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.