90's "vintage"

shorts: Forever 21

top: super old

cardi: target

tights: Kohl's

platforms: Blowfish resale

mustache necklace: [un]possible cuts   

This was one of those lovely, warm days recently that I just enjoyed because I knew it wouldn't last and that this late in the year we were lucky to have. I have worn this little floral crop top a bunch but I don't think it's even been on here. I love it because it is something I got back in high school, though back then I probably wore it with low rise shorts or something equally horrific. Pretty sure I bought this at Gadzooks...remember that place?? So, anyways, I lost some weight a year or two ago and decided to pull out some clothes I had stored away and hadn't looked at since before Peace Corps. sigh. Such a girl thing to do. Lose a few pounds and pull out your high school clothes. God I'm cliche. Well, surprisingly this top fit. Not sure how since when I rocked it back in the late 90's I was tragically flat chested, and now I no longer have that problem. But it fit and actually fit into my wardrobe of high waisted skirts. So here it is. Is 90's clothing vintage yet?

vintage luck

dress: vintage

belt: target

necklace: Sway

headband: Aldo

wrap: Chico's gift

wedge sandals: Mia  

I don't own a ton of vintage. I think it is because in the bay area, vintage is pretty popular so it's also expensive. It's hard to find good vintage items that aren't exorbitantly priced. Being the thirfty little spender that I am, buying vintage isn't an option for me. But this dress here, well, it found me. 

 I was perusing the aisles of the Alameda Antique Fair, one Sunday morning. Probably chowing down on a ridiculously large bag of kettle corn. My friend Deja will tell you that I unfailingly gravitate toward any booth displaying dresses or ladies clothing of any kind. Not at all surprising. So as she and the other people we were there with drifted along ahead of me, I had stopped to scan the racks at a little vintage clothing booth. Most of it was either crazy expensive or hideous. This little pink number was hidden between something paisley and something lace and it was marked way down. Hooray! I dropped my purse and kettle corn and tried it on right there over my clothes, barely believing my good luck.

great day for discovery

hummingbird vest: resale

skirt: J Crew sale

lotus necklace: [un]possible cuts

blouse: Lauren Conrad, Kohl's 

heels: Seychelle's

I actually like the washed out look of these photos. All the light gives them a dreamy quality that works. I was playing around with the shutter (I think that's what is was) and the self timer feature. If I just set the timer and stand in front of the these windows I show up as a black shadow. But I discovered by turning on the self timer mode, focusing on the ground, and pushing the button, I appear in the photos. Full disclosure, I am horribly ignorant where cameras and photography are concerned. My knowledge barely grazes tripods and the self timer feature. And that's it. I imagine this "discovery" of mine is something that everyone knows, but I was pretty excited. Or maybe it's just that this old lady sweater vest makes everyday a great day.

 

   

Andi Pandy

Happy 30th Birthday to my little sister Andi. You are witty, beautiful, funny, and caring. I marvel that I am lucky enough to have such an amazing sister. You don't look a day over 32 ;) Love you!

plaguing me

skirt: resale

top: Forever 21

lovebirds necklace: [un]possible cuts

wedge sandals: Target 

As you can see, this gorgeous, sunny day was crazy windy. This blouse is the item in my closet, currently plaguing me. I always have one. One item that has elements that I love but as a whole I can never quite make work. Looking at you ugly skirt and lavender dress. I love the sheer material and ruffles on this blouse. I love sweet, little peter pan collar and sleeves. But the darn thing doesn't look right with anything!! So, if you have followed me for a while, you know that it is now my mission to make this blouse work. Stay tuned. ;)

still searching

cardi: Target

blouse: resale

skirt: Anthro clearance

heels: Seychelle's

flag pendant necklace: [un]possible cuts  

So I moved months and months ago. I have been unpacked and settled in for a while now. That is except for a picture spot. I can not find a convenient place to take pictures, where the lighting is good. The roof is ideal but I don't want to get too comfortable since I am, technically speaking, trespassing. So on a sunny day, I attempted photos in my apartment. sigh. And the search continues.

aka maroon

skirt: Nordstrom Rack clearance

blouse: Lauren Conrad, Kohl's sale

octo-love necklace: [un]possible cuts

wedge sandals: Target

These were taken a few weeks back before the weather took a turn for fall. It has been a while since mint and coral were all the rage and, I have to say, I am not over it yet. I am still loving both colors, separate or together. I know now that fall is here, I should be all about the oxblood trend. I'm not. I'm over that or just annoyed by it. Maybe it's because they should just call maroon maroon. Maybe it's because oxblood (maroon) washes me out. Either way. Over it. 

Yall have advance permission to laugh and point when, in 2 weeks, I am singing the praises of everything maroon, as I show up late to the oxblood party.

teal plaid...done

skirt: J Crew outlet sale

plaid button up: J Crew Outlet sale

belt: Target

Hawk wedges: Seychelle's

necklace: Crossroads

As much as I like mixing patterns, I also am a fan of the mono-chromatic look. Teal pencil skirt and a teal plaid button up...did that!!! I added some coral accessories, some coral lipstick and called it a day.

rainy days and ombre nails

jacket: Nordstrom Rack

dress: H&M clearance\

tights: H&M

shoes: Target

belt: Kohl's sale

necklace: gift

ombre nails: The Beauty Department tutorial 

As you can see in the last picture I was expecting to get rained on any minute. This was last week on a grey, overcast day. I decided to brighten my day with lots of pattern mixing. If you've read my blog for any length of time you know that I am of the mindset...the more patterns the better. Maybe I don't match. Perhaps I look like I got dressed in the dark. That's okay by me :)

How fun are my ombre nails? It was a first attempt and turned out really well. I've gotten a ton of compliments. I made a mess and probably ruined a concealer brush so I'd recommend actually buying a paintbrush from Michael's not using a makeup brush. 

Contrasts

dress: H&M

cardigan: JCrew clearance

belt: Target

heels: Seychelle's Ampersand

lipstick: Revlon Love That Red

I articles of clothing that show contrast. This dress is skin tight, yet the pattern on it is a demure, lady-like, floral. It has a cut out back but has a modest neckline. Contrasts. I like that clothing doesn't have to fall into just one category. It can encompass many. 

I needed this loose sweater today. Not because I was cold but because this dress is so form fitting. Sometime a gal needs a coverup for modesty. You can feel all sorts of brave and confident walking out the door in the morning, but as the day ticks by you get sick of sitting up perfectly straight :) You know? Then that sweater becomes your lifesaver.

alleviating buyer's remorse

dress: Forever 21

blazer: super old

top: Sway

cherry blossom necklace: [un]possible cuts

heels: Aerosoles

 Stripes again. I can't believe how many ways I have found to wear this dress! When I bought it I was definitely NOT thinking, "This lavender, high-low, striped, sheer, low cut dress is going to be super versatile." I bought it thinking it was pretty and feeling like I shouldn't buy it because I would never wear it. So, when I bought it I immediately set out to prove myself wrong and to alleviate my guilt at buying such a frivolous article of clothing, that I didn't need. I think I wore it three days in a row that first week and styled it differently each time.

Do you have something hanging in your closet, unloved and rarely worn? Does it evoke buyer's remorse each time you push it aside to reach for the boring, safe blouse/t-shirt/tank you wear constantly? Pull that item out and take a risk. You'll be glad you did.