor tires. The things been sitting in the lot for months now and I was pretty convinced someone was living in it. And watching me. Charming, right? SO they're gunning it, and I'm trying to take my photos, and long story short I look a little stiff because I was trying not to huff the diesel fumes wafting in my direction and was feeling a little bit self-conscious of the fact they were standing a mere seven feet away from me. I smelled like a snowmobile rally for the rest of the day. Those of you who have never smelled a snowmobile rally, go stand behind a diesel engine for a few minutes and you'll know what I'm talking about. They happen in Maine, and they're not pretty.
And I know, I know I could have moved. But I was there first.
Ahh, rant over. I feel better. Despite my sour expression I did enjoy my outfit today. I know It's pretty similar to a couple I've worn recently I woke up late today and this is what I ended up throwing on. I can't believe that tomorrow is Thursday already! I'm so glad this week is flying by, I have some fun plans for the weekend!
Cheers!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Over the Weekend Style File

So the little "heat wave"we've had here in Massachusetts is definitely over. It was freezing this weekend!
Sweater: Thrift (2.00)
Skirt: Re-Worked Thrift (2.00)
Shoes: Thrift (7.00)
Necklace: J.Crew (14.00)
Tights: from Adria
Hat: hand made by Grandmother
Coat: Gap (30.00)
Scarf: Mom's vintage
Gloves: H&M (7.00)
So this weekend was exactly what I wanted it to be: relaxing and productive. Since September I've had this huge pile of clothes sitting in my studio, waiting to be altered, and I finally made some headway on saturday. The skirt I'm wearing above is something I worked on, it's one of the pieces I found at Salvation Army last Wednesday. I hacked off about 10 inches from the bottom and then blind stitched the hem. I'm REALLY excited about it! I love the pattern. It actually reminds me of some pants my mom had back in the early 90's, similar pattern. My shoes I found on Sunday morning when Chris dragged me back to Saver's for more thrifting. I've created a monster. It's nice to have someone to go shopping with again though. He found some pretty great things too, including the oxford shoes he's wearing below:
(I'm wearing different shoes in this photos because it was taken before I found the shoes I'm wearing above)
Apparently January 18th (yesterday) was supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. Apart from the nasty weather (we've gotten about 8 inches of snow and slush since Sunday) I didn't find it too bad. Because of the holiday I didn't have to work, so I sewed more and hung around the apartment.
On Sunday Chris' mom and brother came for dinner, it was nice to see them both. Before dinner we took a walk down to the beach. During the winter it's so easy to forget that the ocean is only three blocks from where we live, and in January it almost seems like an entirely different country.

Monday, January 18, 2010

SheKnows.com & Have A Cute Day

Well, because it's Monday and holiday, I'm spending my day in jeans and a t-shirt- nothing too exciting- organizing my studio and listening to old Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me podcasts. I'll be posting about my weekend tomorrow so today I want to direct your attention to a couple of features! The lovely Erica has put together a great article over at SheKnows.com where she's asked 7 bloggers to forecast upcoming trends for 2010. I was lucky enough to be one of those bloggers, and I'm so honored to be among the other 6 girls. Everyone has such great predictions! You can read the article here!

Also, if you've ever wondered about my fashion evolution (hint: it's long and complicated) you can read a little about me over at Kjersten's blog Have A Cute Day! Her blog is indeed, very cute!

Also, thank you all for your sweet and lovely comments, I'm sorry I have been slow at commenting back! I just want to write a general thank-you note to all of my readers, commenters and subscribers, it means so much that you take the time to read and comment on my posts!

Happy Monday all!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Hair-Do How-to #2: Le Grand Bouffant

With out further adieu, the hair post I've been procrastinating on is here! For this style you'll need: a teasing comb or brush, hairspray or surf spray, and bobby pins. Your hair can be washed or dirty, mine was freshly washed for this. Have fun!
My hair posts will now be once a month, so if you have questions on how to do a style or ideas for a future post, be sure to email me! The first how-to post can be read Here.
Have a great weekend!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

