Alehouse Cowgirl

I'm not going to lie -- I love pigtails. But I'm always afraid of making a messy part in the back (since I'm not that NYU professor who implanted the camera in the back of his head), and/or looking like Pippi Longstocking.

Totally badass kid? Yes. Fashion icon? No.

But when I saw this fresh take on braids from Elle...

Elle Fashion Assistant Kristen Shirley

...inspired by some very avant garde pigtail-esque 'dos on the Givenchy Spring 2011 runway...

...I had to try my had at this much beloved but oft maligned coif.

Certainly not as extreme, but I definitely avoided wearing the men's snap-front plaid shirt I thought about putting on to head down to a local Alehouse for fear of looking too much like a cowgirl.

The interesting thing about this tunic is that it needs to have some sort of tie or belt right under the bust, which is usually a flattering place for most women to have a belt fall. However, my narrowest part, my natural waist, is about where my hands are in that photo above. So, although I think it looks fine as is (it's a little more casual this way), it would look best if I were able to belt it at my narrowest point.

Tunic: Anthropologie

Belt: Target

Jeans: American Eagle

Necklace: self-made

An Incomplete Recap

A very limited recap of a very small number of the many outfits I've worn in the past few months.

 

Fall Formal (and also, incidentally, my birthday)

Green lamé dress: vintage 1980's

Pumps: J.C. Penny's

Sash: from a skirt from Forever 21

Earrings: a gift

Necklace: vintage, from my grandmother 

Rally to Restore Sanity, Washington D.C.

Shirt: Buffalo Exchange

Cardigan: J. Crew

Coat: Nordstrom's

Apple pin: vintage

Snappy slogan: my own

 

Fiercely modeling the latest in Snuggie Couture on the bus from D.C. back to New York

The day of the first snow flurries of the year in New York

 Face: John Lennon

Shirt: Gap

Jeans: American Eagle

Belt: Nordstrom

Scarf: vintage

Boots: Hunter (probably the most expensive boots I own, but definitely the most worth it. Also, they were a very generous gift)

 Waikiki Beach, O'ahu, Hawaii

Tank: Target

Skirt: street vendor

Two very authentic instances of me encountering some genuine Hawaiian waves

Dress: Forever 21

Cardigan: J. Crew

Sandals: Target

Flower hair pin: ABC Store

High-Flying Fun

I'm back!

*Note: Updated to add video below directly to the body of the post!

Once again, I apologize for the lack of updates. Since returning to school I've had to register for classes, attend said classes, audition (and do callbacks) for the theatre and film program, catch up with old friends, forge new friendships, and work my three jobs. That said, I am going to be updating more regularly once again (perhaps not daily, but at least every other day or so).

My school, nestled in a little town in Westchester County, New York, is a thirty minute train ride from Grand Central Station in Manhattan. As such, it's almost foolish not to take advantage of the myriad cultural and artistic opportunities presented by such proximity to the most vibrant and dynamic city in the United States. Last Friday, I noticed a Facebook update from my friend's brother, who lives and works in the city. It read as follows: "Anybody want to see the Flying Karamazov Brothers tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon for free? (usually $65). There's some important people in the crowd for the 2pm show tomorrow and we want to have a packed and excited audience. Let me know ASAP." 

(My friend is the one on the far left)

 Um, why yes, I DID want to see my friend perform in the internationally famous juggling/musical/theatrical extravaganza -- fo free. If you don't know who the Flying Karamazov Brothers are, here's a little video to give you a taste of what their show is like.

I rustled up some friends from school, we took the train into the city, and proceeded to the West Village for an afternoon of excellent, exciting entertainment. They were daring! They were hilarious! They juggled a piece of cake! Their mix of incredible juggling skills and synchronization, musicianship, and old-school vaudevillian comedy was a wonder and a delight. For kids of all ages in the New York area, I would highly recommend heading down to the (slightly difficult to find) Minetta Lane Theatre. They're even having a special through Sunday where, if you go 20 minutes before the show, you can get tickets for $20! And if you're not in NYC, look for them on tour in your area. 

