Spot the Dots

wait… I thought it was spring?Hat: Downtown Threads, Scarf & Old Navy Ankle Boots: Plato’s Closet, Vintage Knit Jacket: The Clothes Line, Sheer Blouse & Tank: Target, Levi’s Boyfriend Jeans Vintage Edwardian Cross pendent from my grandmother 

The girl who started off the week touting the approach of spring is once again swaddled in knits. Clearly I’ve retreated to my cold weather color palette of cream, gray, and plenty of black. This handmade vintage cardigan is lined with beautiful cream silk, making it feel a bit more refined than other knits, and is the perfect compliment to my relaxed boyfriend jeans. Add ankle boots that show off just the right amount of my spotted socks and I’m ready to hunk down and wait out the rest of the winter weather.

what colors, textures, and styles helped you get through the winter?

Signs of Spring

Floppy Hat w/ vintage brooch: Charlotte Russe, Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Faux Fur Snood: Gifted, Lux Jacket: Classy Closet, Dress: H&M, Vintage Sweater: Thrifted, Tights: Target, Frye Boots: Originally Mom’s Call me an optimist but I’m starting to feel/see signs of spring everywhere, despite the 30 degree temps. D and I took advantage of the beautiful weather this weekend with a nice long walk along the Burlington Bike Path. The bike path is one of my favorite spots in Burlington, there isn’t a bad view to be had and it winds along some of the most beautiful parks in Burlington.

This look is the perfect mix of the winter staples that have seen me through the cold and the spring pieces I’m itching to wear. A newly acquired vintage sweater, almost long enough to be a dress, I mean a Kardashian would wear it as a dress, was the perfect base for a floral trapeze dress and my faux fur snood. Mom’s old Frye boots and a big ole floppy hat (perfect for showcasing old brooches) brought everything together.

What signs of spring and/or spring fashion are you most excited for?

Simple Stripes, Big Hair

Hat & Scarf (similar): Charlotte Russe, Moto Jacket: Forever 21 (similar), Cable Knit Sweater: TJ Maxx, Striped Jeans: Revolution, Steve Madden Bag: Macy’s, ELLE Booties: Kohl’s, Ring: Montreal Street Cart

After close to twenty years of struggling my hair and I have come to a mutual understanding. I give it plenty of Moroccan Oil, only wash it twice a week, and keep the heat to a minimum; in return I’m left with more curl than frizz and relatively little poof. Deviation from this careful formula, say falling asleep with your wet hair in a messy bun, can (and in this case did) result in an 80’s-licious poof. Instead of fighting with my unruly hair I just kept my outfit simple and gave my hair plenty of room to err grow.

how do you cope with busy Mondays and bad hair days?

Very Me

Gifted Vest, Men’s Chambray Shirt: Goodwill, F21 Jeans: Consignment shop in Philly, Bamboo Wedge Booties (here): Amazon, Lip: Party Parrot, Iris Apfel for M.A.C 

This outfit feels very me. It’s the perfect mix of 70’s casual with a nod to the southwest, hot pink lipstick, and of course leopard. It’s a look that lends itself to a variety of accessories which seems fitting since I’m always trying out different things. I layered on a few of my favorite necklace and rings but it would also look great with a statement necklace or an arm full of bangles.

What outfits make you feel like you?

Kermit Coat

Knit Hat: Forever 21, Sunnies: BSJ, Coat: ebay, Ibex Vest (similar), not pictured), long sleeve tee (not pictured): J.Crew, Knit Leggings: TJ Maxx, Wellies: Dick’s Sporting Goods (similar),  Gifted Bag, Mittens, & ScarfThis coat is a lot like my first (and only) car, a 97 forest green Ford Taurus with mint green interior, aptly named Kermit. Kermit was never perfect but I loved it because it was my first car. Eventually Kermit and I had to part ways (near the end stepping on the brakes was a total crapshoot) but that’s neither here nor there.

This jacket, ok so it’s more like a glorified robe, doesn’t just resemble Kermit in color alone; like my first car this coat was better in theory than practice. I’d expected an oversized, “faux” wool wrap coat. What ended up with was an extremely plush, hooded, Robin Hood style robe. Like Kermit it’s not perfect but while it’s working I’m gonna wear it

What online purchases have over or under whelmed you recently?

