The History of Polka Dots

Sunnies & Tank: Charlotte Russe, Gifted Necklace, Skirt: The Clothes Line, Tote Bag: Forever 21, Misc Bracelets, Sandals: GoodwillHow could I say no to tangerine polka dots or mustaches for that matter? Even Boss, the four legged photo bomber above, was drawn to my dots (which I would classify as subtle but bold). Speaking of polka dots I now know too much about them thanks to this Flaunt piece; the history of polka dots.

What patterns have you been reading up on lately?

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? 

May Flowers & Showers

Scarf: Gift from the lovely Lyndsey of Chicesque, Trench: Forever 21, Striped Blouse: Talbots (via Goodwill),  Lace Pants: Urban Outfitters, Thrifted Necklace, Bracelets: Florence, Italy, Heels: Target,  Jaguar Ring: GILTThe more I wear them the more I love these high waisted lace pants from Urban. Paired with my new favorite blouse and snakeskin heels I was mixing not only textures but patterns. I’ve been stepping outside my fashion comfort zone a lot more recently and not only has it been fun but in a way it’s been freeing. Shaking it up and taking some risks with your wardrobe choices is a great way to keep your style fresh and fun.

James from Downtown Threads* snapped these photos for me and managed to capture a few shots of the tree blossoms being carried by the wind. Not only was it beautiful but the blooms smelled amazing. Just another one of beautiful signs of spring that have been popping up all over Burlington.

What signs of spring have you been seeing? When was the last time you stepped outside your fashion comfort zone?

*Speaking of Downtown Threads, I’m guest posting on their website today about mixing florals into your wardrobe!

Jeans, Unicorns, and my new Love of Stripes

Sunglasses: Dollar Store, Blazer (from suit set): Talbots (via Goodwill) Beaded Necklace: DIY, Tee & Jeans: H&M,Watch: Yard Sale in Maine Belt & Rose Necklace: Forever 21, Heels: Nine West via TJ MaxxI don’t know what’s more elusive, unicorns or the perfect pair of jeans.

I have a love hate relationship with these pants. I love the wash and rise but the length is where I struggle. They’re too long to wear with flats but too short to wear with most of my heels. Luckily I managed to dig out these tortoise shell kitten heels (one of the first pairs of heels that I ever purchased!) and they were the perfect height. The elongated pointy toe barely peaks out from under the dark denim and I like how the tortoise shell looked paired with my striped tee.

I’m not sure what prompted my new love of stripes (see here, here, & here) but I’ve had a lot of fun mixing them into my wardrobe. I found stripes to be easy to mix and match with other patterns especially florals and brights. In this case I loved how my striped tee popped when paired with the bright green blazer. It added the perfect punch of color and the cut of the jacket worked with the rise of the jeans to create a flattering silhouette.

Do you struggle when it comes to styling a certain style/pair of jeans? What patterns/prints have you been mixing into your spring wardrobe?

Mixing Patterns with Naughty Monkey’s

Sunglasses: Chinatown, Scarf: Gifted (via Macy’s), Tank: Charlotte Ruse, Skirt: Downtown Threads, Heels: Naughty Monkey (via Stella)oh hi! thanks for waving & hollering at me while I’m snapping pictures

I bought these shoes on a whim (story of my life) when I was transitioning my wardrobe from frumpalicious college student to office fashionista. I wore them twice and promptly forgot I had them… until I was putting this outfit together. Black and white with red accents is one of my favorite color pairings. I especially love how the red and white pattern on the shoes works with the black and white skirt. The red accents kept the look from being too boring and the scarf added just the right punch of color.

The mornings have felt like fall and the afternoons like late summer so I’ve been relying on layers to keep me comfortable. Today I lugged a raincoat, blazer, cardigan and scarf to the office with me, not sure what type of weather I would encounter on the walk home. Worse case I’ll put all my layers on and do a few laps around the office to burn off lunch.

How have you been transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall? What color combinations do you consider timeless?

