Blogging Besties :: Plaid

The Blogging Besties series is the brain child of Alex @ The Cheerful Closet and Whitney @ Whitney à la Mode. In 2015, the series expanded to include yours truly @ My Closet Catalogue and Selah @ A Bibliophile's Style. It's based on the idea of "take one, pass it on," but we're passing on an element from another blogger's outfit. It's a fun challenge that inspires us to be creative!

---

Last week, Selah looked ready to transition into fall, Daylight Savings time notwithstanding:

This week is brought to you by: “a current favorite accessory, feathers, and plaid”. And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: plaid (of course).

 

I'm cheating a bit because, if you've been following my other posts, you'll notice something familiar about this outfit. Yes, you're not experiencing déja vu; this ensemble is actually part of my Common Threads challenge, the one I used for my Euro Chic/Posh Eclectic classic white button up look. I really appreciate how this screams professional yet accessible at the same time. The top is crisp and sharp, but is softened by my go-to slouchy cardi. The skirt - potentially severe and school-marm because of the plaid - is mitigated by its being a wraparound, making it reminiscent of British gentry and heathered fields instead. That said, I did give a nod to my academic inclinations by completing the look with pearls and sensible shoes, making the overall vibe lean heavily into teacher territory, but I figure I'm in education stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er. Might as well work it, eh? For Alex’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: something white, something oversized, or something sensible. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Shirt – Old Navy Cardi – Target Skirt – eBay Sensible shoes – Hotter

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: Champion by Fall Out Boy

Blogging Besties :: Flowing Silhouette

The Blogging Besties series is the brain child of Alex @ The Cheerful Closet and Whitney @ Whitney à la Mode. In 2015, the series expanded to include yours truly @ My Closet Catalogue and Selah @ A Bibliophile's Style. It's based on the idea of "take one, pass it on," but we're passing on an element from another blogger's outfit. It's a fun challenge that inspires us to be creative!

---

Last week, Selah stayed svelte and sassy in mint green:

  This week is brought to you by: “flowing silhouette, mint green, feathers, or a throwback piece”. And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: a flowing silhouette.

 

It's been a while since I've rocked a maxi. My recent foray into 40s and 50s vintage didn't really allow for the silhouette. But I continue to evolve and as my aesthetic started trending into later decades, I simply couldn't resist this delicious dress. It just ticked all the boxes for me: vibrant color, stunning print, an empire cut that de-emphasized all the wrong bits while emphasizing all the right ones. I especially love the fabric's drape; whoever said polyester was a horrible textile had obviously never met this dress before. Now, I don't know if I have the audacity to wear this to work - it's a bit in-your-face, even for me. My students could have a hard time focusing on my words as they become mesmerized by the raucous design. Add to that a decidedly bold ruffled neckline and butterfly sleeves, and I may just end up courting distraction disaster.

 

It does, however, fit this week's prompt of "flowing silhouette". It's long and elegant and it's got loads of ruffles at the hem that punctuate the overall billowy-ness. And maybe someday I can find an occasion to wear it beyond the confines of my sitting room.

 

For Alex’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: ruffles, fall colors, or unique sleeves/neckline. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Dress – eBay Wedges – Dexflex @ Payless

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: One Hundred Sleepless Nights by Pierce the Veil

Blogging Besties :: Novelty Print

 

The Blogging Besties series is the brain child of Alex @ The Cheerful Closet and Whitney @ Whitney à la Mode. In 2015, the series expanded to include yours truly @ My Closet Catalogue and Selah @ A Bibliophile's Style. It's based on the idea of "take one, pass it on," but we're passing on an element from another blogger's outfit. It's a fun challenge that inspires us to be creative!

---

Last week, Selah stayed fresh and cool in a perfect summer ensemble:

This week is brought to you by: “shorts, glitter, novelty print, or cuff bracelet”. And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: a novelty print.

