30 August 2013

End of August Mint

mint + shorts

Have a wonderful weekend, ladies - and a happily extended one for those of us in the States! Let's try to soak in as much of summer as we still can and not wish too quickly for the cooler weather.

That really pretty crisp sunny weather and orange-y leaf display only lasts briefly, and before we all know it, our daily goal will be to pile on as much clothing as possible to keep from freezing. 

So please be outside if you can, enjoy it, and maybe get some shopping in. See yous in September!

mint + shorts  mint + shorts

Sweater: J.Crew factory charley (sim, sim, sweatshirt)
Top: F21 bejeweled georgette (worn here - sim, sim, pricey)
Shorts: Gap striped welt pocket (worn here - sim, pricey, rugby striped)
Earrings: gift (sim)
Ring: c/o JewelMint (sim, sim)
Bracelets: Asos spiked pack, F21 (sim), J.Crew factory chainlink
Shoes: Adrienne Vittadini yancy (worn here - sim, sim)
Bag: Brahmin anytime (worn here - striped version, sim, deal)

mint + shorts

mint + shorts

28 August 2013

Ladylike

cut out dots  cut out dots

This dress.

Something about it just spoke to me. The cut out detailing. The flare of the skirt. The fluttery shoulders. The stitching on the seams. When it hit sale online, I said yes, please sight unseen.

cut out dots  cut out dots

OK, it is a tad long on me and I may look a wee bit wide some areas, but this dress just makes me feel all lady-like. Like when I walk I want to swish the skirt and shimmy my shoulders. I don't know, there's something about a longer flowy skirt that suddenly makes me want to act all dainty and get my chair pulled out for me, or the door held open (I usually barrel right in). And with the fluttery shoulders? All I need is a wave in my hair, some white gloves and red lips, and a younger single Ben Affleck, all suited a la Pearl Harbor, and I'm good.

Are there any pieces from your closet that make you feel immediately feminine?

cut out dots

cut out dots

Dress: Beguile by Byron Lars via Anthropologie lasercut (sim, sim, boho maxi)
Earrings: c/o INPINK (sim, sim)
Bracelets: J.Crew, Sage K and Co (sim), c/o Style Lately (sim), Glitterbox Jewelry (sim, set)
Ring: c/o INPINK (sim)
Shoes: Vince Camuto bello (worn here - deal, stiletto)
Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff (worn here - sim, flap, sim, foldover)

26 August 2013

A Long Short Tale

maxi

Maxi length skirts and dresses have beautiful length and flow, but they're tough items for me. And only partly because I'm a shortie and most of them tend to overwhelm my frame.

I don't know, maxi lengths just seem kind of formal to me and I always feel like I'm overdressing - like I should be attending a ball or going to some pageant or something. Long flowy skirts just seem to demand some sort of smooth gliding motion of which I am completely inept to accomplish. You know, the whole acting like a lady and having to pick my skirt up when I take steps thing.

maxi  maxi

Plus, I'm a natural-born klutz and it's difficult enough for me to maneuver around in shorts and flat shoes (seriously, last summer, I tripped down a set of steps while wearing flat sandals, thank you), so I've got to have a pretty high confidence morning to want to don wobbly heels and a long skirt that needs constant manhandling.

So this is like my second or third maxi dress purchase ever and the only maxi dress I still have in my closet. And this is the first time I've broken this piece out this year - done as I am pretty much attempting to wear as many warm weather clothes as I can before it actually starts getting cold ... because in my head, maxi lengths are for summer only ... even though you legs are covered. I know, it's totally the style, not my own personal crazy, right?

What do you ladies think about maxi length skirts? Love 'em or are dubious like I am? Or are there other types of clothing that you find difficult to warm up to?

maxi

maxi

Dress: Boden glamorous (worn here - sim print, solid, solid)
Jacket: F21 knit moto (worn here - sim, sim, sim, grey)
Earrings: c/o INPINK (sim, sim, navy)
Bracelets: ON (sim), Sage K and Co (sim), c/o Style Lately elegant turquoise (sim)
Shoes: Artisan by Clarks kyna wise (worn here - sim, sim)
Bag: J.Crew biennial stripe (worn here - same solid, sim brown)

23 August 2013

A Little Bit More

Another medley of stylish miscellany snapped with my camera phone during these past few weeks. Here are some snippets of outfits previously unblogged, fanciful details and ensembles assembled. Hope you ladies enjoy the weekend!

