Mixing Decades and Downton Abbey

As far as vintage wearing goes...do you guys like mixing decades as much as I do (apparently)? The skirt = 70's, the belt = 80's, the shoes = 20's, and the earrings = nowish (crystals are sooo having a fashion moment you guyzzzz) said in valley girl voice.

The sweater shirt? I'm not quite sure from whence it came, but wow. I'm realizing that tight vintage sweaters pre-80's make the girls look much larger than they really are, so uh, there's a fashion tip for you.

Let's talk about the headband. 

The leaf headband was a cue from Lady Mary (Downton Abbey) who aaaactaully took a cue from me, because I wore that shit in my wedding 2 years ago. 

Lady Mary + Me = Practically Soul Sisters.

Duh.

As I watched the much anticipated Downton Abbey wedding episode, I totally fist pumped the air as Lady Mary descended the stairs in her laurel-ish headband. (Of course her's was encrusted in precious stones, and mine was/is cheap metal painted gold and most likely cancerous. Whatevs). Anyhoo, like the giant dork I am, I felt the urge to rock my gold leaf headband the very next day. 

And let's face it: the headband really ties the room together. 

{Shoes: Kenneth Cole (old)} {Headband: Target (old)} {Earrings: Brandy Melville} 

{Everything else: Vintage}

Vinyl Veekend

Sure, you can pick on Huey Lewis and the News. You can call it Dad music. It's most definitely the whitest music you know, and some may call it cheesy (NOT ME). I'm pretty sure it's becoming trendy to like what some would call "cheesy" music like this (see: Hall and Oats). However, I find nothing ironic about this album. Sports is just good tunes that make people happy. Put your needle on New Drug or Heart and Soul...
To get to the point I swear to the heavens if you talk shit about Huey I will pee my pants and then mail you my pee pants. This is an obvious addition to any record collection. It is most likely free: just go to your mom and/or dad's old record collection and look under "sweet jams that make you feel like a super star"
 You will find it there...then steal it from them.

Transitional Wish List: Winter to Spring

1. Slouchy Billow Dress: TopShop
2. Moon Earrings: Brandy Melville
3. Cole Haan 'Skylar' Oxfords
4. Vintage Gaas Jumper: Laced with Romance
5. Goldleaf HeadBand: Ebay
6. Essie Nail Polish: Very Structured
7. Miu Miu Sunglasses
8. Color Block Pastel Bucket Bag: Asos
9. Chop Chop Ring: The Cools
10. Rachel Comey Gold Dipped Cardigan
I'm digging on this deep teal/emeraldish/pine-y color right now...it kinda inspired this whole wish list. How RAD are those Cole Haan's ? I would wear them with everything....EVERYTHING. Okay, so the Rachel Comey Cardigan is completely out of the question as far as my price range is concerned...but maybe it will act as inspiration for a little DIY action.

Rock Refined

I feel as if this outfit is the younger me tryin' to peak out. I'm not one to say no to a child, so I just went with it. The younger me, however, didn't know the magic of Bruce Springsteen and I probably would've been wearing a Misfits or a Sloppy Seconds T instead. (adding Misfits and Sloppy Seconds T shirts to a wish list in my head as we speak..errr type).

Even though this look is a little dressy, I really felt comfortable in it. There's nothing like taking your favorite vintage T and surrounding it with well-fitting long lasting staples. (ie the pants, the hat, the black pumps, the jean jacket). It's not just that though...I suppose I just really feel like this is a prime example of my youth refined. Also, I would be just as happy bustin' out a pair of chucks to pair with this ensemble.

I found these tartan plaid pants on sale at J. Crew, and had to have them...along with a plaid skirt...........and a cardigan. Can someone please tell me WTFuuuu is up with sizes at J. Crew?! They are WAY too kind. Seriously, 1/3 of the reason I bought these is because they are 2 sizes smaller than what I usually wear. GENIUS.

{Hat, Jacket, T Shirt: Vintage} {Plaid Pants: J.Crew} {Cuff (old) and Belt: JCP} {Neckalce: Old Navy (old)} 

{Pixie Pumps: Sam Edleman, Neiman Marcus} {Sequin Sweater: Cremieux, Dillard's Discount Location}

Vinyl Veekend

I don't know what it is, but playing French music on my record player makes me feel classy! (I do know what it is...it's the French-ness). So here's my second suggestion for Vinyl Veekend (BTW you're supposed to say the title of this post as if you're of Transylvanian descent).
Jacques Brel
Jonathan and I found him by accident. His voice was making French women weak in the knees in the 60's (tenor, punchy, and scratchy sometimes I love the sound of it). I think this album was no more that a dollar or so, and you should be able to find Jacques at your local thrift store or recycled book store. That's part of what makes him so great! (and also the French-ness). We have about 5 of his albums, and they're all good. Now, after this post I love him even more. As I was scouring for a video of his to show you I realized how passionate and what an amazing performer he was. And also, sweaty. Okay! Go buy his records!

