The Suit Jacket’s Daring Edgy Factor
February 5, 2010
We all know and love the classic suit jacket, with its fitted structure, collar, and buttons. But sometimes we want a more edgy look: something daring, bold, and exciting. Enter in the leggings!
Traditionally a suit-type jacket is worn with matching trousers or a pencil skirt and collared white blouse underneath. It is a classic look. But when you want more of an edgy factor, that same business style garment suddenly opens many more opportunities. This is also a great way to expand your style from the pieces you already have existing in your closet.
Take for instance what I have done here with my gray double-breasted long jacket from BLACK QUEEN and leggings from Peplum, both of which I found on YESSTYLE.com (check out more of their leggings here).
Just a simple classic jacket, great for any occasion paired with some edgy leggings for a daring look.
Rethink your wardrobe and see what creative mixes you can find. And think of your future fashion finds: what new item would reinvent nearly your entire closet, or maybe just some of your favorites? Leggings go a long way from pairing up with dresses, vests, t shirts, and jackets. They also make your shoes look like something new as well.
A traditional styled jacket is great for those classic looks on the formal side, worn with a pair of skinny jeans on the casual side, or worn here with some bold leggings for the edgy side. Remember, a new item doesn’t mean just a new outfit- it means many new possibilities for all of your existing outfits! Expand your style in volumes.
Does Your Dress Have Wings?
May 7, 2009
A dress with wings- and yet subtle and elegant still. I love the way this dress moves and feels- so beautifully silky and delicate. The design is simple but unique, and a discovery found unexpectidly at an all too common place, too-
TARGET, yet again another beautiful discovery!
The straps have a subtle and elegant detail to them as well which I love- simple twists making it a modern and lovely design.
Now, as much as I adore this design there is an image that will not vanish from my mind since I heard it- when I first purchased this dress and went to wear it out, my fiancee made a certain comment that horrified me. For those who dislike bugs as much as me, you may not wish to continue to read this line… but he dared to call it a ‘cockroach’ dress!
I was disgusted and horrified when he first said it, especially since I could then see it too! But you know what, despise the horrors of that description, I still love the dress (and deteste the bug). It is a comfortable and elegant dress and so be it if it resembles the insect… the insect wished it was this luxurious!
So here it is, my dress with wings.
1920’s Vintage Wedding Dress Find
May 5, 2009
Here it is, finally- my 1920’s wedding dress discovery! And did I mention the price tag on this little gem- I couldn’t even believe it when I heard it.
We were visiting our great friends in Seattle, having an amazing weekend, when us girls decided to go shopping out on Whidbey Island while the boys stayed home and went over some business. The last time we were here, we discovered a beautiful little antique shop where I found these gorgeous jewelry sets for an amazing price as well. Back to this visit though-
Of all the amazing items I found on this visit and have shared with you, this one is exceptional. We all admired this delicate wedding dress sitting gracefully on in the window, dreaming and not daring to consider the price. It looked so elegant with such a story to tell. The tag on it was resting at the top very high, and we could only just slightly see the number three written on it. If that was the start of the price or the item number, we couldn’t tell. As we were leaving we casually asked the attendant the price of the dress, to which he answered $39.99.
I didn’t know what to do at first, honestly. My mind was wowed.
So after a little walking and thinking I decided to at least give the dress a try on while my mind continued to absorb the concept.
This dress fit me in every way possible- you could even see how delicately it had been altered for a custom fit. The buttons are small metal ones (which I left unbuttoned for these photos as they are difficult to close by yourself, with assistance it is a simple task though) and some eye hooks.
Even the clasp at the end of the sleeves fit me perfectly. This was incredible, how unusual to find a dress of this style and condition, at this price, and fit like a custom made dress.
Incredible. The dress is beautiful as it is and definitely a look of the 1920’s- I am planning on giving it a modern twist that will remain classic and elegant. The sleeves will be going- they are a bit much for me. I think some antique lace continued just over the shoulder would make a very sleek and elegant look.
