Folk & Feather

Style Muse: Taylor Tomasi-Hill

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:11:00 -0400

Mrs. Tomasi-Hill is one of those women whose beauty supersedes her fashion sense, and that’s saying a heck of a lot. Beyond her doll-like features and shock of perfectly red locks, her style embodies a sense of confidence and singularity I’ve rarely seen. Between rocking mixed-up proportions, a seemingly endless collection of crazy-awesome necklaces and some of the finest footwear around, our Taylor’s become the Athena in the pantheon of street style goddesses.

Four Top Bloggers, Before They Were Big

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:09:00 -0500

Style blogging (specifically, personal style blogging) has this really interesting way of not only showcasing an individual’s aesthetic successes, but also shedding light on our less-than-stellar pasts. Upon initiating myself into this world of semi-regular outfit posts, I had no concept of how this self-awareness would develop into a near-constant evolution of my fashion preferences. I’ll be honest, there are times I’ll go back towards the beginning of F&F and think, “Why did I wear that? It’s not me at all,” or, most frequently, “Why am I making ‘model face’?” Nevertheless, there’s also some joy in seeing how much I’ve come into my own and developed my own unique brand of style; I only hope that evolution continues.

That being said, I thought I’d show some photos of top bloggers when they first started out. This isn’t to poke fun as it’s evident these ladies have always had style, but it’s fascinating to see how they’ve honed their looks over the years.

Aimee Song of Song of Style

The California-cool, designer-darling Aimee of today is a far cry from whence she came. Just a few years ago, Miss Song’s wardrobe was borderline average, giving the rest of us hope that we, too, may curate such an awe inspiring wardrobe.

Rumi Neely of fashiontoast

I’m almost certain I’m not alone in my opinion that Rumi has one of the most specific looks out there. I render it apocalypse-chic, or else a quasi-minimalist, largely monochromatic take on fashion that makes us all feel a lot less cool. But I have to say, I feel a heck of a lot better when I look at some of her outfits from ‘08-‘09; I don’t think she’d be caught dead in a printed peasant dress nowadays, but Rumi does occasionally surprise us…

Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere

Although her style differs from mine quite a bit, I can’t stop following this girl. There’s nothing really crazy or groundbreaking about her style, but she lacks the “I’m-cooler-than-you” attitude most top bloggers tend to possess. She mostly goes for classics, but also has a sharp eye for lasting trends and unique ways to lend subtle edge to her looks. That being said, I’m pretty sure she’d be pretty embarrassed to see the first two photos of the pre-NYT best- selling-author version of herself. Are you feeling inspired yet, people??

Kelly Framel of The Glamourai

Kelly has maintained a fairly consistent style aesthetic over the years, but I will say her current look has a more quiet, self-assured vibe. For example, she’s always been a pro at mixing prints, but her earlier days (see first photo) reveal a more over-the-top approach. Since then, her picks are less contrived and seem better suited to her lifestyle.

Published!

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:02:00 -0500

A couple weeks ago I showed some behind-the-scenes snaps of my photo shoot with Her Magazine, and I’m so happy to finally be able to share the finished product.

The concept and tagline was “cool-girl street style meets authentic urban wear”; by mixing higher-end boutique wares with vintage pieces and beautiful, impactful jewelry & bags from Voguevert, the team and I played heavily on street style pioneers like Jak&Jil. I wanted the images to reflect the current state of fashion, which is, in a phrase, ‘anything goes, as long as you’ve got the confidence to match’.

Thanks to our awesome (and freezing) models and talented photographer, I feel confident we achieved these aims. I’m excited to provide creative direction for future projects, and in the meantime, I’d love to hear your feedback!

Check out more photos from the shoot at Her Cincinnati!

Style Muse: Miroslava Duma

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:53:37 -0500

What can be said about this tiny Russian powerhouse (and former editor of Russia’s Harper’s Bazaar) other than the fact she embodies that ever-elusive ‘it-factor’ which separates the cool girls from…everyone else. In a world of Amazonian models, Ms. Duma stands out as she lets her style—not her height—speak for itself.

