the Jumpsuit and a Gold Sequin Jacket

Dollar Store Sunnies, Sequin Jacket: Calvin Klein, Belt: Possibility Shop, Vintage Jumpsuit: Downtown Threads, Michael Antonio HeelsThis is the same exact look as yesterday, I just swapped out the blazer for a little bling and added a pop of color with a classic red belt. If I ever had the chance to go back in time and attend one of Warhol’s factory parties I would wear something very similar.

what party/event do you wish you could (or could have) attend? what would you wear?

all photos taken by Julie Howk Photography – find Julie on Facebook

the Jumpsuit and a Green Jacket

Dollar Store Sunglasses, Blazer: Talbots (via Goodwill), Vintage Jumpsuit: Downtown Threads, Belt: Target, Micheal Antonio HeelsA jumpsuit isn’t exactly a practical piece for me to have in my wardrobe but I just couldn’t say no to when I saw it at Downtown Threads. It’s not sexy in a “conventional” way, in fact if you’re not careful you could end up with wicked camel toe making yourself look short/stumpy, but I think there is something to be said for the confidence they inspire. My inner studio 54 disco diva came out when I put this piece on and I felt incredible.

Am I ready to wear this to the office? No. But who knows, a couple more spins around the block in this one piece and you just may see me doing my best Travolta impression in the produce section at the co-op.

What unconventional pieces are hanging in your closet?

all photos taken by Julie Howk Photography – find Julie on Facebook

Dress-up Downtown

Top: Florence, Italy, Gold Belt: Battery St Jeans, Skirt: Downtown Threads, Heels: Michael Antonio (via Endless), Earrings: Gifted, Ring: Northern Lights

I stopped by Downtown Threads after work yesterday to check out their new fall inventory (SO many ah-mazing sweaters) and to see how they were preparing for Burlington’s Fashion’s Night Out festivities. Thursday, September 8 from 6-9pm Burlington’s most fashion forward retailers will celebrate one of fashion’s biggest nights with fashion shows, exclusive discounts, giveaways, makeovers and more!

I suggest visiting Fashion’s Night Out – Burlington facebook page and reading up on all the exciting activities taking place. Than grab you favorite shopping companions and head downtown to take advantage of some seriously stylish savings. A $5 donation to the Red Cross in support of those affected by Tropical Storm Irene gets you 20% off your entire purchase, free nail art and more at Downtown Threads. Oh yeah and I’ll be there too so come say hi! I’d love to shop with you!

…speaking of shopping, if D asks I’m just browsing…I put a few things on hold yesterday while I was at Downtown Threads including the vintage hippo sweater I’m holding in the picture above. Part of me is screaming, “it’s too cute to past up!” While another much smaller part of me is saying, “be practical, when would you ever wear this?”

Are you participating in Fashion’s Night Out? What are your thoughts the hippo sweater? Should I buy it?

Tea Party with Champ

This is Champ, the most famous lake monster in the US. Champ lives in Lake Champlain, is rumored to be a plesiosaur and likes extra marshmallows in his hot cocoa. Ok so I made that last part up but who turns down extra marshmallows?

Sunnies: Zinnia, Tunic (worn as tank): Battery Street Jeans,

Skirt & Belt: Downtown Threads, Heels: Michael Antonio (via Endless)

With the exception of the pink tunic I’m wearing as a top you’ve seen all these pieces before. My love for these Michael Antonio heels is well documented here and here, I wore this new western belt last week and you’ve seen this skirt twirl before. I’ve been having a lot of fun shopping my closet lately (this makes both D and my wallet happy). I really love how the gold pattern on the heels work with the chunky gold accents on the belt.

What items have you been rewearing? Have you seen Champ?

Takin it Back

Blouse: Battery Street Jeans, Belt: T.J Maxx, Skirt: Downtown Threads, Pumps: Michael Antonio (via Endless), Ring: Charlotte Ruse

I’m having one hell of a Monday so I’m going to keep this short. I’m usually hesitant about wearing bright greens (they make me look like a poster child for Ireland) and I try to avoid wearing white (because I’m whiter than Moby Dick) but in this instance two wrongs apparently do make a right. My green top was only $8 at BSJ (Battery St. Jeans) a local consignment/thrift shop and I scored the white skirt off a sale rack at Downtown Threads for only $9. That’s winning in my world.

I like how this silhouette is somewhat reminiscent of the late 50’s, one of the most fashionable time periods ever (in my opinion). What I wouldn’t do to an afternoon in Doris Day’s closet in 1959… *sigh*. I hope you’re day is light years better than mine and that you had a wonderful weekend. I plan on buying myself one killer pair of heels for surviving today… that is if I make it.

If you could shop one person’s closet who’s would it be? What helps you power through shitty days?

Rain is like SO the new Snow

rain is SO the new snow

Trench: Forever 21, Scarf: Royal Caribbean Gift Shop,

Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Sweater: H&M, Belt: Target,

Ring: Forever 21, Skirt: Vintage (via Downtown Threads),

Tights: The Sox Market, Heels: Michael Antonio (via Endless)

not posing pose #57 – The I’m Just Casually Lounging

What can I say? I love this skirt! The last time I wore it I had a pretty nice buzz on (see Cheers to 24 years: Fashion) and I styled it with a plain white tee, cardigan, and a gold statement necklace. This time I wanted a more polished look so I swapped the tee for a v neck sweater and patent leather waist belt.

Even though it’s April it’s still chilly (and rainy) here in Burlington so I kept warm and dry by layering a lightweight sweater under my trench and added a cozy scarf to ward off the gusting winds. Since I didn’t tuck my sweater in I used a thick belt to add definition to my waistline. It was so rainy and windy this morning, that tights were a must even though I was worried that adding them would make my outfit too dark and heavy for early spring. Knits and leather are both very winter/fall centric fabrics, especially when done in such dark colors. In an effort to counteract the dark color pallet I choose a light colored shoe. The golden hues in the heels helped to lighten everything up without throwing the rest of the outfit off. (I’m hoping that the sun will push all the way through the clouds and I’ll be able to rock bare legs on the walk home from work!)

Shoes have always been my go to piece when it comes to anchoring or completing outfits. I love the pattern detailing on these Michael Antonio heels! Not only is it a beautiful pattern but it draws your eye down, effectively lengthening your legs. Even though the heel is almost 4 inches the platform in the shoe makes them surprisingly comfortable and easy to walk in.

D and I got back into Burlington late last night and promptly fell asleep. We had such an amazing time, the reception was out of control beautiful and you could see the love and happiness radiating from the bride and groom. Tonight (after unpacking) I’m going to download all the photos I took this weekend,  I can’t wait to share them with you, so stay tuned!

What did you do this weekend? What’s your “go-to” accessory when you need to complete an outfit?