Superbuzzy

I've been in "school mode" this past week, which is extra hectic since I am already in "busy mode" all of the time. Here's a quick update in photos and not so many words.

What I've been up to...

Attending rad theme parties. With awesome themed SNACKS.

Taking tons of snaps in homemade photobooths. Harajuku style!


Tracking down the perfect chunk of the pattern for this skirt. All horses on the front!


Waiting (im)patiently for all the fall boot options to show up in stores. On a mission!


Building up my fabric stash for future crafty goodness. Who wants a handmade nifty gifty?


Drinking Mexican Coke in the park. Mmm taste that pure cane sugar!


Enjoying the last days of summer. Summer is for best friends and perfecting your smize.

Skinny Cargos, Revisited

Outfit details:
Pixie Dust earrings (Thanks Joann and DesignerApparel!)
Deletta Ambling Twists tank (now on sale!)
Level 99 World Over Cargos (similar to these guys)
Boutique 9 Gilla sandals (Anthro's Great Crossing sandals)
Rebecca Minkoff Stud Devote bag (with eyelet studs here)

Maybe it was just my imagination, but I could have sworn I felt a bit of chill in the air yesterday as I zoomed around town. I silently whooped inside since I've been planning my fall wardrobe all summer long. Since I couldn't stand the thought letting them languish in the back of my closet a few weeks longer, I pulled out my one of my fall purchases, the World Over cargos, for a summer trial run.

While I was afraid that the cargo style dictated one specific mode of dress, I think they will pair perfectly with flowy feminine ruffles just as well as with studs and zippers. I decided to walk that line with this outfit, balancing the draped tank with my studded tote and rockstar earrings. The final result felt hip, but not intimidating.

Now only if that chill would break through for a bit and I could autumnize this look. I've got my boots and jackets at the ready.

Fall Favorites: Skinny Cargo pants

Confession: I have been mulling over and quietly collecting skinny cargo pants throughout the summer. (All of a sudden I am up to three pairs in different colors!) But when the trend first reared its head back in the Spring, I recoiled a bit. Bringing cargo pants back felt like a trip down memory lane--one that I wasn't particularly interested in visiting.

So the hype didn't really grab me the first time around. What did was a well-dressed regular girl at the mall. I stopped and stared. I had to ask her--"What pants are you wearing?!" And then I realized twhat they were: the oh-so-trendy skinny cargo pant. Somehow the slim leg and fitted shape of this new utilitarian chic interpretation read sexy instead of butch. Converted, I went out and bought myself a pair that same week...and now I just can't get enough.

After poring over my stack of September issues, I think that the skinny cargo is here to stay through fall. Justine does an awesome overview here on Fetching Fashions, and the pair she chose looks awesome on her! I keep finding more options to choose from, and I couldn't resist sharing my obsession with the rest of you.

My picks, broken down into three different price segments, from top dollar to the look for less.

The Holy Grail

J Brand Houlihan skinny cargo, $230.

Somehow they haven't made their way onto the blog, but my Houlihans have been my favorite purchase this summer. Now these babies are totally worth the hype. The stretch twill is almost magic how it smooths and slims your lower half, and the strategically engineered seams make your legs look extra long. My favorite colors are vintage olive (as seen on all your fave starlets) and vintage black (because grey is always in).

For those of you who are loyal to a different denim brand, fear not. J Brand works for me and my body shape, but your favorite denim house makes a great alternative too! AG, Joe's, 7FAMK, Current/Elliott, and Hudson all have gorgeous options.

Mid-priced Options 

If you're looking for a similar fit, but don't want to drop $150+ on a pair of skinny cargos, these are great options.

From left to right:

1. Level 99 World Over Cargos, $98. Available at Anthropologie. I own this style and while the fit is similar to the Houlihan, the material is much softer. It looks like a hard twill, but it actually feels like you're wearing flannel pajama pants. Super comfortable, but be careful with sizing. They run big--I suggest sizing 1-2 sizes down.
2. Cargo Skinny Pant, $59.90. Available at Express. Before the designer denim boom, Express was my only stop for my denim needs. Needless to say, the designers know how to cut a pair of pants. This style comes in very enticing colors, and they have a really tempting "Buy 1 get 1 50% off" promo happening right now.
3. Flight Skinny Cargo Pant, $79.50. Available from Lucky Brand. I tried on this Lucky pair when we received them at the store I work for, and they are A+ awesome. If I hadn't purchased my J Brands that same week, I would have added these to the collection.
 

The Look for Less

While I usually get antsy when a trend trickles down to mass retailers, I can't help but embrace these fashion forward options for so much less!

