The Fabulosity Factor

she still couldn't fly

2012-01-26T17:01:00.005-06:00

I love shopping for great winter wear when it all goes on sale. I found a couple of great sweaters and dresses (including this one) at H&M recently for $10-$15 dollars. It's not as fun as thrifting, but you can end up with some great staples for mere dollars.

Today is the first day I achieved a decent wing with my liquid eyeliner and I am soooooo excited! For some reason I have a real problem with liquid liner because most times I can't get a perfect wing or I end up trying to fix one because it doesn't look the same as the other...I think the solution is just to not worry too much. Accept imperfection. Seriously, even though they ended up a little mismatched I still was happy. I was so happy that I wore the makeup all day, even when I was at home in my sweats. This has been a good lesson for me and I may be inspired to get out the liner and try it more often now that I'm not married to the idea of the "perfect" look.

dress - H&M ; boots - Kohl's ; scarf - DIY'd ; tights - Target ; belt - thrifted

DIY shoelaces

2012-01-24T13:03:00.004-06:00

When my boyfriend and I were in downtown Milwaukee the other day, we stopped in American Apparel. I fell in love with their large variety of bodysuits, leotards, and velvet pieces, but alas, all were too much for my small little wallet. Before leaving, however, we did stumble upon a bucket of pretty ribbon-y shoe laces. They were lovely and I immediately knew the shoes I had to put them in. Plus they were only $8, so I figured they were worth it.

My tips for a shoelace makeover:

1) Take a picture of the way your old laces are laced on the shoes before you take them out! Even if you have no intention of keeping them laced the same way, it's nice to have a reference.

2) Before lacing, measure the original laces against your new material - you want to make sure you have enough! Also, if you are using a material that is likely to fray (like yarn), add a couple inches to the length in case you need to trim the edges once you are done lacing your shoes.

Okay, so this post isn't SO much of a DIY because I used laces that were already meant to be shoelaces - but using them has inspired me to pursue the literally endless possibilities of matierial to use for laces. Yarn, ribbon, ric-rac...my canvas sneakers are just screaming for a shoelace makeover!

shoes - Report ; laces - American Apparel

familiar with candle, with book, and with bell

2012-01-21T20:44:00.000-06:00

I was soooo psyched to find this vintage Cats tee at a thrift store. I absolutely love musical souvenir shirts so this one was a welcome addition to my small collection. (Also, in other news...we finally got SNOW! This really is Wisconsin after all!)

skirt, thrifted ; shirt - vintage ; sweater, hat, shoes - H&M ; necklace - DIY'd ; tights - Worthingon

feels like a new box of crayons smells

2012-01-15T16:00:00.000-06:00

This dress turned out to be more of a orange-y brown rather than a true brown. (Kind of like the crayon you'd pull out of the box thinking it was brown but after you'd started coloring realized that it's like "burnt sienna" or something - which, any crayon color-er knows is NOT REALLY BROWN!) But, I actually like it - it's a nice change from constant neutrals.

dress - H&M ; scarf - DIY'd ; hat - vintage ; purse - vintage Coach ; shoes - Kohl's ; belt - thrifted ; tights - Worthington

DIY tarot card wall art

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

Buying my first deck of Tarot cards was exciting - there were so many different kinds to choose from, one more beautiful than the next. I have always been fascinated with divination, especially Tarot, so I wanted my first deck to be perfect. I ended up picking a deck with the original Rider Waite illustrations - it seemed like the classic choice for a first set.

When I took the deck up to the counter to buy, I asked the woman behind the counter for any tips on Tarot readings. She suggested that prior to researching the usual "meaning" for each card that I should go through the deck and write down how each card made me feel - what sense I got from it. This is the best advice ever and I would definitely recommend this same technique for anyone pursuing an interest in Tarot. Instead of drawing a card and flipping to the cookie cutter meaning, try to find your own meaning within each one. People are not all the same - why should each card mean the same for everyone every time? Even the same card can have a different meaning at different points in time.

I was trying to figure out a way to display my beautiful cards and I came up with this "bunting." I can hang cards from readings, cards that inspire me on a certain day, or just ones that have the prettiest illustrations. This wall art is wonderful!

I found these mini clothespins at a local craft store. One of the best non-clothing thrifts I've ever had was a bunch of half used rolls of chain - the kind you'd buy by the foot at a jewelry store. That's where I got my chain, although something like it could easily be purchased at a craft or jewelry store. The clothespins make it so easy to change what's hanging up - I love this idea for buntings of all kinds!

girl with a green hat

2012-01-09T19:55:00.000-06:00

Wearing lots of black is always lots of fun. It's easy (what matches with black? black!) and it makes me feel confident and a wee bit mysterious. I couldn't resist topping it off with my green hat...the unexpected color made it a welcome addition.

dress, hat, jewelry - vintage ; sweater - H&M ; purse - vintage Coach ; boots - Target ; belt - thrifted

and every campus, a playground

2012-01-06T15:09:00.003-06:00

These might be the greatest jeans I have ever purchased! My boyfriend and I were thrifting the other day and as we were about to go, I started rifling through the jeans (a section I rarely visit at any store), looking for any ones worthy of turning into cutoffs next summer. I was shortly stopped in my tracks. These (you can call them "mom jeans" if you want) are the epitome of vintage jeans and they fit me perfectly (a gamble I took when I bought them without trying them on first). When I start my classes again in the fall, this is the outfit I will probably be coming back to again and again.

jeans - vintage Lee ; sweater - Target ; hat - H&M ; shoes - Report ; purse - vintage Coach ; jewelry - gifted

let each new year find you a better (wo)man

2011-12-31T17:32:00.003-06:00

A while ago I would never had thought about pairing this hat with this lovely coat of the same color. When I was getting dressed this morning, however, I couldn't resist!. I adore the result - I feel like I'm an American Girl doll - or in one of the matching outfits. By the way, I found this coat for only $20 - down from $60! I love it so much! It reminds me of the fancy coats my grandma would send me when I was little that I would only wear on Easter or other occasions of that ilk.

dress, belt - thrifted ; coat - H&M ; hat - vintage ; shoes - Kohl's

tutorial - twisted fauxhawk for long hair

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-06:00

I've gotten several questions about this hairstyle I wore in this post. Here's a little tutorial - it's best for long hair, but could be accomplished with medium-length hair - just add more pins! Of course, if you have short hair, go wild with the gel.

1) Start with day-old hair - this will help hold the style in place. If you have straight hair, you may want to tease it to add more volume.
2) Gather hair in a high pony - make sure it is tight!

3) Keeping the tightness, twist the pony tail all the way to the end.
4) Pull the twisted hair forward

5) If your twisted hair comes down over your face (like mine in step 4), you will need to loop it backwards and tuck the ends into the crease created by the twist.
6) This is the hardest part for me - fold your twisted hair underneath itself into the crease.

7) Begin to pin the twist in place (make sure it's tight or you'll lose the any illusion of a 'hawk).
8) Pin any loose parts at the back up into the twist.

When your 'do feels secure, you're done!

Add some black liner for an edgier look.

So there you have it...could be a faux faux hawk...could just be a pompadour...could just be whatever you want, that's the beauty of it! I'm definitely going to experiment with this hairstyle...I'm thinking I want to try two twists...semi victory roll-esque. Let me know if you try this...I'd love to see!

my best friend is the one who'll get me a book...

