Romper Room

Sorry for the lull in posting this week. I've been out of commission for the past few days. Anyway... the weather presented me with a conundrum this morning -- gray and stormy yet warmish -- so I feel like my outfit is kind of nonsensical. I love the one-piece look, but I never wear this shorts romper that I've had for awhile now. It hits at the hips instead of the natural waist, which I don't think looks as flattering on me. Paired with the big scarf, cardi and playful bow flats, the look has a nice laidback feel, so maybe I'll give the romper another chance. The weather ended up being lovely this afternoon, so my random outfit worked out just fine.

Romper: F21, $16
Cardi: Gift
Scarf: Vintage, thrifted, 50 cents
Shoes: Thrifted, $6

The Drunken Sailor's Tailor

Here's what I wore in the Drunken Sailor's Tailor fashion show. This look was styled by Tricia Rock with vintage clothing from Beyond the Door (918 Mass. St. in Lawrence). A huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard putting this show together and to Tricia for asking me to model. It was a blast.

Dandelions & Tornado Sirens

This is what I wore yesterday (amidst ominous sirens, house-shaking thunder and flashes of lightning!). My mom brought me this embroidered tunic from Mexico a few years back. This will be the first spring/summer I get any use of it because I always thought it was too big. Oh, how much I have learned. And, yes, I'm wearing leggings as pants. I know it's an oft-misused and much-hated practice, but it just felt right this time.

Top: Gift
Leggings: Old Navy, $5
Feather earrings: Claire's, $8
Shoes: Payless

Summery Night

Last night was warm and summery, so I had no choice but to whip out my teal mini-skirt! The roomy top, gypsy necklace, Grecian sandals and fringe purse give this look a bohemian feel, but the skirt adds a bold '80s touch. Sorry for the indoor picture. I try to avoid those.

Shirt: F21, $12
Skirt: Gap, thrifted, $1
Necklace: F21, $8
Sandals: Vintage, thrifted, $6

One Easy Piece

     This is yesterday's outfit. I'm so bad at keeping a regular blog schedule! Anyway, it was warm enough (even when I left for work in the morning!) that I didn't have to worry about usual chilly weather considerations like tights and appropriate shoes. I started with a simple dress with great color and shape and added a few accessories -- a patterned neck scarf, a bright skinny belt and some emerald green peep-toes. Done! I love spring!
     Another effect of warm weather is bare toes, and I really need to do something about mine. I got my first pedicure for my birthday. It was lovely, but I neither repainted nor removed the polish as it chipped off. I don't own any nail polish or remover. What kind of girl am I? Oh yeah, the kind that hates anything with a chemical smell and prefers natural products. Well, I might have to invest in one little bottle of something bright. It sounds fun.

Dress: Century 21, $25
Scarf: Vintage, thrifted, $2
Belt: Came with a F21 dress
Shoes: Lela Rose for Payless

A Happy Earth Day Reminder

Earth day is a perfect time to reflect on the environmental benefits of vintage shopping. When we buy new items, it supports the introduction of more material goods into a world already overflowing with stuff, not to mention manufacturing processes that cause significant damage to the planet.

Buying vintage allows you to take advantage of all the rad stuff already in existence. As icing on the cake, it helps to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind style. How satisfying is it to say, "It's vintage" when someone asks, "Where did you get that?" with envious eyes?

As you all know, I buy my fair share of new items from not-so-eco-friendly retailers, but I aspire to do so less. If you take the time to look, thrift stores harbor countless treasures. And if combing through racks and racks to find a few gems doesn't float your boat, try vintage shopping on Etsy and eBay. The sellers on these sites do all the hard work for you! Sorry if I'm preaching to the choir or stating the obvious. I'm done now. Happy Earth Day!

Local Fashion Show!

THE DRUNKEN SAILOR'S TAILOR

Tomorrow there will be a fashion show at Abe & Jake's featuring 17 different runs by local stores, designers, artists and more. Proceeds will benefit Worldwide Impact Now, an organization that helps refugees in Burma, and the local Americana Music Academy, which nurtures young gifted musicians. I, along with some friends and family members, will be strutting down the runway. If you live in the area, don't miss this show! Let me know if you have any questions.