1. Brynn Skinny Cargo pant, $49.50. Available at dELiA's. A great option for the more petite ladies out there! These are juniors sized and come in a cropped 29 inch inseam. The back view looks amazing for a fraction of the price of the J Brands.
2. Silence & Noise Skinny Cargo pant, $58. Available from Urban Outfitters. I love this eggplant tinged grey pair! At this price, you can throw those rad platform oxfords in your cart too.
3. Route 66 Skinny Leg Cargo pants, on promo for $16.24. Available at Kmart. Have you guys seen the magazine ads for these?! The insert in all of my current magazines is absolutely droolworthy. I think I will trek out to the 'burbs to test this pair out, and maybe try to grab that fab military coat in the same campaign.

I convinced my girlfriends of the greatness of the skinny cargo by parading around in my Houlihans a few times. Maybe my next post will convince you too...

First Day of School!

Outfit details:
Vintage dress, from Minx (similar styles: here and here)
Anthro Double Torsade necklace (similar here and here)
Secondhand Chie Mihara sandals (similar here and here)
Orla Kiely handbag (currently available in this pattern)

I let myself take this summer off from school, and when I peeked at my calendar last night and found that school started the next day, I was jolted back into reality. I think I had been calmly ignoring that fact since it means I would have to tone down my outfits a few days a week.

But before I went back to conservative dress, I put on this dress as a fun practice back to school outfit. I found it at Minx in Athens when I was there the other week, and I thought it was best suited for school environments. It makes me want to become the cool art teacher at a middle school. Crayola colors and ricrac? Apparently you can't keep me away!

Oh and the shoes! The shoes were a lucky RagoRama score last week. Against the advice of a few girlfriends, I adopted these Chies for almost nothing with some trade-in credit. While they do feel very summery in that 70s hippie chic bohemian way, I think they can pull double duty through fall with tights and fun socks.

So double yay for new (old) clothes, and I'll see you on the other side of this first day of classes. I hope the rest of you students starting classes today have great first days!

Parlez Vous Gossip?

I ran across this trailer for the upcoming season of Gossip Girl (thanks to Jenna B's blog peace love sarcasm!) and couldn't help but reshare it with you. After seeing all the clips of Blair and Serena in Paris, I'm more excited than ever. Clemence Poesy, Chuck Bass, and adventures in the City of Love? Sounds like a great time to me!

Season 4 starts September 13th--get your DVRs ready.

Spotty Dottie

Outfit details:

J. Crew straw fedora (similar here and here)

Anthro Ring of Bows Tank (similar here and here)

Anthropologie Alena skirt (similar here and here)

Mulberry Alexa bag (similar here and here)
Frye Lisa t-straps (similar here and here) 

On the same day that had my fringe cut, I dropped into Anthropologie to poke around. It had been a little while since I'd stopped in, and it was perfect timing--I needed new tops, and a good selection of them had gone on sale. This tank in particular jumped out at me. It's like instant cheer in tank top form!

I pulled out my Alena skirt to wear underneath it, and the result looked like a quirky drop waist dress. People asked me wear I got my "dress" all day long at work, and luckily I was able to tell them Anthropologie without it getting too confusing. The hat and shoes were almost afterthoughts, but I was in a really perky mood so I decided to double up on the fun factor.

Settling into Cabin House and my new 'do has me feeling inspired and ready to play with my wardrobe. While I thought I'd be bewildered by how trendy my bangs are, they are actually really fun, almost an accessory to my daily wardrobe. I totally get why people have clip in hair now--a hairstyle change opens up so many more head to toe styling possibilities!

Thanks for the awesome feedback yesterday! I can't wait to pull together some retro and wacky Japanese street style inspired looks with my new kindergartner bangs. Just you wait till Saturday--I'm going to a Harajuku costume party, and I'll be darned if I don't put together a bang up costume. (Ha, I wasn't even planning on a bangs pun.)

Super Kawaii

Outfit details:
Urban Outfitters Fletcher by Lyell dress (similar here and here)
Anthropologie gold headband (similar here and here)
Mulberry Alexa bag (similar here and here)
Swedish Hasbeens Super High Peep Toe sandals
Martian skin courtesy of incorrect lighting and poor Ps skillz 

So I thought I'd go ahead and point out the obvious--I got a haircut! I've been considering having a fringe again for months, but was getting antsy about committing to bangs (again.) I had really easy unfussy long hair, and my bangs from times past had finally grown out. But when a fringe-cutting guru needed a hair model ASAP, how could I say no? He has done brilliant things with my girlfriends' dos, so of course I jumped at the chance.

I haven't successfully had straight across bangs since the first grade, but in his hands, I think they look very current and I feel much more hip and sassy! Definitely feel very Asian and very awesome. The only downside is that I have to style it everyday, which isn't really a bummer because it looks great all the time now. Hooray!

