Tag Archives: hue

“No sense of what was proper”

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Last week, I styled this skirt to look like Joan Holloway.  Today, I went with more of a Peggy Olson look.  I love how vibrant all the colors looked together.  I’m not so sure how I feel about having all black on the bottom half of my body, though.  I think this would have looked amazing with some white pumps.   I know a lot of style advice columns recommend matching shoes to tights to elongate your legs, but to me, it felt just a bit boring.

 Originally, I was going to wear a strand of pearls with this outfit, but that felt just a bit too prim and proper.  Tying the blue scarf in a bow threw an extra color into the mix, while still retaining the vintage flair of the outfit.

Unfortunately, this will probably be the only time I’ll wear this green sleeveless button-down.  I got it while thrifting last week, but it’s a bit too short and the arm holes are a bit tight.  I could fix the arm hole problem, but the length is a bigger concern.  Even though this is my highest-waisted skirt, the blouse kept popping out when I would sit down.  I don’t like garments that I have to constantly fuss with, so this will likely go to the swap pile.  I might hang onto for a bit longer in case I get some true high-waisted skirts.

Do you incorporate vintage stylings into your wardrobe?  How do you make them look modern?

Cardigan: J Crew (via Ebay)
Blouse: St Johns Bay (thrifted)
Scarf: Thrifted
Skirt: Semantiks
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Clarks Apple Sky
Earrings: Sara Westermark

Quote: The Red Balloon, by A. LaMorisse

“The sky had darkened to deepest purple”

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When eShakti offered to let me try out one of their dresses, I was more than happy to oblige.  There’s many things about this online retailer that I love: they have beautiful styles in a wide range of colors and sizes (0-26W).  They tell you right away what the fabric content of every item is, which is very important to me.  But what I love best of all is the fact that they will customize sizes and change certain elements of items such as the hem and sleeve length for an additional fee.  So many times I will see an item that I love on a website, but I won’t like the cap sleeves, or there won’t be enough room in the hips.  eShakti eliminates that problem by changing it for you.

This dress was customized from the original with a shorter hem and 3/4 sleeves.  The color and fabric are fantastic, and the craftsmanship is very good.  It’s such a beautiful dress, and I love the ruffle detail at the neckline.

Unfortunately, I don’t think it was the right choice for my body type, because it doesn’t flatter my hips.  I had to wear another dress underneath to remain decent, because whenever the wind blew, it would fly open.  However, this has everything to do with the wrap styling of the dress, which was the one I chose.  I still consider it to be a quality product, and I will definitely buy from eShakti again.  I’ll likely get this red dress soon in a knee length, since I need more solid colored dresses.

I’m so happy that I was able to wear this outside without a sweater or jacket.   It’s finally starting to feel like spring again. I’m feeling so ready to shed some layers and enjoy the warmth that Florida is well known for.

What signs of  Spring’s arrival have you been noticing?

Wrap dress: Courtesy of eShakti
Polka dot dress (underneath): Express
Blue Cami (underneath): Old Navy
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (via Ebay)
Bangles: Jill Popowich
Pearls: Coryell Design
Purse: Morelle Charlotte

Quote:  Anatole over Paris, by Eve Titus

(Disclaimer:  I received this dress for free from eShakti, but I was not compensated in any way for this post.  This is my honest, unbiased opinion.)

“You’re really quite lucky”

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I’ve received so much support and encouragement from my readers since lamenting about my job situation on Monday, and I can’t thank you enough.  I feel so very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful, caring community.  My spirits have definitely improved.  You helped me to realize that there’s no point in dwelling on all the what if’s.  The right job will come along, and it will work out eventually.  I have to keep in perspective that this will probably be the hardest time for me in my career – which means that it can only get better from here.

Another antidote for blah days is wearing some of your favorite items.  For me, that means my favorite goldenrod Fluevog Malibrans, my oh-so-comfy Ella Moss dress, and a cozy handknit cardigan.  Wearing things that make you happy is a good way to get your spirits up.  In fact, I try to get rid of anything clothing that doesn’t make me happy when I wear it.  Life is just too short to wear boring or uncomfortable clothes.

