tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44158604253112309952024-03-13T06:16:17.028-07:00Audra's Elements of StyleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-62048667780497932122015-07-22T21:29:00.000-07:002015-07-23T12:58:42.472-07:0024-Piece Wardrobe Fashion Challenge!<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
You guys, I've been so excited about this post all week long! I'm so happy to get to share it with you today, because it was soooooooo much fun to put together. Hang on, because this post is going to be long and VERY picture-heavy! (Also, apologies for the not-so-awesome photography... Tegan's gone home for a couple of weeks, and Elijah and Hannah are in America, so I had to wield the camera!)</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
My friend Clarisse Wells runs an <i>amazing</i> fashion blog called <a href="http://www.clarissescloset.wordpress.com/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(4, 46, 238); color: #551a8b;">Clarisse's Closet</span></a> that I <span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: line-through;">fangirl</span> follow. A couple of weeks ago she shared <a href="https://clarissescloset.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/questions-for-clarisse-mix-and-match-basics/" target="_blank">an incredibly helpful post</a> about how to construct a great mix-and-match wardrobe out of a few key pieces that you can put together without too much difficulty or expense. Clarisse chose 24 pieces, including shoes and accessories, and presented three different 'remixes' of those pieces to create 28(!!!) different outfits. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
I thought this was nothing short of brilliant, and I wanted to see if I could do it too. So I asked 7 of my friends if they would model for me, and then I picked 24 pieces to serve as a mix-and-match wardrobe. I imposed a few restrictions on myself: </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
1 -- I had to use all 24 wardrobe pieces in each 'round' of outfits.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
2 -- I had to dress all 7 of my friends in each 'round', obviously without adding other pieces. The only exception to this rule was shoes; I only included 3 pairs, so some folks had to go barefoot.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
3 -- The outfits that I put together for each friend had to suit their personal styles -- that is, they had to be outfits that that particular girl would actually wear.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
With these restrictions in mind, I put together 21 mix-and-match outfits. If I hadn't had to dress all 7 friends each time, I could've mixed the pieces in different ways, but I needed to make sure that everybody was fully clothed! I did find that I could only create a two-season wardrobe out of 24 pieces, and I felt a lot better about this when Clarisse told me she had the same problem. We are thinking that we might try this again in a few months and put together fall/winter wardrobes too. Let me know if you think that would be fun to read about, okay? Okay! Here are the pieces I chose:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCDawrQowP8/VbBY2mn5iwI/AAAAAAAAAxw/F2LMAeDyHp4/s1600/Wardrobe%2Bpieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCDawrQowP8/VbBY2mn5iwI/AAAAAAAAAxw/F2LMAeDyHp4/s640/Wardrobe%2Bpieces.jpg" width="580" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br />
(Apologies for the X'd-out dress -- I chose that as my dress before I changed my mind in favour of the black dress, and then I forgot to take it out of the clothes pile, and THEN I put it in the photo. *facepalm*)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
1 - <b>Linen trousers</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/loreliecreations" target="_blank">Lorelie Creations</a>): They're cool, easy to dress up or down, and they scream 'summer'. I chose white linen trousers shot through with sparkly silver threads. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
2 - <b>Lace shirt</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/UpbeatPetites" target="_blank">Upbeat Petites</a>): A lace shirt requires layering, which means you need another piece to go with it, but it adds instant style. It can be worn over camis, vests, or bandeaus, but it can also change up the look of a dress. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
3 - <b>Jeans jacket</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SparrowAndWrenMerc" target="_blank">Sparrow & Wren Mercantile</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">): A jeans jacket is good for cool evenings, and is a quick way to change up the look of simple pieces. If you have a lot of colour in other pieces, opt for a neutral-coloured jacket. I switched it up and went for this mint-green twill one.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
4 - <b>Basic grey vest/tank top</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/UpbeatPetites" target="_blank">Upbeat Petites</a>): Speaks for itself!</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
5 - <b>Sleeveless dress</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnicksBoutique" target="_blank">Anick's Boutique</a>): One of the great things about summer is being able to pull on a simple, comfortable dress and look great all day. This dress is a variant of the LBD ('little black dress'), with pink and blue flowers.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
6 - <b>Metallic sandals</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/loreliecreations" target="_blank">Lorelie Creations</a>): All the shoes I chose for this wardrobe are sandals. It would probably be good to mix it up a bit more, but in the spring and summer, I just want to be as close to barefoot as possible. Metallic sandals can be dressy or casual, depending on how you style your outfit.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
7 - <b>Summer-weight infinity scarf</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PurelySplendid" target="_blank">Purely Splendid</a>): A scarf is a quick way to add a pop of colour to your outfit and give it a put-together look. This one has a variety of colours so that it matches as much as possible.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
8 - <b>Sun hat</b> (AG Summer Accessories 2014): Cute, stylish, and practical, a hat is a great summer accessory. I chose a straw fedora.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
9 - <b>Bandeau top</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">QT<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">π</span> Doll Clothing</a>): Wear this under other tops, layering pieces, or even by itself if you're brave enough to bare your midriff. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
10 - <b>Cropped leggings</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dolls4jessica?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Dolls 4 Jessica Designs</a>): Leggings are always comfy, and cropped ones in a bright colour keep them looking summery. You can layer them with skirts, dresses, and long tops or cardigans.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
11 - <b>Neutral gladiator sandals</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DolliciousClothes" target="_blank">Dollicious Doll Clothes</a>): Clarisse wisely chose knee-length boots for her wardrobe, but when the weather's warm, I think boots are too hot. I chose knee-length black gladiator sandals, which give the presence of boots but the coolness of sandals.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
12 - <b>White blouse</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SparrowAndWrenMerc" target="_blank">Sparrow & Wren Mercantile</a>): Always a wardrobe staple, you can wear a white blouse alone, as a layering piece, or even as a jacket. This one is a cotton dotted Swiss top.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
13 - <b>Dark-wash jeans</b> (<a href="http://www.shoplibertyjane.com/" target="_blank">Liberty Jane</a>): Choose your preferred cut; I opted for a slightly relaxed cut. A dark wash is much easier to dress up than a light wash.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
14 - <b>Simple necklace</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/loreliecreations" target="_blank">Lorelie Creations</a>): Wear it with everything for a polished look.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
15 - <b>Dressy shorts</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">QT<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">π</span> Doll Clothing</a>): A pair of tailored shorts can stand in, when it's hot, for a dressy pair of trousers. You can even look for a shorts suit, which would allow you to mix and match both the shorts and the blazer. I chose these cuffed pleated suit shorts in light grey.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
16 - <b>Simple print top</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">QT<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">π</span> Doll Clothing</a>): A simple print, like the tiny black polka-dots on this collared sleeveless top, can mix and match with other prints as well as solids.</div>
17 - <b>Layering piece such as a waistcoat/vest</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">QT<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">π</span> Doll Clothing</a>): Another good way to change up the look of more basic pieces. Don't be afraid to layer a sleeveless waistcoat with a sleeveless top; it looks great!<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
18 - <b>Colourful solid top</b> (<a href="http://www.shoplibertyjane.com/" target="_blank">Liberty Jane</a>): Looks great with any neutral or matching pattern. I chose a casual sleeveless vest/tank. This one is actually reversible, which lets it do double duty in my wardrobe, but I stuck to the fuchsia side for all these looks (I didn't want it to seem like I was cheating!). </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
19 - <b>Floral shell top</b> (<a href="http://ogdolls.com/accessories/play-it-cool%C2%A0" target="_blank">Our Generation "Play It Cool"</a>): A shell is dressier than a knit vest/tank, and often a bit sheer. It's a great layering piece. This one is opaque enough to wear on its own even without a layer underneath.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
20 - <b>Long skirt</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CutiePieandMe" target="_blank">Cutie Pie and Me</a>): There are so many ways you could go here! Choose a fun maxi skirt or high-low skirt. This one is very sheer indeed, which limits it to being a layering piece in my wardrobe; you may find it easier to choose one that can be worn alone.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
21 - <b>Colourful sandals</b> (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Girl-Weekend-Outfit-Charm/dp/B008KTDIFC" target="_blank">AG Weekend Fun outfit</a>): Is there a non-neutral colour that seems to keep showing up in your outfits? Find a pair of shoes in that shade so that you can liven up your feet's wardrobe too.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
22 - <b>Knee-length skirt</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClarissesCloset" target="_blank">Clarisse's Closet</a>): Again, you have infinite options on this one -- colourful or neutral, dressy or casual, basic or outfit centrepiece. I had to pay homage to my girl Clarisse and choose this amazing gold and fuchsia sari wrap skirt. (I think I could actually use this inside-out, too, so that only the gold was showing, but I stuck with the sari side for this post!)</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
23 - <b>Light cardigan</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">QT<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">π</span> Doll Clothing</a>): Spring days and summer nights can be cool, so it's good to have a cosy cardigan in your wardrobe. I chose this white knit one with grey textured stripes.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; min-height: 19px;">
24 - <b>Denim cutoffs</b> (<a href="http://www.shoplibertyjane.com/" target="_blank">Liberty Jane</a>): These are as essential as jeans in a warm-weather wardrobe. Choose a pair you love and you'll live in them.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
Here are the looks I pulled together -- three sets of seven outfits.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
GROUP 1:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIRjj95w_nc/VbBYu156YfI/AAAAAAAAAxc/7YWcbl70kOc/s1600/Group%2B1A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIRjj95w_nc/VbBYu156YfI/AAAAAAAAAxc/7YWcbl70kOc/s640/Group%2B1A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Amy Jinn = 1, 3, 6 & 19<br />
Honor = 7, 9, 17 & 24<br />
Reilly Wren = 8, 12, 13 & 21<br />
Vesper = 2, 4, 10, & 20<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EnvYnJK7AjA/VbBYus1lvaI/AAAAAAAAAxI/htbP5PtIMVA/s1600/Group%2B1B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EnvYnJK7AjA/VbBYus1lvaI/AAAAAAAAAxI/htbP5PtIMVA/s640/Group%2B1B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Rachel = 11, 15, 16 & 23<br />
Quinn = 18 & 22<br />
Eve = 5 & 14<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
GROUP 2:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9Z2dFzx8PM/VbBYupOAQYI/AAAAAAAAAxg/wTsGLB1bL8I/s1600/Group%2B2A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9Z2dFzx8PM/VbBYupOAQYI/AAAAAAAAAxg/wTsGLB1bL8I/s640/Group%2B2A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Honor = 2, 6, 9 & 15<br />
Amy Jinn = 12, 21 & 22<br />
Vesper = 3 & 5<br />
Quinn = 8, 10, 19 & 20<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AOJC6-lZFhY/VbBYxtCshiI/AAAAAAAAAxY/qzEn4p5M5OE/s1600/Group%2B2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AOJC6-lZFhY/VbBYxtCshiI/AAAAAAAAAxY/qzEn4p5M5OE/s640/Group%2B2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Reilly Wren = 11, 16, 17 & 24<br />
Eve = 7, 13 & 18<br />
Rachel = 1, 4, 14 & 23<br />
<br />
<br />
GROUP 3:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UT1WdguPCk/VbBYx4pRwuI/AAAAAAAAAxs/2spJiytOFjQ/s1600/Group%2B3A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UT1WdguPCk/VbBYx4pRwuI/AAAAAAAAAxs/2spJiytOFjQ/s640/Group%2B3A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Rachel = 14 (though it's hard to see!), 19 & 24<br />
Eve = 4, 10, & 23<br />
Amy Jinn = 7, 11, 15 & 18<br />
Honor = 1, 12 & 20<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJHDEBvhDTE/VbBYzo3QfBI/AAAAAAAAAxo/1CbzkBNs7H0/s1600/Group%2B3B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJHDEBvhDTE/VbBYzo3QfBI/AAAAAAAAAxo/1CbzkBNs7H0/s640/Group%2B3B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
(Sorry about Amy Jinn's arm on the right side of this photo! I accidentally gave her the wrong instructions of what to put on, and decided I didn't much love her outfit, so I had her change it before I took the photo above this one!)</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
Quinn = 3, 13 & 16</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
Reilly Wren = 2, 5, 6 & 8</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
Vesper = 9, 17, 21 & 22</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
One thing I hope to do if I try this again is to take more risks with colours. I love wearing lots of bright colours myself, but not everyone does -- Rachel, for instance, almost never wears colours; she just likes black, white, grey, and navy blue best. Since everyone has such different taste in colours, it was very hard to pick a palette that would've suited everyone's preferences, so my wardrobe leans heavily on white, black, and grey, with fuchsia, blue, and mint as the accent colours.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 16px;">
Do you think you could build a summer wardrobe using only 24 pieces? Try the challenge for yourself! I'd love it if you'd share the links to your photos if you decide to give it a go!</div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4415860425311230995" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4415860425311230995" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
If you'd like to see more individualized pictures of each outfit, here you go...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXWZjrm59MY/VbFDjxXuJtI/AAAAAAAAA0w/eTrLn49i0Ro/s1600/Group%2B3A%2BAmy%2BJinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXWZjrm59MY/VbFDjxXuJtI/AAAAAAAAA0w/eTrLn49i0Ro/s640/Group%2B3A%2BAmy%2BJinn.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QD7OqTymOns/VbFDHWBkIGI/AAAAAAAAAzY/aJgzo-XvClQ/s1600/Group%2B1A%2BAmy%2BJinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QD7OqTymOns/VbFDHWBkIGI/AAAAAAAAAzY/aJgzo-XvClQ/s640/Group%2B1A%2BAmy%2BJinn.jpg" width="316" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7G6B54bXpo0/VbFDgQdzVOI/AAAAAAAAA0I/PRYlMPPcdIg/s1600/Group%2B2A%2BAmy%2BJinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7G6B54bXpo0/VbFDgQdzVOI/AAAAAAAAA0I/PRYlMPPcdIg/s640/Group%2B2A%2BAmy%2BJinn.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-Y7hEkBnk8/VbFDGsSlkUI/AAAAAAAAAzM/zbtQ1H7U75c/s1600/Group%2B1A%2BHonor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-Y7hEkBnk8/VbFDGsSlkUI/AAAAAAAAAzM/zbtQ1H7U75c/s640/Group%2B1A%2BHonor.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb1zyVIfarU/VbFDgRnjmtI/AAAAAAAAA0E/9UkTVAJtxms/s1600/Group%2B2A%2BHonor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb1zyVIfarU/VbFDgRnjmtI/AAAAAAAAA0E/9UkTVAJtxms/s640/Group%2B2A%2BHonor.jpg" width="284" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8j_hdt4Qe2g/VbFDkmf2G8I/AAAAAAAAA1A/gKev3FNmw_E/s1600/Group%2B3A%2BHonor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8j_hdt4Qe2g/VbFDkmf2G8I/AAAAAAAAA1A/gKev3FNmw_E/s640/Group%2B3A%2BHonor.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxLpgwWICQs/VbFDHhEoEEI/AAAAAAAAAzg/b6sVeaRFyHk/s1600/Group%2B1A%2BVesper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxLpgwWICQs/VbFDHhEoEEI/AAAAAAAAAzg/b6sVeaRFyHk/s640/Group%2B1A%2BVesper.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmOI4ypI2b4/VbFDhSR3RxI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Y_hREDGQD8E/s1600/Group%2B2A%2BVesper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmOI4ypI2b4/VbFDhSR3RxI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Y_hREDGQD8E/s640/Group%2B2A%2BVesper.jpg" width="276" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8n7zNfCsbPE/VbFDmoEyhKI/AAAAAAAAA1c/bwewoAnfmCo/s1600/Group%2B3B%2BVesper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8n7zNfCsbPE/VbFDmoEyhKI/AAAAAAAAA1c/bwewoAnfmCo/s640/Group%2B3B%2BVesper.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJQ2S4iCuXQ/VbFDhxODI6I/AAAAAAAAA0U/5Rg15JnaNgs/s1600/Group%2B2B%2BEve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJQ2S4iCuXQ/VbFDhxODI6I/AAAAAAAAA0U/5Rg15JnaNgs/s640/Group%2B2B%2BEve.jpg" width="242" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oV7RHFiwfYQ/VbFDaAb0XJI/AAAAAAAAAzs/GdUo6aek9NE/s1600/Group%2B1B%2BEve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oV7RHFiwfYQ/VbFDaAb0XJI/AAAAAAAAAzs/GdUo6aek9NE/s640/Group%2B1B%2BEve.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl4a3QXXW80/VbFDkXID9OI/AAAAAAAAA04/mq_hrWfkHck/s1600/Group%2B3A%2BEve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl4a3QXXW80/VbFDkXID9OI/AAAAAAAAA04/mq_hrWfkHck/s640/Group%2B3A%2BEve.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-As0arDCA1ns/VbFDHCVtKtI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/1afKZg4821E/s1600/Group%2B1A%2BReilly%2BWren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-As0arDCA1ns/VbFDHCVtKtI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/1afKZg4821E/s640/Group%2B1A%2BReilly%2BWren.jpg" width="232" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LL2WcLcw9hg/VbFDjFiLMOI/AAAAAAAAA0k/_s3lxYC-I6Y/s1600/Group%2B2B%2BReilly%2BWren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LL2WcLcw9hg/VbFDjFiLMOI/AAAAAAAAA0k/_s3lxYC-I6Y/s640/Group%2B2B%2BReilly%2BWren.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TK0KKKeACxE/VbFDmDyGzNI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/6xL9bRQf334/s1600/Group%2B3B%2BReilly%2BWren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TK0KKKeACxE/VbFDmDyGzNI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/6xL9bRQf334/s640/Group%2B3B%2BReilly%2BWren.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36IxJek-S5A/VbFDautrskI/AAAAAAAAAzw/aLrLBfDyOBA/s1600/Group%2B1B%2BQuinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36IxJek-S5A/VbFDautrskI/AAAAAAAAAzw/aLrLBfDyOBA/s640/Group%2B1B%2BQuinn.jpg" width="280" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42Ja6MWvgzk/VbFDl2pY9eI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/taAwDWL167I/s1600/Group%2B3B%2BQuinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42Ja6MWvgzk/VbFDl2pY9eI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/taAwDWL167I/s640/Group%2B3B%2BQuinn.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niXjEY8Qmjs/VbFDgnFhCrI/AAAAAAAAA1M/bV1PVy17IkU/s1600/Group%2B2A%2BQuinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niXjEY8Qmjs/VbFDgnFhCrI/AAAAAAAAA1M/bV1PVy17IkU/s1600/Group%2B2A%2BQuinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niXjEY8Qmjs/VbFDgnFhCrI/AAAAAAAAA1M/bV1PVy17IkU/s640/Group%2B2A%2BQuinn.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9tQdjMD8Ek/VbFDi3PnUQI/AAAAAAAAA0g/oSd0_5XneVs/s1600/Group%2B2B%2BRachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9tQdjMD8Ek/VbFDi3PnUQI/AAAAAAAAA0g/oSd0_5XneVs/s640/Group%2B2B%2BRachel.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DXqfrSikCU/VbFDf8NTx6I/AAAAAAAAAz8/kSb0aWyPEts/s1600/Group%2B1B%2BRachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DXqfrSikCU/VbFDf8NTx6I/AAAAAAAAAz8/kSb0aWyPEts/s640/Group%2B1B%2BRachel.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYszvA881zo/VbFDlBUfuNI/AAAAAAAAA1I/gGE7ll8fRIc/s1600/Group%2B3A%2BRachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYszvA881zo/VbFDlBUfuNI/AAAAAAAAA1I/gGE7ll8fRIc/s640/Group%2B3A%2BRachel.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4415860425311230995" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4415860425311230995" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-70362523197277300372015-07-18T18:40:00.000-07:002015-07-18T18:40:02.251-07:00Secondary Colours, Center StageAs promised, here is the second post of the week! Arpana's look today is a study in the secondary colours. Most people know that on the colour wheel, the primary colours are red, blue, and yellow, right? Well, the secondary colours are the ones you get if you mix together two of the primary colours. So, red + yellow = orange, red + blue = purple, and yellow + blue = green.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xdslWs5rHs/Var3Y5bxpcI/AAAAAAAAAwI/mJ1jLeWRk6M/s1600/Arpana%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xdslWs5rHs/Var3Y5bxpcI/AAAAAAAAAwI/mJ1jLeWRk6M/s640/Arpana%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
