Prints Avenue

Cardigan: Ralph Lauren;

Dress: Suzy Chin;

Belt: Ann Taylor Loft;

Shoes: Target.
3D glasses: Regal Cinemas.

This outfit combination has stirred around in my head for months now, ever since I saw Kendi do a similar outfit.  I've had this cardigan for about a year now, and it's been a hard piece to style because it's about two sizes too big for me and it's quite swingy on me (note: don't buy things on super-secret-final sale unless you're totally sure about the fit!). Here's how the cardigan looks on the model. So I finally came up with the idea of buttoning the buttonholes back to the buttons on the same side so the cardigan looks a little smaller.

I've been obsessed with getting some oversized nerdish glasses for awhile now, and after a trip to the movie theater this weekend, I finally made it happen by popping out the lenses in some 3-D glasses. They're just fun to wear and kind of whimsical -- I've never worn glasses in my life, but they remind me of high school when I used to wear old lenseless frames for fun. I may not take these off for awhile...

What are some pattern combinations you're interested in trying/have tried?

Spring!, or Dress #21

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft;

Tights: Target;

Scarf (as belt): H&M;

Boots: Kady cognac, Target;

Bracelet: Thrifted, gift.

How I've worn the scarf before: here.

This outfit felt like it was missing something when I just put on the dress this morning, and since I couldn't find my red belt to add some more color, I substituted my huge H&M scarf. I basically just folded it into half so it was a giant triangle, tied it at my waist like an apron and did a bunch of tucking until it looked like more of a belt. Aren't the tassles fun? I liked the result and am in love with the color palette. I wanted to wear my boots and tights a couple more times before the weather changes for good. I can't believe how attached I've gotten to tights and boots this season, and I'm going to miss them for the next 7 months.

Such a lazy day -- didn't do anything important today, and it felt nice. 

 

21 down, 24 to go.

A day at the movies, and Dress #5

 

  

  

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft;

Tights, boots: Target.

How I've worn the dress: here, here.

The "Best Picture" Showcase Part One at AMC Theater was so much fun yesterday! As I mentioned in my last post, AMC Theaters does a movie marathon every year with the movies nominated for the "Best Picture" Oscar. Because there are 10 nominees this year, the marathon was split up over two weekends, and Saturday was Part One. I went with Jeremiah and his sister, Rachel this year. 

Some highlights:

1) Unlimited Coke Zero and popcorn for the day. I have a soda addiction and this was not helping, but boy was it great to break the rules Saturday. After years of going to this movie marathon, I knew to pace myself because if you don't, you seriously start twitching during the fifth movie.

2) Winning trivia three times. We each answered a question correctly and won prizes! It almost wasn't fair, but since we've been doing this for four years now we knew to study up on our Oscar/movie trivia during the year. I won a "Precious" poster, Jeremiah won a "This is It" Michael Jackson shirt (ha I'm keeping that for myself) and Rach won a "Team Edward" shirt, and we all got movie tickets. I think Jeremiah and I are going to use ours on "Alice in Wonderland" (!!) and "Shutter Island."

3) Talking to some other movie goers who were just as enthusiastic about the Showcase. One of them had gone to the Showcase a couple of times before so we got to chat about "The Reader" (both our favorite from the previous year). 

4) Finding this "Alice in Wonderland" poster and wanting to pose next to Johnny Depp. Sorry for the lighting in the pictures but finding this giant poster was enough to brave unflattering lighting. You'll notice that I'm wearing my "go-to" outfit for The Dress Project -- I wanted to be as comfortable as possible at the movies but still retaining a bit of my personal style. I'm not wearing any jewelry -- who wants to get popcorn butter on that?

Here are my thoughts on the movies I saw yesterday. No spoilers, I promise.

1) "Avatar": I will admit, I wanted to hate this movie because I am an unashamed movie snob. Going into it, I thought it was overhyped and I was biased in thinking it would be a teched-up Pocahontas story. And in a way, it was on the latter. Jake Sully is a handicapped Marine in the year 2154 who is pulled into an expedition to the planet Pandora after his twin brother, a Ph.D scientist who experimented with avatar technology, dies. Sully is trained to use his brother's avatar body to communicate and ingratiate himself into the Omaticaya native clan, so that humans can drill for the nearby natural minerals. I ended up thinking the movie was better than my expectations. The story was engaging, the visuals were stunning and it was suspenseful the entire time. The 3D imagery was impressive because this is one of the first movies to use it extensively, but it wasn't as if I felt like I was there along with the action and it certainly was not the strongest part of the movie -- the visuals of Pandora's nature were. Because of the strength of imagery, technology and likable plot, I wouldn't be surprised if this won "Best Picture" (as of right now, it's one of the front-running contenders). (I also kept my 3D glasses because they were cool-looking.)