This navy and white striped jersey dress really has become a staple for me.  I love how endlessly versatile a dress like this can be.  I’m curious to see how it will transition into spring and summer, though, since it generally requires layering to be decent.  I think if I get some lightweight slips and cardigans, it should work just fine.

What do you like to wear as a pick-me-up on days when you’re feeling a bit down?

Dress: Ella Moss (via My Mosh Posh)
Cardigan: Minimalist, handknit by me
Belt: Anthropologie
Tights: Hue
Shoes: John Fluevog Malibrans
Cuff: via Classy Consignments
Necklace: Kira Ferrer

Quote: Did I ever tell you how lucky you are? By Dr Seuss

“One day, I’ll grow up to be really excellent at something”

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(Note: Fair warning, this post gets a bit personal.  I usually don’t go into personal details on this blog, but every once and awhile, a girl needs a chance to get something off her chest.  This is not meant to be a pity party.)

I have a confession to make: I’ve been feeling a bit down lately.  I know that it’s a combination of factors: One) I’m actually getting tired of cold weather.  I feel like I’ve exhausted my winter wardrobe, and I’m ready to be able to go outside wearing only one or two layers and sandals.  Two) It’s been six months since I finished my Master’s Degree, and yet I still don’t have a permanent, full-time job in my field.

Number Three is the biggest factor in why I haven’t been feeling myself lately.  I went back to school so that I could work in a field that I love, and yet I have only had three interviews in the past six months.  I thought that once a librarian position opened up with the system I worked in before, I would be alright, but when I applied for an opening a few weeks ago, I didn’t even get called in for an interview.  Money has been really tight while I’ve been substituting and working at a grant-funded temp job, and both of those will be ending after May.  I’ve got to start paying off my loans as well.  All this stress is constantly getting at me, even when I don’t consciously realize it.  I’ve been eating poorly out of stress, I’ve gained a few pounds, and I’ve bitten down my nails pretty badly.

I really started realizing how much this stress is taking its toll on me when I was going through the pictures of this outfit.  I wore this on my birthday, and I loved how the outfit came together.  And yet, hardly any of my smiles seemed genuine.  And that really bothered me, because my philosophy on life is to always stay optimistic, and that plays a big part in this blog.  But now I’m realizing that, sometimes you just don’t feel like smiling.  And that’s okay.  I know that I will get through this.  I know that things will get better.  I’m just ready for them to be better right now.

What do you do when stress rears its ugly head in your life?

Dress: Boden (via Ebay)
Cardigan: Sweet Mary Jane, handknit by me
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (via Ebay)
Purse: Vintage (thrifted)
Earrings: Wear-thou

Quote: The OK Book, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

“Oh yes ! – some accessories”

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Hmm… didn’t I wear this cardigan with a similar dress and grey tights in yesterday’s outfit?  Why yes I did.  And you know what?  I’m just fine with that.  I have a very small closet.  I have a limited wardrobe, because I only keep clothes that I love, and I don’t have tons of money to buy tons of new clothes.  So sometimes I may wear some elements on an outfit two days in a row.  And that’s perfectly okay.  The main thing to me is to make sure that each outfit is unique, and my favorite way to do that is with accessories.

Yesterday, I punched things up with a new color scheme of yellow, green and blue.  Today, I dropped the green.  I switched out my black Dansko boots for my blue Fluevog ones.  I added some grey accents with the long sleeve tee layered underneath.  I added a different necklace, and my new black belt.  So while the outfits are similar, they are not the same.

Do you sometimes repeat elements of an outfit two days in a row?  What do you do to keep them fresh and unique?

Dress: Express
Cardigan: J Crew (via Ebay)
Layering Tee: Kohls
Belt: Anthropologie
Tights: Hue
Boots: Fluevog Heather (via Ebay)
Necklace: Chocolate Cake Jewels

Quote: Fancy Nancy, by Jane O’Connor

“Expect the joy that rainbows bring”

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(Don’t forget to enter the knitted gloves and mittens giveaway!!)

