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After my long unexpected hiatus I have started a new blog Misfit Isle. It would make me super happy...

roxiefitz — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:49:39 -0500

After my long unexpected hiatus I have started a new blog Misfit Isle. It would make me super happy if you would check it out here!

Allow me to explain myself, but I promise I’ll keep it brief. In short, after vacation I just realized my blog wasn’t quite me anymore. First, I had been using a pen name Roxie Fitz. Hello, my name is actually Alli. Second, I wanted my blog to be sort of an art journal. Somewhere to write about the things I had been creating and the adventures I had been having. But somewhere along the way it had become a style blog. And I really do love style blogs, but to be frank I was sick of taking photos of myself. That’s all there really is to the story.

I want to thank you all for your support and love. I am very happy to be back in the blogger world and I look forward to catching up with everyone.

much love, Alli

Summer Book Reviews: Fab Fems

roxiefitz — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 08:40:16 -0400

Diane Keaton’s Then Again

“But then something happened that changed my life. I was browsing around our other favorite thrift store, the Salvation Army thrift shop, when I found the answer: a hat, a man’s old bowler hat. I put it on my head- and that was it!”

I have always admired the lovely Diane Keaton’s style, it is totally her own and she wears it with such elegance. This book is far more than fashion. Diane has led a fascinating life, I mean how could she not have?! She was in the Godfather! She dated Woody Allen for goodness sake! But at the heart of the book is a complicated story between generations of women. As she writes her own memoir she weaves in her mother’s memoirs using the journals she left behind. The memories are complicated but filled with so much heart and warmth. There is so much to learn from her experiences and her mother’s too. They experienced such different lives; Diane an independent single women who adopted children later in life after enjoying her youth free of family obligations and her mother who married young and devoted her youth to her children. I couldn’t have been more captivated by their stories, and I think this is the perfect book for any mother or daughter to read.

My Summer Style Guide- How to Dress for the Country

roxiefitz — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:40:19 -0400

I consider myself a pretty lucky gal to have grown up in the country and even luckier to be spending part of my summer there. I love the wide open spaces, the tall grass, the lovely creatures, the soothing sounds and crisp air. When I go frolicking in the country side I always remember to wear flats, and something with movement. The air moves differently in the country, so you want something with layers or frills so that it catches and dances. And I like the rustic look of the burlap clutch.

Chambray shirt- Old
Dress- My Ma’s old skirt
Flats- Blowfish
Clutch- RACHELelsie
Sunnies- H&M

Are you guys spending some time in a beautiful countryside this summer? Or are you gets strutting in your heels around a chic urban city?

Either way, I hope you’re having fun.

Summer Book Reviews: Fab Fems

roxiefitz — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:59:32 -0400

Betty White’s If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t)

“One thing they don’t tell you about growing old- you don’t feel old, you just feel like yourself. And it’s true. I don’t feel eighty-nine years old. I simple am eighty-nine years old.”

I love Betty White. You love Betty White. We all love Betty White. Whether you are a fan of her from her Golden Girls days like me or her more recent work in Hot in Cleveland; no one can help falling in love with Betty. She is a lady who despite her age is able to keep young, roll with the punches and isn’t afraid to laugh at herself. But there is so much more to Betty than her public persona. She is a huge animal activist, she has saved horses lives, runs her own animal charity and has spent time hanging out with gorillas. Her work with animals is truly inspiring, as her is courage in her career. She once said she was too afraid to do Saturday Night Live and turned down the offer to be on the show multiple times throughout her career. But finally she gathered her strenght and did the show, proving at at any age there are still new challenges to face and experiences to enjoy. This book is full of wonderful stories of her beautiful love affair with her husband, why she isn’t afraid of dying, her one messy room and her wonderful dieting tips. Betty’s book will touch your heart with her love and kindness and make you giggle with delight as she shares her personal quirks.

My Summer Style Guide- How to Dress for a Festival

roxiefitz — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 08:52:26 -0400

I asked my lovely guest writers to share what they would/are wearing to a summer festival. This week I am a very lucky girl and I’m heading down to Portland Maine to see the Gentlemen of the Road festival featuring Mumford and Sons. I couldn’t be more jazzed, especially to wear this dress to the festival. I scored this baby at a charming vintage shop. To me it is perfect festival wear because it’s casual, comfortable but still really pretty with this floral print. When heading to a festival it’s important to wear hat for added sun protection. But most importantly comfortable shoes are a must, I’m wearing my moccasins because they are really comfortable and durable for unpredictable terrain.

