Circus Shirt.

We're trying to solve the problem of outfit posts when it's cold outside, and when the light inside isn't very good, or when we are somewhere where taking outfit pictures is awkward and weird. Like in bakeries that I don't work in.

It's tricky, so in the end we settled on a few quick-shots in the doorway of the try-on room in my favorite antique store. It's not quite perfect, but it's January. 

The blouse is a total impulse purchase, but I don't regret it one tiny bit. Every now and then H&M has something I really love, and I would just kick myself if I didn't snatch it up, even though these days I've been a bit nonplussed by what they're offering (actually, I'm feeling this way about most stores lately. It's not that there aren't things I want anywhere, but they're usually way out of my price range, or involve shipping, the list goes on. But for the first time in a long time I'm really not thrilled by what's out there. I suppose this is something about growing up or a maturation of style but it's a bit frustrating, really). 

Blouse: H&M, Skirt: thrifted and altered, Belt: J. Crew, Shoes: No idea, they are ancient, it was muddy out.

Originally I had visions of pairing it with some skinny, cropped pants but I don't actually own any (I did, but I shrank them in the wash, darn it) at the moment. Next time, then. It feels a bit circus-y though, this top, in a strange kind of way. Mostly it reminds me of this dress, except this is a blouse and it was 25$. Still, it fills a need.

The skirt is the same one from this post, but since I have three or four below-the-knee wool skirts already, I decided I ought to put myself to good use and hem one or two. I'm on a hemming spree all of the sudden, finally tackling a few things in the to be altered/mended pile, which is good and productive (for once!).

Pictures taken by John.

Wishful Thinking.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the internet. I love it a lot, but these days there are so many vehicles for collecting and sharing things we love and are inspired by, that a lot of my links end up all over the place. My tumblr favorites are out of control (I try to go through and edit them every few weeks, but there are still thousands of posts in there), so I started to use pinterest as a means of making those a bit more searchable, but honestly that hasn't made it that much better. I bookmarks things, star them in my google reader, but eventually they all become so full that I can't really find anything. When holidays or birthdays come up I never know what I want, because I'm certain I saw something, but heaven only knows where that link is buried.

Maybe this will help. I try not to spend too much money most of the time, and generally I'll sit on a purchase for a few weeks before making it (thrifting and food not included) to make sure it's something worth it. Here are a few things I've been eyeing and might hand over my pennies for if there's anything left over after that next paycheck! 

1. I've been much more interested in watches this year, and this initial watch caught my eye a few weeks ago. Most of my watches don't actually work (somehow, I kill watch batteries) but I like the look of them. On the downside, the letter K is sold out in this one, but I could always go with my middle initial and snag the S. And it's from Urban Outfitters. On the upside it's cute, and cheap (but I hate paying for shipping).

 2. I have a pile of tote-bags that is to-my-knees high, but none with a cat on it. How adorable is this black cat tote? Maybe someday I'll graduate to real grown-up purses, but it is not this day.

3. I've felt kind of lukewarm about Madewell for a while now, but I want almost everything that's come out in their spring line. Especially the shoes, and especially these polka-dot flats. Polka-dots, for goodness sake. This is the one purchase from this list I might actually make sometime soon.

4. I feel a little weird posting a bra on here, although I'm not sure why. Whatever. It's pretty, it's mint green, and I want it. I'm also pretty sure the only thing holding me back from ordering things like this (because the price is reasonable, really) is shipping. I really, really hate shipping, totally irrationally. 

5. It was just listed this morning, but I'm a little obsessed with this cat brooch. Someone should buy it before I do.

6. Emily's book is available! Once I get my hot little hands on some extra pennies I have plans to buy this for myself some little kids I know who might just love it. I'm a little bit sad that I can't live in her illustrations, so I suppose this is the next best thing!

7. Ever since Anabela posted the contents of her beautifully curated purse I've been lusting after this wallet. I think I've actually pulled it up on my phone and showed three separate people. It will be mine, I am certain. Mostly because I need a proper adult wallet instead of the flippy thing I've been using that I can't actually fit anything in, and that I have affixed a cat sticker to, but also because between the texture and color I also kind of want to eat it.

