A Memorial Day Tradition I

Hat: Vintage (via Downtown Threads), Tee: Charlotte Ruse, Belt: Goodwill, Skirt: Vintage ( via Downtown Threads), Cowboy Boots: Steve Madden D and I spent the afternoon at his parent’s house near Middlebury, Vermont over the long weekend and the weather couldn’t have been more beautiful. It was so nice to get away from Burlington and all of the packing and cleaning we’ve been doing.

I know I wore this hat in yesterday’s post but I just love it so much that I couldn’t help myself. I wore it so much this weekend that D started calling it my Memorial Day Hat, I unknowingly started a new tradition!

Sometimes when I get new pieces I let my excitement get the best of me and I over-where them. So I pinky promise to wait at least two whole days before I post about this hat again. Yesterday I mentioned picking up two new (to me) skirts at Downtown threads and this is one of them. I am in love with the pattern; the bold floral print is perfectly muted by the black and dark brown accents. Like yesterday’s outfit I relied on brown accessories to tie the look together.

The skirt was a wee bit too big to wear high waisted but also just a tad bit too tight to wear on my hips so I belted it where it fell naturally and then bunched some of the material around the belt. It kind of gave the skirt a look similar to paper bag shorts. I can already tell that this skirt is going to become a staple in my summer wardrobe!

 

Do you wear (and re-wear) new pieces right away like I do? What types of hats will you be wearing this summer?

 

 

Downtime at Downtown Threads

Happy Memorial Day!

Hat: Vintage (via Downtown Threads), Blouse: H&M (via Clothes Exchange), Brown Tank: Old Navy, Belt: Goodwill, Jeans: Consignment Shop in Philly, Wedges: Target, Watch: Gifted, Bangles: Vintage & Gifted, Ring: Gilt

D and I are moving into our new place on June 1st so packing, planning and cleaning has started to consume our lives. I stopped into Downtown Threads for some retail therapy and James was snapped these photos for me. While I was there I also picked up two amazing skirts (both of which I can’t wait to share with you)!

Even though it’s been hot and humid these past few days I’m still sporting layers. Since my white linen top is basically sheer I layered a dark brown cami underneath. Having the cami not only protected my modesty but it also perfectly offset the browns of my accessories.

I was comfortable and cool in this outfit and the hat kept the sun off of my face for the most part. I can already tell that this hat is going to become one of my favorites. The brim looks like it’s been cut down so I think it used to be a much broader but the smaller size and shape suit me just fine!

Do you wear layers in the warmer weather? What are your holiday plans?

Wore Out’s Look of the Week

Happy Friday All!

The weather in Burlington was crazy last night! We got pounded by a string of intense thunderstorms and were under a tornado warning for most of the night! This weekend is the last big packing push before the move. D and I have been  packing like crazy but there’s still a lot that needs to get done. We just can’t wait to be settled into our new space.

This week I took the Boy Scout motto to heart and prepared styled an outfit with surviving the rapture in mind. I wore one of my more sparkly finds from the Clothes Exchange, ate my first rainbow cupcake and had a terrible hair day in a confusing coat. It was quite a week indeed!

I’ve decided to move away from Friday Finery & Frivolities and instead continue with Wore Out’s Look of the Week. I just wasn’t happy with how the Friday F & F was turning out, so it was time to move on.

That being said I am very excited to announce that this week’s Look of the Week (along with belated birthday wishes!) goes to:

Maria of Lulu Letty! The first thing I said when I saw Maria’s outfit was, “I want it!” Everything works so well together from the dark wash of her vintage inspired flares to the burnt orange of her drool worthy handbag. Not only did her outfit catch my eye but her photographs did as well. The colors are so rich and the lighting lends it a particularly nostalgic feel. Besides Lulu Letty Maria also blogs over at the Delightful Dozen, where she collaborates with 11 other seriously stylish blogging ladies. If you haven’t checked them out you’re missing out!

I’m loving everything about Maria’s simply stylish look! Perfect for running errands, grabbing lunch with the girls or enjoying a drink at an outdoor cafe.

What’s your favorite part of Maria’s look? Where would you wear this outfit?

A Poncho Cape Wrap Blanket Coat Thingy

Sunnies (last seen here): Gifted, Necklace: Zinnia, Belt: Target,

Tee (not pictured): Target, Poncho/Blanket Coat: Clothes Exchange,

Skirt: Forever 21, Boots: ItalyThe above picture is what happens when you mix a photo timer, lightweight tripod and high winds… Half posing, half lunging for the tipping tripod

If I don’t straighten it my hair naturally morphs into an insanely voluminous afro…I wish I was joking. In a last ditch effort to tame my fro before dashing off to work I created this pile tangle of braids and curls… which has to be one of the worst hair moments of my adult life! I seriously hated how my hair looked and unfortunately I think that shows in these photographs.

I got this striped poncho/blanket coat at the Clothes Exchange last week and I haven’t taken it off since. Is it bulky, yes. Isn’t it too late in the year to be wearing wool, maybe but I can’t help myself. I love the colors and it’s been really fun to style because it can be worn so many different ways.

