Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Birthday JC!!!!!!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY JC!!!! 
Below is the JC cake that I made, that was created with a drawing of her, by me. 


Best Adult Halloween Costume of 2012 - The Trophy Wife

I love Halloween. I love creativeness. I love Annette.

This costume is so awesome. Such a great concept and execution. The Trophy Wife. Don't hate her in all her Gilded Glory, It's not her fault she's just so GOTDAM Gorgeous. She looks good on her man's arm sparkling in the twilight.

If you have any other super creative costumes... send me pics at readydressedgo@gmail.com
I'll post them. I love it.

YAY FOR MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Oct 30 - Vanessa - Cabin Fever Style

Hurricane Sandy... You won. JK #detroithurricane

But anyways, in honor of Sandy, I think we're just going to stay in today. It's freezing, it's slushy, the wind is approximately blowing at 12 million knots. There are branches everywhere, and everything outside is pretty much a mess. Actually this is kind of like a typical Michigan late-November weather come early. Even though this shouldn't really be a big deal, why not use it as an excuse to snuggle up with your boojies and a hot cuppa chocolate with extra marshmallows and have some pre-winter cuddle-fest?

Dress/Tunic - Alice & Olivia (gift of JC)
Running tights - Paradox (they are lined in fleece! cozy!)
Boots - Mall

Monday, October 29, 2012

Oct 29 - Cold Weather Style - Vanessa

Everyone is Complaining...

I really don't think it's that cold. But with the **HURRICANE** blazing through you do need some body coverage, that is chic, obviously. So here. Bam.
These jeans are my husband's. He is a fine art painter, and every time I wear them, people start conversations with me that start with, "So you're painting some rooms, huh?" and then they tell me some nightmareish story about a home-painting job gone wrong. hhahah.

Tuxedo Jacket - H&M
Tunic/Dress - Gift of JC
Jeans - Husband's
Shoes - Thrifted

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Street Style - Great Man Style - Metro Detroit


I saw this *super good looking* man when i was walking out of the model rehearsal on Saturday and I just loved the way he styled himself, love the hat, the glasses, the hoodie/vest.... everything. and plus, just so gorgeous and loving the facial hair. I knew he had to go up on RDG. This guy should be a MODEL, if he isn't already!! *high fives*

Happy National First Day of MoonBoots Day

Hello Best Purchase of My Life.... How've you been?

Today it was finally **Cold Eeeeenough in thaaa Deeeeeee** to bust out the MoonBoots for the first time this season. My feet cried with glee. There's nothing like sinking your toes into approximately 3 cubic yards of soft, cloudy goodness to just make you SCREAM OUT and THANK the weather for being so blustery and cold, windy and frigid, icy and threatening. I DARE you try to penetrate these boots with cold. Double dog dare. you cannot do it. don't try.

AND NOW THEY COME IN BROWN CROC!!! SOMEBODY SLAP ME!!!
Shut up and take my money (here)

Friday, October 26, 2012

Oct 26 - Vanessa - Back on the Grid

This is about as glam as I can get today, folks....

After a week of enduring near constant vomiting, I am finally back. I had my first real meal last night and this morning i was able to drink coffee and feel so much better. I really think the food poisoning COMBINED with a *debilitating* caffeine withdrawal was seriously going to kill me. My fingers feel funny on the computer keys, and my brain still isn't humming along with bizarre thoughts as which is normal for me, but we are getting by. Each day I'm sure I will feel better. Hugs!! Missed Everyone!!

Detroit Sweatshirt - MooseJaw
Chartreuse T - Banana Republic
Mini - Express
Leggings - Reebok
Booties - Target

Monday, October 22, 2012

Casting Call for Styles in the City 2012!!!

