Spinning in Stripes

Skirt, vintage Christian Lacroix.  Top, F21.  Shoes, Vivienne Westwood + Melissa.

Ever since the Prada spring runway show, I've been obsessed with finding the perfect bright striped piece to add to my closet.  I was delighted when I scooped up this skirt at a vintage shop for only $12!!  I didn't even try it on...somehow I knew we were meant for each other.

The skirt was labeled "vintage" and was priced accordingly.  However, when I got it home I realized that the skirt was not only an authentic vintage beauty, it was also mismarked Christian Lacroix couture!  Thank the lord for unobservant salespeople, otherwise this garment would've cost me an arm and a leg...

I paired it with a simple black shirt so that the stripes weren't competing for attention.   I've stocked up on solid v-necks from Forever 21($4.50 a piece!!) for this purpose-  I tend to buy a lot of stand-out skirts, and a solid tee never fails to be the perfect foil.

My Vivenne Westwood + Melissa peep toes were the finishing touch- a little out there, but the colors matched so wonderfully that I couldn't resist the crazy combo.

Looking at these pictures makes me realize what my next fashion purchase must be:  an iron!

Here Comes the Sun

Skirt, belt, and bag; vintage.  Jacket, AG.  Tee, F21.  Sunlasses, Ralph Lauren.

Boston was spoiled by 60+ degree weather the other day, so I threw on one of my favorite springtime outfits and celebrated with a photo shoot in the park!

These pictures were taken by the wonderful Zash Chinhara, and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.  Finally, some fancy pictures for my loyal readers to look at!

Shoes, F21.

While not a week goes by that I don't add something to my closet, whenever spring rolls around I find myself reaching for the same old things.  This skirt, for example, has been a staple for almost 2 years now, and I think the reason the picnic-blanket print gets worn over and over is the fact that it's vintage.  It's not trying to look like a current trend; it's very plainly something from another era- and that's always in style!

I belted a vintage waist-cincher over it for a paper-bag feel and threw Nanny's old 60's purse into the mix as well.

Once the weather starts warming up, almost every one of my outfits gets topped off with my denim jacket.   It's another piece that really never goes out of style.  Granted, an acid-wash, oversized, shoulder-padded denim jacket isn't going to cut it in 2011, but a classic, cropped style like my AG jeans version will last you for years to come.

As always, pearls and nude pumps go with any look.

Also, look what I finally broke down and bought myself:

Ring, Alex Monroe.

My mouse ring!!  I wear it every single day...since the detail is so small and inobtrusive, I feel like it's a private joke that only I'm in on whenever I look down at it.  To the outside world, it looks like a simple and sophisticated gold ring;  little do they know, it really cements my status as a crazy cat lady.  :)

I might be overloading you with pictures, but I think my outfits look so much better through Zash's lens!! Don't you?

Pretty in Pleats

Dress, Nanette Lepore.  Shoes, Vivienne Westwood + Melissa.

I was out browsing the racks of my favorite consignment shop in Boston the other day, not really looking to buy anything, when I was caught off guard by this adorable little Nanette Lepore dress.   It was so simple yet stunning on the hanger that I couldn't wait to try it on...five mintues later, I was out the door with my new dress in hand.  

I was instantly drawn to the bow belt and pretty pleated skirt-- details that could easily end up looking sickeningly sweet and too goody-goody, but Nanette Lepore found a way to make them incredibly sexy.  Thanks to the fitted, push-up top and the shortened hemline of the slip, this dress is perfect for a night out on the town.   I wore it to a gig I had in Boston last week and it was a big hit!

I added simple black heels (also with a bow detail) and kept the accessories to a minimum.

A lot of fashionistas claim that being stylish is all about layering and mixing-and-matching different pieces in interesting and new ways, which I totally admire.  But I think it also takes skill to recognize a piece that will shine brightest by itself- and those are the pieces I'm most often attracted to.  A statement necklace would've ruined this neckline, any sweaters or blazers would've covered up the shape, crazy shoes would've taken the eye away from the beautiful details of the dress.  I say, sometimes it's best to leave well enough alone!

Varsity Blues

Varsity jackets seemed to pop up all over the Spring 2011 runways.  Seeing this trend brought me back to my 8th grade cheerleading days, when I sauntered around town in my oversized varsity jacket and thought I was the coolest kid around.  I recently spent a weekend at home and decided to scoop up my old jacket and give it some love!

It's definitely too big (8th-grade me must've looked ridiculous!), but I love the authenticy of wearing my own jacket rather than buying a ready-made "fashion" version of the trend.  

Here's what I wore underneath:

Sweater and skirt, F21.  Top, vintage.  Shoes, ?

Can you tell I'm ready for spring??  This outfit is definitely not weather-appropriate in Boston right now, but I'm so sick of tights and pants and winter coats.  I'll sacrifice warmth for the sake of a cutesy outfit!

This outfit makes me feel like a 50s school girl.  The only thing I'm missing is a handsome boy in a letterman's sweater to carry my books for me!

Black and White and Red All Over

Dress and belt, vintage.  Shoes, Vivienne Westwood + Melissa.

Everytime I go shopping I try to give myself some basic rules to ensure that I only walk away with items that I truly need, and one of those rules is inevitably "No more black and white!"  Aside from the occasional pair of blue jeans, my closet is mostly filled with these neutral hues- which is great for mixing and matching, but leaves me empty-handed when I'm dying for a pop of color.   

I've found that the best way to add color to my look while still feeling like myself is through accessories.  A bright belt or showy shoe lends the perfect amount of pizzazz!

Bag, vintage (via my Nanny).

I found this dress at one of my favorite vintage shops in Boston, a charming little hideaway called The Cafe Society.  Originally, it was a floor-length gown, but I saw the potential in the fun print and impeccable fit and did a little DIY project to turn it into the dress I'm wearing today!

I added a thick quilted red belt to break it up a bit (see? I do own colorful things!) and threw my Nanny's vintage 60s purse into the mix as well.

Shoes, Vivienne Westwood + Melissa.

The big bows on this gorgeous pair of shoes from the Vivienne Westwood and Melissa collaboration accentuated the kitchy-retro vibe of this outfit.  Fun fact:  all the shoes that Vivienne and Melissa put out together smell like bubblegum!  How cool is that?!

But my favorite matching accessory is still my kitty, Audrey!

Wiggle It

As a fashion enthusiast and subscriber to more industry magazines than I care to mention, I consider myself pretty knowledgeable on whatever is currently trendy.  I love pouring over the pages of Vogue and drooling over models in high-end harem pants and floaty frocks from the 70s, but how many of these trends are realistic for my body type?  Hardly any.  

While I think it's important to keep a hand on the pulse of fashion, nothing is more important than dressing for yourself.  I would kill to be able to look chic in a swingy tent dress, but that's just not an option for me.  Therefore, my first and foremost priority when planning my wardrobe for a new season is learning what looks good on me specifically, regardless of trend.  And what looks good is inevitably a classic silhouette that recalls the 40's or 50's!

Shirt and suspender skirt, vintage.  Shoes, Bandolino.

I definitely got lucky in the fall/winter '10 season, as 50's sillhouettes were all the rage; this Spring seems to have a retro appeal too, if Dior's vintage vixens were any indication.   

This vintage leopard print shirt is one of my favorite finds; it has an interesting neckline and the color demands attention.   The high waisted skirt + suspenders is a combination that is simultaneously different and classic.   I plan on wearing this outfit for a night on the town with my girls!  I'll add my Marc Jacobs clutch to complete the look.

Looks like this tend to flatter any body type and look classic and chic regardless of what is currently being shown on the runway.  You can't go wrong!