Tag Archives: fashion

November 24, 2014 · 7:17 pm

Monochromatic Look with Paisley Pants

While I was wine tasting in Walla Walla this past summer, I popped into a neat clothing store in the center of the quaint city center and found these paisley jeans.

Top: Gifted
Jeans: Boutique in Walla Walla
Shoes: Beyond Skin

They’re a neat twist on white jeans black paisley is actually velvet. Paisley is a classic pattern, and black and white is a chic color combo so I didn’t think I could go wrong. Plus, they were on sale.

I paired my denim with a simple black top that my mom bought for me. I like that it’s a knit but it has shirttails like a woven, button-up shirt.

I thought adding a pop of color with my yellow and white Gunas bag would be fitting. Gunas is an all-vegan line of quality, stylish purses. I’ve lusted after a Gunas bag for a while now so when I saw their booth at The Seed in NYC this past summer, I bought one (in fact, you can see the purse in the background of one of my photos–I was holding the red bag, but I settled on the yellow and white one).

Are you a fan of purses, shoes, or both?

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Tagged as denim, fashion, jeans, paisley, style, vegan

November 12, 2014 · 11:15 pm

Merlot Sweater and Cobalt Skirt

For two whole minutes last fall, I had long(ish) hair. It’s funny how I wait so long to grow my hair out and then immediately get bored with it. Well, here’s a rare look at the long-haired me. A little #TBT.

Sweater: Target
Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: Roots Canada
Shoes: Soda
Necklace: eBay

I wore my comfy merlot (burgundy/wine) sweater with a pencil skirt. This stretchy skirt is very versatile. It goes with everything from blazers to t-shirts. I dressed up the simple top with a long necklace with a wing and some bling.

It’s officially tights weather in Seattle so I thought a look back to last year’s tights season would be appropriate. The outfit was worn a while ago but it works now. In fact, I might just wear this tomorrow!

I’m joining Happiness at Midlife, The Penniless Socialite, Style Elixir, and Rachel the Hat for linkups today. See what everyone else is wearing!

13 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, skirt, style, sweater, thrifty fashion, tights, wedge heels

November 2, 2014 · 12:28 am

Splurge vs Steal: Boots Edition

A few years ago, I found a pair of black leather Louboutins at a consignment shop. They were still expensive, but much more within reach than a new pair. I bought them. I also liked that since they weren’t new, I could buy them (I’d been staying away from new leather since I went vegan in 2000).

Well, I’ve had a change of heart. I don’t even wear used leather now because there are so many alternatives and I prefer to support vegan companies like Cri de Coeur and Novacas.

So I sold my Louboutins, along with my pre-owned Manolos, a couple of pair of Jimmy Choos, and some Fluevogs. With my windfall, I started replacing my shoes. The first pair I found were dead-ringers for the booties I’d sold. Have a look:

Audrey Brook might not be a coveted brand or household word, and they don’t have a trademark red sole, but they fit well, are made of synthetic material, and cost 5% of a pair of new Louboutins. Yes, they were $50 (the Louboutins were $995 new).

The new ones aren’t quite as high, but that’s fine with me. Weather you stay away from leather or are just looking for not spend all your rent money on a pair of shoes, these will do the trick!

5 Comments

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Tagged as boots, DSW, ethical, fashion, faux leather, leather, Louboutin, shoes, style, vegan

October 16, 2014 · 7:44 pm

Tent-striped Skirt for Fall

Here’s another #tbt to last fall. One of the few outfits I neglected to post.

Top: Old Navy
Skirt: H&M
Tights: Roots Canada
Pleather boots: DSW
Scarf: Gift from Marion
Ring: Gift from Mom
Vinyl bag: Snap Designs

I loved the wide, black and white stripes on this skirt (yes I got the same one in a cat pattern–I just couldn’t decide). This one had a dramatic, circus-tent look.

To offset the dramatic pattern, I wore all black. But I still needed to inject a bit of color into my look. I chose a lovely mauve scarf that my aunt sent me all the way from Germany. My yellow bag is the complementary shade to purple so they work well together.

Last fall was the point when my hair was the longest it’s been in a decade. I’ve had pixies and bobs and finally got it this long before getting trim after trim until my hair is short again. I can never decide!

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Tagged as fashion, scarf, skirt, stripes, style, tights

October 2, 2014 · 6:40 am

Black and Gray Tunic and Leggings

Here’s another #tbt (Throwback Thursday) post. It’s an outfit I just wore last week, but the picture was taken last fall. Sometimes my posts-to-pictures ratio gets out of whack and I find myself with a surplus. And since this I still a look I like, I’m sharing it today.

Top: ecoSkin
Leggings: Victoria’s Secret
Boots: DSW
Purse: Susan Nicole

I got this tunic when I was in New York last year. It’s by ecoSkin, a “green” clothing company from California that uses environmentally friendly fabrics and strives to be earth-conscious and minimize their carbon footprint. I’ve seen people wear this as a top, but I think they might have been shorter than me. For me, this is the perfect tunic, so I paired it with black leggings and tall boots.

My boots are half pleather and half neoprene (scuba material) so they have a nice, snug fit without being tight. I’m always on the lookout for great vegan shoes and boots–surprisingly, there are lots (just look into my shoes closet and you’ll see).

I won–yes won–this amazing Susan Nicole bag at last year’s Walk for Farm Animals. Of all the raffle items, this was my favorite and as luck would have it, I won! Susan Nicole makes an amazing line of vegan leather, eco-conscious handbags.

I do love the comfort of leggings and the look of boots, even though I’m not one of the people who can’t wait for fall. I mourn the end of summer each year. But fall is a good time to start plotting a winter getaway!