I wore it as more of a wrap coat above but it can also be buttoned into a coat/cape like shape.  For the wrap coat look I just folded the buttons under, crossed the sides over one another, belted it and then adjusted the draping. Pretty simple and straightforward. Even though the wind was wrecking havoc on my tripod it ended up creating a really beautiful billowing effect with the sleeves. It almost made me forget about how awful my hair looks… almost.

I’m really looking forward to having more time to style and experiment with this piece in fall.  The weather has finally started warming so I think this will be my poncho’s final outing until Autumn. I can’t wait to pair  with ridding boots and skinny jeans/leggings or with dark wash flares, chunky heels and a fun hat.

Would you take outfit photos if you were having an epically bad hair day? Is your wardrobe strictly seasonal or do you blur the lines a little bit like I do?

Rainbow Brite Delights

My first rainbow cupcake… YUM!

This past weekend I had my very first rainbow cupcake! It was an impulse buy as we were leaving Junior’s and even though I was stuffed I still managed to find room for this colorful (and wildly moist) cupcake. The frosting was perfectly sweet and surprisingly light, topping each bite perfectly… *sigh*

I loved Rainbow Brite when I was a little girl so naturally I jumped at the chance to enjoy this similarly colored confection. Stylistically Ms. Brite was ahead of her time, she’s been sporting a perfectly chic color blocked mini dress for decades… but I digress.

Even if you’re not a fan of this season’s color blocking trend or Rainbow Brite (though I don’t know if that’s possible) here are a few places for inspiration, recipes and the how to’s when it come to making your own Rainbow Brite Delights!

Our Best Bites is a wonderful resource for all types of recipes accompanied by beautifully shot pictures and easy to follow instructions.  They also have a great recipe for colorburst cupcakes (and Sara is a Rainbow Brite enthusiast like myself!)

Looking for a more multi-media approach? Check out this great video, it lays it all out step by step.

Want your eye makeup to match your cupcakes? Then this tutorial for Rainbow Brite eyes is a must watch.

Were you a Rainbow Brite fan growing up? Have you ever tried/made your own rainbow cupcakes?

Wrapped up with a Bow

Sunnies: Chinatown, Blazer: Silence + Noise (via Urban Outfitters),

Top: Forever 21 (via Clothes Exchange), Skirt: Forever 21, Tights: Target,

Boots: Rocket Dog (via Shoe Metro)without all my layers seriously considering a spray tan after seeing how much light my skin reflects

When I woke up it was cold, damp and sprinkling so I layered tights under my skirt and kept warm with a shimmery Silence + Noise blazer. By the time I was able to sneak outside to take these pictures it was sunny and the temps were climbing into the mid 70s. I stripped off my layers and was surprised how much the look changed. My look went from modest but modern to relatively risqué.

I got this top at the Clothes Exchange and I was worried that the giant sequin bow it would make me look like a tween so I added the boots and high-waisted skirt to offset some of the youthfulness.

The next time I wear this outfit I would probably try it with a different pair of shoes. The boots were too heavy for the springtime sunshine and gave it a fall/winter feel. For a more seasonally appropriate look I would try pairing it with a fun pair of bright wedges, metallic gladiator sandals (with the too cute ankle wrap) or a pair of peep toe ankle booties.

What shoes would you pair with this look? Do you think this top is too juvenile?

Surviving the Rapture

I told you we’d survive!Sunglasses: Chinatown, Headband: Charlotte Ruse,

Scarf: Downtown Threads, Sweater: Vintage LL Bean (via my dad),

Long Sleeve Tee (not pictured): Target, DIY Cutoffs: Aeropostale,

Wellies: Dick’s, Bangles: Vintage, Thrifted & Gifted, Bag: Gifted,

Ax: Borrowed from Woodsman Brian Always take time to smell the flowers, even during threats of rapture

I wanted to make sure the “rapture” was well behind us before I posted these pictures. I didn’t want to be the one trying to save face if the rapture in fact turned out to be real. My roommate Brian snapped these pictures a bit after 6pm on Saturday (supposedly the moment the rapture was suppose to commence).

I planned this look with the goal of surviving the rapture in mind:

Wellies: Rubber soles to safeguard me from lightning strikes and to keep my tootsies dry in the event of epic flooding

Cutoffs: How could I face the rapture if I couldn’t face how I looked in shorts? It was time to get over my embarrassment of my big ole’ white thighs and get on with my life.

Wool Sweater: Not only does this sweater carry special meaning becuase it was my dad’s but it’s practical, warm, perfectly broken in and from LL Bean; (do you think their lifetime guarantee covers the rapture?).

Layers: Who knows what type of climate the rapture will cause, layers allow you to be prepared for all situations.

Scarf: A scarf is one of the most versatile accessories you have. This square scarf is ideal because it can easily be folded or tied into a shirt, hat, coverup or Shemagh as my friend Dan pointed out (in case of sandstorms or just wanting to look like a badass.)

