Over the Weekend: Holiday Inspiration at Terrain

In search of seasonal inspiration, this weekend I hopped in the car with Mary of Millay Vintage, bound for the magical world that is Terrain. And let me tell you, this weekend the magic was turned up to 11 for their annual Holiday market. We're talking fake snow and carolers dressed to the nines in Victorian-era costumes, and I will not lie: I loved every second of it.

Technicolor Dream

There's a particular episode of Sex and the City - maybe season two or three? - where Carrie comes rushing into her apartment to answer the phone wearing the most incredible floor-length sweater coat. It has maybe ten seconds of air time, but I think it is, quite possibly, the most incredible thing worn throughout the entire show (which I know is saying something). So yeah, when I found this floor-length blanket coat at the thrift store this weekend, I was ecstatic. Chris was...skeptical, but nice enough to play along.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I watched a lot of SATC in college. The local library had all the seasons on VHS (up the the one that was currently on-air), and my roommates and I would watch it while working on various art homework. It's still one of my favorite things to put in while I'm working on something art-related, no attention is demanded, and I love how outdated and campy it is (yes, this implies I have it on DVD, and that implication would be true. Every season).

So, what better day to take this technicolor Carrie dream for a spin than a freezing, gloomy Sunday? Paired with all black and some pretty incredible heels, it cheered me up.

Wearing: Coat: Thrifted // Top c/o Lulu's // Jeans: J.Crew // Heels c/o ShopJuju's // Silver necklace: Estate Sale // Horn necklace: Free People // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Ice Blue

It's back to being frigidly cold, it was spitting snow and so windy when we took these pictures. But! It's now light enough outside after work to take pictures when I get home, so that's a nice feeling. These last few weeks of winter have found me completely unmotivated to get dressed in the morning. I'm feeling so over tights right now, the sheer thought of putting on the same tired old pair of black tights just feels...tragic. It would help if I just bought myself a new pair. But I refuse. It'll be warm again soon, right? Are you sick of hearing me harp about the weather yet?

Yesterday though, it was pouring sheets of rain that was expected to turn to snow (it did). And cold. Which meant I needed to be strategic with what I put on my body: these boots, because I left my rain boots at work (smart!). Hair in a "bun" (not really but ok), because rain. Layers and layers of shirts and jackets, because if you put enough clothes on your body, it constitutes an outfit, right? Sure.

Remarkably, I felt great. To be honest, I really haven't been feeling so fabulous lately. It could be my wait-till-the-last-minute-to-get-dressed-who-needs-makeup routine, or just the dregs of a dark season, but I needed a lift. This evening I'm going in for a haircut, which I know will make me feel better. I know I sound like a cliche, but sometimes a little hair and makeup really do make a big difference (and for the record, I'm obsessed with these Revlon matte balms).

Also, someone lost their Sega manual.

Wearing: Jacket: old Forever 21 // Flannel: Thrifted // Top c/o Lulu's (similar) // Belt: Thrifted (similar)// Jeans: Cheap Monday (find 'em here) // Boots: Frye via swap (similar)// Earrings: Vintage (similar)// Ring: Urban Outfitters // On my lips: Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Shameless mixed with .99 cent black drugstore lipstick from Halloween

Bright Eyed

 

 

These were taken last week, when it was much, much colder. I know the temperatures are bound - guaranteed - to drop this week, but for now, I'm enjoying the sun, and post-work daylight hours. Oh, it's incredible to have the windows down, to be just a little too warm in a sweater and coat. Spring is almost here, and it can't come soon enough. To be completely honest, I'm feeling extremely uninspired when it comes to getting dressed lately. It takes all I can muster to just pull on jeans and a tee. I can't wait for the days of bare legs, easy dresses, and sandals.

Thank you so much to everyone who left book recommendations in yesterdays post, I can't wait to check them out! It's been so long since I've had a good book to read, and I gave up on magazines a long time ago. I find that when writer's block sets in, reading other people's work always helps to inspire, and lately I've needed that inspiration. This year, I've been working on conveying more of myself on this blog, something that I've always found a little difficult. To me, it's easier to write from a brand-perspective, a polished voice that carries the direction of an 'other' point of view. Not so much when it comes to conveying real emotions and motivations. Not to mention that, at the end of the day when it comes down to it, I'm exhausted. And exhaustion doesn't lead to better writing (take this entire paragraph for example).

