Tag Archives: morelle

New York, New York

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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

It’s beginning to look a lot like…

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The last week before Christmas break, I challenged myself to wear red and green everyday without being tacky.  I was also battling a cold that had me slipping into pj’s and going to bed the second I got home everyday, so unfortunately, this outfit is the only one I had enough energy to capture.  Fortunately, it was my favorite, so it all evens out.

It’s not unusual to get compliments sometimes from people I work with.  This was one of those rare, wonderful outfits that garnered compliments from total strangers.  As I was leaving my dermatologist’s office, this cute little old lady stopped to tell me how much she loved my skirt.  At the grocery store, a clerk commented on how I must be dressed up for something special.  Thus, this skirt remains one of my all-time favorite second-hand finds.

Speaking of the dermatologist, I finally made myself go and find out what was making my lips peel and get irritated during the winter.  Turns out, lip balm addicts like myself have a habit of licking their lips a lot, and in the winter, it dries them out to the point where lip balm stings and does more harm than good.  My lips are better now thanks to some lotion my dermatologist gave me.  She recommended that I switch to lip stick or lip gloss during the winter, since you’re less likely to lick it off.  So here’s where I ask for your help: I’m a total lipstick noob.  I’ve always been a diehard balm user, and I think I own maybe four tubes of lipstick (which I got for free in Clinique gift sets).

So here’s my questions:

  • How do I go about finding my perfect shade?
  • What’s your favorite shade of lipstick?
  • Do you use different shades of lipliner for different lipsticks, is there a one-shade-fits-all, or do you use it at all?

Tank: Target
Cardigan: J Crew (via eBay)
Skirt: Mix Noveau (via Revolve)
Shoes: Born Codder
Necklace: garage sale
Watch: Fossil outlet
Purse: Morelle Oyster

Smiles go with… black accents

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Originally, this outfit got started as a way to mix black and cream.  It soon turned into a colorful outfit with black accents instead.    To me, black accents always make outfits look classier.  This dress has seen better days; the color has faded and its started to pill a bit since I wear it constantly.  But with a bright blue cashmere cardigan and lots of opaque black, it looks fantastic again.

This little blue cashmere cardigan was a Boden summer sale purchase.  I can never afford full price cashmere, so I always wait until I can find it on sale or secondhand and then snatch it up.  I have a feeling I’ll be wearing this little one a lot.

These gorgeous boots were my one Black Friday purchase this year. I’d saved up some money from selling some old shoes on eBay, and I’d had my eye on Keen’s Bern Baby Bern boots for months.  When Piperlime had them on sale Black Friday, I decided to go for them and I’m so glad I did.  I normally wear an 8 in Keens, but I size up to 8.5, and these fit perfectly.  They’re super comfy, flattering, and my toes don’t feel cramped.  They’re also dressier than most of my other boots, so they’re okay for work.  My only complaint is that the soles don’t have much traction, but I never have to deal with ice, so it hasn’t been an issue for me.

Dress: Boden (via eBay)
Cardigan: Boden
Tights: HUE
Boots: Keen Bern Baby Bern
Purse: Morelle
Belt: Anthropologie
Watch: Fossil Outlet
Pearls: Vintage

 

 

 

 

Outfit: 9-17-11

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This outfit’s from over a week ago, but hey, who’s counting?  There are so many things about this outfit that made me smile, I’m not sure which to talk about first.  I guess we’ll start with the skirt, since it’s the oldest.  I bought this way, way back during my shopping ban (almost two years ago!) and have worn it maybe once since then (didn’t blog it though).  I always struggled with figuring out how to wear it and thought about tossing it, but I couldn’t bear to get rid of something so gorgeous.  Finally, I realized that it just needed simple black and white to be perfect.  Adding some dressy black flats (new!) and red accents, and I was all set.

That moves me onto the shoes.  I’ve been looking for a comfortable, stylish pair of black flats FOREVER.  I tried all my favorite brands, bought and returned shoes many times, but somehow could never seem to find anything.

I went shoe shopping with my boyfriend last week (not usually the best idea).  And stumbled up a pair of Merrell Brios on sale.  For once, we actually both agreed that they were cute and would be perfect for me.  Unfortunately, the store didn’t have my size, but I was able to try on a larger pair to get an idea of their sizing.  A few eBay searches later, and these babies arrived at my doorstep.  It’s LOVE people.  I’ve never had a pair of shoes this comfortable out of the box before.  Buttery soft leather, a soft back of heel thing that doesn’t dig in (don’t know the right term).  Lots of support and comfort (with room for an orthopedic insert, too).  Amazing.

Yep, this outfit definitely made me happy.  It made me feel more “me” outfit-wise than I’ve felt in a long time.

Tank: Target
Cardigan: NY & Co (thrifted)
Skirt: Mix Noveau (via Revolve)
Shoes: Merrell Brio (via eBay)
Purse: Morelle
Earrings: Wear-thou

“Live in the moment”

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I’ve noticed some changes in my style lately.  I think these changes have mostly evolved over the past year, as a result of working at a middle school and from deepening my practice of yoga.

I have no tolerance for uncomfortable clothes anymore.  Shoes that kill my feet after eight hours, restricting and tight button downs, clothes that fit too tight or constrict in the wrong places.  These things didn’t bother me so much when I worked a desk job, but in education, you’re on your feet for a majority of the day.  Yoga has given me a deeper awareness of my body and how things affect it, so it just doesn’t make sense to wear things that are uncomfortable.