When Arpana showed me a new purple T-shirt she'd gotten and I saw how it brought out her hazel-green eyes, I thought it would be fun to put together a look that put the secondary colours on display. It gave me a chance to style a cute, simple, casual look that's quite different from the one Autumn modelled earlier this week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2dlkqnz9rE/Var3auYa5_I/AAAAAAAAAwU/gIQsp8Ni4Vo/s1600/Arpana%2527s%2Bhair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2dlkqnz9rE/Var3auYa5_I/AAAAAAAAAwU/gIQsp8Ni4Vo/s640/Arpana%2527s%2Bhair.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Really, though, this outfit begins with this incredibly beautiful jewelled hair clip that once belonged to Arpana's mom Rushanara. Arpana remembers seeing her mom wear her black hair pinned up in it when she was little. Because her mom passed away a couple of years ago, the clip is very precious to Arpana. It makes her feel close to her mom whenever she wears it. She keeps it on top of her dresser, so I always see it when I'm in her room. It catches my attention because the shades of orange and green are so warm, but they're paired with cool silver rather than gold.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mgb0tlnJEg/Var3YBwLYQI/AAAAAAAAAwc/bFIx83wyzLk/s1600/Arpana%2B-%2Bpurple%2Band%2Bpeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mgb0tlnJEg/Var3YBwLYQI/AAAAAAAAAwc/bFIx83wyzLk/s640/Arpana%2B-%2Bpurple%2Band%2Bpeach.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
As soon as I saw this new T-shirt Arpana found, its sparkly silver mandala brought Mrs. Hassan's hair clip to my mind right away, and I wanted to pair them together. The mandala (which means 'circle' in Sanskrit) is a kind of spiritual symbol that you see a lot in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Arpana is Muslim; her family is Bangladeshi. While most people there are Muslim like the Hassans, Hinduism and Buddhism are both major traditions in Bangladesh, which is right next to India. Arpana has a lot of respect for both traditions, and a great love for their artistic styles. The denim cutoffs draw on the dark orange and topaz gemstones in the hair clip by adding another shade in the orange family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXUp3M1L7Rc/Var3XlYkpTI/AAAAAAAAAwA/fvM7iJbZriE/s1600/Arpana%2B-%2Bwatch%2Band%2Bpocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXUp3M1L7Rc/Var3XlYkpTI/AAAAAAAAAwA/fvM7iJbZriE/s640/Arpana%2B-%2Bwatch%2Band%2Bpocket.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Naturally all the accessories for this outfit had to be silver! I chose this chain-bracelet watch...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S66eSo1K7lM/Var3X49VVJI/AAAAAAAAAwE/ehGQGtUbL5E/s1600/Arpana%2B-%2Bsandals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S66eSo1K7lM/Var3X49VVJI/AAAAAAAAAwE/ehGQGtUbL5E/s640/Arpana%2B-%2Bsandals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...and a pair of barely-there sandals with shiny silver leather bows. This outfit is sure to keep Arpana as cool as possible on these hot summer days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7d976V662s/Var3ZunlrdI/AAAAAAAAAwk/Vov_3zp-niM/s1600/Arpana%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7d976V662s/Var3ZunlrdI/AAAAAAAAAwk/Vov_3zp-niM/s640/Arpana%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Arpana's pretty eyes and the green leaves on the hair clip are all the outfit needed to round out the secondary colour palette.<br />
<br />
Keep an eye out for a <i>very</i> special post next week, inspired by my fashion-blogger buddy Clarisse of <a href="http://www.clarissescloset.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Clarisse's Closet</a>. I'm soooooooo excited about it!!!<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>T-shirt:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EverydayDollwear" target="_blank">Everyday Dollwear</a><br />
<i>Shorts:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MjsDollBoutique18T?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">MJs Doll Boutique 18T</a><br />
<i>Sandals:</i> <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/shop/graces-sightseeing-outfit-cgd24/CI-PDP" target="_blank">AG Grace's Sightseeing Outfit</a><br />
<i>Watch: </i><a href="http://americangirl.wikia.com/wiki/Holiday_Accessories_(2012)" target="_blank">AG Holiday 2012 Accessories</a><br />
<i>Hair clip:</i> Vintage (I got it at the flea market in Englishtown, NJ, several years ago!)<br />
<a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-17786995157291314502015-07-14T18:13:00.002-07:002015-07-14T18:13:55.813-07:00Old Hollywood GlamI'm sorry this post is late, everyone! I promise right from the start to post twice this week, in order to make up for the lateness. Last weekend was very busy because it was the Headmistress's birthday, so of course we had to plan a bit of a celebration for her. Then Tegan and Autumn and I tried to get outside for pictures <i>every single day </i>this past week... but we never could, because it's been storming all week long! I was beginning to despair, but then a miracle happened: Tegan's birthday present finally arrived. Tegan's birthday is 25 June, but her mom's gift this year had to come through the post. What was it, you want to know?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyem4zi_AKI/VaWnmW3GhiI/AAAAAAAAAuw/hKG31ION214/s1600/Autumn%2B-%2BOld%2BHollywood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyem4zi_AKI/VaWnmW3GhiI/AAAAAAAAAuw/hKG31ION214/s640/Autumn%2B-%2BOld%2BHollywood.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
STUDIO LIGHTS! How amazing is that?! Tegan's mom sent her a pair of the brightest, most official-looking studio lights you've ever seen. So of course Tegan immediately set up an amazing photo shoot for Autumn, who's modelling for this post, and Arpana, who's modelling for the one I'll post in a few days. Tegan says the style of photography you'll see in these posts, which relies on the play of light and shadow to create drama, is called <i>chiaroscuro</i> (kee-ar-uh-SKOO-ro). The word is a portmanteau of the Italian words <i>chiaro</i> ("clear, bright") and <i>oscuro</i> ("obscure, dark"). As a painter, Tegan tells me she had in mind old paintings by Rembrandt -- chiaroscuro is also sometimes called "Rembrandt lighting" -- but to me, it looks like a colour version of those beautiful <i>noir</i> photos of glamorous old-Hollywood starlets. Either way, this might be my favourite shoot that Tegan's ever done... <i>and</i> we didn't have to go outside in the steamy heat and rain! Hooray!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fn_oB8UNJHU/VaWnnl8mivI/AAAAAAAAAvc/qZi3zETDWCE/s1600/Autumn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fn_oB8UNJHU/VaWnnl8mivI/AAAAAAAAAvc/qZi3zETDWCE/s640/Autumn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For Autumn's outfit, I wanted to choose something that would really contrast in a cool and striking way with her ginger hair. I meant to have this post up shortly after 4 July, American Independence Day, so I decided blue and white would be a good pairing for Autumn's red hair. Well, I missed the 4th, but I'm just in time for 14 juillet -- Bastille Day, a patriotic day for France. Conveniently, their flag is red, white, and blue too (and of course so is our Union flag here in Great Britain!). Isn't this toile-print frock simply smashing?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhfYUYwlrdA/VaWnozWab_I/AAAAAAAAAvU/qsgBOOgRF00/s1600/Autumn%2527s%2Bhair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhfYUYwlrdA/VaWnozWab_I/AAAAAAAAAvU/qsgBOOgRF00/s640/Autumn%2527s%2Bhair.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
We pinned Autumn's hair up in a glamourous roll, and wrapped a navy-blue flower around the roll. The flower, of course, echoes the blue roses on the frock, and the rolled hair sort of calls to mind a cosy little nest for the dress's birds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTwc61ZnLMA/VaWnnM4Oe0I/AAAAAAAAAvE/OAp8l0mILRA/s1600/Autumn%2B-%2Bnecklace%2Band%2Bneckline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTwc61ZnLMA/VaWnnM4Oe0I/AAAAAAAAAvE/OAp8l0mILRA/s640/Autumn%2B-%2Bnecklace%2Band%2Bneckline.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The pearl at the center of the flower echoes the pearl-and-crystal necklace and bracelet set that Autumn is wearing. I chose this set because it continues that glamourous style, but also because of how the necklace's shape echoes the neckline of the dress. (Seriously, could anyone be more beautiful than Autumn is in this photo? I don't think so! Those green eyes!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D73QivLTbvs/VaWnm1HfJGI/AAAAAAAAAvA/gpPSdQs1OB0/s1600/Autumn%2B-%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D73QivLTbvs/VaWnm1HfJGI/AAAAAAAAAvA/gpPSdQs1OB0/s640/Autumn%2B-%2Bshoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, we chose some navy strappy sandals. I thought about going glam all the way and choosing strappy patent-leather heels... but the truth is, we don't seem to have any at the Bruton School! I found a couple of pairs of kitten heels, but they just didn't feel right. Besides, Autumn said she probably would've fallen in them and broken her neck, and that's really not what I'm going for on the blog, lol. These sandals make this look quite wearable for a day out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfFdGVT72t0/VaWnoNbR_5I/AAAAAAAAAvM/V8l9TVEW5LQ/s1600/Autumn%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bspotlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfFdGVT72t0/VaWnoNbR_5I/AAAAAAAAAvM/V8l9TVEW5LQ/s640/Autumn%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bspotlight.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Dress:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SparrowAndWrenMerc" target="_blank">Sparrow & Wren Mercantile</a><br />
<i>Sandals:</i> AG Julie's Patchwork Outfit<br />
<i>Necklace & bracelet:</i> <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/catsandme-isthree/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=" target="_blank">catsandme-isthree</a> on eBay<br />
<i>Flower hairband:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThatsLolli" target="_blank">That's Lolli</a><br />
<i>Studio lights: </i><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00L5TGT82/ref=sr_ph_1?m=A3VAHM8ODBLF0H&ie=UTF8&qid=1436922784&sr=1&keywords=studiopro+lighting+kit" target="_blank">StudioPRO via Amazon.com</a><br />
<a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-79747886423663142382015-07-02T19:09:00.000-07:002015-07-02T19:09:15.749-07:00Festival FlowersSo, do you remember how I told you guys a couple of weeks ago that Elijah, Hannah, and Honor were going to the Glastonbury music festival? Hannah modelled her Glastonbury look in that post. Well, the festival was this past week-end, and they did indeed go. They weren't able to get tickets to see Kanye West, but they got to see lots of other people. Some of the performers they saw included Hot Chip, The Libertines, The Charlatans, Parliament/Funkadelic & The Family Stone, Frank Turner, Flying Lotus, Belle & Sebastian, The Staves, and Hozier. I didn't see them on Friday, but when they got in on Saturday night, all three of them were sunburnt to a crisp but happy as larks! They agreed that the festival was muddy and incredibly hot and crowded and stinky and awesome. I had to laugh... it's not my scene, but I'm really happy they had fun!<br />
<br />
Before they left on Friday afternoon, I got Honor to model her Glastonbury look for the blog, too. This was her first music festival, so she dressed up a little bit more than Hannah did. She really looked beautiful!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--F368-zu4ZU/VZXnTNV7H1I/AAAAAAAAAuM/XEcf4y9AFTk/s1600/yHonor%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--F368-zu4ZU/VZXnTNV7H1I/AAAAAAAAAuM/XEcf4y9AFTk/s640/yHonor%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Honor built her look around this floral stretch lace high-low dress. Because it's completely sheer, she wore an aqua tube top and a pair of grey-and-white striped shorts underneath. With all the flowers and sparkly accessories, everything about this outfit says summer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYDJC3NVfYc/VZXnT_Txi4I/AAAAAAAAAuA/TU4YDHaLRlY/s1600/yHonor%2Bjewelry%2Band%2Bcrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYDJC3NVfYc/VZXnT_Txi4I/AAAAAAAAAuA/TU4YDHaLRlY/s640/yHonor%2Bjewelry%2Band%2Bcrown.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's probably nothing that says 'summer music festival style' more than a flower crown. Honor borrowed this dogwood crown from Tamsyn (you may remember seeing Tamsyn wearing it in an earlier post!). For her jewellery, Honor chose a silver and faux pink pearl necklace and a pair of tiny aqua crystal studs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-339LaAPMjlM/VZXnSzebjpI/AAAAAAAAAt0/62qsW4U0iis/s1600/yHonor%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-339LaAPMjlM/VZXnSzebjpI/AAAAAAAAAt0/62qsW4U0iis/s640/yHonor%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bback.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Honor has thick, straight, slippery hair that won't hold a curl no matter what you do to it. She was disappointed when she tried to curl a few pieces at the front and they just fell out straightaway. But she compromised by pulling the side pieces back and clipping them, along with the flower crown's band, with this scrolled silver clip with aqua and green crystals.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQjwr4O5d0A/VZXnVu5UShI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/6I3IggA9H-U/s1600/yHonor%2527s%2Bskirt%252C%2Bshorts%252C%2Band%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQjwr4O5d0A/VZXnVu5UShI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/6I3IggA9H-U/s640/yHonor%2527s%2Bskirt%252C%2Bshorts%252C%2Band%2Bshoes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Honor said she thought about just wearing a swimsuit under the sheer dress, but she decided she felt too under-dressed that way. Hannah also pointed out to her that, if the dress got itchy or was catching on things too much, Honor could always take it off and just wear the shorts and tube top. I thought that was pretty smart! The sandals are simple, comfortable, and sturdy enough to stand up to a bit of Glastonbury mud.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9fa5Je1wRc/VZXnTYEsHtI/AAAAAAAAAuE/x98wCpl_cyw/s1600/yHonor%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9fa5Je1wRc/VZXnTYEsHtI/AAAAAAAAAuE/x98wCpl_cyw/s640/yHonor%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Not even the summer sun was as radiant as Honor was at Glastonbury this weekend. Hannah, Elijah, and I all agree, she nailed her festival look!<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Lace dress & tube top: </i>This set came from <a href="http://sabinethegreat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my lovely friend Sabine</a> before she opened her Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/moiaussidesigns" target="_blank">Moi Aussi Designs</a><br />
<i>Shorts:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Closet4Chloe" target="_blank">Closet 4 Chloe</a><br />
<i>Sandals:</i> AG Julie's (original) Meet shoes<br />
<i>Flower crown:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/fleur18studio" target="_blank">Fleur18 Studio</a> (I'm so sad she's decided to stop selling her designs!)<br />
<i>Earrings:</i> Claire's Boutique<br />
<i>Necklace:</i> An anklet from JCPenney<br />
<i>Hair clip: </i>Thrift shopAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-11414938077980009912015-06-25T21:26:00.001-07:002015-06-25T21:26:08.058-07:00Peaches and CreamI love working with my friend Kinneret on posts for this blog. She's an actress, so she's not intimidated by the camera at all. But more than that, I love working with her because I always learn so much. I've mentioned before that Kinneret's style is heavily influenced by the Japanese <i>mori</i> style. I really don't know much about <i>mori</i> style, but Kinneret is fantastic at putting together outfits that suit her. I know what looks good when I see it, and Kinneret's style always works so well for her.<br />
<br />
The big challenge with today's outfit was to put together a look that is <i>mori</i> but not too hot. <i>Mori</i> style tends to employ a LOT of layering, and it also tends to be a fairly conservative style that covers up a lot of skin. In this weather, though, it's just too hot to drape all kinds of stuff all over yourself. What's a <i>mori</i> girl to do?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WdfMXd_ax0/VYzKPhospMI/AAAAAAAAAtU/omYwlQ_ZIzg/s1600/yKinneret%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WdfMXd_ax0/VYzKPhospMI/AAAAAAAAAtU/omYwlQ_ZIzg/s640/yKinneret%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I picked out the cotton floral sundress -- mainly because I am in love with those pintucks -- and asked Kinneret if she thought she could build a look around it. The answer to the layering dilemma turns out to be <b>lace</b>. Kinneret reminded me that you can layer all kinds of lace, and it's rarely hot, because it's more air than fabric. The knotted-rope sandals continue the natural colour and are made from natural materials.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jbh-1MdM83w/VYzKDgfaFcI/AAAAAAAAAtA/7d9pwgXXabE/s1600/yKinneret%2Blayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jbh-1MdM83w/VYzKDgfaFcI/AAAAAAAAAtA/7d9pwgXXabE/s640/yKinneret%2Blayers.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
