Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!

Our costumes from last night:
These are from a friend's party last night, after hemming and hawing all last week (mostly by me) about what we wanted to go as, we settled on what was easiest and cheapest: Lumberjacks! We both already owned flannel and hiking boots, and Chris found some 2x4's at work (the "Lumber" part), so all we needed were red hats, suspenders, and jugs of beer and moonshine (this part was of course, optional). I call it a success. Except for Chris's fake beard, that thing was the worst.
Today I've already seen kids dressed up like a pirate-ghost, a chef, and a banana. After last night's party, we'll be spending the evening watching movies.

Happy Halloween!!!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Sounds good, but I still don't know

Wedding Thursday posts will be back next week...
Top to bottom:
Sweater: LOFT via swap
Shirt: Hand-me-down from friend
Spotted and Noted Shorts: c/o ModCloth
Shoes: Vintage via Flea Market
Bag: vintage thrifted
Necklace: c/o Dolly & Boy
Wow, it's been such a crazy week, I took these photos last weekend and haven't had time to post them until now. I wore this last weekend thrift shopping with Chris, it wasn't the most successful trip, but I felt like dressing up. Since I have to wear specific things during the work week, I feel like my weekend outfits have been getting more elaborate. When I worked in an office, the weekends were a welcome respite and chance to just hang out in jeans and a t-shirt, but now I want to take advantage of the closet that doesn't get used during the week. Fall being perfect layering weather doesn't hurt either.

When i last wore these shorts, it was about 98 degrees and July, and all I could think about was wearing them with tights! I love how they look too, layered with a cardigan, vest, and button-up. This vest isn't something I would normally wear outside of my job, but it adds a nice buffer between the cardigan and shirt, which are similar tones, and brings in the blue of the tights and shorts. Plus, I like the little pin dots.
Are you excited for Halloween? I still don't know what I'm being! Last year Chris and I very hastily came up with Wayne and Garth costumes, and we've had some great ideas this year but little time to put anything together. Well, I guess it will be a surprise! Do you have a costume planned?

Have a great weekend!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Lazy Sunday

Yesterday was glorious. Sunday is my favorite day of the week, but somehow Sundays in Fall and Winter beat them all. I love the quiet of waking up to cloudy skies and cold weather, making my coffee, and snuggling with my cats.
Top to bottom:
Hat: Chris's from Urban Outfitters
Silver Foil Sweatshirt: J.Crew Factory
Black Denim Leggings: J.Crew Sale
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell sale
Bag: Botkier from clothing swap
After having a fair share of dressy weekends as of late, I decided to go for comfort yesterday, and what's more comfortable than jeans and a sweatshirt? Of course these are no ordinary jeans and this is no ordinary sweatshirt. I bought this silver-foil sweatshirt this past summer, knowing that it would be perfect for fall and the holidays. Yesterday I wore it inside out so that just the cuffs were silver, but pretty soon I'll switch it around, showing just how metallic it is. It was a complete impulse buy but I do really love it. The black denim leggings were a bit impulsive too, bought this weekend during an ill-advised trip to the mall (don't go shopping when you've no money to spend). But I did need a new pair. And I love them. I haven't been shopping in forever, and stepping into J.Crew I was reminded of how I wish I could be dressing for work, the clothes are so beautiful!

Aaaand one of my best swap finds to date: this black leather Botkier bag. I grabbed it because I needed a new black bag and one that was big enough to stuff the necessities of my commute each day. It just so happened that I grabbed a fancy black bag!
I'm greeting Monday with a twinge of pessimism, I don't want to go back to work! I'm already planning another lazy weekend and I still have five days to go.

Did you have a good weekend?

Friday, October 22, 2010

In her kiss, the revolution

Top to bottom:
Hat: Chris' vintage
Sweater: Thrifted vintage
Shirt: Thrifted vintage
Belt: American Apparel
Skirt: Cali Select vintage
Tights: TjMaxx
Shoes: Thrifted
Bag: Thrifted D&B
Large, oversized sweaters have been a wardrobe staple of mine lately. I love the big knit trend that seems to re-surface every year (I would argue it's less of a trend here than a necessity), and love it even more when I can find a big knit sweater at the thrift store. I found this beauty last Saturday when Chris and I went to Savers. It was surprisingly the only article of clothing I walked away with, but I love it so much. I'm still searching for the perfect coat for this year, so in the meantime these big sweaters easily take the place of a traditional jacket.

