Outfit Post: Scarf-based.

I think I have officially grown out my bangs.  I do prefer my face with a bit of fringe (I'm using that word as a description, not in the way that  Aussies call bangs "fringe"....and you won't find me using the word "sunnies" or "brekkie" either.  Unless I move to Australia.  Then I'd be okay with it.), but I will say that not having bangs makes it way easier to be lazy with my hair--throw it all up on top of my head and I'm good to go.  I love how a head scarf adds some polish, with little effort.  This outfit was then built around the colors in the scarf.  Red and blue.  Simple as that.

shirt- Paul and Joe for Target (circa 2006!  Just googled it and they were just the third designer to team up with Target...), skirt- vintage (hemmed short), shoes- Steve Madden (Amanda thrifted them!), tote, belt and scarf- vintage

This tote is coming soon to the shop!  It has some wear on the strap (you can't see here because it's right where my hands are) but still has some life left it in.  It would be an awesome laptop bag, huh?  As always, you guys have first dibs...just shoot us a message!

xo
Jayme

Outfit Post: Be Mine

Happy Valentine's to you!  Sorry to those of you who saw the title of this post and thought that I was extending an invitation to be my Valentine.  Not only am I already taken (love you Andrew!) but I was actually talking to the sweater I'm wearing in these photos.  You know, it's not often that I find something vintage that I love and KEEP.  Most of the good stuff I put into the shop to sell (lucky you!).  But after posting this United Colors of Benetton 90s cropped sweater I realized it actually looked quite sad on the dress form in the photos.  And it had a small snag on the one arm that I hadn't noticed when I bought it.  So I figured the chances of it selling are quite slim.  And I realized it was the perfect opportunity to keep this gem all to myself.  So to the "deactivated" archives it went, and then immediately pulled on over my chambray top.  Mine, all mine.  : )

Snow!

Time to bust out the faux fur coat...

Hope you all get lots of flowers and candy for Valentine's Day!  If not, why not take solace in a purchase of some new-to-you vintage good-ness?

xo

Jayme

Outfit Post: Purple

I was in the mood to wear a skirt this weekend, however, we were going to get our taxes done and I feel like all my skirts were too short and flirty for such a serious occasion.  So I pulled out a dress of a more appropriate length and topped it with my favorite vintage sweater.  Both purple, yes.  But do they look great together?  Not quite.  But alas, we had an appointment to get to and I was stuck.
To redeem the look, I decided to forgo the usual foliage-in-our-yard backdrop and find something cooler.  This old blue building did the trick.  Here I am in various stages of coat-on and closed, coat-open, coat-off.

Hey, squinty eyes.

Pet peeve:  people who constantly pose with their hand on their hip (because yes, we get it, it does make
your arm look thinner).    I promise, I am just trying to show off my awesome ring here.

The face I make when I start to feel awkward that my husband is taking photos of me in front
of a random building (that I think was a locksmith or something).

sweater: vintage, dress: Michael Stars (via discount store),  jacket: old/unknown,
boots:  Frye (thrifted!), belt:  Loft (via discount store)

Funny thing is...now looking at these photos, that dress isn't even all that long.  So yeah, I'm really glad I didn't wear any of my skirts that are even shorter.  Adding to my list of things to look for next time I'm thrifting:  tax-appropriate length skirts.

xo

Jayme

Outfit Post: Fancy Pants

I almost called this post "Wallflower".  I didn't realize how much I match the wall until I uploaded them onto my computer.  I think it looks kind of cool--very Zach Braff in Garden State (you know, that scene where he matches the bathroom wallpaper?).  But the real stand out in this outfit are the ah-mazing pants.  A gift from Amanda (of course).  I should've got a close up shot--they are almost like a thick lace material.  Sheer, with little booty shorts sewn in (though, I wore tights underneath to make them a little less risque).  I love the exaggerated shape of them.

