Florals at the Farmers Market

Sunnies: Chinatown, Sheer Floral Blouse: Forever 21 Bandeau/Bralet: TJ Maxx, Boyfriend Shorts: Old Navy, Bag: H&M  Opal Ring & Hat: Gifted, Vulture Skull Ring: Downtown Threads, Sandals: PaylessThis weekend I made sure to set aside time to recharged. May’s been a busy month and I am equally terrified and ecstatic that June is shaping up to be even busier; hence the recharging. The most stressful thing I did this weekend was pack for a beach side barbecue and the most strenuous task I took on was weeding and watering my flower beds. It was bliss.

The weather continued to be glorious so my sheer floral tank (with a white bralet for modesty) and “engineer” shorts were perfect for a morning spent roaming around the newly expanded Burlington farmers’ market. I love the atmosphere downtown during the farmers’ market, it really shows Burlington’s best side and the variety of local offerings is unmatched. After we’d eaten our fill D and I headed to Oakledge and spent the rest of the afternoon lazing in the park.

How did you enjoy your weekend? 

Pastel Picnic

Floral Scarf: H&M, Blouse: Ralph Lauren, Skirt: Downtown Threads, Tights: Target, Rose Ring: Charlotte Russe, Booties: Forever 21I know I’ve been wearing this scarf a lot but it’s hard not to when the floral print almost mirrors Vermont’s lush spring landscape. Spring is a fresh, bright, and colorfully time of year and it only seems right that your spring wardrobe reflects that.

That being said I feel like my plum tights weighed this otherwise bright look down. I thought the plum would be a brighter alternative to brown or black tights but they were still too dark against the mostly pastel color palette. I hate to admit it but maybe it’s time that I invest in nude stockings a la Kate Middleton style… then again nude tights remind me of when I was a little and my mom made me wear them with uncomfortably flouncy dresses for holiday photos. I guess you could say I’m still on the fence.

Where do you weigh in on tights, stockings, and hose? 

80′s Night

Sunglasses: Downtown Threads, Earrings: Kmart (?), Blouse: Goodwill, Belt: TJ Maxx, Faux Leather Leggings: Forever 21, Heels: Steve Madden, Cuff: GiftedIf you follow me on twitter ( which you should) you may have already seen this look. I bought this peplum blouse for the 80′s party D and I attended this past weekend, but I’m seriously considering having it altered and rocking it with these high waisted neon pink shorts for the ultimate 80′s look this summer. If you look in the window, to the left of my head, you can catch a glimpse of D’s 80′s DJ look complete with gold chains and a puffy starters jacket, we made quite the pair.

A number of 80′s fashions were represented at the party including the slick 80′s Wall Street power trader, 80′s country club chic, heavy metal headbangers, a few Canadian tuxedos, and one serious pair of Calvin Klein mom jeans. I was going for the whole Grace Jones, she-man meets resort wear vibe. I can’t believe it but I loved my silhouette with shoulder pads; add to the fact that I got to test run my new hot pink lipstick (Revlon, Persian Melon, heavily applied post photos) and I couldn’t have been more excited. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of dress up to get your creative juices flowing again.

What’s your favorite era to channel? Are you feeling peplums for spring?

Wore Out Lunch Date

After talking about it for weeks my friend Nicole and I were finally able to grab lunch together. Nicole and I met while working in the admissions office at Champlain College (our alma mater) and have kept in touch since. Nicole’s been a huge supporter of Wore Out since the beginning so I was beyond excited when she agreed to do a joint outfit post with me! Unfortunately the weather was terrible when we ducked out to take these shots, so neither of us got to wear our first choice shoes but it was still a blast.

I’m wearing… Blazer: Goodwill, Necklace: Forever 21, Dress: Old Navy, Tights: The Sox Market, Minnetonka Tramper Boot, Assorted Bangles, Leopard Ring: GILT Group, Double Finger Bar Ring: Downtown Threads, “Blinging” Ring: Gift from Nicole!

