The Clothes Horse

Dropsnap Does It Better

2009-11-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

No matter how many street fashion sites I stumble across, I always return regularly to Dropsnap. Perhaps it is because my first introduction to "fashion" was Japanese street fashion which I became obsessed with in Junior High, or perhaps it is because this site doesn't prescribe to a specific style tribe. I like how a very wide and eclectic ranges of fashion is photographed: vintage, harajuku, gothic lolita, etc. Every pictured seems to be the definition of personal style. Here are a few of my recent favorites.

via Dropsnap

Like Apples Of Gold In Settings Of Silver

2009-11-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

Can you feel the fall in these pictures? We have the weather for layers and knits here in 'ole Washington; and in my particular case: layered knits. I have been wearing a surprisingly wealth of neutrals this year...which if you've been following my blog for ages, is unusual for me. I did top this off with mustard yellow in an attempt to keep it from being too blah and predictable. I think I must be highly susceptible to my surroundings considering how often I end up matching them...

Outfit details: hat- H&M, navy cardigan- old school uniform, grey cardigan- Gap, dress- vintage, tights- gift, socks- Thank You Mart, shoes- Seychelles, ring- The Quotation

P.S. More news on the Northwest Blog-Meet-Blog event in Seattle. We've confirmed several sponsors for some rad giveaways. Here's the Facebook page for the event!

Kirei Desu Ne?

2009-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Devon Aoki is one of my favorite models, so really any editorial featuring her will captivate me. The fact that this editorial manages to make mundane settings look marvelous and features rich hues and interesting lighting woos me even more.

Numero Tokyo December 2009 via Lace&Tea

Never Saw The Sun Shining So Bright

2009-11-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

Don't be deceived by the blue skies in these pictures; I managed to snap them in a brief spat of sunshine between the rain that has fallen for several days in a row. While most of the time I would prefer better weather, this time it did afford me the perfect excuse to use my brand new umbrella courtesy of Modcloth. How wonderful are the little goldfish decorating the panels?

The umbrella seemed a nice compliment to this Dear Creatures dress (which I already admired here); I sought to showcase the dress with a clean, black palette. The dress is really rather wonderful: made of a thick, structured, canvas-like material and with the boxy shape broken up by the curving bust detail. The neutral color makes it perfect for mixing and matching in dozens of ways that already come to mind. My new bow gloves added a necessary pop of color to make this outfit feel more me.

As you can tell: I'm becoming quite addicted to Modcloth. My only complaint is the quantity of new items they add daily to tempt me. I'm already expecting another package with items I couldn't resist purchasing for myself even though it is the season to begin shopping for others!

Outfit details: dress, gloves, and umbrella- courtesy of Modcloth, cardigan- H&M, tights- Walmart, shoes- Bona Drag

KDikio Vintage Jewelry Giveaway

2009-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about vintage, is that it has already stood "the test of time." You usually don't have to worry about it falling apart or discovering your friends all simultaneously bought the same piece.

KDikio is a shop that specializes in vintage jewelry. From necklaces to statement rings, it offers affordable one of a kind pieces that you won't find anywhere else. There really is such a marvelous selection of quirky pieces (like these cat earrings) on this site that can really add a lot of personality to anyone's style. This week's winner will be allowed to pick any single item of their choice from KDikio's shop.

To enter: Visit the shop and then come back and tell me which piece you would choose if you won. Open to International readers; the winner will be drawn by random on 11/15/09.

*Since everything is one of a kind at the shop, the item you initially wanted might be sold before the end of the week.

Looking Back You Shouldn't Have Fought It

2009-11-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Nostalgia for last year and Greece was sparked by these boots which were bought there and haven't seen the light of day in awhile. The ability of clothes to carry so many memories is one of the things that makes me so attached to my wardrobe. When traveling I'm much more keen on purchasing clothes or jewelry in order to commemorate the trip rather than a nick-knack or traditional souvenir. Moving a lot means most superfluous things end up in boxes (that haven't been touched in years), but clothes always get unpacked and worn. Thus, whenever I don a certain item or throw on a particular pendant I awaken memories of interesting places and fun people.

These boots might not seem scream "Greek," but when wearing them I suddenly get swept back to the marbled streets of Athens. A loyal friend endured several days of hunting for boots with me; we visited shop after shop in search of the elusive ideal pair. When I tried these on and the shop helper winked at me to indicate approval, I knew I had found mine. Though we were less successful in my friend's hunt and dozens of stores later she still walked away empty-handed it is a positive memory for both us. Time spent in good company and humor, shopping until our feet hurt, but still pausing to appreciate our surroundings. She willingly went down back alleys with me when I thought I spied interesting graffiti and our near-daily visit to Leonidas chocolate...oh how I miss city living.

