Seemingly Serendipitous Style

Earrings by Dottir

The scarf in my hair perfectly captures all of the colors in my outfit in a fun paint splatter design. 

I did not buy the scarf with this outfit in mind, but when I got dressed and started looking for a scarf to put in my hair, it seemed as though it was always meant to be.

People often ask me if I bought certain perfectly matching items together and let me tell you, that is never the case. I hardly ever shop for full outfits. Instead, I pick out individual pieces that I know will fit in with the rest of my wardrobe. It makes shopping and dressing a lot easier when you have taken the time to define your personal style. For me that means identifying my preferred silhouettes, color palette and fabrics and only incorporating items that fit within those guidelines.

I have found Anuschka Rees' blog to be a great resource in how to define my personal style.

Just Add a Beret

Ooh la la, of course I wore a beret with this outfit. How could I not?

However, I did not draw on a little mustache even though I should have.

Free Garage Sale

A couple of years ago, I came across a garage sale where everything was free. The woman hosting the sale was a local performer who was just trying to clear out the clutter and oh my god, was her clutter fabulous! A huge chunk of the sale consisted of clothes and jewelry. Racks upon racks of dresses, coats, hats, wigs, costume jewelry, shoes, you name it. It was heaven and boy did I go home with a haul.

I've since considered doing the same type of thing. Just bring all of my clutter out to the curb for a weekend and host a free for all. It would definitely take a massive weight off of my shoulders, but at the same time I know I could make good money selling all of the vintage clothes that comprise a lot of my "clutter". 

That being said, I'm in the baby stages of planning a vintage sale. Stay tuned for more info.

Drop Waist Dress

I say that I never wear drop waist dresses, but here I am sporting one and loving it. 

Drop waist dresses draw a line across the widest part of my body, making me appear larger than I am. I think this dress works because it's flowy all over like a tunic, rather than a dress. It's also short enough to show a lot of leg and my legs are, in my opinion, my best feature.

On another note, aren't these shoes divine? They belonged to a friend of mine who wore them at her wedding and decided that she would probably never wear them again. We wear the same size and have similar taste, so she knew where they would get some more love. And they have. I love them.

Wine Red Is My Jam

I may have unconsciously made this wine red color the base of my spring palette. Here are some recent examples.

Dottir - Earrings

Lalunette - Necklace

I bought this embroidered, velvet skirt this winter at Bibelot's retirement sale for a very fair price and the vest was purchased recently at my new favorite consignment store, Encore. The vest is part of a set and came with a matching full midi skirt. They are silk and in pristine condition. I couldn't pass them up and I've worn both pieces quite a lot, though I'll probably never wear them together because it's too much fun to mix and match.

I wore this outfit all day and when I went out that night, I changed the pants out for a midi-length pencil skirt in (you guessed it) the same color. The skirt offered a little more warmth on a night when I knew I'd be chillin' outside and the sleek skirt elevated the look from day to night.

Zebra Cape for the Win

I bought this cape at an estate sale that I went to in early March. It is hand made and utterly fabulous. 

That same night, I had plans to go to a 90s themed party sponsored by zubaz and I decided that there was no better time than the present to wear this zebra cape.

It was a perfect topper for the 90s outfit I already had picked out and it made me feel like a Spice Girl. The party invitation claimed that there was going to be a costume contest, but nobody handed me a trophy, plaque or roses, so they must have canceled that part of the evening

Also, notice my zigzag part.

Irish You Were Here

Kelly green is my color and I love going all out for St Patrick's Day. This year, I paired this new to me sporty vintage t-shirt with my mother in-law's vintage Verndale letter jacket because of course they are the exact same color. The outfit wouldn't be complete without pants, so I wore some and they're orange. You might be familiar with these pants if you've been following my blog since the beginning. Today, they finally gave up the ghost. Let's have a moment of silence for my favorite cords. 

Maybe I can patch them?

I had a very fun St Patrick's day hanging out with my best friends. How was yours?

Deja Vu

This was my first attempt at styling these new plaid pants and I think I nailed it on the head. I've been drawn to this dark red/wine color lately and realized that so many of my recent acquisitions are this hue and that a lot of my current wardrobe compliments this color very well. The color that looks the best with it is forest green, which I wear a lot. There's also something about this combo that gives me a very slight feeling of Deja Vu. Anyone else feel it?

