Picture this: a rustic hunting lodge.

madewell

call me batshit, but I am vaguely in love with this sweater.

[EDIT: I totes already bought it. Impuullllse, you are my nemesis!]

[EDIT: well, impulse AND the fact that I had a bit of a gift card left and it's free shipping until Monday with the code YESPLEASE]

Dress to Impress

It should be said that while I don't consider myself a fashionista, or even a style blogger, (though outfit photos may increase soon, and by increase I mean appear) I do follow style and fashion. I read the magazines, the blogs, the websites, etc. But in my search to be stylish, I find myself bumping up against a problem.

An article on Refinery 29 (a site I very much enjoy) on layering came to my attention. I have never been able to layer properly, so I followed the link. It proved informative, but rather elementary honestly, because I think most people get the basic idea of layering. That's not actually the question. The question within the question (at least for me) is thusly:

how the hell do I layer without looking like the Stay-puft marshmellow man?

And how do I keep the layers from getting lumpy?!

Because here's the thing. I'm not really sure I've mentioned it before. I have boobs. Tits. Gazongas. It really doesn't matter how you say it, believe me, I've heard it all before. And on top of that, I'm top-heavy. My hips/stomach/legs are not really proportional to my chest size. Which can make life difficult.

full disclosure: yes this is from high school, but I look pretty much the same

A button-down shirt you say? Oh no. No no. If I want to wear it buttoned up at all, it gaps in a really unfortunate place that shows off my bra. Yes, JCrew, I am looking at you.

Which brings me to the conundrum:

I don't understand how major fashion publications can pretend to show regular folk how to do anything when they still insist on modeling the looks on just one body type. But at the same time, obviously  fashion experts can't address every body type because women look vastly different from one another. Having a sizable chest does not necessarily mean that you have hips that don't lie (I wish I did) or a bootylicious backside. It might just mean that you have a rack, skinny legs and no ass.

So it's really just experimentation and looking at style bloggers (the internet's gift to fashion, I think). And sort of hoping for the best.

I know it's been said before but the great thing about style right now is that it really seems like the rules don't really apply anymore (except good taste, but that's a bit arbitrary, don't you think?)

My God, this is a circular argument.

But my point is (I'm assuming it's in here somewhere) that I WILL be posting more outfit shots, if only in an attempt to pay more attention to what I'm wearing.

Winter is coming . . .

Yesterday was so cool it was almost crisp, and this morning had a tinge of fall in the air. As much as I'm going to miss seeing the leaves change colors here in beautiful Virginia, I'm more than thrilled that England is already in the lower 70s/upper 60s (fahrenheit, of course). Most of my time recently is spent coveting the new fall items coming out from my favorite stores and thinking to myself "I need this for school . . . yesss . . . school." What precisely am I coveting, you ask?

Anthropologie

Anthropologie

 I wish they had a view of this blazer from the side, to show of the fantastic pleating. When I put on this jacket, it felt like a London jacket. I haven't worn it out yet, but it feels like one of those effortless pieces that you throw on and feel more pulled together. And as a low-maintenance kind of woman I can always use a whole lot of that.

The trousers are one of those rare "It's a good thing I'm so short" moments. On me, these trousers brush the ground in flats and will be a little less cropped in heels. But they are so comfortable, the pleat is sewn in (no ironing, yay!!!) and they make my posterior look quite bodacious. And at $118, they're a steal no matter where they're from.

I have some old long sleeve shirts that would do fine, but I'd love to swap them out for some cozy (yet flattering) sweaters. I love this pale blue option from Jcrew, simple but with a nice simple detail at the shoulders.

But if I had to choose, I'd get this grey quilted sweatshirt (also JCrew, both photos from the website). It looks so comfortable, and I adore it.


I've recently discovered (thanks, sibling) a great blog called The Other Emily.

She's a very stylish lady who's traveled the world with just one suitcase. And did this awesome sock bun tutorial (except my hair is so blasted long I don't need the sock).

