Fashion Me Fabulous

Drop Waist Dresses

2013-05-21T08:39:00.001-04:00

Right now, most dresses in stores are fit and flare. They are adorable if you can wear that kind of thing, but I can't. My natural waist is a little too high to line up with most of the waists on the dresses. This means the dress floats upward, bunches and tends to make me look wider than I am. Thankfully, The Great Gatsby has inspires some 1920s styles so the drop waist is becoming easier to find. Nothing about my shape suggests a drop waist would look good on me, but it does. (I just bought one at T.J.Maxx while shopping with Jael this weekend). What dress shapes works best on you? Have you tried drop waist?

Pictured:
Pleated Drop Waist Dress, Loft, $89.88
Nugget Print Drop Waist Dress, Loft, $69.88
Lace Drop Waist Dress, Nordstrom, $99

Pictured:
Striped Drop Waist Dress, Modcloth, $34.99
Fancy Pleat Drop Waist Dress, Nordstrom, $52.80 (want!)
Textured Drop Waist Dress, jcpenny, $40

Pictured:
Gathered Drop Waist Dress, ASOS, $59.40
Wide Stripe Drop Waist Dress, Forever21, $22.80
Drop Waist Shift Dress, ASOS, $76.37

Love or Loathe: Gameboy Swimsuit

2013-05-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

Fashion Me Fabulous presents A Conversation With Myself.

"Gameboy swimsuit?! My little nerd heart is going pitter patter!"

"Remember when you used to play your Gameboy so much that grounding you involved simply taking the game away?"

"Yes! And Dad was so worried about me playing it on late night car rides that he got a clip-on light and magnifier for it. It was so old it didn't even have a backlight! This swimsuit brings back happy memories."

"Too bad the fit is terrible. You have to be hyper-fit or 19 in order to pull this off."

"But, Gameboy!"

"It doesn't even say Gameboy. It's sporting the name of the store -- Black Milk. That's a very minor problem though when you can safely assume that pervs and drunks will come up to you on the beach and try to touch your buttons. The start button is in a particularly risky spot."

"Why won't you let me have nice things?"

"Because I control the wallet."

Project Design: Star Trek

2013-05-17T11:00:00.000-04:00

The new Star Trek movie came out today. I'm traveling to see Jael this weekend (yay!), and we have plans to go see it (more yay!). Which of these Trekkie accessories has you wanting to boldly go where no fashion enthusiast has gone before?
Star Trek Quotes Necklace by CobwebCorner

Blue Star Trek Apron by Jordandene

Star Trek Engagement Ring by VaLaJewellery

Star Trek Insignia Felt Brooch by afraidofmonsters

Star Trek Vulcan Salute Earring by sakosculpts

Star Trek Cartoon Dress by FashionWhore

Starship Enterprise Pendant by HoraEffect

poll by twiigs.com

$150 Challenge: Amusement Park

2013-05-17T08:14:00.000-04:00

Thursday, my hubby and I took the day off to have a date at Cedar Point. Because I didn't want to carry around my usual large bag, I carried a cross-body bag. With the spring wind blowing off Lake Erie, I thought I should take precautions and layer a breezy long sleeved top over a modal tank and longer shorts. Comfy shoes are a must for all that walking. With jewelry, this look rings up at just over $150.

Amusement Park by fashionmefabulous

safari shorts, Mango $40
polka dot top, Mod Cloth $33
bow sneakers, Keds on Amazon $50
cross-body floral bag, ASOS $17
headband, Forever 21 $3.80
orange chevron ring, Forever 21 $4.80
orange flower ring, Charlotte Russe $3

Fashion Rant: Pervasive Polyester Tees

2013-05-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'm being haunted. I've been shopping to find summer tops (with sleeves) for work. However, one tee has been following me, and it seems to have scared all the cute blouses off the racks.