PFLC Casual

Choir season has begun! I celebrated by wearing some merch and taking a selfie.

Blaze On!

Earrings by Liz

Here's an outfit to brighten your day! I've been wearing a lot of this orange blazer this spring and I love it's versatility. Yes, this bright red/orange color is a staple in my wardrobe, but I'm constantly surprised at how many outfits it compliments. Orange jackets for the win!

How to Find Your Soulmate

I never knew that Kenny Rogers had a clothing line, but I'm really glad that he does. This shirt has a lot of extraneous snaps and it's amazing! Like, the front of the shirt has a pattern of just the outie half of the snap. I think that one day I will find a person wearing a Kenny Rogers shirt covered in innie snaps and we will become one.

Best. Outfit. Ever.

I'm gonna have to work this look into the rotation because boy did I look slick! I've been trying to style this yellow shell since I bought it this summer, but nothing was ever quite right. It's because this shade of yellow does nothing for my complexion. By breaking it up with a shirt collar and a statement necklace, I'm able to distract from how pale yellow makes me look ill and draw attention to how amazing this necklace is. Seriously, it's rad. 

Garment Potential

I probably explain this every time I wear this skirt, but I'll say it again. This interesting and versatile skirt used to be a dress and when it was a dress, I didn't wear it very often. Now, I wear it frequently, during every season, and styled in many different ways. When I bought the dress, I loved it and knew it had potential. It took some time and a lot of guts to cut up a perfectly good garment, but once I made the alteration, I was so pleased with myself.

Horse Feet

Jovy Rockey

People always get confused when I wear these legwarmers over my shoes. I think of it as makeshift spats. But, I get it, spats are confusing. Are they part of your shoes or are they part of your pants? OR are they an extension of your body?!? Do I have horse feet?

It's Friday, y'all and I'm feeling loopy. Have a great weekend!

Old Toddler

Old Gem Vintage

This look is very reminiscent of how I dressed in my early 20s. I would regularly pair men's vintage button ups with a shrunken cardigan and cuffed straight leg jeans. I also used to be obsessed with mary janes, however, in my early 20s, I would have worn this outfit with combat boots for a little extra kick. 

It's funny, I used to worry about getting stuck in a style rut. When I was 24, I was concerned that I would never outgrow my penchant for pigtails, babydoll dresses and knee high socks and that I would turn into some weird old lady who dresses like a toddler. These are the types of things that I worry about. 

Turns out, I grew out of pigtails because I realized that short hair suits me much better and the rest of my childlike style habits still exist, but I'm good at mixing them in with more age appropriate looks. I'm also fully aware of myself when I dress in a way that used to be my calling card, but I have since moved on from, like today. Hopefully that means that my style will continue to evolve as I age and I can stop worrying so much about my sartorial future.

Mom Jeans

Liz

Say what you will about mom jeans, but whoa are they comfy. They have become my regular weekend wear and I also think I look kinda great in them. Who knows, maybe I'll look back on this in 10 years and say "What was I thinking?!" In the meantime I'll enjoy them while they're cool.

Closet Orphan

I've been trying for some time to successfully style this top and finally it came to me. It doesn't work as a top. Not on me anyway. It works much better layered over a dress so it looks like a peplum skirt. I love finding new uses for closet orphans.

Ethereal Style

Liz

There is something ethereal about this outfit that really makes me smile. Maybe it's the moonstone earrings or the pearly silk scarf or the delicate pink quartz necklace or the flowy nature of this dress. Or maybe it's all of those things combined with a natural pink and cream color palette. 

You guys, this one really floats my boat.

Cashmere Socks

Socks

These socks I'm wearing are literally the best thing I've ever encountered. I own 2 pairs and wish I had a dozen more. They're a lightweight cashmere crew sock with the softest most featheriest fur cuffs! I can't handle how comfy, cozy and cute they are!

A couple of years ago, I bought a pair of cashmere socks and ever since that first pair, I just can't get enough. I already had an obsession with socks and cashmere took it to a whole new level. I bought everyone in my office a pair of cashmere socks for Christmas just in case they had never had the pleasure. If you've never owned cashmere socks, do yourself a favor and get a pair.

