Just Call Me Lynn

This is such a simple outfit for a rainy, sleepy day. But would you believe me if I told you the next few days are supposed to be in the 80s? I think that might be an April Fool's joke...This white sweater has got to be one of my favorite sweaters I've ever owned. It's just so wonderfully cozy, not too tight, bell sleeves, cowl neck, open weave, but incredibly warm. And I just love winter white on dreary days. So fresh, it just cuts through the gloom. Don't ask me why I thought capris + knee highs + boots was a good idea...

Remember how I have a "hypothetical engagement" when I graduate? (hehehe, see previous post for the story). Yesterday I was asked if I have any children. I mean, honestly, should I just put a sign on my forehead that says, "Single and Childless"? What else can I add, "Bitter"? (I'm kidding. I'm kidding.) But I decided that if I have a hypothetical engagement, perhaps I ought to start planning a hypothetical wedding. My coworker was eager to help, and brought a flyer of beautiful wedding cakes back from the Boston Flower Show for me. This one was my favorites (certainly that sharpie circle was not from me. nah, it wasn't circled so I could put it in a 'wedding' file or anything like that...cause this is all just purely hypothetical). How much fun are the carved initials in birch bark?!?! So love it!!!!

 (cake designed by Jacques Pastries) 

I found this "Love List" in Glamour magazine a month or two back...and if I'm going to be getting married (hypothetically speaking), I'd better be sure I'm working towards the New List. I really think this is such an important differentiation between ways of looking at relationships...and in Glamour magazine, no less! Every once in awhile, they've got something good! I think my favorite is, instead of listing what you want your man to look like, say, "I want to be madly attracted to him." That is so much more realistic and wonderful!

(click to make the pic bigger, of course)

That's all for tonight, dears! Hopefully, if the weather really is nice the next few days, I'll actually be inspired to bust out some nice outfits (but not actually, like bust out, 'cause that would be a definite 'wardrobe malfunction'. Ahem.)

The Runway Rundown:

Sweater: The Limited
Belt: Thrifted
Capris: Thrifted
Crochet Socks: Target
Wellies: Walmart
Vest: Target

Just Call Me Amy

I was so fashionable today. So. Fashionable. I could hardly stand myself. I woke up at 5am and I thought to myself, "Wow, I feel fantastic. I am going to look fantastic today," and it was just one of those days, you know? Where everything falls into place perfectly and then...you realize you're actually still dreaming. And it's 5:25 because you hit snooze, and now you're running late, and it's still raining, and you have absolutely no desire to look fabulous. In fact, you'd be perfectly fine wrapping the sheets and blankets around yourself and wearing your slippers. That's not socially acceptable? What do you mean? (hello, Snuggie!)

 This is the Monday I had to deal with...

But even if I don't have a fabulous outfit for you (um, turtleneck. jeans. end of story.), I have a funny side-story for you. We have a jewelry studio up at school, and I was in there, diligently working away on the jewelry I'm making (to hopefully be revealed later!). The director came in, and I happened to ask him if alumna can still use the studio. He said the rule is no, but he could maybe bend the rules for a special project. I asked, "Like if I wanted to make an engagement ring after graduation?" (meaning, lots later). He said, "Oh congratulations! Are you engaged or planning to be?" and I turned bright red, and laughed, "Ermm.....no, just hypothetically." A boy standing near us chimes in, "Does the boy know about this hypothetical engagement?"


I didn't have the courage to tell them I don't even have a boyfriend.
So much for a rainy Monday.
My saving grace: I'm wearing pink and white and red polka-dot knee socks under my outfit. And they totally match my scarf. See, I told you I was lookin' awesomely fabulous today.

The Runway Rundown:

Awesomeness: "there is no charge for awesomeness or attractiveness" (I. love. that. movie. hehe, from Kung Fu Panda)
Turtleneck: Banana Republic
Scarf: Wal-mart
Vest: Target
Jeans: X2
Wellies: Walmart
Would-make-you-so-jealous-I-can't-even-show-you-pictures polka-dot socks: Chinese Laundry, via TJ Maxx

Just Call Me Joanna

My parents were going to name my brother Joanna if he had been a girl. That's all of a story I have for this name. It's good, right? Riveting.

Remember I said a few days ago my awesome friend sent me some vintage wool suits to style before the weather turned too warm? This vintage skirt is high-wasited, with a sideways plaid pattern in gray and brown. It circles out so nicely, has pockets, and hits at a fairly decent length. I paired it with my modern glitzy sweater for that eclectic-posh look (please forgive the very un-posh running-late hair/makeup).