Outfit details: turtleneck- H&M, skirt- Forever 21, tights- street vendor, boots- some shop in Athens, necklace- Talonalia, bag- Pull and Bear

Dancing The Night Away With Delightfully Tacky

2009-11-05T10:30:00.001-08:00

How can I begin to describe the delight that is Delightfully Tacky? You have to love a girl who lists Winnebagos as an interest, has perfect cascading curls, great personal style, and makes living in Alaska look like a dream. The girl behind the blog was also kind enough to plan out a dream dance party complete with an epic play list.

What type of party is it?
Rock and Roll dance party! It would last for days and no one would need sleep (for some magical and mysterious reason), and no one would get too drunk, just the perfect amount (or not at all). All my favorite bands would play: Bowie, Stones, Van Halen, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Notorious B.I.G., The Doors, Heart, Velvet Underground, Neil Diamond and so on and so forth. With all members living, of course. Oh, and for nostalgia's sake: United State of Electronica.
Who is invited?
All my friends from college, and any of my lovely blogger pals.

Where does it take place?
It would be a place that doesn't exist. A combination of the Woodstock location and my old duplex. It would be at both day and night, but the nights would be like warm, clear Californian nights, and the days would be around 80 degrees and sunny. Perfect for ice cold beers, margaritas, and rum & cokes.
What are we eating?
Chocolate covered strawberries, cheap beer, expensive booze, gourmet nachos with delicious guacamole, shrimp cocktail for days, pizza.

Who gets to sit next to you? And why?
Well, when I'm not dancing, I'd love to chill with all my friends from college who I probably won't see all in one place ever again. Also, I'd probably end up hanging out with Bowie, Morrison, Neil Diamond, and all the other great band members playing at my party!
What is the theme or what is everyone wearing?
Oooh! Everyone should dress like normal, but one day of this multi-day, sleepless dance-fest should be a dress up! I sure love Halloween and dressing up...

Are there party favors?
Everyone gets Polaroid cameras and unlimited film to document the festivities.
What are the hot topics of the evening?
Only happy things. Nobody talks about politics.
Life, Love, great things happening in our futures and incredible memories from the past.

Who is most likely to get drunk and dance on the table?
Obvi: Me
Who is the last to leave?
Whoever I get stuck talking to for hours and hours at the end of the party, you know how that goes.

For more visit Delightfully Tacky.

No Object Is Unchangeable

2009-11-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

"It is the eye of ignorance that assigns a fixed and unchangeable color to every object; beware of this stumbling block." -Paul Gauguin
The key to any remix is imagination. To expand a wardrobe without emptying your pocket try looking at a dress not just as a dress, but a blouse or skirt; a party outfit as something that can be toned down for day; a ladylike garment to be edged up with combat boots. Even the shape of a skirt can be transformed with a few safety pins.
I already wore this Betsey Johnson dress (which I scored for super cheap on Gilt) here, but I can see it worn so many different ways. So, without further ado here are 7 different looks all built from the same dress.
sweater- Gap, belt- vintage, shoes- Seychelles via Weardrobe Conference
coat- Tulle, tights- Forever 21, shoes- Bona Drag
skirt- some shop in Japan, tights- Betsey Johnson via Modcloth, shoes- vintage
jacket- H&M, tights- Walmart, shoes- Urban Outfitters
tiara- Etsy, shoes- Urban Outfitters
sweater- H&M, tights- Walmart, boots- Forever 21
vest- gift from my sister, tights- Fred Flare, shoes- Nine West

Get Excited

2009-11-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

The flyer for the event; again e-mail me to be added to the guest list (thenewclotheshorse@yahoo.com)

Artwork by Kam Martin and Yiu Studio

The Stars Are Against Me Tonight

2009-11-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

The only thing potentially prettier than dkim's artwork? The name given to each piece: "Mischief Maker," "Wanderluster," "All My Vices Come To Hunt Me," "Lady Hitchcock," etc. Is there any limit to this artist's imagination?

all artwork by dkim

Here Comes A Feeling You Had Forgotten

2009-11-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been deviating from my usual path. I'm taking new paths through the woods and pushing just a little bit further to see what is around the bend. Sometimes there is a wide open field, or moss-covered woods and occasionally a more unusual surprise: a mock village for military drills or an abandoned, roofless building...

