Daily Wear: These are a Few of my Favorite Things

I realize today I was wearing pretty much all of my favorite things:

1. a nipped in, fun jacket

2. a vintage owl necklace

3. skinny jeans

4. heels 

(well when am I not wearing footwear with a heel?)

Pretty soon this jacket will have to go into storage because its very much a summertime piece.  It has no lining, its a very lightweight linen-y type fabric, and maybe its a summertime color palate.

However, even if its almost out of season, it's making its debut on this here lil' blog of mine.  Basically because I got it off the sale rack about 3 weeks ago.  I couldn't resist, I loved the stripe-y action, the narrow waist, the color.  What can I say, try as I might, I'm a sucker for a fun jacket.

Jackets are my go-to when I want to do the jeans thing at work but not look like a total slacker; face it-jackets really polish off an otherwise casual outfit to a tee!

I'm also wearing a little owl that doesn't usually make his way out of the jewelry box.  Mostly he's stuck in his little drawer for the most part because I actually forget about owning him quite a lot.  He's not my usual owl that's for sure.  But he is my newest of the vintage owls...

I got him in the Poconos when I went on that Memorial Day Wknd trip w/Mel

(good times, i need to get back there--fireworks superstore and cheap beer!)

And I just got my suede booties repaired.  These are the ones that snapped at the heel last week when I was walking out of DSW (again, thankfully I had just bought 2 new pairs of boots so I made a quick change-a-roo).  This pair of booties is one of my faves...I like the color mostly, its a mushroom type shade.  The heel was a little too tall from the last time I got it repaired (imagine that, I am claiming a heel to be "too tall"), this is why I think it snapped to begin with.  So this time I asked the cobbler man to make it just about 1/8" less tall (yes, 1/8"!  Seriously, is that even going to make a difference?  I can't believe myself sometimes)

Wearing:

*Blue jacket-Rachel by Rachel Roy

*White tank-H&M

*Silver vintage owl necklace-vintage store in the Poconos

*Dark denim skinny jeans-Uniqlo

*Beige suede booties-Calvin Klein

Oh, and Happy Day for sure!!!!!!!!!!

According to my countdown widget--FALL HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED!

(although about 2 days ago I realized that I am pretty certain the countdown was set a day too early, and Fall doesn't really officially start until tomorrow....honestly who knows, let's just get summer the heck out of here already!)

Daily Wear: Long Time Forgotten

Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson sing "Good Hearted Woman", if I can be so bold as to change one word in their first line it would go something like this,

"A Long Time Forgotten are dresses that just fell by the way"

Oh my god, actually I love that song and I don't need to be adding my own lyrics to it just because I wanted to say that this dress was a long time forgotten. Ooops, in fact, I never even wore it before I went and forgot about it.

I pulled it out of the closet last night when I was playing dress-up with my stupid old clothing. I was trying to find new ways to wear some of my pieces, and I came upon this. I think the reason I never wore this dress, for nearly the one year I've owned it, is because the center front neckline proves a little bit difficult for a busty gal like myself. So much so that I had to do that ol' safety pin trick to hold it together. I hate that!

Another thing I came across that I didn't even know I owned---THESE TIGHTS! What, where have they been, and when did they enter my life? Maybe sometime back in college, but seriously-how do I go all these years not even knowing I had these? Whatever, they'll be getting plenty of wear now that I know these exist in my collection. But yeah, where have I been and how did I not know I had these pretty little lacy bits????

You know something kinda quirky I do? I find myself 9x out of 10 wearing these two necklaces together. If I wear one, you can bet I'm probably wearing the other. I don't know why I think I have to wear them together, I think its got something to do with their lengths. They kinda balance eachother out and I'm not a dainty girl of any sort so wearing just one necklace would never be enough!

Wearing:

Gray jacket, Urban outfitters

Blue dress, I ♥ Ronson

White lace tights, ????

Taupe suede booties, Calvin Klein

Brown vintage purse, Coach (via the thrift store)

Now excuse me, I've got to continue cleaning my dirty-A$$ apartment because this weekend we've got another Dusty Rose Vintage photoshoot lined up, and my house is the depot of fun this time around....so I gotta spiffy things up before I even attempt to let the girls and boys hang out here.

Oh I'm so excited for this weekend though, its supposed to be so nice and I think we'll be hanging out and shooting in Prospect Park--LOVELY!!!!!! That's all I'm gonna give away-you'll just have to come back in a week or two if you want to see what we crazy gals are up to in DRV's vintage fare!