This has been kind of a uniform for me lately, neutrals and layers. It's the perfect look for fall because as the day gets warmer, you can just take off a layer. As I unpacked my winter wardrobe last weekend, I've realized that my vintage skirt stash needs replenishing. I can't go on wearing the same wool camel skirt, no matter how fabulous, because I'll simply wear it out. I think another thrift shopping excursion is in the books for this weekend, then!

It's kind of amazing, I never realized that my town actually does experience a little bit of fall. The past three years I've been traveling so much that fall seems to whiz by unnoticed and I always said that the leaves seem to just shrivel up and fall off, but this year is different. Since I'm no longer an admissions counselor (thank god) and running around like crazy, I can actually stop and see that the trees are kind of beautiful around here!
Do you have anything fun planned for this weekend? Chris and I are- yet again- looking forward to staying home. We've been working so much lately that I feel like I haven't seen my apartment in ages, even though I'm here right now. I think thrift shopping is the perfect activity for this weekend, don't you agree?

Happy Friday!!!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Wedding Thursday: Inspired by Marilyn

Welcome to the second week of Wedding Thursday: Inspired By...! Last weeks Yoko Ono post was decidedly 60's mod, this week I took a step back with Marilyn Monroe at her 1956 wedding to Arthur Miller:
Marilyn was just so beautiful, and I love this photo of her. She looks so happy and I love how this really could be anyone's backyard wedding photo with dear Aunt Mildred (Trivia: I actually DO have an Aunt Mildred). Chris and I aren't planning an extravagant wedding, so this is the vibe I hope my pictures will have.
Dress: Posh Girl Vintage (sold), Shoes: Pin-Up Girl Clothing,
Vintage Clutch: Les Vintage, Hand-Made Fascinator: Velvet Owl

Marilyn's pin-up wedding style is still quite relevant today, so I chose to stick with a classic vintage dress, rather than a modern version. This damask print dress from Posh Girl Vintage is perfection. The shape of these shoes from Pin-Up Girl Clothing is right on target, but probably way more comfortable than a vintage pair. Plus, they could probably be dyed after the big day for more versatility. I think the need for accessories is low here, so instead of sparkly earrings, a vintage lucite clutch with rhinestones and a feathered fascinator with creme and white feathers ties it all together nicely.

Also, thank you to the readers who kindly pointed out that Yoko and John were married at the Rock of Gibraltar, not the White Cliffs of Dover, whoops!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Singer for the band

I've had Elton John stuck in my head all day today.
Dress: Delightful Dozen swap with Starr
(UO skirt worn underneath for volume)
Belt: Vintage
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
Bracelet: Vintage
When Starr offered up this sweet vintage dress for the Delightful Dozen to style, I jumped at the chance. Not only is it awesome and a break away from the neutrals I've been loving lately, but it reminds me so much of a dress my mother made back in the 60's that is residing in my closet, awaiting mending. Because the dress is so bright and attention-comanding, I kept my accessories to a minimum, with just a vintage brass bracelet and my Navajo belt for a little kick in the back. To stick with the 60's-70's theme, I added my Jeffrey Campbell clogs.

This is such a far cry from the colors I've been drawn to as of late. The recent cold weather has inspired my love for neutral and darker shades, and I've been avoiding bright primaries like the plague, not intentionally but I think it's just habit from the seasons and changing weather. It's definitely cold out in the morning now!
Did you know there are two new members of the Delightful Dozen? Welcome Starr and Beatrice!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Quiet Houses

Shawl: Chris's from thrift store
Silk Shirt (worn underneath): Thrifted
Skirt: Cali Select Vintage
Tights: TjMaxx
Belt: J.Crew outlet
Shoes: Flea Market
(close up photos by chris)
We had the most beautiful fall weather this weekend, it was perfect! I don't have much to report on the activity front, Chris and I have been so busy lately that it was nice to just have a normal, no hassle weekend. Sometimes running errands with Chris is way more satisfying that going on crazy adventures. We kept it low key and went out to breakfast, made a trip to Savers (I haven't been thrift shopping in like, a month!), and went grocery shopping. And yesterday I cleaned our messy apartment, thrilling, huh? I did really miss just being home for a weekend though.

