Good Girl Style: July 2010

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Sale Shout: Garnet Hill

Garnet Hill's "Sale of the Day" is an awesome little leather sandal for $6.

photo from garnethill.com

Hello, did I just say $6? Yes, I did. And they have 8 colors! They have more colors than dollars I'd have to spend on a pair. That, to me, means awesome. Head on over to Garnet Hill today!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Did any of you read The Babysitters Club books? Oh my gosh, I LOVED them. Definitely read every. single. one. of. them. I loved all the girls, and for some reason, the name Kristy made me think of those books tonight. I tried very hard to get that idea out of my head and write something that might actually be interesting, but Babysitters Club is all I've got tonight, folks. Even though Kristy was definitely the more sporty one and probably wouldn't wear this outfit.

pic from here

So, now, on to Natalie's Great Idea. Actually, I don't have any great ideas tonight, except perhaps my idea to invent real-life clothes made out of swimsuit material so you can go straight from the office (stretchy white blouse, anyone?) to the beach. Right? Right? I thought so.

Wow. Ok, from here on out, no more ice cream before bedtime for Natalie. But I just baked a blueberry crisp and it's very hot in my apartment, so what else am I supposed to do at 10pm except eat ice cream? See, in actuality, it's all just one great big great idea. Just like this outfit.

Awesome new pink silk scarf. Awesome new (amazing brand-name) capris with the coolest damask-esque pattern. Awesome new little cut-out kitten heels. Now that seems like a great idea.

don't mind the smudge on the knee of my pants, that white paint comes off the building, just so ya know, i wouldn't recommend touching it and then wiping hand on black pants

I have no doubt all of these pieces will get a lot of rotation in my closet. I love it when thrifted things are just so spot-on and become instant favorites. Sometimes I go through cycles where I feel like everything I buy at the thrift-store ends up not being so wonderful once I get it home (oops, the pockets are ripped out, the zipper doesn't work, why did I think this made my hips look smaller?)

The Runway Rundown:
Sunnies: Ferragamo
Scarf: Christian Dior (thrifted)
Tee: Wal-mart (organic cotton)
Capris: Thrifted
Heels: Nine West (thrifted)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Do You Know Where Your Love Is?

Wearing a dress like this gives a woman special talents. I mean, I put this dress on and it was like, suddenly, out of the blue, I had mad nunchuck skills. I'm not even kidding you (except for the part where I'm totally kidding, which is this part).

But seriously, something about this dress drew people to me. And then they all started talking to me in this fake-French, formal accent. I'm not even kidding you with this part. Men and women alike were complimenting me. One woman said I looked like I was going to a cocktail party (actually, I was just going to the grocery store after church....same diff, right? I was gonna open a cheese stick and nibble on grapes while I shopped anyway....)

Also, this dress was ironed, but then I wore it all day. And also, see the cute crinoline peeking out underneath? People like modest, old-fashioned dresses. It's true. I think it's because they make you look pretty and put-together but still approachable. There's nothing sexual about it, there's nothing too-tight or too-revealing about it, it's just pretty to look at and pretty to wear. Sounds like a winner all-around to me!

This photograph reminds me of this song I've been listening to the past few days:
Do you know where your love is? Do you know where your heart is? Do you think that you lost it? You're a lonely soul, because you won't let go...

The Runway Rundown:

Dress: Thrifted
Jacket: JC Penney
Hair clip: Goody, Target
Sunnies: So old I don't even remember
Heels: Thrifted, but SimplyVera for Kohls

Just Call me Caitlin

I like pink. I think we've discussed this before. I like pink clothes, and I also happen to like pink drinks.

Some days, a girl needs a pink drink with whipped cream on top to make it through that afternoon lull.

See, I told you I was into the rolled-up jeans + tunic phenomenon. I wore this shirt when I went to Boston about a year ago:

no big deal, just chillin' with Ralph Waldo Emerson, is all, plus weird smile & face shadows

As you can see, that was pre-rolled-up-jeans-phenomenon. Or, as I like to say, it was PRUJP. Tuck that one away for future fashion reference, k? Also, please take a moment to note that Ralph Waldo Emerson was very short.

That's all for today. Pink drinks make me a little bit hyper, did you notice?
The Runway Rundown:
Sunnies: F21
Blouse & Belt: Local store
Jeans: Karl Lagerfeld (via TJ Maxx)
Flips: Target
Purse (in RWE pic): Vintage

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Bad News Never Had Good Timing

Word on the street is that it's almost August. Shhhh. It can't be true. Keep it down. Where has the time gone?