Dress- Vintage (similar)
Hat- Le Chateau (similar)
Bag- Spring
Shoes- Locally Made

The only thing I might change about this outfit before I head out to the show is changing the satchel to a backpack.

I hope you guys get to enjoy a summer music festival or two, and if you do I want to hear all about it!

much love.

Summer Book Reviews: Fab Fems

roxiefitz — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:47:40 -0400

Sam Wasson’s Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.

“Holly was a high-class call girl, an American geisha. To her, a life without love was an occupational necessity. Try to cage her and she’d fly away…”

Oh Miss Holly Golightly! That opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s mesmerizes you: the way she gets out of the taxi so elegent even in a long tight gown, and how she gracefully balances her coffee as she takes out her danish and begins to eat. But did you know Audrey Hepburn hates danishes and beg to change it to ice cream? And that her dress was so tight she needed one for standing and one with a huge slit cut in it so she could walk? These are the sort of fascinating tidbits you’ll learn if you read this addictively entertaining book. It goes into depth about the long process of getting this movie off the ground, and discusses Capote’s inspiration for the book and the writing process (along with that fact that he despised the film). Personally I found the most interesting part in the book was about Mrs. Audrey Hepburn. I had no idea she had such a difficult time having children, or that she refused a role from Hitchcock because of a rape scene. Most importantly I didn’t know she originally turned down the role of Holly Golightly because she said she could not play a prostitute. But she did take the role, and transformed the once reviled Holly Golightly into a kooky girl who could take on the city and be SINGLE and fabulous but still learn to let love in. This book I would consider a must read for all those who love the film, it is so well written, insightful and funny you’ll breeze right through it and fall more and more in love with Mrs. Audrey Hepburn.

My Summer Style Guide- How to Dress for a Campfire

roxiefitz — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:54:01 -0400

I’m a down home country girl and living in the country means lots of summer campfires. I love campfires; the food, the friends, the drinks and cozy environment. And even those these events take place mostly in the dark it’s hard to decide what to wear. My suggestion would firstly be to wear your hair back so you don’t accidentally lose your locks. Also, bring a sweater in case it gets chilly and rugged shoes because you never know the terrain you might be walking on.

Dress- Old Navy (similar-ish)
Shoes- Joe Fresh (similar)
Bag- Thrifted
Vest- Old Navy (similar)

Are you guys having some campfire fun this year? What is your favorite campfire food, hot dogs or s’mores? I am a s’mores gal myself, as long as it’s good dark chocolate.

Delicious!

much love.

Summer Book Reviews: Fab Fems

roxiefitz — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:50:01 -0400

Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s

“For all her chic thinness, she had an almost breakfast-cereal air of health, a soap and lemon cleanness, a rough pink darkening in the cheeks.”

I know you’ve almost all seen the fabulous movie adaptation of this novella, but I’m betting not a terribly large number of people have read the book. I am here to encourage you to enter the seedy of world of the real Holly Golightly. Published in 1958, it was quite shocking to the public at the time. The story, as you may know, is about a Holly who is a prostitute and socialite living in Manhattan. This gal, unlike the other women I have been writing about weekly, is not really what I would call an inspiration. She is cuts herself emotionally off from everyone, makes rash decisions, treats people who loved her like dirt, does not take responsibility for anything, gets involved on the wrong side of the law and never realizes the good things she has in her life until she’s thrown them away. Not really what I would call a winner. But Holly is definitely a charmer, and she does posses some endearing qualities. She preaches wildly romantic notions that make you just want to throw away all the things you own and roam the world looking for adventure at every turn. However, whether you like Holly or not this novella is definitely worth the read, Mr. Capote’s writing does not disappoint.

Guest Post by still being [Molly]

roxiefitz — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 08:37:45 -0400

Today’s Guest Post is by Molly of still being [molly]! This lil girl is fabulous! I love her style and well her…swagger. She’s just so fun and cool! I am thrilled she’s here today to give us her festival style tips!

You guys! I am SO SO SO excited to be guest posting on Roxie’s awesome blog today!I have been reading her blog for a while, so I hope that I can do her freaking sweet blog some justice. :) The theme for today’s post is “What’s your music festival style?” Well, I LOVE going to concerts. Music festivals and outdoor concerts are one of my FAVORITE things about summer, so I was so pumped to put together a look for this theme.

