the clothes 2011

images via NYPL Digital Library

One of my essentials is a good pair of black ballet flats. I always wear my chosen pair until holes form...and then I wear them a little more until forced to throw them away. It's been awhile since I had a perfect pair, so I've been on the hunt and finally decided to splurge on this pair by Marais USA. I'd been admiring their shoes for a few months, but I tend to have brand loyalty (like Seychelles) because I know exactly how that brand will fit my feet. I'm happy to say these flats are amazing. In fact, I'm considering splurging on a second pair (although I might just wait and request them for Christmas).

I've been wearing them quite a bit since they arrived in the mail, so for this detail I thought I'd show the shoes traveling all over...

*Wee review: My foot is somewhere between a 7 and a 7 1/2; I bought the 7 1/2 and it fits like a dream. The silk satin upper is flawless and the structure (cushioned footbed) is extremely comfortable--unlike some ballet flats I don't feel every pebble or crack in the road. The soles are a bit slick on carpet, but I hope with some wear they'll feel less slippery to walk in (they're fine on wood/pavement/etc).

In case you missed it, I have a number of awesome discount codes from my sponsors and some will end with October. I stocked a little mini editor with ideas from these sponsors...and a few items that have zero relevancy to these codes but I enjoy.

I drove up to Pennsylvania for a couple of days to visit a friend from college. It's rather funny: we went to the same school, but we met in Greece and we probably never would have ended up as friends if our school hadn't chosen to put us together in our apartment in Athens. Even then we never hung-out without the general crowd until everyone started to make plans for long weekends and we bonded over the desire to go to a country no one else wanted to visit: Hungary. I was slightly leery of flying to another country with a girl I had never had a one-on-one conversation with, but I had traveled to Greece without knowing anyone...It ended up being one of the coldest, yet best few days. We quickly planned another trip (to Germany) which went equally well. Earlier this year she visited me in Washington State and now I'm excited to return the favor (burden?). We're already planning more trips and other adventures that are only limited by our wallets.

If there's one blogger who works the cute and adorable style with great aplomb it is Lydia of Style Is Style. Lydia rocks mixed prints, fantastic accessories from hats to brightly colored heels, and trends like anorak jackets with ease and her signature big smile. Perhaps it is that bold, happy expression that gives all of her outfits a sweet finish. Since I enjoy Lydia's style and blog so much it was a natural progression that I interview her and learn what her dream party would be like...
What type of party is it?
An all night dance party!
Who's invited?
Some 1950's teddy girls, my favourite bloggers, Queen Elizabeth I, James Dean, Leith Clark (editor in chief of Lula Magazine), Florence Welch and La Roux.
Where does it take place?
In an abandoned English manor, thanks to Queen E's connections! There is a lake in the front, and the guests are milling about by the water while Noisettes get the party started with a live concert.
What are you serving?
Pastel cupcakes and the most delicious assortment of chocolates... Anything sweet and gourmet! There is a fountain pouring nothing but pink champagne, with lovely mismatched tea cups to sip it from. If you ask the waiters (who look smashing with sky high pompadours), they'll bring you a French 76.
Who gets to sit next to you?
Florence Welch and Leith Clark are sitting beside me, mostly because Florence left her side of the table to come talk to Leith. We are geeking out about great vintage, hidden gems at thrift stores, dresses vs. pants, the latest issue of Lula, and Florence's general ethereal wonder woman-ness.
What is the theme?
It's a costume ball, and every one is dressed up in a Marie Antoinette inspired outfit. A lot of pastels, and pieces from the last Luella collection are popping up in everyone's outfits. La Roux's is rocking a cotton candy page-boy look (her hair even has a peach streak!), and Queen Elizabeth is defiantly wearing one of her trademark regal collared gowns. She was a little peeved that the theme was Marie Antoinette, but I convinced her to come with the promise of endless pink champagne!
Is there a special play list?
After the Noisettes set was over, the playlist was strictly danceable. On repeat? The Twist by The Beatles (a cover, no doubt). Lots of Robyn, The Shangri-Las, Gossip, La Roux, Franz Ferdinand, Little Richard. Appropriately, the soundtrack to Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette was played. And yes, there was some Top 40...Katy Perry anyone?
Are there any party favors?
Everyone got a heart shaped wallet with filled bright colored Lime Crime lipstick and gummy worms.
What are the hot topics of the evening?
All the bloggers were, of course, chatting about how great their outfit photos would look by the lake! Everyone couldn't wait to post about the party (especially the dashingly handsome waiters). Florence and La Roux were trading dance moves, and I think Leith asked Queen Elizabeth I where she gets her shoes. I think I heard some mention of Leith getting the secret to ruling England.
Who is the most likely to get drunk and dance on the table?
The teddy girls are most definitely table dancing, and I think I saw one of them sneak into the men's bathroom after James Dean disappeared to fix his lovely pomp. I'm not sure what happened, but I think there was lipstick on his collar when I saw him leaving the party!
Who is the last to leave?
Leith Clark! All the talk of frilly fantasy made her lose track of time. Before we knew it, it was 5 AM and the sun was coming up. Sunrise at an English manor is the perfect setting for an ethereal photoshoot, no?
all images courtesy of Style Is Style