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Tagged as boots, ecoSkin, fashion, leggings, style, Susan Nicole, TBT, vegan

September 27, 2014 · 12:01 am

Peplum Top and Polka-dots

I didn’t jump on the peplum trend when it hit stores a couple of years ago, but when I found this peplum top at a clothing exchange I figured I’d take a chance on a new style.

Top: Swapped
Jeans: Makers of True Originals
Shoes: DSW with DIY heels
Bracelets: Claire’s

Peplums, a short overskirt or extra layer of fabric that emphasizes the waist, actually came into fashion in the 1860s. I think of them as more of a 1950s item. A couple of years ago, retro-inspired fitted jackets and tops hit the stores. I didn’t buy any, although I did find a peplum-inspired top at a clothing exchange a while back.

I’m late to the trend, partially because I’m still not sold on it–despite its waist-whittling effect. But like I said. Clothing exchange. Zero-risk investment.

I wore the top with denim capri pants (also slightly retro). Capris are a great seasonal transition piece. My red sandals got one last hurrah. I’ll be switching to closed-toed shoes soon. The rains are coming.

I have a winter peplum (black velvet) that my mom gave me so I’ll try that out when the weather is cooler. Do you have peplum tops? What do you think of them?

I’m linking up with Fashion Informant, Passion for Fashion, and Favorite Fashion Friday. See what all the others are wearing!

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Filed under DIY, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as capris, denim, fashion, peplum, style, thrifty fashion

September 21, 2014 · 9:15 pm

Mini Dress with Sleeves

I’m wearing a mini dress with three-quarter sleeves today. I’m enjoying the sun and warmth while I still can!

Dress: Purdy Girl
Belt: Steve Madden
Shoes: Cri de Coeur

I found this number at a shop in New York’s Upper West Side when I visited in August. It was half off an I couldn’t resist. The waves in blue, purple and gold drew my eye. It’s got a light background, but strong colors.

I added a turquoise belt and gold platforms. I bet I can wear this with leggings and boots when the weather gets cool.

Today, though, cooler weather was not on my mind! I had a nice pedicure last week for a wedding I was in and I intend to show off my toes until it starts to rain.

I hope you have great days ahead too!

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Tagged as Cri de Coeur, dress, fashion, style

September 16, 2014 · 10:52 pm

The Perfect Dress

This really is The Perfect Dress–well, that’s what it’s called on Betabrand, where I bought it.

Dress: Betabrand
Shoes: Payless
Belt: Steve Madden
Sunglasses: Old Navy
Earrings: Shirazi

I have a few things from Betabrand, but this is the first piece I’ve posted about so far. Betabrand is a company in San Francisco that designs and manufactures clothing based on what their fans choose. Through crowdfunding, new designs enter the market. Betabrand has really neat ideas like work-appropriate bikewear, reversible blazers, and this perfect dress.

It even has pockets! And I’ll be able to carry it into fall. But what drew me to the dress was the pattern. The turquoise, blues, and reds reminded me of Santa Fe. It also comes in other really cute patterns. When the dress arrived in the mail, shortly after funding was complete and the dresses were made, I thought it might be too long. I debated chopping a couple of inches off. Then I remembered that I already have a lot of short, summer dresses and this length might just be, well, perfect.

10 Comments

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Tagged as Betabrand, dress, fashion, made in America, made in the USA, style, thrifty fashion

September 10, 2014 · 9:30 pm

Chevrons and Gold

I’m drawn to Missoni-style pattern (despite not having any Missoni myself–well, not counting the Missoni for Target dress I got at a clothing swap). This dress, however, reminds me of a Missoni: colors, chevrons and all.

Dress: Bebenoir
Belt: Steve Madden
Clutch: Shiraleah
Shoes: Cri de Coeur
Necklace: Herbivore Clothing
Cuff: Citizen Rosebud on Etsy

Now, what you don’t see is the texture of the dress. It’s a printed woven material, not a knit. So there are differences. I like it all the same. Plus, it reminds me of my fabulous trip to NYC last year, because that’s where I bought it.

I wore the gold cuff I bought from Citizen Rosebud’s Etsy shop. One-of-a-kind, I’m afraid. But Rosebud always has great things in her shop, so check it out and see what you can find!

My Cri de Coeur gold platforms worked well with the dress, and I threw in a bit of brass with my vegan sailor-style pendant from Herbivore Clothing. Who says vegans aren’t stylish?

I’m joining Style Elixir, Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde for linkups. See what everyone else is wearing!

8 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion

Tagged as dress, fashion, style, thrifty fashion, vegan, vintage

September 6, 2014 · 9:10 pm

Blue and White Hi-low Dress

I found this dress at a clothing exchange recently. I love grabbing items I might not otherwise try. It’s a no-risk investment. Turns out, I like the cut of this dress–but if I ever change my mind, I’ll bring it back to another exchange.

Dress: Swapped
Belt: Florida shop
Sunglasses: Flea market in Florida
Shoes: Payless
Rubber bracelets: eBay

I added a belt I already had so this dress would have a bit of definition at the waist. And so things weren’t too predictable, my red wedges made an appearance. Red, white, and blue. I should have worn this on the 4th of July!

When I wear my white sunglasses, I’m reminded of Kurt Cobain–I recall pictures of him wearing a similar pair. When the world lost Cobain, I was still living in Toronto. Who knew just a few years later, I’d be in Seattle? A little too late to enjoy the grunge scene, but it’s a great city nonetheless.

Oh, I’m a day late and a dollar short, but I’m linking up with The Life of the Party, Lena B Actually, The Penniless Socialite, and Simple Sequins. See what all the others are wearing!