I was invited to the Casting Call for models for the **STYLES IN THE CITY** Conference/ Event at the Westin Southfield Nov. 3 & 4 (website here) (facebook page for event)
Oh my goodness, the advertising shots for the Conference are GORGEOUS!! I must find out who the photographer is, such beauty. 
We were required to come to the casting in a tank-top, skinny jeans, and 5-6 inch heels (child's play) so here's what I wore. I thought the nude tank was a good choice, since i am usually very very tank-o-phobic, i really don't know why. It could have something to do with both of my shoulders being hacked apart and put back together 10 times total. So my upper arms and shoulders are kind of like a patchwork of ripply scars. But I'm probably the only one who notices that. And since I don't talk badly about my body I put that tank top on and never stopped smiling until I took it off. *So There*

Minimal makeup was also required. LOL. It was hard for me not to slap the cosmetics on, because you know i love it. So I just stuck to a tinted SPF with a bit of luminosity mixed in, some bronzer and a flick of mascara. oh and a little flick of gloss.

The casting was at the Westin Southfield where the Styles in the City event will take place, they had this *awesome* fountain sculpture thingy that I was just in love with. I seriously just wanted to lay in that bowl part and have a martini, now THAT would be a great photograph. LOL. Maybe next time.

Interesting angles and architecture always catches my eye, lots of lovely shadows, absolutely gorgeous. Late afternoon light, being my favorite, lit these objects until they came alive and danced for me.

Oct 22 - Vanessa - Purple Reign


Every single day I'm wearing Purple. 

It's in my hair, so that's a default, but I just love it as a color for all clothing. I'm drawn to it, it makes my heart sing. I wondered, "What does Purple mean?"
**Purple Aura people are highly psychic, attuned to the emotions and moods of others and very sensitive. People who have a predominant amount of purple in their Aura are seen as mysterious and secretive.
The Purple Aura individual possesses a philosophical, enquiring and intuitive mind. They love to learn and never stop exploring and enquiring into new subjects and areas that interest them. Because of this they tend to be extremely interesting and knowledgeable people.
The Purple Aura individual does not have a wide circle of many friends. But the friends they do have are held close and are respected, admired and loved. People with a predominant purple Aura tend to be unlucky in love but once they have found their perfect soul mate are loyal and loving for life.
Purple Aura people connect well with animals and nature. They are attuned to animals and can sense their emotions and feelings. Purple Aura people tend to take in and care for strays as their loving and caring nature makes it difficult for them to turn strays away.**

Yes, BOOM, that is me. I am psychic (Look Out!!! hahahha), oh yeah, i am sensitive as hell, just ask DH. I am obsessed with learning about all kinds of crap. I do love my friends. I am UBER Loyal to my Hubs, since he is awesome and hot. :-) oh yeah, and everyone knows i love animals. 

Purple Cardigan - Thrifted (Ann Taylor)
Dress - Birthday present to myself Neiman Marcus
Belt - Target
Leggings - Thrifted

Friday, October 19, 2012

Oct 19 - Me and Schpetzy

It's a snuggly Mumma/Baby kinda day...

Today's all about cozy. Leggings with anything = Cozy. Shrunken Hoodie = Cozy x 1 million.

Hoodie - Triple Five Soul
Dress - Target
Leggings - Reebok
Shoes - Target

Thursday, October 18, 2012

RDG - Tigers Going to the World Series Edition!!

THE TIGERS ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!

Oh my god, and can you handle these shadows! I'm dying over them.... But anyways, back to the situation at hand... I put my Tigers gear on early in the day. Junior had his Verlander jersey on, M painted her face for rally purposes, the whole fam was set.
I'm a Tiger fan just like I'm a good Lion's fan and MOST IMPORTANTLY a good State fan. You BELIEVE in the face of any adversity that your team will win. There is no doubt.
I put the rally pants on at 4pm, and I got this great late afternoon autumn light that was making me freakout. The angle at which the sun was gliding into the window was just killing me. I almost cried at the perfection of it.
So.... Since the Tigers game was on TBS (don't even get me started on that) and we are not having that channel right now, I turned to technology and let @Tigers on Twitter give me to the second game updates, it was actually really awesome. I just was watching the feed, while feeding the kids. Twitter feed sports is like the new radio. hahah.
I'm so happy they won, and esp since they totally rocked out on the Yankees, since their fans have been so unpleasant to me as of late. Jerks. Ha ha, how does it feel now!!! WOOT WOOT!!

