(406) Olivia

WOW (what Olivia wore): Moschino? I dunno

2011-05-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Jacket: TJ Maxx

T-shirt: Ross

Jeans: Target

Bag: Moschino, thrifted

Wedges: Dolce Vita via Nordstrom Rack

I found this Moschino bag (pronounced Moe-ski-no) at a thrift store along with a Louis Vuitton pencil case. And although I've done a bit of research, I can't tell if this bag (or the LV) is real or not...Do any of you ladies know? Either way, you know I'm always down for animal prints.

As for these wedges, you can get the Dolce Vita for Target version here. And don't hate, but mine cost only a third of that.

Finally, for those who asked, I'm moving back to Montana's largest city: Billings, a.k.a. the Magic (tragic) City. I left hastily after finishing college three years ago. But it turns out, the grass really isn't necessarily greener...

WOW (what Olivia wore): Old shoes & big news

2011-05-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

Anorak: Old Navy, thrifted

Blouse: vintage, thrifted

Jeans: Element, thrifted

Sweater: TJ Maxx ($1 people!)

Bag: thrifted

Necklace: Dollar Plus store

Shoes: Nine West, supah old

About these shoes: I haven't worn them much as they're not really me. I bought them a few years back, believing I needed to wear sensible shoes in order to advance my career. Long story short, I neglected wearing the shoes and the career advancement stalled....until now.

Remember when I promised exciting news? I've accepted a fantastic position in my hometown. While it's 8 hours and worlds apart from this little slice of heaven known as the Flathead Valley, it's where I grew up, and I'm thrilled to be returning. My job will be rewarding, both financially and professionally, and offers room for growth and development while utilizing the skills I already possess. And yes, my kids ARE coming with me-- where they belong!

Yippee for me, but what does this mean for you? Well once I start working, I'll be dressing myself no fewer than 5 days a week. There oughtta be some WOWs in there somewhere. Additionally, I'll be learning all sorts of online marketing skills, so I imagine I'll test 'em out right here.

In the meantime, there are LOTS of loose ends to tie up (packing and purging, finding a new house, getting divorced...ugh). Thanks for your continued patience. You guys really are the best!

DIY manicure: Newsprint nails

2011-05-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

In the year that I've been blogging, I've never done a beauty post before. Despite my love of fashion, I'm not much for primping and preening--too boring. In fact, I don't think I painted my nails even one time in all of 2010. But when I saw this, I knew I had to try it and share it:

Just B

Simply paint your nails in a light shade (I used French mani white) and let dry. Take torn pieces of newspaper and soak them in vodka. Then press firmly onto nails for 10-20 seconds (longer equals darker transfer). Finish with a topcoat for added protection.

And voila!

I'm surprised how taken I am with this look, since I usually despise novelty manicures. Perhaps it's the irony of a sometimes-journalist sporting newsprint on her nails. Or maybe it's because my pops was a career newsman. But it's probably just because it looks plain awesome.

So...will you experiment with novelty newsprint nails? Discuss...

WOW (what Olivia wore)...black, white & red all over

2011-04-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Shirt: thrifted

Skirt: Forever 21, thrifted (with tags!)

Shoes: Steve Madden

Jacket: Copper Key (juniors brand at Dillards)

Bag: no-name from Ross

Tights & earrings: old as the hills

O. M. G. It has been forever...looks like my last WOW was back in February. Thank you to those still with me and welcome to those just tuning in. Things are about to get crazy.

Remember back when I was a real sad sack and went all mellon collie and the infinite sadness on you? A lot has changed since then and I plan to share as soon as it's appropriate (very soon, I promise!). Not to be too cryptic, but there's a good chance of puppies and rainbows for everybody, so stick around!

I will say that I put the kibosh on my kids moving out-of-state and have never doubted the decision for a second since. Isn't it funny how we can get caught up in others' desires even though we know it's wrong for us? It sort of reminds me of that time I wore hammer pants...only the hammer pants were worse.

