A Pretty Print For The Shirt-Dress Look
May 27, 2009
Ah, the shirt dress- I admit I have a long, white, otherwise men’s shirt formed into a dress with the help of a belt. But there is so much more possible with the design; take for instance this fabulous print shirt dress, complete with bow and exotic collar.
I discovered this find at TARGET some time ago, and bought the two prints that stood out to me the most. One is pictured here, more unique and different with color and design. The other is your traditional white shirtdress, but with navy pinstripes and a bow like this one.
I like how it has a unique collar to it, too- I have it buttoned up to show the full potential this look offers. It can also remain unbuttoned for a more traditional standard look, but I am enjoying the puffed stylish look today. I definitely wear both, it gives my wardrobe more variety.
The bow is the same way- and I love bows. With the collar up, I wanted to keep the symmetrical feel alive and so I have the bow centered. Normally if the collar were down, I would have the bow off to the side at an angle. It really does change the feel of the dress, funny how the details can do that.
The rich color and print on this dress makes it pop, so I like to keep my accessories simple. Not much is needed here- I am wearing some simple and adorable silver earrings and a collection of silver bangles across my wrist.
I am sporting the pigtails today, it lets me show off the collar of the dress and have the cute look the pig tails provide at the same time. I usually do an updo with this dress, but with the natural curls and waves I’ve been getting from my hair since I saw my stylist earlier this week, I wanted to keep them present. So the pigtails are doing just the thing for me today.
So here’s a new way to spice up the shirt dress look and keep it interesting and feminine! Gotta love the new ideas and inspirations.
Because Aprons Can Be Dresses, Too
May 11, 2009
How adorable and fun is this? It is called an apron dress- but it is more subtle than that I think. I can see where the name comes from, but don’t be fooled- this one is not for the kitchen.
I love bows, they are so adorable. The bow on this dress is perfectly placed too- and the same color bow to dress fabric is a lovely touch as well. It adds more to the dress’s unusual design and shape.
This dress consists only of the gray fabric you see- the black top underneathe is a separate piece, both items came from YesStyle.com (I love them- they are fabulous!) and both fit and feel lovely on. I purchased the black top with the bow sleeves when I had the apron dress in mind- also I thought it would be a fun top to experiment with my other jumper style dresses.
Adding unique sleeves to an otherwise sleeveless dress reinvents the look all together, and I think this top in particular will make a dramatic effect.
The bow-tie sleeved top is from Dodostyle and comes in multiple colors- black, white, and pink are the ones that come immediately to mind, you can look and see more for yourself on YesStyle.com as there were some other variations on the style of the sleeves.
The apron dress comes in two colors, too- gray as seen here and also in black. I chose gray because I can mix it out more within my wardrobe- but I think a black apron dress with a white puffed-bow sleeve would also be *very* adorable!
Hmmmmm….. speak with you soon!
It’s like Walking Around In My Bed, Only Adorable!
May 8, 2009
You know that feeling when you slip under the covers of a freshly made bed- the extra coziness surrounds you and you melt into the sheets? That is exactly how this dress feels the moment you put it on- I didn’t know that was possible. I love it.
I decided to wear my adorable new dress from Dodostyle found on YesStyle.com - this one is the first one that caught my eye on the site. With delicate frills and lace I knew I had to have it, also for those who know me well.. if it has ribbon on it chances are strong that I will be getting it.
What first caught my attention with this dress was the sleeves- they called them Lantern Sleeves. The print has just the slightest sheerness to it (the body of the dress itself has an incredibly silky black slip attached to it, preventing the dress from being see-through and adding that additional layer of coziness). And then the sleeves flare out with black lace- matching the bottom of the dress as well.
This is an adorable dress that makes for an easy and stylish look- not much is needed here as the print and frills are a nice balance. I wore this dress with my Marcianno black patent heels, if I added anything else to this look it may be black tights, but honestly the dress is so cozy I would prefer to leave it as it is.
The dress also comes in an off white/cream shade which is lovely for the spring in summer. I am enjoying the black version here as it will also be great for the winter.
I cannot get over how cozy this dress is, it seriously feels like I am walking around while being tucked in bed- I love it! I just have to remember to stay awake when my cocktail comes around 
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!
1950′s Crimson Glamor
May 2, 2009
So I also found a dress from the 1950′s at this amazing little vintage shop in Seattle, what a visit this one was. They didn’t have many clothing items in the shop as it was mostly furniture and accessories- but the few they did have seemed to all come from one little lady about the same size as me. What luck!
Now, this dress does need to be pressed to be really appreciated, but you can get a feel from it still with these images. The color and texture is what it is all about, anyway.
The shape of the dress is very simple, with a little triangle decoration at the top front- but the color is so rich and beautiful. I love a nice crimson, and this one is delicious.