Tigers shirt - Thrifted
Leather "Rally Pants" - Gift of JC
Shoes - Target
VICTORY - TIGERS

How Amazons Make It Work - JC


If you are are super tall or super short, you know shopping can be quite the adventure.  While I complain about never finding jeans long enough for my stems, many of the shorties that I chat with tell me that they have to get most of their jeans tailored - what a pain!  There are so many wonderful benefits to being tall & I certainly wouldn't trade them for anything but I found one of the biggest hindrances to be the length of dresses.  Now I used to stomp around in tiny skirts that were slightly larger than postage stamps but I think the bar has been raised a little since my MSU days :)  I saw this Anna Sui dress on super sale and although it looked a little short for my frame, it needed to find a home in my closet.  I absolutely love the blousy sleeves  and thought that even though the length was risky, I had to give it a shot- it's not like I'll be salsa dancing in this thing after all.  The first time I wore it out, I had on black tights and platform heels but love this look all the same.  I think the young MSU Jc would be proud. Love, JC

Love that 50 ft. woman.... **muah!**

Oct 18 - Vanessa *Party in the USA*

David Meister is my Homeboy.

I love his dresses. They always fit me so well. Sometimes I think, "Why?" But you shouldn't look a gift-horse in the mouth, just be happy.
This dress is so awesome, and these boots are so awesome. Like reverse-fit leather pants. I call them my "snake boots". They provide warmth and are so very comfortable, I'm so glad I bought them last year and now wish that I would have gotten the gunmetal colored pair that they saleslady was trying to pressure me into as well. Oh well. Maybe this year.

Hair Bow - Daughter's
Necklace 1 - Gift
Necklace 2 - Express
Dress - David Meister (thrifted)
Belt - H&M
Boots - Nine West

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Oct 17 - Vanessa

CLASSIC CLOTHING IS LIKE A FINE WINE... IT GETS BETTER WITH AGE.

Both of these pieces I purchased in college. Hilarious. The jeans I had to special order from Texas for length, and then i saw this jacket at Banana Republic (remember this is like 13 years ago) and I was like hellz yeah, purchase.
Not to lecture, but seriously, when you buy clothing that will look good in any decade, it's a great idea. Trouser Jeans, yes - CLASSIC. Motorcycle Styled Black Jacket, yes - CLASSIC. Also, the chick on Law & Order, Detective Eames wore this jacket on the show all the time... Eames was one half of the ALL TIME BEST Law & Order Detective Team Combo (with Bobby Goren, obvs). PS- I am willing to debate this with anyone. There is no contest.

Jacket - Banana Republic
T- Express
Jeans - Banana Republic
Booties - Target

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

**Wants Now**

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!??????

Oh my goodness, I want this jacket so badly. (click here to buy)
It's even on sale. Someone buy it for me. Pleeeeease!!
I love the seaming, the paneling, the different fabrics, the silhouette, everything about it. It's amazing.
It's like Michael Jackson's Thriller Jacket and a Stormtrooper had a baby = The Ultimate Compliment

Oct 16 - Vanessa - Raid of My Own Closet

I call this outfit: What Can I Create Out of Clothing From My Hall Closet?

Junior was sleeping in the room with my main closet, so I thought, "let's see what I can make out of my B-Team clothes".
I kind of forgot about this tunic thing. it has matte black sequins and it's pretty awesome. I usually wear it with leggings, esp since it's FREAKING OCTOBER, but there weren't any leggings in this closet, so you get bare legs. The white shirt is from my former 9-to-5 days (or actually 530am-8pm) I used to wear it with my **action suits** it also has a bit of stretch. The belt is from my Tangerine-Tango Trench, and I thought it was a nice pop of color and a way to define the waist.