What you're seeing under the sundress here is a nearly-sheer pleated peach skirt. It looks like a slip, but it's a skirt. The interesting thing is, when Kinneret pulled it out of her closet, I immediately pictured a very <i>Mad Men</i>-era outfit, with a fitted short-sleeve white angora sweater and a mint green silk scarf tied around the neck. I would never in a million years have imagined using it as an under-layer for a sundress. And Kinneret didn't stop there -- under the skirt she added a pair of cream silky knee-length shorts. Everything comes together in a flowy, feminine way, thanks to the pastel colors and all the lace. Speaking of the lace....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLTgNt8gu4w/VYzKClsTzoI/AAAAAAAAAs0/Hyhh9aRo9H8/s1600/yKinneret%2Bkinds%2Bof%2Blace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLTgNt8gu4w/VYzKClsTzoI/AAAAAAAAAs0/Hyhh9aRo9H8/s640/yKinneret%2Bkinds%2Bof%2Blace.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I really thought it was going to be overwhelming, having three different lace patterns (with the lace scarf worn as a sash) so close together. But the patterns and scales of them are SO different from each other that, when I saw the overall look, I didn't feel like they competed with each other at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKbtx8h5EMA/VYzKFPEN3eI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/Iq5ydtDbfiY/s1600/yKinneret%2527s%2Bmessy%2Bbun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKbtx8h5EMA/VYzKFPEN3eI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/Iq5ydtDbfiY/s640/yKinneret%2527s%2Bmessy%2Bbun.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
For this look we pinned Kinneret's hair up in a very loose messy bun. It may seem like a cream and peach outfit is an odd choice for a girl who has pink hair... after all, pink and peach don't match at all! But somehow... and I can't even explain it... it all comes together into a unified soft, dreamy look.<br />
<br />
Finally, I want to acknowledge that yes, Kinneret's earring is crooked in the first picture and the one above. GRRRR. Neither Tegan, Kinneret, nor I noticed that it was crooked <i>the whole time</i> we were shooting, until the very last picture! So, just to show that we did actually fix it for one shot, here is the last photo of the shoot:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYIjpfwDQHo/VYzKEUv7QyI/AAAAAAAAAtI/8eyOyHW2YFY/s1600/yKinneret%2527s%2Bdamn%2Bearring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYIjpfwDQHo/VYzKEUv7QyI/AAAAAAAAAtI/8eyOyHW2YFY/s640/yKinneret%2527s%2Bdamn%2Bearring.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Floral sundress: </i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaddiesGirls" target="_blank">Maddie's Girls</a> (still available as of this posting!)<br />
<i>Pleated skirt & lace scarf:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/peltrascloset" target="_blank">Peltra's Closet</a> (scarf still available as of this posting!)<br />
<i>Knee-length shorts:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DollTagClothing" target="_blank">Doll Tag Clothing</a><br />
<i>Sandals:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HannahsDressUp" target="_blank">Hannah's Dress Up</a> (still available as of this posting!)<br />
<i>Earrings:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/2SistersSewCrafty" target="_blank">2 Sisters Sew Crafty</a> (still available as of this posting!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-27033577993090949992015-06-17T20:17:00.000-07:002015-06-17T20:17:01.396-07:00It. Is. Wilting.Oh my gosh, you guys, it's hotter than the surface of the sun outside. Is it hot where you live? We are dying around here. The air is heavy with humidity and it is just boiling. They cancelled classes on Monday, it was so hot! We're all just draped over the furniture in the common room, trying to get as close to the fan as possible, but at the same time trying to make sure we don't actually touch each other, because nobody wants anybody else's body heat near them. So..... hot......<br />
<br />
This week the beautiful Rebecca is modelling for us. She is the perfect model for this weather, because she is one of those people who manages to look cool and put together no matter how dreadful the weather.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7_kSjtxWrk/VYIyU2iU8TI/AAAAAAAAArw/FoV3yzEGu8o/s1600/Rebecca%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7_kSjtxWrk/VYIyU2iU8TI/AAAAAAAAArw/FoV3yzEGu8o/s640/Rebecca%2B3.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While the rest of us have hair frizzed out like massive dandelion clouds on our heads, Rebecca's curls are (mostly) smooth. While everyone else is wearing crop tops and shorts, or throwing style completely to the wind and simply wearing nothing but a swimming costume around the dorm (*cough*CHARLIE*cough*), Rebecca is wearing a crisp, flawlessly-tailored linen dress, and looking smashing in it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UU2taKStOT0/VYIyX9w9XhI/AAAAAAAAAsM/nirQPGVKJq8/s1600/Rebecca%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UU2taKStOT0/VYIyX9w9XhI/AAAAAAAAAsM/nirQPGVKJq8/s640/Rebecca%2B5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I love the way the colour-blocking on this dress creates the illusion of slender curviness. Rebecca is very slim anyway, but this dress would be slenderising on anyone -- notice how the dark teal blocks draw your eye to the center of the body and in an up-and-down line? And they're narrowest at the natural waist. It's really clever. And I adore the Peter Pan collar! It's another detail that makes this dress so much more than just another sleeveless dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3Pcl7ypRpI/VYIyVJ3IqUI/AAAAAAAAAr8/KG1WL_98zZw/s1600/Rebecca%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3Pcl7ypRpI/VYIyVJ3IqUI/AAAAAAAAAr8/KG1WL_98zZw/s640/Rebecca%2B1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Linen is the perfect fabric for hot weather. Just ask the Egyptians -- they've been wearing it since literally the dawn of time. (If my Egyptian friend Esra'a were in town, I'd get her to give us a bit a history lesson on Egyptian linen....) See how open the weave is, and how the fabric looks crisp rather than saggy? The simple, super-thin belt creates some more shape to the overall look, but it doesn't dominate the look. Rather, it and the matching buttons just accent the contrast between the colour blocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sBzGifr38o/VYIyaFC2FcI/AAAAAAAAAsU/f5oWRXNTkvg/s1600/Rebecca%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sBzGifr38o/VYIyaFC2FcI/AAAAAAAAAsU/f5oWRXNTkvg/s640/Rebecca%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These sandals are the perfect accompaniment to this dress, if we're going for a casual look. The leather straps are exactly the same colour and nearly the same size as the belt, while the jute trim on the soles echoes the colour and texture of the natural linen in the dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qimPUAPVYVU/VYIyU75mr-I/AAAAAAAAAsA/G8EQzNaJrSQ/s1600/Rebecca%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qimPUAPVYVU/VYIyU75mr-I/AAAAAAAAAsA/G8EQzNaJrSQ/s640/Rebecca%2B4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
When it's this hot, it's definitely best to keep it as simple and cool as possible, and this dress doesn't require much in the way of accessories. I suggested a bracelet, but Rebecca doesn't like them because she says they get in her way when she's scribbling in the reporter's notebook she carries everywhere. So we opted for no accessories at all.<br />
<br />
What are your favourite ways to keep cool in the midsummer heat? Do you have favourite outfits to wear when it's really steamy out?<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Dress & belt: </i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClarissesCloset" target="_blank">Clarisse's Closet</a><br />
<i>Sandals:</i> Quest4Craft on Etsy, which has very unfortunately gone out of business (I loved them!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-78443286404774147732015-06-12T08:41:00.001-07:002015-06-12T08:42:53.996-07:00Sailing... Take Me Away...We've come to my friend Tegan's favourite time of the year: late spring, early summer. Why is it her favourite time of year? Because Tegan loves the sea -- so much that I believe she is secretly a mer-person who can interchange her tail for legs. Home for her is a beautiful fishing village in Cornwall called Mevagissey. Here is a picture of Tegan's hometown:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxP_lTPWTus/VXr48j3I6zI/AAAAAAAAAqs/3nq3DG4O7XE/s1600/mevagissey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxP_lTPWTus/VXr48j3I6zI/AAAAAAAAAqs/3nq3DG4O7XE/s640/mevagissey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even though there aren't waves crashing onto the shore, that water is the sea -- Mevagissey Harbour. You can imagine that anyone who lives in a place like Mevagissey loves all kinds of ocean-related activities, and these warm, sunny days are perfect for being on the water. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alas for Tegan, we're still in school for another couple of weeks, and she's stuck here in sea-less Somerset. It doesn't stop her from dreaming of being back on the water, though... and that's what her outfit today is all about! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmbcEOy45bw/VXr5sBLZ6LI/AAAAAAAAAq4/aHymfNBUDBk/s1600/Tegan%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmbcEOy45bw/VXr5sBLZ6LI/AAAAAAAAAq4/aHymfNBUDBk/s640/Tegan%2B1.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
Tegan prefers a very simple style most of the time -- she's really a jeans-and-shirt person at heart. When I spotted this sailboat-print skinny trousers in her closet, I was really surprised, because they're not the style I usually associate with Tegan. When I asked about them, Tegan said, "They just made me smile as soon as I saw them. And they're cotton, so I can wear them when it's hot and not roast."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpWT62ct-k8/VXr5r82LrqI/AAAAAAAAArA/Ytvmepz2eTo/s1600/Tegan%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpWT62ct-k8/VXr5r82LrqI/AAAAAAAAArA/Ytvmepz2eTo/s640/Tegan%2B4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
With the trousers being the obvious focal point here, I knew the shirt needed to be an uncomplicated one. This super-soft T-shirt fit the bill perfectly. Stripes carry through the nautical theme, but the light grey and white doesn't distract from the trousers. Tegan's hemp pride necklace is one she always wears. The nice thing about the pride rainbow is that it matches everything. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xka46ATwRQ/VXr5sUGQ_mI/AAAAAAAAArE/xaOmxXmfTKE/s1600/Tegan%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xka46ATwRQ/VXr5sUGQ_mI/AAAAAAAAArE/xaOmxXmfTKE/s640/Tegan%2B3.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
I learned my lesson last year when I tried to get Tegan to wear fancy white sandals with a bit of heel... she would have none of them! This time I reached for white sandals again, but I went with some chunky ones with a squishy sole. You could definitely walk on the beach in these sandals, and I suspect that's Tegan's main criterion for choosing shoes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iooDbNayYU4/VXr5vDDXo8I/AAAAAAAAArM/bir-e2WSGII/s1600/Tegan%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iooDbNayYU4/VXr5vDDXo8I/AAAAAAAAArM/bir-e2WSGII/s640/Tegan%2B6.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That faraway look in Tegan's eyes tells me she's counting the days until she can be back home again, sitting with her feet dangling over the seawall or climbing around the bluffs and cliffs that loom over her beloved harbour. Do you love the beach too? Are you going to one on vacation this summer?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i></div>
<div>
<i>Trousers</i>: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Closet4Chloe" target="_blank">Closet4Chloe</a> </div>
<div>
<i>T-shirt</i>: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LostinaJungle" target="_blank">The Beach Shack</a></div>
<div>
<i>Sandals</i>: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MjsDollBoutique18T?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Mjs Doll Boutique 18T</a> (they were part of an outfit... not sure their original source)</div>
<div>
<i>Necklace</i>: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HighonHemp" target="_blank">High On Hemp</a> (bracelet)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-22782743136791763092015-06-07T20:37:00.001-07:002015-06-07T20:37:40.804-07:00Be TweeI think it's the most fun to style your closest friends, because they trust you enough to let you try a lot of fun things, and because you know them well enough to create a look that's really perfect for them. Case in point: our model for this week is my best friend. I love when Charlie models for the blog. She doesn't really like to have her picture taken, so I can't talk her into it very often, but I love to style her. Charlie is a bit of a hipster, and she loves owls and foxes. So when I found the cutest owl-themed skirt EVER in a vintage shop, I knew it was perfect for her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INp1cPH-wBA/VXUEw5-VuwI/AAAAAAAAAp4/seuRfRYsNZA/s1600/Charlie%2Bhero%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INp1cPH-wBA/VXUEw5-VuwI/AAAAAAAAAp4/seuRfRYsNZA/s640/Charlie%2Bhero%2Bshot.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The look Charlie's rocking here can best be described as 'twee'. What is twee? Well, Zoe Deschanel's style is twee. Wes Anderson movies are twee. Twee is basically anything that's sweet, kind of innocent, nostalgic, cutesy, not overly complicated, and maybe just the tiniest bit ironic. A lot of hipster style tends to be a bit twee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYYfAStmb7M/VXUEy3sWkFI/AAAAAAAAAqY/bEEFoDv64EY/s1600/Charlie%2Bskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYYfAStmb7M/VXUEy3sWkFI/AAAAAAAAAqY/bEEFoDv64EY/s640/Charlie%2Bskirt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Charlie's skirt is the foundation for the whole look. How unbelievably cute is this fat little patchwork owl on his one-leafed branch? The mix of fabric scraps that make up the decoration involves so many fun colours and textures. He really pops on the simple blue chambray skirt. The delicate crocheted trim on the skirt adds another element of sweetness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLWj4lQBS0M/VXUEwhhM4BI/AAAAAAAAAqA/TRFPlJbAxNU/s1600/Charlie%2Bearrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLWj4lQBS0M/VXUEwhhM4BI/AAAAAAAAAqA/TRFPlJbAxNU/s640/Charlie%2Bearrings.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The ruffles on Charlie's candy-pink cami continue the sweet, feminine theme of this outfit. I added the cropped shrug just because I wanted a little something else on the top of this look, but if it were super-hot outside, the outfit would really be just as cute without it. Because the ruffles on the shirt don't really require a necklace, the only accessories I added are a pair of owl earrings... because, really, can you have too many owls? I think not.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LYwRTtCK0g/VXUExoaCDTI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/vngPWlYCA7g/s1600/Charlie%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LYwRTtCK0g/VXUExoaCDTI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/vngPWlYCA7g/s640/Charlie%2Bshoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This outfit would look great with a pair of simple ballet flats, maybe in green. But twee was very popular back in the '90s, too, so I decided to bring a bit of '90s flavour to the outfit with a pair of Birkenstock-style sandals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THmv_M1FgNA/VXUEw1ZPqWI/AAAAAAAAAqI/HRgfcqaxQqA/s1600/Charlie%2Bfinal%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THmv_M1FgNA/VXUEw1ZPqWI/AAAAAAAAAqI/HRgfcqaxQqA/s640/Charlie%2Bfinal%2B2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll finish up with what might be my favourite picture of Charlie ever. Tegan really captured her spirit in this photo. My best friend is the sweetest, nicest person I know!<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Skirt:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClarissesCloset" target="_blank">Clarisse's Closet</a><br />
<i>Cami:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoyalDollBoutique" target="_blank">Royal Doll Boutique</a><br />
<i>Shrug:</i> <a href="http://ogdolls.com/accessories/spring-blossom" target="_blank">Our Generation "Spring Blossom" outfit</a><br />
<i>Dollistock sandals:</i> <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">QTπ Doll Clothing</a></span></span><br />
<i>Earrings: </i>Claire's Boutique (they're made for humans)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-79830041109470127602015-05-30T20:42:00.000-07:002015-05-30T20:42:21.159-07:00Dressing for GlastonburyHi, everyone! Today's post stars Hannah, because wow, she is a trooper. We intended to shoot the photos for this post on Thursday morning. As Hannah was getting ready, she popped her contact lenses in as usual... but there must have been something on the left one, because she said it felt scratchy right away. So she took it out, rinsed it off, and put it back in... but whatever the problem was, it was still there. In no more than two minutes, her eye was all red and swollen and watery and awful-looking. She had to go to the school nurse, and then -- would you believe it? -- the nurse had to take her to the eye doctor, because she was afraid Hannah may have scratched her cornea! Fortunately, she didn't, but it took a couple of days before her eye stopped looking dreadful. I told her it was no problem to just switch her post to next week, but she insisted she was fine and wanted to keep her appointment for 'blog duty'. So this morning we knocked Tegan up (before 9 a.m. on a Saturday; she was not best pleased with me!) and headed out for pictures.<br />
<br />
Even if you've never been to England, and never even <i>heard</i> of Bruton, where we live, the chances are that if you like music, you've probably heard of Glastonbury. Glastonbury Tor is an ancient hill with a church on top, and King Arthur's grave is meant to be somewhere inside the hill under the abbey ruins, because it's got some kind of association with Avalon. I dunno exactly how that association came about... but anyway, it's about 15 miles from our school. Every year there's a massive music festival at Glastonbury. Last year Jack White was the headline act; this year it's Kanye West. Sincerely, it is enormous: thousands upon thousands of people come from all over the world. Elijah and Hannah try to go every year, and this year they managed to score a ticket for Hannah's best friend Honor too. In fact, Elijah has been working, since last summer, a few hours a week in the planning offices of the festival. When I asked Hannah what kind of look she'd like to model, she said she felt like it would be a natural fit to model a festival look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-neJX_yAgSlQ/VWp8tJohrzI/AAAAAAAAApI/lVZzeuXjP1c/s1600/Hannah%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-neJX_yAgSlQ/VWp8tJohrzI/AAAAAAAAApI/lVZzeuXjP1c/s640/Hannah%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />
The trick with festival style is that you need to look great <i>and</i> be comfortable, even when it's nearly July and you're crammed into a crowd of thousands of people who haven't showered in days. (Sounds lovely, right?!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ian9PjlekR0/VWp8r43Mj_I/AAAAAAAAAo4/14PFIoPlB-0/s1600/Hannah%2BT-shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ian9PjlekR0/VWp8r43Mj_I/AAAAAAAAAo4/14PFIoPlB-0/s640/Hannah%2BT-shirt.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Hannah started with her all-time favourite T-shirt, which, appropriately enough, sports a cassette tape. It looks terribly vintage and music-y, doesn't it? It's comfortably broken in, too. And it's black, so if it gets a bit of dirt on it, it won't likely show.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-po6DQ9haeyw/VWp8rYknm9I/AAAAAAAAAow/ioo30-moi90/s1600/Hannah%2Bback%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-po6DQ9haeyw/VWp8rYknm9I/AAAAAAAAAow/ioo30-moi90/s640/Hannah%2Bback%2Bview.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the showpieces of this outfit is obviously this amazing duster cardigan. It's soft and slubby and it's super-lightweight, so it doesn't add much warmth. The long length makes me think of superhero capes! Dusters are really on trend right now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dfSW6eFj6A/VWp8sCPBAkI/AAAAAAAAApE/ijB0gv6BKyw/s1600/Hannah%2Bduster%2Btexture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dfSW6eFj6A/VWp8sCPBAkI/AAAAAAAAApE/ijB0gv6BKyw/s640/Hannah%2Bduster%2Btexture.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
Here you can really see the slub-knit texture of the duster. The neutral colours are maybe a bit dark for midsummer, but really, aren't black and grey always appropriate? You can also see here the fringe and destroyed bits of Hannah's favourite cutoff jeans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbaMeETlRVM/VWp8vZPXiOI/AAAAAAAAApc/zeP2KkjGpJM/s1600/Hannah%2Bsandals%2Band%2Bshorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbaMeETlRVM/VWp8vZPXiOI/AAAAAAAAApc/zeP2KkjGpJM/s640/Hannah%2Bsandals%2Band%2Bshorts.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a better shot of the jean shorts, along with the other showstopper of this outfit -- these <i>wicked killer</i> gladiator sandals. Aren't they amazing? Fortunately they zip up the back, because all those tiny buckles would be maddening if you had to do them up every time you wanted to take the shoes off or put them on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s1U3hqZ1RRA/VWp8uevGZkI/AAAAAAAAApU/qFhntPo1cnc/s1600/Hannah%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s1U3hqZ1RRA/VWp8uevGZkI/AAAAAAAAApU/qFhntPo1cnc/s640/Hannah%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
Have you ever been to a music festival? If not, do you think you would enjoy going to one? If you did go, who would you like to see performing?<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Shirt:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MonChatDansLaLune" target="_blank">Mon Chat Dans La Lune</a><br />
<i>Jean shorts:</i> <a href="http://www.shoplibertyjane.com/" target="_blank">Liberty Jane</a><br />
<i>Duster:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoriLizGirlsandDolls" target="_blank">LoriLiz Girls and Dolls</a><br />
<i>Gladiator sandals:</i> Sophia's -- these came with an outfit, but you can find them in several eBay shops, <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sophias-Black-Gladiator-Sandals-Made-To-Fit-American-Girl-18-Inch-Dolls-/171744341332?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27fcc2ad54" target="_blank">such as this one</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-76170095786903155852015-05-23T10:48:00.001-07:002015-05-23T10:48:25.205-07:00A Conversation with... Eve & QuinnWell, you guys, I made a real hash of my blogging last week. It's the first week this year that I missed making a post completely. In an effort to make up for it this week, I've decided to try something a bit different. First, I want to introduce you to a new friend here at the Bruton School, Quinn. Second, I thought I'd let a couple of my friends talk about their style in their own words. Wednesday was our friend Rachel's birthday, and to celebrate it, we all had a bit of a tea party out in the garden under the trees. It was lovely, and everyone chose something nice but not super-dressy to wear. Everyone looked grand, but I was really interested in the way Eve's style and Quinn's style were so different, but each worked so well for them. So I decided to play the fashion reporter and interview them about how they make their style choices. Hang on to your hat -- this post is pic-heavy!<br />
<br />
First the introduction! This is our new resident, Quinn Tirandazi. She's from Glasgow in Scotland.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pmFTt4KEeQ/VWCsiB8z6PI/AAAAAAAAAnw/2522JliM054/s1600/Quinn%2527s%2Bface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pmFTt4KEeQ/VWCsiB8z6PI/AAAAAAAAAnw/2522JliM054/s640/Quinn%2527s%2Bface.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Her dad is from Iran, which makes Quinn both Scottish and Persian. She loves cinema more than anything -- watching films, definitely, but also making them herself. I've already seen her around school grounds with camera. As you might imagine, this means she, Elijah, Kinneret, and Rachel, our resident actors and stage/film types, have been having a lot of fun conversations! Quinn hopes to be a professional filmmaker someday and premiere a film that she created at Cannes. She practices a religion called Zoroastrianism, which is very ancient and interesting, and which was a big influence on Christianity in its early days. She loves <i>Game of Thrones</i>, especially Melisandre, because her religion in the series is based a lot on Zoroastrianism.<br />
<br />
Now on to the interview! First, here's what Quinn might call an 'establishing shot' of Eve and Quinn together, wearing the outfits they chose for Rachel's birthday tea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wY_y3-lx_EM/VWCsVT5aTyI/AAAAAAAAAnE/e_vR793kuXI/s1600/Eve%2Band%2BQuinn%2Bhero%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wY_y3-lx_EM/VWCsVT5aTyI/AAAAAAAAAnE/e_vR793kuXI/s640/Eve%2Band%2BQuinn%2Bhero%2Bshot.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
<br />
Both girls chose floral prints, knee-length skirts, and sandals, but that's really where the similarities end. Eve's style is quite classic and tailored, while Quinn's is more relaxed and casual. I asked both of them about their styles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3JhoFZjSIA/VWCrNN8YURI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Ep6aibnDY84/s1600/Eve%2527s%2Bshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3JhoFZjSIA/VWCrNN8YURI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Ep6aibnDY84/s640/Eve%2527s%2Bshirt.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><u><b>Me:</b></u></span> Eve, how would you describe your fashion style?<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Eve:</u> </b></span>I suppose I would say my style is a bit preppy but very colourful. I'm not too concerned with what styles are trendy. Some people might think the style of clothes I like tends to be a bit stuffy, but that's why I like bright colours so much. They're so cheerful!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfYiZQ0xRKs/VWCsV7uvfUI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/vHq32UD9Qts/s1600/Eve%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfYiZQ0xRKs/VWCsV7uvfUI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/vHq32UD9Qts/s640/Eve%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Me:</u></b></span> What are the most important factors you look for in the clothes you choose?<br />
<u><b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Eve:</span></b></u> Fit is the most important thing to me. I like for my clothes to fit perfectly -- not too tight, not too loose. I also like for my things to mix and match easily. Between school and baking for Hello Darkness [the coffee shop/bakery that Hannah, Kinneret, Vesper, and Eve run on the Bruton School campus], I'm very busy; I don't have time to fuss over whether or not things exactly match. Like today, my belt and my shoes aren't the same colour, but they're not far apart either, and some would say that's a fashion no-no. But both colours show up in the blouse, so I feel like it works because the blouse pulls everything together. And a khaki skirt goes with everything under the sun! Basically I want to look professional and put-together, but not fussy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1P-zVAQjUE/VWCsVZ0PVEI/AAAAAAAAAnA/ZcHwD5Ks0vk/s1600/Eve%2527s%2Bhair%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1P-zVAQjUE/VWCsVZ0PVEI/AAAAAAAAAnA/ZcHwD5Ks0vk/s640/Eve%2527s%2Bhair%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Me:</span></u></b> I've noticed you often wear your hair up. Why is that?<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Eve:</span></u></b> When you're in the kitchen, pulling your hair back is a necessity. You can't be having long hairs showing up in people's scones. So it's second nature to me to pull my hair up in a bun or a braid... I'm not used to seeing myself with my hair down! If I need to dress it up a bit, like today, I just pop in a sparkly clip or something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkn0xbi9x8U/VWCsW_7536I/AAAAAAAAAnY/HIZVWN4frcU/s1600/Quinn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkn0xbi9x8U/VWCsW_7536I/AAAAAAAAAnY/HIZVWN4frcU/s640/Quinn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Me:</span></u></b> Quinn, how would you describe your fashion style?<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Quinn:</span></u></b> Do I <i>have</i> a style? I'm not sure if I do or not. I wear what I like, but I don't think of it in terms of being a unified style. It's just Quinn-style!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3XXMwhVuvw/VWCsieZXwBI/AAAAAAAAAn0/c7BMbJNSqKQ/s1600/Quinn%2Blace%2Band%2Bhat%2Btextures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3XXMwhVuvw/VWCsieZXwBI/AAAAAAAAAn0/c7BMbJNSqKQ/s640/Quinn%2Blace%2Band%2Bhat%2Btextures.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Me:</span></u></b> What are the most important factors in the clothes you choose?<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Quinn:</span></u> Comfort. I do not suffer for fashion. Ideally, whatever I'm wearing would be something I could sleep comfortably in. Now that you've got me thinking about it... I would say that I probably choose a lot of the clothes that I buy because of their texture, even more than how they look. I'm drawn to things that feel interesting on my skin. With this dress I'm wearing, I like the way the lace at the top makes it feel breezy, and even though the cotton isn't stretchy, it fits loosely and doesn't bind anywhere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITWb6YNa1BY/VWCsXrDKW6I/AAAAAAAAAnc/HvM-boL9oTc/s1600/Quinn%2527s%2Bhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITWb6YNa1BY/VWCsXrDKW6I/AAAAAAAAAnc/HvM-boL9oTc/s640/Quinn%2527s%2Bhat.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Quinn (con't.):</span></u> And I did think, this morning when I put it on, about how I like the way the straw hat feels in my fingers. So maybe I chose it partly because of that, and not just because it would keep the sun from burning my nose! I also love the contrast of the soft velvet band with the prickly straw. I'd wear velvet the year 'round if it weren't so damn hot in the summer. But then, I'd wear linen the year 'round too, if I didn't like to freeze to death in it come the winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThsdsEh7Z_w/VWCsYQmnIQI/AAAAAAAAAns/jHfMw7iFP3o/s1600/Quinn%2527s%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThsdsEh7Z_w/VWCsYQmnIQI/AAAAAAAAAns/jHfMw7iFP3o/s640/Quinn%2527s%2Bshoes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Me:</span></u> Your shoes have a very nautical feel, especially with the blue of your dress. Was this something you were going for when you chose them?<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Quinn:</span></u> Nautical? No, not at all. I'm rubbish on a boat -- seasick the minute my feet leave the land.<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Eve:</span></u> Oh no! That means you can't come visit me in Wales and ride my dad's ferry over to Dublin to see Rachel and Reilly this summer!<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Quinn:</span></u> Is that a thing we're doing? Well, now, just because I may spend three hours with my head hung over the rail, doesn't mean I'm going to let a bit of water keep me from visiting Ireland, am I?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRLTINxCZvw/VWC0E-aWrwI/AAAAAAAAAoU/-dF6Bzm_zaM/s1600/Eve%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRLTINxCZvw/VWC0E-aWrwI/AAAAAAAAAoU/-dF6Bzm_zaM/s640/Eve%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you enjoyed the interview-style post, and it helped you feel like you got to know Eve and Quinn a little better!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<b>Eve's outfit</b><br />
<i>Blouse:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SparrowAndWrenMerc" target="_blank">Sparrow and Wren Mercantile</a> (when it was still Janie Jumps)<br />
<i>Skirt:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">QT<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">π</span> Doll Clothing</a><br />
<i>Belt:</i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Girl-Sparkly-Outfit-Charm/dp/B00LLX1KYU" target="_blank">AG Sparkly Camp outfit</a><br />
<i>Shoes:</i> Our Generation In a Flutter outfit, which is <i>still</i> not online anywhere<br />
<i>Hair clip:</i> Vintage<br />
<br />
<b>Quinn's outfit</b><br />
<i>Dress:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">QT<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">π</span> Doll Clothing</a><br />
<i>Hat:</i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Girl-Julies-Birthday-Outfit/dp/B004BATBP0" target="_blank">AG Julie's Birthday outfit</a><br />
<i>Shoes:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HannahsDressUp" target="_blank">Hannah's Dress Up</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-67324159336775942172015-05-10T18:39:00.001-07:002015-05-10T18:39:52.890-07:00Totally '80s: How to Rock the Retro LookSometimes it seems like the most prominent characteristic of fashion in the 2010s is that everything's retro. Over the last few years, we've seen a revival of fashion elements from the 1970s, 1920s (thanks, Downton Abbey!), 1990s, and 1980s. No matter which decade's -- these or others -- style speaks most to you, one of the most important lessons for a fashionista in 2015 is how to rock a retro look. My gorgeous friend Vesper is going to help me with that subject today by modeling a totally rad '80s-inspired look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBAvEHFwBrs/VU_9eqB8PGI/AAAAAAAAAmA/jfKSn6jL0zA/s1600/Vesper%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBAvEHFwBrs/VU_9eqB8PGI/AAAAAAAAAmA/jfKSn6jL0zA/s640/Vesper%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Tip #1</u>: Pick one particular aspect of the era's style that you love best and build your look around that thing. Vesper <b>loves</b> bright colours, and she looks incredible in them, so the aspect I chose today is '80s-style colour-blocking. Guys, the '80s were ALL about blocks of eye-searing bright colours. Computers were still pretty new to most people back then (can you believe it?), and so were video game systems like the Atari 2600. The graphics were really blocky, pixelated, and bright, and cutting-edge fashion took cues from cutting-edge technology. The pattern of this super-bright shift dress perfectly evokes that aspect of '80s fashion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml2b1CJRYpU/VU_9gcsB_eI/AAAAAAAAAmI/tI9Jqkk7O1s/s1600/Vesper's%2Bdress%2Band%2Bnecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml2b1CJRYpU/VU_9gcsB_eI/AAAAAAAAAmI/tI9Jqkk7O1s/s640/Vesper's%2Bdress%2Band%2Bnecklace.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Tip #2</u>: Accessorize carefully. I chose this adorable necklace that looks like a cluster of hot pink cherries because it reminds me of another '80s craze: charm necklaces. The '80s charm necklaces were huge plastic chains that people would clip tons of big plastic charms to. They were REALLY ugly, honestly... but my Mum tells me everybody back then though they were 'wicked' (that means good). This necklace is a very scaled-back version of that -- a cute, fun, bright accessory that makes you smile. That brings me to...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpO8NzqfOgc/VU_9jgsE3wI/AAAAAAAAAmY/HoQl-ikKwLY/s1600/Vesper's%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpO8NzqfOgc/VU_9jgsE3wI/AAAAAAAAAmY/HoQl-ikKwLY/s640/Vesper's%2Bshoes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Tip #3</u>: Remember that dressing in a retro style is not a fancy-dress event like a Halloween party! You want to bring what's good about the style of decades gone by into the present, leave the ugly stuff behind, and most of all, make your look <b>modern</b>. So the last thing I wanted to do was recreate every aspect of an '80s outfit! If I'd wanted to do that, I would've picked a dress that was a lot looser than Vesper's fitted shift -- one that had giant shoulder pads and a belt. Yeah, no. And I would've chosen jelly shoes (yick!) or high-top trainers in a violently fluorescent colour instead of these light pink ballet slippers. These simple shoes look pretty against Vesper's chocolate-brown skin and they don't fight for the spotlight. They balance the bright dress in a way that's much more 2015 than 1985.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQoQ1P9y74o/VU_9itHpJjI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/gYyG_fsAP_k/s1600/Vesper's%2Bfishtail%2Bbraid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQoQ1P9y74o/VU_9itHpJjI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/gYyG_fsAP_k/s640/Vesper's%2Bfishtail%2Bbraid.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Tip #4</u>: Your hair is part of your outfit when you go retro. You might want to style it in a way that harks back to the era you're drawing from (as long as it doesn't make you violate Tip #3!). Or you might want to use your hair to reinforce Tip #3, as I've done here. Braids were popular in the '80s, but <i>fishtail</i> braids are quintessentially now. Nobody looking at Vesper's braid would mistake that she's right on trend for 2015! Colourful hair ties and clips were also enormously popular in the '80s, but they tended to be big and overwhelming, and hair was often teased into big poofy styles with masses of hairspray. Here I've stuck with two small accessories to go with Vesper's sleek style.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5eA_intT60/VU_9drXZyoI/AAAAAAAAAl8/2tmhvMW9_bc/s1600/Vesper%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5eA_intT60/VU_9drXZyoI/AAAAAAAAAl8/2tmhvMW9_bc/s640/Vesper%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Tip #5</u>: Wear what makes you smile! If you want to throw these ideas to the wind and do something completely different, you should. You gotta do you, right? But I hope these tips help you think about how to take inspiration from past fashion eras and create a modern look that works for you. What's your favourite style era? Do you ever rock a retro look from that time? Leave me a comment and let me know!<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Dress:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EverydayDollwear" target="_blank">Everyday Dollwear</a><br />
<i>Shoes</i>: <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/shop/caroline-doll-book-and-accessories-02bun39#90061" target="_blank">AG Caroline's Meet shoes</a><br />
<i>Necklace:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PurelySplendid" target="_blank">Purely Splendid</a><br />
<i>Hair tie:</i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Girl-Pajamas-Charm-Dolls/dp/B00OTZKUVG" target="_blank">AG Fair Isle Pajamas</a><br />
<i>Hair clip:</i> Dollar Tree, from a package with about 10 colors of clips in pairsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-28425382372921663452015-05-03T19:03:00.001-07:002015-05-03T19:03:04.983-07:00I'm late, I'm late! For a very important......blog post! Wow, I've been doing so well this year about keeping up with my posting. But I am definitely several days late with this week's post. Okay, about half a week late. Yikes! Here's my excuse: a new school term just started, and it's always a busy time. In the U.S., my American friends tell me, schools mostly have two semesters per year: roughly, September to December and January to May. Some schools in the UK work that way too. But the Bruton School follows the old school-term system, the same one that's used at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and Trinity College Dublin. We have three terms: Michaelmas term (this year's was 12 October - 6 December), Hilary term (18 January - 14 March), and now Trinity term (26 April - 20 June). So for my friends and me, today is the first day of the second week of Trinity. How do your school's terms run? Leave me a comment and tell me about it!<br />