See how the grays match perfectly?! Love it when that happens! This was actually the perfect "weight" of outfit for a rather chilly New England spring day. It was, I think 38 or 40 degrees.

eyes closed or looking down? vote in comments :-P

I'm just not quite used to this vintage silhouette with a longer, but high-waisted skirt. But there must be something quite appealing about this conservative and modest look, because it garnered many compliments at church from both the men and women (and my friend who let me borrow the skirt!). However, I think one of the older ladies may think I stole it from her closet... joking, joking.

Not so sure I will stick with this style, but it was fun to try!Thoughts?

The Runway Rundown:
Earrings: American Eagle?
White Tee: Target
Sweater: Forever 21
Skirt: vintage, on loan from a friend
Tights: Target
Shoes: Dress Barn

Just Call Me Carrie

Carrie is a little bit rock n roll, and a little bit vintage glamour. One of my best friends was being honored at her employer, so I came along for the free dinner! Ok, and, can't lie, to sit next to her eye-candy co-worker. Oh, right, and to congratulate amazingly awesome friend!

Well, you see, I have a handful of super amazingly awesome friends. Because the other friend, who happens to live far away, sent me a box of VINTAGE SUITS to style up!!! How awesome is that?! The short black jacket is wool from the 60s?  Beautifully well-made from Pendleton, and totally works with a modern wardrobe. Vintage that doesn't look like a costume is the way to go (the longer coat is a modern fake from F21, don't be fooled).

hello awkward pose

Like I said, I'm kinda in love with my black skinnies (don't worry, after two wears, they are in the wash as we speak!). They work for just about anything! This purple shirt I wore with Bridget has been a great piece so far as well. The jeans were $9.50 and the shirt was $3...both brand new. How can you go wrong? I wasn't entirely sure what the dress-code would be, but this worked very well, while still being young and fun. Dressy but not too dressy.

However, for the majority of the evening, I sipped my Merlot and worried about clutch etiquette amidst conversations on modern architecture, ancient cultures, and Harvard medical school (and Lady GaGa). Yes, that's right, amidst the crossroads of the ancient, the modern, and the weird, I worried about clutch etiquette. I set it on the table while I got myself settled. Then I panicked. It shouldn't go on the table, should it?! I panicked further. Then I asked my friend to put it in her larger purse (what, me, no I didn't do that, course not!). Finally, I settled it into my lap under my napkin. But it was a bit slippery and I had to make sure it stayed on my lap. Sigh! Apparently I was correct, according to this blog post on what Miss Manners says, with some great tips! The clutch should never be set on the dining surface, but put on your lap under your napkin or behind you on the chair. Phew!

The Runway Rundown:
Headband: dollar store
Blouse: Wal-mart
Black tank (under): Heart, Moon, Star
Clutch: Aldo
Black jacket (sleeves rolled): vintage Pendleton wool (on loan from a friend)
Black skinny jeans: Forever 21
Black coat: Forever 21
Gold and black flats (these got a ragged line in the gold! so sad!!): Forever 21

P.S. > Inner Beauty

I haven't mentioned my beliefs much on this blog yet, but I am a Christian. I believe that God sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross in our place, to forgive all of our sins (yours. mine. big and small. past, present, and future.). And I know that if we believe in Him, and accept that forgiveness,  we will live with Him and have eternal life. And I know, I know, that a relationship with Him is the best thing in the whole wide world. I would give anything for you to have that sort of personal relationship with the only one who can fill the emptiness, heal the hurt, take the pain, and save us. Forever.

Thanks so much for reading my humble little blog. From here on out, I will be using it as a testament to the great God I serve, and who thinks that inner beauty is of great worth. Don't worry, I won't be using it as a preachy-blog, just a source of encouragement and strength for our journeys. We could all use that, right? Amen!

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hear and wearing gold jewelry, and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." ~1 Peter 3:3,4

Just Call Me Adie

Adie, as in Adie Camp. Cause I'm pretty sure I want to be her. Um, hello, gorgeous girl with such a heart for Jesus, an adorable accent, two freaking cute little girls, oh, and did I mention that JEREMY CAMP is her husband?! Yeah, pretty much perfect. Obviously, I was at a Jeremy and Adie Camp concert (here they are below praising Jesus). What a fantastic night!

This outfit is such a great concert outfit, yeah? The skinny black jeans are my new favorite, why did I not shell out $9.50 for a pair at F21 a LONG time ago? If you don't have any, grab the $10 your grandma will send you for Easter and GO BUY SOME!! I wish I'd bought several pair.