2011-12-27T19:44:00.005-06:00

It was a happy holiday indeed when I received this amazing tote from my sponsors at readadamnbook.com. This bag is SO PERFECT for toting my books back and forth - I hate it when they get all mangled in bags that are too big - this one keeps them upright and close together. Not to mention the message is loud and clear - READ A DAMN BOOK, PEOPLE (and not on one of those damn gadgets, either, read a REAL BOOK)! This is what a perfect library outfit consists of for me - casual with a wonderfully slouchy sweater and killer shoes.

shirt, necklace - thrifted ; sweater, leggings - H&M ; boots - Candies ; glasses - dollar store ; tote - readadamnbook.com

don't curse at the night

2011-12-24T00:00:00.001-06:00

After reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo trilogy and then seeing the movie earlier this week, I have become intensely inspired by the character of Lisbeth. When I was getting ready to see the movie I looked in the mirror and lamented not having shorter hair that I could slick up into a fierce mohawk, Salander style. After playing around for a while, I came up with this twisted faux hawk and I am tottttalllllly in love with it...I want to wear it with dark lined eyes every day. Oh, and with black. Lots and lots of black.

jeans, boots - H&M ; tee, cardigan, belt, ring - thrifted ; bodychain - DIY'd

in the dark of December

2011-12-21T12:48:00.006-06:00

Although I've been wearing my evergreen crown plenty this season, I definitely wanted to wear it today for the Solstice. I paired it with my absolute favorite velvet dress - the silhouette is so perfect for pairing with this ethereal crown.

dress, belt - thrifted ; shoes - H&M ; crown - DIY'd

p.s. I know technically the calendar doesn't say it's Winter until tomorrow,
but I always like celebrating Solstices and Equinoxes on the 21st

a woman is a lion in her own cause

2011-12-19T12:04:00.004-06:00

We've only had a light dusting of snow so far and that has disappeared already in the morning sun. We are still dreaming of our first snow together at our apartment. We can't wait to see the city covered in a soft white blanket. (Tip: in the freezing cold, it's always good to have a friend to help take photos for you! Thanks, love!)

dress - thrifted ; coat, gloves - H&M ; boots - Kohl's ; tights - JC Pennys ; purse - vintage Coach ; hat - vintage

all the way home I'll be warm

2011-12-16T20:25:00.004-06:00

I was so excited to whip this cape out today! Last year I won a gift certificate in a contest and I waited until the last minute to decide what to use it on. I'm so glad I picked this - I love capes (I've been rooting for their comeback for years!)!

dress, hat, ring - vintage ; cape - eShakti; tights, socks - Target ; shoes - Famous Footwear ; gloves - H&M

a day between fall and winter

2011-12-11T17:13:00.004-06:00

I was so lucky to come across a trove of vintage Missoni sweaters when I was employed by a thrift store. Everyone else who worked there thought they were ugly - they didn't even want to sell them! So I snatched them up for a song. This one is my favorite...I love the colors and the crazy pattern. Slouchy sweaters are the best to throw on on chilly days.

dress, gauntlets - H&M ; sweater - vintage Missoni ; shoes - Kohl's ;
socks - Target ; tights - JC Penny ; purse - vintage Coach ; hat, collar, belt, jewelry - vintage

I saw her at the bus stop

2011-12-06T10:50:00.004-06:00

This is one of the outfits that I am actually excited to wear. When I won these House of Holland tights in a giveaway hosted by My Passport to Style, I was delighted with the styling challenge they presented. I dreamed up this outfit on one sleepless night, and ever since then I couldn't wait for the opportunity to make it come to life.

dress - thrifted ; sweater, boots - H&M ; purse - vintage Coach ; hat, belt - vintage ; tights - House of Holland

whisper, bluebird, into my ear

2011-12-01T11:50:00.000-06:00

Today I received a rather sweet email inquiring about the photo I used for my "contact" button. The reader wanted to know where she could find the entire post dedicated to that outfit. However, when I took those photos back in April, I never liked them enough to share in a post. Today's email, though, made me rethink that decision.

I was playing around in a picture-editing program and stumbled upon this artsy effect. It instantly reminded me of the illustrations I loved so in the chapter books I read during elementary school. This effect paired with the hopeful colors of spring have got me daydreaming about warm weather, green grass, and cat naps in the sun.

dress - thrifted ; tights - c/o We Love Colors ; jewelry - vintage ; headpiece - DIY'd

yet another favorite velvet

2011-11-30T11:50:00.004-06:00

This is yet another favorite velvet dress I pulled from the racks of some lonely thrift store. Long sleeve velvet dress = love. I'm also wearing my dala horse necklace - some people ask me if I'm Swedish...but, alas, I'm just a fan.

dress - thrifted ; hat - vintage ; socks - Target ; shoes - H&M ; purse - vintage Coach ; necklace - DIY'd

and winter fast approaching

2011-11-28T12:50:00.004-06:00

I adore slipping on this sweater dress and feeling warm and cozy all day...It even has pockets!

dress, shoes - H&M ; purse - vintage Coach ; bow, brooch - vintage ; tights - Target

my crown is called content

2011-11-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

I am so happy with how this crown turned out. I had to take it apart and refashion it a few times, but in the end it turned out exactly how I had envisioned it. I can't wait to experiment with different flowers and colors, although I am completely head over heels with these burgundy hydrangeas.

dress - thrifted ; crown - DIY'd

good things also come in threes...

2011-11-22T19:20:00.003-06:00

This blog's third anniversary has just blown right by without me even realizing it (it was November 6th!)! I started this baby in 2009 and I am amazed at what it has become since then. I have seen my style evolve tremendously and I have met so many other wonderful bloggers. For the anniversary, I decided to peruse the annals of my outfit pictures and show you my favorites from the past year. Thank you to my readers who have been with me since the start, and welcome to all my new readers...here's to a great third year and the start of the fourth! (All outfit details can be viewed in the original post, which is linked with the date of publication.)

November 17, 2010

all wrapped up in a giant scarf

2011-11-21T11:35:00.004-06:00

I've had this dress sitting in my closet for a while. When I thrifted it, I had the intention of shortening it...which I finally got to last night. Annnd, I cut it way shorter than I had wanted (I am not a measuring/pinning/careful in anyway type of person so I thought I'll just cut just below this button - well I actually cut it below a much higher button). I mean, it's definitely still wearable...but a longer hemline would still have been super cute and probably more versatile in the work and family occasions category. Ah, well. It's a quality dress - not the cheap denim-like material that many denim dresses are made out of today - it's real and heavy - where a dress of today might be too light for a brisk day like today, this one is just fine.

I knitted this scarf last winter and it has proved to be an indispensable accessory this season. I used big needles and super thick yarn to make the chunky knit.

dress - thrifted ; shoes - Candie's ; scarf - DIY'd ; tights - Target ; purse - vintage Coach ; jewelry - vintage ; hairpiece - DIY'd

what those blustery winds blew in

2011-11-13T17:31:00.007-06:00

The winds were certainly blowing today - they blew the frigid weather away and replaced it with unbelievably beautiful 60 degree weather. I was thankful to have only worked in the morning because then I went straight out to play at the park.

I was also glad because I got to wear this awesome dress I picked up last week at a thrift store. The minute I got it home I had to perform emergency surgery on it to remove the hideous shoulder pads, but now it's pretty much perfect. There is an excess of fabric (look how much I can hold out on the skirt above), so if I don't belt it it's pretty much a shapeless blob. But that's ok - I just belt it and then twirl to my heart's content. Speaking of twirling - here is a tip from me. Plain black cotten spandex shorts. Get some. They hug your legs so they will not interrupt the silhouette of a dress, and they will most definitely save you from any peek-a-boo moments during a spontaneous twirl, rakish winds, or any other potentially embarrassing situations. I have several pairs of these shorts left over from my days as a volleyball player and I am thankful for them every time I put them on - trust me they will save you and give you peace of mind. I certainly took advantage today - this twirly dress paired with the unforgiving gusts of wind called for them.

dress, hat, belt, jewelry - vintage ; purse - vintage Coach ; tights - Target ; shoes - H&M

a place to call my own

2011-11-13T15:00:00.002-06:00

We moved in June and I've finally just put together my little corner space. It feels so good to have a little spot for all my pretty things - I hate having them strewn all over the room or shoved in drawers and boxes where you can't see them. All the key pieces were either handed down to me or thrifted. The shelf I've hung all my necklaces from on the left is actually a vintage thimble holder (thanks to my boyfriend's mom for helping us figure out what it was supposed to be used for). It helps keep my favorite necklaces easily accessible and free from tangles. We bought that and the two other shelves at a thrift store for .99 - 1.99 each. The shoe shelf was a score for $5. It holds nine pairs of shoes and keeps them off the floor and out of their boxes for me to see. I also pushed a tack into the side of it so it can hold one of my purses. The round mirror was also a thrift find - for only $5 - I was expecting upwards of twenty dollars, but was thrilled to see the lower price. There is a tray on the dresser and one on the shoe shelf - they also help keep my jewelry organized. The one on the shoe shelf is a gorgeous mirrored tray - I love keeping my rings on it. Both trays were $1.99.