Honestly, I must admit, I'm yearning for fall. I'm wanting to wear layers and darker colors and be cozy again. Sometimes I just need to be cozy. This outfit bridges the gap...linen shorts and a corduroy blazer. I really felt like God was calling me to be patient during this summer, but I must admit, I've been doing a lot of wishing it away.

And now that we're heading into August, I'm wanting to take back the wishing-away a little bit. But I guess I'll just wear linen and corduroy and this awesome metal necklace, and just hang in there for whatever God has planned. Good plan, right?

The Runway Rundown:

White Tee: Walmart
Blazer: Tommy Hilfiger
Belt: Coach
Shorts: Random store
Necklace: Claire's
Sandals: Target
Title: John Mayer lyrics

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Just Call Me Josie

I love this outfit. It's simple but it's just very me, very comfortable, very relaxed but pulled together. So much, in fact, that it makes me jump for joy! (I'm such a dork)

I'm totally into the jeans-rolled-up dealy lately. No, there isn't a flood anywhere, though it has been raining here a lot. But I have something to admit...I'm a bit of a renegade, did you know that? I'm running from the authorities, not gonna lie. The navy-and-black police. There may be a black and navy poster in your nearest Post Office with this picture on it:

But you see, they're after the wrong person. I just happened to be accidentally brought into this mess when I purchased this top from Target, not realizing the fabric belt was actually navy. However, I have come to embrace my renegade-ness because (shhh, you're sworn to secrecy) I kind of like black and navy together if it's done right.

But now, I must run. Because I'm a wanted woman. Think they can get an ID from this handprint I left on the concrete wall? (with my awesome lavender nail polish from by best friend)

The Runway Rundown:

Sunnies: Nine West (via TJ Maxx)
Blouse and belt: Target
Jeans: Karl Lagerfeld (via TJ Maxx)
Flats: Target
Nail Polish: OPI Done Out in Deco

Friday, July 23, 2010

Calling All Models...Models.

I'm sure you've heard of Crystal Renn by now (this was big back in February), former 'straight-size' model who suffered from anorexia, overcame it, and is now the poster-woman for 'plus-size' models and women all across the country. I can't wait to read her memoir, "Hungry" in the very near future!

image from amazon.com

Currently at a size ten (she's focusing on losing weight and exercising in a healthy way after 7 years of recovery from anorexia, and she looks amazing, as she has at ANY size!), she's featured on the June Glamour cover:

image from newyorkmag.com

I get excited whenever I see her in any magazine, because she is just such a beautiful, well-spoken woman who champions a great cause in the beauty industry. Crystal gets a lot of flack for being a size 12 or 10, which isn't "plus-sized" to many women outside of th fashion industry. I still think she is really gaining awareness for young women. They do not need to be anorexic, or stick-skinny, to be beautiful. They do not need to harm themselves to be thought of as the beauty-standard "ideal." Women can be beautiful at any size, but being healthy is important, too. Some more beautiful images of Crystal:

image from Glamour magazine, found on jezebel.com's article

found here

Crystal on the right, found here

But recently, she's had to defend her body once again. Here's the video from Today.com, found on huffingtonpost.com:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Crystal says we should call all models just, "models," and get rid of the qualifying terms. Want to weigh-in on the topic?

Child of My Mother

Some mornings demand little effort. You wake up, and you think: Nope, not happening today. What's a girl to do? Wear a jersey maxi dress, some awesome sunglasses, and her best smile. The day is looking up already.

There is just something about a long dress. It makes me feel instantly feminine and yet, comfortable. It isn't blatantly sexy, but the long line is attractive. It feels 70s-ish, but that doesn't bother me much at all. I love the 70s fashions! My mom grew up in the 70s, and everyone says I look a lot like her. I think she looked so adorable in her high-waisted pants, long dresses, and loose blouses.

If you haven't embraced the 'maxi dress' trend yet, do it now. Grab one or five on clearance, and wear 'em for the rest of the summer. You won't be sorry. Wave to my mom as you pick up skip away in your new dress...she'd be proud.

The Runway Rundown:
Sunnies: Local store
Earrings: Gift (via Lia Sophia)
Dress: Maurices
Tank: James Perse
Sandals: Target
(yeah that title is a bad twist on 'flower child' I think it's clever....)

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Happy Days

"Goodbye gray sky, hello blue!...Rockin' and rollin' all week long...Saturday! What a day!" (theme song here)

Ok, so actually, I wore this on a Sunday. But it was a Saturday for me, seeing as I worked on Saturday. Anyway, mere details...Happy days can be any day of the week!

Especially when there is Grown-Up Soda involved:

and Fluffer-Nutter ice cream:

THIS girl is happy all day long!

Apparently it's just a Shakespearean summer. I went to Shakespeare in the Park a few weeks ago, and last weekend I went to see Cymbeline. It was a great production that a friend of a friend was directing this summer.

