Friday, December 31, 2010

Anna's Style, Erin's Picks: Top 3 of '10


My top three picks of the year for Anna had to include her amazing yellow jacket. I love how she styles this blazer in so many different ways to highlight its different elements: preppy, vintage, structured, bright coloured, etc. Never in a million years would I have paired it with this beautiful Rodarte for Target dress, but it is a perfect match that manages to emphasise the best qualities of each piece. Also fantastic here is the sleek haircut and red lipstick, not to mention that sassy glance.

This outfit, for me, is classic Anna: printed tights, shorts, and an amazing accessory. My favourite part of this look is how much interest the subtleties of the layering bring. The paisley pattern on the tights, the bow on the blouse, and the peek of belt all make the look not as simple as it initially seems. I also love the way she paired the rich colours together and united them all with a sensational statement brooch. And did I mention how beautiful does she looks here?

Of course I had to pick this one. Aside from the fact that it is something I could see myself wearing if I was bold enough, it demonstrates Anna's ability to unite disparate elements into a unified look. Stripes, leopard print, a pop of colour, fishnets, floral embellishement, clustered pearls and a bold belt are integrated seamlessly into a total outfit that is both classic and edgy. Anna makes it look effortless but I promise it is far from an easy fashion feat. Well done!
Were these your favourite Anna looks of last year? Did I omit something that you were sure was number one? Let me know. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next year.
xo Erin

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A (half) Year in Review: Erin's style, Anna's picks

The Tights that Bind may not have started until February 29, and Erin may not have begun to add her fashion expertise until June 23, but we love a countdown as commemoration of the end of a year as much as the next blog. Since the Tights that Bind is more of a conversation among personal styles (Libby, we miss you! The plaid rain boots you wore the other day were super cute!) than just a singular personal style blog, Erin and I have decided to choose each other's Top Three Outfits of 2010.

Although Erin has only been posting for a little longer than 6 months, I found it very difficult to narrow my choices down to only three. Each of the outfits that I picked made it into one of the coveted spots because it works really well as an outfit as whole, it showcases incredible pieces, and it highlights a part of Erin's style that I really love and admire.

Erin's Top Three Outfits of 2010
(in chronological order)

I'm glad that this is the outfit that appeared first chronologically, because what I love most about it is how it works so well showcasing what Erin does best: make denim interesting, pair black and white with a pop of color, understand where the visual interest should lie, and add fun but not overwhelming details to complete the look.
Unlike Erin, I struggle with denim. When I wear it, I feel underdressed and boring, and I don't have as many nice pairs as she does -- probably because I don't shop hard enough for them. I really love the bright pink shirt in this outfit and how it really becomes the focal piece because of its amazing pussy bow. Erin highlights this by having the only other splash of color be earrings in a matching pink (and matching whimsical nature!) and echoing the bow theme with her amazing rain boots. Another reason why I find this look so lovely is that I watched Erin long for these boots on the internet for months -- I'm so happy they're where they should be, on her feet.
I almost forgot the animal print! It works so well here because it gives a slight edge to the very feminine look. There's actually a lot going on in this outfit, but it doesn't feel overwhelming or busy at all. Such a really excellent example of Erin's most popular sartorial choices.

If you looked through Erin's blog posts and didn't pick this outfit as one of your favorites, I'd say you were crazy. Crazy! Have you ever seen a blouse as amazing as this one? This blouse, like the boots, was very familiar to me by the time Erin debuted it on the blog because she stared longingly at it on the internet for some time. Kate Spade really does design with her in mind, I think. It doesn't surprise me that two of my three picks were in the same week. Once I start putting together some really nice outfits, I find myself on a bit of a roll, dressing at my best for the next few days or so. Perhaps this is not a personal phenomenon.
Again, Erin knew exactly how to let this blouse shine, pairing it with a black skirt and black heels, with the black skirt's interesting pleating mirroring the amazing pleats of the blouse. The red coat did a lovely job of highlighting the pink and red color combo on the shirt, as normally the pink of the lips would stand out more than the red of the cigarette fire. The pulled back hair and pearl earrings were simple but classic, really letting the blouse take center stage. Not all people who are interested in fashion or style are truly successful shoppers, but Erin certainly is, and her knowledge of brands and the fashion market really pays off in pieces like this blouse. I could gush for ages (I have so much to say about the collar alone), but we have another really lovely outfit to discus.