Even though I originally created this look for surviving the rapture I will definitely be wearing it (or a variation of it) again soon. It was so comfortable and now that I know I wont die of embarrassment if my thighs are showing my fashion options just increased ten fold. Summer here I come!

Did you plan a rapture survival outfit? Would you have gone the practical route like me or plan a more glamorous over the top look? What new summer clothes are you looking forward to trying this summer?

Friday Finery & Frivolities: Rethinking and Refocusing

Thursday almost killed me, thank Buddha it’s Friday!

Not only was this week super busy but it’s been a total rain fest in Burlington with only brief moments of sunshine. This week I shared my secrets on how I get D to eat my favorite super food. I beat the rainy day blues by bringing inspiration to life in what turned out to be my favorite post to date. I avoided dragging my new skirt by making it high-waisted, I got my shop on for a great local cause and dressed up like a nautical milkmaid. I told you it was a busy week!

I’ve been wrestling with the idea of changing up my Friday Blogging Finery & Fashion Friviolities post. I’m not really loving the format and it’s not really accomplishing what I wanted it too. It feels too cluttered and unfocused. So while I rethink and ponder my options for filling my Friday posting slot I’ve decided to feature a Look of the Week. I tell you who’s wearing it and why I’m loving it .

Wore Out’s Look of the Week for May 20thErin of Work with What You’ve Got!

Erin has a fearless style that she carries (and pulls off) with effortless grace. Her blog is constantly providing me with inspiration and new perspective. When I saw this post I knew I had to share it with!

I’m loving the print of this shirt and how she created a western inspired outfit that wasn’t hokey or kitschy (not that either of those are bad things.) Her on trend neutral wedges go perfectly with the tones in her shirt and her fringe bag (which I am epically jealous of) is the icing on top of this wonderfully western look!

A close up of the ah-mazing print

Be sure to stop by Work with What You’ve Got and check out all of Erin’s ensembles, I promise you wont be disappointed!

Do you love Erin’s pony printed top as much as I do? What would you like to see me post about on Friday’s?

Milkmaid Braids & Nautical Stripes

Oh my gosh the Clothes Exchange was so much fun last night! I left with some seriously amazing finds (including 3 rocking new coats and 2 smokin hot pairs of heels!) I can’t wait to share them with you so be on the look out for a post about all my new treasures this weekend!

Sunnies: Greece, Necklace: Dirt Chic, Tee: H&M, Jeans: Charlotte Ruse, Pumps: Steve Madden (via T.J Maxx) No, this isn’t a proactive before picture (please excuse the zit on my chin) it’s me trying to show off the braided look I’ve got going on.

Refinery 29 featured a super chic and simple braided updo in early April and I finally got around to trying it out! Since my outfit was so casual I wanted to add a little bit of pizazz with my hair. I didn’t add ribbon (as shown in R29 slideshow) but I was still pleaed with the end result.

I parted my hair normally (I rock the side part but really you can part it anyway) into to low ponytails, I braided the each section and then pinned them to the top of my head. Since my “bangs” were a bit too short to make it into my low braid I left them out.  After pinning the low braids to the top of my head I braided my bangs and pinned them behind one of my larger braids.

I went with the messier more boho look but if you wanted a more polished look you could work a smoothing serum or mousse through your hair before braiding and then finish with a smoothing spray. There are some great products featured in the Refinery 29 article as well.

Can you tell I’ve always wanted to be a Rockette?

literally two left feet

I left the house feeling less than thrilled with this outfit but the longer I wear it the more I’m loving it. It’s decidedly casual but I think the peep toes (which have quickly become a favorite of mine, seen here), statement necklace and messy milkmaid braid updo helped ramp it up a few notches. 

How do you dress up casual outfits? Would you rock my messy milkmaid updo or go with the more polished version?

Get Ready to Shop!

It’s finally here!

I’ve been looking forward to The Clothes Exchange since I bought my tickets in early April and now it’s finally here! This will be my first time attending and I couldn’t be more excited.

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the Clothes Exchange and to celebrate their giving back even more!  “Proceeds from the 2011 Clothes Exchange will primarily benefit Spectrum Youth & Family Services. In recognition of The Clothes Exchange’s 10th anniversary, a portion of proceeds raised at the May sale will be divided among the past beneficiaries of Clothes Exchange events, since 2001.”

D volunteered at the event last year and after hearing him talk about lines of women with arm loads of clothes I opted to  purchase a shop first ticket (now sold out). Only a limited number of shop first tickets are sold so I wont have to worry about fighting my way through a crowd and since the shop first event is held the night before the main event I’ll get first dibs on all the goodies! Oh yeah and they provide complimentary glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres and a personal shopper!

Most of the clothes are gently worn but local and major retailers also donated brand new items too. I’ve been on a spending freeze in preparation and I’m bursting at the seems with excitement, I can’t wait to shop till I drop! What could be more fashionable than a shopping spree that benefits amazing local charities? I can’t wait to share all the details with you later this week!

Are you going to The Clothes Exchange? Does your community sponsor a similar event(s)?