Just Call Me Stella

"Stella" walks tall and proud. She carries off the 'weird' fashion trends like she was made for them. Skinny jeans in boots? Check. As they say of a character in The Devil Wears Prada, "She's so far on the edge of fashion she's about to fall off."

I'm not entirely sure I love this outfit, but it's what I happened to put on today. The blouse is short-sleeved and black and white striped, and I honestly think this outfit would have looked better with my motorcycle jacket, which I almost grabbed but wanted to be cozy in a sweater instead. Today was just too cold for fashion. I am wearing leggings and knee-high wool socks under the skinny jeans, that's why they look so tight and awkward. Part of me thinks I should have just called it a day in my sweatpants.

Nonetheless! I really liked the whole skinny jeans in short-booties look last time I tried it (here). I also really enjoy tying my cummerbund in a bow as a belt...it just has that unexpected and totally fun quality. And sorry about the pictures, it was simply too cold to smile! Some days, you work with what you have, even if it's not much :) I almost slipped on ice after this photo shoot, so I decided to wear my short gray boots instead for the rest of the day...

The Runway Rundown:

Heart earrings: Forever 21
Striped blouse: At Last, thrifted
Sweater: Axcess, by Liz Claiborne
Cummerbund: thrifted
Gray jeans: Forever 21
Black boots: Nine West
Gray boots: Walmart
Coat: Forever 21
Gloves: TJ Maxx

P.S. > I Heart These Hearts

You may have noticed I've been wearing my heart earrings all of the time. Before I tell you the story of those particular earrings, let me just say that I'm sick of chandelier earrings. Not totally flat-out done with them, I still think they're pretty, but I am just a little over-saturated with them. Bring studs back!!! Studs are so easy to wear and can add just a little something when you need a subtle sheen. But since they are not that popular right now, they can be hard to find. However, I saw the above photo shoot of a "make-under" of Kim Kardashian (she actually looks quite lovely here, I think! Good job, Glamour magazine team!), I fell in love with the simplicty of her white sweater with the little heart earrings.

I really wanted some. It is very rare for me to see something in a magazine that I'm lusting after and actually go buy it. But I happened to find an almost exact replica of the several-hundred-dollar-real-jewelry ones Kim is wearing at Forever 21 (love F21!). It came with the dancer necklace I wore in my birthday girl post and these earrings, both for just $3.80. That is a STEAL! I have barely taken them off since I bought them :)

 

Of course I wore them with my white sweater a'la Kim in the Ellen post!

Remember: Quotes on Beauty

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." ~Coco Chanel

Nothing like a Chanel quotation to inspire! She is right though---what is fashion but yet another conglomeration of who we are, what we do, and what we love?

Just Call Me Claire

I knew this girl named Claire back when I was a ballet dancer. She was tall, thin (of course), had gorgeous strawberry hair and lots of freckles. Her hair was long and she could twist it up and she just always seemed so French, even though now, that doesn't seem very French to me. But I can just see her strolling in Paris, wearing an outfit like this.

Navy and stripes is always a winning combo. This feels like it should be a spring outfit, and I kept wanting to add open-toed shoes. But alas, even though the sun was shining it was a mere 30 degrees. Felt like springtime after our single digits, but there's still plenty of ice and snow around! So I settled for my go-to brown boots. This winter has really made me realize I could use a few more high-heels for winter in my wardrobe. They are so hard to find, though! If it isn't suede (terrible in snow!), it's too springy! I guess boots are the only option?

I've been wanting a long cardigan for awhile now, and this one, at $7 from TJ Maxx, was a steal. It has a nice open weave cotton and three-quarter sleeves, so I'm already envisioning it over my dresses for spring. The little blouse is so much fun, it's the perfect little milk-maid blouse with three-quarter sleeves, a low bodice, and buttons up the front. It's also a very spring/summery top, but that's why God invented layering (or was that Mary-Kate and Ashley?).

