Vintage Blues

/ Vintage Dress / H&M Clutch / Zara Heels /

One of my favorite parts about vintage pieces is that they are so one-of-a-kind. As much as I love my fast fashion stores, there really is something special about having a piece in your wardrobe that no one else shares with you. When it comes to vintage, I am quite particular about what I like, and it is usually in the form of devastatingly feminine pieces. This dress is no exception, and is probably one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. I knew when I saw it last summer at the since closed Zachary's Smile in New York City's West Village that it was a piece that really got to me. Hard to appreciate the details in photographs, everything from the delicate zipper to the inner construction shows the time put in to make this dress that you just don't find in your fast fashion pieces today. In styling this dress, I tried to complement the silvery blues of the bows that adorned the skirt and shoulders with my latest favorite metallic heels, snakeskin print clutch, and skipping on the jewelry-it clearly isn't needed.

Do you have a favorite vintage piece? One of my other favorites is a 1950's lilac prom dress that I keep hanging in my closet as a daily source of inspiration.

Dress Up

With Christmas around the corner, there is no doubt that I have festive reds on my mind. Though I do not celebrate Christmas, there is something about putting on a dress in a holiday colored hue that makes the holidays have that special feeling that they always do. This Carven dress from the Spring '13 collection has all of the components of a great holiday dress-- tasteful and fun cutouts, interesting neckline, classic length, and bright color--but, being from the spring collection, will also obviously work for warmer months.

Home Improvement

There's something about leaving a brick wall exposed that makes a room feel sort of unique and special.  While I typically associate red and brown brick with coziness and warmth, this white bricked small space is comfortable and cozy in a similar relaxing way. Pairing the rustic brick with the more feminine pink and creme pillows and wicker furniture makes for a combination that is both aesthetically pleasing and perfect for a room to lounge in. 

A to Z: Lace

To me, lace is one of those fabrics that regardless of what color it is in, or what it is applied to, always exudes a sort of femininity. In a way, with all of the varieties, each lace has a personality that is different and makes each garment feel special. While lace used to be more associated with bridal gowns and creams and whites, more recently, it can be found in every color from neutral to neon (see above).

Do you have a favorite color or style of lace? I absolutely love the cream colored dress in the image. While it is definitely a more subtle version in comparison to the chartreuse all-over lace on the right, I love the way that it appears so soft and ethereal and then is paired with a bright poppy colored bag.

1, 2, 3, 4

Dress Up

Jacquard, like brocade, is a fabric that always makes a garment feel special and unique to me. This short sleeved Jacquard floral print dress with an inverted pleat in the front that although is a fairly simple design, is one that is the perfect base for layering in the cooler weathered climates. I can picture paring this piece with an army green utility jacket that would work well with the cold, silver, and bronze metallics that are found in this dress's fabric, as well as dressing it down a bit. 

How would you style this dress? Are you a fan of Jacquard?

Dress Up

While many people save their sparkles and sequins for the holiday seasons, I for one, am a fan of them all year round. A little sparkle is a great way to add a little bit of glitz and glamour into your life, and quite frankly, they're just fun to wear. This week's dress is full of sparkles, but is in a length and shape that can easily be able to be worn for either day or night. For a more day-time appropriate look, this dress would provide just the right amount of sparkle when paired down with a chambray button down and a utility coat, or dressed up with a tuxedo blazer and some simple jewelry to balance the shine. Either way, this dress is one that while easy to wear, can also easily make your outfit feel special, as well.

Would you rock sequins throughout the year?

Dress Up

When the feather trend was beginning and designers began to incorporate them into their designs more and more, aside from this collection, I wasn't so sure. However, when I saw this week's dress of the week, I was more intrigued. I love the way that the black feathers create such an interesting texture to the sleek dress, and their movement adds a whole other component. And, with the holidays coming up in the next few weeks, this is the little black dress that is perfect for a party or special occasion outing. Aside from the feathers, the velvet sweetheart bodice with a slight plunge and illusion neckline add a bit of interest, as well. 

How do you feel about feathers? 

Tuesday Shoesday

In counting down the days until I head home for Thanksgiving break,  my excitement over re-uniting with the shoes that I left in my closet began to build. I purchased this pair of Sam Edelman "Taryn" heels over the summer and, though I only wore them once, I am absolutely in love with them. Wearing a pair of light colored shoes always feels special to me because I have to be extra cautious not to dirty them. I love the ivory suede and the pattern that looks like a type of scalloped edge skin. Aside from the  obviously lovely shape, I am interested specifically in the shape of the heel every time. The way that it sort of flares out and gets wider towards the bottom is a style that definitely drew my attention and makes it feel as if your wearing something other than just another pair of heels. 

For everyone headed home for Thanksgiving soon, what are some pieces that you are excited to be re-united with?

A to Z: Glitter

While glittered garments used to be brought out for strictly holiday celebratory events, more recently they have been being incorporated into ensembles that are worn for everyday average events as a way to add pizazz. With glitters, sequins, and sparkles, aside from all-out party dresses, I love when they are applied in an unconventional manner-- a glittered skirt with a t-shirt, glittered heels with jeans, or a sweatshirt with glittered sections. Putting on something glittered, whether for a formal occasion or just for a class, is an easy way to make what you have on just a little more special than it was before.

Would you mix glittered pieces with more casual ones? Here are some of my favorite ways to add glitter to everyday outfits. Which are your favorites?

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Dress Up

I love dresses with a surprise factor to them. However, with pieces that are so special and memorable, I have found that they are usually the pieces that we don't wear as often in order to try and really make their surprise factor...a surprise. This dress by ADDISON is one that while it has a surprise factor of the  marigold center, it can be zipped or unzipped to create different shapes, colors, and looks for the piece overall. One dress, many looks. 

Do you have any of those special "limited wear" dresses?

 I hope everyone has a great weekend. My family is here for Parent's Weekend and tomorrow we're going apple picking.

Dress Up

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Okay, so this week's Dress Up post is a little more of a party dress than something that you would wear on the regular, but can we take a minute and admire this alice + olivia piece? As you know, I am a sucker for anything with a bit of leopard, and it is almost always the perfect accent look to an outfit. When I saw this dress, I fell in love. Everything about it works down to the small details, like the slight curve of the neck-line and the fact that it is long sleeved. This is the perfect dress for a special occasion, in that every part of it has a special feel that there is a lot put into it--the leopard pattern is made from black sequins to form the spots, and there is a sheer open scoop panel in the back that while not a new concept, feels fresh and unique for this design. With cooler weather beginning to appear, a dress like this is spot-on for any special soiree that would find its' way onto your calendar. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!