<br />
This week's outfit is modeled by the lovely Rachel. I wanted her to look light and bright and springy, but with her white-blonde hair and silver eyes, pastel colours are really not the best for her. So I reached for the classic: navy blue. As I was looking for proper accessories, I spotted a pair of mustard-yellow shoes in my friend Honor's closet, and inspiration struck. Here's the finished look:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz8L7UFIEWs/VUbMu6PCOSI/AAAAAAAAAk4/mTeT4CexB0Y/s1600/Rachel%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz8L7UFIEWs/VUbMu6PCOSI/AAAAAAAAAk4/mTeT4CexB0Y/s1600/Rachel%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Navy and mustard go really nicely together... there's something vaguely nautical to me about the colour combination. I associate it with warm weather and the outdoors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kRYcGLFx3E/VUbMxUR4-hI/AAAAAAAAAlY/ljWZ0YhjPMI/s1600/Rachel's%2Bskirt%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kRYcGLFx3E/VUbMxUR4-hI/AAAAAAAAAlY/ljWZ0YhjPMI/s1600/Rachel's%2Bskirt%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The show-stopping Swiss dot skirt was the starting point for this look. The notice-me bow and double layer hem give it a really fun and feminine vibe. Ordinarily I would lean strongly towards a tucked-in button down or T-shirt, or even a crop top -- something that wouldn't compete with the bow. But Rachel's style is more casual than classic, which is what a button down would be, and I wanted something that would actually tame the 'girly-ness' of the skirt just a little. It's still a bit chilly in Bruton, so I chose this slouchy marled jumper. The pictures don't quite capture it, but it's shot through with metallic silver threads, so it's <i>juuuuust</i> dressy enough that I think it works with the skirt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmns2u6u95U/VUbMwT33m8I/AAAAAAAAAlM/4UjYL-eiqcI/s1600/Rachel's%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmns2u6u95U/VUbMwT33m8I/AAAAAAAAAlM/4UjYL-eiqcI/s1600/Rachel's%2Bshoes.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And here are the inspirational mustard-yellow shoes! The bows echo the skirt, of course, and I love the ankle straps and pointed toes. Sometimes one likes to avoid a matchy-matchy look and llet an awesome pair of shoes stand out from the rest of the outfit...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiPtHa-iWOQ/VUbMvewHQpI/AAAAAAAAAlA/eUHojGoxXwg/s1600/Rachel's%2Baccessories%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiPtHa-iWOQ/VUbMvewHQpI/AAAAAAAAAlA/eUHojGoxXwg/s1600/Rachel's%2Baccessories%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
...but I decided to let the shoes guide me in my choice of accessories. Arpana loaned us this chunky necklace and beaded wrap bracelet. We took a risk with Rachel's hair: one side is tied up in a pigtail, and the other side's loose, held back with a barrette. Rachel is all about the funky hair, you guys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RicAubI3kqI/VUbMvHyWR0I/AAAAAAAAAlI/lzi3PRnetAw/s1600/Rachel%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RicAubI3kqI/VUbMvHyWR0I/AAAAAAAAAlI/lzi3PRnetAw/s1600/Rachel%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Skirt:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SparrowAndWrenMerc?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">Sparrow and Wren</a> (fka Janie Jumps)<br />
<i>Sweater: </i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HannahsDressUp" target="_blank">Hannah's Dress Up</a><br />
<i>Shoes:</i> Our Generation -- not part of an outfit; these are sold on their own. Once again, I can't find these online anywhere. (OG, what is up with that? Make your stuff easier to find and buy, please!!!)<br />
<i>Necklace and bracelet:</i> Stretchy (human) bracelets from Old Navy<br />
<i>Barrette:</i> I'm sure this is from an AG outfit, but I don't remember which one<br />
<i>Hair tie:</i> Old Navy<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-10341543101402651742015-04-23T07:12:00.002-07:002015-04-23T07:12:42.085-07:00Everything's Coming Up OverallsOh my actual goodness, you guys... I think the entire world might be made out of pollen right now. Ah-choo! I just love the beautiful spring flowers, but I've been sneezing for days. How about you, do you have any seasonal allergies? Even so, I can't get enough of these warmer, sunnier days, the flowers that are popping up everywhere you look, the birds singing in all the bright green trees... it's as though Mother Nature is having a huge party.<br />
<br />
This week my friend Natalie came out with me to model a look I chose in celebration of spring. Tegan came out to photograph for us, and she pointed out that every single picture she took has a greenish cast to the light because there's so much pollen in the air! I even realised -- of course only AFTER we were safely back inside and couldn't retake the pictures -- that one of those stringy pollen tassels from the oak trees had fallen right onto Natalie's back, and you can <i>totally</i> see it in the pictures. So, bonus points for you if you can spot it, lol!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ghkp4SAELE0/VTjy33Ctb_I/AAAAAAAAAkM/6UrF3zp06jc/s1600/Natalie%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ghkp4SAELE0/VTjy33Ctb_I/AAAAAAAAAkM/6UrF3zp06jc/s1600/Natalie%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This look is one that I pulled together in order to show off these amazing overalls. They are Natalie's, and just lately they've been her signature piece of clothing; she wears them all. the. time., but usually with just a black T-shirt. I wanted to dress them up a little, and maybe give her some new ideas for styling her look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwt9DkNNb10/VTjy2ScqmAI/AAAAAAAAAj0/io0sAiMzOHI/s1600/Natalie%2Bcuffs%2Band%2Bsneakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwt9DkNNb10/VTjy2ScqmAI/AAAAAAAAAj0/io0sAiMzOHI/s1600/Natalie%2Bcuffs%2Band%2Bsneakers.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Natalie's style is an interesting blend of functionality and femininity: she is happiest if what she's wearing is at once super-girly and also good for, y'know, repairing cars or refinishing furniture. (Seriously. Natalie does both those things!) These overalls fit both requirements perfectly. The sprays of coral roses are delicate and beautiful, but really, there's nothing sturdier than dungarees. These are both black and distressed, so they hardly show dirt at all. Floral patterns are all over the place right now, so Natalie's overalls are right on trend. We cuffed them because hey, it's spring, and it's finally getting warmer. The classic black trainers without socks keep the look super-casual, as if Natalie might kick off her shoes at any second and go barefoot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6mFKUvawPE/VTjy-jQn3PI/AAAAAAAAAkk/MW67YM17XXc/s1600/Natalie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6mFKUvawPE/VTjy-jQn3PI/AAAAAAAAAkk/MW67YM17XXc/s1600/Natalie.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted to really highlight the roses' gorgeous colours, so I borrowed this coral pink jumper from Rebecca. It's cotton, so it's just right for spring weather. While it's loosely fitted, it's not too bulky to tuck in. And wow, look how it brings out Natalie's stunning jade-green eyes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sXjrVDGzbI/VTjy5rjHjlI/AAAAAAAAAkc/92g18pjzpC0/s1600/Natalie's%2Bbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sXjrVDGzbI/VTjy5rjHjlI/AAAAAAAAAkc/92g18pjzpC0/s1600/Natalie's%2Bbracelet.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
In fact, Natalie's eyes were so striking when she put this outfit on that I decided to take my cue for the outfit's accessories from them, rather than the olive green of the leaves on the overalls. I found this stretchy, blocky Bakelite bracelet in my jewellery box and knew it was perfect. It's the same colour as Natalie's eyes, and it brings just that little dressed-up, 'I meant to look awesome' flair to the look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3xrVSTa64Y/VTjy3KrC-yI/AAAAAAAAAj8/2YC27jrPX_g/s1600/Natalie%2Bhair%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3xrVSTa64Y/VTjy3KrC-yI/AAAAAAAAAj8/2YC27jrPX_g/s1600/Natalie%2Bhair%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="408" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, we pulled Natalie's chestnut hair back in a messy low ponytail that started as a quick, thick French braid on one side and tied it off with another bright pop of blue-green. By now you all know that I always prefer a cute, unfussy hairstyle! (Can you spot the oak tassels on Natalie's back? There's one up by her right arm and another one caught in her ponytail! They're EVERYWHERE!!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYZO2gZHZVM/VTjy3GOeHeI/AAAAAAAAAkA/P8dKrRytaDQ/s1600/Natalie%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYZO2gZHZVM/VTjy3GOeHeI/AAAAAAAAAkA/P8dKrRytaDQ/s1600/Natalie%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="408" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Overalls and sweater:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">QT<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">π Doll Clothing</span></span></a><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Shoes:</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> I don't remember which particular shop these are from, but a quick eBay search for 'black canvas </span></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">doll sneakers' will take you to them in lots of places</span><br />
<i style="line-height: 16px;">Bracelet:</i><span style="line-height: 16px;"> OG "In A Flutter" outfit, which I cannot find online anywhere -- it's part of the spring 2015 release at Target</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><i>Hair tie</i>: Old Navy</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-66134207195290451232015-04-16T07:54:00.005-07:002015-04-16T07:54:55.681-07:00Goth Baby GothHello, everyone! This week's post is all about an important lesson that I've learned -- about being a stylist, but also about being a friend. If you've been following my blog for a while, you may remember that I've tried a couple of times to put together <a href="http://audraselements.blogspot.com/search/label/Tabitha" target="_blank">outfits for my friend Tabitha</a>, whose personal style is goth, and more specifically, grunge-goth. This means she likes to wear a lot of black and army green, things with skulls and pentagrams and things on, and clothes that throw back to the grunge style of the early '90s, like flannel shirts and Doc Martens. In my previous experiments with Tabitha's outfits, I've focused on trying to find things that <i>I</i> like and think are very stylish, and then turn them into outfits that somehow Tabitha is magically supposed to love and feel as though they accurately express who <i>she</i> is. The outfits themselves have been quite cute, I think, and they look great <i>on</i> Tabitha... but they aren't really her.<br />
<br />
When I asked Tabitha if she would be my model this week, she was quite snippy with me! She said that in the past I haven't listened to her about what she feels good wearing, or what really allows her to express herself. She told me she would model for me, but that I should just pick an outfit I like and not try to make it about her expressing herself, because it was really just about me expressing myself. What she said really hurt my feelings, because my greatest passion when it comes to clothes is helping people use them to show the world on the outside who they really are inside. At first I thought I would stop asking Tabitha to model for me at all. But I talked to my best friend about it (because I talk to her about everything!), and Charlie said she thought I should listen to what Tabitha was saying and let it help me be a better stylist, rather than feeling badly about it. I realised that Charlie's advice was good, and Tabitha's complaints were fair. So I swallowed my pride, went back to Tabitha's room, and asked her if she would pick the basics of her outfit herself -- whatever she wanted to wear -- and I might perhaps offer just a couple of suggestions about styling it up. Graciously, Tabitha agreed. And would you believe, it worked! Together we put together an outfit that was really and truly about Tabitha, but also a refined twist on what she might wear every day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOrO27AQBYk/VS_C-UtJpEI/AAAAAAAAAjE/o1MKyo8FsXc/s1600/Tabitha%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOrO27AQBYk/VS_C-UtJpEI/AAAAAAAAAjE/o1MKyo8FsXc/s1600/Tabitha%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></div>
<br />
The original outfit that Tabitha chose began with what looks like her ribcage T-shirt. It's actually a T-shirt dress -- just a straight T-shirt that comes so a bit above the knee. Tabitha was going to wear it with destroyed grey jeggings, this flannel tied around her waist, and black Doc Martens. I'm going to be honest: I kind of hated it, because I would never ever wear it myself. I started to realise how Tabitha must have felt about the outfits I picked for her to wear, and I felt pretty ashamed of myself as a stylist.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDw6eLQTPV0/VS_C-hGV2II/AAAAAAAAAjA/_mH9F7rKoEg/s1600/Tabitha's%2Bribcage%2Bdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDw6eLQTPV0/VS_C-hGV2II/AAAAAAAAAjA/_mH9F7rKoEg/s1600/Tabitha's%2Bribcage%2Bdress.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
<br />
I actually love the hand-painted ribcage dress, honestly. I thought it would work beautifully with some super-feminine styling as a <i>memento mori</i> (a Victorian thing that reminds you of how fleeting and precious life is), but I wanted to work with Tabitha's choices too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUs3_Y1V0ZI/VS_C__GqYuI/AAAAAAAAAjY/QfOloBgJbpQ/s1600/Tabitha's%2Bskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUs3_Y1V0ZI/VS_C__GqYuI/AAAAAAAAAjY/QfOloBgJbpQ/s1600/Tabitha's%2Bskirt.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I decided the best place to start looking for inspiration was in Tabitha's own closet. That's where I found this completely amazing black crinoline. Tabitha said she wears it under a couple of her dresses when she has to really dress up for some reason. I suggested that she try wearing it OVER the T-shirt dress, as a skirt. Tabitha loved the idea!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkSPbCd8swo/VS_C_UeOK3I/AAAAAAAAAjU/Q6rNEumnMJI/s1600/Tabitha's%2Bshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkSPbCd8swo/VS_C_UeOK3I/AAAAAAAAAjU/Q6rNEumnMJI/s1600/Tabitha%27s%2Bshirt.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really felt strongly that the nearly all-black look needed some colour, so I reached for the flannel Tabitha had chosen. Tabitha agreed with the decision, because even though she loves all black, she was concerned that the super-ruffly 'skirt' needed something to balance it out and make it less 'girly-looking' (her words). I love that this flannel shirt is cut in a fitted modern style, not the long, shapeless flannels of the '90s. It makes all the difference in ensuring that Tabitha's outfit looks put together rather than sloppy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ngNrKfvEE8o/VS_DAr9o60I/AAAAAAAAAjk/7flx-3t-Y_8/s1600/Tabitha's%2Bsocks%2Band%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ngNrKfvEE8o/VS_DAr9o60I/AAAAAAAAAjk/7flx-3t-Y_8/s1600/Tabitha%27s%2Bsocks%2Band%2Bshoes.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The short skirt provided the perfect opportunity for Tabitha to show off this beautiful pair of hand-knit knee socks that I borrowed from Charlie. (Charlie's mom runs a knitting shop. She has hand-knits stashed <i>everywhere</i> in her room. It's like a treasure hunt every time I go in there, I'm telling you!) Tabitha reached for her trusty Docs, but I suggested these mary jane-style sneakers instead. They show off more of the socks, and they also fit in perfectly with the outfit's very-casual/very-dressy contrast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfP9Pr3n2xo/VS_C9Z2FHAI/AAAAAAAAAi8/biyYRCvkWu4/s1600/Tabitha%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfP9Pr3n2xo/VS_C9Z2FHAI/AAAAAAAAAi8/biyYRCvkWu4/s1600/Tabitha%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="434" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Both Tabitha and I are so happy with the way her look turned out! Tabitha feels completely comfortable in this outfit. She tells me she would wear it almost anywhere she needed to be a little bit more dressed-up than usual. I think she looks <i>really</i> cute and put together, and when I look at Tabs in this outfit, I immediately see my friend, not just her clothes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm grateful to Tabitha for being willing to work with me again, and most of all, for being willing to teach me the most important lesson a stylist has to learn: it's not about me, it's about the person I'm styling. If I can't make them look themselves-but-even-better, I've not done my job. It was a painful lesson to learn because I really hate to admit when I'm doing something less than perfectly. But owning up to your failures and mistakes is the only way to get better and do it right the next time! Have you ever had to learn a hard lesson from a friend?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Ribcage dress and flannel shirt:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDollDesigner" target="_blank">The Doll Designer</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Crinoline:</i> Argh, I cannot remember where I got this! It's not from Etsy or eBay; it was an independent online shop. I bought it at least three years ago. They had crinolines in a ton of different colours. It's the most beautifully-made crinoline I've ever seen for dolls. If you know of an online shop that sells doll crinolines, please post it here and I'll update the post if we figure it out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Knee socks</i>: Hand-knit by me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Shoes:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Releaserain" target="_blank">ReleaseRain</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-27209555721511887662015-04-08T20:42:00.002-07:002015-04-08T20:42:38.149-07:00Spring BlossomsAs far as I'm concerned, spring is all about the flowers. Could there be anything prettier than a field of wildflowers? Maybe one thing: a pretty girl <i>wearing</i> a field of wildflowers! That's just what my friend Tamsyn is doing in this week's post. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_0Wh5HYvPA/VSXs7qUrnDI/AAAAAAAAAic/7O2T45LfHV0/s1600/Tamsyn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_0Wh5HYvPA/VSXs7qUrnDI/AAAAAAAAAic/7O2T45LfHV0/s1600/Tamsyn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
