Black & Gray

What is it about the cold and color monotony? My colder weather wardrobe is dominated by gray and black.  Yes, brown makes its way in there sometimes, but more often than not, I find myself reverting back to gray and black.  While I love them, I feel like real color is missing from my life.  (Or perhaps it's just the sun.)

Max Studio cardigan, Diesel tank, AA silver bandeau top and circle scarf, F21 jersey skirt, UO tights and thigh highs, Wind-chime earrings, Frye boots

A Hint of Lime

It is apparent by what I keep pulling out of my closet to wear that I am craving some warmer weather.  I'm not used to this whole wet and slow melting into Spring after spending several years in Tucson.

This lime green and lace dress is one of my summer favorites. I love the color of it. Normally, I think of glow sticks, hipster kids, and 90s renditions (not always all of together, but sometimes), so I love how this dress makes the color so feminine and delicate. 

Anthropologie Dress, Vintage William Teague leather vest, Snakeskin belt, Vintage boots, F21 bangles

... and doily earrings

Unfortunately, I cannot take credit for making these earrings, although someone did.  When I saw them at the Tucson Buffalo Exchange, I snatched them up. They are the perfect way to make my once-secret love of doilies public, without risking making my place look like an 80-year-old lives there.

Miu Miu, I Love You

Today was the third day I've worn my new platforms since buying them on Wednesday. Hello, new favorite.

Ya-Ya cashmere/wool sweater

Lux silk blouse, H&M skirt, Gifted (from sister) leather belt, Miu Miu platforms

I'm bored with my hair and in lieu of cutting it dramatically (because it took me so long to grow out), I'm playing around with some new do's.  This loose bun was inspired by Coco and Carrie. It's a nice alternative to a ponytail.  Personally, I'm not a huge fan of a ponytail, at least on myself. It makes me think of exercise, not elegance. A bun, on the other hand, even a messy one, is much more prim and proper. 

Dazzle

Twiggy in Vogue (1967)

This photo appears in the front pages of the newest issue of Vogue.  It is one of the more striking photos I've seen in a while, and, maybe I'm just oblivious, but I didn't immediately realize that it was Twiggy in 1967.  Perhaps this is because I was drawn to the dress, which looks distinctly modern.  Or should I say timeless?

Looks Like Spring, But It's Not (Yet)

Trouve cardigan (Nordstrom's), F21 pocket tank, Levi's cutoff, H&M tights, Miu Miu platforms, Aldo Necklace, thrifted earrings

Overexposed

My love of shoes is undeniable, especially a great pair of heels. (One of my favorite people, Bradley, once told me, when I was wearing 4'' platforms, that I was born to be tall. And, I firmly believe this, despite my 5'6'' stature.) Unfortunately, no matter how gorgeous and spectacular they are, most heels lack practicality.  As much as I believe in fashion over function, I spend most of my (working) days on my feet. 

These Miu Miu platforms seem to be the best of both worlds: height and yet surprisingly comfortable. I predict wearing these often, perhaps too often over the summer. 

Residual Inspiration

My recent trip to Chicago is still on my mind.  Travel, especially to unfamiliar places, is always a very reflective and inspirational experience for me.  Seeing different streets, parks, stores, revitalizes me.  I delight in the small aspects (the Pilsen neighborhood had spectacular Aztecan manholes) as much as the larger tourist attractions.  

The following pictures inspire me, though they may not translate as literally into my wardrobe as, say, runway and/or streetstyle photos.

A pastry shop in Pilsen

Private property in Pilsen available for public viewing (from behind wrought-iron gate)

Crucified

Mural inside CTA station

Mural inside Pilsen station

Black & Brown

For the last several days, I've been obsessed with combining black and brown.  I used to hate the combination (years ago), but have since realized that a good combination can add a chic edge to an outfit. This week's obsession was set off by a photo I posted last week.  The brown bag is the perfect topper to that ensemble.  A black bag would have worked, but it wouldn't have lent the outfit the same fashion-forward feel.  The touch of brown makes it that much more dynamic, interesting. 

Here's what I've been wearing the last several days.

AA deep v-neck, H&M denim skirt, Vintage Escada belt, Target tights, Vintage boots, Betsey Johnson necklace

Grey AA Cardigan, Vintage silk dress, Escada belt, Vintage boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs striped resin bangle, F21 bangle

My cat Soy Bean wanted to join the photo shoot.

