Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Checking it Twice

My beautiful photographer (and birthday girl!) Kelly suggested that this post was really take two on styling gingham and polka dots since they appeared together so recently in my romper post. But, as you are all aware (or will be if you keep following TTTB) polka dots and Erin go together like peanut butter and jelly. I can't help but think (wish) that Marc and Stella's Fall '11 looks were inspired by on dotty obsession. These pointy toed slingbacks are an especially fun example. My only complaint is that they are canvas get dirty really easily. Do you think I can Scotchguard them?Although this is yet another black+white+colour look, thanks to Anna's sartorial influence, my perennial favourite now benefits from the extra excitement of pattern mixing. I am so excited to continue being inspired by one another. Dress: JCrew, Ebay
Belt: Thrifted, Salvation Army Kerrisdale
Shoes: Chinese Laundry, (n.b.please change your brand name) Amazon.com
Necklace: Sam Moon, The Woodlands TX

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Bon Voyage: Blog Style

Hello all! So this past weekend Anna had a going away party before her move to Boston. I know, I know, you're all "Tell us something we haven't read merely 6 inches of scroll down this page" but this is going somewhere. I couldn't make it to the party because I was going to dinner for my dad's birthday, but I love a fun theme so I dressed up for our errands anyways.
I won't bore you with my outfit details much, (blue skirt, stripes, boat shoes, Ta-da!) because like Annie, I'm leaving, too! But my move is much bigger (as long as we're agreed that leaving the blogging world is a bigger move than the 13 hour trip to Boston). Do we agree? Perfect. This blog is becoming more of an East Coast/West Coast graduate student/teacher comparison. Sounds like a knock-off of West Side Story to me, but hopefully with just as many dance offs and less knifings. I actually haven't even seen West Side Story so I'm not really sure if there were knifings, but I'm going with yes.
However, do not fret single follower who knows who the hell I am. I'm not turning my back on you permanently, like the above picture would suggest! I will still guest blog every now and then, and listen to the deal I worked out with Annie...shhh, I'm kind of a master negotiator. Anna and Erin's goal is to make this blog more professional, well-known and hopefully profitable. Well I weaseled my way into a written agreement (fancy term for email) that if this blog ever is profitable, I either get 1. A free bag or pair of shoes every once in a while or 2. A check in the amount of $12.00 yearly for my compensation to start this crazy blog idea with Annie.
Please don't mind the crazy wavy mop on top of my head in my last official blog post, my straightener broke. Lay off.
Shoes: Macy's
Skirt: AnthropologieShirt: Aerie
Necklace: [One last] Amanda McCarthy Designs Shoutout
Sunglasses: Marshall's
Until...um... Signing off, blogosphere! Libby

Bon Voyage

Tomorrow, I'm moving to Boston. In order to celebrate this exciting new adventure, I threw a going away party this weekend with a nautical theme.
Although I have much more over-the-top nautical outfits, once my aunt bought me this dress at Anthropologie as an early birthday present, I knew it would be perfect. With the right accessories, it would be the perfect combination of the of nautical and 1960s Cape Cod.
The hair, sunglasses, and shoes were directly influenced by the Cape Cod feel of the dress and the pieces of jewelry were full of whimsy and novelty, just like every theme party needs.
I haven't worn two different earrings in my ears since grade school, but I've always loved the complementary look. Both the anchor and boat were such novelty pieces anyway, I thought it'd be perfect to combine them.
Dress: Anthropologie
Sunglasses: Top Shop
Necklace: Tiffany's and Front and Co.
Shoes: Thrifted, Alabaster's Attic Church Thrift Store, Greensburg
Thanks to Libby for helping me run errands and to everyone who came out to the party. I had the best time! xoxo Anna Rae