A Dose of Doggy

Since Jonny's been rehearsing for this new play he's in, it's been a lot of me and these two. The weather in LA has been lingering around 70 for the past couple of days, and Delilah and UB40 are happy to be terrorizing the neighborhood behind the safety of our fence again. (They've been inside more since it's gotten cold).

When i spend too much time at the computer Del comes to me and rears up, batting at my arms with her paws. It's no use telling her to cut it out. Her eyes just get wider, and the wine longer and more desperate. Some may call her needy, I like to think she just can't contain her love.

Topanga Dressin' and How to Wear Thigh Highs

Well, this is what happens when you start getting dressed and you just. don't. stop. On Sunday we were heading up to Topanga for our friend Seth's birthday party, so I got a little inspired. Topanga is woodsy and mountainy and hilly and green and that's what was on my mind when I was putting this little ensemble together. I guess I was also thinking about Blair from The Facts of Life, cause this looks like something she might wear. But then Mrs. Garrett wouldn't let her leave the house 'cause thigh highs, well, they're pretty damn tantalizing. 

Aside:

Ladies, don't even act like you don't know thigh highs aren't the sexiest thing a girl could possibly wear besides a man's over sized shirt with no pantaloons...(and that doesn't happen in real life, but only in Mila Kunitz/Jennifer Anniston rom coms. Vomit.) That's not to say I don't like romantic comedies, and that's not to say don't wear thigh highs. I'm only suggesting to be aware of the balance of your look. If you're wanting to retain a bit of modesty, keep the rest of the look a bit less revealing. 

In conclusion, I'll go ahead and say this is full force dressing. We've got a theme, we've got thigh highs, suede, layers, stripes, cat glasses, side ponytail.....an actual rendering of a pony and finally, as displayed in the images below, I'm still digging the "broach as a bow tie" thang.  

{Striped Shirt, Suede Skirt, Sweater: Thrifted}{Broach: Vintage Heirloom}
{Cat Glasses & Earrings: Dolly Python} 

{Thigh Highs: Target (similar)}{Boots: Born}{Lips: Mac, Viva Glam}

Mixing High and Low

My husband recently revealed to me an advantage women have in dressing themselves that men have more difficulty relishing in. Mixing high end and low end clothing. He brought it up over dinner....at a french restaurant...over a prohibition era cocktail....on our romantic date night...don't make a big deal about it....and I was wearing this outfit which happens to be a prime example of mixing expensive, inexpensive aaaand midrange clothing (I'm an over achiever).

I audibly laughed at how on point he was. I mean look at this. My Forever21 ($4.00) vest is missing every plastic rhinestone, and honestly I bought it that way! I don't even give a care.

  (I actually think it's kinda funny).

 My bracelet? Not only is it assisting me in the achievement of tha' mixed metals action going on here, but it was also found on the ground. However, this look would fall short if it wasn't for the more high end Enzo Angiolini stilettos (I get that $120 shoes aren't really "high end" but it was certainly a splurge for me). That gold heel detail is all,

 "You're welcome for making any outfit you wear look like a million bucks."

I'm just not convinced that dudes have pieces that can transform them like that....Am I wrong?

Real quick, can we talk about the detail on the shirt? It looks like rhinestones birthing metal rods which are vomiting black yarn. I'M IN LOVE!

{Riding Pants: American Apparel}{Shoes: Enzo Angiolini, Nordstrom}{Vest, Earrings: F21}

{Belt, Shirt, Bag, Bracelets: Vintage, thrifted or found}{Blazer: Zara (similar)}

Vinyl Veekend.

I will say organizing an album collection is one of the most entertaining activities to do on a chilly night. Usually when we go record shopping we'll buy one cheap record we've never heard of based solely on the hilarity of the album art...those are the most fun to listen to when deciding what to keep and what to sell.
Anyhoo, I got inspired to do a weekly post on an album(s) to buy if you collect. If you don't collect vinyl and you are a music junkie, I am taking this moment to strongly urge you to start. It's so rewarding, you can find so many cool nostalgic jams and if you invest in a vinyl from a more recent artist, they will almost always have a digital download.

This week: Miriam Makeba

Any of her albums will cheer you up. Also they will make you shake your money maker.  Love her. 

IFB's Links A La Mode!

I'm pumped like a pair of Reebok Pumps (I'm a child of the 90's, I like to pump it up: The Jams, my sneakers, etc.) to be a part of Independent Fashion Blogger's Links A La Mode weekly roundup! Side by side with 19 other totally rad bloggers. Explore the links below if you find yourself perusing the interwebs in a sleepy after lunch coma ;)

2013′s Beauty & Beyond

Edited By Taylor Davies

This week’s link submissions were still heavily focused on the year ahead. This tells me that perhaps more than ever, bloggers in the IFB community are motivated, driven and determined to make 2013 the best year fashion blogging has ever seen. By all accounts, it seems like you might be right. From digital clean-outs to bold beauty trends and embracing the color of the year – there’s a lot to be excited about – and blog along the way.

