Accessory Appreciation: Scarves
I’ve always admired scarves from a distance, but never really felt like I could master the art of wearing them. You know how they say that you have to wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you? I think that can totally apply to wearing a scarf. There are some who wear scarves in a way that transforms an outfit. Still, I decided that I wanted to try wearing more scarves because I just appreciate the beautiful prints and fabrics.
One designer who I always think of when it comes to mastering scarves is Dries Van Noten.
Dries Van Noten collections never fail to impress with wonderful prints and his scarves are no exception. I hope to be lucky enough to own a scarf one day.
The two scarves that I do own and wear frequently are my Paul and Joe Sister cotton scarf and my McQueen skull scarf.
I’ve had this McQueen scarf for a few months now and honestly debated on whether to buy it or not. It was soon after he died and I didn’t want to feel like I was just cheapening that by getting a scarf. However, things were a bit more, uh, prosperous for me at that point and I decided that I really did want to go for the scarf. Months later, it feels like a special addition to my wardrobe and I have no regrets. The way it’s worn in this photo is pretty much how I wear it each time.
I love this Paul and Joe scarf that I ordered from Gilt. Â It has a little big more heft and I love the fringed ends. I wear this scarf a few different ways and don’t treat it as delicately as the McQueen scarf. Â The colors combination is beautiful and perfect for throwing on during a breezy summer day.
Next on my list? I came across these beautiful scarves from PrettyPennyDesigns a couple of days ago and instantly fell in love with these screen printed beauties.
(images via PrettyPennyDesigns)
Kelly, the designer and owner of PrettyPennyDesigns, designs and hand makes each one of these pieces in her Hollywood studio. The scarves are made with bamboo, organic cotton and upcycled fabrics.These scarves are reasonably priced and can be worn during the summer or winter months. Plus, they are a nice, long length which allows for a variety of ways to wear them. Need I say more? My first option would be the first scarf shown in the picture for summer, but I really love the imagery on all of them.
Do you wear scarves frequently? How do you wear your scarf?
Clandestine Chic Giveaway: Little Black Dress from Shabby Apple
I think it’s safe to say that every lady loves having a little black dress in her closet. Whether it’s for a hectic day at the office or a dinner date with someone special, a little black dress is always appropriate for any occasion.
It’s the reason I’ve chosen to offer a new giveaway from Shabby Apple for this Five to Nine black knit dress.
This ranges in sizes from extra small to extra large, and I understand that the fit is pretty generous.
How to enter? It’s really simple: just leave a comment with your name and email address in this post. Please, only one per entry and this contest is only for US residents.
Contest end date is July 2nd and I will pick a winner via Random.org.
Looking forward to your entries!
Black is the color of my true love
I know I didn’t use the full title of Nina Simone’s classic song in the title of my post, but unfortunately, this post isn’t about hair.
Still, this song was on my mind over the weekend as I found myself surrounded in a sea of black clothing, objects and weather. I noticed how much I am drawn to the color on a daily basis because it really is one of my favorite colors. Not only is it slimming and chic, but I also admire it’s sleekness, it’s ability to blend in and how damned beautiful it is.
I finally got the chance to wear the beautiful three hole dress dress I ordered from the super talented and cool Alicia at InnyVinny. I love the dress in all of its versatility. I paired the dress with leggings and my new heels from Aldo. Note that they are not black, but gray! That took a lot of restraint in itself.
The best way to end the weekend and begin a new week? Lighting up my Diptyque Baies Noir candle (black, of course!) and rereading my favorite Edgar Allen Poe stories while waiting for the eventual rain.
Rebirth of Cool
One of my favorite fashion ads ever. This is Yohji Yamamoto™s Fall 1988 with model Susie Bick.I lost the image during my great computer crash of 2010 after stupidly not saving it on my external drive. I came across it again via the Yamamotoism Tumblr and almost let out a mini scream. You know where it is right now…
Even in 2010, this ad is still stylish and classic.
And I’m sure it will be classic and stylish in 2020.
The Lena Horne I’ll Always Remember
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I’ve been watching old videos of the late Lena Horne lately and came across this Gap commercial from 1997. Ms. Horne looked as stylish and beautiful as always.
Rest in peace to a woman who has always given us that bright smile.
On The Colour of Beauty
I first found this short documentary, The Colour of Beauty, over at Jezebel and became completely mesmerized during the entire 17:48 minute video. This video follows Renee Thompson, a model who is navigating her way through the fashion industry as a model. Renee, 24, wants to make it “big” as a model and knock ‘em dead at Fashion Week. She feels it’s coming down to the wire as is an older model. Another thing? She is a black model. As interesting and cool as Renee is, it is the fashion insiders that make powerful (and hurtful) statements about minority models trying to make it.
It’s hurtful as a woman with “big lips” and a larger nose to hear that your features are not desirable. Or to hear that some designers straight out do not want black girls in their shows. Â Or if a black girl is hired, she has to be”like a white girl dipped in chocolate” as one client put it.
I know this issue is brought up time and time again and I debated posting this video, because it can seem like beating a dead horse. Yes, we know there is a problem with lack of diversity on the runways, but will there ever be enough done to see more diversity on the runways?
I’m in the mood for…
I really don’t know what has gotten into me lately, but as I’ve been going on a mini (and I do mean mini) shopping spree, I’ve been buying items that I might admire, but I normally wouldn’t buy. This is especially true when it comes to clothes/accessories with a print or pattern. I’m mostly a solid girl, black or white, nothing in between.