I love a good tee, but lately t-shirts are all I find. They are either basic cotton blends for layering or they are this new, boxy, poly-blend tee. Some are cute and can be styled nicely. I actually tried on this city striped shirt at Nordstrom thinking it might be the exception (I was desperate), but it suffered from all the common problems.

They are made from yucky, cheap, synthetic material. Some are silky; but most are scratchy. These synthetics don't breath making them horribly hot despite their light appearance. Speaking of lightness, most are sheer so you have to layer them, which will make you hotter.

Even those in the higher price point seem made wrong. This one has a "cotton-like" back so the seams pucker because one fabric is stretchy and the other isn't. Most have disproportionate sleeves, and the boxy shape on stretch-free fabric hardly accommodates curves forcing wearers to buy up a size and look tent-like in the tee.

What do you think of these polyester tees? Have you found any good ones? Are you seeing them at every turn like I am?

P.S. Is anyone else having trouble finding natural fibers this season? Everything is synthetic! Ugh.

Pictured: Cityscape Stripe Tee, Nordstrom $39

Love or Loathe: Retro Flower Wedges

2013-05-15T08:37:00.000-04:00

On the one hand, these are very 90s. I imagine wearing them with a tight maxi skirt in a hideous pastel print, sparkly spaghetti strap top, and this hair. They are so very muley too, and I loathe mules. On the other hand, I rather like the sculptural aspect of that massive heel, and the tatted flowers are so lovely for spring. Does knowing that they are $60 at J. C. Penney sway your opinion at all?

Etsy Shop of the Week: The Butterflies Shop

2013-05-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Shop: The Butterflies Shop

Why We Love It: Science fiction author, Robert A. Heinlein termed butterflies "self-propelled flowers." While the unmoving flowers make me sneeze, I've never had a problem with butterflies. I love how they lilt past on sunny days as their wings flash a variety of colors. The Butterflies Shop captures the whimsy and beauty of butterflies in clothing and accessories.

Price Range: $2 - $259

Links: Facebook

Favorite Items:
(Click through the slideshow below to see some of our favorites).

View this collection on Polyvore

Etsy Shop of the Week: The Butterflies Shop by fashionbeccafabulous on polyvore.com

Pictured: Tiny World of Butterflies Ring $80; Butterfly Leather Hair Barrette $11.50; Mint Leather Scalloped Obi Belt $52.50; Fabric Butterfly Brooch $32.50; Butterfly Dress $55; Black Butterfly Dress $65; Butterfly Wings Dress $259; I Will Fly Away Butterflies Necklace $49 (also pictured above)

Closed-toed Summer Shoes Part 2

2013-05-13T09:24:00.000-04:00

I could have edited this selection down to one post, I suppose, but who wants less shoes?

colorblock t-strap d'orsay, Seychelles on Amazon $67
ankle tie espadrille, Mod Cloth $33
mint print mary jane, Seychelles on Amazon $79
fabulous red retro pump, Miz Mooz on Amazon $105
black and white studded flat, J. C. Penney's $40

navy wedge, ASOS $48
red t-strap, Seychelles on Amazon $54
orange woven pump, DSW $110
blue t-strap, Urban Outfitters $39
coral d'orsay flat, J. C. Penney $40

*When you buy shoes that are woven like this, buy at least a half size smaller than usual depending on the cut. They stretch! I have some woven ballet flats I have to tie to my feet with ribbon.

Close-toed Summer Shoes Part 1

2013-05-10T09:16:00.000-04:00

Not everyone is crazy for sandals in the summer. Some people may have to cover their toes for work. Some women are persnickety about the state of their pedicures. Some people just don't like toes. Whatever your reason, here's how I beat the heat while keeping my toes covered in the summer.

yellow pointy toed flat, Restricted on Amazon $38
blush flower ballet flat, Jeffrey Campbell Urban Outfitters $130
black and gold cage heel, Macy's $112
blue cut-out oxfords, Trashy Diva $58
blush smoking slipper, Urban Outfitters $39
lime ballet flats, Mod Cloth $30
grey cut out heel, Mod Cloth $80

crochet ballet flats, Mod Cloth $45
wood trimmed mauve flat,Mod Cloth $105
lace oxford, Not Rated at DSW $35
blue wedge, Nordstrom $70
studded mesh ballet flat, Aeropostal $24.50
yellow patent capped heel, ASOS $125

Expect more great summer shoes on Monday!

