Outfit Post: Do You

We had a fantastic weekend--took a rest from the flea market. On Saturday, we had a sweet friend's birthday party, enjoyed some fro yo as a family, did a little thrift shopping, tried a new neighborhood food joint, and bought fall plants to spruce up our yard.

And here's what I wore for most of it (come on, could I really wear these booties to the Home Depot???):

outfit details:  cardigan-old Charlotte Russe, dress-Target (thrifted), brooch-vintage, tights-Target, boots-gift from Jayme last Christmas

It's no big secret that I don't like my legs. I've always been pear shaped and carried my weight in my hips and thighs.  So originally, I wasn't on board with the colored tights trend.  But more and more, I've decided: F*CK it. I love clothes, I want to wear what I want to wear, and I'm not making apologies for my body. I'm healthy, I work hard, and I don't care what other people think. I felt like a million bucks in this outfit!

And just to add to my own body positivity, I stumbled on this great campaign last night via Tumblr: Marina Rinaldi's Women Are Back.  So many beautiful, curvaceous figures--made me feel even better about mine and all the possibilities I can dress it in, no matter what my size (+20 baby pounds. ahem.).

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: Late Afternoon Sun

I am ready for summer to be done after the last two ultra-humid, 90 degree days we've had here in VA. In that kind of heat, it's hard to find anything comfortable to wear (let alone ultra fashionable).  Vintage dresses are always my go-to, and this is one of my very favorites, purchased for a steal last year on eBay.

outfit details:  50s housedress-eBay, wedges-AE (thrifted)

This is a quick and short post because we still have so very much to do to get ready for the flea market tomorrow! I am equal parts excited and nervous--but at least there's a beautiful fall day to look forward to.

Come on out if you're in DC! And have a great weekend, friends.

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: The Go-To

So here's the part where I complain about how it's already too cold (after two months of complaining that it was still too hot!).  That Sandy really ushered in a cold front.  But no worries--I have the perfect outfit, all ready to go.  This is my late fall/early winter go-to look:  full skirted dress + belt + cardigan + socks/tights + boots.  Easy--and warm (although I did wish I had worn tights today after I spent some time outside!).

Outfit details:  cardigan-thrifted, dress-Anthro (thrift score!), belt-vintage, socks-Target (last year), boots-UO

What do you think of my little beehive? I wore this to Aurora's preschool for their harvest parade/party.  With the cateye makeup I felt very "yummy mummy." But that's not a bad thing, is it?  It feels good to feel pretty once in a while.  Q was a fan too. :)

HAPPY FRIDAY! Yes, yes, yes. Finally.

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: Atomic

Oh, hey, it's me, Amanda! It's been a while since I've done an outfit post, since we spent a week at the beach (no matter how hard I try, I don't feel like I ever look very cute because my clothing options are limited and I'm all sandy or sweaty) and then I had a little case of the flu and, to be honest, I'm just not feeling fashion these days. I'm still struggling with my curves. Still not thrilled with this new body of mine and still figuring out how to dress it so that I feel good. 1950s dresses are just the ticket (I adore the print on this one!).

outfit details:  dress-vintage via Etsy, necklace-vintage, belt-vintage, sandals-thrifted

We're excited to be heading up to PA to visit the fam for the weekend! Jayme and I have some great stuff planned for the blog/shop. Let me just say that there are way too many things packed up in the car for a simple three-day weekend. Of course, those things also include some birthday presents for my pretty sister who will be turning the big 2-9 in a few weeks! (shhhhhhhh....) Can't wait to share photos of the trip on the blog next week, but most of all, can't wait to be up north with my family, snuggling my niece, eating my mom's homecooked food, and relaxing.

 xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Summer's End

Hello everyone!  We had a fantastic weekend camping with the family, but after wearing the same jeans for three days in the row (and avoiding the community shower), I decided to get a little dolled up for the Labor Day holiday.  We spent the day doing a little thrifting (crazy 50% off day), grocery shopping, and dinner...and I really did indeed wear this.

