J.Crew and the Tale of the Sundrenched Culottes

Spring is often a time of fresh flowers, rain showers, bad movies, and ill-fated online dates. What’s not to love? There’s never a shortage of well meaning friends who want you to “get back out there” and “meet your destiny”. Well, this time around, you’ll be ready for them. Debuting their best attempt at making you just about as undateable as possible, J.Crew presented their Spring 2015 Ready to Wear collection in all its washed out glory. Culottes, boxy jackets in tea stained whites, oatmeal brown separates, and varying shades of denim make up this collection that is half fashionable half EH. 

Boxy jackets are a hard look to pull off and rarely do you see it anywhere south of Manhattan. And the culottes, well, they’re in full force. I am not completely opposed to culottes, I just wish they weren’t so persistent in their existence. Per say. That being said, I love the stripes and maritime elements that popped up here and there in the collection. Everyone (yea, everyone) seems to equate springtime with sailing and boats. What is it with preppy people and boats?

 

France Gets All The Cool Weddings

So Angelina and Brad finally got married last weekend. All the other weddings that occurred this year no longer matter. You can all go home, you’re no longer needed. 

I am not even going to pretend that I don’t care about the Jolie-Pitt clan, cause we all know I do. I literally shrieked with joy when I read the headline while browsing Twitter Thursday morning. With all the depressing news that seems to be coming in a never ending wave of despair and tragedy, it was nice to see something awesome.  And, in celebration of their nuptials, I have composed a list of their most stylish moments.

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Congrats you two crazy birds!

Time To Start Saving: Altuzarra For Target Lookbook Released!

Target has done it again. The latest designer collaboration is going to be a massive hit. I really hope I’m able to buy all the items I want, because I am not trying to scour eBay and pay 3times as much. Check out the complete lookbook for Altuzarra’s collection for Target below and mark your calendars for September 14th!

 

images: WhoWhatWear

Beachin

Every summer deserves at least one solid day of lounging on the beach and setting everything else aside. All you need is a good book, a good friend (or two or three) and a good drink (or four or five).

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My friend and I met up at Rehoboth Beach, early one Saturday morning and parked on one of the side streets. You can find 10 hour meters that take quarters near the boardwalk. The meters also sync with the parking app, ParkMobile. It’s easy to use and you don’t have to worry about lugging a bag of quarters to the beach.

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To make sure we got to spend the majority of our time on the beach, my friend and I packed a cooler of food. Prepared chicken salad, pita chips, hummus, celery, carrots, and sliced melon made for an excellent snack. When it started to rain, we threw our gear into the car and headed to a nearby bar to wait out the rain. It quickly passed and we were able to spend another 4 hours on the beach. We even got to see a beach wedding!

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Beach Bag Essentials:
A good book
iPod
Sunglasses
Sarong 

Romping Around

Ever since the romper bounced it’s way back into style last summer, I’ve been scouting for one to add to my wardrobe. The challenge was finding one that was not only age appropriate, but also suited for my body and proportions. Too often I was left with sagging crotch, baggy behind and drooping bodice. I was beginning to loose hope. Until, I stumbled upon Trashy Diva‘s Pinterest page. There it was, in all of it’s seer-suckered glory; the Lena Romper

The fitted waist ensured that my narrow waist wouldn’t get lost in the fabric. The sweetheart bodice would properly showcase my chest and bring the eye up, allowing the full shorts to hide my more ample bottom. It was love at first pin.

I understand rompers aren’t for everyone and some people do feel they tend to make you look like you’re an overgrown tot lot escapee. But! It all depends on how you wear it and carry yourself. The Lena Romper is a grown ass woman’s romper. It’s fun, yet sexy. Charming, yet classy. Now, all I need is a BBQ to wear it to. Ahem, I’m waiting…

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Met Gala Or Bust

This year’s Met Gala was once again the best example of what not to wear to your friend’s wedding. The theme of “white tie and decorations” (seriously, who thinks up this shit?) was across the board, relatively easy to follow. The men really seemed to jump on the band wagon with the “white tie” aspect of the theme. And of course the women- oh the women– were decorated to the nines. It was a grand spectacle of extravagance and overflowing discretionary bank accounts.

Conscience Coupling 

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Designer Dates

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Middle of the Road

Middle of the Road

I love a good midi length dress. I do not love the midi length beaded fishnet Kristen Stewart is wearing.

Ancient History

Greek Tragedy

I just want to throw these ladies a shield, sword, and goblet of liquid gold. Maybe they will join forces and become a super group.

