31 May 2010

Upcoming Projects: Betty Draper Edition

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Arguably one of the most fashionable fictional characters currently inhabiting the television set is none other than the 1960's viper that is Betty Draper. Oddly enough her knee length skirts and simple patterns and cuts continue to resonate with it's modern audiences. Her outfits continue to inspire the fashion forward because of their timeless elegance with classic femininity.

I'm so inspired every week the new Mad Men episodes air on AMC by all the women but more than any Betty's wardrobe speaks to me. Its jilted me so much that I seek out modern - and not so modern representations of her style through a 2010 lens.

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So this week I'm working on a new project and a not-so-new project. I picked up these two nightgowns from the Salvation Army. You're probably thinking I'm really into nightgowns -ha- I'm not. The first one I picked up - the gorgeous ethereal cinderella blue beauty I purchased two years ago and decided to bead the bodice. I'm still not done with beading (those seed beads are incredibly difficult to apply and its tedious work people!) but I plan on finishing it once and for all. That finishing will consist of appling a liner and maybe a bit of a modification of the bottom half.

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Last week I purchased the pale yellow tent-esque gown. Although the creative forces are still in progress within my brain, I've decided so far that I love the silhouette the dress already exhibits and that a simply lift of the length may suffice.

Stay Tuned!

27 May 2010

The Blues Are Still Blue

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Its been so sunny and hot lately, I cannot keep up! I love this dress because it perfectly matches the blue skies we've been having and the ruffled sleeves turn up the femininity to a fairly simple dress.

Body: $20.00 The Garden Collection H&M Dress

Can't beat that! Check out my shoes here.

24 May 2010

A Sweet Summer's Night

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What a beautiful weekend we had in Southern Michigan! I took some time out to play with a bubble wand in the Nichols Arboretum. It was a great time.

Head: $1.00 scarf from Salvation Army
Body: $11.00 on sale from Old Navy
Feet: $22.00 Merona shoes from Target

Yes, I am not naming my cardigan or my belt. From now on, items I have already worn once and named the price of I will not name them in the final price of my outfit. This is because I've already "purchased" them and you wouldn't purchase the same thing twice! This will show how you can built up your wardrobe with simple pieces that you can virtually wear with anything.

If you'd like to see the price and location of my cardigan and belt, you can do so here.

19 May 2010

Disconnect the Dots

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I went on a picnic this weekend at Kensington Metropark and thought it would be a great opportunity to showcase my outfit.

Neck: $10.00 necklace from Meijer
Body:
$22.80 on sale Simply Vera Nightgown from Kohl's
$6.00 on clearance cardigan from Target
Waist: $16.00 belt from J.crew
Feet: $2.00 jellies from Target dollar section

I just love the little white polka dots on this nightgown and it feels great! No one would ever have known it was a nightgown! There's some more great nightgowns I might have to snatch up like this one or this one.

I'm not into jewelry that much, but that necklace was such a great combination that a little $10 splurge was worth it!

POST EDIT: Once photobucket gets my account up and running again I'll be able to post better quality pictures!
POST POST EDIT: Thats much better, n'est pas?


15 May 2010

Spring Awakening

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So this is my very first post! Its really exciting; I can't wait for what the future holds!

Yesterday was super windy so my hair was flying everywhere. I found a deer bed in a field near my home so I thought it would be a good place to showcase those gladiator-esque sandals with a petite heel that I absolutely love.

Here is the breakdown of my outfit:
Top: $4.50 on clearance at Meijer (! - I love the sleeve detail;Meijer is a Midwestern supermarket similar to Walmart but without the monopoly.)
Bottom: $59.00 Cotton Nico skirt from J.crew
Legs: $26.00 leggings from American Apparel
Feet: $11.00 Sandals on clearance at Target

So you are probably thinking: "Wait a minute I thought this blog was about being fashionable without all the expense! I can't afford to spend $100.50 on this stuff!" Don't worry, it still is. However, I think its important (and I know you've heard this all the time) to purchase key items that are basic and can be mixed and matched with everything. Not only do you get a wonderful item that will last but if its a simple color and cut you can wear it time and time again and make it appear like you are the type of girl who never wears the same thing twice; and I know you envy that girl just like I do. I purchased the leggings from American Apparel 3 years ago and I'm still wearing them. The Nico skirt was something I just really loved so I saved up my money to purchase it.

You are also probably thinking "I always look at clearance racks and never find anything! How did she get these great things on clearance, in her size!" Well heres what I do - and sometimes, many times this doesn't work out for me but a good portion of times it does - I visit my favorite stores often. When I see something I really like thats full price, I wait for it to go on clearance by popping in the store and just having a casual look around. Superstores like Target change there clothing around every 2 1/2 months (this is general, people - not law). I also don't look down upon my local superstores like Meijer. You can find some great basic and even stylish items at Meijer if you just take a look while you are doing your grocery shopping. The best part about that is most people shun places like Meijer for being "low class" and so that means more sizes for everyone who doesn't apply that label!

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not for the lazy. If you think you are going to be able to go out and buy exactly what I'm wearing - chances are you won't. There may be some items sure, but I would like my readers to read this blog with the mentality that they are looking at what I'm wearing and where I am purchasing it as inspiration. I hope all of my readers gain a knowledge about how to shop and how to assemble an outfit and retain that to create their own personal style! Fashion is all about personal expression!