Archive for the ‘ Me ’ Category

Une petite update

So, we are in the midst of wedding planning and I haven’t been posting with regularity. To quell your sadness/boredom/adjective, I’ve prepared a short photo update of what’s up!

For example: I AM A GINGER!
superginger

Also I got an excellent package of excellent goodness from Miss Eboni at the Fashionista Next Door and OH WOW WHAT A GIFT! This woman knows both style and giveaways. Check this out:
eboni giveaway
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eboni giveaway 3

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And did I mention she’s super cute!??

In other news, we have a dog (like you didn’t know!!) and he’s extra stylish with his new puppy-cut.  The groomer gave him a mohawk – but not like a regular rocker mohawk.  He’s extra hardcore with his new FULL BODY MOHAWK.  Yeah.  Seriously.

gustav after puppycut 3months

Awesome.

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TiLT – The “I haven’t posted in forever”-edition.

Hi kittens! How are you. Let me preface this by saying “OH MAH GAWW Where have I been!?” The answer: Life happens. My new position at work has left me incredibly busy, but thank the heavens my office monkey, Suzanne, is the best, most-wizard-monkey ever. As for school, both Astronomy and Art have built up my brain and made me think of things I should post for you. I have a backlog-list of things to write for a MONTH. And someday, I’ll get around to it.

It hasn’t been all buttercups and busy bees though – Mister and I found out kitty was terminally ill, and yesterday my little fuzzy love went for her final vet visit. It hurts a little to think she was so sad and scared and sick, but there’s also a peace in knowing that she’s not in pain or frightened anymore.  I wrote the impermanence post, as sort of a way to process my grief.

“We don’t know if they’ll be there tomorrow when we wake up. We don’t know if that sound they make when their soul purrs and sings is the last sound we’ll hear. This knowledge – in the back of our minds, in the far reaches of our hearts is what reminds us to love them now.”

This Thursday is more a reminder to love things – to take that moment of gratitude for being here.  I love the time I spent with my cat-monster.  I enjoy being a pet-person.  I made a TiLT list, because now is a good time to remember what I love.

I also love all those people around me who lent their ears, their sympathies and their love in such stressful times.  I love the medium that’s brought all of us together.  You guys, you’re awesome.

In other news, I love knowing the weekend is right around the corner – especially a weekend that involves good reads, good friends, organization (a little apartment therapy) and regeneration (hello, massages at Clear Awakening!).

I love how, when things seem a little bleak, life likes to drop gifts right in your lap.

The short list:

I definitely love retail therapy right now – Tarina T bracelets, Noir spike rings,etc.; I love paying for goodies straight out; Actually, I love having no debt, and paying for things like school straight out of pocket; I love the idea that we’re living in our means and saving for big splurges; I love watching my bank account grow as we save 1/3 of our monthly income (This candid financial talk was inspired by Ashe Mischief’s posts about finance);  I love that we can have these candid conversations about really important stuff and then talk about shoes 2 seconds later; I love art history/appreciation and being able to name ancient Egyptian art pieces while watching Nova (NERD ALERT!); I love Lapis Lazuli blue – especially in tee-shirts that fit just right; I love dreamily planning for the future while sitting in the sun on my deck; I love dance party plans, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and record shopping; I love the promise of new days ahead…

What do you love?

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Outfit: Sunday Tea

I went to a “Ladies’ Tea” recently that definitely called for a little dressin’ up! To celebrate the warmer weather, some girls and I gathered at the house of a friend for tea, crumpets, petitfours and champagne. Needless to say, nobody drank tea!

I snapped a couple pictures before I left the house.  I bought this dress at a STREET FAIR of all places!

It’s from a place called “Silk Dragons” or something and is my go-to party dress.  It’s a fantastic deep blue – though it looks brighter here with the lighting.  Don’t mind the ugly comforter under the sofa…..

