New Life

Proud Momma is exhausted

Sorry for the silence here on MMD, but I've been a bit busy. My Mom and I are forever rescuers, and when Annabelle began hanging around my Mom's neighborhood, we knew it was only a matter of time before - kittens. Early yesterday morning, she gave birth to 5 little squirming adorable babies.

Unfortunately the time with the babies and Momma will be short (only 6 weeks before all six cats can go to new homes!), but we'll enjoy every minute of them. Only hours old in these photos, I tried to capture "Week 0" and hope to snap pictures every week as they grow up.

Kimono Dress

Dress - DIY'd from vintage

Harness - Audra Jean

 Flats - Frye, ebay

Pink Linen Jacket - DKNY jeans, thrifted

Wooo! I did it. I managed to turn my vintage kimono into a wearable, actual, factual dress. Many swear words and hours of work transformed! It's not perfect, but I love it just the same. I styled it up with my brown harness, in lieu of an obi, and matching brown Frye flats. I also took a page out of the pastel-fabulous runways for spring and paired my pink jacket for the cold classroom.

The sleeves are definitely my favorite part. I've still got some piece of lining left that I'm trying to make into a shift blouse... but right now I'm 0-2 on attempts. Time to go rip all the seams again.

The Importance of Naming Clothing

Trippen Happy boots? Pretty happy to me.

Many, if not most, clothing and shoe brands name their items. At All Saints you can find the Dissolve Dress, at Fluevog shoes come in families based off their soles, like the Earl of Warwicks, while further naming the individual shoes inside the families. Some shoes and bags are referred to by numbers, like Louis Vuitton's Speedy 30 or Jeffrey Campbell's 99. Even department or mega discount chain stores have begun to slowly filter in on the naming of items. Check the end of your shoe box while shopping next time, and almost certainly you'll see a name and color on the end.

Why this is important to you as a consumer: Names can create an emotional response. A sandal that may be cute basic brown heel at first glance, may take on different connotations if you realize the design is called the "Lucifer." And while the sandals may not have a single demonic, religious or otherwise satanic slant to their design, someone out there is going to have an emotional response to that name, good or bad. This can be double-edged for retailers in terms of making a sale.

This brings up the concept of corporate culture and who brands are trying to appeal to. If you click that link to Jeffrey Campbell's design, you'll also find other shoes with names like "Omg" or "4 Evz" which appeal to the younger demographic the brand is trying to market towards.

Naming can also be helpful in terms of finding the right fit. I remember when LOFT first started using their Kate, Julie, and Marisa pants fit. This differed from the "curvy", "straight", and "classic" cuts that various stores had been using as terminology. This can help and hinder. Some people may not identify with "Marisa" or feel like a "Julie." There may be a Kate in your past who isn't your favorite person.This isn't limited to fits, but any item name.

However this can be beneficial to you as a shopper. Knowing your "fit" or size in a certain shoe shape can give you a jumping point for the insane world of sizing we live in.

Consider falling in love with a pair of elusive shoes that are no longer for sale in a retail store. Still gotta have it? Know its name? To eBay! By having a name or number strongly identifying with an item you can easily track down that lusted after piece. This can also help add to the brand fandom. A friend made note while browsing eBay's Fluevog wares that these are shoes that can go up in price as the shoe ages. Being able to identify shoes based on name and family allows this community to more easily work backwards in terms of age and rarity, thus giving a starting point for reselling.

Do you think item names have a sway in your purchasing? Were you aware of these trends? Does this influx of terminology help or hinder you in your shopping?

Silk Ambitions

 Tee - H&M, thrifted

Jeans - Divided, thrifted

Shoes - American Eagle for Payless, thrifted

Sort of uninspired outfit today. I just tossed on a spring tee and my red pants. I've been lusting after a pair from the Gap, but they were sold of out my size. Probably a good thing. I do already have red pants. They were 'dress pants', and these are denim.. but the effect is pretty much the same. More thrifted shoes that probably won't last the next couple of months. However to replace yesterday's pair (and probably today's) - I took advantage of the sale over at PedShoes and have new goodies coming to my mailbox! 

Our yard is completely torn up and front steps have been moved to do all the paving. I literally had to climb out the front door to borrow my neighbor's brick wall. 

I have a little sneak peek of what's to come for this weekend. Hubs is going off to his weekly table top game, and I decided to finally tackle a project that's been on my mind forever. I bought this vintage silk kimono from a seller at a convention. It was the one good thing that came out of the year with the flood. The seller was trying to reduce his stock quickly and get out of the hotel, so I grabbed this for a steal ($50). I doubt I could even get the yardage for pure silk for that much.

The kimono itself is a beautiful mint color with small gradation of color and tiny woven designs. The real surprise (which I didn't show well at all here) is the burnt orange edged lining. It gave a flash of color with every step or hand movement. Of course, I was smitten. However, there's not exactly a lot of room to wear 15 pounds of silk around on an average day. Not to mention I have misplaced the obi. 