After the show, one of my friends and I headed over to a little thrift shop a few blocks away and I tried on a few choice pieces:

Why yes, that is a giant white leather jacket with various currencies embroidered on it. 

Delighted

And these are some extremely flattering skin-tight faux-leather red pants. They were $5. I'm not saying I regret not buying them, exactly. But, come on. You don't encounter $5 skin-tight faux-leather red pants every day...

I didn't get any full shots of what I actually wore that day, but I did get a few details:

Dress: Anthropologie

Sweater: J. Crew

Bag: vintage (you can see it better in the first picture of the post)

Shoes: Nine West

I hope I made up for my long absence with this epic post. And I'll see you all here again soon!

Left on a Jet Plane...

Sorry for my absence the last few days -- I was flying across the country to my Hogwarts-esque, hipster-riffic, artsy-fartsy college!

Here's what I wore on the plane, posing adorably with my parents:

Dress: H&M (from France!)

Leggings: matty m (via Costco)

Wrap Cardigan: Banana Republic

Shoes: Target

Scarf: J. Crew

Necklace: vintage

This was a tricky situation because it was a red-eye* so I knew I'd have to sleep on the (probably freezing cold) plane, but it was also supposed to be in the 90's in New York when I landed, so I had to layer like a BAMF. When I arrived at school, i took off the leggings and cardigan and was ready to reunite with friends, unpack, and sign up for classes in the sweltering and oppressive heat of late August on the East Coast. 

* A red-eye is a plane flight that leaves late at night, letting you arrive at your destination in the morning. It is called a red-eye because people often disembark bleary-eyed and bloodshot because it's hard to sleep on a plane. I thought this was common knowledge, but I had one person at home and one person at school (both of whom fly fairly frequently) ask me "What is a red-eye -- is it a train?" I do not know what about that sounds like a train, but I found it hilarious that two people from entirely different backgrounds both thought that.

Influences and Inspirations

I wasn't able to get very good pictures of this outfit, which is unfortunate because I was very excited about it. Its creation was the result of a confluence of many influences, from this fabulous DIY skirt tutorial from What Would a Nerd Wear, these clever little faux-suspenders from Barefoot and Vintage, and all of the wonderful color mixing tips from the girls over at Academichic.

Shirt: Target

Skirt: self-made

Scarf: J. Crew

Belt: Target

Shoes: Nine West

Being silly in front of an incredible car

I also got bangs yesterday (after these pictures were taken), which I'm pretty sure I haven't had since about 1997. It's both terrifying and exhilarating.

Never Worn Challenge

I know I can't be alone in this: you buy something, whether by necessity or by choice, and it languishes unworn in your closet because you're afraid of it. You're unsure how to style it, or you're afraid it's just "not you," or you secretly worry that it's actually super heinous.

Well, I've challenged myself to actually wear the things I've never worn, to confront my fears, to wear boldly what I've never worn before!

First up for this challenge are my graduation shoes. We were required to find white shoes with ridiculous specifications (I don't even remember all of them, but it had to have at least a one-inch or more, all-white heel, which is kind of like trying to find a unicorn). In the end, after many hours of searching, this is what I finally found:

They're a sort of 60's-mod-meets-The-Jetsons T-strap. I didn't feel like they really fit into my personal style, and wouldn't have known how to wear them anyway.

This summer, I knew the time had come. I mustered up the courage, dragged them out of my closet, brushed off the dust and cobwebs (just kidding...kind of), and paired them with fresh, bright pieces:

Shirt: JC Penny's

Shorts: DIY cutoffs (more on these to come)

Shoes: Nine West

Scarf: J. Crew

Necklace: Self-made

The magical thing is, now that I've worn them once, the fear is gone! Not only did I get multiple compliments on them, I now know that they can work with what I've got in my wardrobe.

Two in One

Red Vines are probably my favorite unnaturally red food product

Maxi Dress: Lucky Brand

Tank: American Eagle

Bracelets: Cost Plus World Market

Sandals: Clarks 

As you can probably tell from the rest of this blog, I am obviously a hippy at heart. 