I'm about to ramble moreso if I don't make like a baby and headout, cleaning to do and its late...so off to sweep then off to bed! Nite nite.

Daily Wear: Leftovers

Monday....oh Monday. sigh.......

Monday was a day of leftovers. After cleaning out and reorganizing my closet this weekend I came across a few items (ok, a lot of items) leftover from previous seasons.

A.) the skirt from Uniqlo--the one that twists around when I walk, as worn last summer.

B.) the suede booties--the ones that I broke the heel on and had repaired only to find the cobbler put a tad higher heel on them than before, and well they just really hurt the balls of my feet to walk around in all day. In fact, it shoots some wierd pain into my toe sometimes. Nice.

It had been a while since I wore both items, so I paired them up together today and out the door I went.

In addition to these leftover clothing items, BF and I had leftover for dinner--lasagna! My inner "Garfield" is satisfied.

Leftovers are kinda what I live for-I like some good leftover grub.

And nevermind my wrinkled skirt-this is what happens after a long day. Some fabrics just do not stay in their intended crisp state.

And forget that giant water stain on the front right of the skirt; that's just a telltale sign that I did the dishes before I snapped these pictures.

I'm glad Monday is winding down. Monday's are just not my thing.

Wearing:

*Green long sleeve tee-Target

*Camel scarf-H&M

*Gray skirt-Uniqlo

*Beige animal print tights-H&M (quickly becoming my fave hosiery for spring!)

*Taupe suede booties-Calvin Klein

*Brown leather rope necklace-street jeweler in Soho

Ps-I can't wait for Wednesday, this hair thing has been consuming all my thoughts. Thanks everyone for the suggestions--right now I'm leaning toward a sorta spiky on top, long and wispy on the bottom shag. yeah ok, sounds like a mullet-I'd like to believe its going to be more like Rod Stewart's rooster cut. I had it once before, I rather quite liked it, so I think I'll try it again. And I need to grow up already--I've been vigorously trolling around emo/scene girl hair sites. Seriously? yes, seriously!

The Fur Vest

I've been here all day trying to wait for more to happen so as to make a new "Weekend Rewind" post; I simply cannot wait longer.

I've been too excited all day about my outfit.

 I've been dying to wear my new fur vest for some time now

I got it back in September when Mel hooked me up with her Kensie pull.

So someone tell me why I've been online and in the house since I put this ensemble together earlier this afternoon?

Wearing:

*Beige fur vest-Kensie

*Gray wrap sweater-H&M

*Gray lace skirt-unknown

*Steel textured tight-HUE

*Taupe suede booties-Calvin Klein

*Gold chain/pearl necklace-Topshop

*Gold multi-strand necklace-Forever 21

I wore this skirt before, trying to rework it and make it into something different.  I never got around to doing anything with it.  But when the mood struck me to wear my fur vest, I had to find something girly to balance it out.  And looking at my past few months of posts, one can see I'm a basics, raw, rough around the edges kinda girl--not a lot of girliness in my closet.  This skirt was the first thing to come to mind.  

Alas, it's still too big, falls down around my hip bone and just looks awkward.  Nothing a few safety pins hooking skirt to tights cannot fix.  And voila!  Although I do have to admit it gives me a plusher stomach look and a bit more of an hourglass figure, but I can deal.

In all my giddiness over this entire look, I proceeded to get really into today's face/make-up.  I went for this smoky, kinda sleepy-eye look using taupes and browns-so as not to make it overly harsh.  A little shimmer and a pale pink lip to top it all off.

Then figured topping it off with a couple necklaces would be a nice touch.

And much to my delight, these tights are much more sheer than I ever imagined!  I bought them last fall and never had a moment to give them a try.  They looked so steely-blue in the package, very opaque and textured....And wow!  Now I'm loving them moreso than when I purchased them.  I just know they'll get a few more wears this year rather than last.

So here it is, just call me "Switzerland".....as in I'm super neutral today....neutral colors have such a nice cool feeling about them, they go exceptionally well with a crisp chill in the air.

And now, It's Saturday night.  I've spent the whole day in my computer position (A.K.A. my massage chair w/the laptop nearby) and it's time to GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! 

 Lucky for me, BF and his friend are down the street at our fave bar.  Bob is also on his way.  

Unfortunately, it's a little chillier now than it was this afternoon-I think I have to swap the beloved furry vest for my gray bomber.  Just me, the bomber, BEERS and BROS!  Happy Saturday Night!  Talk to you all tomorrow I hope.