White Shirt - H&M
Sequined Tunic - Express
Belt - Old Navy
Shoes - DSW

Monday, October 15, 2012

Living Life Like It's Golden - JC





There has been a trend in jewelry over the years where it has really shifted away from yellow gold and now white gold and platinum (if you can swing it) are all the rage- thankfully this has not been the case with fashion.  It was a crummy rainy day yesterday so I figured I would pep it up with what else but some lovely gold fashion.  The first pic is actually a Patra kimono style beaded dress- I loved this when I saw it online with the thought that the styling was a nice departure from the typical skin tight plain designs out there.  When it arrived the gold was actually more muted that the picture shows and the waist hit a weird spot on me, all in all it was ok but not enough to hang on to.  The next dress is a BCBG party dress that I own, love and wish I had more excuses to wear.  If you know me, you know that I love BCBG and just about anything that is made of tulle.  I ended up wearing this to be the best man at a wedding, sadly the dress has lasted longer than the marriage but in the end it was probably better off that way.  The next dress was a little daring and probably not something I would ever purchase but certainly with a love of Alice + Olivia, I thought I would give it a whirl.  It has a sheer black back with cut outs & was super shiny- it was cute but certainly you couldn't wear this without a good pair of spanx and probably a workout day of. Last one- DVF peplum, had to try it more out of curiosity than anything.  Once I had it on, I felt like Judy Jetson – have to agree with Nessa’s blog on peplums, it wasn’t made for tall ladies and the peplum just looked weird on my frame.  All in all, definitely looking forward to seeing more gold this season and an excuse to step out and shine!
Love, JC

Oct 15 - Vanessa

They'll be Long Enough, they said...

I remember when the "jeans" version of the Editor Pant came out and I literally jumped for joy. I was so so so sos o s happy. But then I found that since they were a limited edition, they would not come in a "Long" length, only regular. :''''-(
The saleswoman said, "Ohhh, they'll be long enough. Our regular length is 34 inches."
Hello, Lady, are you looking at me??
But still i thought eff it, and I bought them. I pretty much only wear them with my Roos or flips, but i put em on with my 80s heels today. Yeah, they're about 4/5 inches too short... oh well.
Another thing about this outfit is the zebra print shirt. I loved it because I love animals and I thought, "WHOA THAT IS SO AWESOME." there is another zebra on the other side, but it has that "cold shoulder" cut out going on, which i think is soso so cheesy. I do not like that. so I put a shirt under. *Bam*

Zebra Shirt - Pitaya
Pink short sleeve - Express
"2-Short" Editor Jeans - Express
80s heels - Vintage

Sunday, October 14, 2012

*RDG Nite Out* - Union Woodshop


Got to see some of my *favorite* Laydeez last night at Union Woodshop. Especially my girl Sara, that made the trek all the way from Seattle, WA to be with us. She is so awesome and beautiful and hilarious. 
Whenever I go to this place, they always have really great lighting, and it inspires me to get back to my Fine Art Photography roots. I took this photo above of these guys smoking outside, and I just was in love with the way the light was dancing on them. it was just so gorgeous at 2am. 


Saturday, October 13, 2012

Gorgeous Vintage Lover *ROBIN* Style Q&A

Robin. Vintage Enthusiast & Lover of Amazing Objets du MCM does the Style Q & A...

She has a totally sweet Etsy store with her awesome wares, which EVERY HOME IN THE WORLD NEEDS NOW!! (click here)

DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE IN 3 WORDS

Weird, Funky, Eclectic

STYLE ICON

Doe Deere, owner of Lime Crime Makeup
Kaylah, Blogger, Dainty Squid
Kate Gabrielle, Illustrator, Flapper Doodle
Elizabeth, Blogger, Delightfully-Tacky

WEEKDAY GO-TO OUTFIT

Random dress from closet or floor.

SIGNATURE ACCESSORIES

Vintage jewelry.

WHAT ARE YOU BUYING THIS FALL TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK?

Eyeing some wide-legged pink pants from Ruche.

WHAT DO YOU BUY IN BULK?

Hanes underwear packs in various styles.

BEST FALL TREND

Peter Pan Collar

PERSONAL STYLING TRICK

Spanx keep my wiggle from becoming jiggle.

FIRST FASHION MEMORY

When I was four I loved a denim miniskirt with neon paint splashed
across it.  I paired it with a black t-shirt with neon pink flowers on
it that were painted by my mother's friend.

FAVORITE COLOR/COLOR COMBO

Every color, every shade.  It changes with my mood.

WHAT WOULD YOU NEVER WEAR?

Those shoes with the individual toes. http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

HAVE YOU EVER WORN ANYTHING THAT YOU LATER REGRETTED?

Never.  Half of style is confidence.

WARDROBE MVP

Mustard colored cardigan sweater.

PRIORITIES WHEN CHOOSING CLOTHES

Nothing polyester unless it's really fabulous polyester.

