A Breakfast (Lunch) at Tiffany’s
Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany’s. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that’d make me feel like Tiffany’s, then – then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name!
I admit that I didn’t watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s until I was an adult. I didn’t feel underwhelmed after watching it, but I definitely wouldn’t call it my favorite movie. These days, if I watch it again then it’s because it’s on TCM on a weekend and it’s a good movie to curl up on the couch and watch.
A few days ago, I’d just left a doctor’s appointment and I went to grab lunch while waiting for my ride. I sat on a bench outdoors to eat and when I looked up, I noticed I was having lunch–or breakfast, since it was my first meal of the day–at Tiffany’s!
I ate in silence and looked at the storefront and the beautiful items inside. Instantly, it made me think that Holly Golightly might have been on to something after all.
Friend Friday: Conspicuous Consumption
1. Do you think fashion blogs are often just conspicuous consumption? Are some?
I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I didn’t think that some fashion blogs displayed great amounts of conspicuous consumption. I mean, many fashion bloggers really like to shop, right? However, I don’t judge or point fingers at anyone in how they chose to spend their own money, if they have that money to spend.
2. As bloggers do we have the obligation to explain our personal financial status, how we pay for the things we showcase, if we have debt, etc…
I personally don’t think so. I know that many other bloggers are much better off than I am and I accept that. No one has to explain where they got their money from or how they make their living, from my POV. I do wish there could be more open dialogue in the blogosphere about accruing debt for clothing and accessories, because I do feel like it’s a trap that many can fall into if not careful. My feeling is, if you go broke or into debt trying to maintain your fashion blog, then it might be best for you not to have one. It’s just not worth it.
3. Critics often say that fashion bloggers should use their money to support more worthwhile causes than clothing themselves in a different outfit daily. What’s your reaction to this? (here you can reveal charities if you’d like.)
I don’t think it’s fair to judge or determine how someone else should spend their money or tell them where and how to spend it. I do support my local Goodwill and I am seeking to support another organization in my area within the next couple of weeks, but that is because I want to. Would it be nice if fashion bloggers put the money towards an organization? Of course! It’d be great! However, it is up to said person on whether they want to do so or not.
4. Since you started blogging, do you spend more money on fashion and beauty products?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that I spend more money; but I spend my money on fashion and beauty differently. Since I’ve began blogging, I’ve bought more vintage clothing and sought out many wonderful independent designers. I’ve gone by recommendations of other bloggers and through my own research, I’ve found some great gems. I’m not so sure that I would have done so if I didn’t begin my own blog.
5. Life is about more than what money can buy. What are the things that top your list of what life is all about?
A long time ago, I came to the conclusion that I will probably never be rich or have a lot of money and I am totally fine with that. To me, life isn’t about money, material possessions or flaunting. It’s about giving back to others, experiences and happiness. For me, that’s when I know I’ll be fulfilled.
Friend Friday: Size
I have decided to participate in the weekly Friend Friday Q&A sessions, provided by ModlyChic. I thought the topics were stimulating and opened up wonderful dialogue. This week’s topic deals with size, which in a discussion can be polarizing in itself. Here are my thoughts on size, the term “plus size” and my own size struggle.
4. Should the mainstream fashion industry be showcasing more plus size models?
I think the mainstream fashion industry should showcase more models of all sizes, ethnicities and backgrounds. The mainstream fashion industry without any varied cultural representation and instead remains hegemonic has been influential for years. The thing is, when you start to see the same “type” displayed in magazines over and over again, it’s easy to ignore everyone else as if they don’t exist. Only recently has fashion become democratic to allow “other” groups participate– women of color, plus-sized, etc, but still not as a regular occurrence. I hope that instead of having a “very special issue” of some magazine, it becomes more commonplace to feature models that are plus-sized and skinny alike next to one another without creating a big hoopla.
5. For you personally, how do you view your size, the struggle with it through the years, your ideal size, etc…
Personally, I have had my own struggle with my size and working to get myself back down to a comfortable size. I’m not ashamed of the fact that I’m larger nor do I try to hide it, but I do know that I’m not as comfortable in my skin as I used to be nor am I as healthy. Instead, I am taking it one step at a time and not worrying about the numbers associated with my size, but the my overall health. I can lose X number of pounds, but am I healthy? Did I go about losing the weight in a healthy way? Those are the concerns that I must focus on.
Count Me In: 13 Threads
One of the best (and worst when it comes to the pocket book) attributes of Etsy is how easy it is to find new shops that suit your style. As with many popular online shops, you are given the opportunity to check out designers that you may have never heard of otherwise. With Etsy, you have the opportunity to come across independent and talented designers running their own shops and getting their designs out there on their own.
Such is the case with the Etsy shop, 13 Threads. I came across 13 Threads during a browsing session and I just fell in love. I love the wonderfully structured coats and dresses with a classic feel. Yes! Her pieces make me long for fall to hurry up and get here already. The pieces are made for wearing for the ages and timelessly classic, which is something that I can always appreciate
The founder and designer of 13 Threads, Lois Sturgeon began the label a couple of years ago, once she was able to devote the time and resource. However, sewing has always been a part of Sturgeon’s life, as she cites making clothing for her dolls and redesigning her school blazer. Many of her pieces are limited edition or one-of-a-kind using lovely fabrics, many of them Liberty of London.