Tamsyn's favourite colour is coral, so I knew she would really like this dress that I had in my closet. We borrowed this great army-green jacket from Tabitha, and Arpana loaned us the most beautiful dogwood-blossom crown, and we came up with the perfect outfit for a sunny, early-spring day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0BpbNFnWvo/VSXs5H-wxEI/AAAAAAAAAh8/ikCtyHquZ7M/s1600/Tamsyn%2B-%2Bcrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0BpbNFnWvo/VSXs5H-wxEI/AAAAAAAAAh8/ikCtyHquZ7M/s1600/Tamsyn%2B-%2Bcrown.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just look at this beautiful floral crown, would you please? To me, dogwoods are the very essence of spring. There's an old, old myth that Jesus's cross was made out of dogwood, and so the flowers are shaped like a cross and have a reddish stain on the tips of the petals, to commemorate Jesus's blood. I always look for the delicate, lovely blossoms around Easter-time. This crown is made of silk flowers, so even if the trees aren't blooming yet, you can still enjoy the flowers. We put Tamsyn's super-long hair into thick braids and pinned them into a casual, pretty up-'do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnsJ143XHfk/VSXs6lkQNuI/AAAAAAAAAiU/reum7-dbrAE/s1600/Tamsyn%2B-%2Bface%2Bon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnsJ143XHfk/VSXs6lkQNuI/AAAAAAAAAiU/reum7-dbrAE/s1600/Tamsyn%2B-%2Bface%2Bon.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This dress reminds me a lot of calico prairie-style Gunne Sax dresses, which were really popular in the 1970s, except it's more casual. The super-feminine coral and yellow flowers and trim are contrasted in a really interesting way by the military style and olive colour of the jacket. I really love the rough-cut seams on this jacket!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwr0pVw5D70/VSXs5g05xII/AAAAAAAAAiQ/bIR9SzpxNcM/s1600/Tamsyn%2B-%2Bdress%2Bdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwr0pVw5D70/VSXs5g05xII/AAAAAAAAAiQ/bIR9SzpxNcM/s1600/Tamsyn%2B-%2Bdress%2Bdetail.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a close-up of the print and texture of the dress. The embroidery is such a nice touch. Because it's <i>still</i> chilly here in Bruton, Tamsyn's wearing the dress with olive-green tights and a pair of neutral tan boots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afrWcWKsIaI/VSXs5PZBhGI/AAAAAAAAAiM/jtJhgWXY0Nw/s1600/Tamsyn%2B-%2BBack%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bjacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afrWcWKsIaI/VSXs5PZBhGI/AAAAAAAAAiM/jtJhgWXY0Nw/s1600/Tamsyn%2B-%2BBack%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bjacket.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The back of the jacket is a surprise! The military style gives way to really feminine touches -- rough-cut ruffles and velvet-laced cuffs. The overall effect of the outfit is so very vintage, even though they're all new pieces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2UyHtn4z1M/VSXs8PahwEI/AAAAAAAAAio/YtYLBYbCmXc/s1600/Tamsyn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2UyHtn4z1M/VSXs8PahwEI/AAAAAAAAAio/YtYLBYbCmXc/s1600/Tamsyn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Dress: </i><a href="http://ogdolls.com/accessories/faux-keeps" target="_blank">OG Faux Keeps outfit</a><br />
<i>Jacket:</i> I bought mine secondhand from a friend, but it was originally made by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaddiesGirls?page=2" target="_blank">Maddie's Girls</a><br />
<i>Dogwood crown:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fleur18studio" target="_blank">Fleur 18 Studio</a><br />
<i>Tights:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PurelySplendid" target="_blank">Purely Splendid</a><br />
<i>Boots:</i> <a href="http://americangirl.wikia.com/wiki/Pretty_and_Plaid_Dress" target="_blank">AG Pretty and Plaid outfit</a> (retired)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-64225532815954261062015-04-01T20:08:00.002-07:002015-04-01T20:08:51.304-07:00Comfortable ClassicHave you ever heard the saying, 'March comes in like a lion, but goes out like a lamb'? Well, that has definitely not been true this year! March came in like a lion, and it went out like one too... albeit maybe a slightly less ferocious lion. It's been unusually cold and wet here in Bruton. This is particularly rough on those people who are inexplicably cold all the time. My friend Julian is constantly shivering, and Rowan literally carries a blanket with her everywhere she goes... even classes! <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elijah, on the other hand, never seems to be cold in the winter -- nor hot in the summer, for that matter -- no matter what he's wearing. The trick is that he's a master of comfortable layers. At any given moment this month he's been wearing four layers of clothes: a T-shirt, a button-up shirt, a lightweight jumper (which Americans would call a 'sweater'), and a light jacket. The day we did this photo shoot was pretty warm, so he left off the jacket in order to show off the jumper better.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lP8w4W86uWs/VRyrpcjMvtI/AAAAAAAAAhc/t5f812wSXqI/s1600/Elijah%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2%2BJJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lP8w4W86uWs/VRyrpcjMvtI/AAAAAAAAAhc/t5f812wSXqI/s1600/Elijah%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2%2BJJ.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elijah's style is classic, with a dash of hipster seasoning. He prefers clothing that is timeless, high in quality, and perfectly tailored to him. He's shorter and slimmer than a lot of guys, so a lot of clothes that he buys off the rack are too long or too loose on him. But Elijah knows that ill-fitting clothes -- whether they're too big or too small, and whether the person in them is big or small -- just make those things that you're insecure about even more obvious, because it's clear to everyone that you're trying to conceal something about yourself. The best thing to do is to wear clothes that fit you, no matter what size you are. Elijah very often takes clothes he buys off the rack to a local tailor who can take them in or hem them for him. Alterations mean extra money, which is why he is very careful about buying clothes that he can easily mix and match with other things in his wardrobe.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYYMvVC2o6c/VRyrplb-1_I/AAAAAAAAAhk/45w6j-V8bmg/s1600/Elijah%2Bsweater%2BJJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYYMvVC2o6c/VRyrplb-1_I/AAAAAAAAAhk/45w6j-V8bmg/s1600/Elijah%2Bsweater%2BJJ.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The outfit he's wearing here begins with a chambray button-up shirt that looks almost like denim. Elijah always buttons his shirts to the throat -- there's the first bit of hipster style in his look. His jumper is a beautiful fine-gauge knit with a sweatshirt silhouette. If it were oversize, it could look casual or even sloppy. But because it fits him perfectly, it looks trim and classic instead.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRbG6_lgCV8/VRyrmyv3g0I/AAAAAAAAAhE/z7ntF7W8Tys/s1600/Elijah%2Bboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRbG6_lgCV8/VRyrmyv3g0I/AAAAAAAAAhE/z7ntF7W8Tys/s1600/Elijah%2Bboots.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elijah's jeans, as always, are skinny but not super-skinny. He really loves the rolled cuffs -- again with the hipster vibe, but also, they give him some flexibility in ensuring that they're just the right length. His boots are classic chukkas. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAK73xjEelI/VRyrm_iDVwI/AAAAAAAAAhI/Tit12T_QfDI/s1600/Elijah%2Bblue%2Beyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAK73xjEelI/VRyrm_iDVwI/AAAAAAAAAhI/Tit12T_QfDI/s1600/Elijah%2Bblue%2Beyes.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elijah didn't pick his outfit to highlight his gorgeous eyes -- he just likes neutrals and blue. But you have to admit, this look certainly shows off his (dark) baby blues to their best advantage. (And look at that gorgeous topstitching on his jumper... so classy!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nu30VI402lI/VRyrnLruqjI/AAAAAAAAAhY/AzAUzHKyowo/s1600/Elijah%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1%2BJJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nu30VI402lI/VRyrnLruqjI/AAAAAAAAAhY/AzAUzHKyowo/s1600/Elijah%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1%2BJJ.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is a perfect transitional outfit for Elijah as we finally move into spring. It's warm and comfortable, neat but unfussy, timeless yet trendy... a lot like Elijah himself. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i></div>
<div>
<i><u><br /></u></i></div>
<div>
<i>Sweater and boots:</i> I bought these from Caroline at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SparrowAndWrenMerc?ref=pr_faveshops" target="_blank">Sparrow & Wren Mercantile</a> (formerly Janie Jumps; the new shop debuts tonight, 2 April!!!), but not through her shop; she made the sweater.</div>
<div>
<i>Jeans</i>: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoyalDollBoutique" target="_blank">Royal Doll Boutique</a></div>
<div>
<i>Chambray button-up:</i> <a href="http://www.alldolledup-dollclothes.com/" target="_blank">All Dolled Up Doll Clothes</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-77217111360923148292015-03-25T17:27:00.001-07:002015-03-25T17:27:25.139-07:00Androgynous/Tomboy StyleWilliam Shakespeare once wrote, "Clothes make the man." I don't know about that, but they surely do tell you a lot about the man... or the woman, or the girl, or the boy. When people see your clothes, do they think you're a girly-girl? Do they think you're a real classic, or maybe goth? Some of my friends understand really well that some kinds of clothes just don't fit with who they are. For my favourite photographer, Tegan, it's dresses that just don't work for her. Her style is what's called 'androgynous' -- that means she likes to wear clothes that can work just as well for boys as for girls. In fact, while most of my friends borrow clothes from each other, Tegan tends to borrow clothes from Elijah rather than the girls. She has a really clear sense of the clothes she likes to wear, and she rocks them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FKYaT3kP3E/VRNIw_PF_LI/AAAAAAAAAgE/vGi3Qejw9Zg/s1600/Tegan%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FKYaT3kP3E/VRNIw_PF_LI/AAAAAAAAAgE/vGi3Qejw9Zg/s1600/Tegan%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
<br />
One thing Tegan knows about herself is that she prefers a looser cut of jeans than skinnies. As a photographer and an artist, she spends a lot of time bending, squatting, and generally hunkering down to look at things, and skinny jeans just don't let her move comfortably. These medium-wash jeans are the perfect fit for her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9o7_mThejQ/VRNIyEr5CUI/AAAAAAAAAgY/xrVu_G4wEL8/s1600/Tegan's%2Bhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9o7_mThejQ/VRNIyEr5CUI/AAAAAAAAAgY/xrVu_G4wEL8/s1600/Tegan's%2Bhat.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></div>
<br />
Tegan also loves hats. You might think she'd want to make sure everybody sees as much of her awesome blue hair as possible, but in reality, you almost never see her without a hat on. This gorgeous sueded bowler was a Christmas gift from our friend Rachel, who has a great eye for what kinds of clothes and accessories suit her friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mtIlkqBWFE/VRNI0CBtYcI/AAAAAAAAAgs/0qaGbGyLJHE/s1600/Tegan's%2Bvest%2C%2Bplacket%2C%2Bnecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mtIlkqBWFE/VRNI0CBtYcI/AAAAAAAAAgs/0qaGbGyLJHE/s1600/Tegan's%2Bvest%2C%2Bplacket%2C%2Bnecklace.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Tegan does an amazing job of balancing a very casual style with a very put-together appearance. In this outfit she's wearing comfy jeans, but they're freshly laundered and not faded or torn. Her shirt is untucked and open at the throat, but it's crisp as a fresh apple, impeccably white, and ironed. Her waistcoat is colourful, but the pattern is neat and small. Her rainbow-beaded pride necklace is subtle, tucked inside her collar because she wears it all the time (that's the nice thing about rainbows; they go with everything!). Everything she's wearing fits her perfectly -- it's neither too big (which looks sloppy) nor too tight (which looks ill-fitting).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QfMw1WUnVM/VRNIxN-EuAI/AAAAAAAAAgI/3ZX-RJEnME8/s1600/Tegan%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QfMw1WUnVM/VRNIxN-EuAI/AAAAAAAAAgI/3ZX-RJEnME8/s1600/Tegan%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
<br />
Because the orange of her waistcoat is perfectly complementary on the colour wheel to Tegan's blue hair and blue jeans, it works as a great accent rather than a jarring visual contrast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3ZNYPS__k4/VRNIzlQfmjI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Jqy8_bPbwm0/s1600/Tegan's%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3ZNYPS__k4/VRNIzlQfmjI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Jqy8_bPbwm0/s1600/Tegan's%2Bshoes.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, just because you're rockin' an androgynous style doesn't mean you can't love an amazing pair of shoes. The awesome pattern on these picks up the colours in the rest of Tegan's outfit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_uxK95xfr4/VRNIxEvEtMI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/FH2htY2GLkU/s1600/Tegan%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_uxK95xfr4/VRNIxEvEtMI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/FH2htY2GLkU/s1600/Tegan%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="446" /></a></div>
<br />
Tegan will tell you all day long that she has no interest in fashion, but I can honestly say I had nothing to do with pulling together this outfit -- this is all her. She knows exactly who she is, and she knows how to make sure her clothes fit her personality. It all comes together perfectly!<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>White button-down shirt:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaddiesGirls" target="_blank">Maddie's Girls</a><br />
<i>Vest and shoes:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QTpiedollclothing" target="_blank">Q<span style="font-family: inherit;">T<span style="line-height: 16px;">π Doll Clothing</span></span></a><br />
<i>Jeans:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PippyLaJadeJeanCo" target="_blank">Pippy LaJade Jean Co.</a><br />
<i>Hat:</i> <a href="http://www.villagehatshop.com/" target="_blank">Village Hat Shop, San Diego, California</a><br />
<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-77150088561649106232015-03-17T19:30:00.000-07:002015-03-17T19:33:26.448-07:00Lá Fhéile Pádraig! (Happy St. Patrick's Day!)<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dia duit! That's pronounced <i>DJEE-ah DITCH</i>, and it's Irish for 'hello.' It's the 17th of March, and that can only mean one thing... it's time to get our Irish on, because it's St. Patrick's Day! Even though I'm not the least little bit Irish, I love this day. Everybody is all about having a good time, there's lots of singing and dancing, parades... what's not to love?</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So of course I had to ask one of my Irish friends to model today's outfit. It's the perfect day to introduce you to my newest friend, Reilly Wren Mullen. Reilly Wren is from a town called Athenry in County Galway, Ireland. There's a very famous Irish ballad about the potato famine called 'The Fields of Athenry':</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/NLZRWNdGCUc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NLZRWNdGCUc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's very appropriate that Reilly Wren should come from a place made famous in Irish music, because she is a singer -- and specifically, she's a s<span style="line-height: 18px;">ean</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">-</span><span style="line-height: 18px;">nós </span>singer: someone who sings traditional Irish music, often in the Irish language, a cappella. She also plays the fiddle and the <span style="line-height: 18px;">bodhrán, which is a kind of Irish drum. ...Yeah, she's pretty musical! I asked her to pick some clothes that she would wear if she were going to be singing at a </span><span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">céilí (pronounced <i>KAY-lee</i>, it's an Irish party that is all about music and dancing and having fun). Here's the gorgeous dress that Reilly Wren picked:</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Cyq49gP6hs/VQjYWUjP6vI/AAAAAAAAAfc/6BibxMvhQ14/s1600/RW%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Cyq49gP6hs/VQjYWUjP6vI/AAAAAAAAAfc/6BibxMvhQ14/s1600/RW%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">I really expected Reilly would pick something green, so I was quite surprised when she brought this dove-grey crushed velvet dress. She laughed at that and said that Irish people don't usually wear green on St. Patrick's Day. In fact, in a lot of more rural parts of Ireland, Paddy's Day isn't nearly as big a deal as it is in Dublin or England or America. The lines of this dress made me think of some of the dresses I've seen my friend Felicity wear for Irish dancing, so I wanted to find something that could be a focal point for a special occasion, like the embroidery designs on the bodices of Irish dance dresses.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoJE1wPxl7U/VQjYVUdxqDI/AAAAAAAAAfI/iNnKPIm2Nxg/s1600/RW%2BConnemara%2Bmarble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoJE1wPxl7U/VQjYVUdxqDI/AAAAAAAAAfI/iNnKPIm2Nxg/s1600/RW%2BConnemara%2Bmarble.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">This medallion couldn't have been more perfect. It has Celtic knotwork in the silver part, and the green stone in the center is a piece of marble from Connemara in Ireland. Reilly Wren thought it was kind of huge, but I pointed out that it's a special-occasion piece, not something she'd wear every time she wears the dress. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MuOnge90PA/VQjYXs5-UcI/AAAAAAAAAfk/S0UIn3kDgLQ/s1600/RW%2Bno%2Bmedallion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MuOnge90PA/VQjYXs5-UcI/AAAAAAAAAfk/S0UIn3kDgLQ/s1600/RW%2Bno%2Bmedallion.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">And I pointed out that she can take the medallion off when she plays the fiddle, since it would get in her way. So then Reilly decided she liked it. :-) (She still wasn't quite sure about the Dublin sign I picked for the photo shoot, though, since she's from the west of Ireland... but the sign belongs to my friend Rachel, who DID live in Dublin!)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nenYn8Ssblw/VQjYVPiFo5I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/dVajeh0r83A/s1600/RW%2Bboots%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nenYn8Ssblw/VQjYVPiFo5I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/dVajeh0r83A/s1600/RW%2Bboots%2B2.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">It's still quite chilly, so even though in a week or two Reilly Wren might wear the dress with a cute pair of flats, this week I chose some opaque white tights and grey felt ankle boots. Reilly liked them because she said they make a nice sound on hard flooring, so she can keep time by tapping her foot, even if she's not playing her drum.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGH99K7HX-A/VQjYVYwFPNI/AAAAAAAAAfY/PiQnHbpd-0o/s1600/RW%2Bhair%2Bclip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGH99K7HX-A/VQjYVYwFPNI/AAAAAAAAAfY/PiQnHbpd-0o/s1600/RW%2Bhair%2Bclip.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We kept her hair simple, just pulling it back out of her eyes with a couple of mother-of-pearl clips.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XWP-UOJdIg/VQjYXjokb4I/AAAAAAAAAfw/JREkxQXeYwE/s1600/RW%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XWP-UOJdIg/VQjYXjokb4I/AAAAAAAAAfw/JREkxQXeYwE/s1600/RW%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">At the end of the photo shoot today, Reilly Wren asked Tegan and me, 'Where's the craic for Paddy's Day around here?' Fortunately, Rachel has taught me before that when an Irish person asks ' where's the craic' (</span><i style="line-height: 18px;">crack</i><span style="line-height: 18px;">), it means 'where's the fun stuff'? She was disappointed when I told her we didn't have any good plans in Bruton, because students aren't allowed to go to the pub. Reilly Wren talked to Rachel about it, and the two of them decided to make their own Irish fun. They enlisted help from Rachel's best friend Kinneret, and before you could say Jack Robinson, they'd put together a </span><span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">céilí for tonight at our local coffee shop! Reilly's going to sing and play, and Rachel's going to recite some Irish poetry. I know Autumn will do some Scottish dancing for us, and Tegan will play her guitar. I might even do a bit of singing myself, who knows? It should be a grand time. Are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day where you live?</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lá Fhéile Pádraig (<i>LAW ay-leh PAW-drig</i> -- that means 'Happy St. Patrick's Day' in Irish!) from me, Reilly Wren, and all of us at the Bruton School!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Outfit details:</span></u></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Velvet dress: </i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Closet4Chloe" target="_blank">Closet 4 Chloe</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Tights:</i> AG, but I don't remember which outfit!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Ankle boots:</i> <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/set/id/2285/uid/979" target="_blank">AG Grace's meet boots</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Medallion:</i> Brooch that I got on a visit to Connemara, Ireland</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Dublin sign:</i> <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/DUBLIN-IRELAND-Ireland-Aluminum-Inches/dp/B00I1IDHMG/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1426645605&sr=8-13&keywords=dublin+sign" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Irish flag:</i> Mine is from <a href="http://www.scotlandhouseltd.com/" target="_blank">Scotland House, Ltd.</a>, in Williamsburg, Virginia, but you can find them easily on eBay</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-32294928556625213052015-03-11T14:06:00.002-07:002015-03-11T14:06:48.079-07:00C'est ChicMy wish from last week has come true -- in the last few days, spring has definitely sprung around here. Today is warm and rainy, all our snow has melted away, and our clocks have leapt an hour forward so the evening stays lighter longer. This is one of my favourite times of the year, because the whole world is soon to be full of colours and flowers. Spring is also great for fashion -- no more bundling up against the cold or hiding outfits behind bulky coats! It's time to bring out your best style. Today I want to showcase a really stylish transitional look that the beautiful Amy Jinn will be modelling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZKIyikgCno/VQCmwwjvyXI/AAAAAAAAAeU/juSxs6-RS-4/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZKIyikgCno/VQCmwwjvyXI/AAAAAAAAAeU/juSxs6-RS-4/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