I really wanted something bold but still fun, and I think the combo of a bright color and black really does that, especially with the retro touch and the scarf (the thrifted one from this artsy picture). I was wearing the navy/white/pink version of this scarf when I bought it, and the check-out girl at the Salvation Army said, "You really like scarves huh?" Why, yes, I do, actually, I really do!!

So, you may be thinking to yourself, Why is she wearing an animal print coat? Are you? One of my best friends not only thought it, but said it out loud. Well, no matter, it's so much fun! The cut keeps it very gamine/European instead of...the other ways animal print can look.It's also cotton, which helps.

Oh, and I didn't tell you that Adie Camp is also a great musician? Sigh. Even more perfect. But she is also so genuine and real, it's tough not to just love her! One of her songs really spoke to my heart today, "Don't wait, don't wish away, today is going to be the day He made..." I have been waiting and wishing away a lot of days lately (you can find it on Adie Camp's Myspace).  Her other songs, "What Have I Done" and "When It's Over" are really just so wonderful, and the whole CD is on replay today. I was blasting it, with the windows open, and jumping up and down :-)

The Runway Rundown:

Sunnies: Nine West (forever ago)
Earrings: Lia Sophia (gift)
Scarf: Thrifted
Fuschia Blouse: American Eagle
Black tank (under): Local store
Black Skinnies: Forever 21
Jacket: Forever 21
Flats: Target

Just Call Me Amanda

did i mention it's windy today?

This outfit is missing something. But then again, this girl is missing something, and this day seems to be missing something. So let's break this down, shall we?

The outfit is missing...jewelry. Color. A pop. A focal point. Something interesting. I'd suggest....one of these?

necklaces by fashionatalie featuring Anthropologie jewelry

Did I mention they are ALL under $30?! Click the pic for more details on each one.

These high-heeled oxfords are so much fun, despite the fact that they make my Achilles heel hurt for days after wearing them. I must divulge another secret: it is hard to tell which shoe goes on which foot. I kid you not! They look...weird...like they are interchangeable, and just when I think I've got it right, I don't. So much for feeling like a grad student wearing preppy awesome oxfords. More like a confuzzled (that's right, I said confuzzled) two year old.

Now that we've got the outfit settled, what is the girl missing? Oh, pshh, tell me you know the answer to that and I don't have to spell it out for you. Ok. No. It is not a donut (though, good guess, and please scroll down). It's a B-O-Y.

And on to the third issue, what is the day missing? Ok, you were right! A donut! My best friend and I were talking about donuts today (gist: I love these Gluten-Free donuts). And that made me think of this game, the March Madness for girls like me with a weakness for the sweet stuff... are you in? Let's do this! Better vote fast, today in the pie conference it's a tight race between Cherry and French Silk! I've got Cheesecake being the victor over all!

So, I will put my high-heeled oxfords on the right feet, and buy a red necklace, and eat a donut, and show the boy that I don't need him, not even for March Madness, cause I have a better version (next year: donuts versus ice cream? please? please?). 

The Runway Rundown: 

Sunnies: Thrifted (vintage)
Blouse: American Eagle
Belt: Thrifted
Skirt: Target
Heels: Forever 21

Debrief Day 2

Jeans. Jeans, jeans, jeans. They are everyone's favorite piece of clothing, and in this day and age, they can take you just about anywhere. I'm grateful to have a job where I can wear jeans most days. But...are all jeans the same? Certainly not, according to Lucky!  Lucky put a pair of jeans in 7 out of the 10 styles. I decided it was time to take a look at my jeans stash (wow, I had no idea I had so many) and see which styles I own. Hopefully you'll do the same with me?

Euro Chic: 

My high-waist, darker-denim jeans fit into this category. Trouser jeans are such a go-to piece for almost any occasion. I can't get enough of them lately!!

California Casual: 

The jeans I wear on an almost-daily basis fit into this category, I think. I also have another, slightly lighter pair I would put in this category...bootcut, loose-fitting, relaxed. These are my 'best friend' jeans.

Rock n' Roll: 

My skinny gray and skinny black jeans would definitely fit here. I also have a pair of blue jeans that are mostly skinny and long enough for heels (though they need replacing!)

American Classic:

sorry for the weird colors...they are on weird pastel colors in the book, and they don't photograph well, and I don't have a scanner! and they spelled brooke shields wrong, just sayin'

I have two pair of straight-leg jeans, one distressed somewhat but long enough for jeans, and another pair perfect for flats. I also have one pair for "projects" like painting.