And my lemon lime outfit is all rumpled and tea party sweet. With the gold headband, I felt like I was dressed for Christmas Day. I knew the polyester in my dress wouldn't cooperate with me all day even if I steamed it, so I passed and used the wrinkles as an excuse to romp around at work a bit more than normal.

School starts next week, and all these days leading up to the first day feel action packed and full of energy! Every day I wake up and feel extra good. I can do anything good! Better than anyone! The Harajuku superhero haircut definitely helps.

Fall Favorites: Clogs

Clockwise, from top left:

1. Madewell's the Westway clog, $168. Available from Madewell.
2. Aldo Sanderman, $115. Available from Aldo online as well as in select stores.
3. Jeffrey Campbell Charli Platform Clog, $148. Available from many retailers, including one of my favorites, Free People.
4. See by Chloe Slingback Wedge Clogs, $270. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
5. Swedish Hasbeens Slip in Super High, $213. Available at the official Swedish Hasbeens site as well as Endless.com.

I think a lot of people still balk at the idea of clogs coming back, but I'm 100% on board. I think all of these options would look excellent paired with a swingy floral dress for the rest of these hot summer days, and even better with thick socks and schoolgirl looks a la Alexa Chung in the fall. I love how they can swing bohemian, or vintage, or edgy when paired with the right things. These might even replace my boots come fall...

I had heart palpitations when I spotted the See by Chloe pair on Rachel Bilson a few weeks ago, and now I can't get enough clog outfit inspiration! The Madewell pair is perfect in every way, and if I happen to be in the store scoping out the upcoming collaboration, I might just cave and snatch up a pair! Are you on the clog bandwagon too? I can't help but obsess!

Vappu, Part 2

Outfit details:
Target feather chain necklace (similar here and here) 
Anthropologie Vappu Dress--on sale! (similar here)
Zara crochet stretch belt (similar here and here)
Boutique 9 Gilla Sandals (Anthro's Great Crossing sandal)
Thrifted Dooney and Bourke bag (similar on Etsy here and here)

The weather has been so fickle here lately! One minute it threatens gloom and doom, the next it's crystal clear outside. These kitchen snaps are a result of the grey clouds threatening thunderstorms (I don't think it ever rained!).

So y'all caught me. I ended up with both colors of this dress. I couldn't resist when I had the one-time discount opportunity back in June. The yellow I felt skeptical about wearing until I saw it on one of Kim's (of Anthroholic) readers in her weekly reader outfit feature. Holly had styled it perfectly with a belt I already had on hand! With that in mind, I just had to pull it out.

I'm still catching up on reading and blogging from moving and warehouse sale shenanigans. I'm 75% done building a usable closet, so I promise there will be more to come.

Hope you guys had a stellar weekend!

Review: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

If you've caught any of the buzz surrounding this film, it has been hailed super epic. I was lucky enough to catch a screening this Monday and despite my ignorance about the Scott Pilgrim books, I agreed. An epic of epic epicness indeed!

For those of you living in a hole, the movie is based on a series of graphic novels following lovable protagonist Scott Pilgrim (as portrayed by Michael Cera). Scott stumbles upon his dream girl, Ramona Flowers, and trips head over heels trying to woo her. Little does he know, Ramona comes with excess baggage--in order to pursue the girl of his dreams, he has to defeat her seven evil exes! The movie documents the results of his misadventures in encountering these exes, who include Chris Evans, Mae Whitman (aka Ann, Bland, Egg from Arrested Development fame), and my favey fave, Jason Schwartzman.

I couldn't help but swoon and commiserate as Scott continues to be bombarded by evil exes.  The progression of the movie felt like you were watching the story of a video game unfold as you progress from the small fish to the big fish boss. And Jason Schwartzman as the top evildoer to defeat is as good as it gets.

The film pulls from elements in the comic and is also heavily influenced by various old skool video game sound effects and visuals. As a hair twirling girly girl (my favorite movie is Clueless, after all), I thought it felt very true to the original books while appealing to every segment of the audience. There was a little something for everyone including the action fan, the rom com lover, and the uber nerd in all of us. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone out there, and I'm already plotting to see it again this weekend.

And a little bonus: The best part of the Monday night screening? Edgar Wright (director), as well as Scott Pilgrim himself, Michael Cera, and Jason Schwartzman made surprise appearances for a Q&A after the viewing. The boys were hilarious and the questions as well as the answers had the entire audience cracking up.

Y'all, I've been following Jason Schwartzman since his breakout role in Rushmore and wackadoodle role in Slackers. I love him to bits and pieces and nearly peed my pants when he strolled down the aisle next to me. Best of all, he and Michael did a handful of appearances around Atlanta including this weather spot. I keep watching it to have a laugh.