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: JANUARY 10TH

• Coolsario: Color of 2013 – Emerald
• Hey Mishka: Refresh! A Digital Clean Out for 2013
• IFB: Fashion Photography Tips For Your Next Blog Photo Shoot
• Incognito: Daydreamer- The E-Shop That Brings Korean Fashion Home
• Fashion Moriarty: Nothing Suits me Like a Suit
• Lazycatstyle: Messi and His Polka Dots
• Mis Papelicos: Seapunk in Fashion
• My Fashion Insider: 5 Tips To Organize Your Make Up Essentials
• Penny For Your Shoes: Shoe Challenge 2012 – The Aftermath
• Professionally Petite: Cobalt & Blood Orange
• SecretStyleFile: Brighten Up Your January
• Stylecurated: Style x Sample Sales
• Style Sizzle: How To Get The Perfect Blowout, a Q+A with Alli Webb
• STYLONNYLON: Canon EOS M – The Fashion Blogger’s New Best Friend
• Sugar & Spice: Style Resolutions for 2013
• The Fluff Report: 5 Beauty Trends to Try in 2013
• The Girl With The Bun: What I Wore To Ring in 2013
• The Photogramps: All Ears
• Tricia Hall: What I Styled in 2012
• Undercover Dress-Up Lover: Baroque

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Swimwear: Kors shoes, Hanky Panky, TB Totes, YSL, BB Dakota, Joie flats, Wang Shoes, Kushcush, Stuart Weitzman, Happiness Tops

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE where you see “Links a la mode next week’s date (official).” The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode widget on the right side of the blog, and will be published later today. ~ Jennine

Supper at the Semrad's

On our trip back to Texas, Jonathan and I made SOLID plans to attend a dinner party at Paul and 

Sara Jane Semrad's. If you don't know, both members of this couple are kinda Dallas Dynamos. We were lucky enough to go to a lot of these parties when we lived there, and I miss them. They are down-right-proper-dinner parties, assigned seating and all! Not to mention the homemade food usually prepared by Paul, who was a personal chef in a past life. 

If you reside in Dallas and have not supped at the Semrad's, you're missing out. There are 3 things that will always happen at one of these gatherings:

You will eat delicious, creamy homemade hummus. 

You will find your handcrafted name tag on their dining room table amongst floral vintage plates and vintage linens, and that is where you will sit. 

You will meet an amazing person (most likely with a creative mind) you've probably never met before.

It's the last thing that I like most about their dinner parties. I think SJ plots out her seating arrangements with great care, placing name tags where she thinks the resulting conversation will be most amusing. 

Lastly, if you've never been to their house before, you will most likely get the "art tour" which coincides with your typical "house tour". Because of SJ's work and passion for artists and the scene (see: Art Conspiracy, La Reunion, KXT) their collection is pretty damn impressive. 

Homemade hummus and Paul and SJ at the head of the table as always...wearing their crowns from our New Year poppers, one placed at each seat.

New friends we met that night and Scott and Nicole Horn (one of the best looking/most artistically talented couples in Dallas. Really...cut it out guys). 

The name cards are always themed, and Eva (her daughter) usually makes them.  SJ showed us her collection of every single one ever crafted. My favorite was the cat butt theme...stickers....of cat butts. 

I'm not going to explain this one. 

Art Conspiracy on it's 8th year, yes?

SJ's vintage camera collection, and scattered holiday cards...GAH we get it guys, you have friends!

One of quite a few pets, including chickens. 

Eva likes to do drawings. Yuri likes to do legos...and tell jokes. 

Group shot: Way to get into it PAUL!

 Eva, girl genius, plays piano. 

I wish I had the gusto to pull off dinner parties like these. Do you do dinner parties? If so, how the EFF do you pull it off!??!

All Ears

I love the idea of wearing brooches in place of bow ties or bib necklaces. Obviously with this outfit, a bow tie would look ridiculous because there is no collar, but you get what I'm saying. A brooch right in the center of a sweater or collared shirt (or even better: a collared shirt layered under a sweater) is a pretty eclectic style statement. 

I had my doubts on whether or not this outfit was too much (the headband, the beehive, the dotted tights, the giant elephant brooch) but then I was all, "Grow some big ole' balls, Ash! Who gives a care?!"

I'm glad I listened to myself. I encourage you to do the same when feeling shy about that muumuu you're wanting to wear out on the town, or even something less statement-y like pattern mixing, or simply wearing heels! It feels good to reach your toe (even ever so slightly) outside your comfort zone. 

On the brooch: I found it on eBay through an arduous process of typing "GIANT ANIMAL JEWELRY" in the search engine, then flipping through pages of results. This highly difficult technique is also how I obtained my birdbath ring, which you might recall from this post. 

{Vince Camuto Boots: Nordstrom Rack} {Belt, Hair Scarf: Thrifted} {Shorts: Vintage, Girbaud}

{Free Press Dot Tights: Nordstrom Rack (similar)} {Elephant Broach: Ebay} {Sweater: Vintage} 

{Lip Gloss: Estee Lauder, Plum Divine}