V is for Velvet

This vintage velvet dress always elicits compliments. It is the most supple shade of purple and perfect for a cold and gray Valentines Day. Thanks for the love, Loves!

Cat Ears

Dottir

My head scarf gave me prominent cat ears and it was what I needed to get through the day.

Also, this scarf with this shirt. 

No, I did not buy them together. Yes, they are almost always worn together because how could you not.

Fashion Hazards

I love this dress in theory, but in reality, it chokes me every time I sit down. I think it should be a rule that all turtleneck/mock turtlenecks should be made with stretchy material because whatever this dress is made of is pretty unforgiving.

Snow Day

Handmade by Kristina

Today, I got up at the regular time, took a shower, got dressed, went outside to start my car and said

"Nope".

I went to work every day during the Polar Vortex when half of my co-workers stayed home. I've been trudging through all of the snow for weeks and I finally came to my breaking point. When I stepped outside to ANOTHER blizzard, I just couldn't go through with it, so I stayed home. and nobody saw this cute outfit

Head Scarf

Dottir

Some days my hair just looks a mess. Sometimes it's because I took a shower the night before and slept on it funny. Other times it's because I tried a new styling technique that did not go according to plan. Whatever the reason, my coiffure isn't always coiffed and on those days I opt for a head scarf. This was one of those days and I think this was one of those outfits that came together perfectly

Favorite Winter Dress

Dottir

Lula

This dress is insane. It's basically a full body sweater so it's super cozy and warm, but it's also knit with metallic gold thread, so it's fancy? It's not terribly flattering either. It's bulky and the white and gold shades wash out my complexion, but when we hit this part of winter, all I want is this dress.

Best Outfit Yet

This outfit was a real stunner! 

I received so many compliments that I was uncomfortably blushing all day.

The dress is a thick wool bodycon mock turtleneck number that emphasizes all the right things and downplays everything else. It's very subtle and elegant. I've only worn it a few times since I acquired it, but it's always a hit and it's warm!

This wrap is pretty spectacular. It's hard to capture it's loveliness in a drawing, but it's black sheer with black velvet edging and a metallic flocked floral print. My matching patina-ed earring and necklace set from Poppy helped to pull everything together. 

Also, these boots. Still amazing!

Polar Vortex

We had a very cold week here in Minnesota, so I thought I'd highlight some of the ways I managed not to freeze to death.

I've never worn this huge angora sweater outside of the house before, but I found it necessary on this extra cold day. Sometimes you just need to dress like a bear to feel safe.

Dottir

Ooh whee!

I've lived through all of the cold, mid-western winters that have occurred over the last 35 years, but I don't think I've ever been so afraid of the cold. I'm literally shaking in my boots. You guys, I know everyone is so sick of talking about the Polar Vortex, but it was terrible and I'm not happy about it.

One good thing that has come of all of these cold winters is that I'm very adept at layering. 

People always wonder why I wear skirts and dresses in the winter. I'm always way warmer in skirts than pants because I can easily add layers under a skirt.

Another abysmally cold day and fantastic feat of layering. Can I get another sweater under there? Certainly.

Honorable mention goes to this coat.

I wear it every time temperatures dip below zero

It's very ridiculous and at the same time very necessary.

Every time I put it on, I say "Don't worry, I've got my big coat" and then I do a little dance.

I'm sure by now, after all of the below zero days we've had this season, my friends and family are very sick of my coat announcements, but I don't really care. It's the only happiness I have. 

Earmuffs

These earmuffs have proven themselves invaluable this winter and I'm campaigning to bring earmuffs back.

They're super soft and warm. And they're incredibly cute, no doubt.

In my opinion, their best feature is their ability to muffle sound. I wear these at work when I need to concentrate. They were also a life saver during a social outing with a very loud talker when I had an excruciating headache and no escape.

Social Science vs Retrorama

I wore this outfit to an event at the Science Museum called Social Science: Speakeasy. 