2) "Up in the Air": I had already seen this earlier in the year, so you can read my thoughts on it here. I will say that a second viewing of it made me like George Clooney's performance even more.

3) "Precious": Oh, what to say about this movie. "Precious" is the story of an overweight, black and sexually abused teenager Precious Jones who daily struggles with her home life, school aspirations and second pregnancy. She spends some of her time daydreaming about having a better life -- by having a light-skinned boyfriend with a motorcycle, walking the red carpet or being a blond, skinny teenager. Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique's performances were especially strong, thought-provoking and real (I think Sidibe is deserving of the "Best Actress" win, and Mo'Nique is surely a lock for "Best Supporting Actress"). Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz are almost unrecognizable and transformed in their roles. I also really liked Paula Patton's performance as an alternative school teacher. Make no mistake -- this movie is depressing and poignant and deals with the heavy subjects of sexual abuse and poverty. I spent some of the movie crying and peering through my eyes during suspenseful moments. It's worth seeing at least once for Sidibe's and Mo'Nique's performances alone.

4) "The Blind Side": By the time this movie came around, it felt lighthearted considering the heavy subjects that "Up in the Air" and "Precious" had tackled. This one is based on the true story of Michael Oher, an NFL quarterback who escaped childhood poverty when a wealthy and supportive Memphis family welcomed him into their home and eventually adopted him. Quinton Aaron did a fantastic job as Oher, and Sandra Bullock was funny and believable as the whip-smart adoptive mother Leigh Anne Tuohy  (she's up for "Best Actress"). I don't know if I see this as a big "Best Picture" contender, though, because at times the dialogue and the scenarios were sappy and predictable, but it was enjoyable. As an alumna from an SEC university, some of my favorite scenes include cameos from coaches from some of the SEC schools, as well as ESPN football analyst Lou Holtz.

5) "Inglourious Basterds": My favorite movie in this entire lineup -- Quentin Tarantino did not disappoint. This movie is based on a revisionist history look at World War II. It involves two concurrent plots in occupied France -- in which a Jewish American Allied squad and a French theater operator both plan to kill Nazi leaders. As a history junkie and Tarantino fan, this may be my favorite movie of his since "Pulp Fiction" (and that's saying a lot, because I loved the "Kill Bill" series). The visuals, the dialogue, costumes, action and performances were amazing, and as with most Tarantino films, the concurrent plotlines were funny, suspenseful and well-written and acted. Christolph Waltz is up for "Best Supporting Actor" for his role as a Nazi officer and if he doesn't win I will be really sad. Brad Pitt's, Diane Kruger's and newcomer Melanie Laurent's performances were great as well. I really loved this movie and though it may not have a chance to win the "Best Picture" Oscar ("Avatar" and "The Hurt Locker" are the favorites right now), I would be incredibly happy if it did. Seriously, go watch the previews, read the IMDB entry and find a way to watch this movie soon.

Overall, it was a great day and the best part is that I get to do it all again next weekend with Part 2 of the Showcase. Because there are 10 "Best Picture" nominees this year, AMC split up the marathon to two weekends. Next up will be "An Education," "District 9," "A Serious Man," "The Hurt Locker" and "Up." Yay!

Edited to add: In case any of you are interested in doing Part 2 of the AMC "Best Picture Showcase," many cities around the U.S. are participating, so you can check here to see if a theater near you is doing it next week. I know some theaters did a 24-hour marathon this past Saturday, but many are still showing half the nominated movies this upcoming Saturday.

Black dress with the tights underneath, or Dress #3

 

  

Listening to:  "Don't Trust Me," 3Oh!3.

Dress: Merona, Target, $25;

Sweater: Faded Glory, $12;

Belt: Fossil, $6;

Tights: Target, $5;

Shell necklace: From Philippines, gift;

Boots: Kady cognac, Target, $30.