Outfit details: jacket and dress- H&M, belt- vintage, shoes- Seychelles, tote- Hayden and Harnett via Weardrobe Conference, necklace- Modcloth

LA Vintage $100 Giveaway

2009-11-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

When you want something special, one-of-a-kind pieces at a decent price there's no comparison to vintage. The limited quantity and rarity of vintage can make it hard to find (especially in your specific size), but lately quality vintage is only a few clicks away on the web. This leads me to this week's sponsor: LA Vintage. This shop is an excellent online source of quality vintage pieces from accessories to swimwear and everything in between.

Not only do they have a large and diverse stock of pieces, but the site is amazingly user-friendly. You can browse by size, era, color, type, etc. It makes hunting down that perfect polka dot blazer as easy as pie and their prices are extremely reasonable considering someone else is doing all the leg work. Not only is the site a source of fashionable one of a kind clothing, but it is an earth conscious way to shop; a rare enough combination in the fashion industry.

This week's prize is a $100 gift certificate to spend at LA Vintage. Open to International readers. The winner will be drawn and announced on 11/8/09.

To Enter: Leave a comment below telling me why you love vintage and what you would spend the $100 on in LA Vintage's shop.

Garden Of Bones

2009-10-31T10:30:00.001-07:00

In honor of Halloween here's an awesome streetart installation by Olaf Breun g in the Garden of Villa Medici. Don't the facial expressions on the statues suit the addition of skeletons?

via Wooster Collective

Northwest Blogger Meet-Up

2009-10-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Kam of Needle+Thread and I are planning a Northwest Blogger Meet-Up in Seattle on November 20th. If you're a blogger within the reach of Seattle for a Friday night, shoot me an e-mail to be added to the guest list! We're focusing on fashion, food, and home blogs.
We're also eager to add to our sponsor list, so if you're interested in sponsoring the event and want more details, e-mail me.

When I first saw The Brothers Bloom in theaters I fell in love with Penelope (the epileptic photographer and potential smuggler) and her quirky fashion sense. She paired 60's style sack/shift dresses with heavy black boots, hats, and opaque tights. Following the film I finally felt the call of the grunge and Doc Marten trend, but I have a hard time investing in shoes so outside my usual style. So, these were actually purchased from Forever 21 on the cheap with that gift card I won. Now I'm dressed like Penelope, so hopefully I will soon start having similar adventures with less than scrupulous characters...
Outfit details: jacket- Forever 21, dress- H&M, tights- street vendor, necklace- Talonalia, boots- Forever 21

Dance Of The Shoes

2009-10-29T10:30:00.001-07:00

This is what all your pretty shoes like to do when you're not looking...Nasha was eager to get in on the action. She's quite an agile Labbit and loves a good samba.

Miu Miu and Me

2009-10-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

A short while ago on Chictopia, I won a gift card to Forever 21. This immediately led to trolling the F21 website and exhaustive mental debate over what to order. As soon as I saw this dress, one item was decided. The dainty, whimsical print of unicorns, bunnies, cats, and some strange creature wearing a hat was not only too sweet to pass up, but distinctly reminiscent of the most recent Miu Miu runway. Knock-off, "inspired by," or whatever, I really felt a need for this dress in my closet...

Miu Miu Paris Spring 2010 via Style.com

Outfit details: cardigan- H&M, dress- Forever 21, tights- Fred Flare, shoes- secondhand, necklace- Yellowstone National Park gift shop

Romanticizing

2009-10-27T10:30:00.001-07:00

I would like to live in the world that Mads Teglers creates in his images. Dreamy lighting, sequined clothes, and romantic spaces? They're like a beautiful dream. I would also greatly appreciate one of those opulent masks this Halloween...

all pictures by Mads Teglers

Happy Accidents

2009-10-26T10:00:00.001-07:00

The best kind of outfits seem to be happy accidents. They pull together pieces from different shops, were bought years apart, and yet seem meant to be worn all together. It can take me forever to dress, because I just start pulling things instinctively. It is rare for me to have an exact picture in mind, which often leads to a pile of discarded extras and accessories on the floor. The end result though, can feel as nicely composed as this outfit...

Outfit details: blazer- H&M, scarf- YarnOverMovement, dress- Betsey Johnson via Gilt, tights- Walmart, shoes- Seychelles via Weardrobe Conference

Anirtak Baby Lone Hopper Giveaway

2009-10-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

One of the best places to find dainty, whimsical charms at reasonable prices is Anirtak; which also happens to be the sponsor of this week's giveaway. From leaf lariats that call to mind autumnal beauty to pearl necklaces that can be worn a variety of ways, Anirtak offers some simply lovely pieces and a few quirky ones as well. There's a sense of timelessness to many of the pieces, as well as personal charm--distinct designs that could become you "signature" piece of jewelry.

