Thrifting!

There are so many holes in my wardrobe still that it can be hard to pin point exactly what they are.  When asked what the problem with my wardrobe is, I tend to just wave at the closet and reply "all of it".  However, one thing I've really noticed I'm missing, as the fall weather starts to roll in, are layering pieces.  While I've almost perfected my Portrait Blouse (version 4 should be perfect), which is a perfect under layer, I don't have a lot of cardigans to go over them.  

And so, off to the local thrift shop I went.  I'd been a few months ago, in the heat of summer, just to check it out, and there had been a huge variety of cardigans.  When I went this time, there was less of a selection.  It really is all about timing.  

Even still, I found two cardigans I like.  

 I chose the grey and the black because they were both neutral and fit with the colour scheme I already have in my wardrobe, as well as the one I'm building towards.  I also found a pair of knee high boots for a steel.  They look fabulous, unfortunately, after about ten minutes of walking the comfort level plummets.  Hopefully I can find some gel insoles to help with that.

 And in parting, a picture of Jager, the ridiculously photogenic dog.

All photography in this post was done by Misha Sgro.  She's a fabulous photographer and artist, you should all check her out.

Outfit of the Day

Some days, I just like the way I look.  I hope everyone has those days sometimes.  When you look good, and know you look good, its and instant moral and confidence boost.  I had one of those days yesterday.

Apperently, asking if Honey could see my shoes
didn`t equate into please include my shoes...

I was well enough rested to pop out of bed when the alarm went off at 7:00am (and that is a rare occurrence), so I had all this extra time I usually spend getting up, and I wasn't sleepy to boot.  The other thing that helped was that I picked out my outfit before I went to bed.

Now, I will admit to being a little bit OCD about planning things, but I don't usually plan my outfits ahead of time.  However, it made my morning so much smoother I'm considering doing it more often.  Finding clothes take two minutes in the evening, but when I'm groggy and just waking up, finding an outfit takes forever.

So, with all this extra time, I was able to do my hair.  That's right folks!  Not just in a bun, or into a clip, but I actually styled my hair.  Yes, that is my snood, finished late the night before.  And let me tell you, I liked it.  I really enjoyed having my hair looking good.



I also wore my Kasia Skirt for the first time.  (Remember I mentioned that whole Shoe-lemma thing?)  I`m still not completely happy with it.  There are some things I wish I`d don differently.  However, now that I`ve worn it for a day, I definitely like it more than I did when I tried it on for the reveal post.

P.S. Stay tuned for my Snood Review!

Design

One of the online retailers I've stalked a lot recently, but haven't actually ordered from, is having a design competition.  They're called Collectif and you can find them on Facebook or their website, or in brick and mortar stores if you live in the UK.

To enter the contest you need to submit three outfits.  I've designed all of my items now, and I'm teaming up with a friend of mine who's going to draw them out properly.  One of the biggest things I did while designing, and we did while I was going over my (horribly drawn) concept drawings, was to try and make sure it was a cohesive collection.  On one hand, we don't want everything made from the same fabric, or even all in one colour.  But, I want the pieces to mix and match.  So, I found myself constantly asking can I wear Top #1 with Skirt #3?

It was a little bit of the same process as designing a capsule wardrobe.  You don't want everything to be super matchy-matchy, but you have to be able to make multiple outfits with each piece.

So, if anyone else wants to enter, the information is on their Facebook page.

And, I'm pretty sure if I win, I'll be spending my 200 pounds on this.  It looks fairly warm, and adorable.  A little over the top in some ways, but look how cute it is!  And that hood!

The Gretel Coat

Heidi Styles

Hello from the land of cough syrup-induced haze,

I apologize for missing you Saturday, somehow I didn't think that my hallucinations would amuse, and certainly wouldn't have been coherent. 

So, I return to you today, mostly healthy, but definitely coherent.  I've done a pair of stylings for the Heidi from Pinup Girl Clothing.  Some of the things I've paired with her should be familiar from yesterday. I'm still trying to show ways you can make different looks with the same pieces.

First, we have a more formal look.  You'll see the same red patent pumps and pearls as  we saw Friday.  And the same petticoat that's been with us the whole time.  I've used a different pillbox hat, but only because I couldn't find the same one I used Friday.  I love the coat.  It's probably a long way down on the list.  But it's so cute!

This is a more casual style for the dress.  The shoes and coat should look familiar.  A casual necklace and a practical bag help dress it down. 

So, We've been a little low key this week, but I think I've got a sewing update coming soon. 

Styling the Shirt Dress

In the good news, looks like I didn't get my boyfriend's cold after all.  In the bad news, I got strep throat instead.  Since I'm feeling a little woozy, I'll apologize in advance if I'm not as completely coherent as I usually am.

I went with something low key for today, a couple ways to style a shirt dress.  I've used the same one as I did from the Wish List, from H&R London.  You'll see a couple things carrying over from the two sytlings, and I'm planning to do this again for the swing dress tomorrow, and you'll see things carry over again.  The theory here is embracing the not-unlimited wardrobe. 

I already have a trench coat that's similar to this one.  Mine doesn't have the nice dark trim, but that would be a simple project for an afternoon someday if I wanted too.   I have some ankle boots.  Mine are black.  I saw a pair very much like these at Walmart a month ago, and I'm still kicking myself for not grabbing them...

This outfit is a little bit more dressed up than the fist one, with the pumps and the pillbox.  But, it has the same coat as the first version.  The same petticoat as well.   The red patent leather pumps will be a staple.  The thick red belt should be pretty easy to pick up somewhere, and doesn't have to be expensive.  The pillbox hat adds that finishing touch to the look. 

Those are my thoughts for the day.  Sorry for the brevity, but strep throat is kicking my butt.  Until tomorrow dolls!