Outfit Post: The One That Got Away

If you've ever geared up for a little photo shoot only to find that your camera battery is deathly low, this post is dedicated to you.

Unfortunately, there was only enough juice (and daylight) for one shot.  Thankfully, it was a decent shot where my eyes are actually open!

dress-Rachel Pally (old), scarf-random, wool vest-vintage, arrow belt-vintage, tights-random, lace up boots-vintage

I loved this little outfit, though in hindsight, it's a bit Pirate-y, isn't it?  Oh well, I like pirates. Arrrrrgh and all that.

You know what I like even better than pirates, though? THE WEEKEND!  Which is here. So I'm about to go and enjoy it, rainy though it may be.


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: 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: Something Old, Something New, Something Blue

We had a much-needed relaxing weekend here at our house.  Lots of Veronica Mars-watching, ice cream-eating, book-reading, napping. Friday after work, we took a little dinner trip to Chipotle (yum!) and Game Stop to pick up a PS3 game (are you surprised that I like to play video games? It's mostly my husband's influence...).
 
I was having a bad case of second day slept-in hair, so I tried a modified milkmaid look on my bob.  I kind of like it, but I think maybe I'm too old for braids.

The weird thing about this outfit is that the scarf was a gift for someone who is no longer in my life.  Sometimes I feel strange wearing it.  Do you have any items like that? Is it okay, since it's beautiful?  It was purchased in India.

back of the very awesome vest I found while thrifting!

blowin' in the wind

vest-vintage, asymmetrical tee-Velvet via Ross, jeans- Gap 1969 (thrifted), shoes- MIA via 6pm.com, scarf-gift

 The vest is something old.  The shoes are something new (Q, Aurora, and I all got new spring shoes this week!).  The scarf (and the jeans) are something blue.  Nothing is borrowed, so I had to modify the title.

Looking forward to a sunny week of many more outfits!  We've been stocking the shop with spring stuff. Have you checked it out?

xo,

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

Outfit Post: Date Night, Take 1

I was so excited to have not one, but TWO date nights planned with Q this weekend.  The first date was to my stepdaughter's high school musical production of Into the Woods (She played Jack's mother and she was fantastic!  We were so proud). It wasn't a big date, but it was a great time for just the two of us sans Aurora.  And we even shared some soda and Georgetown red velvet cupcake at intermission!

I rarely get a chance to really go out, so when I do, I love to play with new looks.  I have recently been "stealing" pieces from the shop to style in my own outfits. Here's what I wore on Saturday night:

black silk oversized blazer-vintage, ivory dress-Old Navy, belt-vintage (worn backwards), black tights-Target, black leather granny booties-vintage, ,borrowed from the shop, Gucci crossbody bag-vintage, borrowed from the shop (though I want to keep!)

the vintage Gucci...so classic!

The boots were actually a size too large for me, but they're a little narrow, so they stayed on and were comfortable.  I like the look of granny boots on other fashion bloggers, but wasn't sure I could pull them off myself without looking like...a grandma. This is a pretty eclectic look, but I felt comfortable and cute in it, which is what I always ask for in an outfit!

Stay tuned for Part 2...

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: April Showers, April Flowers

We've had both a lot of rain and sun here recently, so all of our bulbs are blooming! I also discovered the first dandelions in the yard...I can't tell you how excited that makes me!

Today's outfit is in honor of all of the beautiful things blooming. I wore this to thrifting/coffee--in the sunshine.

I love the scoop back on this tee!

jacket-Free People via TJ Maxx, top--Old Navy (thrifted), skirt- H&M, boots- vintage from the shop

Happy sunshiney spring day!  Plus:  it's almost the weekend.  I seriously could not be happier about that.

A ton of cute dresses, tops, skirts, shoes, and bags coming to the shop, slowly but surely.  Keep an eye out!

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: Back in Black

It's been too long since we updated the blog! I have been finishing up grading for a class, then we had a busy weekend together in Virginia, and now everything has finally settled down a bit.  More time to post, more time to photograph, more time to blog.

In other news, I dyed my hair:  twice.  At first, it was a red that I hated.  So I dyed it again with a brown and got a color I'm pretty happy with. (NOTE: I don't recommed this to everyone as it's horrible for your hair, but I have really thick, healthy hair--like a horse--and I did it once before, many years ago, so I knew I'd be okay.)

Damn this cold weather! That's all I have to say about that. I have a spring wardrobe I'm dying to wear, but here I am in more wintry duds:

floral blouse-vintage, sweater and belt-H&M (old), skirt-NY&Co. (thrifted), tights-Target, boots-Frye

 I wore this out to do our usual Tuesday grocery run. Booooo-ring.
Nothing too special:  I can't seem to get into an outfit groove thanks to this mercurial weather.

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

Outfit Post: Brown-y

Spring is so close I can taste it...the daffodils in our front yard have bloomed.  Some of the grass is actually going back to green.  And it's 7:00pm as I write this and still light out!

