Outfits Of The Yesterdays (Winter Whites, Prints, and Pumps)

 ♫: Don't Worry, We'll Be Watching You - Gotye

I left Sioux Falls, South Dakota one really cold, windy day in December of 2002. I still remember following the drifting U-Haul trailer pulled behind my parent's van, swinging in the wind on I-90 and splashing cold ice pellets of snow back at me as it went. I was full of feelings of joy and wonder and excitement and, and, and.   

And fear.  

Fear feels a lot like the stinging, cold bitterness of a South Dakota winter, I discovered on that one-way trip. It has no taste, smell, or even sound really; yet you still somehow know it's there. It freaking hurts your nose all of your body parts nonetheless, it numbs.

I had spent my entire life in Sioux Falls; my entire life in the exact same small house save for a quick stay on a concrete-bench-cleverly-disguised-as-a-cheap-canvas-sofa-from-IKEA in my sister's apartment right before I moved. My parents had sold that house, you see, sold 20 years worth of memories in mere minutes to a neighbor as soon as the FOR SALE sign had hit the lawn on a late summer day. He was a big, tan burly man with a black beard, a quiet voice, a small white maltese, a loud motorcycle, and a yippy-yappy red-headed wife.

"YOU'VE MADE MY LIFE A LIVING HELL!" I had heard him yell at his wife one day, several years prior. This was followed by a violent slam of the door as he stomped outside, holding the maltese. It is hard to look adequately angry when holding a small, fuzzy dog; it was the first time that I had ever heard him speak.

"We've always liked your house." he said softly that day in September of 2002, emphasized with a quick shrug as he pointed to the FOR SALE sign. He was still holding the maltese, had it wedged under his armpit in its usual spot, and I wasn't quite sure if he was speaking for him and his wife or for him and the dog. I will never know; it was both the second and the last time that I had ever heard him speak.

"Well. I guess I can't really charge you much in realtor fees for...this." the realtor said to my parents, followed with a nervous laugh.

So we packed our bags, had a quick wedding for my sister in the garden my parents spent 20 years carefully constructing (which is still there just as we left it, by the way--the pond, the gazebo, and the row of colorful birdhouses my dad built), and that was it. We left.

"Ah, so. Um. Where...are you going to go?" my mom then asked awkwardly, giving me a side-eye. It was a pretty excellent question.

"Colorado." I finally told her a few weeks later. Also awkwardly, but it was a pretty excellent answer.

Which is how I ended up on I-90 in that December of '02, 21-years old and scared out of my mind, trying desperately not to show it. 21-year olds aren't supposed to be scared, after all; they are supposed to be daft and foolhardy and brave. Even in moments of complete discomposure--I had been in enough bars, attended enough college parties, and seen enough MTV's Real World at that point in my life to know it.

But I was driving towards a new city, driving towards (perhaps) a new life. It isn't every day that a young girl does this, you know--makes a move! Does something nervy. Packs her bags, leaves her lifelong friends and family, and moves to a big city!

A city with opportunity!  A city with adventure! A city that is pretty much just like her old one except a bit bigger, and not quite so flat (mountains blah blah blah), has a longer wait to get into the Olive Garden on a Friday night, and, according to Facebook, is also home to just about half of her graduating class.

(Brrrrrrave!)

But while Denver might have a lot of cozy Midwesternisms about it, it has some important differences too: better restaurants, better shopping, better skiing (sorry Great Bear), bona fide state income taxes (ouch!), sterile Targets that boastfully deem themselves 'super', and the most important thing of all: culture. 

Culture that goes beyond corn fields, churches, legalized video lottery, and arguing over which way a naked David statue should face on a busy downtown street. Culture like the DAM (YSL in March!). Culture like Adele Arakawa's never-changing hairdo (I bumped into it her on a flight last year and it's just as amazing in person). Culture like the fun hippies of Boulder, culture like toasty-hot summer shows at Red Rocks, culture like being stuck on I-70 near Georgetown with the rest of the entire state on a snowy Sunday in January, beep-beep-beep-beep-beep.