I have a few DOs and DONTs for what to wear to an outdoor concert: DON’Ts of Outdoor Concert / Music Festival Fashion:

DON’T Wear heels / wedges. I don’t care who you are. Heels or wedges are ADORABLE, yes, but NOT practical for wearing to an outdoor concert. ESPECIALLY if you’re on the lawn. I can’t tell you how many poor, poor girls I saw sinking into the wet grass at the show.
DON’T Wear JEANS. I love jeans. LOVE them. But if it’s a summer concert and you’re outside, you’re going to be MISERABLE in jeans. Wear a long dress or a long skirt or shorts, cause jeans are going to make you sweat.
DON’T Wear something that’s gonna show those sweat stains / sweat marks. You guys, everyone sweats. It’s natural. If someone tells you they don’t sweat, then you should tell them to see a doctor. Be mindful when going to an outdoor concert – you’re PROBABLY going to sweat. A lot. Especially if you’re like me and you love to dance! Wear a color that is conducive to HIDING sweat, not broadcasting the sweat to the world.

DOs of Outdoor Concert / Music Festival Fashion:

DO wear your hair UP and off your neck if you can help it. This is the time to try that cute ponytail or messy bun. Wearing your hair down is NO fun if you’re sweating and moving around a bunch.
DO wear flat sandals, flip flops, or COWBOY BOOTS :) (if you’re like me) – flat soles on your shoes are your BFF at shows (especially if you’re on the lawn)
DO wear something you can move in – like a light dress, skirt, or flowy top. Your body with thank you.
DO wear a light colored t-shirt - no sweat stains, it’s lightweight, and comfortable!

I snagged this top from Kohl’s a couple months ago for only $9 and it’s perfect for an outdoor concert cause it’s SUPER lightweight. And I love the open or “cold” shoulders. :) Also, my rainbow flip flops are kind of my favorite things in the world. For real. These babies are like 10+ years old and I still love them.

To trend-ify your outfit, throw on a statement necklace or arm party… don’t do BOTH cause you don’t want to overwhelm the outfit. :)

I wanna thank Roxie for letting me guest post here today! She is AWESOME. I blog over at still being [molly] - so come stop by and say hi! :)

[Outfit Deets: Shirt: Kohl’s, Shorts: JCrew Factory , Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay, Flip Flops: Rainbows, Bag: Target (old), Sunnies: Dollar General]

xoxo, all for now :)

My Summer Style Guide- How to Dress for a Wedding

roxiefitz — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:54:35 -0400

Our 4th wedding anniversary is coming up this week so I’ve had wedding attire on my mind. I love going to weddings, I think they are just a feast for the eyes: the cake, the dress, the flowers and all the guests. But dressing for a wedding can be so stressful; my tip is to read the invitation carefully or just ask the couple. There is nothing worse than being way under dressed for a wedding or going to a conservative wedding with a non conservative neckline. My recommendation is to always pack a cardi in your car just in case and never ever wear a white dress, no matter how cool the bride says she is with it. Even if you look great in white people will assume you are being disrespectful.

Dress- The Gap (similar-ish)
Shoes- Payless (similar-ish)
Accessories- Gifted and Thrifted

My biggest style tip is to take a cue from U.K. style and wear something fabulous on your head. How many occasions do you have to wear a huge hair piece? I’m betting not that many, so take advantage.

Are you guys attending some weddings this summer? Do you enjoy the fashion parade or does all the potential for mishaps stress you out?

much love.

Thirteen- Big Star I think this is one of the sweetest love...

roxiefitz — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 09:48:31 -0400

Thirteen- Big Star

I think this is one of the sweetest love songs ever. It’s a classic in my mind. I definitely enjoy driving slowly through the rolling countryside listenting to this song with the hubster.

Happy weekend.

Much Love.

P.S. I had a few (okay, a few more than a few) guest post drop outs, which is understandable. But it does mean I have a few open spots, so if you are interested send me an email at roxiefitz@gmail.com

Summer Book Reviews: Fab Fems

roxiefitz — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:57:41 -0400

Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

“Forgive me, but being a guy is so easy. A little Kiehl’s, a little Bumble and Bumble, a peacoat, and Chuck Taylors and you’re hot.”

We (mostly) all know and love Mindy as her character Kelley on The Office (US), but in her book you can get to know the real Mindy through a series of shorts essays on her life and some of her observations like “Why Do Men Put Their Shoes on Slowly?”. Mindy is of course charming and hilarious, by mid way through the book you wish she was your best friend. At the beginning of the book Mindy write mostly about her average childhood. She discusses the politics of girl friend groups and what it’s like being the chubby girl, all things I find very rateable and comforting to read. Mindy is up front about her flaws and owns them, like her addiction to sweets, her difficulty with style and her inability to let someone else win an argument. Even though she talks about how angry she gets and her many embarrassing moments, she works hard and perseveres to land herself a writing, producing, directing and acting position on one of the most popular comedies today. There is no veneer on Mindy; she is the perfect example of how you can be flawed and fabulous.

