Kick Around

 

In this outfit:
Vest: Thrifted ($3)
Top c/o Spotted Moth
Skirt: Thrifted ($5)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell "Rumi" bought from work
"Bella" Bag c/o BaliELF
Necklace c/o InfinEight

Where I wore it: To the office!

I'm writing to you today from the wilds of Maine! Where the internet doesn't exist! Just kidding...kind of. I'm writing from an internet cafe, because the internet doesn't exist at my mom's house. This has been a welcome- albeit a little inconvenient- reprieve from any and all social media and technology. I'm not complaining, it's rare these days to have a legit excuse to not answer your phone, email, etc. Wonderful to not feel compelled to check my Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. every five minutes.

I wore this outfit last week to work, an unprecedented day where I actually felt compelled to do something with my hair, which has either been hanging limp or twisted into a cop-out bun almost all summer. It's hard to feel motivated in 95 degree heat, and this style was a nice vacation from the everyday. Do you find yourself getting caught in a hair-routine? The same old ponytail or messy bun? Yep, you're not alone!

This is the second iteration of this particular outfit. I feel as though sometimes I have to wear an outfit twice to really figure it out- if that makes sense. The first time I left out the vest and necklace and wore flat sandals- I far prefer this dressed up version. This bag has been my constant companion for the past week and a half, it's large and sturdy enough to stash two cameras and has enough pockets to keep everything else separate, which is ideal.

Hope you're having a wonderful week, stay tuned for another giveaway tomorrow!

Questionnable Contents

 

In this outfit:

Vest: Thrifted ($3)

Tank: J.Crew ($10-ish, sale)

Skirt: ModCloth

Belt: J.Crew ($5-ish, sale)

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (2010)

Brass Bracelet: Thrifted ($2)

Beaded Bracelets: gift

Earrings c/o Noble Town Vintage

Bag c/o Spotted Moth 

When I was younger- and by younger, I mean college-aged- I had a nasty and -I'm willing to argue- idiotic habit of choosing accessories based on the curse words adorning them. I'm not sure what inner turmoil I was working through, but there was a sinister satisfaction that would come over me as I would coyly take out my striped wallet emblazoned with a tattoo heart and the F-word, to pay some unsuspecting cashier. Let's not even get started on the word that was decoupaged so artfully in cut out letters across my fuchsia bass guitar, I thought I was awesome and I'm still sorry mom. I know everyone has those phases that they're embarrassed about, but man, did I have to go through every damn one?

Anyway, I see this tote bag as a slightly more polite, well-spoken, and far funnier (and just overall far better) version of my former leanings (I'm judging that based mostly off the general public's positive grocery store-based reactions). Because really, when it comes down to it I'm kind of a square. All you're going to find in there are some sunglasses, a chapstick, and my wallet. I'm so subversive, I know.

And yes, another long skirt and this vest again because I dig it.

August 11, 2011: Gold, Brick, Brown for work

Dress c/o Spotted Moth

Belt: Thrifted ($1)

Bracelets: Mostly Swapped

Glasses: Vintage ($16)

Necklace: Brimfield ($1)

Sandals: H&M sale ($7)

I'm pretty sure I've professed my love for Gloria Steinem on this blog before, but if I haven't: I love Gloria Steinem. Aside from being a serious feminist, she also has some serious style. I was thinking of her as I put this outfit together on Monday, maybe it was the glasses. Anyways, I know I've also talked about how much I love longer dresses and skirts, but as I made my way into the city for work, I realized why I love them so much: they allow for so much freedom. I can make my way through the world without worrying about gusts of wind, bending over, skeevy dudes, etc. I recently got this dress back from sending it around the Delightful Dozen, it was so great to see how everyone styled it. Just a few scattered thoughts for today, have a great Thursday!

A little snail:

July 13, 2011: Chambray, Aubergine, Creme

Top: American Apparel

Dress c/o ModCloth (last year)

Sandals c/o Wanted Shoes

Necklace: Spotted Moth ($34)

Can you tell I'm on day five of half-sleep? It's hard to believe 85 degrees could be refreshing, but this morning it feels so good. The weather has been 90+ degrees the past few days, making it nearly impossible to get a good nights sleep. I love summer, but I love sleep more, and I'm starting to go crazy. Maybe it's the combination of our wedding coming up in less than 6 weeks? Probably! A few people have requested details of our wedding planning, and I am promising a big recap post-wedding. I wish I was the type of organized person who would be able to give updates as I go along, but we're flying by the seats of our pants here and piecing this thing together as we go along. We're doing everything but the food and music ourselves. Plus, I kind of like the surprise of the whole thing. We had our engagement shoot on Monday with my friend Spring of Spring Smith Studios, I am SO EXCITED to share them with you guys! Spring did an amazing job, and it was great to work with such a talented photographer that I know and feel comfortable with.

I know this is kind of a tangent, but my mind has seriously been this scattered lately. Chris and I have had a lot going on! How have you been lately? Busy? Enjoying a relaxing summer? let's hear it!

ps- this is how I wore this dress last year!

July 8, 2011: Cerise, White, Bronze

Cherry a la Mode Dress c/o ModCloth

Belt: J.Crew ($5.99 sale)

Vintage Shoes c/o Haberdash

Bracelet c/o ModCloth

Necklace: Spotted Moth ($32)

worn beneath: Sweet Ceylon Shorts c/o Ruche

I am in love with this outfit. This is what I wore to Prairie Home Companion at Tanglewood on Saturday night, and it turned out to be the perfect thing. Summer has finally arrived, so light fabric is a must, I grabbed this dress last week during ModCloth's So Haute sale and I'm so glad I got it! It's light and breezy and extremely versatile. I knew I'd need sensible shoes, so I added my favorites from Punky and replaced the self tie belt that came with the dress, with a matching one from J.Crew. Then I threw on some bronze accessories and I was ready! So easy!