I wore it with a little light-blue vintage hat, white gloves, and these crazy gold platforms from Hale Bob – which, I have to say, I’m disappointed in!  Over the course of only a few hours, the finish on the wedges had started to come off around the bottom exposing the white wedge material beneath.

I also tried a new and super-easy method of pincurling, where you use a small barrel (1″) curling iron and set the curls in place, then pin them to your head until you’ve done your entire set.  When you pull the pins out and softly brush through it it creates this curly, wavy look that I achieved.  I didn’t use setting lotion, only this crazy “Big Sexy” root-boost-mousse that I bought at the grocery store, and a little hairspray and I had curls 3 DAYS LATER!

The jewels you see here are vintage.  Krystal of Smashing Divas fame found me the most incredible deal – her great aunt was getting rid of excess and she invited me over to take a look.  I’m wearing a demi-parure I found that’s TOTALLY Trifari.  It’s fantastic.  the pearl bracelet is from the same vintage set.  Notice the incredible “hot magenta” manicure – I felt a little springy and went all out with an insane electric-Barbie color.  Totally eye-catching!

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Outfit: Smoke and Mirrors

I love the way this outfit came together with the amazing Amenaza Maxi Skirt from EtceteraPeru.

The skirt is an interesting gray, with draping in the front and a backseam (it used to only go halfway up the back of the skirt, but I fixed it so it a) fit me and b) didn’t look like a buttcrack  ).

The full silhouette is very slim and I added a break in the heavy almost Deco-style patterned top with a waist-belt.   The top is a Deco Modiste original!

The rest of my accessories needed to incorporate well with the pattern, but I also felt like I needed a little color.  These green resin earrings came from Banana Republic, and I tossed on some simple silver bangles for fun.   This outfit is worn with my Where CARA brogues.  It’s warm enough for spring in Seattle without feeling overdressed.

I, personally, love the tailored maxi skirt look.  I feel like it’s not done nearly enough though!  The tailoring on this skirt gives it a sort of Steampunk/gawth feel, but is very versatile.  What’s your feeling on the maxi skirt?  Love it?  Hate it!?  Tell me about it!

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Outfit: Blue Belle

I wore this to one of Mister’s orchestra concerts recently – the dress is M641 and the shoes are Lela Rose for Payless.

My hair has gotten insanely long and it’s been auburn now for a couple months.

Since I’ve taken these photos, the weather has gone sour, and then nice and then sour again.  I can’t wait for summer, to wear this little dress more.  I had to tack the dress down in the back though – the shoulders are almost too tall for my body, and I’ve had to tack that blue piece at the bust down, so it doesn’t droop and show off my goods!

I love the little blue Lela Rose wedges – with their hint of a heel.

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Outfit: Black on Black

Sexy black on black

buckled shoes, liquid leggings

pearls are the icing.

Outfit posts are good -

Better accompanied by

haiku about style

To welcome everybody back to the fray, I thought I’d show you guys the amazing Fluevog Buffys I acquired in my absence.  They’re a beast to buckle, and rather high, but sexy as hell with a little bit of a bondage feel.  Yum!

I paired them with a cute little thrifted sailor-inspired dress and leggings.  The look was dark but still sweet.   The pairing of the cute little black dress with the semi-sultry shoes and leggings offered an excellent versatility for pubcrawls and pool halls.

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Becoming a “Joan”

Hi guys! Long time no see! How’ve you been? Any good books? Any new pretty dresses? Holy,  it’s been a long time!

Aside from finals, I had a pretty debilitating sickness for a while. I caught an adenovirus that STILL hasn’t left (after 2 weeks, my throat is still on fire, and I feel like I swallowed a marble).  My upper body is infected, apparently, so when I get home from work, all I’ve wanted to do for the past couple weeks is sleep… sleep… sleep!

My schedule has become extra grueling, as well. I’ve transitioned shifts – getting up at the crack of dawn to be at work by six. The reason? I’ve become a Joan.