TIME IT TAKES YOU TO GET DRESSED

Depends on the event.  Anywhere from 5 minutes to an 90 minutes.

EVENING STYLE—SUITING OR A COCKTAIL DRESS

Cocktail Dress!

HOW OFTEN DO YOU REPEAT OUTFITS?

Not very often.  I have been collecting vintage dresses, sweaters,
skirts and blouses for 10 years and usually can find something new to
mix and match.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Jet-Setter Caroline Style Q & A

My girl Caroline. 

One half of the best brother/sister duo on Planet Earth. She languidly dashes between the West and East Coast at will, as the breeze takes her. She sent me her answers to the Harper's Style Q&A and I had to post, so all of you can bask in her gloriousness. 


1. Describe your style in 3 words: Simple cool casual


2. Style Icon- Jennifer Aniston- She is a minimalist in fashion and i like that.


3. Weekday go-to outfit- Jeans, dark t-shirt or shirt, cozy sweater, No fuss. 


4. Signature Accessory- Aquamarine ring that my parents bought me when graduated grad school


5. Favorite Flats- Sperrys. haha. Or flip flops!


6. What are you buying this fall to update your look? Hmmm, maybe I should buy something to update my look? haha 


7. What do you buy in bulk? James Perse t-shirts for women when on sale and C&C shirts and tanks. 


8. Best fall trend? Loving the color purple again


9. Personal Styling Trick? It it looks like too much take off at least one thing. 


10. First Fashion Memory. I was always getting into dirt and mess when i was a kid, even when my mom, who loved to dress us in nice preppy clothes, would get us all dolled up to go out. So, she got me this Wonder Woman t-shirt I would wear over my nice dresses while I played before we left the house. It was my favorite t-shirt. Perfect compromise.


11. Favorite Color/Color Combo- Green and black.


12. Signature Jewelry- Stud earrings and my aqua ring.


13. What would you NEVER wear? A velour sweatsuit ala Jennifer Lopez.


14. Have you ever worn anything that you later regretted? Of course!! Oten I cringe looking at some pictures! Male boxer shorts as go-to summer shorts...what was I thinking?!


15. Wardrobe MVP- Hudson Jeans

16. Favorite Piece from Fall (runway collections)- Hmm, I better go get a fashion mag!! blank.gif 


17. Priorities when choosing clothes- Does it make me look good and is it soft and nice on skin?

18. Time it takes you to get dressed- 3 minutes


19. Evening Style - Suiting? or Cocktail Dress? Cocktail dress. NEVER a suit- feel like Janet Reno.


20. How often will you wear a favorite piece in one season? Nonstop. I am a repeat offender.


21. Are you an editor or a builder? Do you clean out your closet every season? Both. I LOVE to purge my closet as of late. In past year I have given away at least 16 garbage bags of clothes!! Going for more minimalist.

Oct 12 - Vanessa - In Celebration of Polyester

POLYESTER IS THE WONDER FABRIC.

I mean look at this dress. It is from the early 1970s. The color has not faded one bit. The fabric is in perfect condition. There is no pilling. There is no difference between it today and when it was purchased over 3 (almost 4) decades ago. How can you not be impressed with that. Also, it is so thick and warm, i would argue that you could wear this when climbing Mt. Everest and never feel a bit of a chill. I will probably throw on my navy flared running tights with this for leg coverage today.
This is the outfit i wore to the Vintage Show and received tons of compliments. I have a nagging knee injury that is showing no signs of healing or hurting less and wearing these wedge shoes actually alleviates that pain (as long as I remain standing).

Dress - Vintage
Shoes - Target

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Harper's Bazaar Style Q & A for *MY* Ladies

Since I am the World Grand Champion of Fashion Magazine Reading... I look forward every month or so when Harper's Bazaar has their Style Q&A section (seen here), I love to pick brains, and of course I love to see what people are thinking in a sartorial sense, especially people I really think are cool and respect greatly. So I answered and asked two of my friends the same questions and here were the results... It really made me think, "wow! maybe i should try that!". Even when you're close to someone, sometimes that great information is just laying there deep inside! How cool!

