Mod World

Dress: Courtesy of ShopMamie.com // Tights: Target, $5 // Shoes: Lela Rose for Payless, courtesy of Payless (Weardrobe Conference)

Okay, I don't know if you can tell, but my hair is getting super shaggy. I used to go months and months without a haircut, so I'm not used to this whole maintenance thing. Luckily, I do have an appointment on the horizon, but I may have to get creative in the next couple of weeks with this mop top.

Speaking of the swinging sixties, how about this adorable mod dress? I don't usually gush (do I?), but I'm totally gushing over this dress. The girls at ShopMamie.com sent it to me. It's actually meant to be a top, but combine a short stature with a size too big and, voila, you have a dress (albeit a mini one). I've actually been wanting a dress with a neckline like this for a long time, so I'm super excited. Also, its woolly texture reminded me that it's still winter. I was kind of getting lost in thoughts of spring...

She Came In Through the Bathroom Window

Turtleneck: Target, $5 // Dress: Old Navy, $8 // Sash: American Apparel, $16 // Tights: Courtesy of We Love Colors // Shoes: Forever 21, gift

...Protected by a silver spoon... such a good song. Yes, I took my photo in the bathroom today. What can I say? It has the best lighting of any room in my little apartment. I was going to crop the sides but then decided to just roll with it.

As for the outfit, I felt rather mouse-like in grey and pink with a Minnie-reminiscent bow. They look like the same color in this picture, but the tights are a pinky peach and the sash is creme.

We Love Colors kindly sent me the tights. While I was familiar with them from other blogs, this is my first pair, and I love them! They have the two things I look for in a pair of tights: stretch and strength. Stretch may go without saying, but they are not a pain to get on and stay put once you get them on. As far as strength goes, I snag tights all the time, and these definitely feel like they are going to hold up. Of course they're known for lots of color options, but my current love affair with neutrals compelled me to go for a soft, sweet shade.

It's About Time

So I finally joined Chictopia, and the community has already been so welcoming! If you're a member, come say hi or add me as a friend.

 I also got around to making a Facebook page for Kansas Couture. Become a Fan if you so desire!

In the Nude

Ruffled cardi: Eyeshadow via TJMaxx, $13 // Pants: Vintage, thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Forever 21, gift // Necklace: Gift

Despite decidedly non-springy weather, I really wanted to style an outfit based on light neutrals today. I started with my high-waist trousers, added a plain white tee and layered on a short-sleeved ruffled cardigan. I kept accessories simple with nude pumps and a silver necklace. I really like the result: a soft, understated look for a day at the office.

Better Late Than Never

Blazer: Vintage Levi's, thrifted, $1.50 // Shirt: H.I.P. via TJMaxx, $12 // Skirt: Vintage, thrifted, $6 // Shoes: Seychelles, $30

I came this close to giving up on my local Goodwill. The selection had been so poor for so long, that I went from checking in at least once a week to not going at all. On a whim, I decided to try my luck once again last weekend. Though I didn't find much, I did score this high-waisted leather mini that fits like a glove. It would have been great to have three months ago, but I'll take it!

Sting Like a Bee

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Hoodie: Thrifted, $3 // Sweater: Wildman Vintage, $12 // Jeans: Almost Famous via TJMaxx, $18 // Shoes: Forever 21, Gift

"Athletic" is probably the last word anyone would use to describe me. I mean, c'mon, my sneakers have heels! But today I'm feeling rather sporty, if only in a superficial way. Who cares that dog-walking is the closest I got to a workout?

I Dream of Jammies

Shirt: Isabel Lu via Gilt Fuse, purchased with credit // Blazer: Vintage Levi's, thrifted, $1.50 // Skirt: Forever21, $14 // Shoes: Payless, $20

I was sick yesterday. Alternating between my bed and the couch, I spent the entire day drinking lots of tea, watching old episodes of This American Life and 30 Rock, intermittently sleeping and generally wallowing in self pity. Today was going to be different! Though I only felt marginally better, I willed myself out of bed, hopped in the shower, downed a cup of extra strong coffee, made myself look presentable and headed to work. I'm glad I did, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't longing for sweatpants all the while.

Good Wholesome Fun

Sweater: Free via Clothing Swap // Shirt: Old Navy, $8 // Jeans: Tilt, $18 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Necklace: Gift // Shoes: F21, gift

A sweet, pale pink sweater with girly accessories seemed a fitting ensemble for a Friday night of bowling. Kind of '50s highschooler with a modern twist.

Spring Trends

Erica from SheKnows.com asked several bloggers to predict trends for the upcoming year. At the time, I hadn't given much thought to the fashion forecast nor had I started shopping for spring, so I wasn't quite sure what to pick. I stand by my choice of short shorts, though I don't have the ideal pair yet: something loose, silky and high-waisted with a sash tie. The other bloggers had some great ideas! Check out the full article here!

So, now that spring is around the corner, what are you looking forward to wearing? Here are some things I'm in the mood for:

1. I'm totally with Christine in terms of color palette. Rather than the bold colors I often enjoy, all I can think about are soft, sweet neutrals like mauve and taupe.

2. The relaxed suit look and shorts with blazers.

3.  Leather in light colors like my grey faux leather moto jacket. I would love a white leather skirt.

4. Lots of feminine frills like bows and ruffles.

5. The continued trend of interesting hosiery, socks with open-toe shoes and over-the-knee socks.

6. Lots more oxford flats.

7. Florals, polka dots and other punchy prints (solo or all mixed and matched).

That's what comes to mind at the moment. I'm sure my list will continue to grow as the mercury rises. What's on yours?