California dreaming on a winters day

Sweater: Thrift (2.00)
Skirt: ModCloth (64.00)
Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)
Shoes: Target (6.99)
Necklace: J.Crew outlet (14.99)
Coat: Thrift (15.99)
I've been having an off week. I've been waking up late, a little grumpy, dissatisfied with my closet, and just generally off my game. Going thrift shopping with Chris yesterday really helped, I always love our Wednesday evenings together, he works pretty late throughout the week so his day off mid-week is a nice chance to catch up. We were both in a thrifting mood yesterday so we decided to head out to Salvation Army and Savers after work. Like I said in my post yesterday, I love thrifting during the week. It's almost always empty of other shoppers, the store isn't overwhelming, and you can just relax and poke around. I found some great stuff too!
This grey sweater is one of my finds, I think it's shrunken because the tag says medium and it fits like a XS or SM. The short length makes it ideal to pair with skirts like this one from ModCloth and its super good quality because it's J.Crew!
I also found the jacket I'm wearing below, I love it! I've been looking for another jacket and last night I found two! This vintage Woolrich coat is perfect, it's super warm and there are little flecks of blue and orange in the herringbone fabric. It also has tons of pockets.
I'm unconvinced about parting my hair down the middle, my bangs have finally grown out to a point to where they aren't in my eyes, but I think I need to get them blended so they're not as chunky. I haven't parted my hair like this since 10th grade!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Bird and Bee

Dress: Forever 21 (19.00)
Sweater: J.Crew outlet (19.00)
Belt: Vintage (1.00)
Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)
Shoes: Target (6.99)
Necklace: Urban Outfitters (gift from chris)
It was so cold out today, the clock on the bank said it was *36, but I think it felt more like *20. The kind of cold that just cuts right through your jacket. I'm trying my hardest to really appreciate every season this year, but it's difficult to not wish Winter away when I'm getting all these emails from Urban Outfitters and Victoria's Secret advertising bathing suits, and "early Spring", and "Spring previews"...were five months away from "early spring"! bah!
I felt nice and sunny today though, despite the cold. This yellow dress is one of my favorites and proving to be one of my most versatile pieces. So far it's worked for every season, despite being made out of linen. Yellow and black seemed to be the theme of the day too, two other people were wearing the combination at work!
Chris and I did some major thrifting this evening, I can't wait to show off all my finds! I love going to Salvation Army during the week, the place is almost completely empty and pristine.
If any one is interested in a tutorial on how to do this hairstyle, you can find the video HERE!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

well I just bought me a brand new box of matches

Tee-Shirt: J.Crew outlet (15.00)
Skirt: Thrifted (2.00)
Belt: Vintage thrifted (3.00)
Sunnies: Betsey Johnson via TjMaxx (14.99)
Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)
Shoes: Target (6.99)
Human Skull Necklace: H&M (9.00)
Bird Skull Necklace: courtesy of Dolly and Boy
I may choose to be slouchy on the weekends, but nothing beats the perfect pencil skirt for work! This vintage suede number is one of my favorites, I found it at a Goodwill in Harrison, ME this fall while traveling for work- it lends the perfect amount of '60's mod to any conglomeration without being too costume-y.
I love these two necklaces together, being skulls I like that they're a little bad ass but still abstract enough to wear to work. The little bird skull necklace was made by the lovely Courtney of Dolly and Boy Jewelry. It's actually a melted down brass bullet, how cool is that?
This hairstyle has been my go-to lately when my hair needs washing and I don't have time. It's actually very simple and I'll be showing you a couple versions in a hair tutorial coming on Friday! I'm hoping to make How-to's a regular thing on here. A lot of people have asked me about my hair and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't avoiding the subject. It's pretty involved and I really want to get my scanner up and running so I can show you past styles I've had.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Weekend Style File (plus a how-to)

I need to get better at documenting my weekends.
Dress: Thrifted (2.99)
Lace Vest: Mom's vintage (gift)
Grey Cardigan: H&M (16.90)
White Cardigan: Chris' Vintage (2.99)
Shoes: Tag Sale (2.00)
Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)
Necklaces: H&M, J.Crew, Dolly and Boy
Because I'm constantly dressed up for work during the week, I choose to spend my weekends very slouchy and comfy. This weekend was no exception. I bought this child's dress awhile ago at Salvation Army and love the grunge feel of it, this time I chose to alter the hemline by pinning it up in a couple of places. I like how the lace pattern on the dress compliments the lace of my little vest. My mom gave me this amazing vintage lace top as a christmas gift this year, it used to be hers! I really can't wait to pair it with cut offs this summer. The cardigan is Chris' and he wasn't too happy I stole it, he says my bony shoulders make marks in his sweaters, I say he's crazy and doesn't know what he's talking about!
I don't have a lot to share about what I did, but we did go see Youth in Revolt, which I loved!
And couple of you have asked me how I tie my scarves so I made a little video to show you!

San I say the words "pretty easy" any more? jeez...