Tights Buyer's Guide Spring 2013

2013-05-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tights make up a major part of my wardrobe. Now that I report to an office every day for work, I wear them more than ever. Even though we are going into summer, I'm still wearing and buying tights. The office is chilly and tights add some summery color to my darker office clothes. Also, tights tend to be on sale this time of year so it's a good time to stock up for the fall. (Bonus, tights are great for that day you don't have time to shave your legs but don't feel like pants/own pants that fit properly).

Hue

Hue tights have been my standby for years. I could always count on the fit and quality. They are still quality tights, and they still fit. However, they've done something to the waistband. In order to prevent rolling, many tights brands have gone to the "waistband-free" style. I find this annoying because I fall between tights sizes so I buy up for length. This means my newer Hue tights just fall down all the time (the size down is a bit short). I have had some luck with the control top varieties (right). I don't typically like control top, especially to sit in all day, but these haven't been too tight (again, I buy up a size so that helps).

Sizing: True to size (I size up because I fall in the overlap of two sizes)
Price: $13.50 a pair or $22 for two
(This is a price increase for already pricey tights. I usually buy them on end of season sales at department stores or at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.)

Simply Vera

Simply Vera tights from Kohl's have been another stand by. I can count on them for basic neutrals, and I can count on Kohl's to put them on sale. These are not sheer to waist. I've never seen the need for that anyway, and I like it because these don't rip at the seems like the Hue tights do after you've had them a few seasons. They are sturdy and reliable, but they only come in black, grey, brown and navy. (I've never had a good experience with the other Simply Vera tights).

Sizing: Long enough, but a bit snug. When in doubt, buy up a size.
Price: $14, but usually on sale for $8
(Use a coupon for a better deal.)

Target

Target's Xhilaration brand is affordable and comes in a wide array of colors. Sadly, spring ushers in capri length tights, but the rest of the year is plentiful. They carry neutral full tights year round. These tights are super soft, but they are also delicate. I have two pairs that I've made last for about 4 years, but they are on their way out. You have to be gentle. These tights are the lightest weigh opaque tights I own. They are nice on warmer days.

Sizing: Surprisingly true to size. Buy larger if you're unsure of your size because they are flimsy.
Price: $5
(I got mine on clearance for $1.50)

Target's Merona brand offers fewer colors at a higher cost, but they are sturdier than the Xhilaration brand. They are extremely soft, which I love. And the waistband doesn't roll. They do run small and short though. Go up a size. I wear a M/T in Xhilaration but I need XL/XXL in these.

Sizing: Small, buy up a size.
Price: $8
(I got some on clearance for $4)

Anthropologie

Anthropologie carries Pure & Good brand tights. I've really only tried these tights on. I really wanted a mint pair and found these on clearance recently. I was hesitant to buy because they only come in S/M and M/L, which doesn't bode well for longer legs like mine. They fit well though. They have a nice stretch, but aren't as soft as some brands I've tried. The biggest problem is that "waistband-free" business again. They will probably start falling down after a few wears. I don't know that I would buy them regularly at full price, but the sale price is worth it.

Sizing: True to size.
Price: $15
(Watch for clearance!)

Forever 21

I never bothered to try these tights. The clothes run small and fall apart quickly so I figured their "one size fits all" tights would be a waste of time. Recently, I found a XL/1X pair in their "plus size" section. I love them. They may be my favorite tights. They are sturdy, soft and even a little big because they are combined sizes.

