The Clothes Horse

Worth Its Weight In Gold

2013-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Some dresses prove to be a good investment the first time you wear them out. I knew I thought this dress was pretty and when it arrived in the mail I was pleased at how nicely it fit, but man, the instant I walked out the door the compliments started coming. It seemed like every friend I bumped into felt the need to tell me what a cool dress it was. I even was hit on by a guy when out with my friends with the line "that's a very pretty dress" (followed by a second approach five minutes later, "you're very pretty too, I didn't want the dress to get all the credit"). I'm very rarely approached by guys and most of my friends are quite used to seeing me in a dress, so I'm convinced this one is worth its weight in gold. I'm looking forward to enjoying this number for quite awhile to come.
P.S. Check back this afternoon for a short video I shot with my friend Jon! He shot it while I took pictures for the blog, so it's a behind-the-scenes look at my photography process.

Outfit details:

UO sunglasses

vintage dress (from Exile Vintage)

purse c/o Modcloth

sandals c/o Modcloth

Toujours Toi mushroom ring

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Anna Sui Resort 2014

2013-06-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Anna Sui sticks true to her sweet and bohemian aesthetic but prints and silhouettes are toned down and cooled up for this season's resort collection. Without the distractions of patterned tights, scarves and hats, matching printed skirt and sweater sets shine with logo tees beneath--giving ideas on how to break up actual vintage sets in a laid back style. It's the perfect collection for the summer palette: colorful, uncomplicated, and non-fussy.
pics via

Fairy Fire

2013-06-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've had this shoot on the mind for months but I was waiting for warmer evenings to attempt it, especially since I insisted on shooting in the dark. I wanted to capture some of the magic of fireflies on summer nights or even those misleading "will-o-the-wisps" that lead travelers astray in legends. A properly eerie looking forest and a few LED lights later and the scene was nearly as lovely as I had pictured in my head...

Outfit details:

Puloma barrette + necklace

Zara dress (old, similar here)

sandals c/o Modcloth

*pictures by Jon

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2013-06-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

internet queen by natali koromoto

Sunday Remix

2013-06-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Previous outfit posts: one, two, three, and four.

Previous outfit posts: one, two, three, and four.
Ah, the basic black skirt. It's a classic for a reason. My mini skirt is a couple of years old now, but last summer I got a longer length skirt and it's getting worn nearly as much. Both work with a variety of separates and each has a different sort of feel--the longer skirt always makes me feel rather elegant. If there was one item I'd recommend investing in it would be a good, black skirt that fits you exactly right (I'm partial for pieces that are very fitted at the narrowest part of my waist). That's really the main thing with clothes; pieces that are a little off and you keep adjust are ones you won't wear again and again because they are literally uncomfortable. Of course, "investing" could mean finding a great basic black skirt in a nice material at a thrift shop and getting a friend to help you hem/tailor it.

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The Essence of Decadence

2013-06-15T15:00:00.001-07:00

It's been said that "everything has been done" especially to artists and other creatives struggling to forge their own path. Perhaps the new can be found in the old, originality through intentional copies made in new methods of artwork. Devotees of turn-of-the-century masters such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele--Venetian artists Brassesco and Passi Norberto pay homage to their favorite paintings by creating photographic copies. Paying meticulous attention to detail, the two recreate the setting, costumes, light and atmosphere of the original pieces. Their work is titled the "The Essence of Decadence" and side-by-side comparisons of paintings and photographs are eerie in their accuracy--not just for color or composition, but the ability to echo mood. It's been done, but isn't it fresh?

The Rest Is Rust

2013-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Quick Saturday outfit post. I don't know why my hair looks the same color as my dress in these pictures, as they are distinctly different colors...