Ew, my face here.  I wasn't intending to look so model-y, I think I was just 

caught off guard when the camera went off!

pants:  Free People, turtleneck:  old/unknown, scarf/tie:  vintage (really just a 

thin piece of silky fabric I found in a bin of vintage scarves and I tied it in a bow), handbag: vintage

I went the obvious route, pairing the gray pants with other shades of black and gray.  The red lip was a necessity to add SOME sort of color.  Oh, and I guess this little gal helped add a pop of color to my outfit too:

I couldn't get that purse out of her tiny baby death grip.

Not sure how else to style these pants.  How would you wear them?

xo

Jayme

Outfit Post: A Casual Friday in 1970

This is one of my favorite outfit posts in all of blog history...the individual vintage pieces are awesome in and of themselves, but the way it all came together made me feel so 70s chic, and to top it off, it is super comfortable. I could wear this out to dinner with friends or to go to the post office with Aurora. It's casual with a little bit of oomph courtesy of the vintage pieces.

I wore this camel jacket,etc. to run some Friday errands and then have a casual night in with Q. We made dinner together and watched The African Queen (1951)...maybe Love Story (1970) would have been a more appropriate film decade-wise, but this was my first Humphrey Bogart film, and I really loved it. Our veggie burger-and-oven-fries dinner wasn't too shabby either. Sometimes a Friday night at home is just what I need!

mustard fedora-vintage, corduroy blazer-vintage, dove tee-vintage, scarf-random, jeans-Gap (perfect boot), boots-AE (thrifted)

I love how a blazer and a few accessories can makes jeans and a tee look totally put together. I think these are my new wardrobe staples! Now, if only I could find some more sweet vintage tees. They are seriously rare at the thrifts (around here, at least)! I believe I found this one somewhere in South Carolina on a spring break, once upon a time. Maybe I'll find some on my 30th birthday road trip? (More on that later...)

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Reds

Red lips are still my favorite little indulgence. They make me feel a little vintage-y, even if my outfit is not. They are so glamorous!  When I wear something red, I can't help but put on my favorite lipstick.

This is another cozy outfit for winter--I have been living in these Gap jeans (thanks, Jayme!) with boots and sweaters and of course, my favorite scarf.  I found this sweater while thrifting this week, and may hoard it for myself at least a little while.

sweater-vintage, tee-random, jeans (perfect boot)-Gap, scarf-thrifted, boots-vintage, purse-vintage

This was a Sunday-errands look. Although I'm a major skirt and dress lover, I have been trying to find a selection of jeans I don't hate to improve my casual wardrobe since that's the wardrobe I go to most of the time during the week (running to the post office, blogging, chasing after Aurora). I need to add a few more basics, but first:  on the hunt for an amazing 30th birthday dress. I think it's gonna be impossible--but I'll keep you posted!

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: By Request

My first memories of vintage being "cool" were in 9th grade.  My friend Sandi would frequent our local vintage boutique (called Rag n' Bone) for quirky pieces.  I particularly remember one little tank top she had from the 70s that read: "The smaller the grapes, the sweeter the wine."  I think we thought it was some kind of sexual innuendo?  If so, it didn't make much sense....right?

Recently Sandi purchased this pretty little black and white vintage dress but then decided the sleeves were just a bit too puffy for everyday wear.  So she gifted it to Miskabelle to sell in the shop!  But first, she wanted to see it styled up.  Per Sandi's vision--with curly hair and red accessories.  I didn't have red shoes, so a red hat and belt will have to do!

beanie hat- Gap. dress-vintage, stretch belt- vintage, grey cross body purse-vintage, shoes-Nine West

The sleeves definitely make a statement--but an adorable one at that!  This dress will carry over perfectly into fall and winter, paired with some thick tights and ankle booties.  Look for it in the shop soon!

xo

Jayme

Outfit Post: Birthday Suit

I turned the big 2-8 this past Wednesday.  Birthdays aren't what they used to be.  I've traded in parties for a casual day of shopping with the husband and the babe.  But one thing that remains--an excuse to get dressed up!
I found this double collared peach blouse at the thrift this week and intended it to be for the shop, but once I tried it on and found the fit was perfect (I love that it's a button up blouse but still shows some neck) I decided I needed to add it to my personal wardrobe.  Paired with a simple black skirt and flats and I still felt just a little special for my big day.

blouse-vintage, belt-vintage, skirt-Target (and American Apparel knock off), flats- Banana Republic

With a baby on your hip flats are essential!  