Things I Learned From My First Styling Gig

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:23:00 -0500

Last Saturday, I had my first shot at providing creative direction and styling for the March issue of Her Magazine. If you’ll recall, my initial rendezvous with this line of work came in the form of Project Style. In that instance, I loved piling clothes onto a Saks rolling rack, but my favorite part was conceptualizing the look—creating a story for my muse to embody (which she did SO well). Of course, no fashion story would be complete without the clothes, as was true for this particular shoot. My concept revolved around the intersection between ‘cool-girl street style’ and ‘authentic urban wear’—ideas that are by no means new, but will hopefully appear fresh and energized in this unique portrayal. You can judge for yourself once the issue hits stands in a few weeks, but until then, here’s what I took away from the experience:

Be flexible and DON’T freak out.

I’ll admit, I started to go slightly bizerk when Saturday’s weather forecast proved to be devastatingly accurate. Our ‘spring’ shoot was supposed to take place outside, but several inches of snow forced us into a downtown parking garage. While it wasn’t what I’d planned, I was swiftly put in my place by a team of creative, energetic individuals who made the shoot awesome, even if the location wasn’t ideal.

Allow extra time for hair and makeup.

Initially I had only allowed one hour (HA!) for our dear models’ beautification, but luckily our editor was wise enough to back it up an extra 60 minutes. Sometimes curls won’t set, sometimes you have to change lip color 10 times, and don’t forget those last-minute brows! Plus, when you’re virtually clueless about hair and makeup like this girl (meaning me), you’ll need more time to experiment with different looks til the perfect one is achieved (read: blue lipstick FTW).

Take a minute (but just one) to soak it all in.

Between placing necklaces just so, re-rolling a shirt sleeve or perfectly half-tucking a shirt, it was nice to take a moment to observe the team in action. I’m sure it doesn’t always happen this way, but I genuinely enjoyed working with everyone; positive vibes and energy were high despite the frigid temperatures, and I’m really grateful for that.

Enjoy it.

I mean, duh. Sure, this sort of job has its share of stressful aspects, its awkward moments (i.e. carrying a model five feet so the bottoms of her shoes aren’t compromised), but what isn’t awesome about creating something beautiful and engaging for people to peruse and enjoy?

Thanks again to the team for making this real—I hope to work with all of you again!

[Editor: Maija Zummo//Photographer: Jesse Fox//Creative Director & Stylist: Betsy Wecker//Models: Ashley Dunsing, Maddie Mroz, Sierra Rayniece & Terrance Smith//Hair & Makeup: Cecili Robison, Brant Dutle & Megan Middleton at Paul Mitchell]

*All photos were taken with an iPhone 4.

Style Ethics

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:47:00 -0500

I don’t know about y’all, but whenever the terms ‘eco-friendly’, ‘vegan’ or ‘recycled’ are thrown around with respect to fashion, all I can think of are those purses made out of Capri Sun pouches (read: opposite-of-cool unless you’re in middle school). Admittedly, my presupposition was turned on its head upon meeting VogueVert founder Kathy Hamm when we both spoke on a style panel at last year’s CODE event. After fixating on her Square Stack Rings I immediately ran home and checked out the VV site to find every piece equally stunning.

Kathy curates the jewelry, handbags & accessories from designers across the country—artisans who brandish their own bold aesthetics rather than relying on current trends. The pieces are at once organic, modern and forward-thinking—not to mention downright gorgeous. They don’t rely on their ‘eco-chic’ status; rather, they’re beautiful, stand-alone pieces which happen to be made from sustainable materials. Consider VogueVert the ultimate cure to buyer’s remorse.

Bracelets, ring, necklace & bag c/o VogueVert. Sweater: Asos. Pants: The Limited. Boots: Dolce Vita. Glasses: Joseph Marc via Coastal.com. Location: Mt. Adams.

Having a Moment: Valentino Menswear/Camo

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:33:00 -0500

Upon seeing these pictures of the Valentino Spring/Summer ‘13 menswear line, I punched everyone in the room twice—and they liked it. Seriously though, I can’t get over how good it is, notwithstanding the fact it’s only their second season making dude-duds. I’m all about the boxy shirts with covered plackets and the pants hemmed to just above the ankle—not to mention the color-blocked fabric that peeks through so nicely from the front. Also, this sneakers-with-suits thing is really working for me—it’s like the new blazers-with-jeans. It’s easy, it’s cool; my grandpa loves it cuz it’s comfy and my bf loves it cuz it allows him to look sharp while practicing his karate moves. And don’t even get me started on that leather polo ‘less you want me to sock ya one.