All these items were acquired over months and months of thrifting trips and everything else I had brought with me from my parent's house. Now that this set up is in place I hope to add more personal touches like photos, flowers, and other artwork.

you got to me, baby

2011-11-12T12:54:00.003-06:00

I came across this lovely blush colored dress yesterday while my boyfriend and I were thrifting. I'm excited to add such a pretty colored item to my wardrobe. Looking over the outfit, I wish I had one picture without the cardigan - the sleeves of the dress are the draped so beautifully - almost akin to a dancer's costume. I supposed even though it wasn't snowing, it was still cool enough that the thought of bare arms was too much.

dress, cardigan - thrifted ; hat - Target ; shoes - H&M ; purse - vintage Coach ; jewelry - vintage

who is that trip-trapping over my bridge?

2011-11-10T13:00:00.000-06:00

The first snow of the season always ranks high in my list of best days of the year. We are only a third of the way through November, the leaves haven't finished falling, and some leaves haven't even turned their colors yet (as you can see in the pictures). But in Wisconsin, none of that matters. Thank you, mother nature, for the delightful smorgasbord of elements.

dress, tights - thrifted ; coat, hat - vintage ; purse - vintage Coach ; shoes, gloves - H&M

almost as warm as a hug

2011-11-09T12:30:00.000-06:00

Oversized sweaters are perfect on days that you need to hide from the weather. Usually I can't get enough of rainy days, but this last wet week has sent me reaching to my sweaters for comfort. I like them big, slouchy, and preferably paired with tight-fitting pants.

I recently added this pouch necklace to my collection after a trek to Indian Summer - a Native American heritage festival. I wear pouches almost every day - they're great for carrying crystals, fragrant herbs, or any other special memento. Today it held dried lavender.

sweater - thrifted ; pants - thrifted ; hat - vintage ; shoes - H&M ; necklace - cultural festival

and she went back in black

2011-11-07T13:55:00.002-06:00

I finally have hair long enough for milkmaid braids! But I couldn't find a single tutorial on how to do them! Not, actually. How-to's for milkmaid braids are on every single blog I visit. Literally. Well, almost. Honestly, how hard could it be? Braid, pin, milk - see, simple. I actually like to add a little volume by pinning a little hair up in front. Plus, then that helps disguise the bobby pins that actually hold the braids in place.

I know I just wore this dress, but oh well. Actually I wanted to wear it because the lower neckline helps show off the beauty of this necklace. I will always have a special place in my jewelry box for this gorgeous choker - I bought and wore it for my first high school dance.

dress, tights - thrifted ; trench - H&M ; shoes - Famous Footwear ; silver ring - Claire's ; pink ring - gifted ; necklace - craft sale

her hair, like her life

2011-11-05T17:53:00.007-05:00

My hair is currently the longest it's ever been in my life. I love it. I want to have mermaid hair before I take the plunge and donate everything again. Last time I donated was about two and a half years ago. It was short - consult the top photo and think shorter than that. I loved my hair short. I love it long. It's ok in between, but mainly that's just a lot of waiting for it to grow.

Now, when the nice people at Misikko approached me and wondered if I'd like to review a curling iron for them, I was a little puzzled. I already have curly hair. But, I have reviewed several other products for Misikko and loved them, so I thought why not.

So they sent me the curling iron. And it sat and sat and sat gathering dust and eliciting guilty looks from me whenever I had a moment to spare. Partially because I was in the process of moving. But mainly because I have no time to really experiment with hair. And I knew to try the curling iron I'd want to first straighten my hair. If you remember, this is what my hair looked like straightened in March...

So, when I finally went to try the curling iron I straightened my hair first. And, then I attempted to curl it. Now, when I was in elementary school, one of my friends came to school with a three inch burn on her temple. It was from a curling iron and her mom had accidentally burned her when curling her hair for her. I think that this freaked me out because I was terrified that I would touch my neck or my face with the curler.

I ended up with casual waves and I love them. I still get the effect of the straightener, but it adds a bit of volume and bounciness back in. This is from a person who has never ever curled her hair. Ever. So I have no experience using a curler. But now that I have one (a high quality one, I might add), I may attempt more hairstyles and take more time to play hairdresser.

Once again, Misikko has sent me a high quality hair tool. I used the Corioliss Wand Ceramic Curling Iron. It was sleek and shiny and easy to set up. It warmed up almost immediately which is great for people who are constantly hurrying.

In closing - Misikko is wonderful and I would definitely recommend their high quality products to anyone. Honestly, if I can use it, most everyone else will be able to with ease. The staff are beyond fantastic and helpful and my packages always arrive way sooner than I expect them. Every dealing I've had with this company has been amazing. They are in every way professionals and will go out of their way to make sure you have a quality product. Please check out their great selection of curling irons, professional hair straighteners, blow dryers, and other products.

it's all you need...

2011-11-05T17:17:00.004-05:00

I am lucky enough to be going out on a date tonight to celebrate my one year anniversary with my boyfriend. I have been saving this wonderful dress for such an occasion. I love the layers of tulle and the cinched waist. The only flaw is that the zipper in the back seems to be too heavy for the material - it pulls it down the back of the dress and creates awkward bulges in the silhouette. Ah well, better in the back than the front, I suppose.

dress, shirt - H&M ; tights, shoes - Target ; hat - vintage ; necklace - thrifted ; ring - gifted

thank you, dear, for the excellent hat

2011-11-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

When I persuaded my boyfriend to buy this hat, little did he know that I had an ulterior motive - to steal it! Ha! Not only does it look good on him, it is the ultimate hat for just placing on your head to complete any outfit.

Also, another noteworthy note - these tights. I just bought them and not only were they a terrific price ($4 at Target), they are the most amazing color ever! They're a lovely mix of red and orange and it just screams fall. I am in love...I've even considered going back and buying several more pairs...because you know once you put a run in your pair, you will never be able to find them again.

dress, necklace - thrifted ; hat, shoes, tights - Target

all the secrets under her hat

2011-11-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

I love the look of long-sleeved cropped tops - such as this sweater. Ideally for me, this one would be worn with high-waisted vintage jeans, oversized glasses, and a messy topknot - student style. However, the gorgeous weather called for something a bit flouncier.

sweater - gifted ; skirt, necklace - H&M ; hat, tights - Target ; shoes - Famous Footwear

hear him howlin' around your kitchen door

2011-11-01T13:00:00.001-05:00

The stegosaurus-like bows on the back of this dress have perplexed me ever since I thrifted this dress. Why are they there? They flop around and stick off the back with only a couple of stitches holding them down. I have been meaning to detach them and turn them into something much more likable - perhaps matching barrettes?

dress, hat - thrifted ; necklace, purse - vintage ; tights - Target ; shoes - H&M

portraits of a witch

2011-10-31T13:00:00.000-05:00

The veil between the realms of the living and the dead are at their thinnest today. Satisfy hungry spirits by placing offerings of milk and barley under the stars to ease their hunger, prevent their mischief, and to accrue their blessings for the year to come.

a cautionary tale - reprint

2011-10-30T13:00:00.001-05:00

First published October 2010.

dress, cape, bow, jewelry - vintage ; tights - Worthington ; shoes - Famous Footwear

old autumn in the misty morn

2011-10-29T12:13:00.004-05:00

I have just returned from a much-needed vacation to the upper peninsula of Door County. Our extended family owns a cabin on the Lake Michigan and we closed it for the season. I thought I'd share some photos from around the cabin for inspiration.

dress - H&M ; hat, belt - vintage ; vest - thrifted ; socks - Target ; shoes - Carlotte Russe ; wrap - DIY'd

love is the bridge

2011-10-19T14:32:00.003-05:00

I first laid eyes on this dress from behind the mannequin who was wearing it. I admired how simple the cut and how soft the material looked. Then when I walked around to the front of it, I fell head over heels for the laser-cut design. I love pieces that can be worn in multiple seasons and this is such a dress; it was made for fall, but it will be absolutely gorgeous in spring and summer months paired with flowered crowns and bare legs. Well, even though I liked the dress, the price on the tag scared me away. Imagine my delight when perusing the racks almost a whole season later to find one lonely one hidden on a sale rack!