DETAILS

What: The Drunken Sailor's Tailor: A Benefit Fashion Show

When: Thursday, April 23rd, Doors: 8:30 Show: 9:30

Where: Abe & Jake's Landing, 8 E. 6th St. in Lawrence

Admission: $5, 18+

Check out the lawrence.com feature about this and another local fashion show.

Prep Time

While flipping through a magazine recently, an outfit caught my eye -- a casual button-up tucked into a sleek pencil skirt. The combination is far from groundbreaking, but it's one I usually don't go for. I'm digging this look even though I look like I belong at a yacht club. The strappy red platform wedges help spice it up. Oh, and sorry for the semi-scowl. Body positioning took precedence over facial expression this time.

Shirt: Wildman Vintage, $9
Skirt: Old Navy, $15
Cardigan: Old Navy, $10
Shoes: Payless

Fresh-Picked Vintage

Black & White. Edgy & Sweet. Check out these new additions to the shop.

Simple Saturday

I got back to basics today with a soft gray tank, skinnies, silver leaf statement necklace, flat glads and a fringe purse. I've decided I want to wear lots of really big shirts from now on.

Shirt: F21, $10
Jeans: Guess, TJMaxx, $28
Necklace: F21, $8
Bag: F21, $5
Shoes: Goodwill, $5

Casually Pulled Together

     I was short on time this morning but threw together a pale yellow button-up, high-waist wide legs and my floral-print cardigan. Though I adore shirts with necks that tie, they leave me a little stumped in terms of accessories. I always wear necklaces, so maybe I should just think of the bow as a necklace. A pair of gold hoops provided my much-needed big jewelry fix.
      On an unrelated note, I feel like I've got a pretty good handle on clothes but am completely hopeless when it comes to hair and make-up. I don't like to wash my hair every day, but because it's fine, it looks nasty if I wear it down on a non-shower day. Though I've tried to emulate those "sleek ponytail" features from magazines, mine never turns out. Today I tried a little chignon thing, which sort of worked. Any updo advice for someone who sucks at doing hair?

Shirt: Reruns, $6
Jeans: Urban Outfitters, $10
Cardigan: Old Navy, $10
Shoes, earrings: Payless

Feeling Thrifty

Today's lovely weather inspired me to shed my office clothes after work in favor of something a little more breezy and carefree. I paired two recently thrifted items: a roomy striped button-up and a pair of tailored high-waist shorts (I'm loving this style for spring). My gold chain necklace, a couple of plastic bangles and a pair of cut-out oxfords complete the look.

Shirt: Thrifted, $2
Shorts: Thrifted, $6
Necklace: Antique Mall, $6
Bangles: Old Navy, $1 each
Shoes: Urban Outfitters, $10

Purple Rain

My rainy Monday morning was brightened by this mod mini dress I thrifted the other day. I love the pretty lavender color and the swinging sixties silhouette.

Dress: Goodwill, $7
Necklace: Forever21, $1
Boots: Payless

Curse Like a Sailor

Graphic-print tees aren't really my thing, but I thought this anchor shirt was absolutely adorable. This is definitely an "It's Sunday, I don't care" kind of look.

Shirt: Old Navy, $5
Jeans: Guess, TJMaxx, $28
Chains: Forever21, Payless
Shoes: Urban Outfitters, gift

To the Max

Though they've been in style for a long time now, I've always been intimidated by maxi dresses and never even tried one on. Because I'm petite, I worried the length would overwhelm my frame. Also, they're a bit hippie-ish for my taste. I had a change of heart this year. After trying on this one, I thought it was pretty, effortless and springy. I'm worried I'll run into dozens of other girls wearing it because it's from Old Navy. But oh well. It's a nice print.

Dress: Old Navy, $35 // Sandals: Pour La Victoire, thrifted, $4 // Cardigan: Old Navy, $10 // Gold chain necklace: Antique Mall, $7 // Bangles: Payless // Sunglasses: Beyond the Door, $5

Spring Cleaning

I'm really terrible about getting rid of clothes. On one hand, I'll hang onto stuff that I haven't worn for years. On the the other, I've given items away and truly regretted it later. Either way, I agonize way too much over the decision to keep or donate. I recently attempted to do a spring closet clean-out with moderate success. Two of the items I'm wearing in this look--the skirt (worn as a sleeveless top) and the white pants--were in the giveaway pile. I hadn't worn the skirt in years but was keeping it for sentimental reasons. The pants I picked up for $5 at Urban Outfitters during the Sidewalk Sale last July, and they still had the tag on them. In the end, I decided to keep both items. But I have a rule for myself: I have to justify keeping garments that almost didn't make the cut by wearing them immediately! So I put together this look, and I really like the way it turned out. The floral print and white pants make it feel springy, but it's still appropriate for the not-so-springy weather we've been having. Also, I'm apparently really digging wearing skirts as anything but a skirt. How do you guys clean out your closets? How do you decide what stays or goes?