Fall is definitely my favorite season, I love the crisp mornings and slightly warmer afternoons. The changing leaves, too. The foliage around this little shack where I take pictures is changing too. The woodbine is turing red and the greens are fading. Fall is my favorite season style-wise, too. I love being able to layer, experiment with texture, and the colors. This is what I wore out to breakfast-which was more like lunch because it was 12pm- on Saturday with Chris. This camel skirt is my new favorite basic (you'll see it again later in the week), I'll admit to spending more than I should have on it, but I've already worn it six times so I guess it's justifiable. Camel has definitely been on my radar this fall, it's a nice alternative to straight-up brown, and way more versatile. I paired it with one of Chris's plaid blanket/shawl/scarfs, and some green tights. The whole outfit kept me warm against the crazy fall wind on Saturday!

There's still time to enter the Bearcat Vintage giveaway! Don't miss out!

How was your weekend?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Speaking in tongues

Part two in our New Hampshire weekend extravaganza!
Isn't the Russell-Colbath house pretty? It was built in the early 1800's and belonged to my friend's ancestor.
Polka-Dot top: Thrifted ($4)
Chiffon Top: Swapped
Skirt: Thrifted ($2)
Shoes: UO ($28)
Belt: from Punky
Sunglasses: from co-worker
Bracelet: Swapped
Cape: AA
The weather on Saturday was almost perfect for a wedding: sunny, bright, and freezing. October has most certainly arrived! As I drove up the Kancamagus on my way to my friend's wedding, I could see leaves whipping across the road and the thermometer in my car drop degree by degree as I winded further into the mountains. When I left my mom's house in Maine it was 50 degrees F and when I got to the wedding site it was 40 degrees F, so cold!

While some may think wearing black to a wedding is faux-pas, I was glad I did for one specific reason: it soaked in the sun! I did make sure to layer, knowing chiffon isn't exactly weather proof. I've been waiting to photograph both of these shirts for the right outfit. The chiffon top I scored a couple of weeks ago at the Swap, and the polka-dot top I found at a thrift store in New Hampshire. I really loved how the chartreuse popped against the polkadots! I kept my accessories to a minimum: a purple bracelet (also swapped), and gold belt. The sunglasses weren't planned, but I'm glad I found them in my car because it was so incredibly sunny!

The wedding was very nice, and the bride and groom were kind enough to provide hot chocolate for everyone after the ceremony. It made me realize I've barely been thinking about my own wedding, which- if all goes as planned- is less than a year away. Would you be interested in a weekly wedding post? Just inspiration and such. I'm realizing that the task of planning a wedding is easily overwhelming, and just as easily pushed aside!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Kancamagus Bound

Oh New Hampshire, how I pine for thee!
Shirt: J.Crew Outlet ($35)
Skirt: Thrifted ($3)
Belt: AA
Necklace c/o Kdikio Vintage
Tights: TjMaxx
Flowers: friend's mom's house
It seems like every time Chris and I drive North, it becomes more and more difficult to return to the city. Growing up in Rural New Hampshire and Maine, we love being in the woods, especially this time of year when the trees and mountains are blazing with the colors of autumn. On Friday we headed North for a friend's wedding and went straight to the rehearsal and set-up at the location: The Russell-Colbath House on the Kancamagus Highway. It was wonderfully freezing when we got up there, I love it when the weather gets cold! The foliage was even worth getting stuck behind all the tourists on the drive up, so pretty! We used to drive the "Kanc" all the time when I was younger, and more often than not we would see a moose or some other kind of wild-life. No moose this weekend, but I did see a few foxes.