Sizing: Plus size runs true to size/big
Price: $6.80 (Also in neon)

The success of the plus size tights made me want to try the regular "one size" tights. I picked up a pair today. They fit! They were snug in the waist, but they came all the way up to my natural waist. I wear larges and extra larges at Forever 21 so I was surprised they were even long enough. They are very stretchy so I could see these working on someone much thinner and shorter. They'd probably be more opaque on them too. These are not as high quality as the plus size tights, but they are also cheaper. These are a good buy if you need a trendy pair or something for a specific occassion.

Sizing: One size might actually fit all?!
Price: $5.80

Do you have a favorite brand of tights? Or any tights shopping tips?

Review note: I have only linked to style I have owned and tried this season (though I may also own older pairs). The only exception is the Hue control top tights (mine are a couple seasons old). I wear about a size 14, and I'm 5'7".

Favorites From The 2013 Met Gala

2013-05-08T08:13:00.000-04:00

Unlike any other red carpet event we cover, the Met Gala has a theme. Also, guests sort of have a blank check to experiment and play with fashion. So it's confusing to me when so many women biff the opportunity and stick with a princess gown or simple cocktail dress. Enjoy playing dress up, ladies! That said, many women did decide to play with the theme. Below is a gallery of our most memorable looks from the red carpet. (Spoiler: Sarah Jessica Parker is the bestest best besty.)

View this collection on Polyvore

Met Gala 2013 by fashionmefabulous

Check out our Facebook page for more looks we loved as well as a couple that baffled.

Etsy Shop of the Week: Tatianas Threads

2013-05-07T08:06:00.002-04:00

Shop: Tatiana's Threads

Why We Love It: Next to shopping for pants, I most hate shopping for underpinnings. Everything is horrible. It's all nylon, over done, way too hot to wear in the summer and fits stupid. Plus, most of it is rather dull looking. Tatiana's Threads offers a solution with unique, cute, slightly retro underthings that are just too pretty to pass up.

Price Range: $12 - $75

Favorite Items:
(Click through the slideshow below to see favorites)

View this collection on Polyvore

Etsy Shop of the Week: Tatiana's Threads by fashionbeccafabulous on polyvore.com

Pictured: High Waisted Color blocked Panties $28; Pink Peacock Panties $25; Strawberry Field Panties $25; Grey and White Lace Panties $25; Red Heart Cutout Panties $22; Ivory Lace Brawlette $39; Feather Print Boho Bodysuit $65; Lace Toe Socks $25; Black Lace Bralette $33 (also pictured above)

Punk: Chaos to Couture

2013-05-06T09:47:00.000-04:00

Image source: "Rebel Yell" Vogue

Birthed in the mid-70s to dejected youth in New York and London, punk is about to celebrate it's 40th birthday at tonight's Met Gala. "Punk has been around so long it's now a just another item in the fashion vocabulary," sighed my husband, an anarchist disguised in horn-rims and polos, when I told him this year's Costume Institute theme. He added with a shrug, "An establishment celebration of an anti-establishment movement would have been offensive maybe even as late as the 90s, but punk itself is pretty mainstream now. It's in the mall."

Quick. Name some elements of the punk look. Leather. Spikes. Bondage pants. Doc Martens. Plaid. Unnatural hair colors. Mohawks. Safety pins. The list goes on. Perhaps its many distinct elements are why the look is still going on decades after many of those youth settled into the common routine of family and work. Anyone can work a little symbolic rebellion into their wardrobe when done correctly.

Does distinction and accessibility mean punk is a good Costume Institute theme? If you play word association with punk, you are likely to think of anarchy, rebellion, music, and more. Money does not immediately spring to mind. Punk, like grunge, was a street movement that fed off of thrift shops and DIY before designers got ahold of it and spun it into $5,000 dresses. Designers certainly have the right be inspired and reinterpret, and it's not surprising considering the backgrounds and aesthetics of some of these designers. However, The Met Gala is a $50,000 aticket fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and punk is more than clothes. I feel like removing the clothing, even the designer interpretations of the aesthetic, from the larger punk culture does punks a disservice. This isn't a show of period dresses from the 30s or a theme of film glamor. Punks are real people, and their culture has evolved beyond anarchy and rebellion. While the look may be mainstream and mall-friendly, it feels weird to put real people under a microscope like that.

