Category: wear

fall essentials | the scarf

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Clockwise from top left: Black and White Something Else Scarf. Hillside Selvedge Chambray Scarf – can also be purchased in Portland at the Woodlands. Knight’s Cowl. Pauper Voile. Navajo Printed Scarf. Franco Ferrari – Printed Stole. Pergolina Floral and Stripe Scarf. Matta’s Dupatta. Center: Soopascarf.

Am I the only one who just realized it’s September the second and I didn’t tell you about the last week of my August spending hiatus? OK, so maybe this is boring stuff to you, but I have to brag a little. I did such a great job. The spending hiatus was actually good for me. I was able to step away from buying on a whim and out of habit and buy only what I need. Consciously think about my purchases and why I needed them. Or often didn’t. No cash was exchanged the entire month, except the unnecessary lunchtime champagne I bought for an impromptu midweek picnic with girlfriends and a green dress I exchanged for clothing I sold at Buffalo Exchange. So that doesn’t really count.

And the one thing I learned? I don’t really need as much as I think. There, I said it. You can hold me to it too. I’m also going to try to keep this new habit. I want to buy only what I need and what I love. That sounds simple enough. But there are times when something is cute and/or cheap, and it’s the witching hour. You know the time. When you are in dire need of something for say, a party, and you buy because you are running out of time. I’ve learned when it comes to that, it’s usually better to turn around and walk away. I even tempted myself on my last day of the hiatus. As for my last day, I went into Woodlands, Alder & Co, Canoe and West Elm and didn’t break, even though there was good opportunity in each spot and no one would have known except me. Just my dirty little shopping secret. Now that is cause for celebration because it easily could have been a failure.

To celebrate the end of the hiatus and the beginning of fall, I’m putting together a new post each week dedicated to the essentials of the season. These essentials are the key ingredients needed to give fall that nostalgic feeling. To me, it wouldn’t be fall without walking through crunching leaves, warm apple pie, thick tights and carving pumpkins. Whether it’s something to wear like riding boots or corduroy, something to eat like apples and caramel or something that resides in the home like plaid wool blankets and thermoses filled with cider, I want to post here. And if there’s a category you would love to see on here this fall, you should tell me about it. I would love to hear from you.

scouting : eintr8 necklaces

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Necklaces as art? Sure, why not? EINTR8 is jewelry made from everyday things.

Via the Color Collective. Photographs taken by Mareen Fischinger

project : spending hiatus week 1

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

I love summer. What I really love are all the things that go along with summer. I love the sun, the warm weather, the relaxed attitude and most of all, I love the clothes. 75% of the things in my closet revolve around summer. Strange because I live in a pretty wintry environment come December and the 4 months following. I have no idea what I wear during those months but summer, it’s my favorite. Fall is right up there too but summer still wins. Let’s just say, I’m happiest when it’s summer. OK, you get it.

In prepping for our move, last week I went through the closet. I pulled out all the things I no longer wear or love. I realized how fortunate I am and then realized I don’t need anything else. I have plenty. That’s where the spending hiatus kicked in. This hiatus isn’t economy driven, even though NPR and my country are telling me I need to go out and spend more to get this country back in line. Hello tax break weekend. But that might be part of the problem? Maybe we’re buying because it’s there, not because we love or need? That puts us in debt or even worse? So many questions.

This spending hiatus is based on me being more aware of what I already own and realizing that I don’t need as much as I think. I want to buy something because I need it, love it and it’s made to last. I want to save for it instead of splurge on it. Remember lay-away? How fun was it to finally get what you had been paying for week by week?

The photos above are from the Satorialist. Ironic because fashion is the worst about trends and keeping up with the next. Each new season boasts a list of must haves. But, yes there is a but, what I love about them is all are so simple, classic and make basics look really great. What’s even better? I own all of those things in my closet at this moment. Not the exact pieces but similar and I never thought to wear them in this way. Denim shorts with a blazer, a black knit dress with my Chucks, what about a ladylike blouse with a slim black pant? I think I was in a rut and trying to buy my way out.

During this spending hiatus I want to be creative about what I wear, what I buy and even how I design/work. I shouldn’t be talking my clients into buying all new if it doesn’t really follow the same philosophy I’m trying to live by, especially if the things they own already work. Isn’t that what a lot of interior design is all about, working with the space you have?

So now that you’ve made it through my rambles, Week 1 is going swimmingly, in case you were wondering. I feel more creative because I’m working with what I have instead of dreaming about what I don’t. And I like feeling creative. Guys, don’t feel left out either, the boys over at Down & Out in Denver blogged about a way to transform trousers without spending a dime. And thanks Joslyn for getting me going on this.

Doesn’t it take just 30 days to make something a habit? How’s your hiatus going?

Photos: the Satorialist

style muse : grace kelly

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

How was your weekend? It was a ridiculous heat wave around these parts. I wish I had a pool or a beach to jump in to cool off. I should probably work on that because it’s not really cooling off. With beach on the brain, I thought of these photos of Grace Kelly looking relaxed and casual on a beach vacation in Jamaica taken in 1955. Isn’t she a perfect style muse? I love these photos because how often does a princess look so, for lack of a better word, unprincess-like? Does she remind you of a certain Mad Men cast member, maybe it’s just me?