Birthday Week: Nite Out

It's officially gotten stressful; birthdway celebrations that is.  I've got tons of people coming to my 30th Birthday Bash on Saturday (headcount is at like 90 guests)!

That means lots of out-of-town guests and I'm trying to have fun with everyone while they're here. 

So between running around with my family (dad, mom, aunts, uncles, soon to see my sister, bro-n-law, and nieces) and meeting up with the out-of-towner friends (so far that's Kevin and Sharlene-hailing from Colorado, and Nate-flying in from Ohio.....thanks guys for coming!); well PHEW!  I'm looking a bit like a chicken with her head cut off.

I started yesterday out by meeting up with mom and dad and aunt and uncle (will have a post of that in some sort in the next few days).

Wearing-

*Gray bomber jacket-H&M

*Lavender cowl neck sweater-H&M

*Gunmetal metallic leggings-Forever 21

*Brown suede boots-Carlos Santana

Then I left the 'rents to their crackerbox of a hotel room so they could hit the sack.  And I continued on to meet up with friends.

And that's when it happened.....I let them know I have a BLOG!  A blog about ME, MY CLOTHES, and more ME!

Having just taken a giant leap by announcing my blog (a semi-embarrasing, and often intimidating thing to let people know about), the friends then had to witness firsthand my most favored blog pose as to get the full effect of what I'm up to. I then gave them each a business card w/promises of having them on the blog.  Thanks for not fully laughing at me guys!  But then again, you're in NYC right now, and you have yet to check out this blog of mine.  

So Kevin, Sharlene, Nate-sorry I tried to lure you in to my blog-world.....here is it; enjoy.  And guy friends--I feel for you, I mean how "not so interesting" is this for you?  Seriously!  Since when do you care about what sweater I'm wearing.  

And back to the social activity---

We ate some dinner....

Then I found out Kevin and Sharlene got engaged......

(congratulations you guys; such a perfect couple!)

The group stuck it out at LIT for the majority of the evening......

Where we proceeded to drink more than we should have.....

I believe Nate said he should not drink anymore liquor, so what's in his hand?......
(and we were dancing, because that's what I do)

And to finish off the night, it appears Sharlene went and got possessed! (surely by the black-light demon of course)....

So on the eve of my 30th birthday, I sit here at my house eagerly awaiting more friends' arrivals! My very very best friend from high school (Abbey) is staying with me.....she arrives in about 2 hours! And my very very best friend from college(Amy) is already here, got in today with her husband (Michael).
Throw Mel, the BF, fun girl Jeralyn, and the girls from Cooking With Cocktails (Amanda-Abbey's kid sister and Megan)in the mix (they're from Louisville, also here for the big party).....and it's going to be a fun night in Park Slope with all my BFFS and very special people....I can't wait!!!!! I don' get to see them enough!!!!

For now, it's more running around like a chicken with it's head cut-off.  I have to go enjoy being 20-something for a few more hours.  Then it's off to being 30 freakin years OLD!!!!!

Vintage View #5

It's been a long time since I've shown you a

"VINTAGE VIEW".

So here you go....I've come back out of hiding

(A.K.A.--I was ill with a nasty stuffy, runny nose cold and not feeling up to par)

Wearing:

*Vintage printed tunic-Beacon's Closet

*Skinny jeans-Uniqlo

*Brown suede boots-Carlos Santana

*Gold octopi earrings

*Brown leather rope necklace-Street Jeweler in Soho

I found this lovely tunic one Saturday while shopping along 5th Ave. in Park Slope.  Of course that means a stop in my neighborhood Beacon's Closet.

I was drawn to it by the cut/silhouette.  Forgetting that I am not petite, I assumed it would make an adorable dress.  Too bad you have to be like 4' tall to make it a dress-and for that I am not willing to trade in on height-I'm ok with it being a tunic.  I can slap on some jeans, some leggings, some whatever and be just as happy.

I also have to say I dig the color combo of the top.  The green with brown is an obvious go-to for me, but the pink piping and little pop in the print-oh swoon!  It's a bit unexpected, and all the more worthy of my $15.

And this reminds me, a few people have asked for suggestions on where to shop when in NYC.  I promise you I have not forgotten--I am compiling a post in my head, editing my finds, styling the wardrobe from memory, and figuring it all out--soon I will have you a list of my top store choices, why I think they're important, and of course my many finds from each store to back up my selections.  I really will try to have it up for you kids in a week or so....because some of you have Fall trips to NYC planned, and it's very important you hit up at least one of my store mentions as you will surely find they will not disappoint.