My style is evolving...I have a vision of all the things I love and how they might come together. There are looks I love on other people that are just not me or don't fit my body the right way (making me feel less than confident).  I love girly and bohemian looks, but also rock and roll...so I'm taking cues from that (and a lot of back...since I'm buying and dressing on a budget, and everything black matches! ha.) to create my fall wardrobe and clean out items from my closet.  I also love that with a cap sleeve maxi dress in basic black/ivory, I can add color or cardigans/jackets/accessories and make it a totally different look.  To keep it simple, I added a vintage pendant and platform sandals.

dress-thrifted, horse pendant-vintage, sandals- MIA via 6pm.com

I loved this dress on the rack, but I knew it could look a little mom-ish.  Still, it fit into the categories of the things I love, and it makes me feel comfortable and confident.  And even though it's somewhat simple, it also has the great detail on the bodice (front and back). I'm a sucker for a good detail.

So excited to share new looks with you for the cooler months!

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Upstaged

I have to say that sometimes when I look at my outfit photos, I don't want to post them.  I know that's my choice, and I could simply not blog them (like my friend Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen chose yesterday!)...except we aren't a blog that posts outfit posts everyday. And since I did the work for a new post, I figured I would need to brave it.

It was hot and I needed to change quickly to go to dinner and run errands, so this is what I put on.  We went to a pizza/pasta/salad place (I had a big salad and pasta with garlic/olive oil/parsely/hot pepper flakes) that gives the kids balloons...which just happens to be one of Aurora's favorite things EVER! She was in heaven...and we ate in relative peace!

Dress-vintage, Belt-vintage, Shoes-MIA

The outtakes of this outfit are way better than the originals! Aurora was obsessed with that purple 'boon'.

Sadly, Aurora let go of the balloon (we had it looped around her wrist, but it came unlooped) and it floated up into the sky.  So Aurora learned her first lesson about loss.  A jelly bean made it all better.

You can see more of Aurora over on the Miskabelly blog as well as little Lyla!  Even if you're not a mom or mom-to-be, there's a lot to read and see.

That's all for now...

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Lady in Red

Jayme and I took dance classes (tap, ballet, and jazz) for many years growing up.  The highlight was always, of course, the big dance recital, complete with spandex, sequined costumes.  One of the most fun parts--besides getting to dress up and dance--was watching the older girls dance!  They were so pretty!  They were so cool!  They were so good at dancing! And they had the best costumes...in particular, I remember a ballet number to Chris DeBurgh's Lady in Red (whisper it with me now:  cheek to cheek).  I can't wear red without hearing that song.  And this skirt, while not polyester or spandex, brings back those moments in the dark of the Ford City High School auditorium. Maybe because it's most likely from that same decade? It looks like something my mom probably wore...and yet, I love it.

tank-Target, belt-vintage, skirt-vintage, shoes-vintage, rings/bracelets-random & gifts

I found the belt, skirt, and shoes all in one thrift. They seemed destined to be together. These floral cork wedges are like new, but vintage!  Unfortunately, they're a little snug on my toes. But my loss is your gain! They'll be coming to the shop soon, along with a lot more amazing stuff from our weekend (and other things I've been hoarding or forgetting to photograph).

Summer is slow.  We're lucky if we have 5 sales a week (sometimes we'd have that many in one day!), so it's been pretty tough on us. We feel like we're working harder, but not accomplishing anything. And it's not like this is our fun money...our businesses are what Jayme does for a living now (and me too, when I'm not doing other part time jobs to pay all my bills!).  This isn't meant to be a pity party, but if you've been eyeing anything in the shop, we'd really like to make some more sales this month and know our work is not in vain!


xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Old Stand-By

This weekend my sister and her little family were in town.  Q and I have been trying to save money by cooking more at home (which is certainly easier as a vegan!), but company is the perfect excuse to go out to eat!  We got dinner on Saturday night at one of my favorite restaurants...it's where Q and I had our first "real" date (though I didn't know it was a date at the time) and where we subsequently went for dinner the day we got married.  I have never had a bad meal, and I love the decor.

Of course, there was only maybe one solidly vegan meal on the menu (a boring house salad), but I was still able to order my favorite dish, the Mango Chicken Salad...sans chicken.  And it was just as delicious!

