the clothes 2011

How charming are pintameldia's poppy, dreamy illustrations? Every drawing resembles a flight of fancy and sets the viewer's imagination running. I'm also partial to the subjects of suitcases and horses that could symbolize travels and freedom.
all artwork courtesy of pintameldia

Something about this outfit reminds me of the actress Leslie Caron, but I can't quite put my finger on what. Whatever it is, this look was built around the vintage polka dot blouse I received from Anja of Clever Nettle. I'm super excited to have Anja as one of my sponsors in February because her vintage shop really is one of my favorites. Anja, has the eye when it comes to finding great vintage pieces. While I styled this blouse in a very retro way, the polka dots themselves are reminding me of Marc Jacobs F/W 2011 which was on the runway a couple of weeks ago. Now, I just need a little polka dot beret to complete the look!

I would love to wear this brass necklace that reminds me of pennants with this vintage dress, while celebrating the beginning of spring and riding a bicycle down empty roads.

One of my favorite dresses to remix is this vintage white number. It makes more of a statement than a little black dress, but is just as easy to wear as that eternal classic. Here are a few ways I've worn it in the past year.

One of my favorite collections of NYFW was Chris Benz. So many marvelous textures, patterns, and layers working together in witchy, wonderful vibe. I'll definitely re-visit this collection again and again for inspiration.

Spring is decidedly in the air and I have high hopes that the weather will remain sunny and balmy...or at least not dip down too low again. It's just so liberating to feel a gentle breeze against bare skin after months of being sheathed in thick tights and heavier coats.

Normally I won't carry a purse too small for my camera, but I'm making an exception for this sparkly be-bowed number from Deux Lux (and carrying my camera tourist-style around my neck). I've been bought a couple of Deux Lux pieces in the past year that I've really enjoyed using; one lasted all through my abuse during my Europe trip last summer and is still going strong. Someone at Deux Lux noticed and asked me if I was interested in picking out a few pieces. Not one to look a gift horse too closely in the mouth, I accepted and am now the happy owner of several new purses. I'm a bag lady, so more than shoes or hats, I love acquiring new purses to tote my life around in.

I couldn't resist the sparkly bow on this piece and so far the quality seems really nice; it's soft to touch and there are no signs of fraying or the like. I personally would have preferred if the chain was detachable because it would look cute as a clutch as well and the chain is rather long; it would suit a petite frame better if the bag hit higher on the hip. Those sorts of details are more personal preferences than critiques. Overall, it's a sweet bag I intend to use on days when I'm not required to carry much with me.

Outfit details:

Urban 1972 floral trench coat

Madewell tee

Chloe Loves Charlie chambray skirt

purse c/o Deux Lux

sure shine heels c/o Modcloth

The Loved One has gone from a Kickstarter project by Hannah (of Hannah and Landon) and Elvia to some of the dreamiest vintage-inspired lingerie ever. Icing on the cake? Reasonable prices. I couldn't resist buying myself the Fuego Set and it is lovely. I can't wait to see what these ladies dream up next.

This scallop neckwarmer by Janelle Haskin is rather like wearing a cozy straightjacket. Actually my father was teasing me about wearing it around the house, then he touched it and declared "wow, that's soft!" It was a quick conversion. I really like the way it looks with my military-inspired black coat; a quiet play of soft and hard elements.

Erin by Erin Fetherston is erm, Erin Fetherston's newest collection with a lower price point ($200-$600). It was a lovely presentation, made even better by the expressiveness of the models who truly looked like they were having fun. I really enjoy collections that also inspired a whole look and I certainly want to imitate the crown of braids and Grecian inspiration. It was a mad scene at Erin Fetherston though; way too many photographers and an extremely crowded space with people getting turned away at the door...I'm quite glad I elbowed my way in and up front.

Personally, I feel that your favorite pieces (be it a plaid shirtdress or a cat-print tote) never go out of style, because things that you love are always "in style." In addition to those items, there are the eternally classic pieces that aren't timeless merely because you enjoy them. Of these I present to you the little black dress and red heels. Seriously, no matter the shape, fabric, or style, it will always be a killer combination. This particular dress silhouette is my favorite and I know this dress is one piece I'll wear forever.

This week I've partnered with Old Gold Boutique to bring you another giveaway. I'm really fond of this store's quirky vibe; they have the best accessories that really tend to make a statement. The winner will receive $75 worth of their choice of products in the store.

I'm back in Virginia and after everyone I met in NYC expressing so much interest in my little old moat, I decided to snap my outfit pictures inside the moat wall (I even made a little gif to show how the light reflects and dances on the ceiling). Walking through it at night is a rather eerie experience as leaves rustle and your footsteps echo loudly in the cavernous space. I must enjoy eerie experiences though as I seem to seek them out lately...