Plaid has been so fashionable this year. This checked dress isn't exactly plaid, but it evokes it, and the lighter, simpler pattern makes me think of the lightness of spring. Since it's still a bit cool, this layered look is plenty warm. But the shorter sleeves and lighter colours definitely look forward to warmer days ahead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9NOKVmu9Xw/VQCmw8qaLDI/AAAAAAAAAeM/yqj05cO7MPU/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%2Bdress%2Btexture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9NOKVmu9Xw/VQCmw8qaLDI/AAAAAAAAAeM/yqj05cO7MPU/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%2Bdress%2Btexture.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The dress, as you can see here, is a nice thick wool. It's lined inside so it won't be itchy. Did you know that colour has different aspects -- hue, saturation, and lightness? I bet you did if you have a mobile phone with a camera. 'Hue' is what we usually think of as colour -- it has to do with the wavelength of light that your eyeballs are perceiving as colour. The 'saturation' is how intense or pure that hue is: a pure hue has no grey in it. Hues of various saturations are often mixed with white to make them lighter, or with black to make them darker -- that's 'lightness', obviously. I've paired Amy Jinn's dress with magenta tights. These colours work together because they're the same hue; it's just that the dress has a tiny touch of grey (that is, it's slightly less saturated than the tights) and lot of white that make it pink, whereas the tights are dark.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zoZUrlxPOO8/VQCmwnGBMOI/AAAAAAAAAeI/ZN_klhw6Sv4/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%2Bbox%2Bpleats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zoZUrlxPOO8/VQCmwnGBMOI/AAAAAAAAAeI/ZN_klhw6Sv4/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%2Bbox%2Bpleats.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I chose to accessorise the outfit with black and grey because I was thinking about hue, saturation, and lightness. To balance out the dark tights, I topped the dress with this black faux-leather cropped jacket. I love the simplicity of this piece: no collar, no closures, lots of straight lines. It really balances the pattern of checks nicely, and the straight-edged lapels continue and elongate the box pleats that give the front of this dress some architectural detail. Putting the black jacket in the centre of the outfit meant I needed to balance it above and below so it wouldn't look too harsh. So the knit hat continues the lightening motif...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwrhmkWawm0/VQCm2AEkrKI/AAAAAAAAAe0/vUm8q09ePFI/s1600/Amy%2BJinn's%2BOG%2Bdress%2Band%2Bboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwrhmkWawm0/VQCm2AEkrKI/AAAAAAAAAe0/vUm8q09ePFI/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%27s%2BOG%2Bdress%2Band%2Bboots.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
...while the medium grey boots balance the look on the bottom. The dress is by Our Generation -- wow, they've really been stepping up their fashion game lately! I love them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NdxbAzmIMs/VQCmzjps3JI/AAAAAAAAAes/uVUpBbXoiXU/s1600/Amy%2BJinn's%2BElsa%2Bbraid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NdxbAzmIMs/VQCmzjps3JI/AAAAAAAAAes/uVUpBbXoiXU/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%27s%2BElsa%2Bbraid.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Such a clean-lined outfit inspired me to pull back Amy Jinn's lush curls so they wouldn't be too overwhelming. But I wanted to keep her hair soft, too, so the overall look wouldn't be severe. We just pulled her hair into the loosest possible Elsa-style braid, and didn't even secure it. The whole point is to be messy-neat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wb-Kkpz8k58/VQCmx0N_j4I/AAAAAAAAAek/BYm242V82Mg/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wb-Kkpz8k58/VQCmx0N_j4I/AAAAAAAAAek/BYm242V82Mg/s1600/Amy%2BJinn%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This is really a go-anywhere outfit -- school, the shops, work, the cinema, anywhere. What do you think?<br /><br /><i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Dress and hat: </i><a href="http://ogdolls.com/accessories/check-out" target="_blank">Our Generation "Check This Out" outfit</a><br />
<i>Jacket:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/izzadorabelle" target="_blank">Izzadorabelle</a><br />
<i>Tights:</i> <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/189193/ctc/SI" target="_blank">AG Bitty Baby Sweet Snowflake outfit</a><br />
<i>Boots:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/loreliecreations" target="_blank">Lorelie Creations</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-54530727377070647732015-03-05T11:47:00.001-08:002015-03-05T11:50:25.912-08:00Too Cool for SchoolAs I type up this post, sleet is ticking on my dorm room window... it looks like winter may keep us out of school again tomorrow. Is it <i>ever</i> going to be spring?! The thing I miss about spring and summer isn't so much the weather as it is the colour. I really want to see the bright colours again; everything in winter is so stark and bare. So in today's post I'm going to try and bring you some bright, cheerful colour in the middle of winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHTc2bkYRzw/VPioxbFHX8I/AAAAAAAAAcw/4MLODrbfKoY/s1600/Audra%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHTc2bkYRzw/VPioxbFHX8I/AAAAAAAAAcw/4MLODrbfKoY/s1600/Audra%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This outfit is a great example of how shopping in your friends' closets can be even better than shopping in your own. The only thing I'm wearing here that belongs to me is the blue flower barrette (well, and my undies, lol; definitely can't borrow those!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KypTBcb6pNQ/VPio0DxlzdI/AAAAAAAAAdU/3myKHI4JjB8/s1600/Audra's%2Bshirt%2Bdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KypTBcb6pNQ/VPio0DxlzdI/AAAAAAAAAdU/3myKHI4JjB8/s1600/Audra's%2Bshirt%2Bdetail.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This bright green shirt belongs to Tamsyn. I love the little sequined butterfly and bow on the collar -- just the teensiest touch of sparkle makes this shirt something special. Peter Pan collars like this were particularly popular for girls in the 1920s, and Tamsyn's style often harks back to that era. But it's continued to be popular for many years since, so it works well for my style, too, even though I often prefer clothes with a '60s or '70s vibe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usm_OMiiVYg/VPioz42rDPI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/Ob8emoxR2Ac/s1600/Audra's%2Bpants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usm_OMiiVYg/VPioz42rDPI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/Ob8emoxR2Ac/s1600/Audra's%2Bpants.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next are these completely awesome tie-dye corduroy trousers that belong to Tegan. She loves them because they're funky and all the colours of the ocean -- blue, purple, teal, green. I love them because they're so bright, and because tie-dye was all the rage in the late '60s. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRYh8z-5ZjA/VPio0jVCbNI/AAAAAAAAAdg/TQhtgUTUwP4/s1600/Audra's%2Bshoes%2Band%2Bpants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRYh8z-5ZjA/VPio0jVCbNI/AAAAAAAAAdg/TQhtgUTUwP4/s1600/Audra's%2Bshoes%2Band%2Bpants.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The hiking boots belong to Arpana. They're sturdy enough to keep my feet warm and dry in this cold, wet weather. Hey, a girl has to be practical sometimes, right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0KoO8YNZts/VPioy7PCmCI/AAAAAAAAAdI/JFi49PgEgvk/s1600/Audra's%2Bcoat%2Btexture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0KoO8YNZts/VPioy7PCmCI/AAAAAAAAAdI/JFi49PgEgvk/s1600/Audra's%2Bcoat%2Btexture.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I topped everything off with a real showstopper of a coat -- Kinneret's leather trench, which she was SUPER-generous about letting me borrow. I love this thing! It takes me right back to the '70s. Have you ever heard of a movie called <i>Shaft</i>? I haven't seen the original one from 1971, but a new <i>Shaft</i> movie came out in 2000, and I watched it with some friends on telly a few months ago (even though I'm too young, shhhh!) It's about a really tough New York police officer called John Shaft who hunts down drug dealers and murderers. Anyway, Samuel L. Jackson, who is almost the coolest actor in the universe (Idris Elba, of course, is the coolest... I plan to marry him), plays John Shaft, and he wears a coat like this. I feel cool and tough and brave in this coat. Isn't it funny how much your clothing can affect your mood?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gA8qjGx1oQ8/VPioxmIuLuI/AAAAAAAAAc0/z3tk_TaOSHw/s1600/Audra's%2Bcoat%2Blining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gA8qjGx1oQ8/VPioxmIuLuI/AAAAAAAAAc0/z3tk_TaOSHw/s1600/Audra's%2Bcoat%2Blining.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm pretty sure Shaft's leather coat doesn't have this amazing Disney cartoon lining, though. If I get bored, I can just read the inside of my jacket!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua-4AwVBSmc/VPioxJhxjqI/AAAAAAAAAdE/JEBEDAAGXYM/s1600/Audra%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua-4AwVBSmc/VPioxJhxjqI/AAAAAAAAAdE/JEBEDAAGXYM/s1600/Audra%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
<br />
In this outfit that I pulled together from my friends' closets, I'm ready for anything. Now I just need to find an adventure!<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Shirt</i>: <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/226558/uid/207" target="_blank">AG School Days outfit</a><br />
<i>Trousers:</i> Addi Jane Clothing (Sadly, this Etsy shop is no longer open.)<br />
<i>Faux-leather Le Marais coat:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LiasDollBoutique" target="_blank">Lia's Doll Boutique</a><br />
<i>Hiking boots:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MjsDollBoutique18T?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Mj's Doll Boutique 18T</a><br />
<i>Barrette:</i> VintageAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-82834705791962645092015-02-26T19:23:00.000-08:002015-02-26T19:23:29.629-08:00A Short(s) WinterEven though I've mentioned snow a couple of times on my blog this winter, we really have fairly gentle winters here at the Bruton School. It's only really cold for about a month... and, wow, this is that month! Some of my friends love the cold (looking at you, Charlie, Honor, Eve, Rebecca, and Vesper!), but I'm looking forward to the warm weather's return. So this week I'm featuring an outfit I put together for my very first photo shoot with my new friend, Natalie Hadley-Braithwaite -- an outfit that includes SHORTS in the winter!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ss2xDFiNnY/VO_atDboofI/AAAAAAAAAb4/aRTtObViIlU/s1600/Natalie%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ss2xDFiNnY/VO_atDboofI/AAAAAAAAAb4/aRTtObViIlU/s1600/Natalie%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Natalie is new to our school this semester. One of her favourite things to do is help her dad in his garage, where he repairs and rebuilds classic cars. But Natalie is also a really 'girly' girl -- she loves dresses and make-up and romantic colours and being stylish. She's from a town called Whitby, on the northern coast of Yorkshire, and it gets <b>really</b> cold on the Yorkshire coast in the winter. Natalie's been complaining about how warm the month of January was here. So I decided to go with a really trendy look for her that involves lots of layers, so she can decide how much warmth she wants to layer on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTp_X1KYZQc/VO_a0OfKicI/AAAAAAAAAcM/oUfQ-sl921g/s1600/Natalie's%2Bshorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTp_X1KYZQc/VO_a0OfKicI/AAAAAAAAAcM/oUfQ-sl921g/s1600/Natalie's%2Bshorts.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
First, these shorts. You guys, I love these so much. They're pretty much a cabled sweater turned into a pair of shorts. The ribbing at the leg opening keeps them from sagging and losing their shape, the way knits sometimes do. The few sequins give the shorts just a bit of sparkle. I love the winter-white shade.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qozuYipvScc/VO_a0OPs58I/AAAAAAAAAcE/hlyjf4Lmh6g/s1600/Natalie's%2Bboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qozuYipvScc/VO_a0OPs58I/AAAAAAAAAcE/hlyjf4Lmh6g/s1600/Natalie's%2Bboots.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The leggings layered under the shorts are the same colour as the shorts, and they add a nice layer of warmth. The black boots are simple and clean-lined, without a lot of fancy details. They work together with Natalie's simple black shirt to ensure that the shorts are the star of the outfit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tGhePHfetM/VO_a1ool5qI/AAAAAAAAAcY/VzfZ8Mo0etQ/s1600/Natalie's%2Bvest%2C%2Bshirt%2C%2Band%2Bnecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tGhePHfetM/VO_a1ool5qI/AAAAAAAAAcY/VzfZ8Mo0etQ/s1600/Natalie's%2Bvest%2C%2Bshirt%2C%2Band%2Bnecklace.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
But you know I can't resist having a pop of colour in this otherwise neutral outfit! So over the black knit shirt I've layered a very lightweight knit vest in a rich plum purple. As we learned in my recent post featuring Autumn in her cardigan and kilt, purple is the go-to colour for green-eyed people. Natalie has really unusual light green-blue eyes, and you can really see how the purple vest brings them out. Also, do you remember the heart necklace I wore on Valentine's Day, that I said belonged to Natalie? Here's the proof that I returned it to her. ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCAP0lMU5yI/VO_a0BW-zmI/AAAAAAAAAcI/S_rE13Ps1YA/s1600/Natalie%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCAP0lMU5yI/VO_a0BW-zmI/AAAAAAAAAcI/S_rE13Ps1YA/s1600/Natalie%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B4.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a slightly out-of-the-ordinary outfit that you might not be able to wear every day, but if it's not too cold and you're feeling adventurous, it's a really cool look. I hope you think so, too!<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details</u>:</i><br />
<i>Shorts and leggings: </i><a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/246372" target="_blank">AG Winter White outfit</a><br />
<i>T-shirt:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lynniejo" target="_blank">LynnieJo's</a><br />
<i>Vest:</i> <a href="http://ogdolls.com/accessories/boho-beauty" target="_blank">Our Generation Boho Beauty outfit</a><br />
<i>Boots:</i> <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/209129/ctc/SI" target="_blank">AG Fashion Boots</a><br />
<i>Necklace:</i> VintageAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-32278606426809523922015-02-20T19:46:00.000-08:002015-02-20T19:47:10.991-08:00Explore in StyleYikes, I'm really late with this week's post! We got a bunch of snow on Monday night, and it doesn't snow here very often, so everything's been in a bit of a tizzy all week. I did get some great pictures of some of my friends in the snow, but it turns out temperatures way below freezing aren't so great for fashion photo shoots, lol. Instead, I'm going to post a shoot that Tegan and I did with Rowan a few weeks ago. Hope you enjoy! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fhXO9azIIno/VOf3tHw-wYI/AAAAAAAAAbI/AZHIyjxTXQg/s1600/Rowan%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fhXO9azIIno/VOf3tHw-wYI/AAAAAAAAAbI/AZHIyjxTXQg/s1600/Rowan%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B4.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rowan is practically never inside. She always wants to be outside, looking for new and challenging experiences. So her style tends to be extremely sporty, and many of her clothes are made more for comfort and convenience than they are for style. So my challenge with this outfit was to put together a look that Rowan could wear... maybe not when she's mountain-climbing or bungee jumping, but at least when she's simply out hiking around on a nice day. I started with a gorgeous pair of dark-washed, high-waisted jeans. These are <b>so</b> trendy right now! The fit is perfect for Rowan -- slim, but not so skinny that she can't stretch and move in them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-batcOIGblZw/VOf3wX9XNtI/AAAAAAAAAbk/ajHRY6Zx6CU/s1600/Rowan's%2Btie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-batcOIGblZw/VOf3wX9XNtI/AAAAAAAAAbk/ajHRY6Zx6CU/s1600/Rowan's%2Btie.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This bright coral-and-cream striped blouse was my focal point. It's a real attention-getter, especially because the fringed tie at the neck. The colours look amazing with Rowan's creamy skin, warm hair, and amber eyes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRQLTOF9qOE/VOf3vRxj5xI/AAAAAAAAAbc/cIB5Jhd0Ys8/s1600/Rowan's%2Bhair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRQLTOF9qOE/VOf3vRxj5xI/AAAAAAAAAbc/cIB5Jhd0Ys8/s1600/Rowan's%2Bhair.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next I added a rugged canvas hooded vest. The purple lining is an unexpected subtle contrast with the blouse. The vest has pockets for carrying stuff Rowan might need on a hike -- a protein bar, a compass, her keys. The hood is useful if it's a soft day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPoTt6oPwro/VOf3uJ1qKjI/AAAAAAAAAbY/SCVm-rRQlag/s1600/Rowan's%2Bboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPoTt6oPwro/VOf3uJ1qKjI/AAAAAAAAAbY/SCVm-rRQlag/s1600/Rowan%27s%2Bboots.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I topped things off with these <i>epic</i> combat boots. Check out the wee pocket on the side -- it's a real pocket, not just for looks! Rowan can tuck a five-pound note in there... you know, just in case she gets tired of walking and needs to hire a cab to bring her home. ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FeXcnfkeKXY/VOf3r5Dhj4I/AAAAAAAAAbA/euxwQblkR5I/s1600/Rowan%2Bbeing%2Bbeautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FeXcnfkeKXY/VOf3r5Dhj4I/AAAAAAAAAbA/euxwQblkR5I/s1600/Rowan%2Bbeing%2Bbeautiful.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