I've definitely been trying to add some brights to my closet, there is a lot of blue and white in there! I love this summer's color blocking trend, and it has certainly made finding bright clothes easier. I've also found these shorts (which are back in stock, BTW) to be the perfect pair to wear under a dress for modesty. I live about 1/4 mile from the ocean, so our town is extremely windy all the time, making short dresses rather scandalous. Wearing a cute pair of shorts underneath is the perfect solution, and this particular pair adds very little extra bulk.

Mini Spotlight: Spotted Moth, Le Mode Accessories, Pulp Vintage & Bluesville, USA

Crop top: Spotted Moth, Maxi Skirt: Spotted moth, Earrings: Le Mode Accessories, Belt: Pulp Vintage, Handbag: Bluesville, USA

The weather is finally acting like summer, which means lighter on the layers and heavier on accessories. Accessories are an easy way to make a simple outfit more special, especially if you're focused on wearing as little clothing as possible because of the heat. I love the combination of a crop top and maxi skirt, the Shortbread Crop Top and Avocado Maxi Skirt from Spotted Moth look great together. Add some sweet earrings from Le Mode Accessories, a vintage belt from Pulp Vintage, and a bright handbag from Bluesville, USA, and you're ready for a fantastic day out in the sun!

June 2, 2011: Aqua, Grey, White

Dress c/o ModCloth

Belt: J.Crew sale ($4.99)

Necklace: Spotted Moth sale ($32)

Shoes c/o Haberdash Vintage

Can you believe it's June? The weather has been absolutely beautiful this week, except for yesterday. Yesterday we had tornado warnings (one even touched down in Springfield!), thunder, and insane lightning. This is what I wore: not exactly insane weather appropriate, but one of my favorite outfits as of late and luckily it didn't rain yesterday so I was fine. Chris and I had a day filled with wedding errands, one of which was buying his suit- which proved harder than finding my dress! I'll tell you though, he's going to look so handsome, I can't wait! We spent the day around Boston, and had lunch together at the Trident Cafe (a favorite). If posts have been a little scarce this week, we're in the throes of the two month countdown.

I got this dress way back in February, and I'm so glad I did, linen is by far my favorite fabric. It's so cool for summer. I added a skinny belt and oxfords, and by-far the happiest necklace I own.

ps- if the text in this post comes across as rushed, it's because it was. I shouldn't write posts as I'm running out the door to work. Not my best stuff!

Happy Birthday Spotted Moth!

To celebrate their first birthday, Spotted Moth is offering 30% off all orders through Friday! What will you get? I just ordered this festive necklace!

April 20, 2011: Stripes, Black, and Gold

(photos: Chris)

Dress c/o Spotted Moth

Sweater: J.Crew (sale)

Belt: Vintage

Bracelets: Vintage

Umbrella: Target (old)

Casita Wedges c/o Blowfish Shoes

What I wore to work yesterday afternoon. As much as I've been preaching low key outfits, I'll admit to enjoying the excuse to dress up a bit. It definitely wasn't warm enough out to go without tights, but once I got into the store I was fine. This time of year is so strange, today it's freezing and drizzly and tomorrow looks like it will be beautiful (I hope). This dress from Spotted Moth was packed up with my Spring and Summer stuff, and I'm so happy to have it in rotation again, it's one of my all-time favorites. I love it paired with a cardigan and sandals, the Casita's from Blowfish Shoes are the perfect shoes for work, the little wedge gives a bit of a lift and they're super comfortable.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so am taking a much needed day off. I plan to answer overdue emails (sorry), clean up the house, and clean out my closet in preparation for tomorrows swap (this doesn't sound like a day off at all). Are you having a nice day?

(Hi, white legs)

Receive 15% off your order from Blowfish Shoes with the code BFORCHID15!

Mini Spotlight: Spotted Moth, Ruche, & The Spice Rack!

After the horrible weather on Friday, we're finally getting a little taste of spring around here. The sun is shining and the birds are chirping wildly. When warm weather shows it's pretty face, it's difficult to deny the simplicity of dresses. Sure they may not take any effort at all, no real thought is involved in throwing on a dress, but that is why I love them: after spending half the year in the cold and dark, spending countless hours finding the perfect equation of warmth x layers, I welcome the opportunity to wear one single item of clothing. Add some shoes, a necklace, and a bag, and you're done:

Spotted Moth is getting new dresses in almost daily. Wouldn't the Floral Rosemary Dress look nice with a brown belt and sandals? I love the unique lace collar on the Battenburg Lace Dress. The fiery red Claxton Dress would look amazing on someone with dark brown hair, I wish I could pull of red like that!

Ruche boasts a pretty amazing selection of unique dresses in a great variety of prints and fabrics. I'm in love with the Spanish Nights Dress, that print! those colors! I'm also loving lace and eyelet for Spring: the Dainty Darling Dress and Summer Dream Dress would be great for a graduation party or cookout.

If vintage is more your speed, then I highly suggest checking out The Spice Rack. Not only is the selection of vintage amazing, but everything is named after food and candy. I personally love the Brown Rice Dress, the Grilled Cheese Dress, and the Fig Newton Day Dress. Are you hungry yet?

What is your Spring Style Staple?