8. I could lie and say oh yes, I would like to purchase this tie for John, but really I want it for me. Maybe I could get him the other color, but the pink/khaki is definitely singing some kind of siren song to me.

My next post will be less rampant materialism and more dressing up for a day out by recycling things in my closet. I'm trying to hem something at the moment, but I'm a bit worried that I've cut it too short, so wish me luck!

Going Outside was a Bad Idea.

Skirt: thrifted, Blouse: Forever21, Cardigan: estate sale, Beret: now-defunct French shop in Woodstock, Shoes: J. Crew

In hindsight, I probably would not have chosen today to do an outfit post. It was bone-cold today, windy,   the kind of day when I usually do my best to stay inside at all costs. Nevertheless, coat came off (because I knew I was not going to have the wherewithal to stand around and take pictures of that too) and I ducked out of the car to grab a few outfit shots. As a result we've got half-closed eyes and strange hands. It was all I could manage, and confirmed to myself that the milder weather posts are usually my favorites because there's a freedom of movement in nice weather that just doesn't exist in the cold.

I broke a rule when I bought this skirt. No more grey wool skirts, I said.  You have enough, I said, pawing through the racks. But nope, this one I needed. I might shorten it, to make it a bit more distinctive, just to the knees so it's still on the long side but a bit less difficult to pair with coats. 

It wasn't really warm enough for it anyway, but it looked sunny when I got dressed, so I suppose this might be a repeat outfit for a day when things are warming up. If I can just make it through February, I think I'll be alright. But goodness, do I miss the green. I'm thirsty with longing for some vegetation in the world. 

This bag is another of my mother's estate sale finds. It's vintage B. Altman, and one of the most delicious purses I've ever seen. It's small, but sneaky, because I can fit just about everything I need in it (well, almost. Extra shoes don't quite stuff inside, but I can usually fit my phone, rosebud salve, wallet, two lipsticks, bobby pins--everywhere, an extra scarf, my keys, and some other little odds and ends that have no point but it's good to be prepared for every eventuality).

You might also have noticed a little house-keeping going on around here! I'm slow, and my layout skillz are not fantastic, but I'll get everything filled in eventually, and until then, I hope you'll hang in there with me!

The New Uniform.

I have a few uniforms this winter, even though the season has only just begun (and it's a mild one so far), all variations on a theme. Somehow I've little patience anymore for being cold. I used to wear flats in cold weather and just let my feet be a little bit frozen if I was just hopping in the car to go to work, but this year I pile on the socks with a vengeance. My skirts are longer and wool, sometimes I'll wear two sweaters at once, and suddenly I'm interested in muted colors. Like the outfit below, and in this one, I've been shying away from brighter colors in recent weeks. I might just be armoring up for the winter I know is coming (for the record, I don't watch Game of Thrones, but I know that's some sort of reference).

Skirt: Thrifted, Sweater: Charter Club circa 2010, Shirt: J. Crew, Boots: Nine West circa 2006

I also really need to get myself a remote. It's dreadful taking pictures by yourself, especially since I've gotten used to someone else taking them. 

I'm in the mood for less fuss lately. I haven't bothered with eyeliner in a good two weeks or so (that is probably a terrible misjudgment, it's probably more like several days). I'm taking the minimal approach to hair, letting it go unbrushed and trying to only wash it when it seems like I'm venturing into raised by wolves territory. Aren't we supposed to be hibernating anyway?

Sweater Love.

My parents, in particular my mother, are really good at estate sales. When I was younger we used to go every weekend in the summer for hours, until I got to a point when I was sick to the teeth of waking up and going. These days estate sales are different, and I often don't even bother with them.  Besides the fact that my days when sleeping in are scarce, and sleep usually outweighs anything else, it's getting harder to find the kinds of things that I want at estate sales. 

But a few weeks ago my parents hit estate sale heaven, and my mother brought home all kinds of treasures that I'll show off here little by little. One of them was this sweater. The woman who knitted it was certainly an artist, as evidenced by all her other work my mother scooped up, of textile.