Last but never least, the integration of camo in this collection is so seamless I almost didn’t register it at first even though it’s on practically everything. Camo is ideal because it’s a pattern yet still has the ability to remain quasi-neutral; also, boys have loved it since their childhood days of manhandling G.I. Joe dolls, so why not rock it on their Italian leather satchels?

Images via Jak&Jil and Valentino.

A Spanish Revival

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:17:00 -0500

Upon picking up the Jan/Feb 2013 issue of Elle Decor, I was particularly awestruck by the feature on one Spanish home office: a renovated concrete factory in Barcelona (that’s Bar-thay-lona, guys) designed by the brilliant architect, Ricardo Bofill. Rather than working against the structure’s obvious industrial qualities, the renovation incorporated original factory elements with a streamlined, modern interior, emphasizing the natural light filtered through the building’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The end result is an otherworldly, yet quietly reverent space—a near-sacredness.

All photos courtesy of Elle Decor and Ricardo Bofill.

Hanging on, Letting Go

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 20:42:00 -0500

About a month ago, a lovely friend of mine, Laura Cox, approached me about collaborating on a piece for F&F. Laura’s a studied, talented photographer who’s delving back into her art after a hiatus to gain some corporate work experience. After a coffee-fueled chat, I left fully inspired by her drive to continue pursuing her passion; thus, what began conceptually as a personal style post turned into a full-on fashion adventure.

Rather than wrapping up 2012 with a slew of photos from the year, I wanted to leave you— my wonderful readers—with something new and irrefutably different. Paired with Laura’s expertise behind the lens, I enlisted the beautiful Jojo as model and muse. The folks at St. Elizabeth (now Vineyard Central) in Norwood were kind enough to let us set up shop in the achingly beautiful old cathedral, and the juxtaposition couldn’t have been more fitting.

There’s a lot wrapped up in celebrating the New Year; with the excitement and hope for things to come, there also exists a lamenting of the past. Whether it’s sentimentalist nostalgia or the literal mourning of a loved one, many of us grapple with the tension of holding onto memories gone by while knowing deep down that life must—and will—go on. I think our little team was able to capture this so well, and I couldn’t be more proud of the results.

So, dear friends, here’s to another year of joy and pain, of heartache and laughter. I wish you every blessing, and as always, thanks for sharing in this life.

Betsy

{Location: Vineyard Central in Norwood, OH//Photography: Laura Cox//Model: Jojo Bitter//Creative Director/Stylist: Betsy Wecker// Clothing, shoes & accessories: stylist’s own}

Horse Country

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:43:00 -0500

An important part of this blog is dedicated to showcasing the city of Cincinnati in all her underrated glory, but I’ll confess I’ve felt a bit of a traitor the past year and a half. I am, in fact, a Kentucky girl at heart; most significantly, I’m a horse lover whose fondest childhood memories always began with the unlatching of a stall door. Riding lessons started at the tender age of 5, and from there I went on to become a competitive equestrian and—more notably—the ‘horse trivia’ champion at the annual Triple Z Stables Christmas party. I gave it all up at 14 to pursue what would be a mediocre-at-best high school athletics career; ‘regret’ isn’t part of my vocabulary, but I feel something very close to it in this instance.

My love of horses still runs so deep. At the risk of sounding overly sentimental, I grieve their absence in my life like I would a close friend. I owe them so much; working with horses taught me confidence, responsibility and diligence at a young age. Above all, they allowed me peace and escape when I needed it most—that familiar barn smell still has a therapeutic effect on me.

I’m so thankful for these experiences and the impact they’ve had on my life, yet I have a sneaking suspicion my time with horses isn’t over just yet. There’s a whole collection of Breyer ponies waiting to be passed down to a little girl, and my saddle (although collecting dust) has plenty of miles left on it for trail rides through my native bluegrass. I guess that’s the real takeaway here: the dreams and passions of one’s youth don’t have to end there, even if you take a long vacation from them. I have high hopes the next chapter of my equestrian life will be even richer as I share it with my loved ones and encourage my future children to do the same.