And culture like BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, oh yesss. Fabulous, fabulous culture.

So this is what I wore last Friday, first to a super tasty dinner at The Capital Grille and then while being surrounded by shrieking 10-year old girls at the DCPA--an easy take on winter whites.

(My apologies for these looking a lil' odd - it was cloudy out, so I had to throw on some flash!)

Coat: J Crew Townhouse Trench in Sea Salt (buy it here) (similar here) (style for spring here)

Blouse: Zara (buy it here) (another option at ASOS) (similar here)

Belt: J Crew, old (similar here in "soft pink")

Pants: Madewell, old (similar here) (similar here) (similar here)

Rosegold Bangles: Seasonal Whispers Crystal & Metal Bracelets in Rosegold (buy them here) (similar by Vince Camuto) (similar under $20)

Watch: Michael Kors Oversized Watch in Rosegold (buy it here) (similar for $195) (similar for $115)

Shoes: J Crew Mona Pumps in Pale Peacock (buy them here) (similar here + take 20% off w/ code "NEWYOU")

Bag: Chloe Marcie Crossbody in 'bone', old (similar here) (similar by Fossil) (similar by Michael Kors)

And some fun with prints:

Dress: Forever 21, old (similar here) (similar here) (similar here) (and a more subdued option at ASOS)
Belt: Forever 21, old (similar at Ann Taylor)
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Uliepe (similar here) (similar for under $25)
Bag: Chloe Paraty in Rosewood (similar here) (similar here) (similar by Miu Miu) 

And I finally added a pair of 'basic' black pumps to my artillery, hoorah:

Coat: Old Navy (similar here) (similar here for under $50)
Sweater: Madewell, old (similar here) (and at F21)
Pants: Urban Outfitters (buy them here) (a non-cord option here)
Belt: The Limited, old (similar at Ann Taylor) (similar at ASOS)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Piou Piou Patent Pumps (buy them here) (similar at Ann Taylor)
Bag: Reed Krakoff Inside Out Satchel, old (similar here) (similar here) (similar at DSW)

Outfit Of The Day (Five Ways Of Fun + Finding Inspiration In Fashion Blogging)

Why do you love fashion blogging?

This question has popped into my head a few different times as of late, for whatever reason, and isn't it important to stop and think about things..especially if they keep popping up in your fluffy, fluffy head?

You know, to really ponder the important questions; even if it's over complicated things like liking or not liking fashion blogging, and if a shirtless Ryan Gosling fell in the forest would Lassie come back to life to save him (of course), and MAD MEN, HEY, WHERE THE GOSH DARN ARE YOU?  (Come baaack.)

I know why I like fashion blogging--it has been really neat meeting a whole new group of girls from all over the US that share similar interests as me that I would never otherwise have met. It has even been neat meeting people here in Colorado that I, all things considered, would have probably never have met. Oh, the world wide web is fancy that way.

One of my favorite things about fashion blogging is drawing inspiration from all of the incredibly talented bloggers out there--from The glamorous Glamourai to Anh at 9 to 5 Chic to Jean at Extra Petite (isn't it great having other options than dressing like a soccer mom or a sailor, as it seems most retailers think us shorties should do?), not to mention the fashion-AND-beauty bloggers like Andi at Saltwater Dreams and Veronika over at Veronika's Blushing AND those-that-take-the-prettiest-pictures and post about pretty things like Rosa at Rosa Loves DC and Shannon at Happiness Is--just to name a few.

I do try to remain open to constructive criticism the best I can, however, and one of the most common complaints I read about fashion bloggers is that at times....we aren't very relatable.

And I do agree. The farther I go along with this, the more ballsy I have become with experimenting with my own style, and so I realize that my sense of style and some of the pieces that I wear might not exactly be do-able for a lot of women out there.

That is okay! It's the great thing about defining your own personal style.  If we all dressed the same, wouldn't that be boring?