I wanted to wear something fall-ish, so I went with a denim button-up and suede skirt. This skirt has become a little too big over the past year, so rather than not wearing it at all, I cinched the top like a paper-bag style skirt. To keep warm, I threw on my new favorite thing: this sweater from ModCloth. It's so warm and cozy! I love cozy sweaters!
I have lots to share from this weekend, It was so hard to come home last night! Fall is my favorite season, especially when I can spend some time at my mom's house in Maine. The trees are always brighter and the air is always incredibly crisp and smells like wood-smoke. All I want to do is drink cider and make apple-crisp this time of year. Now we are back home in the city and dreaming of the next weekend we can head north.

How was your weekend?

Friday, October 8, 2010

You Asked, I Answered: Pt. 5

Chris will potentially kill me for posting this photo. I mean, it's on my facebook, so it can't be that bad. Lately I've made a habit of posting bad hair photos with these Friday "About me" posts, and I'm getting a little sick of looking at past bad decisions! This photo was taken two years ago at the College's annual art auction. I was actually the photographer for the event, but my friend Chelsea snapped this photo of us lookin' fancy.
So nothing really went as planned this week, and I'm so happy it's over. I'm finally feeling slightly better after being sick with first a sore throat and then a terrible cold/flu for a week! I hate being sick (I think that's kind of a given for anybody, though). Posting will be back to normal next week. We're headed North again this weekend for a friend's wedding and some much needed quality time. Our lives seem to be moving a little too fast paced for my comfort lately, I always feel much better up North.

So, below are more questions from my Formspring account...

Do you have any tattoos? Do you want any?
I have three tattoos (you can see an earlier comment where I discuss what they are), and I really want more!

Who are some of your favorite bloggers? or do you read mostly non-OOTD (outfit of the day) blogs?
The blogs I check out daily are all of the girls from the Delightful Dozen, and a majority of the blogs listed in my links section. I also read a lot of art blogs regularly, and some lifestyle blogs (The Rockstar Diaries, A Cup Of Jo, For Me For You). I also like to check out the blogs of my reader's, I think there is a great diversity there (though I don't often leave comments for the sake of time).

How do you edit your photos?
I use Photoshop CS4, however I rarely change anything other than bringing up the levels a bit and adding some vibrance. I also admit to occasionally clone stamping out a zit or two.

a lot of people have asked me about the "rainbows" in some of my images, that effect is gained by pointing your lens towards the setting sun and positioning the sun just out of frame (you'll see spots dash across your viewfinder).

The best time to shoot is either early morning or around 5 or 6 o'clock in the evening. Shooting mid-day will give you harsh shadows and blown out colors.

Where do you get inspiration for your outfits? Your style is amazing!
Thank you! I get my inspiration from a lot of places, I read a lot of fashion-based history books and a ton of magazines. I also love art, and get a great deal of inspiration from going to museums and gallery events. I love color, pattern, and texture!

Thank you! About 90% of my clothes are bought second-hand at thrift stores, church and charity shops. On rare occasions, I'll buy something from a store in the mall or an outlet, like J.Crew, Forever 21, or H&M. I also receive some clothes from my sponsors (Items that are listed "C/O"), which are all pieces I would purchase online anyways.

Thank you! I love New England so much, I grew up in Maine, my dad lives in New Hampshire, and now I'm in Massachusetts. I'm open to living anywhere if the right opportunity comes along, but right now I'm really happy living in the community that I do. I love having four distinct seasons, and the accessibility of the eastern states. I also really like that there is a lot happening, but at a comfortable pace.

I love Upstate NY too! I did a lot of traveling there last november, there are quite a few posts from when I was in Albany/Saratoga Springs frmo around that time. A lot of my friends from college are upstate NY'ers, I would love to live in the Hudson Valley someday, it's so beautiful!