Color plays a very important role in my personal style.  I always love to experiment with it and find new and interesting combinations.  But I’ve noticed that I usually won’t use more than two colors, and I rarely have three colors that are next to each other in the color wheel (Academchic would probably know what the proper term for that is).  For today’s outfit, I decided to push my boundaries a bit, and wear yellow, green and blue together.

I’m really quite happy with how they look together.  I think the fact the there’s only a little bit of green peeking out probably helps to make it look balanced and not over-whelming.  I though about wearing my red coat with this as well, but I decided that would make me feel a bit too much like a box of crayons.

Might I mention that I am completely in love with my new scarf?  It’s so warm, and the elastic ruching makes it so easy to casually wrap it around my neck.  It makes me feel like a French woman who just effortlessly throws a scarf around her neck and instantly looks chic.  Anthro still has it (in four colors)!

What are your favorite color combinations to wear?  Do you tend to stick to the same ones, or do you love to try out new mixes?


Dress: Ella Moss (via My Mosh Posh)
Cardigan: J Crew (via Ebay)
Long sleeve tee: American Eagle (thrifted)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dankso Risa (via Ebay)
Scarf: Anthropologie
Ring: from my grandmother
Earrings: Efy Tal

Quote: The Happiness Tree: Celebrating the Gifts of Trees We Treasure, Andrea Alban Gosline

“Your yarn is all loopy”

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The weather has finally turned cold again in Florida, and I’m milking it for all it’s worth.  I know that pretty much everyone is ready for Spring, but right now I am loving winter.  Boots and tights and scarves and sweaters are so much fun, and I know that it’s only a short few month until the hot temps of summer will be here.

This outfit definitely kept me warm, but I must say that I wasn’t completely sold on the color scheme.  I would rather have worn a solid white blouse underneath, or even a pale blue one, but I didn’t have any that would work with this outfit.  I still think it looks good, but the tones are a bit warm overall for my liking.

One thing I am sold on is this method of tying a scarf.  Referred to by many as the Orchid Grey wrap, it essentially involves wrapping a scarf around  your neck once or twice, and then tucking the ends in.  It worked fabulously with this hand-spun, hand-knit merino scarf.  It was fantastically cozy.  If I ever do decide to open an Etsy shop, it would probably be to sell scarves like this.  That won’t be anytime soon though, as I have more than enough on my plate right now.

What’s your favorite winter accessory?  Do you love getting bundled up for winter, or are you more of a spring/summer type?‘

Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Cardigan: J Crew (via Ebay)
Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT (via Ebay)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (via Ebay)
Scarf: Handspun and knit by me
Cuff Bracelet: via Classy Consignments

Quote: Woolbur, by Leslie Helakoski

“I’d make a few changes”

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I just got this denim jacket last weekend at Revolve Clothing Exchange.  I’ve been trying to find the perfect denim jacket for awhile now, and I had some store credit, so I figured I’d go for it.  I don’t really think that it’s “the one”, but it fits well (as opposed to my old one, that was way too tight in the shoulders), so I’ll try it out for awhile before deciding if I want to invest in one that I like more.  I will definitely need to modify it by adding some pockets though.  It just feels weird to me to wear a jacket without pockets.

I bought this Boden skirt during my shopping ban last fall.  It’s actually the same design as one I already had, but instead of being one size too small, this one is one size to large.  It’s much easier to alter garments that are a bit too big for you, so I took in the waist and hemmed it about five inches (post coming on that soon!).  I might still take in the waist a bit more, because I’m not completely happy with where it sits right now.

I decided to wear my Fluevog boots with this outfit, because a) it was too cold to wear pumps and b) I like how it matches one of the colors in the skirt.  I’m still not quite sure what I think of flat boots and skirts though.