A perfect Sunday afternoon outing....lunch before, the play, then ice cream. Ahhh...indeed....happy days.

The Runway Rundown:

Sunnies: Local store
Blouse: American Eagle
Belt: Claire's
Scarf: H&M
Jeans: American Eagle
Heels: Charlotte Russe

Monday, July 19, 2010

You Looked Like the Sun

hello crazy hair that got stuck in my sunglasses

I wore this outfit for one of those pretty-darn-perfect summer Saturdays. You know the kind I mean? Everything seems wonderful, you're surrounded by people you love, good food, laughter, perfect weather. Makes you think, "You know what, life ain't so bad after all! In fact, I'm really, really blessed."

It was so funny, I was a friend's house, and she just got a new black leather couch. She made these gorgeous, gorgeous raw-silk hot pink pillows for it. I sat down and said, "I love hot pink and black together! I wear that color combination a lot!" not even realizing I was wearing it at that exact moment!

You might be thinking, bright pink shorts, Natalie? I tell you, I just got these, but I really think they are going to be SO versatile for me. When I bought the shirt, I could have promised you there was a bow on it. So when I put it on, and alas, no bow, I literally thought I had it on backwards, but still...no bow. Where are you, bow of my dreams? (or beau of my dreams?)

The Runway Rundown:
Sunnies: Local store
Earrings: Gift (via Lia Sophia)
Top: Old Navy
Shorts: J. Crew
Sandals: F21
Purse: Consignment-shopped
{joshua radin lyrics for title}

I'm Happy to Know You

Are you a brown or black fan? I tend to go for brown, because of my coloring, I think it just settles into me better. Brown is just as neutral, if not more neutral, than black in my book. Color combinations seem more aesthetically pleasing and less harsh and obvious. This bright blue on black would have just been too Modrian--it would instantly look specific. Sometimes, you want to make that statement, but not always.

Ruffles are so in, but they are usually in the delicate fabrics...silk, chiffon, even jersey. This is a super-comfy but lightweight knit sweater. It's always fun to have something that is a bit of a twist on what's 'popular.' This little skinny Western-inspired belt is such a great addition to my wardrobe. I wear it all the time. I have way too many belts!! But they can just make an outfit.

Two of my favorite singers teamed up to create this sweet little song. I think Schuyler Fisk is really coming into her own now. I've been following her music for a couple of years now. I really love it!

The Runway Rundown:
Sunnies: H&M
Earrings: Gift (via Lia Sophia)
Tee: Michael Stars
Sweater: Local store
Belt: Thrifted
Cords: Adriano Goldschmied
Flats: Gap

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Sale Shout: J. Crew

I'm sure you all receive J.Crew's email updates, right? Thought so. But they have an EXTRA 20% off CLEARANCE items through midnight tomorrow (Thursday). I'm so tempted. So, so tempted dear readers. So tempted, in fact, that I went ahead and dreamt up a few outfits with (a few of) the things I'm kind of in love with. Take a gander, then head on over to jcrew.com (use code EXTRA20).

I'd wear this for a day of swimming, and then heading out to grab an ice cream with a friend. I really want to read the book "Crazy Love," so I'd stick it in this adorable beach tote for some quality reading-in-sun perfect-summer time. These shorts are so versatile, and may I just say: cashmere. short. sleeved. cardigan. swoon. Perfect for a chill at the end of a day on the lake. I'm really loving the neutrals, but with a few fun surprises like the ruffles on the swim top, the texture mix of the shorts/swimsuit/cashmere, and the pop of yellow.

Day at the Beach one by fashionatalie featuring J Crew shorts

Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 1055984890
$3.50 - forever21.com
More Forever21 tops »

Women's shorts - novelty - Drapey supper short - J.Crew
$60 - jcrew.com
NOW $34.99
More J Crew shorts »

Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Accessories
$3.80 - forever21.com
More Forever21 jewelry »

J.Crew - Search
$178 - jcrew.com
NOW $129.99

J.Crew - Search
$13 - jcrew.com
NOW $7.99

J.Crew - Search
$56 - jcrew.com
NOW $39.99

Forever21.com - Accessories - Jewelry - 1087661567
$5.80 - forever21.com

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God: Francis Chan:...
christianbook.com

And this outfit, which I'd wear on a summer date or to grab brunch or lunch with a friend. I am apparently just loving the light pink/turqoise-y combo lately! I have to admit I'm a bit of a jewelry fiend lately, and love these rings and the swallow & wishbone necklace. Unique accessories take this sophisticated top to something fun and funky. Don't forget a book to read while you're waiting for your friend/date to arrive...