I added a touch of green because I think any outfit that is done with neutrals and/or is mostly monochromatic always needs a tiny hint of a contrast color. This funky, spring-y, beach-y bracelet was perfect. Cinch it all with a belt, and I love this outfit! Felt really pulled together, yet still cozy and approachable. A great outfit for my office.

The Runway Rundown:

Sunnies: H&M
Necklace: self-made
White l.s. tee: Wal-Mart
Striped blouse: American Eagle
Navy sweater: American Eagle via TJ Maxx
Belt: Thrifted
High-waist jeans: American Eagle
Bracelet: Random store in FL
Boots: Thrifted

Just Call Me Sarah

"Sarah" is a happy girl, just happy with the simple things. And she likes to fall in love. She'll splash in rain puddles and dance with you in public and she'll always make you smile because there's just so much to smile about. And she sees it, especially when the sun shines in January. Ahh, that makes all the difference in the world.

I felt like wearing this dress again. It's just so...easy. As a boy told me the last time, "Why are you wearing a sleeveless dress under a sweater in the middle of winter?" so I added a long-sleeve shirt this time.  I was sick of the belted look, but this tent dress still needs something to nip in the waist, and why not a jean vest? It does the trick and kept me quite warm, actually. Jeans and flannel always go together.

Threw on some tights, and of course, my wellies because it had been a day and a half straight of rain, so they were necessary. I just love the mini-skirt appeal of this dress. Flannel miniskirt? It's so sexy in this totally off-hand, almost careless way.

The Runway Rundown:

Heart earrings: Forever 21
Brown l.s. tee: Forever 21
Flannel dress: Forever 21
Jean Vest: Silver Jeans, via TJ Maxx
Leather Gloves: TJ Maxx
Tights: who knows (they got a hole in the toe today)
Brown Wellies: Wal-Mart

Just Call Me Hanna

Hanna was one of the top ten Swedish baby names in 2008 (yes, I Googled it). It's such a good name, solid, healthy, rolls off the tongue well. I can just envision a dark-haired (yes, Swedish girls *can* have dark hair) girl with gorgeous big eyes and freckles across her nose, wearing navy and red against the Swedish snow. Or...perhaps, purple and yellow, Vikings colors!

My dear Vikings didn't end up winning tonight, but this is a winning outfit. I received several compliments on my outfit and purse. After last week's outfit troubles with purple and yellow, I remembered this skinny yellow belt tucked away with my summer things, and pulled it out. This purple top is so fun, sheer flocking (floral patterns) that looks beautiful in person, and, as a friend said at church this morning, "It's so soft!"

High-waisted jeans worked well with this short top. The skinny belt is such a great color, truly. This one is actually leather, unlike so many of the brightly-colored belts you can find that are cheap ugly shiny vinyl. Yuck. So many people loved this purse, it's just such a pop of spring. I used brown as my neutral, so the tank under the somewhat sheer top and the boots are brown. Gloves, of course, because even though I took a few pics without my jacket, it was still really cold out! You can see what I really wore below. Otherwise, a successful Vikings fan outfit! Good season, Vikes, so sorry I won't get to see you in the Superbowl :(

The Runway Rundown:
Heart earrings: Forever 21
Brown tank: James Perse
Purple blouse: New York & Company
Yellow belt: from a summer top
High-waist jeans: American Eagle
Gloves: American Eagle
Purse: Margaret Smith, vintage
Bangles (in some pics): Forever 21
White scarf: KMart
Yellow Vest: New York & Company
Black fleece (in last pic): Target
Boots: Thrifted

Just Call Me Nancy

Nancy, as in, Nancy Drew. This outfit has such a "Sherlock Holmes" feel to it, but Nancy Drew was my favorite when I was younger. Read almost all of her books, and I had to read them all the way through in one sitting so I wasn't scared. Secret: I'm a scaredy cat, and the Nancy Drew movie scared me. Yes, it's for kids. Yes, it's not really scary. And yes, it really did scare me. But she wears such cute clothes in the movie!