Image via Deeplyproblematic

Image via Deeplyproblematic

That’s me – redheaded office dominatrice (minus all that tyrant nonsense – I’m a benevolent goddess!) with style and talent to spare.  The challenge?  The environment is … I would say … less than endearing.   On more than one occasion I’ve asked myself what Joan would do – regarding male posturing, the new girl’s hysterics, how to work like you mean business, and even how to primp in the morning so that you don’t look like you’ve just rolled out of the sack.

I have a feeling that I’ll be in and out for a bit as I adjust, but never fear!  I’m taking notes just for you darlings.  In the meantime I have some outfits to share and a few other tidbits.  Sit tight, cookies!

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Where’ve You Been, Babycakes?

Holy crap, you guys!  I’ve had about a week and a half of solid blog-neglect.  What am I out doing that’s so important I should be ignoring YOU?

Well, for starters Mama got a promotion, so my life has had a little extra hustle to it as I try to adapt.  Besides that, I’ve been blogging with a few fantastic sites:

High Society Tailored Denim: Kasil

Let’s preface this post with the fact that my work attire is business casual. With all the choices out there, one might think business casual would be an easy wardrobe to build. This isn’t the case though, when it comes to bottoms – I need something besides the standard skinny jean or legging.  I need something that is polished, not distressed. Business casual invokes the image of something chic, that can be dressed up or down.  It’s what Kasil does best.

(Click to read more at ShopManhattanite.com/blog)


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Wednesday Guest Post: Birdie in Vegas!

Every February, my fiancé and I make a trip to Vegas to meet with friends, and to get away from the Pacific Northwest rain. Usually the respite is well needed since it’s generally rainy and around 50F here in Seattle. It’s always a challenge to know what to pack for Vegas since the weather is so drastically different – sunny and 65 during the day, and often cold in the evening. When you’re inside, the temperature is often much cooler than it is outside; bringing a scarf, wrap, or sweater a necessity.

Last year, I wrote about how I packed for Vegas and it was all about finding THE right bag to carry anything I’d need for the day. This year, it will be all about discovering a stylish way to fight the changes in climate, from the hotel to the sunny streets of Sin City, to the overly chilled interiors, to the sometimes chilly Vegas nights. Also, you do have to be prepared for rain, which we discovered this year!

(Click to read more at the Affordable Scarves blog)

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Affordable Style TV

Birdie of Bonne Vie demonstrates a variation on how to tie a Half Bow with AffordableScarves.com’s Alexis Paisley Pashmina.

This is the fourth of a multi-part series in which we’ll show you dozens of different ways to tie and wear a scarf.

How to Tie a Scarf: The Half Bow II

(Click to watch)

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Psychedelic Chic

I stumbled across the blog this morning to find Ashe’s post about the Tarina Tarantino jewelry at Manhattanite right now.   I literally almost jumped out of my seat.  Tarina’s baubles are totally fun and I immediately headed to Polyvore to create fun outfits to go with them.

Everything that drew my eye had a psycheldelic-rock chic feel when I paired it up – a little glam rock here, some weekend bohemia there…  I mean, hippies are out out, but that tye-dyed bohemian look is still hot when given an ultra-modern twist.

(Click to read more at ShopManhattanite.com/blog)

That’s what I’ve been up to!  And a foray into video blogging?  Wow, you guys – I’m totally moving up in the digital age.  If anybody wants to donate to my “Birdie needs an iPod tripod for V-logging” email me or find me on Twitter or something.  ;)

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Outfit: Deco Modiste

So when Kimberlee of Deco Modiste came out with her school thesis line, I had the privilege of being present for (actually, I was in) her thesis fashion show.  Her thesis was full of elegant lines, tailored silhouettes and vintage couture.

These pants  will always remind me of walking the runway to an old track that crackled like it had been copied from a record, while all the other designers’ models strutted the catwalk in their new-wave, modern avant garde feel.  We were ready to wear, elegant, and aptly dressed for both day and night – so when I wear these trousers, I know I’m well dressed!