I think once it is pressed smooth and dressed up with some delicate fashion accessories (a jeweled necklace, earrings and bracelet at most) and this will be ready to go.
This will make for a fun and glamorous evening with cocktails and dinner.
Pretty In Pink Layers Like a 1920 Cupcake
April 30, 2009
From my last vintage shopping adventure I found much more than just accessories- in fact, I even found *two* dresses from the 1920s that fit me exactly. Wow, what finds- one is a wedding dress (post to come soon, patience!) and the other is this Spanish Flamenco dress!
Talk about something that makes you want to spin and twirl, this was an incredible find. From the rose coloring to the puffy layered sleeves- I feel like a giant tiered cake ready to go dancing.
This dress is incredible- and the back is something to look at as well. Nothing but eye-hooks (which makes it difficult to put on by yourself, definitely a two person job dress). Which is why in these photos I only hooked one or two to keep it from falling off for photos, you can see in the top photo with the sleeves it is unbuttoned. Otherwise it is a nice fit.
It’s so shiny, too- makes me feel like a giant cupcake, nom! The way it moves is heavenly, and there is plenty of skirt- layers and layers. Definitely has some weight on it which is also quite nice, you can really feel the movement of the dress.
It is in pretty great condition; all it needs is a cleaning and maybe a steam press for an overall polished look- but it is otherwise ready to go. This is a dress that brings occasions to it.
Style- Oh, Yes!
April 22, 2009
What are your styleobsessions? You’ve seen quite a few of my own inspirations and I love to keep my collections growing. Everything from unique and creative dresses and accessories to beautiful shoes- you name it! We all love our style companions, especially discovering the items that meet the best of our personalities.
It is with that in mind that I am incredibly excited and honored to announce the Pretty and Fabulous sponsorship from YesStyle!
They are my latest obsession, and with great and fabulous reason; there is something for everyone and for all of my moods and attitudes. For the times I am feeling old hollywood glamor to the times I am feeling like I am five again, they have the style that meets my needs. Not to mention a pretty and fabulous price, very affordable with items ranging from around $20 up to the bigger designers. I love it and cannot wait for you to take a look and see for yourself. I want to know what you like the most.
The Accessories section is like a candy store- sometimes very literally! With designer brands like “Fit-To-Kill” and “FairyTales” it is like a fashion wonderland! Even the names are spectacular.
Because they have so many styles available, this is also a great place for getting gifts for that finicky fashinista- they are bound to have something clever that caters to their individual personality. I already have things in mind for some of my friends that I know they are going to love and be the envy at every party they attend!
Here are some looks I am loving right now, one from Dodostyle and another adorable dress from Spring Girl, I think they are perfect for spring’s feminine image.
Sophisticated classy dresses, girly frilly looks, even casual wear with sweaters and jeans- there is a look for you and this is why I love it so much and am presenting it to you!
This is how much creative they can be- and since I am a sucker for an adorable charm bracelet, let alone candy influenced designs, check this one out:
Sooo adorable, ha- very fun and girlie. You will do best to take a look through their styles and see what you love best, you will be amazed at all they have, I have such a list compiled already!
They have designer items too, and I will leave you with the one that is on my wishlist, I am seriously obsessed with this jacket… I may even drool… and admit to it! How gorgeous is this? Ah, go look and comment back to me! Much love!
Feminine Soft Curls and A Big Red Bow
April 21, 2009
So I woke up this morning feeling especially girlie and feminine, it is such a beautiful day outside perhaps it is the sunshine coming in that is inspiring me. Looking into my closet I knew exactly what I wanted to wear- a white frilly dress, and my hair in soft curls with a bright red ribbon.
I have my curls very subtle, I like them that way with this type of look. They become more noticeable in the wind or when I walk- and I like that. With my dress being very simple and white, I wanted to add a bold color into the mix and thought the red ribbon was just the thing, and still keeps true to the girlie theme I am playing with here.
I also added a little bit of a puff to the pony tail portion of this look, I rarely wear my hair half up and half down, but when I do I like the subtle puff since otherwise it can feel to flat on top. I find it keeps a beautiful balance as it transitions into the curls or waves below.
And the dress- I love a simple yet frilly dress. Love it. If it makes me want to twirl when I am wearing it then I instantly want it. It’s the child in me, and I like to keep it happy (only child, naturally).
I found this dress some time ago I believe at forever twenty one, I haven’t worn it yet this year so I am delighted to be playing in it now.
Oh, did I mention it has the most adorable pockets on the sides? What makes me love this dress in particular is that the uneven hem is longer on the sides rather than the front and back. It is just slightly different and makes it all the more unique and wonderful.
It also has a very vintage look and feel about it, as if it once belonged to an old doll or was hand made from mom.
Even the pockets are larger than normal, giving that feeling of being a child and wanting to fill them with candy! This is certainly a fun one.