Crop Tops and Cut Outs

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I am determined to find the appropriate crop top/skirt combination for myself to wear in my ordinary life. It will happen….one day.

Laugh-y Taffeta

Taffeta

This is where all of your bridesmaid and prom dresses aspire to be, yet none ever measure up.

Black White and Hot All Over

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These two had major red carpet mojo working. SJP looks like a princess. A smiling, gloved princess. Anna K just look sexy as hell.

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Between Charlize and Cara, black and white has never looked so good.

Lil Bo Peep Stunt Doubles

Bo Peep

I love Chloe’s look. I really do. Lil Bo Peep just popped in my head for some reason. Naomi looks okay, by Lily and Anna confuse me. I think I am missing the point.

Long Story Short

Long Story Short

Elizabeth Olsen looks fantastic and those shoes need to immediately be made into a cheaper/more affordable version that I can purchase at my local TJ Maxx. Lena, no.

The Strangers (ie, I didn’t read the invitation)

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Valley of the Deep Vs

Plunging

Deep Vs and high slits should not be on the same dress. It’s just too much.

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Olivia looks fantastic and I am strangely loving Maggie’s look. Something about the combination of her hair color and complexion with the dress pattern works for me.

Fishtails

FishTails

Liquid Slink

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The Bigger The Better

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Oh look, it’s Cinderella!

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Applique Queens

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Asymmetrical Dreams
Asymetrical Dreams
Best Dressed of the night (aka Hollywood’s Ken and Barbie)

Best Dressed Couple

Blake Lively looks like a modern day Veronica Lake. I love every last bit of this look on her. And Ryan Reynolds is definitely working the double Ds-that’s short for “Dashing Debonair”.

We’re More Than What We Wear

As a lover of fashion, I never even considered downplaying my affection for getting dressed. It’s honestly my favorite part of the day. Although, it often starts the night before. I check the weather forecast the night before and think about my schedule for the upcoming day. Then, I consider my mood and who I want to be that day. It’s almost as if I’m playing a character. Sometimes I want to be a 1950’s Rockabilly girl. Other times I want to be a 1960’s socialite vacationing in Italy. I use my style to convey the many facets of my personality. It honestly never occurred to me that I should hide my enthusiasm for fashion. But, that’s exactly what Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie felt she had to do in order to be taken seriously as a writer.

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In an Elle article, Chimamanda talks about how she finally let go of her fear of not being taken seriously and decided to wear the clothes that she wanted to wear. We, as women, are often so focused on being taken seriously that we try to fit into whatever prescribed mold is available to us. I think it’s about time we stop letting other people’s perception of how we should dress or act influence who we are. My work should be able to stand on its own. Meanwhile, I’ll be standing in my peep toe pumps and pencil skirt.

Read the entire Elle article here.

*photo credit Elle.com

Skin Deep

So, turning 30 means a lot of different things to different people.

To me, it means getting a new tattoo.

 

I went to Ghost Town Odditorium for the first time for my 28th birthday. Or was it my 27th? Anyway, I returned for my 30th to complete the scene on my forearm.

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When I first got the peony added to my right inner wrist, I wasn’t planning to get any more on my arm. After a few years browsing tattoos and various placements, I decided to complete my right forearm.

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I’ve always loved the look of forearm tattoos on women and men. Especially men. But with females, I love how delicate and intricate they can be, as well as tough and vivid.

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I’m still undecided as to what to do with my left forearm. But, at this rate, by the time I’m 40 I should have it figured out.

A day of getting images of flowers burned into your skin can really make a girl hungry. Good thing Hamilton Tavern has such amazing cupcakes for occasions such as these.

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Layer It On

In the Fall I tend to burrow deep into thick, chunky knit sweaters. I pile on scarves and wool hats. In the Spring I try to take a more airy and simple approach. My heavy sweaters are replaced with lightweight jackets. My thick wool scarves become silkier and smoother cotton versions- often with pretty floral prints!

There is no shortage of great jackets to choose from this upcoming Spring season. Here are a few of my favorites.

Gap Utility Jacket, $75
Levi’s Denim Jacket, $78
Vince Camuto Tweed Jacket, $70
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Free People Linen and Vegan Moto Jacket, $148

Snow Showers with a Chance for Spring

I, for one, am so ready for Spring. I love Winter and cold weather and snow. But, a girl can only take so much. I need to break free of my heavy layers and step out in open toe sandals. Along with the changing season comes the chance to finally wear the trends that we saw on the runway back in September! 

Continue reading “Snow Showers with a Chance for Spring”