Shirt/Skirt: Arizona Trading Company //Cardigan: Gift //Pants: Urban Outfitters, $5 //Wooden tassel necklace: Creation Station, $2 //(Invisible) Shoes: alice+olivia for Payless

Local Fashion & Art Show

If you live in the Kansas City area, check out this show! Presented by Village, the event features local designers, artists and musicians, and it benefits a good cause. Details below.

WHEN
Friday, April 10th, 6:30pm doors open, 8pm bands start playing, tickets $10

WHERE:
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
12345 College Blvd
Overland Park, KS 66210
(www.nermanmuseum.org)

About the Event:
"In flea-market-like-manner photographers, painters, designers, musicians, etc. will be given space to show/sell their work.

On the stage we will have The Cherry Tree Parade, The Abracadabras, and DJgroup The Nomathmatics playing throughout the evening. Meanwhile models will be walking down the runway showing off clothing from the 6 participating designers.

With this show we want to draw much needed attention to Human Trafficking, which seems to be a well kept secret. To do this we will be sharing information about Human Trafficking with the crowd and 10% of the money raised from this show will go to Hope House, which deals with Human Trafficking."

Belle Amie
Here are some styles from Lawrence-based designer Mary Bellamy's collection. Bellamy is featured in Friday's show. (Photos courtesy of Mary Bellamy).

Closet Creativity

I wanted to submit a photo to the weardrobe florals contest, so I gathered up all my floral-print items and started to play. The first piece I grabbed was a beautiful wrap skirt my mom gave me for Christmas years ago that is too big for me. Determined to experiment, I put it on as a strapless wrap dress and cinched it with a thin belt. All of the sudden, a garment that had been sitting untouched at the bottom of my dresser was a gorgeous new spring dress! This kind of lightbulb moment is rare for me, but it serves as an excellent reminder to get creative with your wardrobe! That may mean trying a new combination, giving an old item another chance or wearing something in a new and interesting way. How do you guys get creative with your closet?

Dress: Gift
Belt: Goodwill
Necklace: Antique Mall
Shoes: Payless

Down to Business

I felt adequately office-y for work today in a wide-leg trouser and was able to sneak in some breezy summer style with a red and white striped tank.

Tank: H&M, $9
Cardigan: Target, $10
Trousers: Urban Outfitters
Chains: Antique Mall, Wildman Vintage
Shoes: Payless

Last Day to Vote

Just a reminder, today is your last chance to vote in the Lucky contest. If you haven't already, CLICK HERE to vote.

Marching Order

I've been on the lookout for a military/marching band/Sgt. Pepper's jacket. While the one in my mind was red and double-breasted, I was excited to find this vintage children's band jacket at the Antique Mall. I can barely lift my arms in it, but I'm okay with that. Because it's kind of little-boyish, I went sort of sexy underneath with a deep-V and skipped accessories because of all the amazing details on the jacket.

Jacket: Antique Mall, $15
Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10
Jeans: Tilt, Plato's Closet, $15
Shoes: Payless

Urban Cowgirl

The day started out cold and gray, so I wasn't feeling very inspired. I knew I wanted to showcase this pretty vintage Italian scarf I just thrifted, so I kept the look simple with a plain gray tee, Wrangler-reminiscent jeans and a navy cardigan. Off-white suede ankle boots and gold bamboo hoops finish the look.

Shirt: Urban Oufitters, $3
Jeans: Cheap Monday, Beacon's Closet, $12
Cardigan: Gift
Shoes: Urban Outfitters, $25
Scarf: St. John's Rummage House, 50 cents
Earrings: Payless

Punk Princess

I like that this look can't decide if it's girly or tough. While the pink palette and fluttery ruffle sleeves are pretty, the stonewash skinnies and strappy glads add edge.

Shirt: Target, $9
Jeans: TJMaxx, $12
Necklace: Forever21, $10
Shoes: Payless