Catalog Shuffle

 

I will have this hair! Anthropologie October Pg. 31

 

Because I was raised in small-town Indiana, the latest fashions were never at hand. Seeing new trends required a car and my mom to drive me to the nearest mall, which was about an hour away. One way I could always stay updated was by catalog shopping. Catalog shopping was more like window shopping for city girls. I would flip through the pages of Victoria Secret writing down every item I dreamt of and trying to copy the models’ make-up and hair in my bathroom. I would write wish lists that were never ordered. The funny thing is I still do it to this day. I still love the Victoria Secret catalog, but I also adore Anthropologie, J Crew, and Free People. I have a routine where I rip out the pages and post them to my bulletin board. Then I make a mental list of what I already have and what I need to re-create the look. Above is my newest hair obsession! I have been working for WEEKS at getting this hair and I am very close. I will post a DIY tutorial when I nail it.

 

Anthropologie October 2010 Fave

 

This was my favorite picture from 2010. I love her updo, dress, and tights. I wanted it all…and still do!

This look is from Free People. I totally want this outfit for Sunday Fundays; gloves, hat, and bag. This sweater is very relaxed and still a bit sexy. Perfect for mingling and beer drinking.

Sweet and Sultry

After reading this quote from the Creative Director for Chanel makeup, Peter Phillips on Beautiful Makeup Search, I was enticed to not only buy the SoHo collection, but to come up with other things that are a bit sweet and a bit sultry.

“For me, SoHo is a place where Bohemian ideals meet the toughness of the city… I love the tension and energy this creates.” says Peter Philips. “I had a specific girl in mind who is both hard and soft. A girl who discovers a new city, a new life. This is a very special kind of New York woman. She is innocent, but she has a steely determination that fuels the city.”

ROSE GOLD WATCH BY MICHAEL KORS

STETSON WOOL FEDORA

DOLCE VITA STORM BOOT

Fall: Accessorize Your Staples

Fall Accessorize by VintageGlamGirl on Polyvore.com

My black leather knee-high boots have scuffed their way through two years of long harsh winters and this year I am looking to update my wardrobe with a slightly different look. Being in a more fashion-forward industry and a strict budget, I am strategically planning my fall wardrobe based on updated trends and fashion staples that will last year after year.

My number one staple update is a pair of thigh-high suede black boots like these Sam Edelman’s. They have a sexy slender heel with a small platform, a great compromise for the height conscientious while still providing enough comfort. These boots will look great with dresses, skirts, and leggings; my favorite fall attire. The second most important staple is a jacket or vest of some sort. Since I will be wearing the black pleather H&M jacket from last year, I will update my wardrobe with a faux-fur vest that I can throw over almost anything. I love combining different patterns and textures and creating something unexpected. Think fur vest paired with a denim shirt, flannel, lace, or even with bare arms.

Small things that are less expensive, but still on trend are wool fedoras. You can find them anywhere from $10 and up. I will probably use my old one from H&M and update it with a feather flower pin from JCREW to add a punch. Large hobo bags are out and small crossbodies are all the rage. I love this suede satchel from Madewell with the chain strap.

No matter what your budget is take a good inventory of what you have from last season that is still in this season. Make a list of ways you can update it and then decide whether you want to splurge, save, or add a little do-it-yourself project. Don’t forget to rummage through vintage stores! You can probably find a lot of what you are looking for for a lot less of the cost. I found a pair of Crosby Square wing tips in the men’s section for $18! I could easily cross oxford off of my list and the $100 price tag.

Italian Love Affair

August Indiana months can be torturous due to the heat and humidity, so my favorite pastime is to find a cozy spot indoors and rummage through the latest fall magazines in search of my new fall wardrobe. Since I am still anticipating the big September issues I have already began pursuing my top fall boot picks from my favorite online stores. In the meantime I will be painting my toes dark purpley- reds and blacks and reminiscing over hot apple cider and flannels.

#1 Oxford Pick: Madewell Aberdene Two-Tone Oxford with removable fan (made in Italy)

#1 Biker Boot Pick: Madewell Biker Boot in black (made in Italy)

All I Need

traveling….. sipping….. smiling… wondering.. relaxing….. packing. joking… kissing……… disappearing. hoping.. longing…. gazing. laughing… daring. watching.

wishing………………

Photos from www.wmagazine.com

VAMP

Lately all of the current fashion magazines have got me drooling over the latest fall trends. Because I am a sucker for boots, leather, denim, and all things layered I decided to take advantage of the premiere of Eclipse and get a little vamped myself.

I took a bit of inspiration from Porenza Schouler (my alter ego wanna-be) and my ultimate inspiration for my Fall 2010 Want List.