the white sheath

Nothing says summer better than a simple sheath dress, especially in white. 

My cousin is graduating from eighth grade tonight and all the girls wear white dresses, a Catholic school tradition. I still have my white dress from my eighth grade graduation, and miraculously - it fits! My wonderful mom sews and made some adjustments to the dress when I was in high school, but it's always excitng to rediscover old favorites that fit again! Now that I have a new item to outfit plan with, I have pulled it out of my closet a number of times to test different looks.

**Confession - when I can't sleep, I play dress up in my closet...

It is such a great staple for a classic summer wardrobe and I love the flexibility of wearing it with different colors and accessories. Today I am wearing it with a navy blazer, blue and white checked shoes with a big navy flower, and a white "Velma Flintstone" necklace. 

With a change in accessories - I can have a totally new look as well. The LBD looks so much better as the LWD with a golden glow and the summer sun! It's such a timeless look that will work for a multitude of occasions. I totally recommend investing in one yourself - stick with a classic and structured style that will last for years to come! 

Hope you have a fabulous week, toodles!

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Award weekend

Although the Tony's are my favorite Award's show - there is no denying that the Academy Award's Red Carpet is a MUST SEE event. MediaRunDigital created this infographic of the dresses worn by the Best Actress Oscar recipients, dating back to 1929. I love seeing the different styles worn throughout the decades. Dramatic ball gowns, skirts, pants, fur jackets - the Kodak Theatre has seen it all.  

I particularly like 1945 Ingrid Bergman, 1954 Audrey Hepburn, and 1999 Gwyneth Paltrow.

Do you have a favorite look?

I am most impressed that Katharine Hepburn worn four times and never accepted the award in-person. Some could say that's horribly rude - I actually think there's something respectful in her absences.

As someone who doesn't particularly like awards and accolade recognition, I feel like I can understand and relate to her sentiment. As she said, "As for me, prizes are nothing. My prize is my work." 

If you're in the mood for more Red Carpet snooping, take a look at Elle Magazine's slideshow of the Best Actresses' Oscar gowns AND Harper's Bazaar gallery of best Red Carpet gowns.

Enjoy the Oscar weekend, toodles! 

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ballerina skirts

Tonight is the world premiere of King Arthur's Camelot. This production is the highlight of the Cincinnati's Ballet's 50 year celebration. I am thrilled to be going - and can't wait to see the performance. Fittingly, the event demands "twirl" worthy inspiration and I am loving all of these skirts!

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How to Buy Vintage Clothing

I LOVE vintage shopping. Delaware, OH - the small town where Ohio Wesleyan was located - had about a half-dozen vintage shops. There were a number of Saturdays that I would disappear from campus and spend the day wandering throughout the town and exploring the vintage shops. My weekend shopping led to some remarkable finds including: a classic Louis Vuitton purse, a fabulous 1960s inspired dress, and the most wonderful fur coat. Talk about successful shopping trips! I think my parents thought I was a little crazy when I'd arrive home over breaks with my new wardrobe pieces in tow...especially that fur.

I enjoy wearing unique pieces that I won't be able to find other people wearing. I also have a classic style that I love to dress-up with festive pieces. It leads me to often think I should have been born in another generation, which makes shopping for circa 1960s attire so much fun! That said, my dress code isn't always the most practical as I tend to find an opera coat to be just as practical as many people would find jeans. 

Do you like vintage shopping? Any good finds? Let me know - I'm so interested to hear!!

If you haven't shopped vintage before, I came across this guide on how to buy vintage clothing. 

See the complete article on Style Caster.

1. Know the difference between vintage and thrift - "you may find great vintage pieces in a thrift shop, but you won't find thrift pieces in a vintage store."

2. Start with a classic - a classic black dress or a beaded cardigan are alway safe starter pieces

3. It's not size that matters, but undergarments - sizing standards have changed throughout the decades, but not as much as ladies undergarment styles. 

4. Know your eras - the easiest (and most wearable pieces) are ones from the 1960s to now. You don't want to look too costume-y

5. Why buy vintage vs. new - most older garments are made better than clothing today.

6. Do your research if you're looking to spend - vintage investment is best left to the truly educated

7. Tailor it - don't be afraid to spend the extra money to make sure the piece fits your figure

8. Feel the fabric - make sure the fabric is in good condition. You'd hate for a piece you fell in love with to fall apart on you

9. Say no to plastic - do not leave vintage garments in plastic bags

Read more HERE. 

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Holiday Gala

Although I don't have any grand and glorious plans for the weekend, a girl can dream! I'd love to be playing dress up in this outfit....and I don't think I am the only who will be sharing the dream. How beautiful is this ensemble?! A glamorous party skirt, festive shoes, and plenty of pizazz. 

I have probably far more taffeta party skirts than the average person needs to have...pink, black, gold...but I think it's such a fabulous way to dress up. 

Create a classic silhouette in a black turtleneck (because baby it IS cold outside)

Add a color pop in the shoes (although Bean Boots are more than chic for getting you there)

Play around with your favorite jewels and accessories. 

What are your favorite pieces to wear during the holidays?

Tibi Simona Full Skirt

Splendid Polo Neck Top - Black

Ralph Lauren Pearl Studs

Miss Selfridge Pearl Collar

Sergio Feretti Clutch With Brooch (Lord & Taylor)

Black Onyx Cocktail Ring

Tory Burch Aria Pump

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Thanksgiving party skirts

Mrs. Lilien is a regal figure in the blogging world with her playful and cocktail party-centric character. Her blog posts are filled with whimsical interpretations of modern mad-men esque parties with mixed drinks, party gowns, and the right amount of glamour. If the muse couldn't be anymore enjoyable, she writes her blog posts in rhyme. It's absolutely, charmingly, wonderful. 

She starred in a duet photo shoot with Miss Wood for a Thanksgiving affair. Pulling the perfect fall shades in a Palm Springs flair, the two look lovely. 

Even though it's bitter cold in the rest of the nation today (I had to pull out my winter parka), hopefully this color spurt adds a little bit of sunshine to your day!

What are you wearing this Thanksgiving?

Happy Monday, toodles!

(via: Mrs. Lilien)

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Halloween Costume: Fashion Icons

'Tis the season for the costumes! I came across these adorable costumes from Oh, Happy Day! There are two different posts (1) and (2) that feature some of the cutest outfits for any young fashionista. If you need an outfit for your little one...or if you want to channel your favorite style mavin on the biggest "dress-up" night of the year, you'll find the most perfect costume guides below. 

I am thinking Anna or Iris. Thoughts?

Get your costume on, toodles!

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melon burst

The weather the past few days has been simply miraculous! The cooler temps have been divine and brought me back to some "spring" color inspirations. As our dinners have been filled with honeydews, watermelons and fruits galore....I was inspired by the color scheme AND the wonderful weather to create a summer does spring look. 

Look polished for work and beyond, take a spin at an upcoming wedding, or stun the crowd at mass (you totally deserve brunch after), needless to say, this outfit has all the bases covered. 

Hope you have a fabulous day, toodles!

PS-totally just treated myself to the repettos featured below (joys of working at a boutique!)

Shop the look below:

Fluro Tweed Shift Dress

Kate Spade Coral Studs

Madewell Beach Pebble Sunglasses

Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl Necklace

Armani Metal Cuff

Clare Vivier Clutch

Repetto Cendrillon Cork

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