This giveaway is for the Baby Lone Hopper necklace in silver. It features a darling bunny with detailed features on a delicate chain. A really sweet piece to easily be worn with anything in your wardrobe.
To enter: leave a comment below telling me your favorite piece in Anirtak's shop. Open to international readers and the winner will be drawn by random on November 1st.

P.S. The winner of the Much Love giveaway is Eleanor. Congratulations!

If You Were Coming In The Fall

2009-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you were coming in the fall,
I'd brush the summer by
With half a smile and half a spurn,
As housewives do a fly.

If I could see you in a year,
I'd wind the months in balls,
And put them each in separate drawers,
Until their time befalls.

If only centuries delayed,
I'd count them on my hand,
Subtracting till my fingers dropped
Into Van Diemen's land.

If certain, when this life was out,
That yours and mine should be,
I'd toss it yonder like a rind,
And taste eternity.

But now, all ignorant of the length
Of time's uncertain wing,
It goads me, like the goblin bee,
That will not state its sting.

~Emily Dickinson

Outfit details: jacket- H&M, dress- ASOS, tights- We Love Colors, shoes- secondhand

Mysterio

2009-10-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

When I was studying Greek language in Athens my instructor had the habit of saying "mysterio" every time someone had a question that would consume too much class time to answer. The intriguing photographs of Ellen Rogers who experiments with dark room techniques reminds me of that...it is as if there is a rhyme and reason behind them, but we aren't given a direct answer.

via Ellen Rogers

Bittersweet Welcome

2009-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

If I had a choice in the matter I would live in a place of eternal summer. When it comes to fall and winter weather and temperatures I am a whining weakling. It's true, once the temperature drops below a certain point I start cranking up the heat and avoiding the outdoors as much as possible. Further, once it snows my condition worsens; I've had too many disastrous falls on ice to look on a winter wonderland without misgivings.
However, there are many things I do enjoy about this season, so I am attempting to focus on those. First up is my love affair with all things pumpkin related; from carving them up, to cooking the seeds, and munching on other pumpkin baked goods. Another thing I love is fall color; leaves going from green to rich, saturated hues is so pretty to watch. I also enjoy a long, dark night; they're the perfect setting for a crackling fire and a book and they always just seem so mysterious and full of potential...Family gatherings tend to occur around the holidays too and even though the last family winter trip was canceled due to snow (grrr...), my family was still all together in one place. One of the best features of fall and winter? Holidays; over indulgence in rich food, parties, and gifts are all quite welcome holiday features.
So, despite the fact that I'll probably twist my ankle before the cold season is over, there are still certain things to look forward to...

Outfit details: jacket- H&M, bag- Hayden-Harnett via Weardrobe Conference, dress- vintage, belt- vintage, shoes- Seychelles, necklace- Talonalia

Autumnal Nostalgia

2009-10-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

The new Dear Creatures lookbook is killing me softly with cuteness. It makes me want to watch Disney films and eat Girl Scout cookies...

Mad For Modcloth

2009-10-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

I've never really been one for back-to-school shopping or fall basics or whatever. Not that I don't like the idea, it's just I tend to lack the focus and go about my purchases willy-nilly. For example, I've been wanting ankle boots for months, but instead my most recent shoe purchase was a pair of wedges because they were on sale...Regardless of my lack of focus, this autumnal season has brought me plethora of Modcloth items. I'm definitely not complaining since I've basically been coveting their real vintage and retro pieces for over a year now.
The latest addition to my ill-conceived wardrobe, the Side Story dress. I love the pockets and the shape of the sleeves; all in all it makes me feel mildly Mad Men-esque...

This Brick Lane Bag is also new and totally feeding my current green addiction and roomy enough for all the superfluous things I can't leave my house without. I wonder if my newly discovered love for green has to do with the fact that the leaves are changing colors...

Outfit details: dress and bag- courtesy of Modcloth, tights- Betsey Johnson, shoes- Bona Drag, rings- various secondhand stores and street vendors

Much Love Giveaway

2009-10-17T10:30:00.001-07:00

Much Love is an adorable shop on Etsy featuring the sweet and wonderful "made with a whole lot of love" and the sponsor of this week's giveaway. I'm quite partial to her vintage swan pendant and her new, delicate cut-out pieces.

This giveaway is for the Elizabeth necklace featuring a brass coin layered on a floral pendant and one Much Love postcard.

To enter this giveaway: leave a comment below telling me what pieces from the shop are your favorites. Open to International readers. The winner will be drawn on 10/25/09.
P.S. The winner of the NOVICA handbag giveaway was Christine. Congrats!