So instead of pulling this out of its drawer once every couple of months, I decided to harvest the material for a spring/summer weight dress made of the luxe material. I'm going to maintain the collar, but attempt to tailor the rest. I've also got both sleeves worth of material and lining and about 2 feet by 5 feet of the bottom that I cut off. It might become a skirt or shirt depending on my level of energy today. Fingers crossed I don't mess this up! Wish me luck!

Kimono with D in the background.

Creepy Crawlies

Tencel tee - horny toad, thrifted 

Skirt - BB Dakota, gift from Sheila

Sandals - Van Eli, thrifted

Jacket - Theory, ebay

Earring, Ring (Frog), bandanna - via Mom

Ring (Snake) - gift from Sheila

 I went for a bright outfit to match the sunny sky. I felt weird in sandals and a leather jacket, but it's hot and my classroom is cold. Don't even ask why I'm wearing a bandanna... it was that kind of morning. I had one of my presentations to do, and it is a huge weight off my mind to have it finished. I'm also thrilled to get to wear my awesome yellow skirt again. It's kind of hard to find the right weather for it. It's one of those not-too-hot, not-too-cold pieces. The sandals have finally been retired after many many wears. I cracked the soles midway through today. No more thrifted shoes.

The tee is new. I picked it up because of the color and unique handfeel. Tencel is a fairly new to me fabric. This tee is 50% tencel and 50% cotton. My only other piece is the 100% tencel All Saints dress from Ally's E-Party. It's moisture whicking, has a nice handfeel, and washed well.

The other awesome thing about the tee is the brand. It has a little tag with a funny little reptile silhouette. I decided to add in other creepy crawly accessories to make my day more fun.

I took myself out to see the Hunger Games movie last night. I got tired of trying to make plans to see it with someone else and enjoyed bawling over the whole thing by myself (I'm a crier). I thought it was a really great movie, one of the best book to movie adaptations I've seen in a long time.

I highly, highly recommend reading the book before the movie because you will miss out on some of the finer details that makes the story great. Unlike some critics I find no fault in the actor choices and story line changes. I saw logical reasons behind the tweaks, but I really admired how well they highlighted the most memorable scenes from the books. The story itself is sad, gritty, and not for younger viewers, but if you can digest the content, go see it! If you want to discuss spoiler-y details feel free to tweet me (@MeganMaeDaily) or email me.

McQueen

 Blouse - McQueen for Target, gift from Ee 

Skinny jeans - Old Navy, thrifted

Flats - United Nude

Star bracelet - Target

Stud bracelet - vintage via Mom

Moon Pin - gift via Debbi

Let me take a moment to say how cool this outfit makes me feel.

I started my blog in September of 2009. I wasn't big into fashion, but I loved make-over shows. I felt, at 19, that I needed to 'grow up' my wardrobe. I don't know if I've really done that, but I definitely feel an overwhelming awesome feeling every time I go to get dressed. I feel like "me" these days, which is something I really struggle with. Also I struggle with ending sentences with prepositions. Sorry.

Click for accessory close up

Since I started the blog, I've learned to keep a minimal tab on trends, both runway and blog-world. I've found designers and brands I love at all price points, and learned who's runway shows I might want to take a moment to thumb through. Alexander McQueen was the most profound designer in my fashion discovery, and it took me a couple years to learn that he had done a Target collab shortly before I really got into 'clothes'. I told this to Ee awhile ago, and she surprised me last week with this McQueen for Target blouse.

I dressed it up with this moon and stars pin from Debbi, my favorite bracelets, and United Nude flats.

As I've said a million times on every social networking site, I've been reading the Hunger Games. I finished the whole trilogy yesterday after about 72 hours since starting book one. A brilliant series, I'm definitely going to see the movie. No movie-specific spoilers please! Not sure when I'll get to see it, but it will be this week. I haven't enjoyed anything this much since Harry Potter (well, BBC Sherlock, but still).

Super Stripes 2: Day 5

Top, Belt - unknown, thrifted

Skirt - Hei Hei, thrifted

Flats - Frye, ebay

The end of Stripes Week! Well, I have to say I am so thankful to everyone who joined. I've been reading all the new-to-me blogs, even when I haven't been able to comment. It's been a very inspirational week. Don't forget to email Keely at kkmkreations[at]live[dot]com with your favorite participating photo to be included in the Stripes Week round up. Also don't forget to check out the rest of Super Stripes participants!

TGIF everyone. It's been quite a crazy couple of weeks here at the MMD household. It shows no signs of slowing down either. I was thrilled to pop in a little thrifting trip on Wednesday for a little reprieve. I brought home this super cute Anthro skirt and Hubs a shirt for 99p. I waffle over my favorite color, but when it comes to wearing - this blue/grey/purple shade has got to be my favorite. I match the irises that have bloomed right near my Spot.