Like Ice Cubes in an Ocean

Jacket: Collection via TJMaxx, $30 (purchased with gift card) // Shirt: UO, $10 // Shorts: Old! // Leggings: Poof! via TJMaxx // Boots: alice + olivia for Payless, sample from work  // Necklace: Gift

After weeks of perpetual snow-covered ground, it slowly started to melt away over the weekend. While the winter wonderland was fun and beautiful at times, it's nice to see patches of grass and mud again, to leave the house without covering every bit of skin. I wore this grungy get-up while bumming around downtown on Saturday.

Beer, Birthday Cake & Betsey Johnson

One's birthday is such a self-indulgent occasion. All eyes are on you, free drinks flow, and you can get away with almost anything... all on the grounds that you were born on this day so many years ago. Well, I took that to heart this year by donning a decadent designer dress. Mind you, I stayed true to my thrifty values. Weardrobe Conference sponsor Rue La La gave us a generous credit, and I finally cashed mine in to get this fun, frilly, feminine Betsey Johnson frock. On a freezing cold January night, surrounded by casually dressed company, I felt pretty silly but also special. It was my birthday, and I wore what I damn well pleased! As this picture demonstrates, a fancy dress was not the only thing I indulged in. Sadly, this was the most flattering (read: least incriminating) photo of me from the evening. I have my mouth full and appear to be eating chocolate with my hands... classy! I will spare you shots from the dance floor.

Glamour.com Feature

I was so excited to be featured on Glamour.com along with some of my favorite fellow bloggers! Thank you, Glamour.com!

Leisure Suit

Shirt: Old Navy, $8 // Pants: Old Navy, $9 // Blazer: Lux, $16 // Necklace: Vintage, birthday gift // Shoes: F21, birthday gift

Obviously, I'm not a suit person. I don't have to wear one for work, and a jacket and pants in the same color? Boring! Despite my lack of enthusiasm for standard business garb, I adore the laid-back suit look for spring. You know I'm a strict devotee to high-waist trousers, but I found myself magnetically drawn to this low-rise pair. In combination with a ruffly button-up, fitted blazer and simple accessories, they feel so effortlessly pulled together. Both the button-up and the trousers were found during a recent perusal of the Old Navy sale rack. It's terrible, every time I do my recycling, it turns into an impromptu shopping trip because our recycling center is next to all the big box stores. It seems kind of counter-productive considering the whole point is to reduce consumption. Ah well, I promise to get lots of use out of the items I picked up and continue to thrift as much as possible. In addition to my "recycling loot," I'm also sporting a couple of birthday gifts: a pretty silver heart necklace and a pair of nude pumps I requested. I don't know how this staple was missing from my closet, but I think they've already revolutionized my wardrobe.

Weardrobe 100

I was honored to be featured in Weardrobe's favorites of 2009 and couldn't have asked for a better neighbor than the lovely Erin of calivintage. Check out the whole list of gorgeous gals!

It's My Party

 Dress: Old Navy, $8 // Blazer: Vintage Levi's, thrifted, $3 // Boots: Thrifted, $4 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Necklace: F21, $9

My birthday's not till Sunday, but because of the way scheduling worked out, my celebrations are all spread out. It's like having a long birthday weekend instead of just a day. Fun! Last night I had a low-key party with my family, and this is what I wore. I think I got the dress + hoodie + blazer inspiration from JCrew. I swear I didn't spill beer down my dress (though I wouldn't put it past me). This dress is slightly shiny, so shadows look like stains. Happy Friday, everyone!

Fool's Gold

Don't let that sneaky sun try to trick you. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero are predicted for the day.

 Jacket: Old Navy, gift // T-Shirt Dress: Old Navy, $16 // Denim Leggings: Active & Basic via TJMaxx, $8 // Scarf: H&M, $10 / Boots: Soda via Goodwill, $6

I must say, I'm feeling a little bit tough in my military-inspired get-up. But don't let that deceive you either. I went right back inside and intend to stay put! I know a lot of places are experiencing brutally cold weather right now, so stay safe and warm!

Excuses, Excuses

 Shirt: The Limited, thrifted. $1 // Pants: Vintage, free via clothing trade // Shoes: Kenneth Cole, thrifted, $4 // Bracelet: Christmas gift // Scarf and belt: Thrifted, $1 each

 
Many are feeling refreshed and excited about the clean slate of a new year. I, too, am looking forward to plans for the future but, to be honest, have been in a rut this past week. Hence, the lack of outfit posts. I'm hoping the brutally cold weather is to blame.

As for the outfit, I was thrilled to score these high-waisted, wide-leg trousers at a clothing trade a few months back, but I've had trouble wearing them. While they fit pretty well, they only work with flats, and I don't have many dressy pairs. The pattern mixing (stripes, polka dots and leopard), happened by accident. I feel like all three prints are kind of neutral, and the colors worked together easily.

Hopefully my inspiration kicks in again. My birthday is this weekend, and the fun festivities and special outfit might be just what I need.

P.S. I wore the "Jessica Rabbit" dress for New Year's but failed to get a picture! Maybe I'll re-create the outfit some time.

Accessorize Giveaway Winner

Using a random number generator, I landed on comment number 7 as the giveaway winner. Congrats, Shelby! Please contact me as soon as possible at kansascouture@gmail.com. Thanks to all who entered, and hopefully I will have another giveaway soon.