Kenzie faux fur jacket

The other day was probably one of my last chances to wear this faux fur jacket until next winter, so I had to bust it out one more time.

Closer look at my vintage boots

Last Friday I went shopping in search of some semblance of the denim I'd been lusting after online. I found these Levi's 501 that fit and cuffed exactly the way I wanted them to, just in a darker wash than I had pictured.  I bought them despite that because I love the way they fit, and that is a rare thing to find in denim.

The outfit was partially inspired by Garance's post yesterday, which relates to my post today. (Black and brown don't really 'match' per se, but they can 'go together.') I wanted to find a way to add a feminine twist to the boyfriend jean, thus the following pairing was conceived.

Vintage leopard print blouse, Levi's 501 jeans, Frye shoes, Wind chime earrings

Shiny New Things

Recently, I've made some purchases that I'm really excited about, but for various reasons, haven't worn yet.

Vintage Betmar hat

The orange-red color of this hat is fantastic.  It will make a nice addition to my summer hat collection. I'm still playing around with outfits for it, though I think there will be lots of possibilities.

Vintage 60s dress

I found this dress at Knee Deep Vintage in Chicago. It fit me perfectly; I think that it was waiting there for me. I love the Valley of the Dolls quality it has to it: the bright orange peeking out from the white cutouts and paired with a bright pink bow.  I imagine wearing it to a summer backyard bar-b-que.  I hate that it's not warm enough to wear it, but I have to get it hemmed (it hits me below the knee, and I think I need to show a little more leg with it since the neckline is so high) anyway.

Knee Deep Vintage is a wonderful little vintage shop in the Pilsen neighborhood. Not only do they sell clothing but housewares as well. There was a huge stag wall-hanging that I wanted, but I had no way to transport it back home, and I'd already spent too much. 

L.A.M.B. shoes

Another reason I can't wait for Spring: these L.A.M.B. shoes. I'm kinda loving the way they look against my tribal inspired bedspread. I'm going to have to keep a look out for something of this nature to wear with them, either that or go to Ikea and buy the fabric and fashion something of my own.  But that would be a tad ridiculous, no?

(I need a pedicure.)

Denim Dreams

I know what I want. I just need to find it (in the first case) and have the money to buy it (both cases).

image via stylesightings

 Levi's.com

Either that or I need a sugar daddy.

Casual Thursday

One adjustment I'm having to make as I'm settling into Portland more and more is pants.  I don't own many pairs; in fact, I own three pairs of jeans and three pairs of pants, two of which are recent purchases (more on those at a later date).  Dresses, on the other hand, I have an abundance.  It was easy to get away with wearing them all the time in Tucson, less so here in Portland, so I'm having to embrace the idea of wearing pants more and more.  At least until it's a bit warmer outside.

I need to go jeans shopping.  

Dollar grandpa cardigan, The Nation Barney's Co-op burnout tee, Marc by Marc Jacobs highwaisted jeans, Steven Madden brown suede flats

F21 scarf, Gifted heart necklace, Leather belt (borrowed from sister)

The silver heart necklace is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. My friend, Jen, found it at Goodwill almost three years ago and gave it to me 'because it looked like something I should own.' Not only did I instantly love it, but I was also amazed. I'd been looking for something almost exactly like it. I wish the bird design would photograph better...

Since I work in resale clothing, my closet tends to shift around a lot.  I sell what I don't wear and buy new things.  I've acquired a lot of great pieces, though very little in my wardrobe did I own three years ago, especially things that I still get regular use out of, like this necklace.  I love realizing when a piece was a good purchase or gift, in this case.  Now, if only there was a surefire way to tell this about everything before you buy it...

Delayed Musings, Pt. 3

I love getting dressed up. More than that, I love getting dressed up for relatively minor events, like a day of shopping in Wicker Park in Chicago.  Casual dressing has taken over modern life, and while I'm all for a great oversized t-shirt and Levi's shorts, I do wish that the average person dressed up more often than special occasions or church on Sundays (though I don't know many people that actually do this).

Perhaps I'm nostalgic for a time that I never experienced; I'm attracted to a time I know through my late grandma's stories.  Even as a young woman, my grandma traveled often.  Most times she told me with a smile and a laugh about the places she'd gone and the things she'd seen, but a few times she talked to me about the mere act of traveling.  (She often told the same stories again and again.) 'In those days,' she said to me, 'people dressed up for the plane. Men wore suits and women wore their best dresses.'  I imagined my grandma wearing a hat and gloves and her best full-skirted dress.  And I imagined the other women looking like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.  