Coffee Table Swag

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:59:00 -0500

I’ve always loved a good novel, but there’s something about a seductively-glossy hardcover book that’s enraptured me since my childhood. As a fanatical young equestrian I grew up collecting books about horses, poring over photo after beautiful photo of galloping Arabians and gangly spring foals. Since then, I’ve broadened my coffee table’s horizons to include books on art, history and interior design. These are a few titles I’ve been eyeing to add to my budding collection; give (or ask for) them as Christmas gifts to provide year-round inspiration and endless entertainment for guests.

American Fashion Designers at Home by Rima Suqi (Assouline)

Ever since I stumbled upon Design*Sponge, I’ve been harboring a dangerous addiction for looking at pictures of well-curated interiors. This book hits the decor motherload, combining the worlds of fashion and decor to provide a veritable sensory smorgasbord. I’d love to see how the respective designers’ aesthetics play out in their dwelling spaces and perhaps glean a few ideas for my own burrow.

Hubble: A Journey Through Space and Time by Edward Weiler (Abrams)

After seeing images like the one above, I can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity of mankind—how some group of brains created a camera to take pictures in outer space of things inconceivable. It’s beautiful and empowering, yet also a stark reminder of how small we really are. Also I just really like pretty colors and sparkles.

Love Looks Not with the Eyes by Anne Deniau (Abrams)

This book tracks the author’s behind-the-scenes perspective of the work of late designer Alexander Mcqueen. From the photos I’ve seen, Deniau depicts unassuming moments backstage, contrasted by the artistic genius that was Mcqueen. Not unlike the book’s cover, the lauded designer’s work continues to haunt lovers of both art and fashion.

The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss by Claire Nouvian (University of Chicago Press)

Much like outer space, the boundlessness of the sea is at once fascinating and terrifying. This book contains images of never-before-seen creatures that live in the darkest depths of the ocean, like Planet Earth on steroids.

Revelations by Diane Arbus (Randomhouse)

I only discovered this photographer recently, yet I can’t seem to get her images out of my mind. In her years as an artist, Ms. Arbus focused solely on subjects on the fringes of society. There’s certainly nothing pretty about her photos, but there’s definitely something beautiful and haunting in each of the faces she shoots.

Three Ways: [Faux] Fur

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:24:00 -0500

This edition of Three Ways focuses on one of my favorite winter staples: the [faux] fur coat. I put ‘faux’ in brackets because I’m not necessarily opposed to real fur, especially if it’s in vintage/thrifted form (it’s already dead; somebody better wear it!). Contrary to popular belief, fur is incredibly versatile; with the proper accoutrements, it can be integrated beautifully into your casual wear. Thus, I present three very different, yet fur-friendly looks that work for just about any style palette.

For the sporty/edgy/downtown lady, I’m a strong believer in the printed pant (choose a neutral-colored print for added versatility). For daywear, step away from the skinnies and opt for a comfy, yet tailored version of the harem pant. Keep things casual with a super-soft baseball tee and a slouchy, no-fuss beanie (is it just me or are beanies HUGE this season?!). I’ve grown to love the wedge sneaker (especially in a bold tone) since they’re walkable but still pack a whole lot o’ sass. Top this ensemble off with a chunky Mr. T necklace, and you’re ready to rock that fur.
As for the preppy/classic dressers among us, fur may seem like overkill at first glance. However, if you keep the rest of the outfit relatively simple, your coat can add a huge luxe factor. A winter-white cableknit sweater is always in style, and I hear from my girl Lauren that these J.Crew Minnie pants are a must-have (and these purple ones are KILLING me). If you want to add an extra pop of color or print, try a leopard flat and a jeweled necklace. A gold watch ties things together and lets observers know—fur or not—you mean business.
Of course I can’t forget all my boho/vintage gals out there. One of my girlfriends recently paired a fur jacket with a maxi skirt like this one and I loved the elegance and blatant femininity of the combo. I’d like to see it with a kitschy sweater like this foxy guy and a low-heeled grey bootie. Slip on a silver-and-turquoise cuff to maintain the hip factor, and top of this pretty concoction with a wide-brimmed hat.