 

I was smitten by this dress because of the print, but I stayed in love with it because of the sleeves, the quality of the cotton (oh, so soft!), and POCKETS! Sadly, when I received it in the mail and tried it on, I was disappointed to realize that it didn't quite work for my body. I sashayed and swanned about in front of the mirror, trying to figure out how to alter it to make it work. Was it too long? Was it too tight? Was the waistline too low/high? Then it hit me: shoulder pads and chest pockets. Although the print and cut is reminiscent of the 40s (thus why I bought it in the first place), it's really an 80s dress. So it had severe shoulder pads that emphasized my linebacker shoulders even more. Not a look I was going for. On top of that, It had two chest pockets that highlighted my ample bosoms, another look I am loathe to sport. So out came the seam ripper and a glass of wine, et voila! Perfection!

 

Deleting excess and streamlining the silhouette was a piece of cake. And there's nothing more satisfying than altering a garment with minimal skill necessary; I didn't even have to bust out the sewing machine. I always told my husband I was best at demolition. And now I can wear this beauty with confidence and sass.

    For

Alex’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: white, wedges, or a poufy skirt. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Dress – eBay Wedges – Dexflex @ Payless

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: The Sound by The 1975

Blogging Besties :: Pretty in Gold

 

The Blogging Besties series is the brain child of Alex @ The Cheerful Closet and Whitney @ Whitney à la Mode. In 2015, the series expanded to include yours truly @ My Closet Catalogue and Selah @ A Bibliophile's Style. It's based on the idea of "take one, pass it on," but we're passing on an element from another blogger's outfit. It's a fun challenge that inspires us to be creative!

---

Last week, Selah showed much courage in daring to wear a color that was challenging for her:

This week is brought to you by: “something olive, blush, gold, or just something that makes you want to sing I Feel Pretty”. And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: something gold that makes me want to sing.

 

The other day, my precocious tween thoughtfully mused that my new aesthetic was a cross "between a 70-year-old grandma and a 6-year-old girl". The 40+ something in me was rather taken aback by this comment. Should I take it as a compliment? An insult? A sign that my daughter is finally developing a sense of style independent of me? When I got over my mommy angst, I was disheartened to realize that it was immediately replaced by mid-life crisis angst. Have I truly gone over to the dark side of sartorial ineptitude? Did my foray into vintage fashion skew my aesthetic entirely? Am I in a fashion slump?! I suppose learning how to sew didn't help matters either. I confess that I chose simple silhouettes to match my seamstress skills, and the easiest things to make are dresses. Trapeze dresses, to be exact. No need to fuss over bust darts or waistline placement. No worries about buttons and buttonholes. Trapeze dresses became my go-to project. (Yes, I sewed the dress I'm wearing for this pictorial.) And yet, despite all the fun I was having finding retro fabric to match the retro 60s vibe, I may have crossed the line from cool into kitsch. I mean, take a look at those buttons, why doncha?

 

When I think about backing away from the vintage thing, though, I feel a stab of sadness. I like zany prints. I like exaggerated a-lines and fit-and-flare circle skirts. I like peplums and large lapels. I feel pretty wearing throwback pieces. So really, I should just continue doing what makes me happy. After all, I think I'm old enough to have earned the right. And, if anything else, I can always take pictures from far away and Photoshop the heck out of them.

 



For Alex’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: zany prints, wedge heels, or a comfortable silhouette. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Dress – made by moi Wedges – eBay

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: Bloom by The Paper Kites

Blogging Besties :: Parisian Inspired

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of Undergraduate Style, Maricel of ::My Closet Catalogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile’s Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week’s outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This “take one, pass it on” challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

  Last week, Selah was tres chic in teal.

 

This week is brought to you by: “tassels, green & blue, or something Parisian inspired". And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: something Parisian inspired.