Pictures attempted just after sunset when the sun has dipped below the horizon line, but the sky is still pink is my favorite time to take photographs...and the most difficult! I find myself lying in wait for that perfect moment and then racing back and forth between my tripod and the chosen spot while the light changes and fades. Add wind gusts to the mix and well, things get even more unruly. Still, I muddle through. At the moment I'm enjoying slightly grainy and soft focus images.

This dress has become my favorite "throw it on and go" piece, but I've mostly been wearing it on the weekends so it hasn't gotten properly photographed. The dress has a very cool assymetrical waistline that dips and curves. I also really enjoy the floral print that is blown-out and blurred, so that you sort of think your vision is going when you look at it...like I said, I'm enjoying soft focus at the moment!

Outfit post:

Cynthia Rowley dress via Gilt

UO jacket

locket via grab bag at Modcloth party

Jeffrey Campbell boots c/o Lulu*s

Juicy Couture purse via Gilt

There's often a subtle harmony between people and their surroundings; you know, the way a person matches their bedroom. This occurrence is what struck me about these faded, vintage-feeling photographs of Lindsey Wixson. There's a quiet candidness to the photographs with the model's back to some of the images, or looking down and away in others. It's the sort of unstudied (but really expertly composed, styled, colored, and lit) finished product I really respond to.

Lindsey Wixson photographed by Venetian Scott via FashionGoneRogue

When I bought this romper (which is my only venture into onesie territory) during my time in England, I was immediately ready to wear it with tights in the fall...and these specific shoes! It's often that way with me when I try something on in a dressing room; in my head I immediately start to build outfits from my current wardrobe with the new piece. If I can't think of how I would wear the item with what I already own, I don't buy it...if it features a horse print I desperately try to find a way to make it work!

There's something about these sacchrine brooches of Fifi Lapin that I just can't resist admiring...perhaps it's the sweet ice cream shades or the little multi-colored crown she wears in the first one. For brooches, they're quite nicely detailed and the outfits aren't just cute, but also chic. I don't really wear pastels, yet I'm still coveting one!
brooches for sale here

In case you missed it: I live near the water now. Perhaps instead of being one of those "plain white wall" bloggers I mentioned before, I will be a seaside blogger. Even when it's breezy and cooler, I still find myself wandering down to the water for a bit of a break from...life. These pictures also generate a false impression, since I don't really wear shoes at the beach. It's one of the most pleasant experiences to just kick off your shoes and wander about barefoot in the sand...

*If you see something you like in the store you can get 25% off your order with the code "CLOTHESHORSE" at check out; it's good until 11/30. They also offer free shipping on orders over $100.

Outfit details:

ikat dress c/o APART

Candela studded flats via Gilt

Juicy Couture purse

secondhand ring & Bijules ring