Outfit details:
UO sunglasses

H+M cardigan

ASOS dress

ASOS belt

Sam Edelman sandals

Zara purse

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The Philadelphia Story

2013-06-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Story is a whirlwind romantic comedy that takes place over a single weekend. Tracy Lord's (played by Katharine Hepburn) wedding weekend to be exact. In the midst of last minute preparations her ex-husband, C. K. Dexter Haven (Grant) blackmails his way into the house with a team of tabloid reporters in tow. Of course things aren't what they seem on the surface, Dexter isn't an ex-husband bent on last minute revenge, Tracy isn't a fulfilled bride marrying her equal, and even reporter Mike Connor (Jimmy Stewart) has hidden depths. While some of the storyline is dated, it still surpasses the musical remake with Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby and many romantic-comedies of today. While Tracy Lord is often cut-down to size by nearly every male in the film, ultimately she is given the final decision of choosing her romantic lead and new husband...

Worn In

2013-06-14T08:00:00.001-07:00

I'm quite in love with these vivid little heels from Seychelles...and like so many things I love I got them muddy almost immediately. It wasn't raining when I wore them out but the ground was still damp from earlier showers so the heels inevitably got dirty. They'll clean off fine (this time), but it's just another reminder that we usually destroy the things we love. It's part of the process of enjoying (physical objects) things--taking them out and using them--a well-worn pair of shoes, overly doodled in book, or even chipped mugs show those objects have been appreciated through use. My favorite pens are the first to run out of ink and I know I'm getting proper use of my notebooks when I fill the pages in nearly no time at all. This inevitably means you must buy new notebooks, be wary of chips in your mugs when sipping them and so on, but when I anthropomorphize those objects (like I did my stuffed animals when I was little) I imagine they feel more loved than the ones kept in mint condition on my shelves...
Also, Seychelles is offering a special discount code for you all. Use code "CLOTHESHORSE15" to get 15% off. It's only valid through June 19th.

Outfit details:

Tulle cardigan

dress c/o Modcloth (sold out, similar style here)

Seychelles sandals

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Madame Gres

2013-06-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Gres is one French haute couture house that I desperately wish was up and running today. We get to see Chanel and Dior get re-worked by different creative heads, but for every line that survives there are dozens that fall into obscurity. Gres is one such line often forgotten by the average fashionista of today--however her unique approach to design was groundbreaking and still influencing designers today. Personally, I just dream of owning something as gorgeous as one of her Grecian-draped dresses.

Gres, was officially launched in 1942 by Alix Barton. She was formally trained as a sculptor but began her work in the fashion industry as a milliner. She worked largely with silk jersey and one dress could use from 42 to 68 feet. Her pleats echoed classical Greek scultpture and she said herself that she was a sculptor who worked with fabric. Bill Blass stated, "[fashion] only becomes art in the hands of Madame Grès." She also was one of the first designers to use cutouts in her work, but she used them strategically to display skin through windows of fabric in place of jewelry. Simplicity of line is at war with the difficulty and detailed construction of each piece, which stands alone as a work of art that both flatters and enhances the female form. This appreciation for shape often came from working directly on the body--draping on live models, contouring to their natural forms. She even encouraged her designs to be worn without underwear; directly against the skin (which is notable when you consider the highly restrictive and forceful undergarments popular in the 1940s-50s).

Although she worked into the 1980s, her house was always about classical style and she was not swayed by the fads of fashion. Her style (pardon the pun) was set in stone from the early days of her career. The house is largely considered extinct now, although the name was sold to a Japanese company and designer Koji Tatsuno serves as creative director of the line.

Hide & Seek

2013-06-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since one of my favorite dresses last summer was by It's Okay My Dear, I preordered this delightful number ages ago. Of course that meant it arrived when there was still snow on the ground and had to wait in my closet for more pleasant conditions. I'm not overly fond of the cut-out trend on dresses lately; I think it's a style similar to most fashions of the 80s which we look back on and cringe over. It's hard to find dresses with cut-outs that fit properly and sometimes they're placed in the least flattering positions, so I definitely don't think it's a look that will age well. Meaning, in 5-10 years we'll look back at the plethora of cut-outs and think about this specific set of years and probably how silly it all looked when not worn by models who had it fitted to their forms. Mark my words. However, I'm all about exceptions to the rules and I was so enamored with the print on this dress I couldn't resist--the cut outs do add shape and structure to the dress. Additionally, part of fashion is embracing fun things that you enjoy regardless about how you might feel about them in 5-10 years. I don't want to be so locked into "classic" style that I miss out on things I'd enjoy now; I'm dressing for who I am today not who I'll be in a decade.