I have to admit, while I love how each of these pieces looks on their own, now that I see the pictures, I’m not crazy about how they all looked together.  I’m not sure exactly what it is that turns me off.  Maybe if the jacket had been a bit more cropped.  Or if I had tucked in my blouse.  Or if I had worn heels instead of flats.


What do you think?  How would you style this outfit differently to make it work?  Or do you think it’s fine as is?

Tee: American Eagle (thrifted)
Jacket: Gap (via Revolve Clothing Exchange)
Skirt: Boden (via Ebay)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Fluevog Heather
Scarf: Target
Purse: Vintage (via Advintagous )
Earrings: Efy Tal

Quote: If I Ran the Zoo, by Dr Seuss

ETA: The boots I was wearing in today’s post were Fluevog Heathers.  This is unfortunately a discontinued style.  I found mine by searching on Ebay for “fluevog boots”.   I saved the search, so that Ebay would e-mail me new items that fell into those search terms every day, and after watching for months, I finally managed to snag a pair in my size.  Fluevog has a pretty good range of sizes, but since these are discontinued, it’s really a matter of watching and waiting.  If you click on this link you can see all the boots they currently sell.

“She made some notes, did some sketches”

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This outfit is all about drawing inspiration from other bloggers.  I kept the base of the outfit simple, going for a neutral base (which is a bit darker than I usually like, but that’s okay).  The black sweater and black dress made a good blank canvas for my fun accessories to shine.

My necklace is inspired by E. of Academichic.  She has a lovely orange necklace that is similar to my turquoise one, and in several outfits, she adds an extra chain to the necklace to make it longer and give it a completely new look.  I’ve been wanting to try that with this necklace for awhile, but today is the first time I actually went for it, and I love it!

Because the necklace looked so gorgeous, I didn’t want to do anything to obscure it.  However, it was a bit chilly, and my neck needed to stay warm.  So I decided to take a cue from Orchid Grey and tie my scarf up in a sort of cowl, like she explains in this post.  It worked perfectly, and allowed both the scarf and necklace to shine.  Maybe it’s about time for me to revisit and revise my Layering Scarves and Necklaces tutorials.

Have you been inspired by other in the style blogosphere?  What elements have you incorporated into your own style?


Dress (as skirt): Express
Sweater: J Crew (via Ebay)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (via Ebay)
Scarf: Bought in Chinatown, NYC
Necklace: Express

Quote: Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen, by Lisa Campbell Ernst

“She was easy to spot around town”

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Back to my favorite new photo place again!  I’m trying to get down here for photos at least once a week.  It’s such a beautiful place to take pictures, and I find being here so relaxing.  I had to be careful today though, because those heels are a bit narrow, for me at least, and I had to tread lightly so as not to fall into the spring.

This outfit was all about one of my favorite color combinations: black, white and grey with pops of red.  I haven’t worn these beautiful Born Biddy boots enough to do them justice, so I wanted to base an outfit around them.  I love how they look with the black and white of the dress and tights.  I added the slim grey hoodie to provide a little extra warmth, as well as to balance out the black and white so that it wasn’t too harsh.  I chose a red scarf and purse to keep with the color combination, and then kept the jewelry simple with a solitary pair of silver hoop earrings.

Wearing a hoodie with a dress might be a bit too casual for some workplaces, but most everyone at my job wears jeans and t-shirts to work everyday, so it’s not really a problem.  I  have been giving some consideration as to how my work style will change once I finally get a job in my chosen career as a children’s librarian.  It will probably be a little less casual and a little more conservative.  I’m hoping that I will be able to let my personality shine though, while still looking appropriate for the environment.

Do you find yourself having to sacrifice elements of your personal style at your workplace?  Or are you able to mesh your personal style with the dress code (written or unwritten) that is expected of you at work?

Dress: Express
Hoodie: Express (via Classy Consignments)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Born Biddy
Scarf: Kohls
Purse: Morelle Truffle
Belt: from my mom
Earrings: Garage sale

Quote: Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen, by Lisa Campbell Ernst

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