It probably wasn't like that, at least not as glamorous as I imagine it, but at least people took a little pride and pleasure in the act of going somewhere.

Nonetheless, it was positively delightful to dress up with Laurel for a day of shopping and cocktails. 

   

Altered peacoat (found at Buffalo Exchange), Vintage 40s tree-print dress, Lulu Guiness bag (borrowed from Laurel)

Vintage 40s tree-print dress, Cloche hat, Retro Anne Klein bow belt, Target tights, Sigerson Morrison for Target heels

Laurel looking lovely in a New Look-esque dress

Laurel's Coclico booties

Another thing, I pined after these Coclico booties last fall.  Then, when Laurel was updating me on all the shoes she'd purchased (read: got on major/awesome discount when she worked at a shoe store), I was instantly jealous and totally thrilled that someone I know owned these beauties.

J'adore

The weather today was not as sunny as the past two days, but it was still fairly warm (for Portland in April) and I decided to say 'yes' to a more summery ensemble.  

And I wanted to wear my best find from Chicago, my new Chloe shoes.  Yes, Chloe shoes from Spring 2006 in excellent condition.  I stumbled across them at the Buffalo Exchange in Wicker Park.  They were such a steal (only $90, can you believe it?).  An added bonus: Laurel snatched up her March 2009 Bazaar once we were back at her place, showed me an article on the extreme heights designer shoes have reached in the past four years (great article, by the way), and pointed to the sidebar in which my new Chloe shoes were featured.  Bring 'em back, implored the article.  Well, I'm not pulling them out of the depths of my closet (oh, to imagine a world where I could pull beautiful Chloe shoes out of storage), but I'm wearing them with relish.

A closer look 

Retro blouse, H&M jeans, Sun hat (found at Buffalo Exchange), Gifted leaf pendent necklace, F21 bangles, Chloe wooden sandals

Delayed Musings, Pt. 2

Clothing is tactile and tangible; everyone wears it and it is worn in a multitude of ways. Fashion, while it encompasses clothing, is something far more artistic and unattainable.  When I think of fashion, I think of runway shows and glossy spreads in magazines that premiere and showcase the art of the garment, the shoe, the look.  

The Chicago History Museum is currently hosting an exhibit entitled Chic Chicago, which features beautiful pieces dating from 1861 to 2004 by many of the major couturiers of the past two centuries.  It is rare that I get to see garments crafted by some of the best designers outside the pages of Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, and other fashion magazines.  While I was not able to touch or photograph any of the exhibit, I took great pleasure in seeing the dresses up close.  There is something magical about seeing a couture dress in person.  It is comparable to standing in front of a Van Gogh or Picasso for the first time.  

I purchased some postcard-sized pictures of some of the garments from the exhibit.  Below are scans of some of my favorites: 

Evening Gown by Charles Frederick Worth, c. 1884

What the picture fails to show is the detailing of this dress, particularly the flowers cut into the tan velvet stripes of the dress. So exquisite.

Robe de Style by Jeanne Lanvin, 1927

"Sorbet" evening gown by Paul Poiret, 1913

Poiret's "Sorbet" gown single-handedly changed the direction of fashion.  It freed women from the confines of the corset (although I've heard the hobble skirt, as used here, is not all the freeing itself).

Evening Ensemble by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1937

The embroidery on this ensemble encapsulates just how artistic a piece of clothing can be.  

Also, as a sidenote, I find it interesting how Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel rose to fame and notoriety about the same time.  Both are amongst the finest designers of the twentieth century. Chanel is a household name- I bet even a five-year-old would be able to identify the interlocking Cs- but does the average person know who Schiaparelli was? No.

Evening gown by Christian Dior, c. 1953

I wish there would have been a postcard of the fabulous New Look Autumn Dress that was in the exhibit.

"Infanta" evening gown by Charles James, c. 1952

The "Infanta" evening gown was my favorite of the entire exhibit.  The bodice, while it looks almost like a satin in this picture, is actually beaded.  And what the photograph fails to show are the layers of pink and yellow tulle that peak out from underneath the dress. Apparently, James incorporated an element of flirtation into each of his designs.

After seeing the exhibit, I realized that I know very little about James' designs or career.  I've only been peripherally aware of them.  I think it's time that I gave them a closer look.

"Butterfly" Ballgown by Charles James, 1954

All images copyright of Chicago History Museum