Outfit details:

ASOS trench coat (DIY here)

It's Okay My Dear dress

heels c/o Shop Ruche

purse c/o Modcloth

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Curious Creatures

2013-06-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

I've been a fan of Curious Creatures for a couple of years now, so I'm pretty thrilled to see the new items designer Larissa has been working on. I never get tired of her natural stone necklaces, but this summer she's adding delicate silk scarves and tees to the collection. The clothing is a perfect complement to her jewelry collection and both feel oh-so-summery. A dappled blue and green silk tee would look perfect at the beach and nicely balanced with an agate necklace or turquoise earrings. Yep, I might be enamored with everything by Curious Creatures...

Independence of Solitude

2013-06-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Another abandoned location for you today, but this one is simply a barn. There really aren't loads and loads of abandoned locations around me, I just make an effort to find them or get suggestions from friends who grew up in the area and then re-visit them every few weeks. I've shot at this barn a couple of times now--it's always a nice change to shoot semi-indoors while still only using sunlight. Anyway, it's really essential when you like isolated backdrops without people wandering through them and some privacy to shoot yourself (in addition to wanting to see somewhere mildly interesting). So, I alternate between the public parks in this county and hunting down neglected places no one is checking in on. There's so many more places I want to see and photograph and places I don't even know about that I want to find by accident, but it does get old exploring on your own sometimes...

Outfit details:
Clinique lipstick

cateye sunglasses

Pixie Market dress
Puloma necklace

Corso Como heels

bag c/o Modcloth (sold out, similar here)

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Jane Sews

2013-06-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

You can't go wrong with a classic pinafore and Jane Sews recently opened her online shop with a couple of the necessary pieces. It's a new line to me, but with a focus on natural fabrics, quality construction, and vintage style--this will be a brand I follow for awhile to come. The video from the Autumn/Winter collection is too charming not to share--lovely feminine dresses featured through wanders in the woods? Perfect.

Curiosity Killed The Cat

2013-06-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

My friend who was born and raised in Lancaster had been telling me about a nearby abandoned theme park for months that we had to visit when her schedule allowed and the weather was decent. The stars aligned a short while ago and off we went exploring...Unfortunately most of the park has been destroyed at this point. A decaying roller coaster that had been present a few years ago is gone now and only an old ticket booth and cars remained. The grounds were still quite beautiful if you like green spaces (I do) and you can imagine how different everything would have looked back in the day--not to mention how cheap it would have been for a ride! Even though it was not what we had hoped for it was still a fun adventure--I'd rather know what is there and have seen it for myself than continue to wonder.

Outfit details:

UO sunglasses

cardigan c/o Modcloth

Topshop tee
Puloma necklace

thrifted skirt (similar here)

Seychelles flats

Rebecca Minkoff backpack (similar here)