0
Laying out an outfit: Necklace: J.Crew fan fringe (worn before - sim, Etsy versions) / F21
essential stripes / BR factory jeans / C.Wonder clutch (worn before - sim)

1
Easy weekend wear: Anthropologie necklace (sim, simpler) / LEC tee / H&M skirt
(worn before - sim) / Sofft sandals (sim)

2
A detail on a dress: Beguile via Byron Lars (sim, sim, boho maxi)

3  4
While waiting: J.Crew destroyed matchstick jeans (sim deal) / Zara wedges (sim) / J.Crew factory dorset
(sim, pricey) / bracelets by C. Wonder, J.Crew factory chainlink, Sage K and Co

Grabbed for a quick weekend trip: Loft paisley print skirt / Jack Rogers (worn before - sim)

5
On the go: J.Crew liberty (worn before - sim, deal) / BR factory jeans / Jambu petal sandals

6
At rest: Target v-neck tee / Asos belt (sim) / J.Crew skirt (worn before - sim, sim, sim) /
YuniKelley bracelet (sim)

7
Quick click: J.Crew gondola stripe top (worn before - sim) / Ann Taylor necklace (sim, deal)

8  9
There can never be too much highlighter yellow: J.Crew perfect neon (sim) / factory cameo chandelier
necklace (sim) / factor dorset (sim, pricey)

Almost too lazy to get dressed: Ipanema maya sandals / F21 shorts (sim, as romper) / J.Crew
vintage tee (worn before - factory version)

10
New things for fall: Asos arrow necklace / Vera Moda leather insert sweatshirt

11
Wanted my bit of burgundy for the new season: Coach legacy flight bag

12
Like a candy cane: Rebecca Minkoff clutch (sim) / Anthropologie skirt (sim) / Audrey Brooke
mary pumps

21 August 2013

Matter of Sharing

blue zig zags

So I have a personal style blog. I take pics of myself wearing pretty (I hope) outfits and flash a big smile at the world while doing so. And I often ramble on about any number of jumbling matters that flash across my brain. If I get to go somewhere cool, I'll include pics sometimes. Maybe throw in a recipe on the odd occasion or mention of something absolutely nom-tastic. I whine about my weight, just 'cause. And of course, the pup. Because her urge to photo bomb while I'm trying to look all cool/aloof/svelte/self-important cannot be contained.

blue zig zags  blue zig zags

But obviously there's a lot that I choose not to share. Like my personal life. Most of the stuff I do that doesn't involve a Bravo TV marathon. My job. Trips that take me to awesome places that I don't get to see (or more likely, not-so-awesome places that no one would care about anyways). Personal commentary on real-world issues. Minutiae. It's obvious I keep things pretty yellow-cake-with-milk-chocolate-icing-hold-the-sprinkles around here.

I guess that can make me a bit trivial in the sense of just posting outfit pics and sharing on randomness. But I think we get that we only get to see about 0.002% of who a person really is on a blog. And that percentage is obviously carefully curated. So for those of you who have blogs, what do you decide to keep private vs. public online?

blue zig zags

blue zig zags

Dress: LE pattern fit and flare (same in solid, sim, shirtdress)
Belt: Asos metal keeper (sim, sim)
Necklace: J.Crew factory chandelier (worn here - sim, sim, over-the-top)
Bracelets: F21 (sim), C.Wonder (sim), Sage K and Co (sim)
Shoes: Vince Camuto kira (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Clutch: J.Crew factory dorset (sim, sim)

 ♥     ♥     ♥    

The Anthropologie $200 gift card giveaway ends this week. Enter here

(Also linking up with Tara from Mix & Match Fashion).

19 August 2013

Post Haste

pom poms  pom poms

One thing for me about being a style blogger - I feel there is kind of a pressure to be ahead of the game somehow. Whether it be getting and wearing the latest arrival out there (and doing it before anyone else), the urge to jump on a trend bandwagon (because you don't want to get left behind, do you), or the need to think of the most unique ways to wear things while still having a wearable outfit - you gotta be with it be a style blogger.

Take now for instance. I feel like since July ended, I've been seeing a ton of folks in blogdom prancing around non-stop in leather jackets, fuzzy hats and sweaters and big ole boots already. I mean, I get it, it's back-to-school time for a lot of folks, fall clothes are just more creative, and some people are probably over the heat. And yes, it's new stuff.

pom poms  pom poms

But come on, it's still August. We're still a month out from it technically being fall and it is still really hot in most parts of the States. Leather and boots seem a bit much for me, literally. I mean, I've still got warm weather clothes I haven't worn yet.

Like this top which I've wanted since first sight, but waited and waited until it hit sale plus additional % off. I guess if I wait any longer to wear it and show it on the blog, other folks will be rocking tights and coats!

Are you already in fall gear or are you trying to squeeze every bit out of summer as you can?

pom poms

Top: J.Crew pom pom (sim, long-sleeved, sleeveless, all-white)
Jeans: J.Crew destroyed matchstick (worn here - sim, sim, deal)
Earrings: Amrita Singh (sim, sim)
Bracelets: J.Crew factory chainlink, Sage K and Co (sim), C.Wonder (sim)
Shoes: Zara (worn here - sim, pricey, black, floral)
Bag: J.Crew factory dorset (sim, sim)

♥     ♥     ♥    

The Anthropologie $200 gift card giveaway ends this week. Enter here!

16 August 2013

Dress Says it All

 more empress

Here's a decidedly more casual take on the empress dress this time (as opposed to when worn last for work), letting the dress do most of the talking. The colors and print say a lot. While it's just easy to get dressed in these stand-out pieces, sometimes it's hard to think of different ways to wear them. I guess pairing this piece with a simple black cardigan is the next and last option?