Saturday, August 20, 2011

That's Not Our Deal

Have you seen the video for Best Coast's Our Deal that Drew Barrymore directed? I'm concerned that maybe I've seen it too many times. I quickly put this outfit together and, later, realized that it was probably heavily influenced by the music video (a slightly sketchy version can be seen here because I know you can't watch MTV links in Canada).
Unfortunately, I didn't commit to the hairstyle, but the bright lips, bright colors, and touch of bling with my favorite novelty necklace certainly reminded me of the Day Trotters. If only the back of my blazer was graffitied with my allegiances. It took all summer for me to hop on board with the short dress and blazer combination, but I'm happy that I came late to the party instead of not coming at all. While very similar to the first time I wore this dress, the blazer instead of a button-up, along with the more structured belt and bright lips, helped the simple cotton seem appropriate for casual evening shopping and dining.
Dress: Target
Blazer: Old Navy
Belt: Gifted, Erin
Necklace: Romwe
Shoes: Payless
Sunglasses: Target
And I think we should all start practicing those hairstyles. xoxo Anna Rae

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Candied Camera

Anna and I may have different style, but one thing we both do often is overdress. For the final exam, teachers often dress down, but I decided it was time to embrace the last day of the summer workplace dressing. The star attraction is, of course, my saltwater taffy blouse. I like it best with pink (of course) and used turquoise accents to keep it appropriately saccharine. These perfect patent pumps are Expression, The Bay's poorly named footwear house brand. Almost all of their shoes are classic shapes in leather (the heels have leather soles) at a low price point that often gets marked down. My black and white flats are also Hudson's Bay specials. Blouse: Kate Spade, Amazon.com
Skirt: Halogen, Nordstrom.com
Necklace: Sam Moon (in The Woodlands TX)
Shoes: Expression, The Bay
Sunglasses: Kate Spade, Winners

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Getting my Land Legs

Although I'll admit that I often overdress most days, usually people assume I'm more dressed up than I think I am because they equate dresses with dressy. This dress is a great example of how wearing a a dress does not mean dressing up. In fact, my cousin Elana calls this my Little Mermaid dress because it reminds her of the canvas that Ariel wraps herself in when she finally gets legs (a refresher at the end of the video). It's both incredibly comfortable, but also stylish and casual.
I paired the dress with slightly nautical accessories, perhaps inspired by the Under the Sea references. I love the way the classic blue and white stripe on the belt works with the blue and white design on the beads. My brown slip-ons, a summer favorite, felt just as effortless (even though it's never without effort) and casual as the rest of the outfit.
Dress: Boutique in Notting Hill, London
Necklace: Market in Thailand
Belt: Vintage, on dress from Eons, Pittsburgh
Shoes: Thrifted, Alabaster's Attic Church Thrift Store, Greensburg
My necklace is from Thailand and my dress is from a small store in Notting Hill, London. I love wearing pieces that I bought when traveling because each time I wear them, they remind me of my great trips and memories. xoxo Anna Rae

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Ribbon Wrapped Roses

I think polka dots and florals are my favourite two prints for mixing, especially when the dots are as subtle as the ones on my Kate Spade bag. I purchased it from Amazon.com's 'Warehouse Deals' section, an amazing venue for gently used (think purchased and returned) shoes and bags at deep discounts. Search by shoe size, since most are one-offs. This silk dress is a consignment store purchase by Tara Jarmon, an under-the-radar designer also responsible for my polka-dot dress. I waited for the price to go down and hoped that nobody else would buy it, (consignment items are usually reduced at regular intervals) and pounced when the price was right.A detailed Joe Fresh cardigan warded off summer breezes. The row of bows and gentle gathering compliment the light femininity of the print beautifully. Cardigan: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore
Dress: Tara Jarmon, Shine West Broadway
Purse: Kate Spade, Amazon.com warehouse deals
Shoes: Steve Madden. Freedman's
Necklace: Tiffany's, Gifted

Reds and Lilacs

This ruffled shirt has become a staple in my pattern mixing wardrobe. When I wear this skirt, I usually like to highlight the pairing of red and pink because I love the combination, but when I was staying with Toni, she kept talking about how much she loved lilac and red together, so I decided to highlight the two while wearing this skirt.