And now...the most amazing fall sweater EVER. I found it on the racks at a thrift store last winter and couldn't wait to bust it out for fall. I was just throwing it on over this outfit for warmth and didn't intend to wear it for the actual pictures, but it actually looked super appropriate so I thought why not?

dress, bracelets - H&M ; sweater - thrifted ; shoes - Charlotte Russe ; tights - Worthington ; necklace - DIY'd

glitter 'round her eyes

2011-10-16T17:57:00.004-05:00

Although I adamantly proclaim my love for fall and everything it entails, when the first actually chilly day comes around I do tend to pout a bit for the loss of the glorious warm and comfortable weather of late summer. Today it wasn't just bitterly cold, it was also windy and rainy. But nothing that couldn't be countered with my trusty black trench coat.

dress - thrifted ; trench, gauntlets - H&M ; jewelry, bow - vintage ; boots - Target ; glasses - dollar store

he cries to the moon, "If only, if only."

2011-10-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

I found this lovely brown velvet dress on the racks at a thrift store. I have a black one very similar, only with one slit at the back instead of one on each side. Anyways, I had to buy it even though it was in the middle of summer and any thought of wearing velvet and/or anything past the knee was gladly out of sight and out of mind.

Apparently today I was in a bit of mystical mood whilst throwing on this outfit (and a bit "But if you forget to come back for Madame Zeroni, you and your family will be cursed for always and eternity.").

dress - thrifted ; scarf, necklace - vintage ; hand piece - cultural festival ; shoes - H&M

women seem wicked when you're unwanted

2011-10-11T14:00:00.001-05:00

I am currently inspired by the stereotypical dark gothic looks for fall. I can't help it - it comes with the season! I have been pouring over old photos and outfit pictures in search of outfits I would like to recreate or improve upon for this new season. Here I'll share with you my favorite outfits from last year around this time.

dress, hat - vintage ; stockings - Target ; shoes - Famous Footwear ; belt, jewelry - thrifted

dress, bow, necklace - vintage ; shoes - Charlotte Russe

shirt - readadamnbook.com ; skirt - H&M ; hat - vintage ; shoes - Famous Footwear ; stockings - thrifted

dress, bow, earrings - vintage ; shoes - Famous Footwear ; tights - Worthington ; ring - Claire's

to look for America

2011-10-10T13:19:00.005-05:00

I do love the season of fall for many reasons, but one of them is that it's the perfect month for hats. It's not too hot for them, nor is it too cold to consider wearing anything but a knit one with a pom pom on the top. Almost all of the hats in my collection were purchased from second hand thrift or antique stores - they boast the most unique with the best prices. The one I am wearing today was acquired at a thrift store for a mere dollar.

dress, hat - vintage ; jacket - H&M ; socks - Target ; shoes - Candies

I dreamed that love would never die

2011-10-05T12:03:00.005-05:00

I love souvenir t-shirts like this one I bought when I saw Les Miserables in Milwaukee. Les Miserables is my favorite musical in whole world (it's also my favorite book), and I have seen it three times (hopefully I can see it on Broadway someday!). This particular shirt was purchased when I was about to enter ninth grade. (As I'm typing this post I'm looking up vintage musical shirts on eBay...SO awesome.)

skirt, shoes, hat - H&M, sweater - gifted ; shirt - souvenir stand ; tights - Target

the trusty black suede boots

2011-09-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

These boots, a gift from my parents on my seventeenth birthday, were my first venture into "grown up" footwear. Pulling them on for this outfit made me count back the birthdays and I realized...hello, these were a gift five years ago! However old, they have not gone out of style and probably never will - they're classics.

dress - thrifted ; jacket - vintage Pendleton ; hat, brooch - vintage ; socks, boots - Target

teetering on the edge

2011-09-19T13:27:00.005-05:00

My mom bought this gorgeously colored sweater for me the other day when we went birthday shopping (the 21st is my birthday!). I love this color, especially in fall when it matches the lovely leaves.

dress - gifted ; sweater - H&M ; purse - vintage Coach ; shoes - Candie's ; earrings - vintage
photo credit - thank you to my boyfriend!

to shade that face

2011-09-16T17:47:00.003-05:00

The colors of this gorgeous vintage jumpsuit are perfect for these fall days. I also absolutely love this sleeve length - if every sleeve could be like this I would be happy - it's not too short or too long, but rather it is just right.

This jumpsuit drew a lot of stares (but come on, what fashion blogger isn't totally accustomed to getting those?). But honestly, what could be better than a floppy hat to shade your face, clogs kicked off and laying next to you in the grass, and not having to worry about the wind blowing your skirt around and creating any embarrassing fashion blunders? On a fall day picnic, not much.

jumpsuit, purse, necklace - vintage ; hat, clogs - Charlotte Russe

knit love into every stitch

2011-09-14T14:00:00.009-05:00

Retrieving the scarves I knit last year from the 'fall clothes' box in storage made me anxious to start another project. I have since bought some thick brown yarn and have about two inches knit already...time permitting, it will be a great addition to this year's fall wardrobe.

I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am that fall has come early this year (last year we kind of went straight from summer to winter). Fall is my favorite season and September is the best of it, in my opinion. It's my birthday month, so that probably has a lot to do with it, but it really is such a gorgeous gorgeous time. On brisk days like today I love to wear slouchy sweaters, big knits, and fabulous shoes whilst curled up in a library corner reading and sipping frothy spiced chai.

Also, quickly, I'd like to credit my boyfriend with today's photos. Oh, and the last three months or so, pretty much all of those are his work, too.

sweater - thrifted ; pants, shoes - H&M ; purse - vintage Coach ; scarf - DIY'd ; glasses - dollar store

the best sweeteners of tea

2011-09-13T14:00:00.002-05:00

I would love to attend a tea party in this outfit.

dress - vintage All That Jazz ; hat - vintage ; shoes - Charlotte Russe ; tights - JC Penny ; jewelry - thrifted

the pockets in her mother's plaid dress

2011-09-12T13:33:00.004-05:00

My mother used to wear this dress. When I was little I dragged it out of our dress-up box to play in. Now I wear it and imagine the places it's been with my mom and the places it will go with me. The pockets are my favorite part.

dress - vintage Megawatts ; purse - vintage Coach ; hat - thrifted ; jacket, boots - H&M

in one autumnal face...

2011-09-09T14:00:00.001-05:00

I was drawn to this jumper because it seems to offer endless styling possibilities. It has such a gorgeous rich coloring and great velvety texture.

overalls - F21 ; blouse, bra - H&M ; socks - Target ; shoes - Famous Footwear ; hat - vintage ; ring - Claire's

reason, I sacrifice you to the evening breeze

2011-09-08T14:00:00.001-05:00

This dress is one of my favorite thrift finds ever. It fits me so well and the shape, print, and cut are just so lovely. I'm wearing the same collar from yesterday because it just went so perfectly with the dress. It's the perfect accessory for chilly weather.

And I am so in love with this purse that was a surprise from my sweet boyfriend. It's worn in just right, and the long thin strap is great for cross-body wearing.