 

 So my vintage obsession is still going strong, but as my decades start melding into each other (no more strong 40s-inspired outfits; RIP Agent Carter), the obsession has slowly morphed into just a general love of dresses. Dresses are simple. They're classy. And they're perfect for temperate So Cal climes, especially when the mercury rises as it has been these past few days. This particular frock is from the early 60s and is my take on "Parisian inspired" because that city always calls to mind bright flowers. I've only been once in my 20s, but my memories have since been influenced by a voracious reading of WWII tales, particularly ones set in the European arena, and all those novels - no matter how bleak - somehow manage to incorporate strong flower imagery. And this dress just screams floral.

 

 The color composition is so enticing; the hues stunningly vivid. You can see me a mile away. This dress wants to be looked at and admired, and the wearer feels all the more special and beloved and confident because of it. Much like a Parisian woman. Because the dress is such a statement piece, I've minimized the accessories, keeping with a neutral shoe that, by the way, is my new favorite piece of footwear because they're both sassy and comfy. I love them so much that I bought them in 2 colors and Aly has them in the other two. We highly recommend them; they're still available at Target (shameless but unsponsored plug).

 

 For Alex's turn next week, I challenge her to the following: floral, vivid hues or comfort clothing. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Dress – eBay Sneakers – Mad Love Lennie via Target

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: Let's Kill Tonight by Panic! at the Disco

Blogging Besties :: A Nautical Look

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of Undergraduate Style, Maricel of ::My Closet Catalogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile’s Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week’s outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This “take one, pass it on” challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

  Last week, Alex gave us a hint of spring with her minty ensemble.

This week is brought to you by: “pencil skirt, flats, a nautical look, or a statement necklace". And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: a nautical look.

 

 My challenge week fortuitously fell during my Spring Break so I had ample opportunity to create an outfit. But as soon as I saw "nautical", I knew I had to challenge myself twofold and not just find a compliant outfit. I was gonna make a compliant outfit. Myself. As in sew it up. Because I've been hanging on to this fabric since last year and it's been begging to be made and I swore I'd use it before this school year was out and I was running out of time and what better incentive to sew something up but a blogging challenge? (Yep, I talk in run-ons when I'm excited.) So, challenge accepted. Fabric picked out. But what pattern? I really wanted to show off that border print and initially thought circle skirt. But the opportunity to make a dress was too tempting, what with that built-in stripe and all, so after perusing my library - yes, I now have a library! - of patterns, I ultimately settled on the Laurel from Colette because its simple silhouette was intended as a showcase for loud and vibrant prints.

 
I'm not gonna bore you with all my sewing woes - I'm still teaching myself after all, and what should've only taken four hours actually ended sucking up my last day of Spring Break - but can I just say the one thing I'm particularly proud of is that this dress is fully lined? Which eliminated the need for sleeves. Or a slip. (Even though I still wear a slip anyway because vintage.) For Selah’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: pattern mixing, sleeveless, or something related to transportation. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Dress – made by me Pumps – Aerosoles

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: Victorious by Panic! at the Disco

Blogging Besties :: Layers

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of Undergraduate Style, Maricel of ::My Closet Catalogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile’s Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week’s outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This “take one, pass it on” challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

  Last week, Alex was fire with her pop of color.

This week is brought to you by: “layers, hot pink, corduroys, or a vest". And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: layers.

 

 It's a bit of a cheat, really. Yes, I have on an oversized cardi (my librarian cardi, as Aly calls it) which, on its own, would certainly count as a layering piece already. But I know you expect a little more than "good enough" from me, my friends, so I paired my cardi with a piece that looks like a sweater over a dress - more layers! - but is in fact a two-in-one affair. I guess dickeys were a thing for a while in the 70s, but I missed that boat entirely so the concept of faux layers isn't as horrifying to me as it ought to be. I quite like the efficiency of throwing on one thing while mimicking two things, and without the bulk of two things at that. This is a definite plus for me, living in the warmer climes of SoCal like I do. I also appreciate the minimal thinking involved in utilizing these two-in-one pieces. The designer has already done the color/pattern pairing for you; all you have to do is add accessories, a decision made simple by pulling from the pre-created palette. Oh, and I love that I don't have to do that discreet, skirt flip-shirt tug move that usually plagues me when I wear layers. (I just have to make sure my heavy cardi doesn't fall off my sloping shoulders.)