This is what I wore--this UO linen dress that I got for a steal ($9.99!) is quickly becoming what I throw on when it's hot and I feel like I have "nothing to wear."  It's so easy to accessorize it with a vest, a different belt, a tank underneath, etc.

 

vest-vintage, dress-UO, shoes-MIA, belt-vintage, bracelets-random

 More outfit posts to come this week...Jayme is going to share what she wore (finally!) and I may even share some photos of me in my fantastic 80s pants (which Jayme and I styled up and took actual street style photos of...I mean, I'm actually standing in the street).

We'v recently set up a blogging schedule to keep at it every day, as well as post items to our shop every day of the week. We also have some exciting new packaging coming your way and other fun things. Read us regularly, but don't follow?  We'd love to have you on our regular Followers list (we have a lot of hits and readership, but our followers list tends to be pretty static these days).  We'd really appreciate the support as we work really hard to bring you original content (not photos from other style blogs, etc.).

Thanks for reading.

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Mama's Girl

This weekend my parents came to town...they had been vacationing in Southern Virginia and came to stay with us for the weekend.  Of course, this meant planning lots of yummy meals and fun things to do!

The weather was still steamy, even at dinnertime, but that meant it was the perfect time to pull out a vintage dress I've been hoarding in my closet for a few months. It's a 70s Alfred Shaheen with screenprinted hibiscus flowers. And one of the best parts? It has built in cups, so you don't have to wear a bra and disrupt the "look." (Plus, strapless bras are such a pain when it's so hot and sticky. I'd almost rather go free!)  I can see myself wearing this a lot this summer...next time, I think I'm going to try a different vintage belt.

dress-vintage, shoes-Blowfish

My mom saw my outfit and said, "I guess I'll have to go dress up now!" Of course, fashionable lady that she is, she was prepared, and even agreed to take some pictures with me!

And one more shot with the photographer in front of the camera....I just shaved his head last week. I'm kind of loving it. 

We had a lovely weekend, but we were so sad to see it end. The good news is that we got a huge storm, so the weather is finally bearable....that means Aurora and I can leave the house for more than a half an hour at a time! It's been a beautiful morning so far, sitting here in the sunlight with my coffee.  Happy Monday!

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Red Hot

The temperatures are really heating up here in Virginia...so much so that Aurora and I haven't left the house much this week.  Last night, we went out for a family dinner, which meant I had to get dressed.

I had been eyeing Minnetonka moccasins on Etsy for summer, adding various pairs to my Favorites, but wouldn't you know, the thrifting gods gifted me with these soft, leather beaded moccasins last week (for $5)?!  I'm not a big flats person, as we all know, but I like having a few pairs for running around, doing errands, etc.

top-Anthropologie (gift), belt-vintage, jeans-Gap skinny (thrifted), moccasins-vintage, earrings-random

 Comfort has been a top priority in this weather, but I always feel fantastic if I have on a little vintage.  I got two lightweight tops from Anthropologie with a birthday gift card and I have been wearing them pretty frequently.  I add a belt to give myself a waist (oversized tops look great flowing free on twiggy frames, but on a curvier frame, they really add curves).

We have a fun, busy weekend planned...which probably means more outfits!  SO stay tuned.

Also, we are having a Memorial Day Sale in the shop!  Just use the code Memorial30 for 30% off your entire purchase (through Tuesday, May 31st).

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Geometric

It's Friday!  And here is an outfit post...finally. After a long dry spell. I've been feeling under the weather, dealing with low self esteem/negative body image stuff, and I haven't been getting too dressed up.  But the truth is, dressing up even when you don't feel great can truly help you to feel better.  And sunny, warm weather never hurts!

I wore this outfit to the grocery store and thrifting...except I wore different shoes for all the walking! Tonight, our stepdaughter is in a one act play, so we are going to see her. I will wear the daniBlack platforms.  But probably not the red wayfarers...