Yeah, just kidding. But this weekend I went to my grandma's annual birthday celebration, which is always outside (and which is, incidentally, always annual since, unless you were born on February 29th, birthdays are pretty much always a yearly occurrence). I knew it was going to be "a scorcher" as, er, no one says, so I thought I'd become a flower child for the afternoon. Not only was I kept remarkably cool, this dress also instantly helped me gain a greater appreciation for tie-dye and tapestries.

Hat: ?

But wait!

Yet another birthday party (this time a surprise party for a friend's mom) was in the cards that evening. Ever glamorous, I made I quick costume change at a sketchy park rest area. Unfortunately, I was having far too much fun at the actual party and forgot to document Outfit 2.0 until I arrived back home, weary and worn after a day of intense socializing. I assure you, most of this enthusiasm is faked:

Shirt (that's actually a shirt dress): Target

Skirt: Forever 21

Belt: Target

Necklace: vintage

Shoes: Clarks

I hope you enjoy your Monday, but if you have to fake a little enthusiasm too, I won't blame you. Unless you are Ron Livingston and happen to work with this lady: 

"Sounds like somebody's got a case of the Mondays!" (Source)

Red, White, & Blue (& Black)

 Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: Express

Belt: Target

Shoes: Target

How almost-patriotic of me today! I could pretend it's subtle social commentary, a way for me to stick it to The Man and Big Oil and the Wall Street "Fat Cats," etc, etc by not quite wearing my country's national colors. Or I could be honest and say it was completely unintentional. How about we make it like one of those Choose Your Own Adventure books?

 "You're walking down the hallway of a dark dungeon and you discover...A BLOGGER! She tells you that she is implementing social change by her subtly subversive style. You: a) Choose to believe her -- what reason would she have to lie to you? (turn to page 24) b) Call her bluff -- no one can even see her in this dungeon, so what's the point? (turn to page 316) c) Ignore her entirely and attempt to find the treasure chest that's probably somewhere around here since there's always a treasure chest or something in these books. (turn to page 71)"

 (Oh, and I hate to ruin it for you, but no matter what you choose, you end up being eaten by a grue.)

I've always liked Thursdays, and I hope yours is treating you swimmingly. Cheers!

P.S. Follow my blog with bloglovin if you so desire!

Old Man Pants

Let me say right off the bat that I love this outfit:

  Top: Target
Shorts: vintage*

Belt: Target

Shoes: Nine West

It is not only perfectly summery, but it tackles not one but two things I am scared of, sartorially. Namely: 

1. Pattern mixing (you can't tell very well from these pictures, but the shorts have a super thin blue and white pinstripe) and

2. Looking like I'm next in line at the shuffleboard court and should be adjusting my dentures while contemplating either prune juice or a nap.

And I suppose the two are related: the attempt to avoid looking geriatric can be foiled when one mixes two patterns. The trick, or so I am told, is to nominate one "supporting pattern" and one "leading pattern." Then, you get two attractive yet bland actors to banter awkwardly for a moment before presenting them to you -- wait, I think I'm getting confused. Basically, I picked a stronger pattern for my shirt and a subtle pattern for my shorts, broke up the two patterns with a contrasting color in the belt and -- voila! -- I have (hopefully) successfully avoided looking as though my name should be Ethel. (Not that there's anything wrong with that name, per se. And, since everything old is new again, I expect we should be seeing celebrities naming their children things like Floyd and Gertrude any day now.)

However, there is still the matter of these shorts. I, for one, think they are Grandma-fabulous and love the fact that the zipper may actually be six miles long. Unfortunately, once, when I was wearing them at my fancypants East Coast liberal arts college, my friend asked me why I was "wearing the pants of a grandpa." Touché, friend. Touché. 

So tell me: do you agree that they are Active Seniors Community Chic? Or are you with my friend in thinking that I should try for a senior discount at the movies when wearing them?

Still trying to perfect taking my own pictures

* Okay, technically they are hand-me-downs from my Mom, and I'm sure she would strongly object to me deeming them "vintage." But I would totally lose my hipster cred if I admitted that, right? So: sorry, Mom! At least I didn't call them "antique."