It all began when I bought this pair of Penny Loves Kenny shoes from Gilt last week. Shoes that feature red so prominently are usually not my style, but I loved the way they looked on Gilt’s website (and were a steal), so I took a dive and got ‘em.
Most of my shoes–especially the fancy ones– are black and these feel like they are a bit impractical. However, the task is to be creative and make them work while channeling Tim Gunn.
After that, I thought I thought it was an anomaly. That was, until I fell upon a pair of Moschino shades at the Off 5th outlet last week. I was mainly attracted to their shape as I’m still stuck on the large frames trend.
When I picked up the frames and examined them closer, I noticed this heart pattern. I just couldn’t resist.
Maybe it’s because Spring is in the air, so I’m actually acting on my craving for color? Whatever it is, I don’t know if it’s going to stop anytime soon.
Do you ever buy things that aren’t normally “your style”?
All inclusive clothing on Etsy
Online shopping is a fairly new experience for me. Even when it became super popular, I was hesitant to buy any clothing or shoes online. I’d never be sure of how something would fit and I hate the process of waiting for something to arrive, finding out it doesn’t fit and then returning it. Now there are shops that have made it easier to shop by spelling out the measurements of a garment or being accessible to describe how an item fits, I feel much more comfortable.
What I love about independent clothing designers is that many of them are even more than willing to accommodate you to fit your size and measurements with their designs–and many of them do this without breaking your bank account. Don’t see something in your size? Just ask! Many times, sellers on websites such as Etsy are willing to make something that will fit your size. It’s much better than ordering to find out the fit isn’t quite right or paying extra money for a tailor.
There are three independent designers on Etsy that make wonderful clothing pieces that everyone can wear. IHeartFink, Greta Pollman, and Audrey and Grace each have a unique sense of design style and a point of view that make it easy for any girl to find something that she wants.
IHeartFink is a shop that was brought to life by collaborative team, Karen and Kristen. Using fabric that is screen printed by hand, the ladies produce garments with beautifully vivid prints. Most items in the shop are listed as Small, Medium or Large, but they do make custom items for only 20% more. These adorable prints bring just the right type of flair to a classic fitting and flattering top, dress or skirt. They are perfect for dressing up or dressing down as wardrobe staples.
(Images from IHeartFink)
I believe I first heard about Greta Pollman’s designs on Musings of a Fatshionista’s blog a few weeks back, and I’ve been visiting her shop and fawning over her items ever since. Her background in graphic design and sculpture translates well into her clothes with an almost monochromatic color palette. You have a fair share of separates and dresses that appear to fit with much ease and structure. The line is moderately priced, especially for her organic fabrics such as cotton, wool and silk. The sizing chart goes up to a size 16, but as I read on Musings of a Fatshionista’s blog, Greta Pollman is willing to custom make a garment in a different size if needed.
(All images from Pollman Greta Etsy page or PollmanGreta.com)
Finally, Audrey and Grace for finding the perfect dress. Personally, I hate dress shopping in department stores as it’s hard to find a dress that fits just right. Ever worn a dress that doesn’t fit well to an important event? It’s tragic. The owner of the Audrey and Grace shop is a longtime couturier and uses some of the best fabrics for these vintage-style dresses. Each dress is custom made to order, so if your size is not on the chart, then have your measurements ready. Standard turnaround time is 3-4 weeks after payment, but rush orders are available. However, if you know that you have an event to attend ? Know that you do have an option for a very adorable dress that will fit you perfectly.
(Images from Audrey and Grace)
Settling into spring
Spring has always been a season that I’ve never paid much attention to. I think it’s due to the weather in Chicago remaining relatively chilly for such a long time after the season “officially” begins, I’m always ready to jump right into summer. I am beginning to take time out to notice to beauty of spring. I took the picture above and the picture below while I was walking to grab some lunch:
The only fashion confusion that I encounter during this season is that I never really know when it’s appropriate to wear open-toe shoes without hosiery. Instead, I just defaulted to my newish pair of oxfords, which are really starting to show some wear and tear.
What do you love about Spring?
A work in progress: dressing it up
I am still working on feeling comfortable and becoming healthier as I once was eons ago. I’m eating much better and go to the gym semi-regularly. One question still lingers: what do you do in the meantime? Changes don’t occur overnight and if you feel comfortable in the skin your are in, there are ways to make adjustments.
That’s why I’ve decided that the majority of my Spring/Summer will be spent in dresses and skirts.I think that will be a first for me as I can be an everyday pants type of girl. However, I’ve decided that I don’t want to spend the majority of my time stretching my waistband to note any changes or lamenting when a pair of pants don’t fit just right. You are much more flexible with dresses since you can belt them, cinch them or wear them loosely.
During my online hunt for vintage dresses, I was perusing the Dear Golden Vintage shop and listening to music. Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” (the song about an old Welsh witch, according to Ms. Stevie Nicks), when I came across a dress with a very pretty print. I looked at the name and saw that the dress was named…Rhiannon! Need I say more? I instantly brought the dress and wore it for the first time yesterday:
I wore the dress with a pair of leggings, belt and an older pair of Aldo boots. It’s pretty sheer, so I’d always have to wear a tank/camisole underneath, but otherwise, I absolutely adore this dress. Plus, it fits right in with my new outlook on wearing dresses/skirts only until…well, I guess until I just don’t feel the need to anymore.
What do you like to wear when you want to feel most comfortable?
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