Lastly, these boots. These boots! They are what I have been searching for in a fall shoe (seriously, for more than a year...keep in mind my teeny tiny budget). Thank you, H&M for catering to my chunky heeled, laced up, inexpensive fall boot fantasy.

dress - thrifted ; boots - H&M ; purse - vintage Coach ; collar, bracelet - vintage

the secret of the golden locket

2011-09-07T13:45:00.003-05:00

It seemed like summer would never end last week when we were faced with two almost unbearably hot and humid days. However, the very next day we had to scramble out of bed in the middle of the night to pull out an extra blanket! It's been pleasantly cool ever since. I am so excited to break out my tights and other fall accessories!

dress, boots - H&M ; tights - JC Penny ; belt, locket, collar - vintage.

and what of the cowrie shell?

2011-08-31T12:30:00.007-05:00

Reading One Day (and seeing the wonderful movie afterward) has inspired this outfit. I can see a few details reminiscent of that grunge era in my outfit (an era so brilliantly depicted in Nicholl's book), but I'm glad I have avoided any overload of it.

After my dad handed this shirt down to me I wore it constantly. Once I forgot to take a pin I was wearing off, though, and will forever be reminded of it by a small cruel rust spot above the right pocket. However, this always prompts me to cover it with some sort of pin or brooch, allowing me to become that much more accessorized. If only more articles of clothing elicited such help with accessorizing (without the sad rust spot) - it would be harder to just throw something on and head out the door (my usual routine).

I try to spend a few days out of every summer in the lovely peninsula of Door County. My childhood vacations there will always be brought to mind when I see a Dala Horse - a traditional Swedish icon. Some nights we would eat at a Swedish restaurant (the wait staff even wore traditional Swedish clothing - or costumes) and afterward tour the boutique adjoining it. When I was younger, my grandma gave me a beautiful sterling silver dala horse necklace from the boutique and ever since they have held a permanent place in my imagination. This particular necklace started out as an ornament purchased from the same boutique last fall. I added the chain it has become a go-to accessory.

Cowrie shells have always been mysterious and alluring to me. They were first brought to my attention in a book I read and reread as a child and ever since they have continued to spark my imagination and sense of adventure. They are also symbols of womanhood and fertility which is not surprising as their gorgeous underside resembles a vulva. I fashioned this ring with copper wire as it is said to stimulate mental energy. And it looks pretty.

dress, denim shirt, belt, brooch - vintage ; boots - H&M ; necklace, ring - DIY'd ; glasses - dollar store

little things

2011-08-22T12:35:00.000-05:00

We love using our potted herbs to season our meals! ~ A tree, DIY'd with a random rock, copper wire, and moss agate stones.

This headpiece I fashioned (and wore here) out of shells and sea glass. ~ Gorgeous Sweet Peas from our local farmer's market.

We finally got around to putting up fairy lights in the bedroom - they are so beautiful! ~ We now have sweet and very lucid dreams, thanks to this authentic Navajo dream catcher.

DIY - paint swatch decorating

2011-08-13T13:06:00.009-05:00

This may have been the easiest yet most rewarding DIY project that I have ever undertaken. We decided to cover our gross beige cabinets with paint samples. Paint sample decorating - so easy and so FREE! That was the best part. As long as you feel comfortable going into a hardware store and awkwardly swiping stacks and stacks of paint samples, you're all set. Actually, we did have to buy the tape (blue painter's tape - $3.50) that we used for the project, but that was because we didn't have any other tape in our apartment.

We used paint samples from three different hardware stores and painter's tape for easy an easy take-down when the time comes.

We had the brilliant idea (after the first two cupboards were already completed) to film some of the process. Here is a short video that shows the evolution of the final two. Also, the final outcome is a bit different for what you will see in the video - I decided I didn't like the last panel the way it came out the first time so I ended up changing it a bit - you'll see.

like an ice cube in the sink

2011-08-12T20:19:00.004-05:00

I've been able to wear this dress from eShakti so many different ways. Below I've posted some of the different ways I've worn it before (you can click on the picture to see the whole post). I wanted to share it again because eShakti is offering a super promotion for all Fabulosity Factor readers. If you mention the code FABFACT0811 you can receive $20 dollars off your purchase at eshakti.com.

today's outfit: dress - courtesy of eShakti ; shirt - H&M ; hat, purse - vintage ; shoes - Charlotte Russe

just a glimpse of her green hat

2011-08-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite outfits as of late because it makes me feel completely like myself. That is one of the best feelings an outfit can bring.

I purchased and recently received several gorgeous ear cuffs from Merry Meet Jewelry on Etsy. I am in love with the elegant designs and great prices. The ear cuffs this store offers are perfect for people like me who don't have pierced ears. Even though I wore my hair down today I wanted to wear one because they are beautiful and I might be a little obsessed.

The ring on the right was my first adventure into wire-crafting. The stone is rose quartz - a stone associated with the Heart Chakra and different forms of love.

dress - thrifted ; shirt - Target ; shoes - Famous Footwear ;
hat, bracelet - vintage ; purse - vintage Coach ; ear cuff - Merry Meet Jewelry ; ring - DIY'd

cherry cherry

2011-08-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

The weather today was picnic perfect...so I decided to dress accordingly.

dress - thrifted ; shoes - Faded Glory ; glasses - dollar store ; hat - vintage

to shimmer like a mermaid's tail

2011-08-08T13:01:00.000-05:00

Last night I fashioned this headpiece out of shells and sea glass. It reminded me of something a mermaid might wear, so to continue that theme I opted for a long flowing skirt, wooden necklace, and a pearly bracelet.

skirt - H&M ; blouse - thrifted ; jewelry - vintage ; sandals - Zoe & Zach ; headpiece - DIY'd

the petals keep falling...

2011-08-07T12:59:00.001-05:00

Something I've discovered is that some hairstyles just need rolling out of bed to complete. Consider this one - just added a rose bloom and voila - done. No fussing, no touching up, just throw on an outfit and out you wander. The only thing is - recreating a bed-head look is pretty much out of the question.

I recently found this sweet dress on the sale racks at H&M for only $7. The detailing on the neckline and the shoulders are darling and the color will enable it to be worn for multiple seasons.

My bracelet was purchased from a vendor at a cultural festival. I think it's supposed to be part of a belly dancing costume - at least that's what most of the items in the booth were. The bracelet connects to a ring to be worn on the middle finger so the jingling coins cascade down the hand. It's quite an intriguing piece of jewelry even though it probably didn't come from any exotic land.

dress - H&M ; belt - thrifted ; shoes - Charlotte Russe ; bracelet - street vendor

the less he spoke the more he heard

2011-08-06T12:59:00.001-05:00

Even though it seems like we'll never be "finished" with moving in and getting settled, there are some things I find pleasure in, amongst the chaos. For example, the most amazing owl mirror I picked up at a local antique store (and my homemade banner reflected in it). And, there is nothing more relaxing than a candle-lit bath (the bathroom continues to be the cleanest place in our apartment!).

This is the beginning of the "hat wall." We needed more storage space in the closet so I decided to put our hats out on display. Can you tell which one isn't mine? I have a collection of kitty things that I acquired during my childhood - most of them now reside on the top of my dresser.

Our bookshelf has migrated to the opposite wall, although I'm sure you can't tell from the photo. And lastly, gorgeous flowers from Red.

it makes her go insane

2011-08-05T12:18:00.003-05:00

So often I find myself building my outfits up from my shoes. That is exactly what happened today as I was prompted to pull on these pretty red suede boots (in 90 degree weather...what was I thinking?!). Then, of course came the light layers and to top it all of - the bowler.

Here is the current state of my nails, thanks to OPI's Shatter nail polish. It took me a couple of times to get the trick of using this nail polish, but now I love the results.

dress - H&M ; shirt - gifted ; boots, hat, bracelet - vintage ; sunglasses - thrifted

gold digger

2011-08-03T10:41:00.005-05:00

When we moved into our new apartment in June, I never guessed how much time "settling in" would take. We are still in the process of getting all of our things situated (still need to acquire a couch, chair, or some kind of comfy seating) or buying the things we still need. I've hardly had a spare second, so today when we had a few minutes before work we shot some outfit pictures.

I know talking about the weather is more than boring, but lately it has been hovering around the nineties with major humidity. Honestly, in weather like this it is hard to even think about getting dressed in anything other than shorts, an oversized tee, and flip flops. When I break a sweat the moment I step outside, it is hard for me to justify getting my "nice" clothes all sweaty and smelly even if it just is for a few minutes for outfit pictures.