Oh, it would be incredibly boring. But that being said, there are still ways to be inspired even if the exact items found on fashion blogs aren't always practical for every single woman in this world.  Here are my two biggest tips:

1. Look for inspiration in unlikely places. I find inspiration for my outfits all over the place: from fellow bloggers, Pinterest, magazines, TV shows, paintings, photographs, catalogs--whatever! Charming mixtures of colors, shapes, patterns, and textures can be found everywhere in this big, wild world; you just have to look at things the right way.

2.  It's okay to play with and swap items; accessories are the easiest to switch around! For example, I might replace leopard heels with a leopard belt, or swap a neon-hued bag for a bangle. The idea is to use things that you already have in your closet and feel comfortable wearing to replicate an outfit you like, and there are easily a gazillion different ways to do it.  It also gives the copied/inspired outfit a touch of your own style, too.

These tips might take a little bit of creativity and an extra 10 minutes in the closet, but the more you do it the easier it gets.  Promise.

So with this in mind, I would like to introduce a new reoccurring series here where I take two or three pieces and accessorize them five different ways.  It will be a bit of a fun departure from my usual Outfit Of The Day posts, I think, and will add a bit of visualization to my thoughts above. I hope you guys like it. :)

(Note: While none of my outfits below contain tights, as Colorado is going through an odd bout of mild weather, they would still work in most of these outfits--I'd stick with a slightly ribbed/sheer black if you do to let the colors of the outfits pop and if you don't like bright shoes with tights, stick with black, flats, booties or heels.. Don't like short skirts? I included some longer-length skirts in my picks below, too--and don't forget the J Crew's Bi-Stretch Wool Minnie Pant in Henna, which is a beautiful, rusty red and perfect for those that don't like wearing skirts at all!)

Enjoy!

#1

Coat: Topshop, NLA  (similar at F21) (or this coat + this lapel collar)
Top: Ann Taylor Charming Long-sleeve Blouse in Black Cherry (buy it here) (similar here) (similar at nordstrom) (& at anthropologie)
Belt: J Crew (similar here)
Skirt: ASOS (similar at J Crew) (similar at ASOS) (similar at F21) (long version here)
Ring: YSL Arty in Aqua/Green (buy it here) (similar here)
Shoes: Valentino Rockstud Python Flats (buy them here) (similar here) (similar at Endless)
Bag: Chanel Crackled Patent Camel Classic Flap (similar here) (and here by DKNY) (and here for under $100)

#2

Jacket: Tibi, NLA (similar at GAP) (similar here) (similar at WHBM, on sale + take $20 off with "19671")
Top: Ann Taylor Charming Long-sleeve Blouse in Black Cherry (buy it here) (similar here) (similar at nordstrom) (& at anthropologie)
Belt: J Crew, NLA (similar here)
Ring: Forever 21 (similar here)
Skirt: ASOS, NLA (similar at J Crew) (similar at ASOS) (similar at F21) (long version here)

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Uliepe Pumps in Yellow (similar here - 25% off) (love these at anthropologie)

Clutch: ASOS (buy it here + 10% off with code "BONUSTEN") (similar here with a chain strap)

#3

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters, NLA (similar here) (similar at  UO, on sale)
Top: Ann Taylor Charming Long-sleeve Blouse in Black Cherry (buy it here) (similar here) (similar at nordstrom) (& at anthropologie)
Belt: J Crew (buy it here, runs big!) (similar at ASOS)
Skirt: ASOS, NLA (similar at J Crew) (similar at ASOS) (similar at F21) (long version here)

Blue Bracelet: Forever 21, NLA (similar here)

Black/Gold Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar here)

Watch: Michael Kors Blair in Espresso (buy it here)

Shoes: Christian Dior Lolita Booties (similar here) (and a better-for-winter bootie here)

Bag:Andrea Brueckner City Tierney Bag, NLA (similar at ASOS)