Bombshell:

I really don't think any of my jeans fit this style...pencil thin ankle-length in deep indigo.

Bohemian: 

I think my California Casual jeans are the closest I get to these, but they aren't long enough to wear with platforms.

Gamine:

Not sure any of my jeans fit into this category as most of mine are low-rise.

So that leaves us with 9 of my 10 jeans accounted for (not too shabby!). The last man standing is the green jeans. Hmmm....yeah, not so sure why I thought it was a good idea to buy green jeans. Don't ask me. I just love how jeans can fit into any style! It will really help me focus the dreaded perfect-jeans-shopping drama.

Now it's time to inventory your own jeans! Drag em all out and evaluate! As always, my guide is the wonderful Lucky Guide to Mastering the Art of Any Style.

Because this post may be boring, I'm also including a song for (yet another) rainy day! Aren't I a good friend?! Saltwater Room by Owl City



(P.S. Outfit post coming tomorrow!)

P.S. > Summer Hair

Debating, debating....for the summer, should I leave my hair long enough to braid and keep up off my neck, or cut it into the way it was in spring/summer of 08? This picture is me in front of the Chanel store in Tokyo, sigh...can't believe that was two years ago!I totally love this hairstyle, and think it's one of my favorites I've ever had, but my hair is FINALLY long! But...annoying, sometimes.

So... this is where we are folks. Can't decide. Help me?

Debrief Day One

Hello, dear friends and followers! 

Phew, it was a tough challenge to pull off all ten styles with just what was in my wardrobe (mostly...). However, I have absolutely no doubt that it was well worth it!! I can't wait to share all of my observations with you, so you can choose your favorite style too. I was roaming around in Forever 21 this weekend, and some of the items I would have thought in the past, "How in the world does one even wear that?!" now I can be like, "Oh, that's Mod, or Arty Slick, or bombshell," and I know just how to style it up! That was such a fun revelation. Try categorizing pieces with the styles next time you go shopping, I guarantee it will help you choose what suits YOU. Are you ready for the reveal?

sorry, couldn't resist the artsy shot from my last photoshoot

Anyway, today I wanted to figure out which were my top three styles. But then I couldn't decide. Because I liked some in theory much more than I liked the actual outfits I put together, and vice-versa. So I did two Top Three lists!

Top 3 Outfits

Euro chic was just far and away my favorite. But how could I not love this little sad-girl Mod look, and this bad-girl Rocker look?

Top 3 STYLES

After much deliberation, I think the styles that I wear most often, and that suit me best, are European Chic, Gamine, and Bohemian. Euro chic is definitely my top choice. The other possible choice was "American Classic" which I tend to wear a lot, but can't seem to get over the fact that I think it's rather boring for me...

What do you think of my top three styles? What do you think are your top three styles? Let's converse!

Next Paycheck: Kelly Green

Kelly green has long been one of my favorite greens (ok, I like a lot of greens), and when it's in season, I tend to stock up. It isn't always available! I am loving that Old Navy especially is carrying Kelly Green for this spring/summer. It looks so darn fresh and bright with white and light gold. Don't forget the pop of red from the apple necklace and the bit of blue. Trench coat?! All over it. Gold hair combs?! Perfect for adding a bit of glamour to laid-back spring/summer clothes! And those little white sandals are just gorgeous, I think I'd wear them all the time (they have ruffles on the back!). My next paycheck will hopefully go towards a few of these kelly green and white items.

kelly green by fashionatalie featuring Old Navy

Items in this set:
Old Navy Womens Embroidered Linen-Blend Tops, $25
Old Navy Womens Linen-Blend Keyhole Tops, $15
Old Navy Womens Double Flutter-Sleeve Tops, $12
Old Navy Womens Belted Trench Coats, $50
Old Navy Womens Tab-Waist Linen-Blend Shorts (3 1/2), $23
Lattice Heeled Thong Sandal Forever 21: $7.50 (out of stock)
Apple Bite Jewelry Set Forever 21: $4.80
Old Navy Green and White Dress: $19.50
Old Navy White Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Trousers: $29.50
Old Navy Eyelet Flutter-Sleeve Top: $24.50
Charlotte Russe Cluster Flower Hair Combs: $5.50
Report White Ruffle Sandals: $60.00
Old Navy Linen Espadrille Flats: $19.50


Total Damage to Paycheck: $276.30

Just Call Me Kaitlin

Wow, it's weird to be back to regular posts...to have to actually figure out what to wear again! But I've still got a little bit more of Lucky hand-holding. In the back of the book they show lots of "Mix & Match" outfits of say, American Classic/Bombshell, or Arty Slick/Rock n Roll. So I'm going to try a few of those myself, see what I can come up with.