The pants are high waisted, and have hand-painted designs on the pockets.  The pockets are lined with a soft material and have snaps to keep them from bulging out.  The trouser material is almost a maroon denim.  Lightweight enough to be wearable in the summer, but heavy enough to be warm (with a few layers) in the winter, these pants are all-around perfect.

Because of the pocket design, it was hard to decide what to wear with them.  A waist belt works, because of the rise, but it almost felt like to much bling.  There’s a little belt that goes with the trousers with a vintage buckle – I think I’ll stick to that look in the future.  The wide leg of the trouser calls for a slim fit up top – something with almost no volume to balance out the cut.

Pictured here in:

  • Maroon trouser: Deco Modiste
  • Red waist belt: bought at Boutique Culture
  • Black thermal: thrifted
  • Brown and gold necklace: Urban Outfitters
  • Black and white swing shoes: TUK

I’m actually off for a few days; the Mister is whisking us away to Vegas for our annual party in Sin City for Superbowl weekend.  It’ll be a lot of fun and I have some great content for you when I return.  Meanwhile, hold down the fort for me, k? Â

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Outfit: Presented by M641

Hi guys!  How’ve you been?  After a week of thoughtful posts I decided to lighten up a little with my little jumper from M641.

I love the black and tan pairing – I think that’s what the girl has on in the product photos and it just stuck.  Black and tan are such an underrated combo…  I have to wear this little number with a slip and leggings though, because it’s kind of short!

This outfit is sort of difficult to accessorize.  The jumper needs to be belted because of the extra panels in the skirt.  With that big of belt, you can’t really wear too much with it.  I picked this Czech Amber pendant to go with it, because the scrollwork on the pendant matches the scrollwork on the belt.

I’ve realized that my  remote is a little fickle – here, I was trying to see if the sensor was flashing.

Pictured in:

  • Jumper dress by M641
  • Charlotte Russe leggings
  • Report boots
  • Black thermal
  • Czech amber pendant – gifted

This weekend is all about studying for my Midterm, dreaming up outfits to pack for Vegas, finishing some photos and another fun photoshoot with Deco Modiste!  I  might have some photos from a dress-up party too, and I’ve definitely got some post content brewing in my noggin!  See you soon!

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Outfit: Burlesque Birthday Bash

Last week (OKAY! My outfit photo was from last week, I WILL ADMIT!) I had a Birthday Bash with Sinner Saint Burlesque.  “It’s not your birthday!” you say… but it is difficult to collect all my friends into one place at the same time – moreso on New Year’s Eve (my real birthday).

I got dressed up in this EXQUISITE jumpsuit (it’s a loaner – it’s Kimberlee’s.  If you know where to get one exactly like this, please email me and hook it up. I will reward you handsomely) by Arpeja.   I’ve been jumpsuit obsessed (more on this later) ever since I put it on.

It’s perfect with the thick waistband, blouson/bateau neck top, and wide palazzo style legs. It’s also about 4″ too long for me, so it looked PERFECT with my Fluevog LA Silverlake boots.

I commented to another reveler that night that dressing this outfit up was sort of difficult.  Necklaces are hidden in the folds of the blouson and hair pieces need to be demure.  I wore :

I also wore this outfit, because Eyeliah at Style Symmetry was hosting her virtual birthday party, and I needed some cute party attire – SUB-MITTED!

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Outfit: January Blues

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut in the rainy northwest winters.  It’s too easy to throw on jeans and an oversize sweater to head to work, and it’s work – what kind of fun is that?!

My bustin’-out-of-the-blues fix involves a light swingy skirt, and a gorgeous blue tissue tee from Banana Republic.

You can tell it’s winter-y out, because this picture is so damn dark!  Or my living room has strange light.  That’s probably part of it.  Also, I made the pillowcases in the background (all by myself!) and that’s some of Mister’s really cool Math Art hanging up in the background.