But seriously, I am happy to be back. I missed you guys like crazy.

WOW (what Olivia wore): Chevron/ Zig Zag/ Missoni & meth

2011-02-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

Jacket, necklace, jeans: Thrifted

Dress: some cheesy off-brand at Ross

Booties: Steve Madden

I had such high hopes for this post...I planned to include prose (my own) and photographs (ripped off) celebrating the merits of the chevron stripe. In that post there was home decor, high fashion and architecture. There were puns and humor and possibly even alliteration...That post was awesome. Clearly, this is not that post.

This post is me slapping a few pictures up, thanking all of you for being here--especially you newbies--and feeling guilty for neglecting my blog. (I've abandoned my blog like a meth-mom abandons her babies.)

Lucky for all of us, the ladies over at Pretty Pleased are not meth-mom-bloggers like I am. So go check out their post on chevron stripes and pretend you saw it here.

What to wear...on a winter outing

2011-01-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

Recently a friend posed this question to me. She's going on a first date to our local Winter Carnival and wants to look hot while staying warm. Here's what I suggest:

winter carnival look by 406olivia featuring knit sweaters

Pretty panties will make her feel hot. Covering 'em up with all those layers will keep her warm. Thoughts?

WOW (what Olivia wore)...Da Bomb-er

2011-01-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

Bomber: Army Navy Surplus

Sweater: J Crew, brothered

Flannel: Thrifted

Skirt: Thrifted

Leggings: TJ Maxx?

Boots: Target

It turns out the bomber hat is really polarizing--people either love it or hate it--there is no in-between. My 21-year-old stepdaughter? Hates it. I embarrassed her to no end by wearing mine to lunch one day. Random older dude at the coffee shop? Loves it, even offering to buy it right off my head.

In spite of many celebrities embracing the recent return of the bomber, this look hasn't necessarily reached the mainstream. And mine, adorable as it may be, is more about function than fashion. Seriously, ladies, I bought it at Army-Navy and it makes my hair follicles sweat even on sub-zero days.

Celebs dropping the bomb-er:

Vanessa Hudgens

Rihanna

Which camp do you belong to? Pro-bomber? Or unequivocally anti-bomber? Discuss...

WOW (what Olivia wore) ...Pink lady

2011-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

Dress, clutch, faux fur jacket: Vintage, thrifted

Tights: Hot Sox

Shoes: JC Penney

This outfit was a little outrageous, even for me. Crotch-skimming hem + fuchsia tights + massive faux fur jacket = date night outfit.

In other news, the bar in my closet broke while I was getting ready last night. But instead of opening my closet doors and finding a pile of clothes on the floor, it happened before my very eyes. I heard it snap and rushed to stabilize it with one hand while trying to catch the clothes with the other. My efforts were fruitless and I watched in horror as the hangers slipped onto the floor one-by-one. Total nightmare.

Maybe a broken closet bar means it's time to downsize one's clothes. Or maybe it just means I need another closet...

WOW (what Olivia wore)...Like, so last year

2011-01-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

Jacket, skirt, shoes, belt, necklace: Vintage, thrifted

Blouse, sweater: Thrifted

I'm ashamed to admit I haven't blogged since last year, and that's also when I wore this outfit. On Christmas Eve, to be precise. It's 100% thrifted and features some suuuuuuuuper old jive. The shoes, coat and velvet skirt have all got to be at least 50 years old, or in other words, nearly as old as the outfit itself.

I've been ridiculously busy with unbloggable things of late, but I swear I haven't abandoned my post. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those of you who are still here as well as you newcomers. You're the best! And I pinky promise that I'll do better.

In other news, today I was chatting with a teenage girl and her parents about prom attire and how much it has changed. I mentioned how I generally think of myself as hip and current, not some old fuddy-duddy, but that some of the prom dresses I see make me wonder if I'm not quite mistaken. Only later did it occur to me that using the phrase "fuddy-duddy" guarantees that I am neither hip nor current and probably not cool either. Oh well.