Shirt: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Super Store, Prince George
Skirt: Thrifted by Erin
Shoes: Payless
Belt: on Thrifted dress (Salvation Army, Lancaster)
What are your favorite color combinations to wear? xoxo Anna Rae

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Khaki Kaleidoscope

Not since my misguided and oversized cargo pant phase have I allowed the crispness of khaki to touch my skin, but when I saw this cute Banana Republic skirt at my local thrift store ($4!) I figured it was time to forgive past indiscretions.I topped the skirt with my impressionist blouse and tortoiseshell necklace to complement the beigey brushstrokes, while a lilac cardigan added a layer of interest.I am surprised at how much I like the final effect, especially since I was a little apprehensive about the skirt's short hemline, the shortest I have worn since my aforementioned cargo pant days.
Skirt: Thrifted, SOS Thrift shop Kerrisdale (originally Banana Republic)
Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft
Cardigan: Gap
Necklace: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore
Shoes: Zara

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

La Vie en Rose

I bought this dress on mega sale at Kohl's last week, imagining how I would pair it with edgier pieces in the fall -- textured black tights, Doc Marten's, my Military-inspired sweater, without even thinking about how it was the perfect summer dress for these hot August days.
Like Erin said, the great thing about a patterned dress is that you don't have to do much to it to make it a great outfit. A matching belt, necklace with roses to match its print and some black shoes were all I needed to feel very fashionable.

I sort of cheated a bit when coming up with accessories because I wore both this necklace and these shoes for Toni's wedding on Saturday. The black roses on the necklace were a perfect match to the dress, and I couldn't resist an accessory repeat.
Dress: Elle, Kohl's
Shoes: Anne Klein, Zappo's
Necklace: Gifted, Cammy (from a vintage shop in Stockholm)
Belt: H&M
Are you similarly feeling a little bored with your summer dresses? Anything new inspiring you for this last month of very warm weather? xoxo Anna Rae

Monday, August 8, 2011

Printed Materials

A printed dress is pretty much dressing for dummies. It makes a big impact for as little effort as zipping a zipper. The downside, however, is that unlike my endless parade of black and white and bright separates, it cannot be combined into endless permutation of outfits.
Still, the conservative neck and hemlines and cool linen fabric make it the perfect summer work dress, even if I do need to remember to stand up straight to avoid wrinkles.
Regular reader have probably noticed my affinity for wedges and these brown ones exemplify why I love to rock a graduated heel: comfort and leg flattery. Even though their colour is at the very bottom of my favourites list (like my six-year-old self I still love pink and loath brown) they work with many of my summer teaching dresses.
Dress: Vero Moda, Plum Clothing
Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden, Zappos

Sunday, August 7, 2011

My Best Friend's Wedding

Although I'm usually focused on my own style, clothes, and looks on this blog, today I'd like to take a backseat, like any good bridesmaid should, and share some beautiful pictures from this weekend's wedding. Toni, my absolute favorite person from the Derry Area High School graduating class of 2004, married Nate, and their black-and-white wedding with small touches of pink was absolutely beautiful.
The happy couple
I was lucky enough to be with Toni the day she found her wedding dress, so I was almost as excited as she was to see her in it again, with her hair and make-up. I love the dress's neckline, the beautiful lace, the sparkly headband, and the long, simple chapel veil. Her bouquet may be my favorite part of the ensemble, though. The mixture of creams and light pinks makes it my favorite bridal bouquet to date.
Our bridesmaid flowers were a mixture of light pinks to bright pinks, which transitioned nicely into the the bright pink floral arrangements at the reception.

Each of the bridesmaids chose her own style of bridesmaid dress, although they were all black and to the knee. Because each of us chose our own shoes and silver jewelry, we coordinated well without looking too uniform. The result, I think, was understated and classy.
And, of course, no discussion of a Western PA wedding would be complete without mentioning the cookie table (profiled here in the NYT for those of you unfamiliar with the tradition).
Although I failed to take a picture of the table at the reception, here is a behind-the-scenes action shot of us traying the cookies the day before. They were, of course, delicious.
Congratulations again to the beautiful bride and groom. xoxo Anna Rae