Wearing: Jacket: Thrifted (similar - on sale!) // Sweater: Thrifted // Skirt: Old Madewell // Tights: AA super opaque // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // Hat: Eastern Boarder // Boots c/o Choies

Polyester Sunshine

I purchased this dress on my last trip to Cleveland, picked from the rack based solely on the print: a dreamy melange of amorphous naked lady-blobs draped in orange cloth. Once I'd slipped it on, the fit, collar, cuffs, and billions of buttons sealed the deal. While I generally avoid polyester these days, exceptions can be made for the truly exceptional, in this case perfect colors, cut, and a print hinting at nudity.

Wearing: Dress: Vintage // Tights: American Apparel // Hat: Anti Hero // Boots: Jeffrey Campbell (similar) // Jacket: Estate Sale (similar)

Amethyst

I love the color of amethyst, and carry a small piece with me at almost all times, sometimes on a necklace, sometimes just in my pocket. The stone is said to have healing properties and promote fearlessness in it's wearer - whether that's true or not is up for discussion, but hey, a little courage never hurt. La Mer recently sent me this watch from their latest collection, I really love the detachable chain and amethyst pendants that come with it. Like a bracelet, watch, and little dose of courage all rolled into one. I love jewelry that takes a more organic form, while I can admire all those bright, bold statement necklaces that line store shelves, they're just not for me (most of the time). I much prefer wrapped-up bracelets, stacks of long chain necklaces, and strange, oddly shapes rings. I need a better shot of these necklaces, because they're perfect.
 

Jewelry is the easy part these days, I'm officially at desperation status clothing-wise and have taken to wearing my summer dresses over jeans. Yes, just like it's 1995 all over again. This particular outfit was the third iteration of the style, and I admit to really liking it.

Wearing: Coat: Vintage/Thrifted // Jacket: F21 (so old) // Dress: Swapped // Jeans: H&M // hat: Target // Boots: Jeffrey Campbell // Necklaces c/o Seahag & Walrus // Watch c/o La Mer Collections

Matinee

We woke up to more snow this past Sunday, and while it was lovely to look at, we weren't up for spending the day in it. To save ourselves from becoming complete recluses, off we went to the movies, for an afternoon showing of The Monument Men. It's been years since I've seen a matinee, possibly not since college, and I had forgotten how great a Sunday matinee can be. We don't go to the movies often, but I love the idea of eschewing a poor-weather day in favor of movie theater popcorn and gummi bears. Afterwards we browsed Target, got in a fight about who's idea it was to even go to Target, and then I made Elvis cookies and we were both appeased. A great Sunday, except for the dumb Target fight.

So, I have nothing to say about this actual outfit. I was comfortable. These jeans are seriously amazing and I highly recommend them - they don't stretch out! Or ride down! A solid pair of pants. I thrifted this sweater a couple of years ago, and it has a hole in the armpit. And these boots, also comfortable and go-with-everything. They remind me of the 90s in a good way.

Wearing: Coat: J.Crew (2010) // Sweater: Vintage Pendleton/Thrifted // Denim jacket: Estate Sale // Jeans: H&M // Beanie: Target // MTNG Boots c/o Lulu's (also in black)

Golden Girl

Breaking news: it's really cold out. I'm over it, along with the rest of the world. I haven't been too into the idea of getting dressed lately, could be the situation happening on my floor right now. That situation would be an impenetrable tangle of new and old thrifted treasures, dresses discarded from the night of my work holiday party (two weeks ago, mind you) when I didn't know what to wear and nothing fit, and sweaters that just don't have a home. This pile is imposing and intimidating, it's tall, and things disappear into it. It needs to be dealt with, but this cold, it makes for incredibly lazy evenings, after work when I just don't want to do anything.

In an attempt to break this flannel-jeans-boots-beanie cycle, I grabbed a couple of things that had managed to stay on their hangers: this plaid Pendleton skirt and a black sweater. Because things weren't quite 90s swingin' octogenarian enough, I added a hat and gold belt, which I picked up at an estate sale last month (the estate sale of what was surely a deceased 90s swingin' octogenarian).

It's fine but I still want warm weather, at the very least so I can deal with the clothes hanging out on my floor.


Wearing: Coat, sweater, skirt, belt, bracelet, ring, hat: vintage & thrifted // Tights: AA super opaque // Boots c/o ShoeMint