A final picture of Rowan's hair, because I am simply in love with it. Those curls are delicious! I think Rowan looks just gorgeous in this outfit. It's practical and stylish at the same time, proving that you don't have to sacrifice fashion just because you're an athlete!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AobV76et44E/VOf3tBDqYnI/AAAAAAAAAbM/uK08PgfOrdo/s1600/Rowan%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AobV76et44E/VOf3tBDqYnI/AAAAAAAAAbM/uK08PgfOrdo/s1600/Rowan%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>High-waist jeans: </i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaddiesGirls" target="_blank">Maddie's Girls</a><br />
<i>Striped blouse:</i> <a href="http://ogdolls.com/accessories/beyond-cozy" target="_blank">Our Generation "Beyond Cozy" outfit</a><br />
<i>Hooded vest:</i> Vintage (I'm pretty sure it's OG, but Tegan's had it for so long that it she can't remember where it came from, and it doesn't have any tags!)<br />
<i>Boots:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ValsUniqueBoutique" target="_blank">Val's Unique Boutique</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-73072846584854300882015-02-10T18:27:00.001-08:002015-02-10T18:27:50.795-08:00P. S. I Love YouGuess what? Valentine's Day came early for me! On Friday, the postman brought me a whole pile of wonderful valentines from family and friends. So I decided this weekend to put together a Valentine's Day outfit and show you some of the wonderful, thoughtful valentines I received. Hang on to your hats, kids; this post is pic heavy!<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftH0P8Q-aDQ/VNquqBpoJYI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/RjPbmkR7d4E/s1600/Audra%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftH0P8Q-aDQ/VNquqBpoJYI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/RjPbmkR7d4E/s1600/Audra%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I love bright colours, so when I opened the package from my grandma and found this bright pink skirt, I was so excited to build an outfit around it. Rather than reaching for a really romantic top to go with the tutu-style skirt, I decided to try for a more retro look. I'm most drawn to styles from the '60s and '70s, so I opted for a simple '70s-style turtleneck. It was unusually warm this weekend, but if it had been colder, I would have added some plain pale-pink tights. Instead, I just chose pink T-strap mary janes. I topped off my outfit with a pink bow for my hair, a necklace I borrowed from my friend Natalie (you'll meet her soon!), and a purse that was a gift from my lovely Mama.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CxcpznnwEw/VNqutQGHMHI/AAAAAAAAAac/wXDGmXxfxTg/s1600/Audra's%2Bskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CxcpznnwEw/VNqutQGHMHI/AAAAAAAAAac/wXDGmXxfxTg/s1600/Audra's%2Bskirt.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The tulle skirt, which is made by one of my favourite designers, Janie Jumps, has tone-on-tone polka dots. It's lined underneath with pink cotton. It's so bright and cheerful; I love it. Doesn't my grandma have great taste? I think it's going to be very popular among my friends... I hope they still let me wear it sometimes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxmcc5zbL5g/VNqurTwoqDI/AAAAAAAAAaM/Tf1fr6ZuX_E/s1600/Audra's%2Bnecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxmcc5zbL5g/VNqurTwoqDI/AAAAAAAAAaM/Tf1fr6ZuX_E/s1600/Audra%27s%2Bnecklace.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the necklace that I borrowed from Natalie. Perfect for Valentine's Day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DVdDs7RDcU/VNquqpVVuJI/AAAAAAAAAaA/-aWyu2Oimu4/s1600/Audra's%2Bballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DVdDs7RDcU/VNquqpVVuJI/AAAAAAAAAaA/-aWyu2Oimu4/s1600/Audra's%2Bballoon.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My sweet Mum sent this awesome balloon. I love balloons! When it starts to deflate, I'll open it up, suck out the helium, and make myself talk funny. :-) Have you ever done that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JnAj2AKDqA/VNqury0DQ2I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/UrVEYIZ2sQU/s1600/Audra's%2Bpillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JnAj2AKDqA/VNqury0DQ2I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/UrVEYIZ2sQU/s1600/Audra's%2Bpillow.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Mum's gift also included this cute pillow for my bed. It made me laugh, because I already AM hers, lol! Mum and Mama adopted me when I was only three days old, so I've been Mum's and Mama's daughter all my life. (As an aside, I love this picture Tegan took. The focus and colours are so fun.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOmEjOtyauo/VNqutMS-b9I/AAAAAAAAAag/mn_d13p7sg8/s1600/Audra's%2Bpurse%2Band%2Bmovie%2Btickets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOmEjOtyauo/VNqutMS-b9I/AAAAAAAAAag/mn_d13p7sg8/s1600/Audra%27s%2Bpurse%2Band%2Bmovie%2Btickets.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's a better picture of the lovely purse my Mama sent. I love that it will match almost <i>anything</i>. Mama tucked a present inside her present: a bunch of tickets to the cinema! Charlie and I can watch movies for months!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbJ_s_Q6y2I/VNquuCl09PI/AAAAAAAAAas/kk_aWwtgt_Y/s1600/Audra's%2Bvalentine%2Bfrom%2BInky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbJ_s_Q6y2I/VNquuCl09PI/AAAAAAAAAas/kk_aWwtgt_Y/s1600/Audra%27s%2Bvalentine%2Bfrom%2BInky.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last, but most definitely NOT least, I received the most wonderful surprise: a valentine from my beautiful friend Inky, who lives in the States! Isn't it the cleverest valentine you've ever seen? Can you see how there are two slits cut into the picture where Inky's hand is, and there's a real lollipop stuck through them so it looks just as if Inky's holding it? <i>How cool is that?!</i> She thoughtfully put it in this nifty faux-bois bag, with an "A" for Audra, in case the lolly fell out. I'm going to put the picture of Inky on my bedroom wall. The lolly I'm saving to eat on Valentine's Day. Thank you so, so much, Inky!!! <3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gjs_PRG5SVM/VNqupUzRNuI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/TbO4jDkDWFA/s1600/Audra%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gjs_PRG5SVM/VNqupUzRNuI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/TbO4jDkDWFA/s1600/Audra%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B3.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope YOU have a wonderful Valentine's Day! Be sure to tell your friends and family how much you love them, and I hope they shower you with love also. And <i>I</i> love you too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Skirt:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JanieJumps" target="_blank">Janie Jumps</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Turtleneck:</i> <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/271477/uid/494" target="_blank">AG Julie's Classic Meet Outfit</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Shoes: </i><a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/238817" target="_blank">AG Kit's Candy-Making Set</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Necklace: </i>I'm embarrassed to say I don't remember! It was a gift with a purchase, but I don't remember who so generously gave it. :( </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Purse and movie tickets:<a href="http://ogdolls.com/accessories/night-movies" target="_blank"> </a></i><a href="http://ogdolls.com/accessories/night-movies" target="_blank">Our Generation (Target) Night at the Movies set</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Balloon: </i>Dollar Tree</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Pillow:</i> McDonald's Happy Meal toy</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-42211331948136788602015-02-03T19:25:00.001-08:002015-02-03T19:49:59.392-08:00Burns Night, Belated<i>Come, bumpers high, express your joy,</i><br />
<i>The bowl we maun renew it,</i><br />
<i>The tappet hen, gae bring her ben,</i><br />
<i>To welcome Willie Stewart. </i><br />
<i>You're welcome, Willie Stewart, </i><br />
<i>You're welcome, Willie Stewart,</i><br />
<i>There's ne'er a flower that blooms in May</i><br />
<i>That's half sae welcome's thou art!</i><br />
-- Robert Burns, "You're Welcome, Willie Stewart"<br />
<br />
I have a new friend to introduce to you all this week. She's only just started at the Bruton School this term. Her name's not Willie Stewart; it's Autumn MacGillivray. If it hadn't snowed last week and I hadn't been so excited about Eve's outfit, I would have made this post last week. Why? Because 25 January is Burns Night, a day to celebrate Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns, and like Burns, Autumn is Scottish. Have you ever heard of the Loch Ness monster? Well, Autumn is from the town of Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland, right next to Loch Ness! Sadly, though, she tells me she's never once seen hide nor hair -- scale? -- of the monster.<br />
<br />
Today's post features an outfit designed and created by one of my all-time favorite designers, Karen at Forever 18 Inches (link below). Thank you, Karen!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukkc2_WYmbE/VNGGzrd53uI/AAAAAAAAAYg/_c_O7-PPufc/s1600/Autumn%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukkc2_WYmbE/VNGGzrd53uI/AAAAAAAAAYg/_c_O7-PPufc/s1600/Autumn%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
I know, I know, the plaid kilt-style skirt is such a cliché to choose for a Scottish person I've just met, isn't it? *facepalm* But I knew this combination of purples and taupe would be simply stunning on her, so I was delighted when Autumn loved it immediately.<br />
<br />
One of the national symbols of Scotland is the thistle, which is a prickly purple flower (well, it's a weed, actually...):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nCvb9W97mE/VNGO04Pjm8I/AAAAAAAAAZc/TpkXcx5WrLA/s1600/Milk_thistle_flowerhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nCvb9W97mE/VNGO04Pjm8I/AAAAAAAAAZc/TpkXcx5WrLA/s1600/Milk_thistle_flowerhead.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What's more, one of the loveliest sights you can imagine is the purple heather that blooms all over the Scottish Highlands, appropriately enough, in the autumn:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FKoatOF4g4o/VNGO0fYNJmI/AAAAAAAAAZY/QjZ0u_vp4zY/s1600/heather%2Bvalley%2Bshorty%2Bautumn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FKoatOF4g4o/VNGO0fYNJmI/AAAAAAAAAZY/QjZ0u_vp4zY/s1600/heather%2Bvalley%2Bshorty%2Bautumn.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was thinking about these things when it dawned on me that purple was the perfect colour to highlight new-friend Autumn's dark green eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAt9sSjzXlg/VNGGzV-p-OI/AAAAAAAAAY0/teAYtklUG_s/s1600/Autumn%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAt9sSjzXlg/VNGGzV-p-OI/AAAAAAAAAY0/teAYtklUG_s/s1600/Autumn%2B11.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
So this heathered purple cardigan, with its blue tones that contrast with Autumn's red hair, couldn't have been a better choice for her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfFvU0sLK3Q/VNGG2GIU_MI/AAAAAAAAAZA/6ypVbmc5SqU/s1600/Autumn%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfFvU0sLK3Q/VNGG2GIU_MI/AAAAAAAAAZA/6ypVbmc5SqU/s1600/Autumn%2B7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The 'shirt' under the purple cardigan is actually another cardigan! It has short sleeves and buttons that keep it closed, though, which makes it great for layering under as well as over other things. It's a lightweight rayon knit, and the texture of the fabric works really plays off the heathered cardigan well. The bright purple of the cardigan could come off as less sophisticated if it were paired with a bright white, but this light taupe shade tames it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGLSgaUIG0w/VNGG2D1Ij3I/AAAAAAAAAZE/G16mJ_A6M64/s1600/Autumn%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGLSgaUIG0w/VNGG2D1Ij3I/AAAAAAAAAZE/G16mJ_A6M64/s1600/Autumn%2B9.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a clearer shot of the gorgeous plaid pleated skirt. Autumn told me that the kilt hose that Scottish men wear with their kilts should be two to three fingers' length below their kneecaps. But since Autumn's a girl and this isn't actually a kilt, we decided to go with textured over-the-knee stockings. The dark brown combat-style boots bring a bit of an edge to the outfit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTywf3mvd4Q/VNGG0jueMYI/AAAAAAAAAY8/HNw9VLeaDUw/s1600/Autumn%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTywf3mvd4Q/VNGG0jueMYI/AAAAAAAAAY8/HNw9VLeaDUw/s1600/Autumn%2B6.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
There's no way I was going to do <b>anything</b> to Autumn's stunning red hair, except let it fall in its own natural heavy curls. Isn't it the most gorgeous colour you've ever seen?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cdOmemzaqU/VNGGzl0FfEI/AAAAAAAAAYw/NL00hmE4ZpI/s1600/Autumn%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cdOmemzaqU/VNGGzl0FfEI/AAAAAAAAAYw/NL00hmE4ZpI/s1600/Autumn%2B13.jpg" height="640" width="410" /></a></div>
<br />
Tegan and I had such a great time getting to know Autumn a bit during this photo shoot. I can't wait to get to know her even better this term!<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i>Cardigan, shirt/cardigan, and skirt: </i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Forever18Inches" target="_blank">Forever 18 Inches</a><br />
<i>Stockings:</i> <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/142550" target="_blank">AG Addy's Birthday Outfit</a><br />
<i>Boots:</i> Christmas gift (I think they may have come from <a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a>)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415860425311230995.post-47476750698333279932015-01-27T20:42:00.001-08:002015-01-27T20:42:27.319-08:00The snow must go on!I'm so excited because we finally got some snow! It's been unusually warm here so far this winter. But when I woke up this morning, there was a beautiful dusting of snow on the ground. I knew it would melt by afternoon, so I ran to get Tegan and Eve so that we could take some pictures while it lasted. Fortunately, Eve had some new winter things in her closet that just begged to be modelled. :)<br />
<br />
It's hard for me to imagine that I haven't yet introduced you to Eve Meyrick. She's been here at school for months and months, and it feels as though I've known her forever! Eve is from a town on the coast of Wales called Holyhead, in Anglesey. Holyhead is also home to a high-speed ferry that takes people back and forth across the Irish Sea to the port at Dun Laoghaire. Eve's father is one of the ferry captains. (She's promised that I can come visit this summer and we'll take the ferry across to Ireland and meet Rachel for a day out in Dublin!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7sz6e6QrVc/VMhiiPLwNnI/AAAAAAAAAX0/wDV3BntKS5k/s1600/Eve%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7sz6e6QrVc/VMhiiPLwNnI/AAAAAAAAAX0/wDV3BntKS5k/s1600/Eve%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see, it was still snowing while we were outside. Eve was toasty-warm in her winter layers... except that I kind of forgot to include gloves. Oops. She was a sport, though, and she didn't complain -- much! She did have a knitted hat to keep her head warm, though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3M2DXRFxUo/VMhimAse6gI/AAAAAAAAAYE/GO-HA-TX6Ls/s1600/Eve's%2Bquilted%2Bhoodie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3M2DXRFxUo/VMhimAse6gI/AAAAAAAAAYE/GO-HA-TX6Ls/s1600/Eve's%2Bquilted%2Bhoodie.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The most important and visible element of this outfit is the quilted hoodie. Is there anything more cosy than quilting? I think there isn't.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YvfnH1QKHCg/VMhil0vGFbI/AAAAAAAAAYA/TqEQ5VL0oUo/s1600/Eve's%2Bhood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YvfnH1QKHCg/VMhil0vGFbI/AAAAAAAAAYA/TqEQ5VL0oUo/s1600/Eve's%2Bhood.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
The hood is lined with red and black flannel in an always-classic buffalo plaid. Buffalo plaid always brings to mind lumberjacks in snowy forests. I love this hoodie because the plaid doesn't dominate; it's just a rustic accent to the clean-lined charcoal shirt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJIGfyEhAZY/VMhimp9WiwI/AAAAAAAAAYU/oukC037JVdo/s1600/Eve's%2Blayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJIGfyEhAZY/VMhimp9WiwI/AAAAAAAAAYU/oukC037JVdo/s1600/Eve%27s%2Blayers.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
Layers are key in winter, and Eve's got them. Under the hoodie she's wearing a thermal-knit, tunic-length tank with light grey and white stripes. The little plaid patches are so cute! The charcoal grey leggings wouldn't be very warm by themselves, so Eve's wearing them with thick wool boot socks. I love these things. Don't they make you think of sock monkeys?! Her black corduroy boots are lined with a teeny-tiny black, white, and red plaid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASN3r8U1g2w/VMhiiN0rLTI/AAAAAAAAAX4/QE0lSKzBHvU/s1600/Eve's%2Bhair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASN3r8U1g2w/VMhiiN0rLTI/AAAAAAAAAX4/QE0lSKzBHvU/s1600/Eve%27s%2Bhair.jpg" height="640" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />
Eve often wears her hair in braids. Rather than simple plain ones, today we jazzed them up! First we made an asymmetric French braid on the left side that pulled her hair back from her face. Then we made a second braid on the right with the remaining hair. Can you see the incredibly detailed six-sided snowflake a little bit above the right braid, and the other one halfway down it? They look like Stars of David!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buXRzgah4M4/VMhihOE6auI/AAAAAAAAAXs/cxBWIDELroM/s1600/Eve%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buXRzgah4M4/VMhihOE6auI/AAAAAAAAAXs/cxBWIDELroM/s1600/Eve%2Bhero%2Bshot%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
After that chilly photo shoot, we all came inside for a cup of tea and some breakfast. Lucky Tegan and me... Eve is the most amazing baker you've ever met, and she made us fresh scones with clotted cream and jam. (Those are usually for tea, but the Americans at our school tell us they often eat them for breakfast, and now a bunch of us are getting into the habit of doing it too!) They were SOOOOO good. What do you like to eat and drink after playing outside in the snow?<br />
<br />
<i><u>Outfit details:</u></i><br />
<i><u><br /></u></i>
<i>Hoodie, tunic, and boot socks:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/123MULBERRYSTREET" target="_blank">123 Mulberry Street</a><br />
<i>Leggings:</i> <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/142114/uid/819" target="_blank">AG Star Hoodie outfit (retired)</a><br />
<i>Hat:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChicDollBoutique" target="_blank">Chic Doll Boutique</a><br />
<i>Boots:</i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dollupmydoll" target="_blank">Doll Up My Doll</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948968122816291685noreply@blogger.com5