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Against Effortlessness

2013-06-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

When did we become too cool for effort? It's a common underlining thought I keep coming across as I research style icon after style icon. Originally it could have been a rebellion from the strict fashion rules that pervaded earlier periods--from the requirement of wearing a corset to the need to match your shoes to your purse in the 1950s fashion was often restrictive. However, nowadays the trend isn't so much that it's cool to wear tees and cutoffs, but to act as if you haven't considered your basic wardrobe choices. You can look like you tried, but please don't admit that you actually planned your accessories--such coordination and effort is decidedly uncool.
From Jane Birkin to Debbie Harry, nearly every interview with oft-recognized fashion trend-setters on style leads to them sharing that they never intended to be fashionable--it was quite an accident. Debbie Harry said in an interview with Style, "I would just get dressed like a blind fool and somehow I guess that's how people started thinking that I was fashionable and that I really knew what I was doing. I really don't, you know." Even modern icons like Alexa Chung want to emphasize that it's all about fun and not taking fashion too seriously.
What I take away from the quotes is not a disdain from fashion exactly, but a desire to be read as more casual and effortless. It's cool to not try, you know? To just "accidentally" end up with designer friends, vintage Chanel, and that perfectly winged eyeliner...Sure you can enjoy spending hours browsing racks of secondhand and vintage or even shopping high street brands, but when you roll out of bed you roll through a pile of babydoll dresses and wind up with the perfect pair of abused leather flats and shrunken denim jacket to pair it with quite on accident. It's not to say that I don't think you should be ashamed of chipped nails or casual days when it is too much work to think about a cute outfit--it didn't even bother me in college when students showed up to class in their pajamas (hey, stuff happens). I just don't understand why people deny they are trying; that they do care about how they present themselves to the world.
I wish more people would say they put thought and effort into their outfit, and hey maybe that it was fun? I promise, I'll still think you're cool even if you admit you're putting effort in. I've always liked Dita von Teese's daywear for the precise reason that it looks so intentional--you can tell she's obviously trying (and succeeding). Just look at how excited she gets about trying on Dior; it makes me like her so much more. She knows it is a privilege to wear beautiful clothes and she doesn't seem to take it for granted.

Basket Case

2013-06-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

A number of stars in the 1960s and 70s carried baskets as purses--the most well known being Jane Birkin who was often seen with a tradition Portuguese fishing or octopus basket, but the style was also favored a few times by Audrey Hepburn and others. I can't find too much about why baskets became a popular accessory except that it seems to emerge from the laidback bohemian attitude of that period. Birkin herself on personal style said it was about finding pieces that were comfortable and not caring what other people think. Of course it's interesting that both the term "bohemian" and the basket itself are appropriations from people largely ignored/left outside of fashion movements. Birkin carried a basket to appear more natural and laidback, but was living with a rock star and could literally fill it with diamonds instead of the day's catch. Still, I see the appeal of the relaxed look and attitude--if nothing it could be seen as an attempt at escapism from the distorted reality/lifestyle caused by fame.
Anyway, all this rambling to say that today when I stuffed some blooms in my purse it reminded me of a basket purse (especially when paired with my gingham dress that looks like a picnic blanket). I've been taking stem or two of wildflowers from the parks I frequent to press. I'm not quite certain what do with them once they're dried and flat--just rather curious to see how the process goes. Unfortunately, half the time I forget I picked some buttercups or lily of the valley and leave them in my car where they turn into colorful little husks in all my cup holders...

Outfit details:
Clinique lipstick

Puloma necklace + barrette

ASOS trench coat

It's Okay My Dear dress

Zara purse

sandals c/o Modcloth

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2013-06-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

by marc johns

Sunday Remix

2013-06-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Previous outfit posts: one, two, three, and four.
As soon as this dress arrived in the mail I knew it would be a new favorite. I liked the space print when I saw in pictures online and I thought the shape look decent (I'm not usually one for a drop waist silhouette), but in person it's the perfect weight/feel--it just hangs beautifully. I've already worn it in four outfit posts despite only recently purchasing it and countless times off the blog; my friend even commented "you wear that dress a lot" when she saw me in it the other day. Yep and I have no shame about it; this dress will definitely continue to be a favorite this summer.

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All Night Prom

2013-06-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

In 1961 Disneyland opened it's door to a lucky senior class for an all-night prom. As you might be able to guess--it looks like one magical night. Most of these photographs were taken by Ralph Crane who managed to capture couples in the most endearing moments against Disney's bright and playful backdrop. I don't know if they bothered to crown a prom queen that night, or let all the girls be princesses...