Show or tell me how you styled your fur on my Facebook page!

Three Ways: The Midi Skirt

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:04:00 -0500

For most of my adult life, I’ve been consistently reproached for having style others “can’t pull off”. For obvious reasons I take this as a compliment, but a part of me is completely appalled by the thought. ANYONE can wear what they want and look great—having good style boils down to expressing yourself with confidence, regardless of what others think. Thus, I present to you a new segment on F&F that will explore and hopefully nullify the notion that ‘unique’ pieces can’t be wholly versatile, aptly titled ‘Three Ways’.

[Disclaimer: the NSFW reference is unintentional but will hopefully gain me an eclectic group of new readers.]

My first installment centers upon the midi skirt. I love this piece so much because it reeks of femininity yet is so unexpected in today’s fashion culture of extremes (mini/maxi, flats/platforms, etc.). In a pencil silhouette and bold print, it errs on the side of sexy, but you can also go for a flowy or pleated version for a sweeter, vintage-y look.

For work, tone down a vibrant print (or solid color) with a simple white blouse and black blazer. A bag with a gold chain handle is always classy, and pretty earrings in a complimentary color (think jewel tones, in this case) add some subtle interest. Killer heels complete the look—every girl should have a great pair of black pumps, and these beauties from J.Crew are especially special.

For play, I’m really digging the notion of pairing a high-waisted midi skirt with a cropped, sleeveless turtleneck (paired with a snazzy fur waistcoat, of course). IMHO, it’s completely kosher to wear a crop top if your navel’s covered. A clutch is always appropriate for nights out on the town, and feel free to mix up the color palette with a fun, strappy pump (again with the jewel tones).

For day, counter a fitted bottom with a slouchy, comfy sweater. Chelsea boots (or any other type of flat-ish ankle boots) are practical for cooler temps and bring a toughness to the ensemble, while a pop of neon in your bag or accessories keeps things from being too serious. A denim jacket locks in the warmth along with a fur scarf for some added glamour.

How would you style the midi?

BLACKLISTED: Trends I'm Over

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:16:00 -0500

There exists a growing list of “trendy” items that are becoming ever-irksome to my style sensibility. Have I sported some in the past? Sure. But like any trend, they tire easily and are replaced by the next “gotta have it” pieces. Thus, the following items are on my trend blacklist—at least until they resurface in another 5 years.

I loved these Mui Mui glitter booties for a hot minute, but since every Wet Seal in the country now carries a pair like this, all that sparkle just looks tacky (pun intended).
I thought I’d never say it, but I’m sort of over leopard print. I say “sort of” because I’ll probably be sporting it again by the holidays. So sue me.
The term “stud” should be reserved for horses and fine-looking gentlemen (i.e. my bf), not bedazzled accessories.
The only decoration I dislike more than studs are spikes. I went through a brief punk rock stage in middle school during which I may or may not have collected bracelets similar to this one, and I may or may not have used them to attack my brother.
My mom calls these “stripper shoes”, and I call them horse hooves. For transparency’s sake, I own several pairs of platforms and will probably cling to them for awhile, but I’m admittedly relieved this trend is phasing out.
Since when did it become cool to be deemed a “Crazy Cat Lady”? There’s a reason there’s no such term for dog-loving women; it makes sense to love dogs, ‘cuz they love you back.

That last one’s gonna hurt.

[Postscript: just realized the above collage reads like a really bad/awesome transvestite wardrobe. You’re welcome.]

Style Profile: Elisa Nalin

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 11:25:14 -0400

The first time I saw a picture of Italian stylist Elisa Nalin was in the coffee table book, “The Selby Is in Your Place.” The images depicted an eminently joyful woman, replete with gap-toothed smile and a closet chock-full of rainbow-colored vintage and haute couture. She can typically be spotted on any of the top street style blogs wearing her own unique combinations of funky jewelry, wild patterns and—most importantly—any number of punchy, gorgeous hues. Nalin rarely follows trends; she is, in fact, an anomaly, and evidently quite happy to be so. This is why I love her.