First up.... Tracy. My Ride-Or-Die, Sister-girl to the End, Get the Van, C-towns finest O.G.


1. Describe your style in 3 words - Urban Farmer Chic

2. Style Icon - Sydney Bristow

3. Weekday go-to outfit - Perfect fit khakis and a v-neck sweater

4. Signature Accessory - Nixon watch

5. Favorite Flats - PUMAS!

6. What are you buying this fall to update your look? - No plans yet, eye-balling a new watch

7. What do you buy in bulk? - Anything Clinique

8. Best fall trend? - Hoodies and vests

9. Personal Styling Trick? - Random extra eyeliner and a different shade of lip stick

10. First Fashion Memory - Tigers hat, every day

11. Favorite Color/Color Combo - Tough! Black and hot pink or orange and gray

12. Signature Jewelry - Nixon watches, T&Co necklace and ring

13. What would you NEVER wear? - A short skirt

14. Have you ever worn anything that you later regretted? - Shorts to a photo shoot and I was reprimanded for violating the Amish dress code at work.

15. Wardrobe MVP - Nixon Player watch

16. Favorite Piece from Fall (runway collections) - GREEN AND WHITE (editors note: GO STATE!) 

17. Priorities when choosing clothes - Comfort and function

18. Time it takes you to get dressed - 1 minute 34 seconds

19. Evening Style - Suiting? or Cocktail Dress? - Simple dive clothes for the dives I go to, track jacket, graphic t and jeans.

20. How often will you wear a favorite piece in one season? - Too much!

21. Are you an editor or a builder? Do you clean out your closet every season? - I have way too many t-shirts - I am a hoarder!


Next... Fabulous Fashion Blogger and Stylista, Danae. (check out her AMAZING BLOG *Le Thrifty Madre* here)


DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE IN 3 WORDS -
THRIFTY!, boho(I guess there's foho now too?!?), comfortable


STYLE ICON -
I really admire Solange and her sense of style(and being a single mama too!, hey girl hey!). Its effortless, which is what I'm all about.


WEEKDAY GO-TO OUTFIT -
Maxi skirt with printed blouse and sweater/blazer


SIGNATURE ACCESSORIES -
My vintage gold necklaces


WHAT ARE YOU BUYING THIS FALL TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK?
A (insulated, it's fall/winter ya'll!) leather jacket



WHAT DO YOU BUY IN BULK?
Besides dark chocolate, skirts and dresses. They are great transitional pieces from spring/summer to fall/winter


BEST FALL TREND -
Mens wear for women. The comfortable boyfriend jean, oversized blazers, oxfords, ... They realized rocking the refined Janelle Monae look was dope


PERSONAL STYLING TRICK -
Need something new? I do this all the time. Dresses become new shirts tucked into skirts/pants, skirts become new dresses/tops when belted, jumpsuits become new pants with sweater thrown over it. It's the smart design of layering.


FIRST FASHION MEMORY -
Fashion had not really been such an influencer in my life except for the past four/five years. I was the long legged praying mantis that wore flooded jeans and glasses. But once the outside of me matched the inside confident/awesome me, I got more and more compliments on my style. That was confirmation that my swag level had raised from praying mantis to long legged beauty ... inside and out.


FAVORITE COLOR/COLOR COMBO -
Mint! Its that great pastel color that everyone loves and can wear year round


WHAT WOULD YOU NEVER WEAR?
South Park Pajama Pants


HAVE YOU EVER WORN ANYTHING THAT YOU LATER REGRETTED?
No. You live and you learn, you laugh it off, make a mental note, and move on.


WARDROBE MVP
My thrifted mustard Maxi skirt 


PRIORITIES WHEN CHOOSING CLOTHES -
Comfortability, textile, color, versatility, detail


TIME IT TAKES YOU TO GET DRESSED -
Depends on the occassion. Twenty, including makeup, for casual days. Little less than an hour if there's an event


EVENING STYLE - SUITING OR A COCKTAIL DRESS -
Cocktail dress! Any dress or skirt matter of fact that makes you look and feel like a woman, that you own this fine body of yours. Show it off! In a refined manner of course.


HOW OFTEN DO YOU REPEAT OUTFITS?
Quite a bit. I'm a thrifter, it's in my blood.