Levi's Jacket-vintage, tank-random, skirt-vintage (in the shop now! Only $23!), shoes-daniBlack via 6pm.com, vintage pyramid necklace, red Faux-farers-Target (last summer)

This outfit came together quickly, which, to me, is the sign of a good look. I've been wanting to wear this skirt forever (before it sells!).  I love the bold colors against the black.  But it needed to be sandal-and-bare-leg weather because these platforms are perfect for the skirt's length.

It's going to be a beautiful weekend!  I'm planning on doing some writing, photo-shooting, posting, and hanging out. We may even take a trip to the zoo on Sunday! (What to wear, what to wear...)

xo, style
Amanda

Outfit Post: Date Night, Take 2

On Sunday night, Q and I went out on a real live date, y'all.  We headed to the 9:30 Club in DC to see Old 97's w/ Teddy Thompson opening.

The show was incredible! So much energy, so many great songs. The crowd was a little pushy, but that's to be expected at 9:30 Club (one of my least favorite DC venues, to be honest).  And there was SO SO MUCH of Rhett Miller, my uber-crush. 

image via The Houstonist

We were so close to the stage that his sweat dripped on me.  It was like a benediction.  Seriously.

We had dinner in the car on the way to the show.  Confession:  We got McDonald's.  Confession:  It tasted SO good.  (I know--I'm gross.)

Here's what I wore to spend some quality time with my Love, Rhett Quentin:

Levi's denim jacket-vintage, dress-UO, belt-AE (old), tights-Target, Boots-Durango (worn in by me), purse-vintage borrowed from the shop

True Love <3 (Q & A)

I never used to like brown and black together, but the combo has really been growing on me.  The gray weather is keeping me in darker clothes, but I'm really looking forward to busting out some spring colors and patterns.

I am still kind of on a concert high, three days later!  I can't stop playing Old 97's and reliving that great night out. That's how you know it was a good show.  I can't wait to see them again!

xo,
Amanda

Oufit Post: Maxi-mum Comfort

It's another gorgeous spring day here in Northern Virginia.  Of course, I got all excited and checked the weekend temperatures for when  Jayme and family come to visit us and the Cherry Blossom Festival happens, and....rain and high 40s/low 50s.  Super.  Really fun to go out and do stuff.  That really grinds my gears.

I was excited to show off my new daniBlack platforms.  They were the only not-really-comfortable things about this outfit.  I have to break them in a little, build up those sandal callouses.  But the rest of the outfit is my new everyday spring uniform:  flowy tops and bottoms with structured jackets/blazers.  And of course, platforms whenever I can.

jacket-UO, lacy top-?, maxi dress worn as skirt-Old Navy, platforms-daniBlack

my new crush.

I just realized I'm not wearing anything vintage, though every piece has a distinctly vintage feel to it (the jacket is from UO's Urban Renewal line, so it may, in fact, be vintage...).  I must say, I am loving the maxi skirt and dress look for spring.  And no: not just because it means I have to shave less of my legs.  Or because it will hide my cellulite. (Though those are definite perks.) I just love the bohemian, 70s vibe.

Enjoy the sun while it lasts!  Sigh.

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Kiss Me, I'm Not Irish

This is my St. Patrick's Day.  I will respond with what my husband said when I asked if he wore a green tie to work:  "I'm French Protestant--do the math."  I took that as a no.

It's not that I don't like St. Patrick, or Catholics, or Irish people--I just didn't have a reason to celebrate.  Nor do I own much green clothing.

Warning:  I busted out the pasty white, need-to-be-toned legs in a skirt that is shorter than I normally wear.  But it went perfectly with my new UO heels, that I've been wanting forever.  And my patience paid off because they were $10 (an online return to store.  Major score!).

Disclaimer:  I know the photo location isn't great, but I had to show our fully bloomed daffodils!

Levis denim jacket-vintage, striped tee-Old Navy, pocket skirt-AA via Loehmann's, cayenne heels-UO

me and my girl in stripes!

What a gorgeous day!  Aurora and I took a long walk to the park (no, I did not wear the heels and skirt for that part of the day). We took a little snooze afterwards.  Then we had a pizza dinner when Daddy got home, and now? We're looking forward to an awesome weekend with more sunshine!

xo,
Amanda