New York, New York

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Diana

No, unfortunately this post is not written from NYC. Nor do I have any plans in the immediate future to go there (although if the chance came up, believe me I would go!). But, I am wearing a little piece of NYC today in the form of my new favorite vintage scarf. I found this one while shopping at a local vintage shop a few weeks ago and found this scarf while digging around there. I immediately fell in love with it, and even though I sometimes have trouble styling vintage scarves, I went for it. And I’m so glad I did.

The simple black, white and yellow color scheme is so “me”, and it goes with pretty much everything. I styled it as a sort of handkerchief tie this time (tutorial up soon) and I really like how it looked. Plus, the silk provided just enough warmth for a balmy 65 degree winter day (seriously, this winter is way too warm this year).

This is what the scarf looks like unfolded. It has nine different panels, each with a different scene from 1960′s NYC. The World’s Fair was held in NYC in 1964, and the location is show on the subway map panel. Other panels include the Rockfeller Center, the Empire State building, Central Park, the United Nations, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the public library It also shows lower Manhattan pre-construction of the World Trade Center, which started in the late 1960′s. Kind of sad since that’s now how Lower Manhattan looks once again.

I’ve included thumbnails of several of the panels below. Click on them to get a larger view.

Tee: Ann Taylor LOFT (via Revolve)

Cardigan: Bobeau (via Nordstrom Rack)
Capris: Erik Stewart (thrifted)
Shoes: Merrell Brio
Scarf: Vintage (via Sherry’s Yesterdaze)
Purse: Morelle

Last day of school

Posted on July 1, 2011 by Diana

Okay, so this outfit is only three weeks old. But I’ve been out of town, crazy busy, and didn’t upload these photos until this week. And it’s still a cute outfit. I love how all the blues and neutrals worked together.

The t-shirt has a really great story too. My school has an annual field trip to Kennedy Space Center, and this year it fell on the same day as the Battle of the Books competition, where students compete in a book trivia contest. Several of my students on the Battle of the Books team were also in the group that was supposed to go to Kennedy, so I volunteered to drive them over and chaperone once the competition was done. While we were browsing at the gift shop, I noticed this awesome shirt made from organic cotton and recycled polyester (yes, I broke my polyester rule). I lamented out loud about how I couldn’t afford it, because I was going through a rough financial spot at the time. My students overheard me, and without my knowing it, they pooled their money together and gave me the shirt at the end of the trip! It makes the shirt so much more special to me, and now every time I wear of it I think of them.

Tee: Kennedy Space Center
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Capris: Erik Stewart (thrifted)
Shoes: Keen Barcelona (eBay)

“Cool as a cat”

Posted on September 6, 2010 by Diana

Oh how I missed these black capris! I haven’t completely gotten back to my regular size yet, but I’ve lost just enough weight so that these fit again, albeit quite snugly. I just adore the look of a slim fitting cropped pant. Combine that with some lovely drapey Anthro tops, and I’m set.

I’ve started parting my bangs to the side like I used to do, and I think I like this version of my hair better. It’s nice to be able to switch it up when I want to.

Because life is keeping me super busy (which I don’t mind, because I absolutely love my job), I’m cutting back to posting five days a week. It seems to be a more manageable schedule for me, and allows me to enjoy blogging without feeling stressed out about it. For now, the schedule will be:

Sundays – Shopping Ban (and sometimes Link Love)
Mondays – Outfit
Wednesdays – Etsy Love
Fridays – Varies, but usually something related to Craftiness or Sustainability
Saturdays – Bento Box

If I can get to a point where I feel comfortable going back to seven days a week, awesome. For now, this is what seems to be working with the shrinking amount of free time I have available. After all, I still need to enjoy life outside of work and the blogosphere as well.

Blouse: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Anthropologie (via eBay)
Capris: Erik Stewart (thrifted?)
Flats: Easy Street
Purse: Morelle Oyster
Cuff: via Classy Consignment

Quote: Bring on that Beat, by Rachel Isadora

“A manner serene and sedate”

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Diana

I normally don’t wear outfits with a lot of black, but these capris just looked so right with this blouse, that I couldn’t pass up combining them. I tried to keep the outfit from being too morose by adding a bright green cardigan and red shoes. I think it worked out just fine.