Needless to say, light dressing is the best in summer weather like this, so a sheer top, lacey skirt, and lightweight scarf were perfect.

I found this sparkly gold nail polish on sale so I thought I'd try it. It is "Dandy Lion" by Nicole. Upon seeing it, my dad asked if I had been "gold digging." But, seeing as it was his birthday, I let that comment slide with only a slight eye roll.

blouse, skirt, bracelet - thrifted ; scarf - H&M ; moccasins - Minnetonka

life is a special occasion

2011-07-06T10:31:00.008-05:00

I have some exciting news! Not only did I find time to snap some outfit photos with my boyfriend, but now I am officially the mother...

...of a fish! Yes, a gorgeous Betta fish that we named "Denny" after the place that we had our first get together (a restaurant called Denny's). My co-workers threw me a surprise apartment-warming party and Denny was one of the gifts - I was definitely surprised when I opened that box! We love having him, especially because our apartment doesn't allow other pets.

Look how well he matches our bookshelves! And speaking of our bookshelves, they are filling up quite nicely. I am in love with these whale bookends...and the bunny ones are definitely the cutest I have ever seen! Both sets were acquired during my employment at a thrift store. Here's a peek into our book collection...the shelves are almost full and we still have book boxes to unpack...

I love treasure hunting at second hand stores, and the other day I found this darling plant holder - just what we needed! I also found some vintage trays that fit in it perfectly. (Also, I am falling in love with ladders as genius decorating items...)

Finally yesterday I got some free time to sit down and create our first wall decoration. The flags are cut out of old greeting cards, envelopes, and pages (rescued from a random rubbish bin) out of an old paperback edition of All Things Wise and Wonderful.

skirt, cardigan - thrifted ; tank top - Wet Seal ; shoes - H&M ; hat, belt - vintage

you should never argue with a crazy mind

2011-06-29T11:26:00.006-05:00

Here are some more pictures from our new apartment. Slowly but surely we are starting to feel more at home...

One of our first real meals - created in our new red crock pot. Those green jalapenos on top were plucked from our very own plant. If you remember from the last post the void where the mini-fridge had been was vacant. Now it is home to our cookbooks, crock pot, and toaster oven (this appliance is actually a toaster over and a toaster...quite possibly the most epic appliance ever!).

There are several antique stores within walking distance of our apartment so we decided to search them for trays to put beneath our newly potted herbs. We found a few including this one at the right - a T.V. dinner tray from the '70's.

all my life I've been good, but now...

2011-06-20T11:18:00.005-05:00

I have some exciting news! My absence around the blog can be attributed to a HUGE change in my life. On Friday my boyfriend and I signed a lease for an apartment and we are in the process of moving in. As I said before, this is such a big step for both of us and we are very nervous but thrilled at the same time.

It is a one-bedroom in the second floor of an old building that has been transformed into apartments. The ceilings are at least twelve feet high and the gorgeous windows let in so much natural light. Here are a few photos from the first couple of days.

On the left is our living room and on the right is the "kitchen." We had the landlord take out the ancient stove that was to the left of the sink because it was, as I said, ancient and most probably a fire hazard. Also, the spot to the right of the sink held a mini fridge that we also had them take. We decided that it would be much easier to have a standard sized fridge (we cook A LOT). Finding room for our new fridge has proved difficult, however. We plan on building shelves in the space under the counter to hold cookbooks.

This is our bookcase project. It was my genius idea to, instead of buying a traditional bookcase, make our own out of boards and bricks. Simple (though hard to lug up to the second floor), but not as cost efficient as I had hoped (around $90 for the boards, bricks, paint, and paintbrushes). Also, in the left picture you can see the fridge we ended up with in its current location.

There is a Farmer's Market every Saturday and it is located literally just around the corner from our apartment. This beautiful bouquet is what I returned with after wandering through.

There is our finished bookcase...it will definitely be filled up once more books are brought over, but for now it holds some essentials. On the right - our first "lunch" (and several meals since...we need to go grocery shopping) at our new apartment. There is a Mexican grocery store down the street and they have the most delicious fresh salsa and guacamole. We are already addicted.

We are looking forward to growing our own herbs and vegetables but now while we're unpacking there is less than adequate room for them. So, they ended up being set in the bathtub until further notice. Eventually we needed to shower so they got transferred to the kitchen table. We will also be making our own compost in a 5 gallon plastic bucket - tonight I plan on finishing painting it and hammering nail holes into it - is it weird to be excited about COMPOST?

Well, anyways, there is a little update. I will definitely be posting more about the decorating process, growing the herbs and veggies (and maybe the compost?!), and green living in general. However, we do not have wi-fi (and do not have the funds to acquire it any time soon), so I will only be able to post when I have time to trek down the street to the library.

Lastly, I hope to resume outfit posts also. We have been so busy with moving and working that I have had no time for any pictures (which is probably good because my uniform for the past few days has been an old Dunder Mifflin tee shirt and my middle school gym shorts). I hope to discover a few new cool places for pictures once we have time to explore a little bit!

except, of course, my teddy bear

2011-06-02T21:37:00.005-05:00

My love of tote bags most likely stems from the constant use of them when I was little. I have many memories of my mom using one (or more) wherever we went. Not to mention their practicality. I found this one while digging in the depths of bag-storage in my basement. I used this bag when I was in preschool and all throughout my childhood (I especially remember it holding piano lesson books for a while) and it is still in perfect working condition. And it's cute...in an early '90's sort of way.

dress, shoes - H&M ; socks - Charlotte Russe ; blouse - thrifted ; headband DIY'd ; tote - vintage

a maiden lived there whom you may know

2011-05-26T13:10:00.006-05:00

This gorgeous lilac-colored raincoat was given me when I was about six years old. I wore it only for "special occasions" so when I uncovered it in a storage box weeks ago it looked like new. I still remember the smell of it, the feel of it, and the look of my mom's handwriting on the tag where she wrote my name.

dress - H&M ; raincoat, gloves, umbrella - vintage ; boots - Target

it's full of twists and tangles...

2011-05-19T15:34:00.009-05:00

After having the pleasure of reviewing Misikko's Hana Flat Iron, I was also sent a Hana Air Premiere Hair Dryer. I received it, opened it (again, the most lovely packaging), and then it sat in my bathroom for weeks. I thought of it often and stared at it wistfully in the seconds I had each day before dashing off to school. This is probably the reason I don't fuss much with my hair - a giant lack of time. I was so excited today to finally pull it out of its box, blow the dust off, and make a video for you.

Another reason I don't blow dry my hair...ever...is because I have coarse, thick, and curly hair - when it meets heat, it frizzes up like nobody's business. Even though this hair dryer did have a cool air setting (which I used the whole time), my hair still frizzed a bit. Also, when I first tried to use the dryer, I couldn't figure out how to make it work (the combination of buttons and settings was a bit confusing), but once I figured that out, it was (to be pun-y) a breeze.

Here are some of the other qualities of the hair dryer taken from the site:

Ion Technology- condition hair & reduces static electricity
Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology- natural ions promote healthier hair
Silver Nanotechnology- for antibacterial Protection
Scratch Resistant Shell with black metallic finish adds durability and is easy to clean
Long life motor with low noise
Gyroscopically balanced for easy handling

I stick to what I said in my last review -the people at Misikko are very friendly and pleasant to work with. My package arrived much sooner than I expected and it even contained a few extra goodies. I would definitely recommend Misikko to anyone looking for any professional hair styling tools. They boast a wide variety of sleek ceramic hair straighteners, hair dryers, curling irons, and other hair care products.