ARE YOU AN EDITOR OR A BUILDER?
Both! More editor than builder, I do lil DIY's to my wardrobe to freshen it up every now and then


FAVORITE PIECE FROM FALL -
I really love everything Madewell, though they weren't showcased in this years Fashion Week. Their fall collection is everything that I want and could want. 


FAVORITE FLATS -


SIGNATURE JEWELRY -
Classic vintage gold necklaces with some sort of ornate detail (check out this post I did on a recent thrift trip, I found some of my favorite pieces there!)


SIGNATURE LIPSTICK -


And... Last but not least... Me.



  • Describe your style in 3 words - Dovima, Rainbow-Brite, Olympian
  • Style Icon - Marchesa Luisa Casati, Daphne Guinness, Isabella Blow, Andy Warhol, Danger: Diabolik
  • Weekday go-to outfit - adidas slides, editor pants/jeans, cheetah belt, long fitted T, with Track Jacket on top
  • Signature Accessory - Purple Hair
  • Favorite Flats - Adidas Slides
  • What are you buying this fall to update your look? I really want Opera-Length Leather gloves
  • What do you buy in bulk? fitted long soft T shirts with cap-sleeves
  • Best fall trend? Shiny leather
  • Personal Styling Trick? Throw a belt on it. DEFINE THAT WAIST
  • First Fashion Memory - flip-up shades and many pairs of different colored socks worn at the same time, stacked
  • Favorite Color/Color Combo - Turquoise/Coral, Purple/Red
  • Signature Jewelry - Wedding ring, big-ass Diesel watch
  • What would you NEVER wear? A tank top in public. NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER
  • Have you ever worn anything that you later regretted? no. i really don't care. hahahhaha. 
  • Wardrobe MVP - My purple Shirtdress. I've worn it under/over other stuff on it's own. all over with leggings, in the summer winter spring and fall
  • Favorite Piece from Fall (runway collections) - Givenchy boots with the flare (ahhhh swoon)
  • Priorities when choosing clothes - structure, fabric, color, fit
  • Time it takes you to get dressed - i usually have an idea for what i'm going for. I can build quickly from that. My hubs would disagree. Hair and Makeup for me take days.....
  • Evening Style - Suiting? or Cocktail Dress? ALWAYS COCKTAIL DRESS preferably vintage
  • How often will you wear a favorite piece in one season? One million times. ask me if i care. 
  • Are you an editor or a builder? Do you clean out your closet every season? Builder/Hoarder. I love all my clothing items and get really attached. Usually only part with things when they fall apart. 




Oct 11 - Vanessa *Fall Layers*

THESE are sweatpants.

To all of those that like to crap on sweatpants... Look how chic they look! I just read that Stella McCartney wears sweatpants on a regular basis in a dressed up way, so this is my take.
It's funny, the sheer white drapey shirt on top is a left-over from when i was working. I worked in a sports medicine clinic and I would have to dress professionally, BUT be able to do stability ball push-ups with my patients and all kinds of other exercise type things unhindered. My solution for this was the Express Editor pant, which is stretchy and moves with you while looking profesh... and in the summer a tank-top with this sheer drapey shirt on top. I have a black one as well. I remember when I would wear them my co-worker would always comment on how "dressed up" i was. haha. on the days i didn't wear these shirts I would usually do a short sleeved blazer with a dressy shirt/tank under. No one really talks about office/professional/exercise gear, but if you need a solution for that, let me know. hahha.

White sheer top - Limited
Sparkly gold shortsleeve sweater - H&M
Grey Sweatpants - Express
Shoes - Target

Oct 11 - Teena

Check out the top that T found at **MEIJER**

ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! I love it. I love when you find awesome clothing at Meijer while you are buying vodka, car batteries, siamese fighting fish and strawberries.
Two of my fav belts I wear all the time are from Meijer and they are both over 10 years old, they are bulletproof and I love it.
Way to go Teena, with the skinny jean/tall boot styling!! Looking marvelous as always!!!

**Love you!!**

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Oct 10 - Vanessa

I know it may be 90s of me...