#4

Blazer: J Crew Library Blazer (buy it here) (similar at Forever 21) (similar at Target)
Top: Ann Taylor Charming Long-sleeve Blouse in Black Cherry (buy it here) (similar here) (similar at nordstrom) (& at anthropologie)
Belt: Urban Outfitters (buy it here + take 10% off with code "TOPARTY")
Skirt: ASOS, NLA (similar at J Crew) (similar at ASOS) (similar at F21) (long version here)

Shoes: Alexander Wang Isabeli Mules, NLA (similar here) (more appropriate for winter here - love!)
Bag: Diane Von Furstenberg Harper Clutch (similar in ostrich here) (similar here)



#5

Hat: Eugenia Kim Max Fedora (similar here) (similar here)

Blazer: J Crew Library Blazer (buy it here) (similar at Forever 21) (similar at Target)
Top: Ann Taylor Charming Long-sleeve Blouse in Black Cherry (buy it here) (similar here) (similar at nordstrom) (& at anthropologie)
Belt: H&M (similar here, 40% off!)
Skirt: ASOS, NLA (similar at J Crew) (similar at ASOS) (similar at F21) (long version here)

Necklace: Topshop (similar here) (similar here, on sale)

Bracelet: t + j designs braided bracelet (similar here)

Shoes: J Crew Mona Pumps in Pale Peacock (buy them here) (similar-ish colored heels here, on sale)

Bag: Chloe Marcie Metallic in Gunmetal (similar here) (similar color combo here by Rebecca Minkoff) (similar here, on sale)

Outfits Of Some Days (A Color Combustion)

The weather here in Colorado is beginning to cool off, with warm sunny days now quickly fading into crisp nights and the threat of fall (and then winter) lingering in the air. Ohhh god damnit, ew.

I often get asked to list what I think are closet "must-haves".  While I generally try to avoid this, since most of my "must-haves" will be completely inane for the majority of the world (I don't work in an office, I don't have kids, I talk to my chihuahuas as if they are little humans, and I'm totally cool with falling on my ass while wearing heels in the middle of Red Robin) (umtruestory), there are two key items that I think would work for any wardrobe especially this fall and winter: bright pumps and leopard print.

The fashion world declared leopard print a "classic" last year, and while I'm still a little hesitant to make such a bold statement myself, man do I love leopard. It's so versatile (it matches black!  it matches brown!) and adds a bit of feistiness to any outfit.  If I'm feeling saucy, I rock a leopard print dress or leopard print cardigan. And if I'm feeling mild, a skinny leopard print belt, pair of shoes, or spotty handbag can still give any outfit some texture without being too cheap-polyester-clad-lady-of-the-night-ish.  We prefer silk-clad-lady-of-the-night-ish in this house, thanks.

Bright pumps, in my opinion, are another must. We went through a bit of a lazy period over the past few years in footwear, with everyone embracing nude pumps due to their magical "leg-lengthening" powers, and don't get me wrong--as someone with freakishly short legs, I definitely enjoy a good nude heel. 

But enough is enough! Bright pumps are really fun to wear and look great paired with anything from neutrals (think camels, blushes, and even black) to equally-bright outfits. 

And now leopard + bright pumps, two different ways:

Blouse: Urban Outfitters (similar style here for under $100) (and here at Madewell) (and here by DVF, on sale!)
Skirt: Forever 21 (buy it here) (similar style here for $17) (similar style here + take 25% off with code "SAVE25", pin "1231")
Pumps: J Crew Valentina Pumps (buy them here) (similar style here, on sale + under $100!) (similar style here for under $100) (and here for $50)
Bag: ASOS Slot Through Porfolio Clutch (buy it here!) (similar style here) (and by the lovely Rebecca Minkoff here)
Bracelet: Gorjana (buy it here)
Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco in Peregrina - Limited Edition (buy it here)

Sweater: Forever 21 (buy it here) (similar style in a cardigan here) (and here in a dress at LOFT!)
Shorts: Urban Outfitters (similar style here) (and here for under $100) (and here for $60)
Pumps: J Crew Valentina Pumps (buy them here) (similar style here, on sale + under $100!) (similar style here for under $100) (and here for $50)