It's Day 3 of The Dress Project and I'm becoming strategic with which dresses to wear. I've got quite a few black dresses and went with one I never really wear but should because I do like the sleeves. Here's how it looks without the sweater:

I forgot to take a sweater-less photo in my first round of pictures, and by that time my photographer husband did not want to take the "long trek" (read: two minute walk) to the gazebo, so you're getting the view outside my apartment. Oh well, I try to be a good blogger. 

 I love how the dress is fitted up top. I think I got it because it made me feel like Maria from "West Side Story." Something about the way it's fitted reminds me of Natalie Woods' wardrobe from the movie. I would die happy if I could dress like she did all the time. And while we're at it, I'd want Anita's wardrobe as well!

Speaking of older movies, I am getting a huge kick out of TMC's Oscar movie marathon -- I watched "Gigi" and "An American in Paris" last night and loved Gene Kelly's performance in the latter, even though "Singin' in the Rain" is my favorite of his work.

  About to grab some dinner -- hope you all have a good night!

Three down, 42 to go.

A change would do you good

 

  

 

  

 

Listening to: Sheryl Crow.

Dress, tights, boots: Target;

Plaid shirt: Arizona Jeans Co., thrifted;

Necklace: Caiem, lovely giveaway gift from Lizzypunch;

Belt: Fossil;

Cougar bracelet: Finder's Keepers, vintage.

How I've worn the dress: here.

How I've worn the shirt: here.

How I've worn the necklace: here.

I've been getting cheap thrills from cleaning out my closet. I have three bags of clothes that are going to find a new home soon through the Salvation Army. I go thrifting often enough now that I sometimes bump into items that were once mine. I think it's funny running into items that I personally donated at the Salvation Army -- first I'll feel guilty, because my old dress will see me holding a new shirt that I intend to buy. Like I got caught having a sartorial affair. I silently reassure the old item and tell it that someone will adopt it soon. Does anyone else feel this way? Maybe I should stop personifying my clothes.

 About this outfit. One of the hardest things for me is figuring out how to wear black dresses, because I'm pretty addicted to color. I know --- the LBD is akin to the invention of the wheel in the fashion world --- it's versatile, neutral and can work in pretty much every situation. The cult of allure surrounding its timelessness has caused me to buy multiple LBDs, but I hardly wear them. I have a hard time accessorizing black without feeling like I'm trying to cover up its neutral-ness. I plan on pulling out some of those dresses soon and figuring out how to wear them, or if need be, figure out whether I really still love them.

This was my attempt at more pattern mixing and making the dress wearable for me. I have other solid-colored button shirts that I could have paired this with, but the plaid one just spoke to me. I added neutral pieces -- the necklace, boots and bracelet -- to make the plaid, browns and blacks appear like a natural happening,  and I ended up liking the way it turned out. 

This pattern mixing is a bit subtle, but a year ago, I wouldn't have been brave enough to try something like this combination. Back then, I was just getting into reading more fashion blogs and expanding my tastes. Sometimes I'll run into someone and he or she will comment on how I'm wearing an "interesting" outfit, aka something that seems weird for whatever is mainstream at the moment, and I'll think how in the fashion blogging world, whatever I happen to be wearing isn't that "out there." I like breaking rules -- and while sartorial change isn't for everyone, it can be refreshing. There are people still out there who adamantly believe black and brown can't mix and white is unacceptable after Labor Day, and to that I say have fun with your clothes -- evolve, adapt and re-style. What's the point of having an item if you can't make full use of it?

If you are chilly, here take my sweater

 

  

  

 

Listening to: "The Way I Am," Ingrid Michaelson.

Dress: Liz Roberts, Inc., thrifted and possibly vintage;

Black slipdress: thrifted;

Sweater: Target;

Tights: Anne Klein, at Marshall's;

Shoes: Aerosoles;

Belt: J. Crew, thrifted;

Brooch: Sarahoon, vintage, bought at Finder's Keepers.
How I've worn the dress: here.
How I've worn the sweater: here, here, here, here.
How I've worn the shoes: here.

Went out with my family today to O'Charley's to celebrate our brother getting a new job. Congrats, Billy.

I hate doing indoor photos because there isn't really a good spot in our apartment that can serve as a good backdrop or has good lighting. But tomorrow should be sunny so hopefully more lake shots.

About the outfit. The J. Crew braided rope belt was a thrift store find at Salvation Army yesterday. It was brand new with tags, originally $30, and I got it for $3 -- score! The leaf pin is something I picked up at Finder's Keepers when I first started my brooch collection a couple years ago. I couldn't find much information on the designer "Sarahoon," except some similar looking brooches online.