When Erin originally posted this outfit in October, I commented on how much I have always loved both this dress and these shoes. This outfit really strikes me as part of Erin's signature style, even though it's quite different from the first two looks. Erin's closet is full of bold prints like this dress, and they leave such a specific and lasting impression. When I think of her fashion (which I often do, since she was for some time my favorite shopping companion and the very person who introduced me to personal style blogs), these bold prints often come to mind because they are so memorable. Also, as I mentioned before when praising Erin's ability to discern what the focal point of her outfit ought to be, she's similarly good at letting her bold prints breathe. Often, when the print is in a bright color, she pairs it with denim or neutrals, but since this dress is quite neutral in color itself, she paired it with her yellow jacket, which I really love. It works so well against the light blues and grays in the outfit. The rest of the outfit works with the colors in the print, adding interest with size and texture. These shoes, which I have praised before, are amazing. They are just quirky enough with their mixture of a platform wedge and a dainty Mary Jane strap to be as fun as a novelty print, but their reserved black tone allows them to be quite versatile for outfits and occasions. If I had the grace to wear heels, I would steal them.

In fact, what do I want to steal from Erin's closet was a question I asked myself a lot when looking through her archives trying to narrow down my top seven into a top three. Almost every piece of all of these outfits made the cut. What are your thoughts on my thoughts? Your own top three? Some honorable mentions? Countdowns are so fun; I really feel like I'm ready for the new year now. Erin, I can't wait to see what I pick next year when I actually have a full twelve months of posts to choose from! xoxo Anna Rae


Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Snow Day Fashion

For Christmas, I was gifted two really lovely pieces of outerwear -- both with very bold prints and colorful designs.I love the way that these boots and this scarf worked with my coat because they both have the deep purple. Even though my coat is a bold color, it's still one solid color, which means there is a lot of room for accessory fun.
And, seriously, what's more fun than these boots?
The floral on the boots and the stripes on the scarf might not match each other, but I think that they still work together to complete this fun, tonally matching look for cold months of snowball fights.
Coat: Burlington Coat Factory
Tights: Target
Scarf: Gifted, Aunt Donna
Boots: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Kamik

I hope everyone on break is having a relaxing one. I'm currently curled up by the fire watching What Not to Wear, which is pretty much the definition of relaxation. xoxo Anna Rae

Monday, December 27, 2010

Some Groovy Hi-Fi

Nothing says, It's the Day after Christmas! more than new Christmas presents. Yesterday, I spent most of my day at Radio Shack, which was luckily employed by only those with unending patience, and then home, jamming to my records. For years, I maintained that my cherished Fisher Price record player from childhood was better than any fancy record player you owned, until it tragically stopped working at the 33 speed. One day into my new record player, and I can't believe I was so stubborn for so long (I mean, I can believe it, I just regret it).

To celebrate, I wore three of my favorite new bows: my Coach shoes and this adorable bow headband that Janet bought me.
Oh yes, that is how I dance.
I liked the idea of matching the bow on the headband's colors to the rest of the outfit and then tying the shoes in with the consistency of bows. Also, how amazing are my white lace tights with this dress? Everything about this outfit is so feminine and adorable. Perfect for an inside your room, reuniting with old records kind of party.
The weather outside was bleak and my shoes are far too pretty; I wore durable rain boots outside and these shoes only hung out on the carpet with the Boss.