Lately I haven't been feeling like getting super dressed up. I think it's just the time of the year...middle of January does nothing for a girl's spirit! Add to that the fact that I get up at 5am on Fridays for school and I wasn't really feeling it this day. When I'm having a day like that, there are three options:

1.) Bum it. Wear comfy clothes that aren't doing a thing for your figure but feel great.
2.) Layer it up. Throw on everything you can get your hands on. An easy style solution.
3.) Wear a statement piece with jeans. And add a touch of animal print.

This week I went for number 3, and this plaid short jacket with 'leather' buttons and ties on the sleeves was the thing I grabbed in the morning-dark. I wore a navy shirt under it, jeans, and brown boots. Add an animal-print barrette...Easy-peasy, out the door by 6am. Good sunglasses are always the ticket, as well. No matter what the situation, throw on some great sunglasses and you look the part. (Note: I am so sorry I didn't think to take my scarf off to show you the front of the jacket, or the back with the cute sleeve ties...sorry!)

The Runway Rundown: 
Sunnies: Thrifted
Earrings: Lia Sophia (gift!)
Navy shirt: Elie Tahari (so. soft.)
Plaid Jacket: Arden B. via consignment shop
Jeans: X2
Boots: Aerosoles
Scarf: can't remember
Gloves: American Eagle
Barrette: can't remember
Earbuds: Wal-Mart

Just Call Me Ellen

Ellen is a great name. I knew a blonde girl (who had a twin) named Ellen in elementary school and I thought she was so...chic, even at 7. She had a sleek blonde bob and was so put together all of the time. That's how this "Ellen" is...chic and put-together. Very sleek, simple, and classic.

I love the feel of this outfit. Winter white looks so great on sunny winter days, truly! It feels like a breath of fresh air to wear it, too. I get so sick of dark corduroy come the middle of January. I feel like spring should be just around the corner, but truthfully, we haven't even hit the middle of winer (Feb. 1st). But winter white looks fresh. This cowl-neck sweater with bell-sleeves is one of my favorites. I love it and am always terrified I will add another snag to it or spill something on it, but it has made it through a few winters so far.

I'm also big into black and white, and big bows. This cummerbund is perfect. I love how it is thick in the back (technically the front?) and then narrows as it comes around my waist. I wore my hair in a high bun with the beaded necklace from the birthday post. Black platform boots round out the outfit. Jeans are always the best bet for a sweater with a cowlneck. Skirts can look a bit dowdy if they are over-the-knee, and a bit, excuse me, 'provocative' if over the knee. Cowl necks are a bit tricky in that respect. But just keep the bottom line long and lean and you're fine. These jeans aren't my favorite, but they are the only pair I have with straight legs that are long enough for heels.

The Runway Rundown:

Headband: Goody, gift
Heart earrings: Forever 21
Cowlneck sweater: The Limited
Black Cummerbund: Thrifted
Jeans: Karl Lagerfeld, via TJ Maxx
Platform Boots: Nine West
Coat: Express

Just Call Me Lena

A good Scandinavian name, yes? Representing the Northerners from Minnesota and our Scandinavian roots today by cheering on my Minnesota Vikings in the Playoffs! Not gonna lie, they played very well and I'm pretty sure their win was because of my outfit. ;-)

Purple and 'gold' or yellow are rather difficult colors to wear together in such large quantities, especially in the middle of winter. I had all of my purple and yellow clothes out on the bed (not a whole lot...I think I need more of these two colors...to wear separately the majority of the time!) and let me say, it was difficult to pull together an outfit.