Thank you so much, that really means a lot! I think blogs are better than magazines in the sense that they allow instant access to millions of individual styles, the inspiration is endless! I actually started my blog when I was in a major fashion rut, it really helps me explore my style more and completely re-ignited my passion for fashion as well, to the point where I realized I wanted to make a career out of it! I hope your friend enjoys Montserrat!

Would you like to get a master's degree sometime in the future?
I would love to eventually get my Masters, but not for another couple of years. I'm so glad that I didn't go for my MFA straight out of college like a lot of my peers, while it may have been the right decision for them, I needed time to figure out the direction I most wanted to go. Which is still something I'm trying to figure out.

What T.V. shows do you enjoy watching?
I don't watch much T.V. because we don't have cable or satellite (it's too expensive), so any shows that I watch have to already be on DVD or on Hulu. It can be really annoying at times to not be able to turn on the T.V. for background noise when I'm doing something, but it's also excellent quality control! I like Mad Men, SNL, and Glee.

How did you grow your hair so long and healthy? I've been trying to grow it out and it's been difficult. Any tips?
First I should tell you that it's taken me about six years of growing-out to get my hair this length. I had a chelsea cut when I was a junior in college, and after that I decided I wanted it longer. It's important to keep cutting/trimming it, even as it grows, so along the way I've had a number of other hairstyles (including an ill-advised fashion mullet). While you may not be game for a fashion mullet, while you're growing it out get the ends trimmed a couple times a year. Contrary to what people believe, cutting it will not actually make it grow faster, but trimming off the scraggly ends as they appear will make it look healthier and you will end up cutting off less in the long run than if you were to grow it super long and then trim it, does that make sense?

As far as health goes, I eat a lot of Omega-3's, tons of avocados, and take fish oil supplements. The benefits of these foods are many, one of which is healthy hair. I also do not blow dry it, and don't use a lot of styling product, and only wash it two times a week.
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Have a question? Formspring me!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The North Shore Blogger Consortium Week 2

Hey Boston based bloggers, better late than never! Here are the NSBC's picks for this weeks activities. I wish I could have jumped on the band wagon this week, but yet again it didn't happen, next week! What are your plans for the weekend? Also, if you're a Boston-based blogger who would like to be added to my blog roll let me know, I'll be doing an update next week!

Get to your planning…

fifthjoyweb_500

5thjoy is a blog about the things that make life shimmer: Food, Fashion, Feathering the Nest and whatever glinting Flotsam floats our way.

Click Here For Abby Cahill O’Brien’s Fifth Joy Weekend Picks

As a painter and writer, Heather Atwood spent a lot of time waiting on tables in great restaurants. While struggling with color and line, she was also learning how to roast a great chicken, and what it means to balance textures in a dish. She’s been interested in good food ever since. Married, the mother of two daughters, Heather now lives in Rockport, Mass. and is the food columnist for the Gloucester Daily Times. She is featured regularly in Taste of the Times videos and her writing can also be seen in the Wednesday food section of the Times.

Click here for Heather Atwood’s Weekend Picks

Good Morning Gloucester brings you the best of Gloucester MA and surrounding communities. From the docks to the restaurants, the sporting fields to the art scene and anything in between, if it’s happening in Gloucester it’s generally covered on GMG.

Click here for Joey’s weekend picks

Jane Ward writes fiction and is the author of Hunger (Forge, 2001) and The Mosaic Artist (to be released). She is currently at work on her third novel, The Welcome Home. She also writes about food – in a weekly blog called Food and Fiction, and as a contributing writer to the online regional food magazine, Local In Season – because she loves to cook and eat. And so does everyone she knows.

Click Here for Author Jane Ward’s Weekend Picks

The Two Palaverers are the husband and wife team of Rob and Laura Ciampa, two passionate New Englanders who have spent decades exploring the highways and byways of New England in search of regional character, culture and cuisine. Their goal is to recognize the people, places and things that exemplify the character of New England. Join them as they palaver about New England.

Click Here For The Weekend Picks From The Two Palaverers

At its core, LynnHappens.com is a place to find out what’s happening in Lynn. It features an events calendar, local weather, arts and events coverage, photo galleries, complete City Council videos, letters to the editor and more.