I love this mix of California Casual and Gamine. Or is it Bohemian and Euro Chic? California Casual jeans and gladiator sandals, with a white boatneck tee, red trench, and sunnies from Gamine. Very hipster.

I think this is pretty much an ideal weekend look, and I did indeed "weekend it up" as I say. I got one of my favorite drinks, a Grapefruit Grown Up Soda (hehehe) and went thrifting.

 ok, how pretty is this pop?

These two treasures were just amazing but I had to leave them behind, sadly:

A rare Radley down coat with a design by H-someone (can't remember, can't find it on Google, too lazy to zoom in on the pics and try to read it...I'll get back to you on that) that is Pucci-esque. I have been loving this in the window of the store for the past month, but it's an XL and $150.

 
I also loved this little white top with satin and feather shoulders. So unique! But it was a Large. But I did pick up this very pretty scarf, that I can't wait to wear! It was the only thing I bought...but I had lots of fun taking pics at the  Fairgrounds because it was SO gorgeous out today. Oh, and I looked at used cars, but that isn't nearly as fun as thrifting (or....is it?).

yeah, i edited this pic, cause i'm cool like that-vintage fair feel and all

Also. Drove by a house today, very close to a main road, and a woman was doing yard work. That's fine, right? But she was doing it in plaid pajama pants. You're like, OK, Natalie, yeah? Well, you see...they were split up the butt. And she was...bending over...I kid you not. And on that note, happy first day of Spring!!!! :-P

The Runway Rundown: 

Sunnies: F21
Tiny pink flower earrings: Thrifted 
Boatneck tee: INC
Scarf: Thrifted
Jeans: Target
Jacket: Peebles
Shoes: Claire's (I ruined these today, very sadly. I'm not sure if it's 'fixable')

Just Call Me Taryn

Day 10 (LAST DAY!) of my Lucky Mastering the Art of Any Style challenge: "Gamine" is the last on the docket for the Lucky Style challenge. I'm really sad it's ending (sniff, sniff). But no tears yet, I have plenty of 'de-briefing' to do next week, so stick with me, please!

I actually love the gamine style, that sort of cross between a street urchin and Audrey Hepburn (um, hello My Fair Lady). This is definitely one of my favorite styles, with it's easy and pulled-together look, that is somehow artsy and classic at the same time.

Yet again, this outfit has all of the elements but I don't feel that it's spot-on. What do you think? I wore skinny jeans, flats, a chambray shirt (criss-crossed like Audrey Hepburn), and a skinny red belt. I even wore fake Ray-Bans, like Audrey does in Breakfast at Tiffany's and a vintage-inspired little coat.

I even wore the "dainty silver charm" necklace they show in the book...only this charm is pretty much the coolest ever (despite the fact that it may not technically be a charm). Remember that my suitcase went on vacation with one of my best friends? Well, my suitcase (errr...friend) was awesome enough to bring me a present back from Israel!!! This necklace says my name in Hebrew!! Totally so in love with it!!! Anyone else going on cool trips to foreign places need to borrow a giant black rolling duffle???

Obviously I don't have a boyfriend anymore to steal oversize shirts from, so I had to go with one of mine that has a boxy, boyish fit and can be easily criss-crossed. Here's how Ms. Hepburn wore her crossed mens shirt and her Ray Bans:

Gamine is such an easy style, you want to skip down the street in these little ballet flats. I got several compliments on this outfit, which always feels nice, especially when I already feel like skipping because it was a sunny day and I had the day off. Hooray Spring Break!! It has very similar elements to Euro Chic for me, only more childish and less dressy, and definitely without the edge that can be present in Euro Chic.

I've been really enjoying the broadcasts from this year's SXSW. You can catch the YouTube channel here, or the official festival site here. Or, best yet, recommend by me just for you, this song by Horse Feathers, here, that my friend (lucky duck who lives in Austin) got to see live at this year's Festival. Or, even bester, you can watch the trailer for the insanely awesome film one of my good friends debuted at the festival last year (and was on several cool panels on filmmaking there this year). It's called Not Your Typical Bigfoot Movie. You're totally intrigued now, right?! My friends are kinda awesome, not gonna lie!

The Runway Rundown:
Sunnies: F21
Black tank: Local store
Chambray shirt: LL Bean
Necklace: Gift!
Belt: from a Charlotte Russe dress
Gray skinny jeans: F21
Ballet Flats: Target
Jacket: F21