Board 1: Satchel, Sandals, Perfume, Military Shirt, Shorts. Board 2: Straw hat. Sunglasses, Top and bottom, Nude Sandals, Lip Stain

Photos: Howell Conant

shot through the heart

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

brass jewelry

I don’t know why I am on this necklace kick. I really don’t need one. But I keep coming across great ones that are original and easy on the wallet. Case in point, this little number. Do you have these issues too? Finding stuff you like but aren’t looking for at the time? Isn’t that how it always is? At least that’s the case for me. So, I’m posting, because when I am in the market for a new necklace, because I inevitably will be, and can’t find one, because I know that will happen too, I’ll easily have one at my fingertips. And while I’m at it, here and here are the others I’ve had my eye on.

Via: Joslyn. And if you aren’t already you really should be reading her blog, Simple Lovely. She’s got so many great things going you can’t help but smile. And because, well, Joslyn is truly lovely.

a small collection

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

a small collection

How was your 4th of July weekend? Ours was pretty much perfection. More on that later this week, hopefully. In the mean time, I should tell you that posting may or may not be sparse this week. It really depends on what sort of Internet connection I’m going to have. I’m currently on the Utah/Idaho border in a small town called Tremonton, Utah. We’re on our way to Portland. Jevan’s moving there this week but I’m heading back to Colorado. I have some work to finish up and a house to pack, yay for me. But I thought I would show you this necklace. I saw it sometime last week. I still have a thing for necklaces. And turquoise too. This one is by one of my favorite designers, Alyson Fox. I have a girl crush on her. She does great things people, go check her out. Talk soon, ok?

the one piece debate

Friday, June 25th, 2010

one piece

I’ve come to the realization I don’t sit by a pool often enough. When I do, which is usually once or twice a year, hence the skim milk skin, I usually wear a bikini. That said, I’m really loving the idea of wearing a one piece again. There’s something glam and kinda sexy about not showing everything. Don’t you think? Here are some of my favorites that I can’t quite justify buying since the closest thing I have to a pool is my tiny backyard and a water hose. What do you think?  Can the one piece be just as hot as her skimpier little sister? Guys, feel free to weigh in too.

Top row, left to right: Mociun scoop back, Loeffler Randall Lace-Up one piece, Undrest strapless knit one piece.
Bottom row, left to right: DVF Kia One Piece, Submerged watercolor maillot, One piece halter.

Is it Friday already? What is it about summer that flies? Have yourselves a wonderful weekend.

i’m a necklace girl

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

necklace color theory

I don’t know about you but, I’m a necklace girl. That is when I do wear jewelry. I don’t really wear earrings. Bracelets drive me kinda crazy and rings, well I only wear one, my engagement ring. When, I see a great statement necklace I usually jump on it. Especially because my wardrobe tends to be monochromatic. So it’s official the Color Theory Necklace is now on my wishlist.

Via fieldguided

if only…

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

I had an extra couple hundy to buy this bag. It would be perfect for meetings and laptop carrying (at least I think) as well as weekend adventures. I’m thinking it’s going to wear really well too. Sigh.

I’m playing catch-up this AM. I’ll try to get some photos from my weekend and super secret adventure up soon. I really can’t wait to share!

style muse : jane birkin

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not much of a glam girl, even though I do attempt. I have the worst time deciding what to wear for a special event, like a wedding or a cocktail party. The dress, the accessories, the shoes, shelling out tons of cash for one night. I try to play it cool, but 9 times out of 10 I’m frantically searching for the right pieces days before the big event. The irony of it all, I wear my fair share of event-wear, and I idolize the girls who seem so put together. How do they do it? And so effortlessly? I either end up feeling like I’m trying too hard or not hard enough.

Above. Clockwise from top left: Photo (can’t seem to find the link to this image any longer), Tank, Wedge and Wide leg jeans. Photo, Black Dress or this alternative, Necklace (via Camp Comfort, one of my favorite stylists), Cut out sandal.

The truth of the matter is, I feel more like me in something a little more casual. This is why Jane Birkin is my perfect style muse for spring. Not only did she inspire my new bangs, she also inspired Hermes to create the Birkin bag. Can you imagine that conversation? Seriously, try. I idolize her effortless style. She makes jeans and a tee make me forget I don’t own the perfect cocktail attire. And that black dress? Three easy pieces, that’s all. You could easily wear it to a summer BBQ or a night on the town. Instead of searching for wedding season attire (can you tell I procrastinate?) here are a handful of pieces you could potentially add to your wardrobe. There’s a good chance you already own a few of them.

Above. Clockwise from top left: Photo, the original Boyfriend Jeans I selected are no longer available, here’s a close second: Boyfriend Jeans, Photo, Summer Straw Hat, Scarf , Ballet Flats

PS. You can find your own Jane Birkin basket here. Thanks to fieldguided for the tip!