Chinese New Year

Dollar Store Sunnies, Chinese Silk Jacket: Gifted (similar), Belt: TJ Maxx, Dress: PacSun (similar), Tights: Target, Michael Antonio Heels (similar)

This Sunday, February 10th, marks the Chinese New Year and 2013 happens to be the Year of the Snake. While snakes might not top my list of favorite animals, those born in the Year of the Snake are thought to be wise, inquisitive, stylish, and sometimes vain. I was born in the Year of the Rabbit (the Fire Rabbit specifically) and after researching reading more about my Chinese Zodiac sign I realized it was right on; what can I say I’m your typical conflict avoiding, travel loving, stylish Rabbit.

Rabbits and Snakes aside the approaching holiday reminded me that this silk hasn’t had an outing in a while. My dad brought this jacket back from China with him over 10 years ago and every time I wear it I always think the same thing, “why the heck don’t I wear this more?” So consider yourself warned folks, this silk jacket is here to stay.

What pieces in your closet could use a little more love? Does your Chinese Zodiac Sign match your personality? 

Bazaar Rodeo

Dollar Store Sunnies, Ann Taylor Jacket: Clothes Exchange, Knit: The Clothes Line, Necklace: Zinnia, Belt: From Mom, Sheer Skirt: American Apparel, Tights & Knee Socks : TJ Maxx, Vintage Rodeo Boots: Old Gold, Steve Madden Bag: Macy’s For some reason knotted skirts like this always remind me of Aladdin meets A Midsummer Night’s Eve in the grand Bazaar. Utterly casual but still feminine. In this case the knotted hem shows off my vintage Rodeo boots and mirrors the twisted, gathered look of the multicolored waist belt I inherited from my mom.

It seems counter-intuitive but in the winter wearing skirts is sometimes warmer than pants. I can layer fleece lined tights and knit leggings under a sheer American Apparel skirt like this one and be comfortable and warm all day long. Layering under pants/jeans is much harder and never comfortable. If I’d planned on being outside for much long I would have added a scarf or second layer of outwear but for running errands this was perfect.

what outfits make layering easy for you?

January Spring

Vintage Trench Coat: D’s Mom, Knit: Shalaom Shuk, Top: Forever 21, Tiger Eye Necklace: Zinnia, Vintage Wool Skirt: Downtown Threads, Tights: Target, Steve Madden Cowboy Boots (similar)

Yesterday’s spring like temps were the perfect excuse to break out this classic trench . It was made by D’s grandmother for D’s mother over 20 years ago and couldn’t be more beautiful. I love that it’s as on trend today as it was when it was originally made and I already know I’ll be wearing it for years to come.

Luckily I like how it looks with these boots because fingers crossed I’ll have these boots forever. I bought them right before I headed off to college and after years of near constant wear I finally had them resoled last winter. The cobbler was appalled at the condition they were in when I dropped them off, he literally chided me; but in the end he was able to work his shoe magic and after a complete resoling and new heels they’re better than new.

what pieces do you hope to be wearing for years to come?

 

impractically perfect

Sweater: Burton, Belt: Pac Sun, Jeans: Gap, Heels: ALDO (similar here)Just because I wear snow boots on my walk to work doesn’t mean I have to wear them once I get to work… or for quick trips to the mailbox. Not even Vermont’s winter weather could send my shoe collection into hibernation. These bold patterned ALDO heels might not be practical in the snow but they sure do brighten up a grey day.

what bold accessories have you been wearing this winter?

Whole Lotta Layers

Hat: UO, Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Faux Fur Snood: Gifted, Moto Jacket: Forever 21, Knit and Button Up: Goodwill, Hurley Jeans: Plato’s Closet, Blowfish Boots: Macy’s, Vintage Bag: Gifted Hello from the tundra where layering is key to survival and two pairs of socks are always batter than one. This Forever 21 moto jacket (similar here) is made of a faux suede material that is surprisingly warm and wind repellent, especially with a thick knit cardigan and thermal button up layered underneath. Add my warmest piece of neckwear (seen here, here, and here) and Blowfish Boots (similar pair here) that are roomy enough for legwarmers and fleece socks and suddenly 12 degrees isn’t so daunting.

what are that warmest layers in your closet?