Bag: ASOS Slot Through Porfolio Clutch (buy it here!) (similar style here) (and by the lovely Rebecca Minkoff here)

Outfit Of The Day (Burn It Down, Baby, Burn It Burn It Down)

Oh, first things first. I told myself that I wouldn't get all weird and obsessive over home decor on this blog when it came to this remodel, as that is not the type of blogger that I am.  I am not a "lifestyle" blogger, as most of you well know, unless you count my posts on how to make glorified minestrone (and by glorified I mean I use different and fun  noodles!) and on secrets for making my skin look so beautiful and smooth at the age of 43 (and ummm, I'm 29).

But to be honest, I told myself that I wouldn't get all weird and obsess-y mostly because it's my twin sister's deal. Her and I operate under the Strict Identical Twin Code of not EVER enjoying something that the other one loves, you see, which means fashion is my deal and interior design is her deal.


"I bet Stevie thinks my house is a disaster!" I said over-dramatically to my dad last Christmas, plopping down on a chihuahua or handbag or empty cardboard box  or whatever I was using at the moment as furniture.

"Sure," he said, pausing for a few seconds then shrugging, "but I bet you think her outfits are a disaster. Just how it goes."

Touché, dear dad, touché.

(Not really, she does fine in the fashion department, but thus implies another rule of the Strict Identical Twin Code- NEVER give each other a compliment unless it begins with the word "fart" and/or ends with the word "face", even if you are identical and will therefore essentially be calling yourself...a fartfuckface.)

But it is hard to not get slightly obsessive over things, especially when you are sacrificing a good chunk of manual labor/money/making-mean-faces-at-your-Husband's-back-while-he-paints-because-he-doesn't-like-the-ceramic-white-monkey-heads-you-picked-out-to-mount-on-the-wall-next-to-your-Keep-Calm poster, isn't it?  And so I apologize, as chances are I will be posting a lot about this shit over the next month, or six months, or six years, or however long this thing lasts.  Or in other words--oh boy oh boy, this blog will finally have some conten!

So! In the midst of my digging for remodeling inspiration I found a brilliant show on Bravo last week called "Million Dollar Decorators", which is billed as a reality TV show that follows around five "interior decorators to the stars"  After watching two episodes, however, I have learned that it is pretty much the most amazing show on TV this summer and it has almost nothing to do with the actual designing of anything.

I won't spoil it for you in case you haven't watched it (it's on Tuesday nights at 8pm MT sharp!) except in next week's episode we find out that Kathryn Ireland's housekeeper, Jacqueline, isn't really a housekeeper at all:

But is instead just a blind, alcoholic french women that Kathryn found shuffling around aimlessly in a TJ Maxx down in Santa Monica a few years back, on sale for $14.99.  Fabulous!

On to my outfit.  I'm dressed up for nothing in particular at the moment, which is the best type of dressed up there is. Friday night shenanigans, perhaps? I grabbed this dress during Urban Outfitter's last $20 off promotion, and while the spicy-bold print more than speaks for itself (and probably needs little to no help from accessories), what's the fun in that?

The possibilities here are endless.  It's print mixing time!

Dress: Urban Outfitters Ecote Print Embellished Strap Dress (buy it here) (another fun option here) (and here by Tracy Feith) (and here at Forever 21 for under $20!)
Belt: J Crew Patent Tab Belt in Cinnamon Spice (buy it here)
Shoes: Alexander Wang Isabel Haircalf Sandals (similar style here) (and here) (and a splurge here)
Bag: Chloe Saskia Satchel (similar style here for under $100) (and here)  (and here by Ms Minkoff)
Tan Wrap Bracelet: Gorjana Graham Studded Bracelet in Tan Sparkle (buy it here + take 20% off with code "toutie")
Crystal Bangle: Ann Taylor (buy it here)
Brown Beaded Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar style here)
Watch: Michael Michael Kors Runway Watch in Rosegold (buy it here)



(currently playing in the hizzouse)