It's Here! Miskabelle Vintage Fall 2012 Lookbook

We're excited to share with you our very first ever "real" lookbook! We were feeling creative and wanting to do something different--while we used to take all of our own photos with ourselves as models, we moved to mannequins and photoshop for a more professional look. But when it comes to a lookbook, it's all about how to wear things. So here we are: back to modeling (and styling and photographing and editing and drawing and collaging, etc. This was a labor of love by the two of us and Jayme's husband who helped with some photos--thank you, Ace!).

We hope you like it as much as we do!

Open - More fall 2012

Editor's notes: 
The black tote with the tortoise-shell handles is vegan, not leather. 
 The wool coat from the cover is also now available here (it's not linked in the mag).

Dress Yourself in Etsy Vintage: Rainy Day Edition

I woke up to a dark sky and pouring rain--the kind of weather that makes you want to go right back to bed.  Instead, I got a little inspired and virtually dressed myself in a head to toe vintage outfit to brave the elements.

I took two rain basics (the trench and the on-trend duck boot), mixed patterns, and added a pop of bright yellow, like that first spring dandelion in the yard.

70s knit top, purevintageclothing, $28

grunge floral skirt, ontheprowl, $26

Etienne Aigner classic trench, BirdsChasingBugs, $49

sunny yellow carry on bag, FishboneDeco, $48

Dexter low duck boots, FiregypsyVintage, $33.14

Of course, if it's warm enough, you should wear the trench open since the trench is longer than the skirt--don't want people thinking you ain't got nothin' underneath that overcoat/and it's all a show. (Name that tune!) I think I might add some textured tights/leggings or knee socks to complete this look.  Then: I'd grab a friend and go puddle jumping!  Followed by a coffee date to warm up and dry off. See?  Rain's not so bad after all...

Enjoy the day, whatever the weather, wherever you are!

xo,
Amanda

First Outfit post of 2011!

I promised myself I'd do more outfit posts as a reason to get dressed/dressed up.  The light was beautiful yesterday, so even though this isn't my fave/best outfit, I was having a good hair day and decided to suck it up and have Q take some pictures.  (Aurora came too, in her snowsuit!)

I also want to see more fashion blogs that cater to curvy and plus-sized women.  There are very few out there (but recommend them to me if you know more!).  So many popular blogs have girls who look like models (even if they're not), and while I don't begrudge them that and still take inspiration from their styles, I want to see girls--er, WOMEN--like me.  Moms who still want to look cute.  Women who dress real bodies.  Creatives who use fashion to express (rather than just impress). 

So without further ado:

Jacket:  Vintage, Etienne Aigner
Tee shirt:  Gap
Skirt:  Thrifted, LL Bean
Cardigan:  Target
Tights:  ?
Boots:  Urban Outfitters
Circle scarf:  gift/handmade 

It was extremely cold--a great day for layers.  The circle scarf was a gift from Jayme, which she made for me last Christmas.  It's my go-to piece on really chilly days.

This blog would not be complete with a couple pics of our little helper, Aurora.

Isn't she a doll?

Splurge and Steal: THE TOP THREE!

Hello ladies (and gents, we hope)!  After much deliberation and many tears shed, we've finally narrowed down our Cheap&Chic submissions for the contest down to three!  Below, we feature our three top selections.  Now it's your job to vote on your favorite--just vote in the poll on our sidebar!  The final winner will be announced (and rewarded) on Thursday, August 5th, right here on the blog!

Without further ado...

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

Working in an office cubicle (perhaps on a certain hill, ahem, DC) is enough to drive any person to want to spice up their day.  Here, we do it by spicing up the wardrobe.  This woven cardigan is great for the inevitable air conditioned freeze.  The striped silk skirt is playful, yet tasteful.  The cut out heels add some sexiness, but they aren't too high for work.  The structural necklace, our favorite splurge, adds a final unique touch to this at-work look.

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

Maybe it's been mere months, or maybe it's been years, but September always brings on the back-to-school jitters.  We created this look especially for the college student.  The weather is starting to cool down with the return of autumn, but the days are still warm.  This lightweight blouse gives you room to breathe.  The canvas bag stores all the essentials (notebooks, pens, syllabus after syllabus) and can be carried across the body or by the handles.  Penny loafers are making a comeback, which is great news because not only do they look chic, they're also comfortable for long walks across campus.  And back-to-school would not be complete without denim.  This cropped and slightly distressed pair will give off the vibe that you're not trying too hard (essential for that first day of meeting new people!).

 

The Miskabelle Steals

 

 

The Splurge

 

Nothin' says lovin' like some funnel cakes, cotton candy, and making out on a ferris wheel.  State fairs are the most fun you can have in the dirt.  But boy, are they hot.  That's why a mini skirt is essential for this look.  Cute sneakers make it easy to get around (and avoid dusty toes), and this bag is large enough to fit in all the prizes your sweetie wins you at the ring toss!  We added a great graphic printed, lightweight tank as our splurge.  Not only is it comfortable, but it'll make the boys (or at least your boy) growl.

THERE THEY ARE!  Which look would you rock?   BE SURE TO VOTE!  

The winner will receive one Miskabelle piece from their splurge/steal collection.

Thank you to everyone who entered!  We have so many great ideas to follow up with. ;)

Stay gorgeous,

A