Is this any better?  I’m standing in front of my bedroom wall, which is covered in like 2-3 sets of round hanging mirrors.  I loaded up on accessories here, because I was wearing this funky belt, and a disc necklace (that I also made, all by my self), and happened to receive a little package from a giveaway at Girl and City that contained (among other things) this giant flower of a ring!

Little did I know at the time that my fingernails matched my top, which also matched the lush fuzzy blanket on my bed.  MMM details.

Also, I had to show you this crazy-awesome blazer that Kimberlee found while she was out thrifting.  Helloooo shoulders!

It’s great.  I’ve been wearing it everywhere.  I love that it has no collar, and little pockets, and that it’s grey tweed.

What was your favorite outfit this week?

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New Year, New Focus

You all may remember my stance on resolutions – setting one huge long term goal (or many long term goals) doesn’t realistically lend to achieving those goals.  Last year when I really dived into this whole blogging thing I set a primary focus for the year and had little weekly resolutions instead.  The weekly resolutions were supposed to help me focus on what I wanted to achieve on a smaller scale – more of a one-step-at-a-time sort of deal.  It turns out I’m bad at remembering to set resolutions – even weekly ones – but the year’s primary focus stuck.  Last year I wanted to live a more stylish year, and to live well – and as sort of an aside I took all you readers with me.

On the style front, I went from jeans and tees at work to actually thinking about what I was putting on.  As a result, I did notice a lot more about the aesthetics around me.  I noticed that people responded well when I took care and pride in how I put myself together.  I seemed to believe in myself more, as well.  When they say “the clothes do not make the man”, they don’t take into account the idea of self-concept, and how knowing you look great affects your self-concept.  I also thought more about what I was purchasing, and in turn made some really fantastic wardrobe investments – and I ended up paying off EVERYTHING I owed in the last year by not having to buy and re-buy when the cheap shit I bought fell apart.  Building and embracing style didn’t just alterwhat I wore, but how I decorated my apartment, how I thought of myself, and how I expressed who I am.

It sounds a little superficial, but embracing style helped me achieve what I wanted to in the last year – I was able to define “me”, I was able to experiment, discover and grow, and best of all – it gave me a little confidence boost.

In addition to embracing style, I was determined to live well this year.  I did – I had exciting adventures and embarked on new adventures (some of which, I have yet to tell you about!).  I saw, I conquered and I told you all about it.  2009 was a fantastic and transformative year – the perfect build-up to an amazing 2010.

This year’s primary focus is a simple continuation of last year’s “bonne vie - a là mode“; I wanted to enjoy my little slice of the pie, ice cream included.  I wanted to live right now, in the very best way possible, embracing what came to be known as “whole-style” – an encompassing way of looking at life.

Image by Tinnaaa, on Deviantart

So as a continuation of embracing the good life, my motto is: “Que la fête commence!” or if you’re from the South, “Laissez les bons temps rouler”.  Let’s keep this forward momentum moving and make 2010 our best year ever.  Embrace joy, and love life.

My primary focus aside, I’ve come up with a set of …. guidelines, so to speak.  Instead of resolutions, I want to be guided by little markers that will help me get to where I want to be.  I’ll be striving to take more risks and to fear less.  I’ll nurture relationships, creativity and expression.  I’ll encourage myself and those around me to live well and I will remember to take good care of myself, and those I care about.  I will continue to grow and expand my horizons.  I will be, do, think, say, love, grow, and experience.

Since tomorrow is my birthday, that is – to me – when I start my new year, and I can’t wait to see what 2010 delivers!

What’s your focus for 2010?  Have you set resolutions?  What do you want to achieve?

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Modern Vintage

It’s Friday and I’m wearing *THE-MOST-COMFORTABLE* outfit I could possibly think of. I got home late last night from the Twitterati Reunion party and when I dragged myself out of bed at 8 this morning, I decided comfort was key.