If you've been around since last October, you know that I've been fixated on the aesthetic of Never Let Me Go, and my mother marveled at all the hand-knit sweaters the kids wear in the beginning of the movie, and knowing my inexplicable, tragic love for the movie and book, she knew this sweater fits right in. It's really quite amazing, with lovely little details at the shoulders and wrists which I'll have to photograph at some point. 

It's hands-down my favorite sweater of the year. It's the perfect subdued-blue color, a little shrunken, and warm. 

2011: In Review.

I sort of can't deal with this year. Not that anything particularly bad happened in it, but rather that it has flown by so fast that I'm having a hard time conceiving the fact that it's over. Even on a day-to-day basis I'm constantly shocked that it's already the afternoon! By Wednesday I'm scandalized that Thursday is tomorrow!

That said, it's been quite a nice year, and I really must thank all of you for reading and commenting, e-mailing, and all of that! I'm so grateful for everyone, and for this little community that exists. This year especially I've met so many lovely people and new friends! So to wrap things up, here are some highlights from my year!

January

I got bangs! After pining after them for years, I ended up with bangs and chopped off my hair.

February

On day in February it was unseasonably warm. 

March

I tried to have auburn hair for a little while. I'm starting to get the itch for it again, but we'll see if I ever have the nerve. Shortly after this post, I accidentally put that sweater in the dryer and  it was lost to the shrinks.

April

I recreated my favorite movie's poster, and have really been dressing with this sort of thing in mind ever since, especially now that we're heading into the cooler months again! I also cut my hair the shortest it's been in ages, and haven't touched it since!

May

I saw Jane Eyre and started obsessing about that too. John and I started taking more day-trips and visiting historical sites from my childhood.

June

Like Clermont. I had meant to get back there in the fall, but somehow it seemed I kept missing the height of the leaf changing season because of colds and things, so I suppose we'll have to go again in the spring! It was one of my favorite places all year, and I ended up with a dress that I never expected would be one of my favorites!

July

The final Harry Potter movie came out and I had a little party to go with it, and perfected my costume. I've been heartbroken ever since, really, but that's alright! It was so much fun!

August

I turned twenty-five! And went to the beach, and marveled that summer was almost over.

September

This month was slow, as I was floored by two sinus infections! The highlight was probably when I met up with a bunch of my absolute favorite blogger ladies in NYC, where I forgot to take pictures! 

October

I attempted to levitate in a park, while wearing tweed. 

November

I dressed like a book for the second time!

December

And this month, I embraced color again!

Happy New Year everyone! Love to you all!

Christmas Special.

Happy holidays to everyone! I can't fathom that Christmas, along with everything else, is here and has gone by so fast. There is something really strange about this year in particular that seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye, and I'm totally bewildered at the whole thing. But I suppose that's what happens, and in the meantime I'll look for, and gladly participate in, any excuse to dress up.

Dress: Vintage, Tights: J. Crew, Shoes: Nine West circa 2007, Hair jewels: Vintage

I haven't had a proper Christmas dress in years, but this year when I was shopping for some extra goodies to wrap up for the holiday, I had a particular dress in mind at my favorite vintage/antique store. The dress was mustard colored, a kind of brocade almost, with a full skirt and velvet bow at the waist. I remember it was there last January, but I didn't buy it because I wasn't entirely sure if I needed it, and it had a really funny crinoline inside. It had been there all summer long, just waiting, and finally I decided it would be a perfect holiday dress--I would just sever the damaged and uncomfortable crinoline from it's shell and deal with the rest that way. But of course, it was nowhere to be found. No matter how much I pawed in the piles of dresses and suits did I find it. I did however, head to the dressing room with an armload of other dresses to  try on, and this was among them.

It's pretty much a perfect Christmas dress, and I have every intention of dousing the whole thing with pink accessories to make it a Valentine's day frock. The downside is that I tore a hole in the arm while reaching to arrange one of my tulle bows, but these things can always be mended, and as any lover of vintage garments knows, there is no use crying over a split seam.