Guest Post by Olive and An Arrow

roxiefitz — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 08:56:01 -0400

Today’s Guest Post is by Giovanna of Olive and An Arrow! I adore this gal, she is so upbeat and fun! Her style is full of color and brilliant prints! I couldn’t be happier that she’s here today to talk about her festival style!

Hey there lovelies! I’m Giovanna from the blog Olive and an Arrow! I’m extremely excited to be guest blogging for Roxie while she is away! Roxie asked me to post on what I would wear to a summer music festival! What better way to celebrate summer than with some awesome outdoor music and festivities!

I chose this look because I feel it embodies the laidback vibe you want to achieve at an outdoor concert. The top is airy and you get the benefit of wearing shorts while still looking put together! Flats or wedges go with the look and you know you’ll always be comfortable and ready for anything! Which is key—when you’re rocking out to some great music!

Thanks again to Roxie for letting me guest post while she is away! Feel free to stop by my blog and say hello!

My Summer Style Guide- How to Stay Safe

roxiefitz — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 08:52:14 -0400

I know what you are thinking, it’s sweltering out and you’ve got a long sleeve shirt on? I get this a lot, people asking me why on some of the hottest days of the year I am still wearing a cardi. Well the answer is simple, Sun Protection. I have what you call alabaster skin, or what hubster calls ghostly (charming, eh?). I do put on sun screen everyday too and try to re apply at multiple times during the day but sometimes it’s just not enough. Especially now they are saying that you need higher and higher SPF because the amount you are actually putting on only equals to half the SPF on the bottle. I wear SPF 100 everyday, so I have an SPF coverage of 50. But my skin is so sensitive to the sun; actually in early May at 8 in the morning I went outside to have my coffee and after ten minutes of my bare feet in the sun they burnt so bad they blistered. It’s a real problem for me and I know because of my skin color I am at a high risk for skin cancer. So even though sometimes it’s a little too warm you can still be stylish in long sleeves in the summer and for me it is a necessity. But I hope for all you with less sensitive skin that you are still applying the sun screen!

Chambray Shirt- Smart Set (similar)

Dress- Old Navy (similar)

Shoes- Locally Made

Accessories- Locally Made or DIY

Bag- Vintage

Sunnies- H&M (similar)

I hope y’all are enjoying some gorgeous sunshine and staying protected too, but I know you’ll never forget to put on your gorgeous sunnies!

much love.

P.S. Does anyone have any sunscreen recommendations? I am always looking for the best and highest protection.

ALSO, I just recently joined the world of Instagram (username roxiefitz) and I am always looking for more lovely people to follow so I can check it obsessively, so leave me your details below.

Menswear Monday

roxiefitz — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:17:23 -0400

First, is there anything nicer than crisp new jeans? They look so good and fresh. Second, this is a perfect example of how you need to select colors that compliment your skin tone. Hubster has a lot of pink in his complexion, so wearing red only emphasis it. But here he chose to wear burgundy because it’s in the same family as red so you get a similar feel, but it’s darker and doesn’t make him look the same shade of red all over.

Happy Monday Loves!

much love.

P.S. His whole outfit is brought to you by Old Navy!

My Fav Summer Tunes

roxiefitz — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 08:45:01 -0400

Every friday I thought I would start sharing my favorite happy summer songs! I hope you like them and if not check back next week because I love a wide variety of music so it is likely to be a totally different style one week from the next.

Noah and the Whale “Five Years Time”- I know this song is a few years old so you might all know it by now. But I have to say that this song has staying power! It is so happy and carefree, I cannot get enough. Feel free to put it on repeat!

much love.

Summer Book Reviews: Fab Fems

roxiefitz — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:51:01 -0400

Here is my first installment of a summer book review series I am calling “Fab Fems”. I thought while you are sitting around looking amazing at the beach, park or on your patio you might want to read about some fabulous and inspiring females so here are some recommendations and reviews. I have put links to where you can purchase these books online, but I encourage you to go out and buy them in your local bookstores if you can! much love.

Jeanne Beker’s Finding Myself in Fashion

“For a long time , I was enamored with the fashion world because it seemed so rarefied. Those of us who work in its trenches are, for the most part, die-hard romantics, hell-bent on keeping our glorious bubble intact.”