Chocolate Covered Donuts

Sunnies: ?, Top: Coin, Belt: The Possibility Shop, Skirt: Downtown Threads, Heels: Naughty Monkey

I rediscovered this top in my closet earlier this week and have been looking forward to wearing it ever since. One of the reasons I put this top in the back of my closet is because I’ve had a hard time styling it in the past. There is a  wide band of ruched elastic around the bottom of the top that creates an unflattering silhouette (poofing in the midsection area is never good).

To work around the top’s problem area I tucked it into a vintage high waisted skirt and was surprised by how much it changed the top’s shape. I wanted the 70’s inspired circular pattern to really pop so I paired it with a skinny red belt. I had originally planned to wear a neutral pair of heels but I liked how the red accents looked and I wanted to tie everything together so I opted the red and white checked pumps.

However what really sold me on this look was when D told me, “I like your outfit today babe. Your top looks like it has chocolate covered donuts on it!”

 

What do you think about this top? Did I style it well or should I have left it buried in the back of my closet?

 

 

A Prairie Home

Sunnies: Greece, Top: Gifted, Belt: Vintage via my Mom, Skirt: H&M,

Slip (not seen): Vintage (via Etsy), Jean Jacket: T.J Maxx, Tote: Gifted

Cape Cod Bracelet: Gifted, Ring: Gifted, Mocs: Lands’ End

I took these photos over the weekend while it was still sunny and spring like in Burlington. Now we’re facing over a week of rain with a chance of “some sun” on Monday! Burlington like many other Vermont communities affected by the record high flooding this spring are bracing for the worst as Lake Champlain and Vermont’s rivers begin to swell again while the rain continues to fall.

While D and I were on vacation I dragged him into H&M in Philly and proceeded to spend an hour (my given time limit) frantically trying outfits on as fast as I could. I’d been searching for the perfect white maxi prairie/hippy skirt for a while so when I spotted this gem I didn’t hesitate. It was exactly what I’d been looking for and while it is a bit sheer the vintage slips that I picked up from Etsy (a million years ago) worked like a charm.

I wore this outfit over the weekend when D and I ran errands downtown and went out for a quick dinner. Since we were walking I wanted to wear flats but I was worried about the skirt dragging so I decided to try and wear it high-waisted and ended up loving the result. I’m looking forward to trying it with other skirts in my closet. By adding a thick waist belt and tucking in my sweater I was able to completely changed the look and feel of my outfit. Playing with proportions and adding simply accessories are quick (and cheap) ways to make your wardrobe really work for you.

Will you be rocking a maxi skirt this summer? What accessories do you pair with your maxi skirt?

LBD Co-Lab Look #5 Red Cowgirl Boots and a Fedora

I love this outfit, it was the one I was the least certain on when Carolyn and I laid out the outfits, but seeing it now I love how all the elements came together!

Fedora: Charlotte Ruse, LBD, Belt: Old Navy,

Skirt: Vintage (via BTV CLothing Swap), Tights: Gifted, Boots: Gifted

This outfit really pushed me out of my comfort zone and I am so thankful! Normally I wouldn’t consider mixing patterns so freely but I trusted Carolyn and I wasn’t disappointed. I love how the pattern of the tights and the skirt are complementary in a clashing way.

The belt is a little big for me so we  pinned it it the back. The stripes and woven detailing on the front tie in the fedora and add a lighter, more summery feel to this LBD remix look.Transitioning the look from spring to summer is a snap! 

Again we turned the LBD into a LBT and the outcome in my opinion was a triumph! I would wear this outfit again in a heart beat and plan on it!

A huge thank you to Carolyn of Fig Dreams Clothing & Designs for helping me see not only my LBD but my whole wardrobe in new ways. Having Carolyn’s input was like being able to see how your friend would wear your clothes without having to give any of them up.

This remixing project helped me try new trends and pushed me out of my comfort zone (both good things in my opinion). I think that I will definitely open myself up to new trends, styles, and ideas more because of this project. It was great to be able to see my wardrobe and my style through Carolyn’s eyes. Even if it was only for a short period of time it provided me a lot of perspective.

Have you ever done a remixing challenge? What was your favorite LBD remix look? How would you have remixed an LBD?