These changes have led to a greater simplicity in my look.  I don’t like to wear a ton of accessories anymore – usually just two or three is fine.  I do mix patterns and colors somewhat, but I don’t like to go for loud or outrageous combinations.  The only change I am a little sad about is the fact that I hardly ever wear heels anymore.  I still wear them sometimes – but only for special occasions, and very rarely, for work.

Tee: Ann Taylor Loft
Necklace: Etsy (don’t know the seller)
Capris: Levis (thrifted)
Purse: Morelle
Sandals: Clarks

Quote: Amit Ray

 

“Of Yellow Leaves and Gossamer”

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Well, one of my New Year’s Resolutions to take better pictures is off to a decent start.  I decided to try shooting with a lower aperture and taking lots of shots.  I ended up with quite a few that came out horribly, but I got a few gems.  After adjusting the exposure and contrast, I ended up with some images that I’m pretty happy with.

I’ve also found a better solution for post titles.  Goodreads has a quote search feature which is pretty handy, so I can search for keywords related to my post and then find appropriate quotes to go with them.  This is much easier than what I was doing before, which was trying to keep a word doc of quotes from books I was reading.

And may I take a moment to lament the fact that Morelle closed her shop?  I know it’s been months, but I still feel at a loss when considering getting a new purse that isn’t from her shop.    Over half of my bags come from her shop.

Top: Anthropologie
Cardigan: August Silk
Slacks: Gap
Shoes: Dansko Sally
Purse: Morelle Slouch
Headband: Target?
Earrings: Wear-thou

Quote: J.R.R. Tolkien

“Scuffed his boot in the leaves”

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The cold weather has officially hit Florida.  Temps have been in the 40s and 50s all week, so I’m back to my winter layering.  Thank goodness my Dansko Kylee boots arrived just in time.  Dansko was nice enough to send me a pair to try out (thanks Dansko!)  and I absolutely love them!  They are my new favorite boots ever.

Once it got cold this year, I realized that, while I adore my boot collection, none of them worked very well for eight hour days on my feet.  I needed a pair of flat boots that could provide all day comfort and style.  These boots are exactly what I was looking for.  They’re so insanely comfortable, that I don’t even feel like taking them off when I get home.  And they’re versatile – that knit top can be rolled down:

The chocolate suede with the side stitching detail fits in exactly with the kind of boho chic boots I’ve had in my mind for awhile now.  I’ve pretty much worn these every day since I got them.  If you like them, hop on over to Barking Dog Shoes, where she’s giving away a pair!

Yay for winter!

Dress: Ella Moss (via My Mosh Posh)
Cardigan: J Crew (via eBay)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Kylee (courtesy of Dansko)
Scarf: Ann Taylor
Purse: Morelle City Bag

Quote: Maggie Stiefvater (Shiver)

“Further proof that librarians should run the world”

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Oh, Fall.  I knew you would get here eventually.  And yet, as the months wore on, I continued to doubt that the temperatures would ever drop below 60.  But I know that you never show up before November.  And this weekend, you stopped in for a visit, with temps down to 45!!!  It feels so good to wear layers and boots again.  I had been feeling stylistically blah for awhile now, but now my style senses are being refreshed, and I can’t wait to put together outfits again.

Thank you for finally arriving Fall.  I missed you.

(The quote has nothing to do with Fall.  I just love it because it’s true :) )

Striped Tee: J Crew (via eBay)
Cardigan: Minimalist (handknit by me)
Black jeans: Levis
Boots: Dansko Nena (via eBay)
Scarf: Anthropologie
Cuff: Vintage
Purse: Morelle Slouch

Quote: Tenth Grade Bleeds #3: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, by Heather Brewer

“I will concentrate on my positive and not on my negative…”

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“…e.g. I will think less about my nose and more about my quite attractive teeth”*

*Note: I have no issues with my nose, I just like the quote.

It’s finally starting to feel like fall in Florida with temps in the *gasp* 70s.  I was actually able to wear long sleeves and scarves this week.  Of course, it warmed up by the middle of the day, but it’s nice to not feel drenched in sweat everyday.

Oh, did you happen to notice something new in this outfit?  Why yes, that is a new yellow purse.  Or at least, it was new a few months ago.  It’s so beautiful, that I was scared to take it outside of my house.  This outfit was it’s first official outing.

So here’s the backstory: back when I was underemployed, broke, armed with a master’s degree, and searching for a full-time job, I promised myself that whenever I got a (permanent) full-time job, I would treat myself to one of three things: 1) a watch, 2) a pair of Fluevogs, or 3) a new Morelle bag.  I found out in June that I would get to keep my full-time job (which I love), but money was tight, so I had planned to wait until the fall to get my treat.  Then, Morelle announced that she would be closing up her shop.  And my decision was made.

Despite money being very tight, I ordered a yellow leather slouch from her.  And it was over $200.  Which I did not count against my shopping plan because it was  special occasion.  But let me tell you: this. bag. is. the. best. bag. ever.

I love it so much.  The gorgeous yellow color, the soft leather, the roominess without bulkiness, the wrapped chain handle.  It is pretty much perfection in purse form.  I’ve treated it with water-resistant leather spray, and now that I’ve braved taking it out of doors, it will definitely be one of my regular purses.  Love.

Tee: Old Navy
Cardigan: Anthropologie (via eBay)
Jeans: The Gap
Shoes: Keen Barcelona (via eBay)
Purse: Morelle Slouch
Scarf: Target

Quote: Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson , by Louise Rennison

“Cool as a cat”

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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

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