Here are a few of my own personal favorites:
(all photos from 13Threads)
A Whole Lotta Look
I usually don’t write much about my weekends or other extracurricular activities, mainly because I either forget to bring a camera or I never feel that there is anything that exciting happening. I did decide to shake things up a bit. My friend and I habit of taking food pictures whenever we grab dinner, so I thought I would share.
On Saturday evening, I had a scrumptiously delicious dinner with a friend at a place called Carnivale. I indulged in yummy Caipirinhas and had one of the best steaks I’ve had in a long time.
This steak was no help at all in my attempts to stop eating red meat.
I did get one outfit picture before we entered the restaurant. I bought this dress during the great Asos Curve clearance (which is still going strong).
Yes, I know there is a whole lotta print action going on there. At first, I was a bit worried about buying the dress since the print was loud and I almost bought the dress in a much more muted color. However, I decided to go ahead with the loud, poppy print. I mean, it is summer, right?
I hope your week is off to a wonderful start!
I Like Her Style
This past weekend, I finally bought my first Vogue magazine in…over a year? It wasn’t intentional, but I was going on a little impromptu trip to a hotel after a huge storm left me without power. I was looking for magazines to keep me occupied and I picked up the latest issue of Vogue with (predictable) cover girl Gwyneth Paltrow. After I settled down and began flipping through the magazine, I didn’t really pay much attention one way or the other. That was, until I got to the end of the magazine, the Index portion.
The spread featured Wonderland magazine editor Julia Sarr-Jamois and her take on heritage brands. The photos and her style definitely left a positive impression, and after more online digging, I found countless street style pictures:
(all photos via The Fashion Spot)
I love how she wears her looks with ease and a sense of a laid-back coolness.
Plus, can we talk about that impeccable ‘fro?
Dreaming Of…Kate Kanzier
I feel like I should be grateful with all of the shopping options that I have in the U.S–and living in Chicago, no less. It’s true that we don’t have a Topshop and Henri Bendel jumped ship a long time ago. We’ve only recently been graced with the presence of Zara and although there are numerous boutiques and shops for every taste imaginable, we are still missing something. That something is Kate Kanzier.
Okay, okay, I might be exaggerating. The London-based store opened their boutique in 2003 and has quickly become a cult hit. Their footwear and bags are reasonably priced and model classic styles. My personal favorites are the faux suede “Luella” brogues listed above. A perfect fall shoe. Here are a couple of other favorites:
I understand that they ship worldwide and seeing that I unfortunately won’t be visiting London anytime soon, I think I’ll just have to bite the bullet and order. Well, when the blue suede shoes are back in stock, that is. Isn’t that a great reason to bring an outpost closer for easier access?
Are there any stores that you like, but can’t gain easy access to because it’s your country?
Summertime, And the Livin’ is Easy
Image via We Heart It
I always find dressing during the summer to be difficult. I’m used to layering and I continue to pile layers on top of layers of shirts on, even in 90+ degree weather. Inspiration also fades during the summer as I don’t put as much thought into color schemes and teaming outfits up. Instead, I dress pretty plainly and comfortably, but not very “fashionably”.
I wore this outfit yesterday and it was the first time I’ve worn jeans in about a week. The jeans are from American Eagle Outfitters and I bought them after seeing the shredded version on Vogue.com. I went to the website where they were on sale for $29.99. I snagged them at the store for $24.99 Hey, you can do a lot with an extra $5.00 these days! In this “getting comfortable” phase, I really don’t want to spend much on jeans, so this pair was perfect. Plus, I really like the more relaxed fit to offset the constant skinny jeans.
How is your summer coming along? What’s your summer style currently like?
A Nice and Quiet Holiday
I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend–or even a wonderful weekend for those who don’t celebrate. I felt like this long weekend was a much needed break from some usual commotion and took full advantage of it.
Since the weather was beautiful, but steaming hot, I decided that dresses were going to be the way to go. And although I’ve declared my love for black, prints ruled out this weekend.
The first dress is a vintage dress I ordered from persephone vintage a couple of weeks ago. I loved the print and the dress fits perfectly. The 2nd dress, I picked up from Target earlier in the year. I usually hate standing out in such a vibrant print, but I remember it being particularly dreary when I bought the dress, so I just wanted anything that screamed “summer”.
My activities mainly included catching up on TV shoes (now on the Tudors, even though I’m still giving the side eye to Jonathan Rhys Meyers, but I do like James Frain), trying to stay cool and catching up on reading. On the 4th, there wasn’t much open by way of restaurants or cafes, but local, smaller bookstores were open. With a sudden urge to grab some good “fun” summer reads, I left with a stack of books.
And…I’ve given myself until end of August to finish this pile. Considering my tendency to fall asleep super early on weeknights after the gym and dinner, I’m not sure that’s going to happen.
I did find a quiet cafe around the block still open. I bought small cup of gelato and focused on finishing Murakami’s Norwegian Wood.
And although I didn’t finish during the visit, I am almost done. Now, I’m psyched since I’ve learned a movie adaptation is coming out and the stills are heartachingly beautiful.
Hope you had a happy holiday weekend!
And the winner is…
First, I want to say thank you to everyone that retweeted, wrote about and entered this giveaway with Shabby Apple. I truly, truly appreciate it! I’m glad that it was so well received and there were so many entries.
After using Random.org to pick the winner of the giveaway, and came up with the number 36. That winner is…
Katherine! Congrats Katherine on winning the Shabby Apple Five to Nine black knit dress! I will be contacting you very shortly!
Many thanks once again everyone for entering the giveaway!
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