When Bigger is Better

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

This season, it seems like proper proportions have taken a backseat to impact factor, a phase I fully relish. The hard-and-fast rule of “tight pants, loose blouse” (and vice versa) has given way to a slew of fashion anomalies—the most obvious being the gargantuan, borderline-cartoonish coat. Here’s why I like it: it’s comfy, it’s cozy (practically a wearable blanket), and combined with the right outfit, astonishingly chic. Skinny jeans is an obvious choice, but I’m also planning on pairing it with some equally giant palazzo pants as well as barelegged in a minidress or wool shorts.

What are your thoughts—too much, or just right?

Coat & crochet sweather: thrifted via Goodwill. Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters. Ankle boots: Zara. Clutch: Francesca’s. Earrings: F21. Necklace: Gayle’s Vintage.

Style ROI

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:29:00 -0400

One of my favorite fashion bloggers—Kelly Framel of The Glamourai—recently delved into the topic of wardrobe investments in a Vogue-worthy piece containing strictly designer wares. I found most of her picks spot-on (especially the “Wear-Anywhere Dress” and “Quintessentially Stylish Coat”), but felt a few key staples were left out. What’s more, a bargain shopper like me who winces at phrases like “investment piece” certainly can’t imagine spending $200 on a dress THAT’S ON SALE!!! So with no further adieu, here are my picks for closet must-haves that are both high-quality and reasonably priced for we who want the most bang for our buck without breaking the bank.

Style ROI by folkandfeather featuring faux leather coats

A well-fitting blazer will be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe; layer it over a sleeveless dress for work or pair it with skinny jeans and fun heels for a night out.
Everyone should own a trench coat. Rainy spring mornings, cool fall afternoons and those nasty in-between winter days call for a lightweight yet functional barrier (throw in leather details/leopard print for an out-of-the-ordinary pop).
Two words: sheer blouse. They’re easy, feminine and—layered over a neutral cami—appropriate in any environment. Neutral, printed or bedazzled—you can’t go wrong here.
Get a watch. I have a small but growing collection of timepieces, and the simple addition of one to an outfit instantly lends a touch of sophistication and class.
As much as I tend to shy away from flats, a great pair of classic brogues is an asset to any style philosophy. Throw in some pizazz like the neon soles and laces on these bad boys, and you’re well on your way to swag city.
A good pair of jeans is a godsend, and I can’t tell you how many times these fellas have saved my butt. Black denim goes with everything and is much easier to take from day to night than the blue variety. Plus, this pair has the added bonus of sucking in your ‘problem areas’ like a pair of Spanx.
While wearing an otherwise simple outfit, one can be taken to fashion plate status with the added notion of a statement necklace. Think color, shape and size—if there’s one area to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, it’s definitely accessories.
A structured bag in a neutral or muted color will always be in style; I recommend one with the option of being a shoulder or handbag for added versatility.
The black heel has been the solution to so many of my problems. Can’t decide which “dressy” shoes to pack for vacation that’ll go with any outfit? Or which shoes can I wear to event that are classy but also clasically sexy? Black heels, forever and ever, amen.
To me, the midi skirt is perfection. In a pencil version it’s flattering on most any shape and oozes 1950’s glamour. I love this teal version—wearable in any season with solids or prints.

Alright, now I wanna hear from you guys. What pieces give you the greatest style ROI?

The Perks of Having a Pared-Down Closet

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:54:00 -0400

Lately I’ve found the less stuff in my wardrobe, the better my style becomes. For most fashion-y folks, the notion of not being a clotheshorse is counter-intuitive at best, or sheer blasphemy if we’re really being honest with ourselves. I know I’m not alone in saying those photos of celebrity closets containing 600 pairs of Louboutins always leave me muttering things like, “I’m a failure for not being more of a shoe hoarder.”

Seriously though, having a million options doesn’t necessarily give you better style than the next sassafrass. On the contrary, having a ton of choices means added stress, confusion and “I-can-never-have-enough” syndrome. And who needs that when they’re getting ready for work in the morning?