But I haven't seen the show yet, and it just may be handled with love and aplomb. While there are certain parts of this show that excite me (HONY's gallery and the book), I doubt this will be one of my favorite Met themes. Although, anything is better than "Model as Muse." Check back on Wednesday for our thoughts on the gala's red carpet's stab at punk.

Tea Party Dresses Under $100

2013-05-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

Every year the ladies of my church have a tea. It's really more of a luncheon, but it always involves good food, good talks and fabulous decorations. I love to dress the part with a cute tea party dress. These dresses are all under $100. They work for a variety of spring and summer occassions and most of them can be dressed up for a wedding, dressed down for a picnic or even styled for work with a summer-weight jacket.

China lace dress, Nordstrom, $70
Fit & flare floral dress, jcpenny, $33 (on sale)
Rose print peplum dress, Target, $50

Paisley print dress, Loft, $98
Garden print dress, Forever 21, $25
Retro ribbon midi dress, Anthropologie, $70 (on clearance)

Etsy Shop of the Week: Cheryl Parrott Jewelry

2013-05-01T08:37:00.003-04:00

Shop: Cheryl Parrott Jewelry

Why We Love It: Around here it finally looks like spring has sprung. I mostly know this because my allergies are going bonkers, my eyes are swelling shut and I feel miserable. Yay spring allergies! Despite the wheezing, I'm ready for the warm weather, even if I prefer my budding branches and blooming flowers in jewelry form rather than the real kind with pollen.

Price Range: $23 - $275

Links: Website / Facebook / Pinterest

Favorite Items:
(click through the slideshow below to see favorites)

View this collection on Polyvore

Etsy Shop of the Week: Cheryl Parrott Jewelry by fashionbeccafabulous on polyvore.com

Pictured: Pink Branch Necklace $225; Pink Pearl Bib Necklace $150; Leaf and Pearl Hair Vine $72; Blue and Orange Flower Necklace $65; Peach Jade Necklace $72; Green Leaf Necklace $135; Golden Hair Vine $62; Teal Flower Necklace $99; Purple Beaded Necklace $72; Turquoise Beaded Necklace $69; Spring Budding Leaf Necklace $165 (also pictured above)

Love or Loathe: Minimal Sandals

2013-04-30T08:57:00.000-04:00

After seasons and seasons of gladiator sandals, architectural heels, and other statement shoes, a minimalist sandal may feel like a nice breather. That feeling is a lie. Personally, I hate minimalist sandals (of the heeled variety) for the following perfectly logical reasons:
1. I don't want to wear a heel that is attached to my foot only by two straps and hope. On the cheaper shoes, that toe strap isn't even sewn it. Your hope is glue, my friend.
2. When your feet are sweaty in these, you will slide around due to lack of support.
3. Most people have gnarly toes.
4. Speaking of toes, the pinky toes almost always tries to make a break for it in these things.
5. One of the shoes below is is $45. One is $120, and the other is $300. Without clicking the links or reading the labels, can you guess which is which? As a woman who is conservative with her spending but likes quality, I can't stomach the idea of paying full leather pump prices for such a whiff of nothing. As mentioned above, I don't trust the cheapest one.

That's my stance on this season's 90s throwback. Feel free to head to the comments and use your nice words to tell me that I am completely wrong. Will anyone stand up for the minimalist heeled sandal?

How I'm Mixing Prints This Season

2013-04-29T09:08:00.000-04:00

Far and away, my favorite trend of the season is graphic black and white. (You may be sick of me saying it by now, but just think of it as a kiss-off to crop tops. NO ONE LOVES YOU CROP TOPS. GO HOME!) I've always had a weakness for the Mod aesthetic, and I like to play "Spot the Stripes" when watching a Tim Burton movie. Black and white prints can be as eye-catching as any color and they are beyond easy to mix into your wardrobe.