Have a great weekend....oh, and stop back as I'm sure to post more frequently now that I'm feeling a tad better.  

And next week.....well there's some Fashion Week parties in the works, so that means more exciting outfits and lots of randoms if I can muster up the courage to capture them with my cruddy camera.  

Overall, just Wowzas!  I'm stoked to wear some new dresses I pulled from work, they'll definitely add a spark of life and color which sometimes I can desperately use!

Impromptu Style Pics

Saturday's Birthday Party Style:

9/5/09

*Beige Floral Print Dress-Forever 21

*Blue denim button-up shirt-H&M

*Brown suede boots-Carlos Santana

*Beige leather bag-Makowsky

Saturday was Bob's birthday party (Bob, pictured below).  I took some impromptu pics of friends to document their personal style choices.  They did not know beforehand that this would take place, and I like it better that way-- it captures their true, relaxed, personal twist on everyday attire.  No pre-party prepping or practiced poses...I like it when it's real.

I had all intention to jot down details on each of their outfits; sadly I lost interest after BF toldme one of the girls rolled their eyes and whispered into the other's ear at mention of my blog. 

(no need to name names, you know who you are.  "Thanks").

So here you go, the girls and boy of Williamsburg-and their style:

*Must point out Bob's Vintage bowling shirt--it's enviable, and I'd love to have it for my bowling excursions I frequently partake in.  

It must've belonged to a woman named "Babs" as the name is embroidered on it.  Another tell-tale sign of it being a ladies' blouse,  there's bust darts--which Bob referred to as "boob pockets".

I would love to start documenting friends and random people more often.  I think it's important to showcase others' style--it's a great way to get inspired, see what peers are wearing and how they're putting it together, and overall just to get some new ideas on clothing. Everyone can bring their own personality to an outfit and if you're anything like me, you find that personal twist so very exciting.  

Back-To-School WEATHER

If ever there was a term for a day like today, I'd hope they would choose my name for it,

"BACK TO SCHOOL WEATHER!"

It's what I always feel when it's the first fall-like day of the season.  It always reminds me of walking across campus with a smile on my face and some pep in my step.  Seriously, I wake up about 1000% happier and cheerier than any other time of the year.  There's just something about that brisk air, the crisp chill, the fact that there's no humidity-it all reminds me of football season and the promise of falling leaves and hot-chocolate.  And yes, I get overly giddy about it all.  I guess school, football, cocoa, my soon-to-be love affair with turtlenecks, etc. it's all a little bit of "all-American girl goodness" I can claim for myself.

It's no secret, FALL IS MY FAVE SEASON and today's weather brought back all my FAVE MEMORIES of school.  I always looked forward to the first day of school, and the excitement of seeing who was in your class, if  you'd be seated next to some cute boy, the note-taking, the random knowledge learned in classes totally unrelated to my fashion major, oh it was the best! I was a total goody-goody and loved going to class.  (I even had perfect attendance my first semester in college when for 4 months I battled a raging case of mono!).  So what better outfit to wear, than something that reminds me of school days of yesteryear?  

A classic denim skirt and boot combo of course.

To me, this outfit is nothing but BACK TO SCHOOL/FALL IS HERE--YIPPEE!  I have worn a variation of this outfit every year to school since I was 7!  Ummmm, hmmmm--maybe that's not such a good thing.  Time for a change?  NONSENSE!

I can vividly remember the first time I gave this look a whirl.   <picture it: 1986, me in the 1st grade-blonde high side ponytail, rocking my acid wash denim mini and DIY tie-dye t-shirt made in Brownies>  I should give my actual childhood look a try nowadays, I think acid wash and tie-dye would be rather cool!

But here's my more updated version--after wearing such an outfit for 23years, is it safe to say it's a classic?

*Orange 3/4 sleeve sweater-H&M

*White wifebeater tank-Hanes

*Blue denim skirt-Gap

*Brown suede boots-Carlos Santana (yeah who buys that?)

*Ivory scarf-Old Navy

I just realized, honestly I cannot even describe the way I feel on a day like today.  The gibberish above does my feelings no justice.  I cannot come up with the words.  I seriously really really like Fall and I'm kinda frustrated right now knowing that I can't fully convey my thoughts on it.  All I can say is I am so beyond excitement for the upcoming season; it's nuts!

And don't even get me started on NYC in the Fall--oh, to die for!