But there's still a chill in the air.  I have so many cute spring dresses and shoes that I want to wear, but I'm still not ready to bare my pasty white legs.  I decided to wear a spring-y outfit of a lightweight dress and peeptoe platform sandals today, adding tights and a sweater to stay warm.  Today was a day of errands: post office, coffee, dinner, groceries, office store.  And this is what I wore:

sweater coat-vintage, dress-Old Navy, tights-Target, belt-H&M (old), shoes- Blowfish via DSW

 I feel like I'm finally hitting my fashion stride:  I can tell an outfit is "right" if I'm comfortable in it immediately.  these new platforms are incredibly comfortable. I never thought of them with tights, but admittedly had some inspiration from Keiko Lynn wearing a similar pair.

I'll remix this outfit (dress and shoes) again when it's warm enough with a different belt and accessories. And painted toes!

Can't wait.

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Blues and Grays

It's finally March! Like everyone else, the shortest month of the year felt like the longest (and I even partied my way through it).  Today there was sunshine, but it's still cold.

I got a little dressed up to run errands (post office, Starbucks) and get dinner with Q at our favorite pizza place (Ledo's), topped off by our weekly stop at Trader Joe's.  I looked cute and felt comfy. To me, that is the pinnacle of fashion as a mom.  I have to be able to slug a toddler, several packages, a purse, and my keys all at once.  I am the queen of heels, but some days, they're just not an option.  These boots have truly been a lifesaver this winter.

navy blazer-vintage, blue tee-BDG-thrifted, necklaces-random, skirt-Banana Republic-thrifted, tights-Target, boots UO

This is my absolute favorite blazer (I'm so glad it still fits me--and perfectly!) I think I paid $2 for it.  I think a navy blazer is a nice update from a black one for spring. A bit softer.  I wore a few different shades of gray on the bottom and two shades of blue on top, hence the title.  I like the brighter blue as a little pop of color to shades that are mostly neutrals.


I ate too much pizza, but it's all right:  I'm off to Zumba!  I'm keeping my curves because I'm growing to love them, but that doesn't mean I can't slim down a bit so I'm curvy in all the right places.  Q bought me the Zumba for PS3 (since I can't afford a gym membership right now) and I LOVE it!  It's so much fun that it definitely doesn't feel like a workout (except for the sweating and heavy breathing).  For once, I'm looking forward to ending my day with exercise!

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Blown Away

If only I was less vain, you would be laughing out loud right now.  Today was that crazy, windy day on the East coast where a lot of trees and power lines went down.  Well, when I stepped outside to take some photos on our little back porch/patio, I almost went down too.  My facial expressions are pretty priceless (and now deleted from my computer).

I had to move to a corner of the porch more sheltered from the wild winds.  I wore this layered outfit to shop (thrifting and groceries) and for a little dinner party we had over here with a close friend and her husband:  lasagna, salad, and wine topped offf by coffee, double chocolate brownies, and electronic CatchPhrase, Bananagrams, and Euchre.  It was a fantastic Friday.

army jacket-UO, cardigan-vintage, tee-Old Navy (thrifted), skirt-NY&Co. (thrifted), tights-?, boots-vintage

I still look a little windblown, and in truth, I wore a big black scarf as I gallivanted around town.  I am also wearing really big coral-toned earrings that were a gift from Jayme for my birthday.  I love the color coral--it brings out the peachiness in my complexion and it's a great color for spring.  I thrifted this basic Old Navy tee the other day--what drew me to it besides the color was that is has not just a scoop front, but a scoop back.  I think showing a little back is sexy.  I can't wait until it's warm enough to do this! (Yes, my posts will probably continue to complain about the weather until there's nothing to complain about.)

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Head to Toe, Under $10

I have a confession to make about my shopping habits:  I'm one of the cheapest people you'll ever meet.  Blame it on thrifting or growing up shopping in the clearance section, but there are very few items in my closet that I paid over $20 for (save the occasional pair of boots or an amazing dress or two).

You might make the assumption that my closet is full of cheap, holey junk:  but you would be wrong.  It's taken years to perfect the art of sale and thrift and vintage shopping, but now, I see it as a sort of gift I possess.  Well, more of a skill, since it's been cultivated (and I believe it can be taught! I'll share a few tips as we go.)  Here's my first thrifty and fabulous outfit, which I wore out to a friend's music show and a little "surprise" birthday celebration put together by my amazing husband (I don't say that lightly; he's the best).

dress-thrifted, tights-Target, belt-vintage, platform heels-Michael Kors via DSW, bracelets-gift from Jayme

me and my Love

So the working total of this outfit?

Dress--Thrifted (Old Navy) $3  (they were having a 50% off sale at my Goodwill on Valentine's Day! Score!)
Belt--Vintage (FREE-- in the shop here)
Tights-- Target  $4.99
Peeptoe Platforms-- (FREE with a gift card: originally $200!!!)  Michael Kors via DSW
Studded Bracelets-- Birthday gift from Jayme
TOTAL:   $7.99

But doesn't this outfit look like a million bucks? I felt great in it.  The heels were incredibly comfortable despite how they might look. I love how everything together, including my birthday (the last one of my 20s! yikes!).

More outfit posts including the GORGEOUS Jayme coming soon!  Thanks for reading, loves.

xo,
Amanda