WOW (what Olivia wore)...My fair (isle) lady

2010-12-05T17:36:00.000-08:00

Sweater: Thrifted

Denim shirt: Ralph Lauren, garage saled

Striped tank: random, super old

Jeans: BKE

Boots: Franco Sarto

It was a big weekend around here. My son's basketball team won its 8th grade tournament; I put my car in a ditch* and I wore this outfit for two days in a row. This is life in the fast lane, people.

About this sweater, it's a Fair Isle, which refers to a traditional knitting technique named for a wee Scottish island. The style gained popularity in the 1920s when the Prince of Wales wore a Fair Isle tank top in public. Often conjuring up images of rustic cabins and lodges, today the Fair Isle sweater is finding its way off the ski slopes and onto city sidewalks.

Observe:

Victoria Beckham

Diane Kruger

Vanessa Hudgens

Rihanna

What are your thoughts on the Fair Isle sweater? Yay or nay? Discuss...and for those of you who want one of your very own, see below.

*I slid off the icy road into the ditch. Unfortunately, it's a pretty common occurrence around here. No one (and nothing) was hurt, and a very kind man saw the whole thing and pulled me right out. Thanks, man.

fair isle womens sweater

WOW (what Olivia wore)...keep 'em guessing

2010-11-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

Boots: Doc Martens

Skirt, shirt, jacket, bag, hat: Thrifted

Sweater, tights, socks: Target

Necklace: Santee Alley street vendor

Bad pictures, good outfit. You can usually measure your outfit's success by the number of dirty looks you get from other women when you wear it. The more glares, the better the outfit. That day, I couldn't count on my fingers and toes all the up & down eye sweeps followed by a scowl I got...

I'd expect that type of response if my skirt was especially tight, short, revealing, etc., which was clearly not the case here. Instead, these dirty looks were more out of confusion: "Stripes, polka dots, a wool blazer, garish orange skirt AND over-the-knee-socks? Who does she think she is?!?" Yes indeed, one of the surest ways to alienate other women is to bewilder them with wardrobe...except you guys...you guys get me...or at least I can't see you making the I-smell-poop-face through my computer.

WOW (what Olivia wore)...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2010-11-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

Velvet blazer: Thrifted, vintage

Sweater: Target

Necklace: my younger son made it in preschool

Skirt: Thrifted, vintage

Belt: Thrifted

Tights: Ross

Gloves: sister-in-lawed

Boots: Steve Madden

It's been snowing for days here, and I couldn't be happier...nothing puts me in the holiday spirit like Christmas carols on the radio and a blanket of snow on the ground. This year, I'm ahead of my usual holiday shopping schedule because I ordered one gift online this morning. Yep, I'm a hustle-and-bustle, last-minute holiday shopper every year despite my best intentions. I also always intend on making a few gifts, but baking is usually as far as that goes...

How about you? Do you enjoy a white Christmas? How about shopping, early bird or last minute? Finally, do you give handmade or store-bought gifts or both? Discuss...

I am thankful for...

2010-11-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

Sisters

Brothers

Family, in general

My children, in particular

Friends

Health

Home

(Seriously, I LIVE here!)

And so much more...including all the inspiration and enjoyment I receive from blogging and YOU, my readers! What are you thankful for?

WOW (what Olivia wore)...Shades of gray

2010-11-20T19:15:00.000-08:00

Fur hat: Vintage

Mustard cardigan: Thrifted

Leopard scarf: Thrifted

Double-wrap belt: thrifted

Wool jacket: Old Navy

Boots: Steve Madden

Dress: some no-name TJ Maxx-er

Leggings: Target

Socks: Who remembers? Target? Maybe?

Gloves: sister-in-law, but I bet/hope she doesn't remember

I know all these pictures are probably too similar to ALL be posted, but I wanted to post so many more, so consider yourselves lucky. You see, in spite of the crappy lighting and 16-degree temperatures, I adored this outfit and felt the pictures depicted its awesomeness pretty accurately. I love it when that happens.