I love when winter hits, so I can break out this skirt – which is MUCH TOO MUCH any other time. It’s this vintage thing I got from Mama Bird, and I SWEAR is made of someone’s grandma’s couch. It could be considered obnoxious by some – and it’s one of my favorite vintage items in my closet because it is loud, and warm and snuggly.  The ultra slim cut takes the skirt from “Eek” to “Ooooh.”

The sweater was Papa Bird’s, I believe, when he was younger.  I love the rolled over collar and oversized cuffs.   I’ve been wearing this sweater NONSTOP with an 80′s wool skirt-suit jacket that Kimberlee of Deco Modiste thrifted and gifted to me.  I’m not super big on the whole “this decade you grew up in is TOTALLY back in style!”, but it’s something about the cut of the jacket, and the no collar look with this sweater flopped over the lapels, and the shoulder-pads that scream “WEAR ME.”  I’ll have to nab some photos for you later.

These items paired well with my extra comfortable Spun scoop tank, and a pair of moccasin boots. For the modern twist, I added this acrylic stud bracelet – a birthday gift from Jordy of Clutch-22, and a pearl and feather necklace – one of my favorites.

What I’m wearing:
Couch skirt and College sweater: Vintage
Acrylic Bangle: Topshop – gifted
Feather and Pearl necklace: H&M
Moccasin boots: BC Footwear

EDIT:   Just for FB, I added a close up of the crazy pattern on this skirt.

In other news,  I’ll be out of the nest (ha.  You see what I did there?) next week, with Christmas and all.  I have  a post scheduled for you – something very sweet and thoughtful.  Besides that, expect posts when I come back, and possible photo fun…

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Party Attire

I decided this is my new party outfit – for EVER.  I first saw this dress at the Spun and Jesica Milton private shopping event that was held at Hotel Max, and I’ve been in love with it since!  Jesica agreed that I needed to rock this dress and in virtually no time, I had my very own version.

It’s such an amazing Grecian-esque dress with a modern-print panel over the shoulder and it’s made in a soft linen material.  I wore it with a pair of sweater tights from Sockdreams and my Birthday ‘Vogs.

Oh yeah, did I mention it was for a holiday party?  So I posed with the Christmas wreath we got just to make the house smell like Christmas.  That’s the BEST part of Christmas.

Also, pictured is some MathArt by Mister, and the Salt Girl painting, courtesy of Edstro.

What I’m wearing:
Dress: Jesica Milton
Tights: Sockdreams
Boots: Fluevog LA Silverlakes
Tatted Pendant: Totus Mel
Silver Cuff: vintage
Drop Earrings: Red Light

Can we talk about how I’ve been LIVING in these tights from Sockdreams?  When the temperatures dropped here, last week, I wore these and tall boots, sometimes with socks.   I’m glad I got a couple pair of these tights – my gams would be freezing without them!

ALSO, let’s discuss the obvious question everyone had:  How the hell do you walk in those shoes!?  The Silverlakes actually have about a 2″ platform in the toe, to offset the 6″ of heel you’re walking on.   For the heel height, they ARE pretty comfortable, though if you’re going to be hiking around downtown, you want to bring a pair of flats along, too.  For extended wear – if I was dancing all night, or out on the town – I’d want to put some foot petals in them.  All that considered, Fluevogs are STILL the most comfortable shoes I own, and these are no exception.

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Outfit: Menswear

I loooooove menswear. I think it started when I was a window dresser for a certain large retailer and we had to think creatively about ties. Menswear may seem boring, but when used in a way that seems out-of-the-box, it packs quite the punch.

(Fantastic Photocollage found on The Other You)

Diane Keaton’s outfit here – fantastic.   I’ve seen some Polyvore sets that recreate this look with wonderful feminine detail – right down to the floppy hat.