In order to embrace spring, I've broken out my trusty bright, printed skirts. Here's how I mix the trend with the stand-by.

Black and White and Bright Print by fashionmefabulous

There are two keys to pulling this off. First, if both pieces contain white make sure they match. If one piece is actually cream, the mix looks more laundry day than intentional dressing. Second, pay attention to the size and business of your patterns. The first two skirts above feature complex patterns, but the they don't use that many colors. For these, stick to a simple pattern like stripes or polka dots for the top. The third skirt also features a complex pattern, but it contains at least five colors. Instead of a pattern, wear a color block or contrast trim top. The fourth skirt is a very simple, repeating design in green tones. For a print this simple, go a little nuts up top like with this lace print top.

Project Runway Season 11 Finale

2013-04-27T23:33:00.002-04:00

The Teams season has come to an end. I was expecting to hate this season. I actually anticipated the blogging part being pretty easy because I would just be able to rant about how awful it was each week. However, the season surprised me with some interesting fashion, judges willing to make some risky decisions, fairly strong designers and some really great teamwork.

Unlike most team challenges, the season of teams actually led to designers working together in constructive way rather than just screaming at each other. I liked watching Stanley and Michelle collaborate on the print challenge. I think several of the designers picked up new skills by working with each other. Perhaps the best collaboration was never even a part of the on-screen teams--Michelle using Joe to create her bleeding heart sweater. More on that later.

Our final three were an interesting mix this season. Michelle was an underdog most of the season, always stuck on a losing team. Stanley kept his head down in the early rounds and started to shine as the season moved on--however, he struggled to show a strong, original point of view. Patricia never shied away from risks while drawing strong inspiration from her Native American heritage and mixing it with her vast knowledge of art history and fabric manipulation.

Michelle was an early favorite of mine. I couldn't remember Stanley's name until halfway through the season. And I waffled on Patricia each week thinking she was either truly talented or completely crazy.

The Collections

Stanley was the first eliminated. He created some very pretty clothes, but he had two major downfalls. First, he didn't manage his time well. Several of his pieces were not finished well. It showed and hurt him. Second, he lacked originality. I can think of at least one item that very much reminds me of something else. The "vintage" inspiration was too literal. Yes, some pieces were lovely--but almost all of them were referential. (Click through the slideshow below to see Stanley's complete collection).

View this collection on Polyvore

Project Runway Season 11: Stanley's Final Collection by fashionbeccafabulous on polyvore.com

Patricia created some amazing textiles. She was also onto something kind of crazy-fabulous with poof headpieces and vibrant colors. I'm very proud of the judges for seeing her unique point of view and allowing her to show it. I'm even more proud that they looked somewhat looked past the fact that her clothes weren't commercial or even all that flattering because she was trying to do something new. Sadly, I think she's still a ways off from realizing the full potential of this vision. The clothes at times looks too homemade or too junior or too inexpensive. The garments didn't always live up to her textiles. She has real talent. She made some lovely things, but this wasn't quite a winning collection. (Click through the slideshow below to see Patricia's complete collection).

View this collection on Polyvore

Project Runway Season 11: Patricia's Final Collection by fashionbeccafabulous on polyvore.com

Michelle had that winning collection. My favorite won! Her collection can walk itself right into my closet. I loved the heavy materials, the harnesses and vest, the layered skirts, the hi-tech vibe, the arctic outdoorsy-ness. Most of all, I loved that bleeding heart sweater. (Sadly, designers don't own the rights to anything they made on the show so she can't produce it. I hate to say this, but I hope someone knocks it off so I can buy it). Tim actually advised Michelle to delete the sweater, but Heidi and Nina were placing orders for it during judging. I like that Michelle took in Tim's critiques, considered them and only took the ones that really served her vision. I'm so thrilled she won. (Click through the slideshow below to see Michelle's complete collection).