Do you have any recs for other ways I could wear this dress? And what are your stand-out pieces?

more empress  more empress

Dress: Lilka via Anthropologie empress (worn here - different print, sim, sim, sim)
Belt: Asos plate detail (worn here - studded, silver, sim)
Earrings: F21 (sim, sim)
Bracelets: Asos (sim), Target (sim), J.Crew chainlink, YuniKelley (sim)
Shoes: Indigo by Clarks joli ruffle (worn here - sim, sim, pricey)
Clutch: Kate Spade (sim, sim, sim)

♥     ♥     ♥    

Remember to enter the group giveaway for a $200 gift card to Anthropologie!

more empress

more empress

14 August 2013

Getting to Know You

yellow +stripes

I find blogging to endlessly fascinating in its ability to connect like-minded people from across the Internets. I've "met" a lot of great blog friends and stylish soul sisters through my time here. Who knew there'd be so many people who would also consider stripes to be a neutral?

So I've got some questions for you this fine Wednesday, because I'm curious as to what got you lovely ladies involved in this corner of the big WWW:

yellow +stripes  yellow +stripes

If you have a blog, why did you start it?
What do you enjoy about having a blog?
What can't you stand about having a blog?
What do you think has helped you the most in gaining a following with your blog?
If you weren't blogging, you'd be ...
What makes a blog worth reading for you?
Favorite blog of the moment? For the sake of fairness, you don't have to mention mine ;o)
What do you wish other bloggers would do more (or less) of?
How have blogs changed your sense of style?
Are there things you have tried because of other bloggers?

yellow +stripes

Dress: Saturday/Sunday via Anthropologie striped day (worn here - sim, sim, colorful)
Cardigan: J.Crew featherweight (worn here - sim, deal)
Belt: Anthropologie ekbal (worn here - sim, sim, neutral)
Necklace: Personalized Necklace via Etsy (sim, sim)
Bracelet: Tiffany 1837 (same wider or bangle, sim, steal)
Ring: c/o JewelMint (sim, sim)
Shoes: Seychelles she's got the moves (worn here - sim, sim, stiletto)
Bag: Coach poppy flight in mirror metallic (worn here - wristlet, sim satchel, clutch, pouch)

♥     ♥     ♥    

Have you checked out the group giveaway for a $200 gift card to Anthropologie yet?You can enter just once or more if you're so inclined!

yellow +stripes

12 August 2013

Enter to Win a $200 Gift Card to Anthropologie!

Hi ladies - today I've partners with some lovely bloggers to give one of you an opportunity to win a $200 gift card to Anthropologie! There are loads of ways to enter via Rafflecopter below - you can enter by selecting just one or as many of the listed options as you'd like. The giveaway concludes on August 23rd and a winner will be drawn shortly after that. Thanks and good luck!

To Know a Stripe

stripes + scallops

For your Monday enjoyment, here are some random things you may not know about me:

I've always wanted to be a mascot. A got a bit of a taste of it a few years ago when I got to dress up as a chili pepper for a race around the bases during a local minor league baseball game. Ah, the cheers of the fans - and I won the race, even after getting tripped up by a fellow pepper after the start!

Grown-ass adult here - still scared of the dark.

I have my mom to thank for this, but I adore garlic. I think a few slices of raw garlic is a fantastic accompaniment to almost any meal - though I rarely ever do this (those around me rejoice). As much as I like garlic, I can't stand the taste of garlic on my breath and it practically impossible to get rid of!

stripes + scallops  stripes   scallops

Doomsday Preppers is one of my guilty-pleasure shows. More so, probably, than anything on Bravo. The folks on Bravo are plain ole over-the-top. The eccentric people on Doomsday Preppers may be right. Shhh, and get in your foxholes!

I get way seasick. I went deep sea fishing once and it was a lovely day out on the water until ... the captain turned off the engine and the boat started swaying side-to-side. And that was about the end of my day. Except I didn't want to ruin the trip for everyone else on the boat so I laid down sick on the boat for hours. Not one of my more fun excursions.

Chocolate chip cookies are my fave, especially the chewy ones. I love everything about them except for the chocolate chip part. Really.

I've been to Disney World three times, all times with friends, no kids. I love Epcot. Space Mountain is awesomely scary. The hot dogs at Casey's Corner in the Magic Kingdom can't be beat. The blue glow-tinis at the Prime Time Cafe in Hollywood Studios are wicked. And some of us may have snuck into the Honey I Shrunk the Kids exhibit after-hours, thanks to too many glow-tinis.

What's something about you that most people would not know?

stripes + scallops

stripes + scallops

Blazer: J.Crew maritime (same in solid, factory version)
Dress: F21 eyelet shift (worn here - sim lace, sim, sim)
Belt: J.Crew studded (sim, deal)
Necklace: Elizajay Charm (sim, sim)
Bracelet: J.Crew tortoise & turquoise (worn here - sim, sim)
Ring: c/o INPINK (sim, sim, sim)
Shoes: Sam Edelman trina (worn here - sim, sim, strappier)
Bag: Coach legacy penny (worn here - sim, sim, zip)