Menswear is fun, because as a girl, you get to give it a little sex appeal.  Sockdreams offers sock garters that will do just the trick:

My general look, lately, has involved long shirt-dresses – like long men’s shirts, but tailored; feminine and masculine layers – like lacy slips under work shirts; blazers with a slim cut; tall, thick socks and sock garters.  I love this style, because something about that hem has an allure that says “this should be tucked into some guy’s slacks”.  Hello, lover!

The McQueen Knockoff Motobooties were the perfect complement to a recent outfit:

This was my: “We’re going to eat a massive Thanksgiving Feast in like five minutes” outfit.

In the past, I’ve been known to pair skinny ties with off the shoulder tops, rock ties as belts and rock military inspired jackets/bags that offer a feminine edge.  My last outfit post offered a skirt, paired with a boys’ suit vest.  I definitely love the look of suspenders and tough-looking ladies booties.

With the blazer closed, it does look a little like shirt-cocking, don’tcha think?

Some chickies doubt the look – saying that the clothes are not as feminine as we’d like.  I’d agree – blazers and pleated pants for women were the runway look for fall 2009 – but a lot of the styles weren’t tailored for a woman.  If they’re too shapeless you might end up lookin’ like a hot mess.  Find things with form – darts are your friend.  You’re going to look good in things that accentuate who you are in there – if it’s shapeless and sack-like, get thee to a tailor, and have her put a few well placed tucks in it.  I ended up doing that very thing with a Boyfriend blazer from Charlotte Russe.  The blazer was cut so it’d fit a myriad of ladies, but it was just too shapeless, so I put some darts in the back and took it in a little at the waist.  Also remember – accessories are your first go-to and the easiest way to make it work.

Don’t be afraid to play with the boys (or play in … their… closets??  Haha!).

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Outfit: Got Moxie?

A while back, I snagged some goodies from M641 through their shop at SmashingDarling.  I’ve been in love with Ms Moxie’s Button Down since I first set eyes on this photo:

Click the image to go to the product at SmashingDarling

Click the image to go to the product at SmashingDarling

Since the package came in the mail, I’ve worn this top approximately once a week.  I love the sleek lines in the arms, and the extended length  with the split level hem in the front.

SO Naturally, I had to take some photos for you:

Ms. Moxie’s Button Down by M641
Skinny stretch jeans: Flying Monkey
Faux fir trim, suede boots: Report

For those of you who are new to M641,

Born in the Spring of 2007, Madras 641 Clothing is the combined effort of co-founder friends Subu and Ina.

Since the inception of the line, M641 has been widely received and is growing at an enviable rate. The M641 collection can now be found in many boutiques throughout the US, with plans to include a variety of retail websites and multi-unit retailers.

M641 is a blend of feminine and sexy, rebellious and bold. The core of each collection includes tunics, blouses, dresses and button down shirts. Supremely comfortable in 100% cotton, M641 is versatile enough to wear with high heels or flip-flops, to the office or to a club.

… The label is now the partners’ full time enterprise and is a business dedicated to making fashion personal. Every design in each Collection brings elements inspired by each of these women’s differences, joys, passions, and cultures. M641 is a true blend of fashion and friendship.

Each look is completely unique and well constructed.  A normal button down becomes rebellious with an off-center yoke – as shown with the Ms. Moxie top.

By the way, I’m not really a boots over pants sort of girl, and those damn jeans kept riding up inside my boots.  So the jeans wrinkled above the boot – is there a way to fix this? (I’m looking @ you, DenimDebutante!)

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More Beautiful Than Fiction

OMG!  *GASP!*  It’s published!

(Photo and info on Blurb, or at MarkLaubenheimer.com)

It started a couple months back, when I got an email from  Mark Laubenheimer.  Mark, a local (Seattle) photographer, takes gorgeous photos of normal people – untouched, unadulterated, using natural light and simple settings.  Mark needed a foreword for his newest project, and after stumbling across Bonne Vie, he seemed to think I was the perfect author for that task.   His last book, Seriously Happy, was a success – garnering loads of praise:

“I LOVE your work; It brings out so much natural beauty.  I get lost in the faces of your subjects, not the clothes, makeup, or trick lighting.”