Recently, I challenged myself to focus on the things in my closet I get the most use out of, are a match for my style aesthetic, and are things I truly love—to heck with the rest (or to Goodwill at least). Some of the pieces I got rid of were actually really nice, like a pair of black leather BCBG boots from a couple seasons past. They were in great shape and certainly still stylish, but they no longer fit my style. Ladies and gents, there’s no sense in keeping things you won’t wear simply because they’re a good brand, or your grandma bought them for you, or you found them on a great sale. That noise is distracting from the AWESOME things you own, and there’s a good chance someone else could find a lot of value in your old stuff.

I’m certainly not 100% “there” in terms of fully defining my style, but I think I’ve taken a giant step forward by simplifying my formerly-overstuffed wardrobe. Now it’s easier to see what I have (way more black and neutral tops than I realized) and don’t have (some wear-anywhere dresses), and I’m able to be more creative as having less encourages me to be. At the end of the day, it’s always good to remember that having more “stuff”—even if that “stuff” is a super-freaking-awesome-vintage-sequin dress—is not the stuff of happiness.

What are your thoughts?

Femmes Fatales

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:27:53 -0400

Back in the spring, I was asked to model for a top-secret style project spearheaded by Emily Buddendeck, owner of Northside vintage boutique NVISION. The end result? A modern pinup calendar shot by photographer Jeanine Mullen Steele. What’s more, the calendar photos are part of the Fotofocus event lineup; they’ll be on display this Friday, October 19th from 6-10pm at NVISION, with a portion of proceeds from calendar purchases going to Dress for Success.

Here’s a bit of the back story on this awesome project from Emily herself—I hope to see you there!

How did you adapt the classic pinup look to make it your own?

The looks portrayed in the calendar marry vintage and contemporary looks to create a modern style; likewise, this is what NVISION offers in terms of clothing, art, and furnishings. I like to say, ‘it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it’; how you put a look together and wearing it with confidence is the stuff at the heart of fashion versus following the trend of the moment.

How did you choose the ladies for the calendar and what was your thought process in pairing them with their respective month?

I had a look and feel in mind for each month’s image first, and then chose an outfit that could embody that vibe. Then I tried to think of women I knew who fit the outfit both in terms of shape and personality and would complement the scene I had in mind for the photo.

How did you go about choosing shoot locations?

The locations came about through discussions with Jeanine (the photographer) about the image I had in mind. We pooled our resources and contacts to—in some cases—gain access to private settings where we could capture a backdrop that would provide a sort of seasonal story to a given outfit suitable to represent that month.

What makes this project different from the traditional pinup calendar?

The suggestion of “pinup calendar” is merely a jumping off point for the photographing of attractive women, usually looking directly at the viewer/camera, in a relatively suggestive posture or composition. By contrast, the women in this calendar are not shown in historically submissive roles but rather in a less overtly sexualized manner than the traditional pinup; it’s more about the clothes and the woman feeling in control/self-possessed/poised/confident, than it is about skin and sex. The title of “Femmes Fatales” for the exhibit suggests that a confident woman, comfortable in her clothes and skin, is a woman to behold.

Thrifted

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 21:03:00 -0400

Blouse & pants: thrifted via Goodwill. Shoes: INC via Macy’s. Clutch: H&M. Earrings: vintage via NVISION. Nails: Revlon “Copper Penny” & “Plum Attraction.” Lipstick: Revlon “Orange Flip.”

If you haven’t already noticed, I’ve eased up on the proverbial “outfit posts.” For one, I don’t want this blog to be purely self-involved, and also I’m pretty awkward in front of the camera. However, I want to take a quick second to feature this outfit as an aside to my recent “Thrifting 101” post.

In this instance, my shirt and pants are both from Goodwill; the former, a perfectly-oversized silk night shirt, and the latter, some polka dot pants my wonderful boyfriend helped me alter into a quasi MC Hammer style. I wore this spectacular getup with some snakeskin-and-gold platform sandals I picked up on major sale last spring, a similarly printed clutch, and some gloriously large, Liberace-approved vintage earrings.

I’m definitely vibing on a few trends here (polka dots, pajamas as daywear, snakeskin, nerdy-chic), but I think the way I put it all together is quirky and unique in a way that makes it me. As you can see, there’s no real method to my madness beyond dealing with proportions on a strictly elementary basis (loose on top, fitted on bottom) and not matching. I HATE matching.