Dress: Thrifted and hemmed, St. Mary's Hospital Thrift Store, Sechelt
Cardigan: Old Navy
Pearl chain: On thrifted shirt, Salvation Army, Latrobe
Tights: Target
Shoes: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Coach
Headband: Gifted, Janet
Photos: Julie

I've already moved furniture around so that my record player is on a different stand -- one that holds the speakers and has storage space for the records. The most important part, its ability to actually play music, remains. xoxo Anna Rae

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas Two Ways or Christmas Parts II and III


Merry Christmas, Readers! This purple dress has been the star of my holiday. I bought the dress at the JCrew Factory Outlet Store, knowing that I'd want to pair it with leopard print, but I wasn't sure for which day or how. I loved its classic shape and the adorable collar. Let's first take a look at how I styled the dress for Midnight Mass. Simply is pretty much the word. Once I found these beautiful tights at Target, I knew that they would be perfect for this dress and for a dressier look. Since my ultimate goal was to pair the deep purple with leopard print, I went with a pair of my favorite shoes (yesterday was a good day for shoes).
I matched the shoes to my jewelry and wore my nicest gold pieces.
Dress: J.Crew Factory Outlet Store, Hershey
Tights: Target
Shoes: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Zappos
Bracelet: Gifted, Dad
Necklace: Gifted, Mom and Dad
Photos: Mom
For Christmas Day, I went with a sassier (or at least I thought it was sassy) look, which I felt was a bit more dressed down. I bought these animal print tights at Target during the same trip that I bought my white lace tights, and I knew that they would be the perfect day alternative.
After I had the tights, the rest of the accessories fell into place: clutch, belt, and jewlery. The black belt actually makes the dress fit a bit better and makes its classic look feel a little edgier. Mostly just to contrast the look from the night before, I went with silver jewelry and shoes. The open-toed shoes may seem a bit ridiculous in the snow, but I love the idea of open toes and tights.
Dress: J.Crew Factory Outlet Store, Hershey
Tights: Target
Shoes: Payless
Clutch: Inherited, Grandma's
Necklace: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Tiffany's
Earrings: Gifted, AlyWebb
Photos: Julie
TJ and I are pondering the success of these two looks. What do you think? Which is your favorite? Any changes you'd make to either? xoxo Anna

Friday, December 24, 2010

A Visit from St. Laurent

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the flat
Not an accessory was stirring, not a purse nor a hat
The bright tights were hung from the chimney with care
In hopes that Yves St Laurent soon would be there
The bloggers were nestled all snug in their beds
With visions of vintage frocks by Edith Head
And Anna in her hair bow, and I in my dots
Had just settled down for a rest from blogspot
When out on the closet there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Out of the bed I ran to my trousseaus
Threw open the doors and peered at the clothes

The moon on the neat rows of dresses and shoes
Made them glimmer like snow on a row of igloos
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature shoe, pulled by reindeer,
With a little old driver, so smooth and gallant,
I knew in a moment it must be Laurent.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
“Now, Calvin! now, Coco! now, Christian and Donna!
On, Oscar! on Andre! on, Grace C and Anna!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of clothes, and Yves St Laurent too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney Yves St Laurent came with a bound.
He was dressed in suit, from his head to his toe,
And his suit was all tailored to best Savile Row.
A bundle of clothes he had flung on his back,
And he looked like Vogue's editor opening his pack.

His eyes — how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And his tuxedo shirt was as white as the snow.

Thick glasses of black sat proud on his face,
As he laid out his gifts made of satin and lace.
He had a sweet face and a proud dapper air,
And what seemed like an endless supply of footwear.

He was slender and lean, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the bright tights; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.


He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Overdressed for Christmas Eve or Christmas Part I

I'll admit it immediately: I'm overdressed for Christmas Eve. But, really, who can blame me? It's a holiday, after all, and I really like the idea of dressing up to help make an event seem special, not just to comply with social codes or an establishment's restrictions. If I overdress for the grocery store, I may as well overdress for Christmas Eve dinner.
I bought this dress, as I've mentioned before, last Christmas. I love that it's plain enough to really dress up or dress down (works for parties, works for teaching), but it also has these amazing sleeves that really make it noteworthy. Since the dress was quite plain, I wanted all my accessories to be fun and bold, which made the dress seem far more casual than if I had paired it with black tights and sensible flats.
I love these tights! They are oh so festive. As soon as I bought them, I knew that I wanted to pair them with my red belt for Christmas Eve. I liked the idea of having only solid colors in my outfit and my fun but simple oversized pearls as the only accessory to really highlight an amazing Christmas present. Luckily, we opened our immediate family presents last night, and I am now the proud and excited owner of these beautiful mixed-patterned flats! Thanks Mom and Dad! They are now, by far, my absolute favorite pair of shoes. I can't wait to build more outfits around them (I think the stripes and plaid are just crying out to be paired with a polka dot!).
I would have worn these pearls anyway, but how perfect are they at framing my adorable bob? If you can tear your eyes away from my stylish new haircut (I can't!), note the detailing on the sleeve. It's just another reason to really love vintage.
Dress: Vintage, Etsy
Pearls: Claire's
Tights: Target
Shoes: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Coach