This video demonstrates both the Hana Air Premiere Hair Dryer and the Hana Flat Iron I reviewed last time. The video takes the viewer through both processes in quadruple time (so as not to bore quite as much), plus some fun adornment at the end. Now, let me just note that I have no idea the "right" way to either blow dry or straighten my hair...my hair did end up dry and straight but I have no idea if it was by the correct means. I've never had any experience with professional hair styling so please don't laugh at my lack of expertise. Please, enjoy (and do feel free to laugh at my funny faces).

go instead where there is no path and leave a trail

2011-05-16T23:53:00.003-05:00

I feel like I constantly talk about the weather, but it is so inconsistent here that it definitely does affect how I dress. The past couple of days, for example, have been chilly as March! I must have jinxed something when I took all my cold-weather clothing down into storage...

In other more personal news - I graduated today. I had my final final exam and then would have gone to commencement if caps and gowns weren't so expensive (talk about an outfit you really can't wear twice!). I received my associate degree and now have no idea what to do next. I have so many things I'm passionate about that I am having trouble narrowing down what exactly to do now. At least hopefully I will have time for more regular outfit posts, that is if my jobs don't eat up the majority of my time.

dress - thrifted ; cardigan - Wet Seal ; shoes - Faded Glory ; belt, collar - vintage ; crown - DIY'd

"not all those who wander are lost" - Tolkein

2011-05-13T12:19:00.006-05:00

Springtime makes me want to wear soft, lacey, sheer neutrals and pastels. But I decided to try something different today - a more gothic take on the season. I may revisit a similar version of this outfit sometime in the fall...when all black looks are somewhat more season-appropriate.

Working in a thrift store yielded a trove of interesting acquisitions, including these vintage shoes. I was rummaging around my closet trying to find the perfect pair of shoes for this outfit when my eyes drifted over these (somewhat dusty in a far corner) - what an great pair of shoes for a spooky springtime outfit.

dress - thrifted ; shirt - H&M ; shoes, hat - vintage ; ring - Claire's

our hearts singing so joyfully

2011-05-11T12:52:00.001-05:00

Well, in Wisconsin it seems we've yet again bypassed the nice spring weather and gone right for summer heat. Ah, well, the joys of the Midwest. Guess, what? These glasses are sunglasses! Can you say 400 UV protection?

I'm back to obsession with these cute canvas shoes - they're perfect for pairing with dresses and skirts, especially when one will be playing in the park...

dress - thrifted ; cardigan - Wet Seal ; hat - vintage ; shoes - Faded Glory ; bracelet - Door County Mai Fest

but I am still in uniform

2011-05-03T23:00:00.005-05:00

I had to hold on to my hat to keep it from blowing off...what a blustery day it was! I also got a chance to practice my (minimal) sewing skills to affix a button that had fallen of this jacket the last time I'd worn it.

dress - eshakti ; jacket - H&M ; shoes- Kmart ; hat - vintage ; watch - thrifted Chanel

no time to turn at beauty's glance

2011-05-02T23:41:00.004-05:00

Today my boyfriend showed me some abandoned railroad tracks near his house - it was possibly the coolest place to take pictures ever. There was even a device that would switch over the tracks (what do you call that?) from one track to a different one. It still works! Also, I saw two snakes - the first time I've ever seen any in nature. It was awesome.

Here I am changing the tracks. Seriously, this setting was so cool! I can imagine many more photos will be taken here. Thanks to my boyfriend for taking the pictures today.

dress - thrifted ; leggings, shoes - H&M ; necklace - DIY'd.

and yet with you

2011-04-25T13:26:00.005-05:00

The beautiful spring days are back for now...

dress - H&M ; jacket, tights - Target ; shoes - thrifted ; bow - vintage ; necklace - DIY'd

if it wasn't who it is

2011-04-14T10:01:00.005-05:00

Along with the light pink tights from We Love Colors, I also received a gold pair. Whilst the pastels are great for spring, I can't wait to bust out the gold for fall. That being said, this video serves as a bit of a style "preview" for Fall 2011.

My boyfriend, Red, filmed this with me yesterday on the outskirts of our college campus. It was a different experience actually being filmed by someone instead of just doing all the work myself. And even though he prefers to mostly stay behind the camera, I was able to snag a few shots of him - they're at the very end.

tunic - thrifted ; vest - vintage ; hat, clogs - Charlotte Russe ; tights - courtesy of We Love Colors

I am very pleased with the quality and durability of the We Love Colors tights that I received (Nylon/Lycra Microfiber tights). They're very thick, soft, and they don't snag easily, which is a major plus for me (I always manage to snag my tights on the heels of my shoes). They are what you should look into if you are interested in legit opaque tights.

The colors of the actual tights do differ a bit from the color chart shown on the site (the light pink tights are less pastel and more of a bright light pink) and the colors are bright!

Overall, working with We Love Colors is a great experience. The people are friendly, the products arrive quickly and are of high quality. I would definitely recommend them to people looking for highly durable and opaque tights (they would be great for theatrical productions that require colorful costumes).

in every dream I dream

2011-04-11T15:06:00.005-05:00

It felt so good to be out in the nice weather today...the grass is getting greener. It's kind of strange to be with actual spring weather and to still see bare skeletal trees...they don't really lend themselves to the spring-y atmosphere.

Ever since I put clip-on earrings on my roller skates last year, I have started to clip them onto all my footwear. I especially love the look of them on these rugged boots.

dress, boots - H&M ; sweater - Target ; bracelet, earrings - vintage

either imagination or a headache

2011-04-04T13:33:00.006-05:00

Before today I thought of this star-spangled dress as a "summer dress." Today it is fifty degrees outside and the wind could chill your bones straight through. So now, this dress is now an all seasons dress.

Cemeteries are wonderful places to be by yourself. They're quiet and peaceful and they lend themselves to self-reflection and imagination. A walk through the cemetery can also be romantic - this one is where I took my boyfriend on one of our first dates. Today's photos were taken by him.

dress, hat, glasses - vintage ; sweater - thrifted ;
shoes - Famous Footwear ; tights - Target ; ring - Wet Seal

let me hang my hat and stay awhile

2011-04-02T11:45:00.006-05:00

Here is the 2011 debut of my boater hat - I'm sure you will see it countless times more in the warmer months to come.

The company We Love Colors was nice enough to send me a couple pairs of tights to review and here I am wearing their Nylon/Lycra Microfiber tights in "Light Pink." A proper review (which will include a video) is on the way.

Photo credits go to my boyfriend. Putting up with my attitude credits also go to him.

dress, hat, jewelry - vintage ; sweater - thrifted ; boots - H&M ; tights - courtesy of We Love Colors

they knew not whither she was gone

2011-03-30T23:22:00.006-05:00

Shepherdesses are my current inspiration. These photos were taken by my boyfriend.

skirt, shirt, boots - thrifted ; shawl - gifted ; crown - DIY'd

New post on the inspirations page!

every path has its puddle

2011-03-21T12:06:00.008-05:00

Spring's rainy days don't bring me down - they promise lush green grass, buds on the trees, and gorgeous flowers to come. In fact, rainy days are my favorite.

It's so nice not having to worry about getting my shoes dirty whilst photo-taking! Wellies are made for the mud! I love hearing the mud puddles splash and squelch under my rubber boots.

After dark nails in fall and winter, I am craving light pastels for my fingertips. I was thrilled when I found Essie's "Lilacism." Not only is it the perfect pale purple, lilacs are my favorite flower. (Also, Essie is one of the nail-polish brands that are "Big Three Free," meaning no Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde, or Toluene.)

dress, trench coat, purse, scarf - H&M ; sweater, umbrella - thrifted ;
boots - Liberty of London for Target ; tights - Target

New post on the Inspirations page!

the wind longs to play with your hair

2011-03-17T00:22:00.043-05:00

I'd like to take this post to talk about hair. As you probably know, I have unruly curly hair. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that just a year and a half ago it looked like this:

More recently, it has looked like this and this:

Today it looked like this:

Whhhhat?!? It's straight! Why? Because the fabulous people at Misikko sent me a beautiful Hana Flat Iron to review! Now, let me tell you - I've only had my hair straightened about three times in my entire life. Each time took forever (and two times were in a salon). It took me about fifteen minutes (not even) to achieve this straight look with this iron. I loooooove the results! My hair was so sleek and silky - I couldn't keep my hands off of it all day. Not only does the Hana Flat Iron work quickly and effectively, it also has some other nice features including:

ceramic plates
an adjustable heat settings (140-450 degrees F)
an independent on/off switch
a sleek, streamlined design that is easy to hold
it's fast heating
a two-year warranty
it's pink!