The beauty of Mark’s work is in its simplicity.  In an age of overly retouched photos, it seems like we’ve forgotten the simple idea that we can be beautiful without complicated lighting, rigorous photoshopping and altering the way we truly look.

So take a peek.  These snapshots tell true stories, and one of those stories could be yours.  You are beautiful – more beautiful than fiction.

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HAT PARTAAAY!

AKA – An outfit post!

So as you may know, the Bird’s computer died a few weeks back… and with it, went Photoshop.  I got my work station back which is excellent upgrade, but Photoshop wouldn’t let me use my product key, so  I’ve been out of luck as far as a photo editor.  I’m currently (and very stubbornly) attempting to use GIMP, but switching from Photoshop to GIMP is… ultimately frustrating.

Anyhow!  I decided in the spirit of dressing up, I’d try my hand on a few photos Mister and I took for my friend’s  hat party!  I love hats, so dreaming up an outfit was a ton of fun.  Check out this little ensemble:

Scoop Tee: SPUN
Crinoline Skirt: Lekkerlife (With a Leg Avenue crinoline underneath)
Leggings:  Charlotte Russe
Shoes: Fluevog
Hat: Costume and Display
Tatted Pendant: Totus Mel
Shell Bracelet: From a trip to the Alamo (ha!)

The skirt isn’t normally THAT flouncey, but I felt with the outfit it needed some pouf – and I happened to have a short crinoline (that you can buy over at Sockdreams!) – it was the perfect addition to this skirt.

Mister’s outfit was … not quite as planned out, but when you’re sporting a trojan helmet, I don’t think it matters.

And we took this just before going out.  HAT PARTAAAAYYY!

I think I’m starting to really dig the pink jewel tone.  I’m not normally a pink kinda girl, but recently I’ve discovered that this color has been sneaking into my wardrobe.  What do you think?

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Wholeness

I am whole. Every part of me is a part of the package deal that you get when you sign up.

I am “fairy hair” and tattoos. I am a love for books and a strong hate for raisins. I am a little burlesque, a little rocker, a little My Little Pony with a penchant for shoes.

I am my wit, my sarcasm. I am my good days and my not-so-good days. I am a culmination of the knowledge I’ve gained in my past experiences, and I’m okay with that. I have been all those experiences, and I am now this experience.

I am blue, sometimes… and I am sparkly pink sometimes. I express myself through the way I paint my surroundings… sometimes green, sometimes grey, but always true to the color of my being.  Sometimes I color in the lines and sometimes I crumple up the sheet or color on the other side.  It builds character.

Image via Raindrops and Rosepetals

Image via Raindrops and Rosepetals

Sometimes I’m uncouth, but I make up for it by being sincere and kind. Sometimes I envy, but I realize if I want it, I can have it. Sometimes I’m brash, and I make up for it in deference to those who know more than I do.  I’m often eccentric, I slather it with charm and serve it on a ceramic dish.  I can be patient, I am loyal.  I can be vulnerable, I can be vulgar.  I’m okay with that, because I have control over how I react.  I am impatient, sometimes too pessimistic, often overly enthusiastic.  I am me.

I’m whole.  I’m a package deal.  I come as I am.  I define myself by my wandering path and not by a set of socially pre-devised characteristics.

I am great, I am small, I am magic, I am smart.  I am beautiful, in this package, wrapped in satin ribbon and decorated holographic stars.  I am a dream-girl, a realist and an old soul who possesses childlike wonder.

I am me.  I am okay with that.  I love and have been loved and am loved – if by nobody other than myself.  I am happy with that being.

How do you define yourself?  What makes you whole?  Who are you – it’s your turn!  You do it now; define yourself.

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