My blouse is the only item in this outfit that is actually vintage, but I love how the whole look has a vintage feel. Somehow it has a “Betty Draper at a summer picnic” feel to me. But without all of Betty Draper’s drama.

I used one of Sally of Already Pretty‘s tricks with my cardigan. It’s a crew neck, but I didn’t like how that looked with the collar of this shirt, so I secured the corners of the cardigan with fashion tape to create a faux v-neck.

How do you create vintage looks with a mix of modern and vintage pieces?

Blouse: Vintage via Sherry’s Yesterdaze
Capris: Erik Stewart
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Shoes: Born Codders
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Earrings: Garage Sale

Quote: Don’t Bump the Glump!: And Other Fantasies, by Shel Silverstein

“I’m allergic to sitting still”

Posted on March 19, 2010 by Diana

Thank you so much for all your encouraging comments on yesterday’s post. I feel like such a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m starting to enjoy blogging again, now that I’ve realized that there’s no need to put so much pressure and stress on myself. By cutting back my Google Reader to a reasonable level, I’m feeling more free to go and comment on the blogs I love.

This shoot was from one of my last days at my old job (St Patrick’s Day) so I wanted to take advantage of my favorite park by work one more time.

eBay has been really good to me lately. I got this beautiful bright green J. Crew cardigan for an amazingly low price. While writing up this outfit, I began to realize that all of it is second-hand, or bought via eBay or Etsy. I love that! It makes me feel good to be able to put together unique outfits at an affordable rate. But sometimes I feel guilty for not supporting companies that I love. For instance, I adore Boden and J. Crew, but I have never bought anything directly from them. While I love their clothes, I can’t afford their prices at this time, so I always buy them second-hand on eBay. Eventually, I want to be able to buy direct, because I worry that buying second-hand all the time might actually hurt the companies I love.

Do you think that buying second-hand can ultimately hurt brands that you love? Do you balance your shopping between second-hand items and new items?

Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Cardigan: J Crew (via eBay)
Capris: Erik Stewart (hand-me-down)
Shoes: Born Sokal (via eBay)
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Necklace: Pixisette
Bangles: Jill Popowich Designs

Quote: Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker

Daily Outfit: Un Petit Peu

Posted on November 12, 2009 by Diana

Somedays, you just need a little bit of francais in your life. This was one of those days.

If I only had black ballet flats, it would have been perfect. The striped cardigan, the black slim capris, and the scarf tied casually around my purse all evoke a wonderful French feel that I absolutely love.

I also love the mix of aqua blue and navy. They look so good together, and the aqua color keeps the outfit from being too heavy on the neutrals.

And don’t forget, my Dansko Necci giveaway is still going on. It ends tomorrow night!

Cardgian: Target (thrifted)
Blouse: Anthropologie
Capris: Erik Stewart
Sandals: Dansko Nicolette
Purse: Morelle City Bag
Scarf: Thrifted
Watch: Target

Daily Outfit: Watermelon

Posted on October 6, 2009 by Diana

Sometimes, certain color combinations can have very strong associations that go with them. To me, this color combination of bright pink and green with touches of black and white just screams “watermelon”. In a good way of course.

Sometimes I like to wear bright colors to perk me up. This is actually what I wore last Tuesday, the day before I lost my cat. I had been really stressed out even before I found out the bad news, so I tried this bright combination to help perk me up. I am doing a bit better now. Even though it was very sad to lose Brownie, I’m so glad that I was able to say goodbye, and that I was right there with her when she died. I never got a chance to say goodbye to her brother, who died eight years ago, and I’ve always regretted that.

Just a few days left until I go to San Diego! I’ll be there from Thursday through Monday for a family wedding. Mostly I’ll actually be in the city of Oceanside. I won’t have a ton of free time, but there will be at least one day with nothing scheduled. Anyone know of some awesome things to do or places to see there?

Blouse: Revolve Clothing Exchange
Cardigan: Handknit by me
Capris: Erik Stewart (thrifted)
Sandals: Dansko Neve
Purse: Morelle Charlotte
Necklace: Vintage (Ageless Charm)
Bangle: Thrifted

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