Also, I bought my first pair of TOMS and I have to say, they are the most comfortable damn things I have ever put on my foot. foots. My only recommendation (also from my sister) is to order them at LEAST a half-size smaller than you usually would, because these suckers stretch like crazy. 


On tap for the rest of my time here:


-a playlist or two
-maybe another style icon post
-a few photos of the last few shenanigans I get up to state-side
-books books books
-whatever strikes my fancy

Call me Crazy

but these will be mine:

source: thaitied

And of course I want this.

source: shoppingblog.com

To add to the awesome skull scarf I got for my birthday (viva la ebay!!)

Catch-22 (shopping + limited packing)

So I finally (finally!) feel comfortable to actually type these words and send them out into the inter-void. This fall I'll be moving to London to attempt attend graduate school (Freudian slip). Until now, I've had this crazy fear that something would happen, that would hold me back and make me unable to go . . . which then leads to that horrible "I know I SAID this was happening, but . . . " conversation/post. But my funding packet is in, and I'm a visa approval and a plane flight away from crossing off quite a few life goals (and, you know, the actual year of grad school that will hopefully result in a masters degree). 

I've studied in England before, for 6 months. Packing for that was reasonably simple because I knew it was just for 6 months and not to bring everything. But this doesn't feel like a quick trip. This feels like something so much more momentous than that. 

The cool thing is that this sense of finality (and the daunting task of fitting my WHOLE life into 2 suitcases and a carry-on) makes you absolutely ruthless. This Saturday I did a room-purge, which is honestly one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday for some bizarre reason. I just love to de-clutter things . . . to feel like I am NOW more efficient, more stream-lined. That I've literally cut the crap (and by crap I mean stuff . . . not feces, obviously). I love looking at the mountain of things that will be donated to the GoodWill, and the growing trashbag of clothes and other items that cannot be donated for whatever reason. It's so interesting to look at what you hold on to, why it meant something to you (and realizing that it doesn't mean anything to you now). I feel like there is something so refreshing about looking at a practically empty closet . . . like a blank page waiting to be written on. 

Now books are a whole other story, mind you. A floor to ceiling bookshelf crammed full of books and I could only pull out 3 to be donated, or re-distributed through my house. I am a literati pack-rat, I guess.

But as I was saying, the prospect of those few scant feet in your suitcase makes you reeeeallly think about what you actually wear and not how you wish you dress. It makes you think about quality over quantity. So without further ado, here is my wishlist for quality of quantity clothing.


-The EmersonMade tuxedo blazer (I don't think I need to explain myself on this one)

 

 

source: EmersonMade

But I will if you insist! It's England, land of ever-changing weather. A light jacket is necessary to keep up. This is casual enough with jeans, but can be dressy with a skirt/dress/pants, etc. It's not a tweed, so it's not like "I'm trying to be English!" because I'm not, but it's not a blatant "I'm an American" statement. The cream color may be worrisome, but not in London, where it is ok, nay, encouraged! to be a little rumpled and dirty.

-Current/Elliott jeans

source: bluefly

In a perfect world where I had millions of dollars, I would be a denim junky. I mean, I sort of am. They're essentially all I wear, particularly since my job allows me to wear pretty much whatever I want. I have a pair of Lucky brand Charlie Flares, which I love and would recommend to anyone, and a VERY slouchy (and honestly ill-fitting) pair of Downtown Skinnys from J.Crew. But I promised myself that if I hit a certain goal than I would buy a pair of NICE designer jeans. And I still haven't done that. And when denim-gurus Current/Elliott jeans are on sale at Bluefly for over 50% off . . . . it would be criminal not to get them, right? right. (p.s. check out their awesome houses and personal denim collections at The Coveteur)

Now, I know I also need a LBD (that doesn't actually have to be black [in fact, I think black is a little too stark on me], but you get the idea) and some grey wool trousers, but I don't have anything that I'm coveting for those items. 

But I think both of these are totally doable . . . right, Mom? right. (?)

Not-so-Impulsive Impulse buy

One of the best things about online shopping is the ability to put something in your cart and not buy it right away. You can check back in on it, look at the subtotal cost, and hem and haw and stew over it. For days. 