The front, too can be altered a bit- removing some of the rosettes and bringing the line a bit lower, this will be something I will have to play and experiment with. Over all I don’t want to do too much to this dress, but I think some simple well thought alterations and touches will blend some modern elegance into the feel (and make it my own).
The back is gorgeous, too- with a very long and graceful train.
With a little cleaning, pressing, and alterations this dress will have a complete turn around. I am very much looking forward to it! A slip will also need to be created with antique lace at the bottom so that heels can be worn with the dress. Little things!
Oh, it also came with a veil, the headband can be used but the material will have to be replaced as it is old and tattered. I may eliminate it completely, I haven’t quite decided yet- opinions? It may be a bit much!
So here you are- the original before photo shots of my $40 wedding dress find, I still don’t know what I think of this amazing find- or that it is real. But here it is!
Glamour of Vintage Earrings
December 6, 2008
One of the things I love about vintage is you really feel each piece has its own story. You get a sense that it has seen the world and been a part of so many special events, enriching the lives of its owners, and that now it is your turn to contribute.
It is one of a kind and very special. These earrings I have recently come upon absolutely have this factor.
There is something to be said of jewelry, or any item really, that has a story and sense of empowerment; it is like when you are a child and you are wearing your mother’s jewelry. It doesn’t matter what age you are, it is still something you treasure and can still do to empower your day even more. I dare you not to smile when you wear something of such significance to you.
Bring something out from a treasured past memory- or find something someone has left behind to be moved on to new memories. It is much more than a fashion statement.
Cookie, Cookie, Cookies
September 8, 2008
I love cookies, lol. I was out and about early this morning and decided to make a stop at my favorite French bakery in town, rightly titled French Gourmet Bakery. I remember coming here as a child with my parents to purchase fresh bread for delicious meals at home. So this place and I go back, I love it.
Me and cookies are very much like that episode of Family Guy where Stewie has a crush on the little brunette girl who’s line of notice throughout the show was “Cookie?” For then Stewie to find out she never liked him- it was only for the cookies. Mmmm, cookies, haha, that would be me, too.
My craving came from the other night- we were enjoying some wine with our neighbors when someone said cookie, and both she and I instantly start saying cookie and that we want a cookie.
Now I have them, and yum! Your classic chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin are pictured at the top- chewy and magical, simply perfect. This bakery can do no wrong, not once in all these years have I ever had a bad experience.
Following the classics, is another one in my heart- the thumb print cookie. Perfectly crumbly with the right amount of moistness that melts only when placed in your mouth, oh and the chocolate they use is ridiculous how great it is. My “I don’t like chocolate” friends fight for the last bit of it. Truly, a must have.
The last one is an iced ginger cookie with the little silver ball sprinkles. Simplicity goes far with this one, and all the spices are just right.
Normally I do like to bake my own cookies, but I have not done so in a while. Besides, this place for me is an extra special treat.
Here’s to the love of cookies. I dare you not to want one, now [ LOL ].
P.S. I just found out they now deliver online (their cookies at least, cakes are in store only). So if you are in for a treat take a look: http://www.fgbakery.com - much love!
Pretty Little Things
May 25, 2008
Old Hollywood holds images of glamor and black and white elegance, but the present is in color and so are the styles. Traditional cuts and shapes are still admired, as they were and now in bright bold colors.
Everyone should have something pretty that is special to them. Maybe its a piece of jewelry passed down, a vintage hat or fur- even a fancy spoon or teacup can be a memorable and special pretty item. So long as you use it- if not for once in a while.
What’s old is new and what’s new is in memory of the old.
We all know the images of classic glamor girls in the past- fancy delicate hats with well cut dresses, gloves, broaches, and well thought out pieces alike. They don’t all have to be your classic colors (black, white, nude). Christian Lacroix always shows otherwise.
Being Playful almost certainly has to involve pretty little things, makes you feel like a pretty little thing yourself. Don’t leave special items in the closet collecting dust- keep them alive and involved in your life. After all, it is what makes them special to be remembered and admired.
Create your own collection of pretty little things to be admired now and later when they become icons. There’s nothing like the one of a kind impossible to find item in your hands and in your wardrobe.
