The scarf’s texture accentuates the softness of the suede dress while the exposed zippers over the “python pockets” (as D calls them) add depth and interest to this easy look. I thought the exposed zippers and the studs on my boots worked well together without weighing this look down. I’m always worried about rocking too much hardware at once, the last thing I want is to look like a knight in chain mail.

How do you feel about exposed zippers and bold hardware? How do you “soften” up tougher/rougher looks?

Home to the “largest carnivale celebration in the northeast” the annual Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend celebration draws hundreds to downtown Burlington for a party in the streets that last all day. Unfortunately I’ll be missing this year’s festivities as D and I are off on a much needed vacation but a word to the wise… Burlingtonians know how to get down when it comes to celebrating Mardi Gras, so you better dress to impress.

What Mardi Gras plans do you have lined up this weekend?

The good thing about fashion is that trends tend to be cyclical so I’m able to wear the same pieces my mom wore during her late twenties. At first I was worried that the length and thicker material of the skirt would make me look matronly but once I had it on I quickly realized that it when sitting or walking the skirt moves in such a way that it creates a high slit, making me love it even more (especially since high slits are one of fall’s hottest trends).

What pieces from your wardrobe would you like to save/pass on?

Gingham has been popping up everywhere this spring and is great for pattern mixing so when I found this shirt for $4 I had to have it. Like a lot of my favorite button ups this gingham shirt is from the men’s section at Goodwill. I like wearing larger/looser button ups because the size gives them greater versatility. A long button up can be worn over leggings, under dresses and sweaters or even with sandals and a belt for as sexy mini dress.

To avoid looking bulky in your over-sized button up add a belt or cropped top/jacket that hits the narrowest part of your body to draw the eye in and define your shape. I was going for a more tailored look with this outfit so I layered my gingham shirt under my blazer belted it for a more streamlined silhouette.

Have you added any Gingham pieces to your spring wardrobe? Would you ever wear men’s clothes?

So if you were on Pearl Street this morning you’re welcome for the laugh and don’t worry I caught up with my hat around South Winooski Ave.

When was the last time you laughed at yourself?

1) Some seriously stylish ladies will guest blogging. I’m such big fans of each of these ladies, I couldn’t be more excited to have them!

2) I can change outfits multiple times a day (and since it’s vacation D will have to take my outfit photos for me) so stay tuned because I’ve packed some great pieces including a vintage paisley print turban, my new ASOS dress, and the vintage style bathing suit I had custom made (for under $35 dollars!)

3) There will definitely be packing induced panic. I’m the girl who brings two bags for a weekend getaway, so packing for a little over a week is a bit daunting. Sara over at Aqui  recently wrote a great post on packing light in which she suggests selecting a color palette before you start packing. In the past I would plan my outfits ahead of time to make sure I had all my bases covered but like Sara says in her post this left me with outfits that I no longer wanted to wear.

To get the most out of (and into) my suitcase I’ve decided to mix the two packing plans. I’ll select a color palette, sketch out a few outfits and then merge the two. Hopefully this will give me plenty of mixing and matching options while keeping my luggage lite. Now all I have to do is pick a color palette… any suggestions?

What would your vacation color palette look like? How do you pack for vacations/long trips? 

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Speaking of being cool… people look at me sideways when I tell them that I picked these short cowboy boots up while living in Florence. Who knew Italian’s could craft such great western wear? They’re one of my favorite pairs of shoes so I was heartbroken when one of the heels completely cracked while D and I were walking home from the bars late one night (D was especially upset as he had to carry me home the rest of the way while I carried my broken boot).

Fortunately there is a killer cobbler in Williston who was able to mend my broken heel and heart. Don’t let the Yelp reviews fool you! If you’re looking for a cobbler with quick turn around time, reasonable prices and boots that come back better than new head to The Town Cobbler in Williston.

The vintage locket I’m wearing was a gift from our friends Nate and Jackie. The necklace originally belonged to Jackie’s Nana who has an extensive costume jewelry collection. It can be worn with the clasp on the back of the neck for a double strand look (as shown above) or as a longer single chain with the clasp in the middle of the necklace, creating two different but equally dramatic looks.

A similarly cherished gift is my luluB bracelet from luluB. designer Betsy Lloyd. The bracelet is perfect for stacking or subtly chic when worn alone and it gives off the same positive vibes as its maker. Another piece that gives me the warm and fuzzies is the watch D’s dad bought for him in the Caribbean. After catching me trying it on for the hundredth time D graciously passed it along to me. I’d been searching for a watch like it for years with no luck, so to be given one that was exactly what I’d always envisioned was a dream come true.

What pieces in your collection hold the most sentimental value?

I chuckled to myself a few weeks ago when Steffy left me a comment asking if my hair was naturally wavy… girl you have no idea. Thank goodness I have such cute hats! Speaking of cute hats this is one of my favorites. I spent months lusting after pricey ones and then on a whim I stopped into Dirt Chic, a local consignment shop, and there on one of the rounders was this hat. I know I could have saved myself a lot of time and longing if I’d just bought a similarly styled hat but I doubt I would love it as much as I love this hat.

What pieces have you spent months searching for? How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day?

After almost loosing my shit my hearing in the Charlotte Ruse dressing room I headed to Pac Sun, at a friend’s urging, to try my luck with their selection of colored denim. The store was much more mellow and the salesgirl knew exactly what I wanted. I ended up leaving with the raspberry colored jeans from above as well as a pair of bright coral ones and I couldn’t be happier. They’re just as comfortable and casual as regular jeans but their color makes them seem dressier, opening up a ton of new wardrobe options.

Do you hate those types of dressing rooms as much as I do? What colored denim pieces do you have in your wardrobe?