WOW (what Olivia wore)...'80s girl?

2010-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Skirt & jacket: vintage, thrifted

T-shirt: Mod Bod

Boots: Doc Martens

Regarding the last picture, umm... the '80s called and wants its hairstyle back. Don't get me wrong, I love the '80s, but not '80s hair. Furthermore, when one of the shop girls at the local thrift surveyed that day's spoils and called me her "'80s girl," I almost cut her. I would never have described my style as '80s, but I guess if the shoe (hair) fits...

In other news, this gorgeous, handmade skirt revealed a hole just above the knee when I wore it. I see a mini-skirt in its future, which I'm totally excited about. Usually, I'm too much of a commitment-phobe to make permanent alterations to vintage pieces as lovely as this one.

Finally, today is my 33rd birthday, so hopefully the next time you see me, I'll be wearing my birthday suit.

Are you there, blog? It's me, Olivia...

2010-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hi guys! Remember me? I'm the one who was all dramatic and ominous in my last post, when just a few posts earlier, I was prancing around in someone else's peed in pants.

Try to keep up.

But seriously, thank you all for your words of encouragement and empathy. It means the world to me. I'll elaborate more on the situation soon, as well as answer some of your questions...I'm working some things out and will share here when it's appropriate...

Until then, there's something I want to show you.

What is it you ask? Just a few of the vintage belts I've ~~hoarded~~ collected lately. I keep finding all these amazing belts at the thrift, but then when I want to wear a basic black leather belt, I discover I don't actually own one.

A wide black belt with a blingy clasp?

Sure.

A vintage beaded men's leather belt?

Check.

A stretchy fish scales belt (in silver AND gold)?

Double check.

Wooden slats belt?

You know it.

Central American braided fabric and leather belt?

I've got two.

How about a leather belt with a horse head clasp?

Duh.

I even have a belt featuring not one but TWO foo dogs for a clasp!
(you'll have to wait til I wear it to see the actual belt...)

But a basic black belt? Not a single one. So the other day I took 10 or so belts up to my shop to sell. Making room for a basic belt or two, I guess. But don't worry, horse head, foo dogs and a whole host of other unusual belts are here to stay.

Do you find yourself doing this? Favoring flair over basics? Or perhaps the other way around? Discuss...

the truth hurts

2010-11-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

In the not so distant past...

love, love, love, love, crazy love....

like a rock...

my reason, my joy, my everything

I also enjoyed a budding writing career...and naively (arrogantly?) refused many amazing opportunities.

Let's take it from the top:

To say marriage is difficult would be a gross understatement...I'll leave it at that.

My glorious abs of steel? A doughy disgrace.

But worst of all, my kids will move out-of-state with their father in a matter of mere weeks.

Devastated doesn't begin to describe how I feel.

Destroyed?
A little closer, but not quite there yet...

Deceased?
Maybe a tad too strong, but only a tad...

************************************************************************

So what's the point of all this?

Why the sudden guts-spillage?

Basically to say that right now blogging about clothes seems like a total energy-sucking drag. Ditto for composing witty commentary on your lovely outfits/posts.

Also, it could be like this for a while...

Or forever.

Or not at all.

I'm not sure yet.

I just thought you should know.

WOW (what Olivia wore)...Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Gold Genie

If you saw my last post, you know this costume--worn to a Halloween party last week--was pretty lame for me. Usually I plan my costume early and work on it for weeks if not months in advance. This costume was thrown together from stuff I already had in the house, including these pants (CLICK if you haven't read it yet!).

All things considered, not too bad, I say. If I wore it again, I'd tweak it by removing the pants' liner, cinching them at the ankle and refashioning the top and adding some kind of blingy wide belt. I 'd also wear false eyelashes, which I was deeply disappointed not to have on hand. (I normally do!)