The movie is one of the best times I've had in the theater in a long time. I think it could be Michael Cera's defining role (even bigger than Paulie Bleeker, kay?), and when you see it, I'm sure you'll agree.

Feeling All Wright

Outfit details:
Anthropologie Wright Dress (similar here and here)
Target Feather chain necklace (similar here)
J. Crew Jackie cardigan (similar here)
Marc Jacobs tribal tote (similar here)
Gap leather ballet flats

I was feeling a little drab the other day and was definitely itching to wear more color today. So I decided to dip into my primary color palette and wear as much as I possibly could. This dress still reads very Ms. Frizzle and art teacher to me, and what better to pair it with than bright and cheery colors?

This dress has not gotten nearly enough love from me, but it felt great to prance around in it all day. Do you have a cheery frock that perks you up the instant you slip it on? I just want to wear things that put a smile on my face every day from now on!

Fall Favorites: Utilitarian Chic Bags

Clockwise from top left:

1.  Boy's Waxed Canvas Backpack from J. Crew, $49.50.
2. Superior Labor Canvas Tote from J. Crew, $275.
3. Sunwashed Canvas Shoulder Bag from L.L.Bean, $45.
4. Klein Tools 16"x6"x14" canvas bag available at Home Depot, $49.94.
5. Estex 14 inch canvas tool bag available at Swain Tools, $53.

As a bag lady in training, I'm always in the market for a new handbag and I'm always searching for the new bag to covet and collect. Right now, canvas tool bags and utilitarian messengers are it and several variations are filling up my wishlist for fall. 

As seen even in the Dear Creatures lookbook, the fashion world has picked up on the utilitarian chic feel of a framed canvas tool bag.  In addition to the crisp feel of the tool bags above, I love the worn in rustic feel of canvas bags designed for heavy duty. Can't you just imagine these trusty satchels working for you for years and years? I know I need a bag that can keep up with my lifestyle and can definitely  appreciate one that can also withstand a heavy beating.
 

I've got my fingers crossed for appropriately adapted tote versions come fall (I've already spotted a few at Star Provisions!), but the real deal is easy to find and usually runs around $50. Need an excuse to add to your bag collection? All of these options can go from the office to the beach and are durable enough for a weekend trip. My only problem has been deciding which one to get...

Keeping it Cool, or Warm, Rather

Outfit details:
Anthropologie Daughters of the Liberation Lift-Off Jacket
Michael Stars pigment dyed sheer supima shirttail tee
Alexander Wang Rocco Baby Duffle
J Brand the Deal skinny in Ink
Boutique 9 Gilla sandals
 

Gosh it feels like ages since I posted an outfit. Between moving and warehouse sale, my days have been nonstop excitement with little downtime to think about snapping photos. Also, I'm finally in the last stages of unpacking and am able to get properly dressed again. So when I had a moment to breathe on Friday, I jumped at the chance to share.

This is what I wore on Day 1 of the boutique warehouse sale. Setup the previous day made it clear that we should layer (the ballroom was frigid!), and I knew I'd be running around in the commotion so I wanted to be comfortable and warm.

Last month's closet cleanup project left me struggling with the remaining unworn pieces. This jacket and the Time Gone By skirt particularly stumped me since they feel more Fall and Spring than Summer. When I had goosebumps all day setting up the booth while in workout shorts and a tank, I jumped at the chance to hold on to this jacket. It was the perfect choice since all the pockets came in handy for my receipt writing tools.

Bring on the chilly weather! I think this jacket will be a close friend come September.

Fall Favorites: Dear Creatures

I'm getting into that mood where I'm bored of my warm weather wear and am ready for new shiny fall clothes. Jackets, boots, and coats are my favorite clothes to shop for, and now that fall gear is rolling into stores, I'm passing on the end of summer markdowns in favor of new things for autumn. I'm holding out for so many great things!

Things I'm looking forward to this fall--part one, of many: Dear Creatures F/W 2010.  Dear Creatures is is one of my very favorites! Their pieces are always a little retro, a lot whimsy, and very wearable. Past seasons' influences for the brand include 60's Girl Scout uniforms and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. This year's collection draws from Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys for a preppy cool selection with a vintage twist. I just love the sailor tie top, peter pan collars, and kicky pleated tennis skirts. I'll take one of everything, please!

Even better, a little birdie tipped me off that local boutique Evolve will be carrying the line come fall! You'd better bet I'll be the first one into the store when that shipment comes in.

Check out the Dear Creatures lookbook here.

and (soon!) here:
Evolve Boutique
1581 N. Decatur Rd
Atlanta, GA 30307