"Do I really need this?" I ask myself. More often than not the answer is no and I abandon my covetous thoughts for frivolous things like green snakeskin cowboy boots that I would never (honestly) wear, or that vintage dress that may or may not fit but either way is non-returnable.

But just every so often, I realize that I cannot live without it. Like yesterday, when the fabulous blog I am Greedy Girl posted about etsy seller ayo femi and her jewelry. For over a week I'd been looking at the bracelet in my etsy cart thinking "I really want these . . . ?"

But then, the picture of the EXACT bracelet that I wanted (color and all!) on this deservedly highly-trafficked blog rocketed me into action.

both images from ayofemijewelry on etsy

And I am now the proud owner of two (TWO!) of said bracelets. 



And as much as I need to save right now . . . to adapt orphan Annie "when you really want it, you really want it." 

Springing Forward

Ok, it's kind of a lame title, but I can't help myself. This is the part where I blather on again about how I'm trying to find my style as an adult, blah blah blah. Let's get to the good stuff. 

source: That Kind of Woman

 I feel like the last person to jump on the That Kind of Woman train (found via Alysia's awesome blog) but I'm fully aboard these days! Kat is wonderful, and her style posts frequently have elements that I love and try to implement every day: clean lines, nods to the past, slightly romantic, with a pop of color. Now if only I could find a vest like that.

 Then of course there is Madewell, Jcrew's little sister. Recently I haven't been LOVING everything they've been doing, but they're bringing me back to the dark side with their spring line. The shirt below is definitely a try-it-on-and-see for me, but I really hope it works out because I think it's so visually interesting!

Source: Madewell

 

Now, I am not, instinctively, a shorts kinda girl. I think few women are, really. But I love these shorts from Jcrew. I love the color, and I really like the idea of bright colors on bottom, and these are great for girls like me who don't want to commit to pant-length bright color (for fear of the "my eyes!!" reaction).

I am a sucker for a good henley. Really really, I love them. Like, I could probably get it in this color AND the utility green color.

Source: Jcrew website

Now, I noticed as I constructed this post that both Madewell and Jcrew had items that I loved on the website yesterday (floral waterfall top and sequin stripe TEE, like above but with sleeves) that are not here today. I dunno if it's just me, but I whenever I see that I get seized with this like "omg, I have to get to the store NOW, it can't sell out!!" feeling. I think they know this about me, and thus do it on purpose. Blast you, Jcrew people, you know me well. Because I WILL be going shopping Saturday morning for precisely these items.

If you're interested in the clothes I want for hanging around/doing yoga in (I've been practicing for about a year, and just found a new studio in my area that I really enjoy), head on over to my other blog with my good friend, Move Over, Naked Chef

Stylized.

Weheartit

""Style" is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style."
(John Fairchild)

Dear Mr. Fairchild,

If only it were that simple.

love,
Marlee

I've been sitting on this post for about a week. Writing it out, adding pictures, deciding I actually hate it, getting rid of everything.  . . . So it's actually been remarkably like my usual style conundrum.

I'd love to look like this image found on weheartit. Cleanly messy.

You see, here is my issue. I'm gonna try to get it into a little nutshell. I don't really follow celebrity fashion (in an "apply it to myself" sort of way) because I can't really think of a situation where I will have to be as dolled up as they are. They look gorgeous (usually) but I'm not in that universe and it's not required of my life. Following their day-to-day fashion choices requires looking at pictures taken by the paparazzi. I do not like the paparazzi. I get that it is their jobs at premieres, etc, but I find following people and hounding them (the people that want to be left alone, not the celebutantes . . . they're fair game) and creating dangerous situations to be pretty awful. 

Point being: no inspiration from the Hollywood quarter.

I also have a sort of odd body shape (larger on top, but straight skinny hips)
 

Tumblr

 This brings us to vintage photography and style bloggers. As I've tried to determine how I want to present myself, I've started pulling photos, links (as everyone does, this isn't rocket science), and creating a list with sort of associative words for how I want to look, and what I want the clothes to be.