WOW (what Olivia wore)...Halloweens past

2010-10-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Pirate

Bar Maid

Snow Fairy

Poison Ivy

Have I mentioned that I loooooooove Halloween? How about you? Anybody still dress up? If so, whatcha gonna be? If not, which of the above costumes is your fave? I love Poison Ivy best...I've worn it several times over several years, but that was about 10 pounds ago...

In other news, I've added yet another part-time gig to my plate (that makes 5!). Lately I've been feeling completely ineffective and unable to get all my stuff done each day, week...I've been feeling frustrated and wondering what my problem was.

Then yesterday I tallied the time I spend driving each day and I almost cried: THREE-AND-A-HALF HOURS! That's right, I'm spending 3.5 hours most days in my car. This is not what Montana life is supposed to be like. I'm figuring out what I can change...

WOW (what Olivia wore)...I believe I can fly

2010-10-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Belt, necklace, tee & jacket: thrifted

Elastic cuff jeans: DIY

Shoes: Nine West

I feel like I'm always making a bunch of silly Blue Steel type faces in my WOWs, as though I take myself oh-so seriously.

Zoolander

But trust me

when I say

nothing

could be further

from the truth

...

Can someone just tell me how this is even possible?

Who does that? or The reason thrift stores stink

2010-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Sequined silk jacket & gold lamé pants outfit: $10

Less 50% discount: $5

Price per item after discount: $2.50

Wearing pants around the house awhile before turning them inside out and discovering dried urine stains:

PRICELESS

*I was trying on the pants to see if I could alter them for my Halloween costume, not just chillin' in the unwashed thrift store duds, but still. Sooooooooooo gross!*

WOW (what Olivia wore)...Insert clever title here

2010-10-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

Skirt: thrifted

Jacket: Eddie Bauer, thrifted

Vest: Walmart circa '05

T-shirt: Charlotte Russe circa '05

Clogs: Steve Madden

Necklace: Dollar Plus store

Sunglasses: ? OLD!

I can already see this sweater knit maxi-skirt in the most perfect autumnal dusty apricot hue becoming a go-to this season. I've already come up with multiple additional (and probably better) stylings for it and I can't wait to wear it again.

WOW (what Olivia wore)...with you in SPIRIT

2010-10-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Dress: Vintage, thrifted

Shoes: Diesel via eBay

Spirit Day 2010

Also see Shannan's inspirational post...

WOW (what Olivia wore)...Fur-ocious

2010-10-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Faux fur vest & necklace: vintage, thrifted

Shirt: Kenneth Cole (oooooooooold)

Jeans: J Brand Lovestory

Clogs: Steve Madden

A few thoughts:

1. The 3rd picture was taken immediately after the words "Make love to the camera" were spoken. And, yes, I am the one who spoke those words.

2. This is next-day hair, hence the extra ombre effect.

3. High-heeled clogs + gravel = nearly sprained ankles

WOW (what Olivia wore)...Hats & hairshirts

2010-10-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Jacket & belt: thrifted, vintage

Tee: TJ Maxx

Skinny cargos: Jones New York

Boots: Steve Madden

Hat: Liz Claiborne

This jacket is made of pony hair or something and is ridiculously poke-y and itchy. It makes me think of a hairshirt. It's also reversible (the other side is true black and though the pictures don't show it very well, this side is more grey) and is the most bizarrely shaped garment ever. It's almost cape-like, but since I wore it wrapped tightly and belted, most of that volume was successfully contained.

My hat is one of those that got me through college without daily hair washing. Several years later, I still adore it. The skinny cargos are a new purchase, and I can see they'll become a new favorite. I'm really looking forward to dressing them up next time. Any suggestions?

And last, it seems I accidentally fooled some of you with mention of my procedure last week. For those of you waiting for me to reveal my new nose or boobs, sorry to disappoint. This was more like scheduled maintenance. It was absolutely nothing to write home about, or blog about for that matter. And yet...here I am blogging about it...for a second time. But this time it's only to clear the air. I promise I'm done blogging about the procedure deemed too boring to blog about. Sheesh.