   

 The biggest bonus for this particular ensemble, however, is that it's thrifted vintage. I'm traveling decades, setting aside the 40s for the present and moving into my 60s phase right now. Go, polyester! For Selah’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: mustard, polka dots, or something thrifted/gifted/vintage. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Dress – eBay Cardi – F21 Boots - Ross

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: The Calendar by Panic! at the Disco

Blogging Besties :: Faux Fur and Skinny Jeans

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of Undergraduate Style, Maricel of ::My Closet Catalogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile’s Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week’s outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This “take one, pass it on” challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

  Last week, Alex went bold with her accessories, lippy, and layering piece.  

 
  This week is brought to you by: “faux fur, floral, strappy heels, and skinny jeans". And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: faux fur and skinny jeans.

 

 I've been feeling "fluffy" recently. Must be all that stress eating and non-treadmill walking I've indulged in. Rather than bemoan this fact, however, I'm choosing to embrace it. After all, in only a handful of months, I'll be celebrating a birthday with a "5" at the end of it - a milestone, if you will! - and I think I've earned the right to love myself and my body unabashedly, fluffiness and all. Thus, rather than choosing something slimming, I'm taking a cue from Alex and going bold with an in-your-face, non-figure-flattering, Lady Gaga-esque faux fur confection.

 
 I'm not throwing all sartorial caution to the wind, though. I'll do that when I have a couple more 5s under my belt. For now, I will continue to follow the rule of contrasts and pair my ostentatious jacket with an unassuming pair of go-to skinny jeans. Thanks for the tip challenge, Alex! For Selah’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: pastel, pink, or something Lady Gaga-esque. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Faux fur – Merona via Target Turtleneck – Jeanne Pierre via Poshmark Jeans - Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's Boots – Merona via Target

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: Never Too Late by Three Days Grace

Blogging Besties :: Cobalt Blue

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of Undergraduate Style, Maricel of ::My Closet Catalogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile’s Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week’s outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This “take one, pass it on” challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

Last week, Alex brightened up the grey skies with her "Cherry on Top" ensemble.     And much as I adore a pop of color, you all should know that I'm thoroughly pleased that Alex's challenge for me didn't include red. This week is brought to you by: “floral print, cobalt blue, chain link jewelry, or suede shoes". And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: cobalt blue, of course.

 

 It's been forever and a day since I've done a TARDIS Tuesday, when it was my wont to celebrate anything bright blue and Doctor Who-related. So I'm entirely too giddy that Alex's prompt allows me to show off my fabulous cobalt coat. I'd purchased this beauty off someone from Poshmark but it hadn't been weather appropriate for quite a while since I'd acquired it during the summer. And then, to be quite honest, I promptly forgot I owned it and it probably would've moldered in my closet indefinitely, so thank you, Alex, for giving me the opportunity to remember its existence.

 

Because the coat sports such a bold color and its cut is potentially overwhelming for my very short frame, I decided to style it very simply. I streamlined the bottom with a monochromatic matching of pants and boots, lengthening my silhouette in the process. Underneath is a very thin layering tunic that doesn't detract from the coat but would've allowed me to take it off had the weather turned warmer. (It didn't.) A matching infinity scarf ties everything together. I toyed with the idea of using a black tunic and a black scarf to make the look even simpler, but I felt that would've made the outfit too matchy-matchy and somber so opted for the lighter colors. I think the choice was wise, don't you?
 

For Selah’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: double breasted, simple silhouette or gold accents. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Coat – Charles Grey London via Poshmark Layering tee – Who What Wear via Target Pants - eBay Boots – Merona via Target

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: It Had to Be You by Doris Day

Blogging Besties :: A Cozy Scarf and Riding Boots

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of Undergraduate Style, Maricel of ::My Closet Catalogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile’s Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week’s outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This “take one, pass it on” challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

  Last week, Alex made me long for fall with her autumnal-colored ensemble.