Click over to the Miskabelly blog to see a little more of birthday "celebration".

Oh, and yesterday I said goodbye to that long braid...all 7 inches of it!  Stay tuned for some photos of the new 'do next week (I know....you're all on the edge of your seats).  Until then, have a lovely weekend!  I'm dreaming of strolling through newly falling leaves and sipping on a hot spiced drink....

xo

Jayme

Outfit Post: Cherry on Top

I must admit--I wore this outfit to a coffee date with a friend and originally did not think it was really 'outfit post worthy.'  Ripped up jeans, an old t-shirt and a cardigan isn't the most interesting combination, but add some cherry red lips and a mustard yellow beret and the outfit instantly has some pop!  We found this beret while antiquing over the weekend and it will soon be for sale in the shop (it is an actual FRENCH beret and in perfect condition....and the rich mustard yellow color is to die for!  Email us if you'd like first dibs--I think we'll price it around $25).  {Just realized my shirt says "New Orleans French Quarters" and I paired it with a French beret!  Um, I mean, I totally did that on purpose.} I am super pumped to start wearing hats--though I'm afraid it will give me even more of an excuse to skip washing my hair on days I'm extra tired from being up all night with an 8 month old.  I definitely feel much more fashionable during fall/winter because scarves and hats can pretty much make any ol' outfit look cool.  Red lips have the same effect but when I try wearing them I just don't feel like myself for some reason.  So hats and scarves it is.  What's your go-to for making a boring outfit look "cool"?

beret-vintage, tshirt-vintage, cardigan-old/unknown!, purse-vintage, jeans-Paige, flats-Banana Republic

Also--I have a confession:  I found my first gray hair over the weekend.  So of course I immediately went out and bought a box of hair dye.  So while everyone is updating their hair color for fall, I pretty much just did it out of necessity (yes it is necessary not to have gray hairs at age 27).

Hope all my fellow east-coasters are staying safe in lieu of all the rains and flooding.

xo

Jayme

Outfit Post: Go-To Boots

There's something about a good pair of worn-in cowboy boots that make me feel like a million bucks.  After months of scouring the internet for the perfect vintage pair, I found mine at a thrift store.  In my size.  And for 5 bucks.  I must say, it was my biggest thrifting success to date.
I love nothing more than being able to throw on these boots with a dress.  The heel is high enough to do the job (of making me feel taller and thinner) but low enough to be comfortable to walk in.  This particular day included a 30 minute walk up and down the street with my baby girl in her front carrier (it was a [failed] attempt to get her to take a nap).  It was also raining which is why the toe of the boot looks a bit darker than the rest of it...I'm hoping they dry out and the discoloration goes away.  But even if it doesn't I will still love my boots just the same!

(*excuse the squinty eyes!) dress-H&M, cardigan-vintage, boots-vintage, head scarf-vintage

The denim dress paired with western style boots could make for a very "cowgirl" kind of look, so to detract from that I added a ladylike cardigan and a silk scarf in my hair.  And for the sake of comfort--no belt!  It is rare occasion that I don't belt a tent-y dress like this one. My trusty boots give me courage to do crazy things, I tell ya.

Jayme  

     

Outfit Post: Pumpkin is the New Mustard

I am beyond ecstatic that fall is just around the corner. I'm tired of sweating, tired of mosquito bites, tired of not being able to wear some of my favorite clothes (boots and tights and blazers and cozy cardigans).  I found this perfect skirt while thrifting--the belt was included. It's 100% cotton and the most perfect shade of pumpkin orange.  It will be great for fall with some lace up wedges or even boots.  The shape is similar to the red skirt I wore last week, but it's a little bit longer, which I love.