You've seen this silk skirt before, that I always have to roll over to make less granny-ish in length. Unfortunately, I did a messy job of that today in my rush out the door. Standard winter-neutral accessories...brown boots, brown tights, purpley-gray blazer,  and brown belt. This is a purple tank top, but it was obviously too cold to wear just that, so I put a white (for the Vikings horns, of course!) long-sleeve tee underneath. I have to be straight with you...it looked a little bit ridiculous when I took the jacket off. So, jacket stayed on the entire day! Of course the braids are Vikings braids, gotta have those! I didn't have a helmet with horns, so my Scandinavian purple hat had to stand in.

And, did I mention, the VIKINGS WON? Let's go Vikes, I want to see you in the Superbowl this year! And I leave you with a die-hard fan, who's got all the gear:

The Runway Rundown:

Purple tank: Target
White Long-Sleeve: Wal-Mart
Corduroy Blazer: Tommy Hilfiger
Belt: Thrifted
Silk Skirt: Ann Taylor
Tights: who knows
Boots: Thrifted


Winter Hat: Helly Hansen

Remember: Quotes on Beauty

"Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." ~1 Peter 3:3,4 (NASB) 

I love the part about the "hidden person of the heart."

Just Call Me Ella

Ella has a natural flair for the artistic. She's quirky and one-off, but as genuine and warm as a person can possibly be. She never forgets your birthday, and it's always a homemade card and a wonky cupcake she'll surprise you with. Hugs are her favorite, unless she's in the middle of making something, and then she'll wave you off with a, "Just a minute, love" but you'll wait. You'll wait, because she's Ella.

Don't even ask me where I got the inspiration for this outfit because I have. no. idea. It seems rather strange to put a short-sleeve V-neck blouse over a long-sleeve turtleneck dress, but you know what, I ended up liking the lines. I felt like it looked a bit straight without the belt, so I tightened things up with the belt. I'm not entirely sure how well the darker/lighter brown combo works, but I figure it I had at least the belt and shoes the lighter brown, it might work. I was feeling adventurous. I did wear my standard go-to brown boots for a few pics though. Which do you prefer? Also, these brown wedges somehow seem too large for me now. I suppose it's because the leather stretches? Is there anything to do about that?

I promised myself I wouldn't take any more pictures without gloves of some sort, because my hands were taking too much of a beating with the coldness. So these gloves have absolutely nothing to do with the outfit :-P I got my hair cut yesterday, and I rarely like the first few days of a haircut. Blah. I also happened to catch some hair in the vent of my hair dryer this morning. So not the best of hair days. When I got to work this morning, one of my coworkers said my outfit was "spicy." I'm not even sure what that meant...

The Runway Rundown:

Turtleneck Dress: C&C California
Plaid Blouse: Charlotte Russe
Belt: Thrifted
Gloves: American Eagle
Tights: can't remember
Wedges: Seychelles
Brown Boots: Thrifted

Just Call Me Kara

"Kara" could kick some serious rear end in this outfit. I'm not sure if she's going to throw on a helmet and hop on her motorcycle, or just be that girl who gets everything she wants. Either way, some days it's the only vibe you can channel. This is my first foray into the skinny-jeans-tucked-into-low-boots ordeal, but I must admit, I'm a fan! I love how tough it looks, while still being feminine. It has a real 'supermodel' quotient to it, perhaps merely from the fact that the uninterrupted leg-line makes my relatively short legs look rather long! I'll take it! I do not like that bunchy-pants look though, and need to figure out how to fix that next time...

I'm also loving the jewel tones of this outfit: emerald headband, sapphire scarf, and ruby-red coat to top it all off (and ruby nails that you can't see). Dark gray is such a wonderful background for sharp colors. They pop better than on black, in my opinion. These black and white leather gloves are one of my favorite things. Sadly, though, they are getting quite dirty. Any ideas on cleaning white (matte) leather? And finally...this jacket. It is absolutely the most well-made, gorgeous thing I have ever had in my closet. It was originally $495. I have no idea how, but I snagged it at TJ Maxx for a mere pittance ($25). It has incredible detailing and such quality craftsmanship. It fits the body so beautifully, and can be worn as a coat over pretty dresses or as a sweater. Satin piping and a sequin collar on a thick jersey coat...can't go wrong.