View this collection on Polyvore

Project Runway Season 11: Michelle's Final Collection by fashionbeccafabulous on polyvore.com

What did you think of the season as a whole, each of the collections and the winner? Do you think Runway should go for another Teams season or was this enough for that experiment? How does this stack up to recent seasons?

Project Runway: Quick Reaction Poll

2013-04-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

Season 11, the season of teams, is over. We have a winner. Come back for a full recap tomorrow. In the meantime, which collection did you like best? Also, tell us in the comments how you feel about the winner.

poll by twiigs.com

Pick of the Week: Perfectly Adorable Bag

2013-04-25T08:30:00.000-04:00

Mod Cloth's "New To The Block" bag is so cute, it should come stuffed with raspberry cream filled cupcakes and an automatic glitter cannon to shoot at sneery people. Can you fit a hardcover Harry Potter novel in it? No. (Sorry, Roommate.) But you can carry your wallet, lipstick, lotion and keys without a problem. Books aside, the only other downside I see here is that frankly this purse is a gateway accessory. Once you start toting it around, you'll feel the need to get some dainty lace gloves, pearls, and a petticoat. Wait, that's not a downside at all!

Etsy Shop of the Week: Nika Collection

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Shop: Nika Collection

Why We Love It: Jael Paris pointed me to this shop saying she liked that these shirts had an all-over print. I have to agree. These go beyond the basic logo tee yet they have a more fun, graphic quality than a print blouse. I would love to pair these with flouncy shirts and little sweater all summer at work.

Price Range: $28 - $57

Links: Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter

Favorite Items:
(click through the slide show below to view our favorites)

View this collection on Polyvore

Etsy Shop of the Week: Nika Collection by fashionbeccafabulous on polyvore.com

Pictured: People Tee $35; Leaf Tee $35; Spring Birds Tee $38; Black Birds Tee $38; "I Love You" Tee $35; Spring Leaves Tee $38; Skyscrapers Tee $35; Blue Birdies Tee $35 (also pictured above)

Fashion Links

2013-04-23T08:43:00.000-04:00

For $39, Coco Rocha will send you a box full of over $80 worth of things she finds fabulous. (Fancy)

You know you want to read about the history of sequins. (Smithsonian)

This photograph, composed and snapped by a teenager, is the most provocative essay I've ever seen regarding skirt lengths and perception. (Rosea Posey)

Teens have told me 90s fashion is cool, but I remember these horrors of the past. (Buzzfeed)

As a fashion-loving rabbit owner, I am crazy for Fifi Lapin and her illustrated bun in designer frocks. I just wish her Etsy shop was still open!

Speaking of the intersection of fashion and art, Japan Lover Me has turned some of Tokyo Fashion's street snaps into adorable illustrations.

Who had the best figure in Hollywood in 1931? The article is a little weird for the modern reader.(Slate)

"Real Beauty" and the Perception of Vanity

2013-04-22T09:15:00.000-04:00

Dove has a new video featuring women describing themselves to a sketch artist. Then a stranger describes them to the same artist. Watch the video below to see people's disconnect with their own appearance.

You can get a better view of the sketches here.

Much has been said about these commercials in the week since they've debuted, everything from "I wonder how people see me?" and "Maybe I'm too hard on myself?" to "You are a terrible feminist and an idiot if you like this." (I'll just be an idiot then, Ms. Yellypants.) Whether or not you like the presentation, the fact still remains that only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful.* Women will often criticize their every bulge and bump and blemish until everyone knows we are nothing special.

My knee-jerk reaction when someone tells me I look nice is to play it down. I especially freak out when people start commenting on my figure. Not only have I done this, I've seen women of all ages do this. We point out flaws. We ignore it and compliment the other person instead. We tell them it's an illusion because of some magic beauty trick we will gladly share. Did we learn if from our mothers and they from theirs? Did something that started as false modesty generations ago evolve into mass self-loathing? How do you respond to a compliment, especially if you don't believe it?