For the hotter-than-hot Sunday that we took a daytrip to Richmond, I wore it with a little tie strap tank and some sandals.  (Also, notice my hair: the bangs are finally growing out and I did a modified version of the no-heat curls that are all the rage on Pinterest/bloggers right now.  I hate to be trendy, but damn, do they work! And they're so easy!)

tank-thrifted, skirt-vintage/thrifted, wedges-Nine West (thrifted), layered necklace-f21 (old), bangle-random

We happened to decide to try out Richmond on the day of their Watermelon Festival.  It sounds like a great fortune, but really, it was just loud, and crowded, and we didn't get to do the things we wanted to.  There are some great vegan places we couldn't find and I lost my list of thrift spots.  It was so hot that we basically went into the first restaurant we came to, which had only one vegan menu item and was unfortunately way overpriced.

We really liked the area, though, and hope to do another daytrip in the fall.  Maybe I'll even wear this skirt again...

So anyway, I'm calling it right here, right now:  mustard has been all the rage the past few years, and I still love it, but pumpkin is going to be this fall's hot new color.  If only because I say so. ;)

xo,
Amanda

Outfit Post: Cat Lady

I bet you are dying to see the outfit that I have so lovingly titled:  "Cat Lady."  I bet you are picturing an oversized granny dress and those slide-on slippers.  Or maybe those sweat pants with the elastic at the hem paired with a giant flannel shirt?
I won't lie...I actually don't even like cats all that much (don't hate me!).  I did however wear this outfit to go to my in-laws' home to check in on their cats while they are away.  This translates to:  I paced around the house with Lyla (my 7 month old...click here to meet her and Amanda's baby, Aurora) while my husband fed the cats and changed their litter boxes.  That's about all we did this weekend...so it was my only excuse to really get dressed.  And I am totally okay with that!

No sweat pants or slippers were involved but I totally could see this on a cat lady out and about-- the long sweater (which I once got made fun of behind my back by a co-worker for wearing excessively...I believe her words were something like "it's not even cute.") and the button up shirt accessorized with a brooch.  I spiced it up a bit with the mini skirt and cinched waist (confession:  I just recently learned how to spell that word.  All these years I've been spelling it "sinched" and wondering why my spell check didn't recognize it!).  Then I got all cat lady-ish again with the practical flat shoes.  My real excuse is that I am dressing for mom duty!

sweater- Banana Republic, sleeveless peach button up-vintage,  brooch and belt- vintage, 

skirt- American Apparel (via discount store), flats- vintage, cocktail ring- Forever 21

I actually was quite happy with this outfit!  It was raining a bit that day and I was glad to be able to do a bit of layering.  The shoes were the one downfall.  If I could've chosen ANY shoe I wanted (for instance, if I actually had money to buy new shoes...or if I could magically walk around perfectly in heels while carrying a squirmy baby on my hip) I would have chosen something like this:

ASOS Tassel Suede Shoe Boots with Wedge Heel

A bit much for taking care of cats I suppose...

xo

Jayme

Outfit Post: My Go-To

No matter how adventurous one is in daily fashion/style choices, I think we all have that one go-to silhouette that always works in a pinch.  Being a classic pear-shape (smaller on top, curvier in the hips/bottom) I feel most comfortable in a fitted tank paired with a high waisted a-line skirt.
I wore this outfit to our local arts festival (on HOT July day); flat sandals for hitting the pavement all afternoon and pulled back hair (because bangs and humidity do not mix!).

tank top-Free People (prob circa 2001!), skirt- vintage, sandals- Dolce Vita

This skirt was once a skort--and a knee-length one, at that.  I find myself purchasing vintage pieces based solely on the fabric/print and then re-working them to something wearable.  I always have a pile of fixer-uppers laying on my sewing machine!
The shirt--a super old tank top that is short and wide, so I knotted it the back.

Pretty basic.  Totally in my comfort zone.  What's your go-to outfit?

xo
Jayme