I went with a friend who I used to attend Retrorama with. Retrorama was an annual event put on by the History Center that stopped taking place in 2015. Retrorama encouraged attendees to dress up in their best vintage, participate in a fashion show, imbibe in retro cocktails and snacks, dance to live music, partake in activities and explore the museum's exhibits. We thought that this would be a good replacement. We were wrong. Despite below zero temperatures, the event at the Science Museum was well attended. So well attended, that the entire museum consisted of lines. I felt like I was at Disney Land, but not in a fun way. It was impossible to get a drink or partake in any of the special activities they had arranged for the night. We did explore the exhibits, but I think I would have preferred to do that on any other day with the regular Science Museum crowd, kids and all. I do not recommend this event and this is my plea to the History Center to bring back Retrorama. It was our special thing and we had a good thing going with the photographer.

Retrorama 2010

Retrorama 2010

Retrorama 2011

Retrorama 2012

Retrorama 2013

Retrorama 2014

Lutsen

Dottir

I spent a very cold weekend in Lutsen and wore a couple of versions of this outfit all weekend. 

It's my snow bunny look. 

I don't ski.

Keeping it Cozy

This was one of those days when I didn't want to wear clothes. Pajamas were at the top of my wish list, so I opted to wear this super soft and roomy top paired with this cozy cotton sweater. The corduroys fit like leggings and these shoes are the most comfortable shoes that I've ever worn. It's not pajamas, but it's pretty damn cozy.

Silk Scarves

A fun scarf tied around my neck has always been a favorite way to add interest to an outfit. I used to own a lot of polyester scarves in fun patterns and colors, but I've been slowly replacing all of those polyester scarves with silk. I love the way silk hangs and how it feels against my skin. They're also great for temperature regulation. A silk scarf will keep you warm when you're cold and cool when you're hot. It's a perfect accessory.

Dottir

I've been obsessed with this scarf lately. I've owned it for as long as I can remember, but I've never worn it as much as I've worn it this winter. I guess my newly found love for silk scarves and winter white has brought it to the forefront.

Also, I love these boots with black leggings and a tunic. There's something very 60s about it.  

Jeans

The sweater is from Mighty Swell Vintage in case you were on the edge of your seat about it.

These jeans are the same cut Levi's as these, but they fit completely differently and serve a different purpose in my wardrobe. Jeans aren't really my thing, but I'm starting to see what all the fuss is about.

These Boots Tho

Dottir

After over a year of loving on my brown Spring Step booties, I finally purchased the boots in black and guess what. They're amazing too!! This is my sixth pair of Spring Step shoes and I couldn't recomend them more. 

Life of Luxury

I love every piece of this outfit separately, but I love the combination even more. So Luxe.

Winter White

I felt so incredibly good in this outfit all day and wanted to continue to wear it for the rest of the winter. I wear a lot of black during these cold months, so I think there was something about the lightness of my clothes that brightened my mood. I even wore it out that night on a date with my husband where I ate a beet salad and pasta with red sauce without incident. I think this outfit might make me invincible.

Skewl Lewks

Dottir Jewelry

I got this sweet shirt at the Minneapolis Vintage Market from Old Gem Vintage. She drew me in with all of the gorgeous white silk and linen items that she had but I didn't walk away with any silk. I did, however, buy this shirt because it was so familiar yet so different at the same time. This 70s men's button up is so reminiscent of my past. I rocked a lot of these shirts in high school and college, but I've never seen a print like this before. The scales skewed my look toward academic. The only accessory I'm missing is an armload of books.

I Breathe Sparkles

I took a friend shopping to buy business casual basics for a new job. We went to Nu Look Consignment and found a lot of great classic pieces for her to mix and match. 

I, on the other hand, found these shiny genie pants and a sheer, gold sequin top (not pictured) for $20.00

Overall, I'd say it was a successful trip.

It's All About the Shoes

This is one of the best outfits I've worn in awhile. I love the color scheme and this 1940s meets 1980s silhouette is so very me. But most of all I love these shoes. They're the perfect color to compliment my wardrobe and they're incredibly comfortable. I've been wearing them almost non-stop since I bought them this winter. I long for another pair in black, just so that I never have to wear another pair of shoes again. 

OH MY GOD I LOVE THESE SHOES! 

They even look good tucked under skinny cut pants.

I always get a lot of compliments on this dress when I wear it, but I don't wear it very often. I wonder why. Probably because I never used to have these shoes.