My husband told me, "'Thank you' is always an acceptable answer," but is it? For a long time, history has desired women to be attractive but not acknowledge it. In the immortal words of One Direction: "You don't know you're beautiful. / That's what makes you beautiful." To acknowledge it is to succumb to vanity, and a vain woman is high maintenance and difficult to control. If a woman needs validation or believes no one else wants her and her flaws, well, then she's not likely to go cavorting about town with ye ol' dashing cobbler (or shy sophomore from biology class).

But vanity and modesty aren't neighbors. They live in separate states. Several people I know have responded in shock when I tell them I have a fashion blog. "Isn't it vain to spend so much time writing about clothes?" they ask as if thinking about such a daily act as dressing yourself is the highway to hell. To acknowledge your assets isn't to be self-centered. To think you are the greatest everything is. To think about how you present yourself isn't a problem. To be consumed with it is.

Do you criticize yourself? When was the last time you complimented yourself? How do you respond when people compliment you?

*I would like to know if they mean beautiful as opposed to just cute or beautiful as opposed to ugly or plain. The video implies the later, but shades of meaning are a big deal here.

How Paris Lost Her Groove

2013-04-19T09:22:00.000-04:00

Image source: The Sartorialist

Have you ever lost something but not noticed until much later? Unsure of when you lost this precious thing, you retrace your steps, frantic and sick with worry that it will never be found. How could you have missed it?

I first noticed I had lost something when my Polyvore drafts piled up but my published sets dried up. I have nearly two dozen unfinished drafts that don't have the perfect image or that are unsettled about one of six pairs of shoes. Nothing seemed to go with anything. "It's just these styles," I reassured myself. "This season isn't for me. Maybe next season I'll feel inspired."

Then, I started to struggle dressing myself. Default to jeans. Too tired to wear tights (which is a nonsense statement). "Well, it's cold." My love of color with more color and a splash of color turned into a neutral and one color. "I'm just embracing a trend," I told myself. I started to obsess over following trends and would stand in my closet and burn holes in everything with a hateful stare. When I told becca that I was contemplating trying nude lipstick, she was taken aback. "Who are you?" she asked. "I don't know," I answered. I felt like I had been living as the shadow of an idea of a person.

Last week, I was reading some of my old posts and enjoying some street style snaps when I realized what I had lost, something vital not only to my sense of style but also to my personal conduct and peace of mind. I had lost my whimsey and wonder.

My 30th birthday was in March. I am embarrassed to say that had freaked me out more than I wanted it to; however, the past few months have been a whirlwind of shifting responsibilities, lost trust, and the crushing weight of unrealized dreams. Somewhere in this bubbling quagmire of unpleasant realities, I drowned my whimsey and wonder.

Whimsey and wonder belong to the uncynical. The unbroken. The open. The curious. While wide-eyed gazes and unsolicited giggles are generally associated with children, I believe these traits are some of your most important weapons in staving off the ruts and weariness of adulthood.

I first noticed the problem in my wardrobe, and maybe that's a good starting point for reclaiming myself. If you will excuse me, I need to unbury the bright colors, giant bows, and ruffle skirts from my closet. I have a quagmire to wade through.

Project Design: Poem in Your Pocket Day

2013-04-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Poem in Your Pocket Day. The idea is to select a poem, carry it with you and share it with others (you can learn more at that link). I'm sharing this poem today. Next year, I might invest in some poetic jewelry. This will especially help if my outfit lacks pockets. Which poem would you wear?
French poetry ring with fresh water pearl by dedonaki

Pablo Neruda Cascade Necklace by BrassIsaac

Emily Dickinson quote necklace by SweetlySpokenJewelry

Poem tube necklace by tfakler

Ginkgo Leaf Spinner Ring with Haiku by janiceartjewelry

poll by twiigs.com