The Runway Rundown:

Headband: can't remember
Heart earrings: Forever 21
Scarf: gift (actually from India)
Black turtleneck (can't see): Express
Gray jacket: Rebecca Taylor (via TJ Maxx)
Leather gloves: TJ Maxx
Gray jeans: Forever 21
Platform black boots: Nine West
Red coat: Forever 21

Just Call Me Hayley

This outfit reminds me of Hayley Mills, who played in the original The Parent Trap. Oh gosh, how I LOVED that movie. I died over the clothes. Camp uniforms! Pretty dresses! And I really like the name Hayley (and that spelling). She seems put-together and lovely, but she'll smile and tell you stories in the sweetest, most charming voice. Everyone falls in love with Hayley, how can you not?

This outfit is rather neutral in tone, but it has enough detail in the pieces to hold interest. Plus, that gorgeous pinky-red coat adds so much! This light-green top has been a great piece since I finally discovered how to wear it. It isn't complicated, I just...couldn't figure out how to wear it for a few years. Now I can't stop wearing it! It has smocking details (my new favorite) on the sides and shoulders. I layered the brown tank under it for a bit of cover-up and visual weight (and warmth!). This linen motorcycle jacket is technically not a winter piece, but I needed something in the same color family that was a bit cropped. And I love the edge this brings to an other-wise classic outfit.

These high-waisted pleated pants are from Express, and they're a wonderful new silhouette to me. For some reason, when I wore these, I felt like they looked really different from the way they show up in these pictures. I felt like they were much higher on my waist in person. Unfortunately, they are a bit too short (I did hike them up a bit so the belt would fit) for heels, so I opted for flats. The braided leather belt is my one thrift store find from yesterday. I can't wait to throw it on some summer dresses in a few months!

The Runway Rundown:

Brown tank: James Perse
Light Green tank: Cloth
Jacket: Charlotte Russe
Belt: Thrifted
Pants: Thrifted (orig. Express)
Brown tights (for warmth): who knows
Navy flats: American Eagle
Coat: Thrifted (orig. Express)

Just Call Me Allie

I think the two l's in the name "Allie" stand for layers, layers! Allie strikes me as the kind of girl who loves to play scrabble, drink tea, and daydream about moving to Vermont. She'll go to Hawaii on a whim and surf with the locals, or backpack in India for a month. That, or she'll just hang out at the local tea lounge like I actually did.

This outfit is a new style for me...everyone is layering socks/tights/leggings/legwarmers so I tried my hand (leg?) at it tentatively. I think the proportions here work, loving all of the layes with the miniskirt, not going to lie. My awesome friend gave me this great green patterned cami, and I combined it with a mauvy-purple...great combo! The jacket is Paul Frank, and has some fun details: puffy sleeves, buttons up the arms, and, of course, a tuxedo tail. The scarf was the perfect way to tie everything together...it has the purple, green, and cream in it. The neutral charcoal of the tights and brown of the boots/vest blend harmoniously. Charcoal is my favorite new neutral.

I wore this to do a bit of thrift shopping in my town...and sadly enough, only came up with one belt. But then I settled in with some tea and my laptop in the cozy tea lounge, and had a very lovely Saturday evening. Hope you did too!(here's one of the clever windows the thrift store does....winter wedding theme :))

The Runway Rundown:

Green tank: gift (originally Aeropostale)
Blazer: Paul Frank
Scarf: TJ Maxx
Gloves: can't remember
Vest: Target
Miniskirt: Target
Tights: Hue
Socks: Target
Rainboots: Wal-Mart

Remember: Quotes on Beauty

“People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.”