I also love this dress. It's sheer, floral and its navy color keeps the print subtle. It's 100% polyester but it's thin enough to be breathable. I recently discovered a cat of impossible colour and after being astounded by the smart mix of colors in her personal style, I was impressed with her guide to shopping thrift and vintage stores. After reading through her posts, I was inspired to determine whether or not this dress would be considered vintage. It has a wash guide label and an old-looking brand label, so it's most likely from the 1970s or later. I googled the company and found that it was around in the 1950s-early 1990s, and from looking at some of their former dresses, I would date this dress at probably early 1980s.
 Do any of you do thrift shopping for your clothes, and if so, do you focus on a particular type of clothing (vintage, modern, by brand, etc.)?
 
In other news, we're very honored and flattered to have received some blog awards this week, and I'd like to thank those bloggers now. Athenista and UnVeiled both gave us the "Over the Top" award and Caffeinerd gave us the "Best Blog Award" -- thank you so much!

These blogs are all daily reads for me and it's really cool to be acknowledged by women whose effortless, chic styles I admire everyday. Instead of passing this on to other bloggers (because seriously, it would be sent to our entire blogroll and beyond) I thought we would do something different. You open up to us everyday through your kind comments, and it'd be interesting to open up the discussion to learn more about you. If you wish, leave a comment with a random fact about yourself!

Still I think I'm doing fine

 

Listening to: "Oh, what a world," Rufus Wainwright.

Dress: Maggy London, Macy's;

Necklace: Caiem, from Liz of Lizzypunch;

Tank: I'm not sure;

Tights: Marshall's;

Boots: Kady Cognac, Target;

Black cougar bracelet: thrifted.

First off, big thank you to Betz of Her Armoire for bestowing the Beautiful Blogger award to our site! Nik and I will do a joint post soon of our own random facts and pick bloggers for the award. Thank you again, Betz!

In other news, I was really productive today. Did my emissions test, sent out a ton of emails, looked up some graduate school information. I think part of it was because I dressed up a little bit more and it put some bounce in my step.

About the outfit. I need to thank Liz of Lizzypunch for this beautiful coconut necklace that I won from her giveaway. She picked it up on her recent holiday trip and the jewelry line is made by the handicapped and elderly of Manuabo, Puerto Rico. It's a great piece and I can't wait to incorporate into more outfits. Thank you, Liz! Check out her lovely blog here.

The weather has been so nice that I didn't need a jacket when we took these photos. I bought the dress a couple days ago on my birthday with a Macy's gift card. I love the print and I feel like this will be a great transitional piece throughout the seasons. Umm, however. I felt a little guilty buying it even with a gift card because I don't really need any more dresses. It's the only clothing item I buy anymore and I try to justify it by the fact that it's a whole outfit. I've been pretty good with shopping recently, but it can get pretty impulsive sometimes and I definitely need to think about the lesser-worn dresses that I already have before I buy more.

I wonder, lovely readers, what clothing item dominates your closet?

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! Nikki will be back to posting after she gets over her cold/takes the SATs this Saturday.

Blue crush

 

 

Coat: H&M, thrifted;

Dress: Taylor, bought at Sym's, NYC;

Tights: Target, gift from Nikki;

Sweater, Kady Cognac Boots: Target;

Cougar bracelet: thrifted, vintage;

Silver bangle: gift from Mom.

It's been one of those weeks where it feels almost unnatural to smile. Our aunt died yesterday after a long battle with breast cancer. I am sad, but I feel relief that she is no longer in any horrible pain. My thoughts have been lingering on  things like importance and mortality for the last couple of days.

I had been saving this dress for a special occasion -- what the occasion was, I'm not sure, I just knew I wanted to wear it for A Big Moment. I decided to pull it out today to wear later tonight for trivia. It's been a mundane day, but I needed to be reminded that life goes back to normal and I could feel normal again and that it was okay to try to wear a pretty dress. The dress's color has been doing a lot to cheer me up.

It's okay to laugh even though I feel lost and sad. It's okay to celebrate a normal day. It reminds me of one of my favorite childhood books, "Sideways Stories from Wayside School" and the idea that "You need a reason to be sad. You don't need a reason to be happy." I'm trying to keep that in mind.