A very special thanks to TJ, the most creative person I know, for taking these pictures with both talent and efficiency (It's too cold for involved photo shoots!). xoxo Anna Rae

Thursday, December 23, 2010

White Winter Hymnal

Sometimes, you just really want to wear white and cream in winter. And when you feel like that, I say go for it. Yesterday's outfit was all about whimsy and an unseasonable color palate. This anchor skirt is really one of the best novelty prints around. I love how fun it is! The shirt, though, is the outfit's real star, which is why I paired it with my yellow tights -- accentuating just how important it was.
Look at how adorable its tie is! Look at how well it works with the small beading details on the cardigan. I felt like a chic 1970s reporter in this top -- I love it!

Blouse: Ross Dress for Less (only $4!)
Cardigan: Thifted, Value Village, Vancouver, Tommy Hilfiger
Skirt: Gifted, Erin, H&M, Paris
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Zappo's, Bass
Santa Hat, Apartment, and Photography skillz: Susan
It's almost Christmas! My family actually exchanged our gifts tonight (we're so, so impatient), and my amazing parents bought me a full-size tripod! Even better blog photographs, here we come!

Do you have your Christmas outfits picked out? I always buy one new dress for Christmas that I style for both Midnight Mass and then Christmas Day at Grammy's. I also always try to look festive and pulled together for Christmas Eve at Grandpap's, which means three Christmas outfits to blog about. Until then, I hope your blog rolls are merry and bright. xoxo Anna Rae.

Decisive Emotions about Neutral Tones

Despite the fact that my outfit is full of neutral tones, I absolutely love it! I finally admitted to myself that it was indeed cold enough for my long, incredible steal of a coat that I bought from Mintage last season when it was going out of business. Since I only have a few winter coats, I mostly wear them depending on temperature, not on what outfit I'm wearing, but there's something about matching my coat to my outfit that makes me feel so put together. I feel like I'm on a television show.
Clearly, I'm madly in love with these shorts. I liked the idea of pairing them with black tights and oxfords, long lines and all of that. With the shorts and the oxfords, I felt a school nerd vibe, and went with it: button-up shirt with an adorable tie and cardigan.
The small details in this outfit really help to pull it together. I liked the idea of wearing the necklace under the tie, so you could see its pieces only at the exact moment where it meets the lace detailing of the blouse. Like I said, I felt very put together in this ensemble. I love when that happens.
Coat: Vintage, Mintage, Vancouver
Cardigan: New York and Company
Blouse: Thrifted, Alabaster's Attic, Greensburg
Shorts: Thrifted and hemmed, Value Village, Vancouver
Shoes: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Zappo's, Fitzwell
Necklace: Gifted, Janet
The outfit was complimented by some amazing photos! Thank you Susan for freezing outside with me for the sake of fashion blogs. xoxo Anna Rae

Monday, December 20, 2010

Green groweth the holly

In honour of the winter solstice, I thought I would celebrate the Yule tradition of bringing evergreen holly, ivy, and mistletoe into the home in the way I know best: through clothing. Besides, my black thumb has already killed my poinsettia a week before Christmas so staying with silk greenery is probably a safer bet.
This blouse also gave me the opportunity to wear a beloved green charm bracelet that I love but rarely wear because I can't type with it on. And of course I wore it black and white. Henry VIII might have pretended to be as faithful as the holly remains green but I am a truly steadfast lover of black and white no matter the season.