The people at Misikko are very friendly and pleasant to work with. My package arrived much sooner than I expected and it even contained a few extra goodies. I would definitely recommend Misikko to anyone looking for any professional hair styling tools. They boast a wide variety of sleek ceramic hair straighteners, hair dryers, curling irons, and other hair care products.

Thanks to my boyfriend for taking today's pictures.

one knit wonder

2011-03-15T13:31:00.006-05:00

It smells like spring outside today. So much so that it prompted me to run down to my basement and carry up some of my spring clothes. I played dress-up for a while and then decided it wasn't quite the time to go out in any of those outfits. So, I decided I'd show off my latest knit creation.

I want to wear this scarf every day for the rest of my life! The dimensions are perfect and the size of the stitches are nice and big. This only took me about a week to knit, and I used four skeins of yarn at $3 each, so that means that the whole thing only cost $12.

sweater - Target ; pants - H&M ; shoes - Famous Footwear ; scarf - DIY'd

learning to dance in the rain

2011-03-12T11:30:00.005-06:00

I thought I'd try and brighten up the dreary day with fun accessories in bright colors...it certainly made standing in the freezing rain more fun!

coat - H&M ; tights - Target ; shoes - thrifted ; scarf - vintage ; umbrella - vintage

you took the time to figure me out

2011-03-04T21:43:00.003-06:00

A friend at work gave me a Goodwill gift card over the holidays and I used it to buy this amazing vintage dress. I uncovered it today whilst room-cleaning and decided to dress up. I would so wear this dress to prom...if there were such thing as prom for old people.

This ring was a recent DIY project...if you could even call it a project - it was so easy! I found the bow and some ready-to-be-DIY'd-rings at a craft store, and then I just hot glued two of the rings on the back of the bow. Voila!

dress - vintage ; belt - thrifted ; tights - Hanes ;
shoes - vintage ; necklace - vintage ; sunglasses - Target ; ring - DIY'd

until you step into it

2011-02-17T14:09:00.008-06:00

Sweaters like this are reasons I shop at thrift stores. I love to cozy up in big slouchy sweaters on gray dreary days like today. Check out this post for a tutorial on these lacy socks!

sweater - thrifted Dockers ; leggings - Target ; hat - vintage ;

scarf - handmade ; socks - handmade ; shoes - Famous Footwear ; umbrella - vintage

come waste your time with me

2011-02-11T22:01:00.003-06:00

Me and my Valentine...

tank top - Target ; sweater & hat - vintage ; necklace - handmade

if this is love you gotta give me more

2011-02-10T21:31:00.004-06:00

Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. It's a whole day devoted to love (I think everyday should be like this...) and I think that's fantastic. In honor of holiday, I made a Valentine-y video to showcase today's outfit. Love to everyone!

skirt - thrifted ; tights - Target ; shoes - vintage;
hat - vintage ; coat - vintage ; shirt - thrifted

what is her name that bears thy heart?

2011-02-08T14:42:00.004-06:00

On this subzero day, I (some may say foolishly) ventured out for some pictures. I was not, however, completely bereft of mind, I did put on a scarf! I finished crocheting it this past week - my first endeavor into crocheting!

I stopped into the grocery store the other day for something that was definitely not lipstick. But, on my way to the registers, I passed the cosmetics and noticed that the brand of lipstick I wear was on sale for only $2 a tube (usually around $8)! I couldn't resist picking up a couple new shades - this one is Rum Raisin.

romper - thrifted ; blazer & boots - H&M ;
gloves - vintage ; scarf - handmade ; sunglasses - vintage

don't want to be anything where I don't know when to stop

2011-02-03T14:29:00.004-06:00

Well, after the "great snow," I figured it would be a good day to pull out this giant furry hat. I've been waiting for the perfect time to wear it since discovering it while thrifting a few years ago (it was only $1!). It's kind of over-the-top, but, I guess, so is the snow (literally...there are some piles that tower over me!).

I find the perfect fitted sweaters in the little boy's section of Target. They are the perfect size and they are only $7. Also, the men's section is a good place to find equally slouchy sweaters, but I usually find ones just as good (or better) for less at secondhand stores.

dress - vintage ; sweater & leggings - Target ;
boots, gloves, & purse - H&M ; hat - vintage

all the land will be mantled with snow

2011-01-18T12:40:00.004-06:00

There is something so satisfying about wearing an item you've made with your very own hands. I finished knitting this scarf yesterday. It's the first thing I've ever knit and even with its flaws I am very proud of it.

dress - vintage ; coat - H&M ; scarf - made by me ;
tights - Target ; shoes - thrifted Colin Stuart ; gloves - H&M

from the moment I saw you standing all alone

2011-01-14T13:53:00.004-06:00

Last fall I won a styling contest with eShakti and the prize was a gift certificate for their shop. Well, I waited and waited, unable to make up my mind, until it was about to expire and then finally decided on this beautiful cape. I love the classic cut and color - I'll be able to style it so many different ways!

capt - eShakti; pants - H&M ; sweater - Target ;
hat - vinatage ; shoes - famous footwear ; gloves - vintage

we'll talk a cup of kindness yet

2010-12-31T17:39:00.002-06:00

In honor of the new year, I made a little video outfit post.
I hope everyone is excited for 2011!

dress - H&M ; shawl - unknown ; tights - Target ;
shoes - Fashion Bug ; ring - Claire's ; bracelets - vintage ; brooch - gifted

hide your face so the world will never find you

2010-12-28T00:34:00.004-06:00

Wishing for: a New Year's Masquerade...

mask - Stratford Festival gift shop ; dress - vintage ;
blouse - H&M ; belt - H&M

three little words

2010-12-25T17:57:00.003-06:00

I've been experimenting with different garland hair wreaths lately. I feel like a winter sprite, especially when I take pictures in the snow...

WAR IS OVER
(if you want it)

joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea...

2010-12-24T08:47:00.003-06:00

As you probably already are aware of, I love ridiculous cutesy/tacky (and by "ridiculous cutesy/tacky I mean completely amazing!) things like this teddy bear sweatshirt. Even though it says, Let It Snow, I bought it last summer (for a steal around $2) and couldn't wait to wear it. Well, this past month it's almost been constantly on my back and I've yet to share it with you, so...ta-da!

sweatshirt - thrifted ; pants - H&M ; hat - Charlotte Russe ; necklace - thrifted
shoes - Famous Footwear ; scarf - thrifted ; gloves - H&M ; purse - thrifted

but you can do the job when you're in town

2010-12-21T12:34:00.006-06:00

I stumbled upon this beautiful hat when I was in Door County this past fall. It was in a corner of an antique store booth looking rather lonely, so for $12, I figured I'd better give it a home.

I played around with several different scarves before finally deciding on this (also furry) collar. Even though it's a different color than the hat, I think it works well in adding more texture to the entire outfit.

It's been such a long time since I busted out the red lipstick, but something about the furry accents and the bright red nail varnish called for it.

dress (underneath) - thrifted Tucker for Target ; cargo dress - thrifted ;
blouse - vintage ; hat - vintage ; collar - vintage ; leggings - Wet Seal ;
socks - JC Penny ; shoes - Charlotte Russe ; gloves - H&M

somebody waits for you...kiss her once for me

2010-12-20T15:02:00.005-06:00

A couple days ago I fashioned this "crown" out of discounted winter floral stems. I love the frosty quality it adds to whatever it's paired with.

To celebrate finishing the last of my final exams, I poured myself a delicious glass of sparkling cider. Happy winter break!

dress - thrifted ; cardigan - Target ; vest - thrifted ; scarf - thrifted ; gloves - H&M
tights - Target ; shoes - Piper and Blue ; brooch - thrifted ; headband - my own design