And anyway, it was a really exciting chance to wear my favorite little hair decorations. I've had these little jewels for ages, and they are always just the thing to stick in when earrings or necklaces seem like too much. And of course I feel weird and naked without something on my head, so this hugely ephemeral black bow had to go on, if only to make things ever-so-slightly more theatrical!

If you follow me on twitter or instagram you have seen all my various wardrobe changes and adventures, but this is one of four outfits I ended up in today. One of them involved a dish towel. 

A big thanks to my mom for taking pictures today, so I didn't have to freeze alone with my tripod!

Now I'm going to get tucked into my PJs as fast as I can, and see if I can't squeeze in enough time to watch the Downton Abbey Christmas Special! I've already been spoiled for it, but I still can't wait!

Princeling.

This is, by far, one of the greatest pieces of vintage I've collected. My lovely hair stylist gifted several of her beautifully-curated vintage pieces from her own collection last year, and this was one of the things I ended up with. It's a bit delicate, and I've always found it challenging to wear (it's basically a top, but um, I didn't get any proper outfit shots of it), but I love it. The pattern is kind of amazing, it's got puffed sleeves that point at the wrists, a million buttons, a little collar, and gold thread woven into the design. And the colors! If I were skilled in the least, I would write a sonnet about these colors.

I feel very sort of, prince-like in it, like I should be wearing it with some Shakespearean tights and a sword. I keep getting the line, "pointy-eared elvish princeling" stuck in my head about it, something about the collar and the buttons and the way the swirly sides of it (not pictured, I know, how could I) fall.

Disgusting Colors.

I bought puke-colored tights. They were the kind of purchase that involved little-to-no thought. I bought them because I loved the color--not even that. I didn't love the color, something about it attracted me to it, even though I had not the foggiest idea what I would wear them with. Since then I've been trying to figure it out. I'm not entirely sure this is successful, but nothing goes with them. Navy might work quite nicely, but I can't seem to find anything navy in my closet that works as I'd like it to. Shoes are a nightmare with this color. Brown only makes it look more unappealing, black is too witchy.

So I figured I'd just go with it, and throw on some of the more obnoxious colors I have and pretend I meant it. There are several colors I love because they are disgusting. Puke green is one of them. I also love that shade of mustard that is more green than yellow. So revolting that it goes all the way around and becomes appealing again.

Coat: J. Crew circa 2008, Dress: Darling Vintage, Tights: Anthropologie, Shoes: Nine West 2008, Belt: Vintage, thrifted.

Trying to spice up my outfit poses. Ashley is the queen of this. Lady can take the silliest and most hilarious poses and still be the most gorgeous creature on the face of the planet. 

These were taken shortly before two of the buildings tenants showed up and I wanted to dig a hole and live in it, because somehow there is almost nothing more mortifying (still) than getting caught taking outfit pictures, even if someone else is taking them! 

Pictures taken by John.

Don't Eat the Glitter.

I love glitter. When I was little, I used to think it would be really great if I had a pool full of glitter, and I could swim in it (in hindsight, this would be the most uncomfortable thing ever. I also wanted a pool full of sunscreen, so I could just dip myself in it without having to worry about apply the stuff all over. This made sense to me at the time). My favorite thing was when my mom would make something involving glitter, and it would be sticking to everything for days. I love handfuls of the stuff, and usually have to keep myself from eating it (I know doing so is a really, really bad idea. Not only would it taste awful, but it would probably be almost impossible to get out of your mouth. It's up there with bars of soap from Lush and new tubes of lipstick in the list of things I want to eat but absolutely should not).

I also really love nail polish. I hardly ever wear it, since I work with food so I can't really wear it anyway, but sometimes I have enough days off in a row that I can justify the application. So even though I hardly ever buy it, I splurged and made this golden glitter polish by FACE at J. Crew my own. Normally when I need to feel sparkly I put on Moulin Rouge, but this works almost as well and it stays with me all day!

It's really hard not to stare at my nails all day. I keep wiggling my fingers around in different light to see what they do, and have had to hold myself back from applying more than three coats. Plus, then I don't feel like I need rings!