Blouse: Nanette Lepore, Ebay
Cardigan: JCrew Factory Outlet
Necklace and Bracelet: Vintage, Etsy
Jeans: Paige Premium, FAB Kerrisdale
Flats: Expression, The Bay



Off the Cuff

I'm so excited about this outfit because the shorts are a result of my very own handiwork. Despite my love of and respect for all DIY projects, I usually lack the coordination to do my own. These shorts, though, were cuffed by yours truly, turning some regrettable culottes into a very useful item for my closet.
I know what you're thinking and no, I can't really recall the motivation behind buying cullottes. I think it had a lot to do with 50% off day at Value Village. A frenzy of emotions, a shopping cart of possibilities.

I spent so much time admiring the shorts in the mirror (I took a picture of the cuff to really show it off, but that turned out to be a pretty silly picture), that the rest of the outfit was pretty simple. I kept the color palette pale, I absolutely love a light gray and pink combo, and was excited to wear both this blouse and lace tank top. I didn't really want to pair the shorts with a buttoned-up and bowed kind of look, fearing it might be too overwhelming for my casual lunch.
Instead, I tried to make the unbuttoned shirt meaningful -- layering it over the lace and pinning the brooch through one of the bow ties. The silver tie necklace seemed like the perfect final touch.
Shorts: Thrifted and hemmed, Value Village, Vancouver
Blouse: Vintage, Arterie, Montreal
Tank top: Target
Tights: Walmart
Boots: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Zappo's, Chinese Laundry
Brooch: Vintage, Arterie, Montreal
Necklace: Made by woman at coffee shop, Our Town, Vancouver

Dani, one of my lunch dates, is studying photography, so I, once again, had a real professional work on the blog. She claims that she's forgotten how to use a Point-and-Shoot camera (how fancy of her), but I think the photos turned out great. xoxo Anna Rae

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Baby, It's Cold Outside

It was so cold outside on Friday, that I decided to photograph my outwear along with my outfit. The purpose, of course, was to show off my new purse because I'm oh so smitten with it. This is the first Coach purse I have ever bought (I bought myself a briefcase sort of bag and my friend Kylee once bought me a wristlet), and I have to say it was worth the wait. I was never a fan of the classic Coach design, but I love the gray and brown combo, I've always had a soft spot for Tweed and rainbow colors, and the inside has the most beautiful purple lining. Add in a 500 price tag that was going to ring up just over 100 -- I was sold. There are a few things I've found it's worth spending a bit more money on, and bags and boots are on the top of the list.
The outfit itself was built around the red tights I recently bought at Target. How festive!
Dress: Target
Shirt: Thrifted, Value Village, Vancouver
Shirt: Jacob
Tights: Target
Shoes: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Zappo's, Fitzwell
Coat: Burlington Coat Factory
Gloves: Target
Hat: Target
Purse: Coach Factory Outlet, Hershey

I was excited about this outfit because I was able to find a way to wear my cream, lacy dress from Target that I bought quite out of season. I really liked the layering here. The hint of the collar and tails of this shirt went so well with these tights, and I really liked the way it picked up the cream of the dress and the gray of the shirt. Quick, easy, but fun.
The hat needs no explanation, as it has feathers. xoxo Anna Rae.

Thanks to Aunt Donna for snapping the pics!

Let's Try This Again --

I haven't taken this dress to the tailor's yet, even though I do want the hem and the sleeves shortened. Since it was a summer dress, I thought the tailoring (and wearing) could wait until spring, but I saw it in my closet and it looked so refreshing compared to the outfits I've been wearing over and over this winter.
I layered my denim dress underneath, using its sleeves to cuff the dress's, hoping this would help with their awkward length. The dress can seem a bit much since it's so long, but allowing the top to be broken up by the belt, necklace, and denim dress seemed to help lessen its effects.
The tights provided a splash of bright color, and I'm pretty in love with the pink-navy color combination. The two-toned oxfords seemed like they were made for the dress -- very boating on the river at Oxford.

And a close up of the necklace, a Christmas present from Janet, because it's so excellent in its details.
Dress: Vintage, Eons, Pittsburgh
Denim Dress: Old Navy
Tights: Kohl's
Belt: Thrifted, Value Village, Vancouver
Necklace: Gifted, Janet
Shoes: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Zappo's, Bass

After rewearing this dress, I'm even more excited for the alterations, despite enjoying the way this outfit came together. xoxo Anna Rae