On Nicole… Cardigan & Belt: Target, Tee: Ann Taylor, Skirt: Old Navy, Thermal Tights, Necklace: Forevermore Creations (Etsy), Croc Boots

I was blown away by how bright and sunny Nicole’s outfit was while being seasonally appropriate. Her mustard yellow cardigan ties her neutral top and floral midi skirt together perfectly and I love how she added the thick braided belt over her open cardigan. My eye was  immediately drawn to Nicole’s necklace it adds the perfect touch of whimsy and detail. When I asked Nicole about it she couldn’t say enough wonderful things about the Etsy shop where she’d found it, Forevermore Creations. The shop is full of fun pieces perfect for mixing and matching and right now all of their sale items are 50% off!

Speaking of sales I bought the “mullet dress” I’m wearing above for $9; $30 off the original price!  It was such a steal I bought one in olive green (above) and one in black. I was a little worried that the unusual hemline would make them harder to style but in fact opposite is true. The hemline turns this simple solid color dress into a funky but versatile layering piece that I’ve been able to wear with everything from moccasins (like above) to heels to riding boots (not bad for $9)!

How do you incorporate color into your winter wardrobe? What would you consider the most versatile piece in your closet?

Fashionably Historical – Marie Antoinette

History was my passion long before fashion so it seems fitting to pay tribute to one of my favorite ladies (and style icons) in all of European history, Marie Antoinette. A young woman at the time of her marriage to Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette could not fully grasp the political or social expectations that would be thrust upon her once she assumed the role of France’s queen. This overwhelming pressure combined with her well documented love for fashion and other fineries makes her one the most fashionable and misunderstood figures in history.

Inspired by the rich colors, opulent accessories and delicate floral patterns typical of Marie and Louis XVI’s reign …and the fact that Mitt Romney recently compared Mrs. Obama to Marie Antoinette… I put together a few things that any modern day Marie might enjoy. Want more? Check out my Pinterest!

Clockwise from bottom left: chair, clutch, hat, dress, glasses, converse, throw, sweets, jeans, heels, headband, cameo set, flats, blazer (similar), & bustier

What historical figures have inspired your style?

Flirty Florals

Sunnies: Zinnia, Dress: H&M, Sweater: Consignment Shop on Cape Cod, Bracelets: Gifted, Slip: Vintage (via Downtown Threads), Wedges: Target, Bag: ALDO, Belt: Battery Street Jeans

Vermont has been blessed with beautiful weather as we continue to clean up and rebuild after Irene. The pictures coming out of central and southern Vermont are heart breaking but many are vowing to rebuild; refusing to let Irene take any more from them. For more information about how you can help those affected please contact the Red Cross or visit VTResponse.

 These photos were taken at Perkins Pier by my friend Kat last week.and I’m really glad that I took a chance on this trapeze dress from H&M. I wasn’t sure if the colors or the cut would work on me but I like how the outfit ended up coming together. Since the floral pattern of the dress has a lot going on I opted to keep my accessories simple but bright. The knit green cardigan brought out the colors in the dress’s fun print  and I love how the yellow wedges and the orange bag play off each other.

Since the dress was a bit shorter than I usually wear to the office I layered a vintage lace trimmed slip under it. Not only does the lace adds a really nice feimine touch but it keeps things modest and professional enough for me to wear to the office.

What colors or patterns have you been playing around with recently? How strict is your workplace about dress code?

New Wedges on the Waterfront

Sunnies: Chinatown, Jacket: Stowe Mercantile, Dress & Wedges: Target

Forgive my absence but D and I were enjoying a midsummer getaway. It felt great to leave my computer, tripod and camera stowed for the majority of our vacation. Even though I didn’t snap a single outfit picture while we were away that didn’t stop me from shopping.

I bought this floral dress and these mustard yellow wedges at Target while we were on vacation and couldn’t wait to wear them together. The best part… the wedges were only $6.48! I couldn’t believe how perfectly the mustard color of the heels picked up the dresses floral pattern. Mustard yellow has become one of my favorite fall colors and I can’t wait to work both of these pieces into my fall wardrobe.