Deborah Kaplan, from Jeana Sohn's blog series, Closet Visit.

Natural fibers (cotton. cotton. cotton cotton cotton), fitted, classic lines, slightly off-beat, bold colors, denim, leather. Right now I'm working on blending what seems like the two aesthetics that have stuck with me the longest: clean and classic with a sort of bohemian twist. 

photo of Janis Joplin by Jim Marshall, simple top with awesome necklaces and badass attitude.

Lauren Moffatt, from Refinery29

Image from the Sartorialist

The two blogs that seem to help me with this the most is of course, the amazing street style blog The Sartorialist and Joanna Goddard's A Cup of Jo. I also, of course, rip out pages and spreads from magazines and keep them in a binder that I cull through every couple of months . . . I feel like that in particular helps me discover visually what I consistantly love and am drawn to. 

Tumblr

I'm still not sure if I'm totally happy with this post, but what can you do? Just get on with it, I guess.

Etsy love

Recently I made a purchase from etsy shop, Dandyrions, and I can't get over how fantastic the whole experience was. The seller/designer, Lisa, was just so amazing. She kept me updated on shipping, and even checked with me to make sure that I knew the shirts she uses run a bit bigger (they're unisex). The packaging was so cute, with a nice personalized note giving me the care instructions.

source: here

The products are so cute, they've got a really lovely sense of whimsy to them, and I'm so excited to wear it out. It's the first time I've really REALLY looked at an article of clothing and a styled outfit just instantly popped into my head.I want to wear it with these (the shoe hunt has been decided. For now.)

i'm ba-nanas for boots.

I'm allowing myself to buy one pair of expensive new shoes for fall. I'm hoping to get two, but I can definitely only afford to get one pair without major parental intervention. But HOW do I decide? Fall/Winter is the season of really fantastic footwear, and I'm absolutely ga-ga for all of it. Especially boots. I adore boots, of just about any kind.

So without any ado, here are the fall shoes I'm coveting right now . . . any advice on a direction to go in would be amazing.

-the trouser, steve madden ($69.95)

-the Melissa Button Boot, Frye Company ($318 [ack!])

-Beaded Ankle Boot, Minnetonka Moccasins ($32.95)

 Or any cowboy boot, or a pair of Doc Martens . . .
All sorts of difficult decisions. Any thoughts?

Emma Watson for People Tree

I have a massive girl crush on Emma Watson*. I think she has a phenomenal grasp of fashion, editorial work, design, and is incredible at navigating this world that she became a part of because of a choice that she made at nine years old.  I love her collaboration with People Tree, choosing fair trade fabrics and participating in design discussions. The fall/winter line is particularly lovely.

both images from here

And here's a video of her relatively recent trip to Bangladesh:



source: PeopleTreeUK via Million Looks



*not sure how I feel about the pixie cut, but I 100% understand why she wanted to do it. If I wasn't allowed to change my hair for 11 years, I would probably chop it all off too.

Style Icon: Alison Mosshart

source: we heart it

I'm certainly not the first person to gush over Alison Mosshart's personal style. Off the top of my head, Tomboy Style has recently featured her. She has this slightly androgynous style, almost like an early 60s Mick Jagger, yet still looks very feminine. And what I absolutely love is that her style absolutely suits who she is, and shows exactly who she is. It's slightly torn, very vintage (but not from a super obvious decade) , grunge-y, yet somewhat streamlined . . . nothing really overwhelms her body.  And she's practical which is such a breath of fresh air! She wears boots on stage--heeled boots, but solidly built. And you see things more than once, the rarity among rarities for most people in the public eye. She very clearly lives in her clothes, can throw things into a suitcase and hit the road, or just curl up at home for days and days.

