the clothes 2011

I have a friend who hates all musicals; I try not to hold it against her, but it is difficult for me. If one film genre speaks happiness to me, it isn't a Disney film but a old Hollywood musical where the characters are moved by moments of great elation (or depression) to burst into song and dance. One of the over-looked great musicals is Cover Girl starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. It is the film that made Rita Hayworth a favorite pin-up (two years before Gilda was made) and helped launch Gene Kelly's career as well. It is the story of a night club dancer who wins a competition that lands her on the cover of a famous magazine and into the lap of a waiting playboy. In typical Hollywood style she has to choose between wealth and true love, but while the drama unfolds we are treated to a feast of sparkly costumes, ridiculous hats, witty dialogue, and snappy dance numbers.

When I got my sparkly shoes I really started craving sparkly nails. Thankfully I stumbled across the perfect polish named "Happy Birthday" by the brand Lippmanns. It's a clear nail polish packed with all sorts of different colored glitter. I just finished my nails and I'm wearing a basic red underneath and then around 4 coats of the Happy Birthday glitter. It definitely would be cooler if it was packed with more glitter and only need one or two coats for this look, but I still like it...I rather like ridiculous nails.

"Is bliss, then, such abyss
I must not put my foot amiss
For fear I spoil my shoe?
I ’d rather suit my foot
Than save my boot,
For yet to buy another pair
Is possible
At any fair.
But bliss is sold just once;
The patent lost
None buy it any more." -Emily Dickinson

When I put this dress on I was reminded that it was over a year ago this vintage beauty came into my possession. It has been on a number of adventures since then; I even chose to wear it at my college graduation last year under my cap and gown. It's such a lovely, understated shade of green and the polka dots make mixing black and brown ridiculously easy. I might be going on a trip late this summer and I do think this dress would be worth packing; such an easy, classic summer staple.

Outfit details:

H&M blazer

vintage dress

H&M tights

Seychelles booties

Erica Weiner bracelets

self-mixed nail polish

When I saw these glitter coated brogues from Modcloth I knew I had to have them. My mother is fond of saying "you can admire something without possessing it," but well that theory doesn't always work for me. Thankfully Modcloth is one of my lovely sponsors and I was lucky enough to wrangle a pair from them before they sold out (Modcloth is bringing them back in stock; you can sign up to be notified first). Is it ridiculous that I bought a glitter nail polish to match them?

I have been trying to buy less items in exchange for buying slightly nicer ones, but I was at the mall helping someone else find something and couldn't resist a visit to H&M for myself. This lacy, fitted dress was too versatile to pass up. The little black dress is always a classic and amazingly easy to remix. A good remix is all about the accessories which can channel every style from bohemian to retro housewife.

details: H&M jacket, We Love Colors tights, Jeffrey Campbell heels via Modcloth

details: UO jacket, vintage fur collar, Cynthia Rowley tights via Gilt, Miss Sixty heels via Giltfuse

details: vintage fascintaor, vintage skirt, Girly Girl heels

details: vintage feather fascinator, H&M vest, Seychelles booties

details: vintage cape/shawl, Jeffrey Campbell heels

details: vintage fascinator, vintage spectator heels, Modcloth necklace

I can't get enough of the urban poetry of graffiti artist Jerm IX. Sometimes they're brief, others rhyme; all of them are impossibly clever.

Angela Kohler is a really talented photographer, but I recently stumbled across her notebook scans and I can't get enough! The mix of polaroids, random text, and paint splatters makes for a truly whimsical and entertaining scrapbook.

all Angela Kohler

I loved reading a description of Melinda Josie childhood ("full of picture books and pet bunnies") nearly as much as I enjoy her playful watercolors. These blue ones are particularly my cup of tea.

all Melinda Josie