What colors are you looking forward to working into your fall wardrobe? 

The Stylish Palette: How to Style your First Sips

Last Sunday I introduced The Stylish Palette, a series combining my love of fashion and wine. In the first Stylish Palette post I shared my picks for red, white & bubbly to sip on the Fourth and style tips each bottle. This week I wanted to do more of an introductory post.

Firstly I want to thank Abby from Dedalus Wine Shop in Burlington, this series wouldn’t have been possible without her patience (with me) and passion (for wine). Wine like with some fashion trends (harem pants, I’m talking to you) can take some easing into. Here are a few tips for trying out new wines and fashion trends.

You Already Know What you Like

Just like fashion, getting into it wine can be intimidating but if you look at what you already know/like and build off that it can make it much easier. “Think about what flavors you already like and look for wines with complimentary tastes” suggests Abby. “If you love apples and citrus fruits then try a wine with crisp, clean, fruity qualities.”

Unique, 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, $11.25

Similar to knowing what flavors you already enjoy, when it comes to experimenting with new fashion trends look at what styles you already gravitate towards. Look for trends that will compliment the pieces you already have and highlight your personal style.

One of this seasons hottest summer trends is bold floral prints. If you’re used to a more muted or neutral color palette you can ease into the trend by looking for floral prints done in pastels or by adding bold accessories.  This will allow you to build off what you already know and are comfortable with.

Romper, Wedges, Satchel, Fedora

What trends are you experimenting with this summer? When it come to trying new things do you dive right in or do you prefer to ease into it?

So What if I Wore This in Kindergarten

Sunnies: Chinatown, Button Up: Walmart, Necklace: Gifted,

Tank: Old Navy, Belt: Target, Skirt: via Burlington Clothes Swap,

Earrings & Wedges: Charlotte Ruse

Almost a year ago a friend and I were shopping together when she found the cutest floral print white denim skirt that totally worked on her; naturally I was insanely jealous I hadn’t spotted it first. Flash forward a few months and imagine my delight when my friend brought said skirt to a clothes swap party! I immediately snapped it up and have been loving it ever since.

I wore this skirt when I was home last and my mom told me that it was almost an exact copy of a skirt I had when I was in kindergarten! I consider my style to be constantly changing so it was a bit of a surprise that something I loved to wear when I was 5 still appeals to me almost 20 years later.

With trends constantly being recycled and retooled it’s fun to get a second chance at styling them. Fingers crossed old school jellies (not the new hipster versions) will make a serious come back! Oh and if someone could get a hold of Lisa Frank that would be great too, note taking just isn’t the same without rainbow colored dolphins and frolicking unicorns.

What trends would you like to see come back?

What trends should remain dead?

Floral Midi Flashback

Sunnies: Chinatown, Sweater: Loft (via the Clothes Exchange),

Tank: Old Navy, Belt: Taken off Gifted Dress, Skirt: Downtown Threads,

Wedges: Vintage (via my mom)

I wore this skirt about a month ago for memorial day but this is outfit has a much more summery feel to it. We’ve been enjoying perfect summer weather in Burlington lately but my office is freezing cold so I have bring a sweater or jacket with me to work. The sweater I paired with this look (last seen here) has quickly become one of my favorite layering pieces. I was worried that the sweater’s shimmer would look too “busy” against the skirt’s floral pattern but in the end I thought it added the perfect amount of interest.

Switching between the gold shimmer of the sweater and the bright aquamarine of the silk tank totally changed the look and feel of my outfit. It felt like I had two totally different outfits on. The sweater played nicely off the brown accessories but also brought out the warmer golden tones in the skirt. While the aquamarine tank top stood out against the brown making the reds, pinks, and greens in the skirt pop.  I wish I would have thought to tie the sweater over my shoulder 80′s style as I would have see both colors in action, but hindsight is 20/20.

What unexpected color combinations have you been playing with lately? Which top work better with this look?