Gladiator Days

2013-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

These crazy sandals are becoming an essential part of my spring/summer style. It's interesting the way a single accessory starts to reshape your style for a season. These are just such a nice switch from my usual ballet flat routine and make every outfit feel slightly more cool. This look is quite basic: a simple cardigan, a classic striped dress, and yet with these sandals it's elevated beyond a basic preppy style (thank goodness, I'm not a huge fan of looking preppy) into something else. One of my friends has been "daring" me to wear them out around town--as if I required more encouragement to wear something that makes me feel like a rockstar...

Outfit details:

vintage cardigan

dress c/o Modcloth

thrifted belt

Stuart Weitzman sandals (similar here)

purse c/o Modcloth (sold out, similar here)

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So It Goes

2013-06-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Felicity Jones glows in this pared down editorial for So It Goes magazine photographed by Eliot Lee Hazel. I love the warm light leaks and simplicity of the setting and wardrobe. Sometimes all you need is a striped tee and a perfectly tilted beret. via

No Trespassing

2013-06-07T08:00:00.001-07:00

I shot at this abandoned barn last summer with my friend Jon. It was one of our first shoots together and it didn't really go that smoothly. It was a really hot day and I had visited the location once before on my own and had a lot of ideas in mind that I failed to communicate properly. This shoot went much smoother and was over really quickly--we both had busy days and these snaps at the barn were just quick shots before moving on to less fun things.
I'd definitely like to find more abandoned places to visit this summer. Abandoned places can be a bit scary though. I chatted with someone who lives near this abandoned barn before because there are no trespassing signs around this area (but they specifically state no trespassing for gaming, trapped, hunting of any kind). He said no one would ever report me for taking pictures here, but that the buildings could be unstable so don't go inside. I think that is what most no trespassing signs are for in abandoned locations. They're still often private property, the landowners just aren't local or haven't figured out what to do with the location since it passed to their hands through one means or another. A no trespassing sign is a good way to cancel their liability if someone enters an unsafe location and injures themselves...But it still makes you nervous that you're entering a place obviously no one cares for because it's in ruins but you could still get yelled at or something. Anyway, moral of: want to explore abandoned places, but tend to chicken out.

Outfit details:

boater hat

thrifted jacket (similar here)
Spotted Moth earrings

Sheinside dress

Foley + Corinna purse

Sam Edelman sandals
UO blue velvet nail polish
*pictures by Jon

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Fiddles Will Never Solve Anything

2013-06-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Violins will never solve anything, but what about a ukuleles or fiddles? Is it just me or does her instrument case make her outfit infinitely cooler? I mean, I really hope carrying around empty instrument cases doesn't become a trend (or using your case as a purse), but there's something it adds to a look. I suppose her denim jumper and leopard flats would look just as nice merely topped off with that hat, but even the color adds a little something nice. Perhaps this will be Olympia Le-Tans next direction--moving away from clutches that look like books to shoulder makes that are perfect replicas of instrument cases...
via and via

Balancing Act

2013-06-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

I threw my hair brush away over a year ago--sometime after my transition from bob to pixie and my move from Virginia to Pennsylvania it just seemed like a waste. Since I kept my hair quite short there was never a need for it, but I think I'm beginning to need more of a morning routine than finger-combing. Minimal make-up or hair styling is part of the way I feel comfortable wearing slightly fancier clothes for day. Yes, I'm wearing a pair of peep-toes, but look how light my makeup is and the lack of style to my hair--it's not really trying "too hard" no? Of course, I don't think people should be penalized for trying too hard anyway, especially when the opposite lack of effort seems to be rewarded or at least much more accepted. But we all have our own little ways of coping and feeling comfortable in clothes that might turn a few heads at the grocery store. Do you try to "balance" your personal style?

Outfit details:

Cheap Monday sunglasses (similar here)

cardigan c/o Modcloth

Shakuhachi dress

Seychelles heels

vintage Coach purse

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