 

 Thank goodness the weather has finally turned here in SoCal. Because... This week is brought to you by: “pumpkin orange, a cozy scarf, lace, and riding boots". And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: a cozy scarf and riding boots.

 

 You don't even know how long I've been waiting for sweater weather! What with our (California's) drought and our (my family's) running the A/C well into double-digit months and my getting all fired up with work drama, I desperately needed a cooling off down period. What better way to celebrate that much-anticipated chill in the air than with proper fall attire? Huzzah for OTK boots and oversized, Mr. Rogers-esque cardigans with iconic elbow patches. Hip, hip, hooray for plaid prints and wooly infinity scarves.

I also feel that this outfit brings me back to my roots. It's almost as if I've come full circle in this wild ride I call my adventure into the blogoverse. When I began my style blog, I was trying to find my "fashion voice" and I still fell back on my de rigeur uniform of button-up shirts and boots whenever I found myself straying into unfamiliar/uncomfortable territory. Multiple trends (bubble necklaces, tulle skirts, and blanket scarves, anyone?) and hundreds of dollars later, it's almost a relief to realize that what I started off with really is my signature style. Don't I just look so relaxed and comfortable in my own skin?

 

 I'm still a retro diva, but I feel that persona only comes out in the warmer months. I'm also still sewing and have loads of hand-crafted items to show off, many of them of the retro persuasion. But for right now, when the smell of petrichor and pine is in the air, let's indulge me and my "casual Friday" outfits, wot? For Selah’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: camel, plaid or a throwback look. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Top - Mossimo Supply Co. Cardi – Forever 21 Scarf - eBay Jeans – Aeropostale Boots - Rue 21

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: The Run and Go by Twenty One Pilots

Blogging Besties: A Thrifted Item

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of Undergraduate Style, Maricel of ::My Closet Catalogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile’s Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week’s outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This “take one, pass it on” challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

  Last week, Alex made me drool over her TARDIS blue dress and striped cardi ensemble.

 

Sadly, she didn't leave me with the color blue as a challenge option. This week is brought to you by: “structured jacket, stripes, something thrifted, or loafers". And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: something thrifted.

 

 As you may recall, I have been making a concentrated effort to shop more sustainably. A pleasant by-product of this decision is that it has helped me cut down my spending considerably and has made me more discriminate in my choices when I do spend. An unpleasant by-product, however, is that I've limited my shopping resources, having no immediately available thrift stores in my area. Is it any wonder, then, that I have to resort to online purchasing? Thank goodness for Poshmark and eBay for allowing me to be ecologically and ethically (for the most part) responsible. Today's ensemble is brought to you by Poshmark. Bless you, Poshmark! Because only on Posh would I be able to find, let alone afford, a fabulous, gently-used 100% wool skirt from the Gap and a lovely silk blouse from Valerie Stevens for pennies. Pennies, I tell ya! (Btw, did you all know that Valerie Stevens is primarily a Midwest/North Atlantic clothing brand? No wonder I feel particularly unique wearing this top. I don't think I'd be able to find anything quite as fun - the mini wing collar! the fantastic pin tucks! - in my neck of the woods.)

 

 I played a bit with the librarian vibe by throwing on a layering piece from Merona (not thrifted but purchased from the sale rack; that counts, right?) and wore my sensible shoes to boot (see what I did there?). If I were so inclined or had the weather turned, I could've easily taken off the cardi and the outfit looks just as fab without it.

 


 For Selah’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: polka dots, neutrals, or something sensible. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Top - Valerie Stevens via Poshmark Skirt – Gap via Poshmark Cardigan - Merona @ Target Pumps – Payless

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: O, Holy Night by Nat King Cole