But I like a dress shirt under a short-sleeve. Actually DH claims that he invented this style, he even knows the date and year. 1994 I think, hahah. This striped beige and brown shirt I'm wearing is **OLD SKOOL** Express, when they still carried XLs, this shirt has hook and eye closure all up the front, it's marvelous, and it's made of this thin stretchy fabric and has flared sleeves with the same hook and eye at the cuff. It's a wonderful piece. I had a black one too. but it had corset lacing on the back and on the sleeves and I thought it was a bit "Hot Topic" so I gave it away, I wish I wouldn't have. :-(
It's just a good way to wear your summer stuff into the fall, add a layer of warmth, and you know an open collar at the neck is so flattering on everyone.

Long sleeve shirt - Express
Dress - Vintage
Belt - H&M
Shoes - Target

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Street Style - Handsome Man Fashion - San Francisco

My sis-in-law caught this Great Looking man working his fine, professional sartorial skills on Post Street in downtown San Francisco this afternoon.
What a perfect combination. The suit looks amazing. The shirt underneath has a pink and lavender plaid, the bowtie setting off the black laces in the pink shoes. I love that this man put this look together, and he is wearing IT, it is not wearing HIM. you know what I mean?
Often i see people on the street and they are just screaming for attention with what they wear, I don't want to see that. This gorgeous guy is wearing his personality on the exterior and being himself and that is what I love.
I love you.

Oct 9 - Vanessa - DIY Rockstar Belts

I'm not really a *Black* wearer.

Whenever I'm shopping, I just skip over the rows of black clothes, because I think, "why would you want something Black, when you can have garments in FULL COLOR!?" But today I felt differently and i wanted to set off my *homemade belt*.
I bought a set of 3 purple glitter belts for DD. She was excited and picked them out herself at the store. She has very long legs and she really needs a belt to keep her jeans up. When we got home she refused to wear the belts, and said that she would only wear them "to a party". So i thought, awesome, new belts for me. I buckled all three together so they went twice around my waist and I think it looks pretty sweet.

Green Tank - Gap
Black Lace T - Express
Children's Belts - Target
Silk Skirt - Banana Republic
Boots - Mall

Monday, October 8, 2012

Jewel of the North - Ella's Traverse City, MI - JC

 Gorgeous Store, I want that marabou collared white cocktail dress... :-)

 JC and Kelly in Stop Staring. But you just can't help but *STARE* !!!

 Loving the Chapeau
 Perf LWD.

 This collar??? SERIOUSLY???? Love!

Pretty. Delicate. Gorgeous.

Generally when I travel up north in Michigan, I tend to expect the usual t-shirt stores, cozy books shops and you can always count on there being a Kilwin's or Mackinaw Island Fudge on the block however, when you hit up Traverse City you will find a special jewel - Ella's.  It is a tremendous mix of vintage, locally made treats and some of the best labels money can buy.  I was up there this weekend and as soon as Kelly and I walked in, we were fawning over a gorgeous aqua Nanette Lepore lace dress.  I knew that I wanted to stop in to see the latest Stop Staring line but I was surprised with so much more!  There were gorgeous feather headbands, lace nighty’s from the 50’s, vintage, Tracy Reese, the list goes on.  The first Tracy Reese dress that I fell in love with had an amber jeweled collar and fitted bodice that had an a-line skirt but alas they did not have my size so I had to settle for sharing this gorgeous pic that I am still drooling over. The cream Tracy Reese dress that I did try on had beautiful black beaded flowers with tulle detailing- this dress was not only gorgeous but so comfortable.  It would not be a trip worth making if we didn’t toss on a couple Stop Staring dresses, which I personally attest that the designers for this brand KNOW how to compliment a women’s body.  I have not seen anyone try on this brand and not look less than breathtaking- as evidenced by the lovely Kelly Yauk, I mean this dress was MADE for her!  Ella’s not only has a ton of beautiful colors and fashions but these people know how to accessorize- you will find broaches, jewelry, sunglasses & of course some amazing hats.  Kelly always loves lovely in hats and sometime you just need one with a lovely dress per the pic below.  Abby & Hannah were running things the day we stopped by- both had fab outfits and clearly a love of fashion.  If you are anywhere near northern Michigan, you need to make this a stop on your trip! 
By, JC