—	Salma Hayek

Just Call Me Lauren

Lauren is that off-handedly sexy co-ed everyone secretly envies. No, she's not the prettiest cheerleader, but she's somehow...sexier because she doesn't know it and she doesn't try to be. She's loyal, smart and funny. And this is an outfit I'm sure she'd grab from a pile on her dorm floor.

This dress is going to be great, I can just tell. I picked it up from the clearance rack at Forever 21 and it's a 3-season dress, for sure (I don't think I could wear it in summer). The T-back makes it fresh. I can envision all sorts of layered outfits with it! And did I mention it has pockets? But I would just like to mention...I. Am. Cold. These tights are weird...a gray-green. Not a very *useful* color of tights, but they work here since green and gray are both colors in this outfit.

I have to admit, I rarely, if ever, splurge on clothing items. But something came over me when I saw this authentic vintage (60s? 70s?) Ivy League Varsity sweater. It's not even that pretty, but I had my heart set on it, and spent quite a bit too much money on it. But I think it's a great piece that I hope will get a lot of love and wear. Overall, I really like this outfit, but it's just too cold out to wear it today, darnet!

The Runway Rundown:

Dress: Forever 21
Belt: Thrifted
Tights: Hue
Boots: Wal-Mart
Vintage Sweater: local vintage store
Pearl Bracelet: gift made by a friend (she takes orders!)

Just Call Me Birthday Girl

I had jeans on this morning. I haven't slept well in days and I was going to slum it. But then I thought, "NO. It is my birthday, darnet, and I will look beautiful." I also always feel slightly bittersweet on birthdays (I just hate goodbyes that much), so I needed an extra boost of confidence and beauty today. It always amazes me what clothes and makeup can do for my outlook. (I call the picture below my "Nutcracker" picture, hehehe)

I just bought this skirt after being incredibly inspired by the gorgeous ballet costumes that Valentino designed for this year's Vienna Philharmonic Orchestrac New Year's concert on PBS. I watch every year because I die when I see the ballerinas (oh. my. goodness. love.). Each of the dancers had a different romantic tutu on, and they were all shades of pink, gray, and tan. I could only find one picture (it happens to be one of my favorites)...I will continue to search for more pictures of the gorgeous costumes. It was so inspiring!

Dancing was one of my great passions when I was younger. I was never the best, I never would have been, but I simply absolutely truly loved it. I especially loved all of the gorgeous costumes and warm-ups, so anything ballet-inspired gets a front-row spot in my wardrobe. This top, with a faux-wrap and smocking details on the shoulders, definitely reminds me of the bodice of a leotard. It is very form-hugging.

One of my best friends gave me this gorgeous beaded headband for Christmas and of course I just had to wear it. Thanks, dear, I really love it and can't wait to wear it again! Unfortunately, my birthday is in January, so I had to add some black tights here. I tried to tie them in with the black shoes, black watch, and black headband. I am not certain it was an entirely successful attempt...does anyone have any better hosiery attempts for this outfit, or a better way to 'winterize' it? I'd love some help!

I truly felt like a birthday ballerina in this outfit. I floated through the day. My coworker's little girl (1 1/2 years old) loved it too. Every time I came close she pointed to my skirt and said, "Pretty! Pretty!" Thanks to all who made my birthday wonderful. I love you all and I couldn't make it through a day without you.

I was a dancer when I was young, but now I am 22.

The Runway Rundown: 

Headband: gift! 
Ballerina necklace and heart earrings: Forever 21 (haha, nope, I'm 22 now!)
Black Watch: Skagen
Black Scarf: can't remember!
'Nutcracker' Red Coat: Forever 21
White shirt: Thrifted, brand Michael Kors
Tutu skirt: Forever 21
Tights: who knows?
Black Wedge Slingbacks: Thrifted, brand Kenneth Cole
Black ballet flats (in dance pics): Target

Fingernail polish: All A-bordeaux the Sleigh, by OPI (gift!)