If you are not a Canadian you might not know who Jeanne Baker is, but to us Canadians she is a fashion icon. She was the host and producer of Fashion Television for 17 years, reporting on style and fashion shows from Canada to New York to across the globe and got exclusive interviews with all the greats. She was also a judge on the lesser known Canada’s Next Top Model, launched two clothing lines and has written 5 books on her life in fashion and style. In this book “Finding Myself in Fashion” she writes about how she came to be in the business and how being part of the fashion world changed her life. I was so touched by her story, this little lady fought her way into the business moving and adapting to work her way to the position she wanted. She writes about the life changing fashion shows and fantastic designers she’s encountered along the way. Her story is helpful for any girl looking to work in the fashion journalism business, she talks about how hard she needed to work and what she did to make her way into the business. But she also writes about the trials and traumas of her life: her parents were holocaust victims, she was in New York during the 9/11 fashion week and went through a terrible divorce after 18 years of marriage. So her story is so inspiring for all woman as she demonstrates how if you want something, no matter the obstacle you can work and put your heart into it and persevere. You can live a life “not great but extraordinary”.

Guest Post by Chambray + Curls

roxiefitz — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 08:45:09 -0400

Today’s Guest Post is by Laura from Chambray + Curls! This gal is seriously beautiful and has the most amazing head of hair! I couldn’t be happier that she’s here today to talk about her summer festival guide!

Hi everyone! I’m Laura. I am so excited to be blogging here today, Roxie is such a sweetheart to have me! I’m hoping she is LOVING her break so far. I’ve gotta say, I adore her theme for these outfit posts. Summertime is just so perfect for festivals, and festivals make for some fun dressing up! I’m not headed to any festivals this summer, but I can tell you that if I was, I’d be skipping out on the wellies and macs that are basically a requirement for any English summer festival, and be heading for the sunshine! Benicassim, Hideout, The Burning Man… Take me to the heat!

So if its not wellies and mac territory, what to wear? Festivals make me think of the 70’s and 80s, and of bohemian style queens like Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, full of Boho skirts and eclectic jewellery. Its such a far cry from my usual look, which is kind of half the fun of festivals, no? As with any kind of dress-up opportunity, I try to have a look at what I’ve already got in my wardrobe, and think of new ways to wear it, or have a go at some DIYS, rather than spend a load of money on new things for a single event. Its like going shopping in your own wardrobe!

Wearing- Skirt: Vintage, altered by me; Vest, Sunglasses and Belt: Primark; Shoes: Office via Ebay; Necklaces: Gifts; Handbag: Bought in Morocco

This skirt just screams summer to me- the colours, the print and the high-low hem. I love wearing one statement piece and dressing around it- it only needs a simple vest top. Add a cross-body bag to let you dance away hands free, pop your hair up into some plaits, and layer some necklaces for a boho vibe and top it all with some fun round sunnies. Now, does anyone want to fund a festival trip for me? No? Guess I’ll just have to keep making do with dancing around my garden with the speakers turned up!

Thank you so much for having me, and I hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to come say hi over at Chambray & Curls I’d love to see you around. You can even check out how to DIY your own high-low skirt!

xxx

My Summer Style Guide- How to Dress for the Beach

roxiefitz — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 08:40:06 -0400

Everybody loves the beach, but there is nothing more uncomfortable than being over dressed at the beach. If you go to the beach with a pile of accessories and restrictive clothing you are going to end up a hot sweaty mess. Choose breezy fabrics and wear a hair piece for your accessories. Plus don’t forget to not pile on the makeup because it’s just going to come running down your face, not fun.

Dress- Old Navy
Sandals- Gifted (Similar)
Hair Piece- DIY

Don’t forget the most important beach accessory is sunscreen! Apply a lot and often!

Are you guys spending a lot of time at the beach this summer? What’s your favorite beach activity: making sandcastles? chatting? reading? napping?

Personally I love goofing off in the waves.

much love

Menswear Mondays

roxiefitz — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 08:54:01 -0400

Sometimes in the summer when it’s hot outside you just need to dress like a kid. Well, a very well coordinated kid. This outfit is well put together, the shorts are a good length and the shirt color is almost the same as the shorts but different enough that he doesn’t look too matchy matchy. Plus how adorable/hilarious is that dinosaur print?

Shirt- Threadless

Shorts- Old Navy

Shoes- Toms

Look who is wearing his Toms again? I think this is becoming a deep obsession, they are practically glued to his feet.

What summer fun kid activities do you still take part in? Bubbles? Running through sprinklers? Side walk chalk? Personally I am a huge fan of playing on the swings!

much love.