all sources: tumblr

It’s been said time and time again, but what does she really think of being called a Fashion Icon? “I think it’s interesting considering how kind of unfashionable I probably am,” she says. “But I think it’s kind of cool and sort of ironic. I do wear the same stuff over and over again and I don’t really go out of my way to buy expensive clothes or know what’s happening. It’s not a terrible message to send to people. Style for me always comes from people who are doing things that have nothing to do with the fashion world, they’re usually artists or painters or musicians or writers. It all depends on what people are doing. I don’t flip out over someone just walking down the street or in a magazine doing nothing, it’s gotta be in the context of their life. What they’re wearing tells a story about what they’re doing, I like people wearing their art.”      -UO Style Icon: Alison Mosshart interview from September 2009

Life is Good when the band is smokin' hot

It's been quite awhile since I've written anything remotely style related--mostly because I've been unsure of what I like. It's starting to level out a bit though. And I hate to say it, but these sweltering days have left me pining for the crispness of fall weather. I can't wait to wrap myself in plaids, corduroy, and thermals.

When summer comes around I'm a real jeans-and-tee type girl, which is making finding work-appropriate clothes that don't make me cringe from discomfort, sweat buckets, or feel like I'm playing a Stepford wife really difficult. On the other hand, having a job and making money means that I can buy myself clothes semi-whenever I want for the first time in my entire life. My mom has gotten behind my whole 70s with a modern twist vibe 100%, which is really great. So here are some of my recent/favorite summer purchases, and some dream items for fall (one of which is within my grasp, the other is in all probability utterly impossible. but a girl can dream, right?)

Summer 2010 Plus #1: Madewell goes viral!

Madewell is one of my favorite shops. Their rail straight jeans fit me the best, gripping my backside without being too roomy or too tight in the legs (my caboose is totally flat, which I don't have a problem with . . . it just makes jean shopping a trial. My best friend has the opposite "problem", and she also wears Madewell jeans). Plus, they don't wear out as quickly as their big sister, J.Crew's jeans do. I also highly recommend the jean shorts, which are cutoffs that have that "oh these? I just cut an old pair of jeans" look without being too raggedy, and short without my buttcheeks hanging out (MAJOR plus). I'm also digging their shirts, which I wear pretty much all the time.

They also are the proud purveyor of my graduation present to myself: a brown leather slouchy purse that I may feature in a rare personal photo post, of my purse and its contents, a la . . . every other blogger ever.

Summer 2010 Plus #2: Etsy. Etsy. Etsy.

I've watched Etsy forever, and frequently received birthday presents and christmas present from the fantastic sellers that shop at that site. But recently, I've begun purchasing there in my own right, and I can't be happier to personally support independent craftsmen/women. Thus far, I've purchased this shirt from the amazing Thief and Bandit, who create amazing tee shirts and accessories. And though the photo is a dude, I promise it fits me great!


The look of the shirt goes along really well with the Western influence that's been creeping into my brain recently. I'm trying to save up for some cowboy boots and/or moccasins, but it's a bit difficult when I see things like the incredible (but not on etsy) Spool No. 72's Little Chief tee that make me super impulse buy while writing a blog post (literally ten minutes ago. kid you not) but it's so amaaazing!

This has nothing to do with style, but many sellers on etsy make beautiful terrariums. I just re-did my room (which I may also post pics of) and I want to fill it with all sorts of terrariums and (humane) butterfly specimens.

Fall 2010 Plus #1: J.Crew, duh.

Like everyone else on the planet, I love the new styling that's been going on a J.Crew. I think they're freshening up their image in the best way, and the new fall collection is just genius, really. Other bloggers have said it ten times better than me, including Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo (whose newborn baby is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen, and honestly the first baby I've ever just completely melted over).


Fall 2010 Plus #2: Lauren Moffatt's Fall 2010 Collection

This is just so unbelievably stunning to me--it's feminine without being frilly and over the top. It uses pattern without being too busy, and is reminiscent of vintage without being stuffy. Now if only I could afford it.





Fall 2010 Plus #3: I. Want. This (that is all)






photo credits (from top to bottom): Thief and Bandit, Spool No. 72, via Tomboy Style, Refinery 29, Ban.do
post title lyrics from: Life is Good blues by Laura Veirs