The skirt is a bit rumpled since I didn't have time to iron... but I added my star cut out belt and brown flats anyway and called it okay. I still can't believe I snagged these Frye flats brand new off ebay for $20. I haven't had such good ebay luck in a long time, but this has got to be the best deal I ever won.

In other news, I finally started the Hunger Games books. Like I tweeted to Ally, I'm hoping to see the movie too. I can't believe it took me so long to read this series. I guess I'm a little skeptical of the hype, and a still a bit tender hearted over the end of the Harry Potter saga. However, I'm now 2/3 through book one and will definitely find the time to finish today. Are you a Hunger Games fan? Looking forward to the movie?

Super Stripes 2: Day 4

 Striped Tee - Old Navy via Mom

Vest - Papaya, thrifted

Star Skirt - Versace Jean, thrifted

Boots - Fluevog, ebay

Necklace (actually bracelets) - Target

Wow, onto Day 4 of Stripes Week. I rarely do scheduled posts, but I've got a doctor's appointment and my classes afterwards. This was an outfit I wore shortly before our temperatures skyrocketed on into summer-like days. I adore this striped skirt, but due to it's length, I don't wear it nearly enough.

In lieu of anything better to write, how about a way to beat the heat! Or just treat yourself.

Strawberry - or not - Smoothie

1/2 box of strawberries (8 ounces?), rinsed and capped
1/3 can of coconut milk (my advice: stir the solid bits before pouring)
cup of ice (I used crushed)
Optional add-ins: banana, orange juice, any other berries or fruit (fresh or frozen), fresh mint leaves 

Put it in blender... Blend! Garnish with whatever you used. Drink.

I picked up a bunch of fresh fruits and veggies for super cheap. These strawberries were just a bit tart, but blended with ice and coconut milk, no dairy or added sugar needed, was a perfect dessert.

Super Stripes 2: Day 3

 Cupid Top - All Saints

Belt - Rugged Warehouse

Jersey skirt - thrifted

Mumbai flats - Louboutin, ebay

Leather Bracelet - gift from Debbi

I used to be envious whenever I read about people who had lots of gifted/inherited jewelry. The stories surrounding long lived pieces, like jewelry, are one of my favorite things to read on a blog. But thanks to my fellow blog friends, my closet is slowly becoming my own story. Almost everyday I get dressed, I pull out a piece of clothing or jewelry that was swapped or gifted to me by friends.

I received two packages in the mail this week. One from Eek, and one from Debbi. Ee's gift will show up on the blog very soon, but today I'm wearing some of the gorgeous jewelry from Debbi. When you visit her blog, you'll see she has mad style, but she really excels at accessories. I already had this outfit planned for stripes week, but this gorgeous tooled leather bracelet went perfectly with the colors. My Loubs finally made their way back into rotation. They didn't get much wear last summer, but I plan to change that. And of course, they've got stripes too.

Apologies to my readers who saw the accidental post for Thursday. I'll be away from the computer most of the day due to classes, and wanted to keep up with Stripes Week. The post is not broken, just meant to go live tomorrow.

Don't forget to check out the rest of Super Stripes participants! Or join up if you haven't. Remember to send Keely your photo for the round-up at the end of the week.

Super Stripes 2: Day 2

Shirt - Old Navy, thrifted

Ankle Pants - Loft via Mom

Pearl Hart Pumps - Fluevog

Woo! Day 2, and the debut of these awesome pants my mom picked up for me. She got them for me right around the beginning of the cold season so they've sat in my summer drawer. The weather was more than appropriate for me to drag summer stuff out. I love all the colors in these pants, and actually really enjoy the fit. I'll definitely try to pull the mint shade out next time because in pictures it all comes off as very earth toned. 

I had a nice weekend, but now I'm back to my busy schedule. I've been taking photos on campus more often because our yard is torn up, and this morning I barely got out the door on time. I'm glad my Fluevogs are so comfortable, because they really help get me through the day with my feet happy. After class I had some shopping to do and a post office run. I do feel accomplished by the end of today.

Don't forget to check out the rest of Super Stripes participants! Or join up if you haven't. I'm thrilled to see my blogroll full of stripey goodness this week!

Super Stripes 2: Day 1

Dress - Allen B, thrifted

Belt - thrifted

Headband - DIY

Zebra Trainers - Converse All Star

Welcome to Stripes Week! Hosted by Keely of Casual Chic Kiki and Yours Truly. You can find out more about Stripes Week simply by clicking the badge in either of our sidebars. Feel free to join up at any time during the week, and don't forget to email or link Keely to one of your participating photos at the end of the week to be included in the round-up.

I went for double stripes and polka dots today! I'm just bumming around the house so I wanted to keep it casual. Also I smiled with teeth! I don't think it looks natural for me. Haha. Anyway, I'm enjoying the super nice weather while I can. Fingers crossed that it will cool off for a little bit before summer. I can't take nearly 90F in March.

Anyway, don't forget to check out the rest of Super Stripes participants! 

Fashion Challenge: Stripes Inspiration (2)

 Stripes!  Easy to style, found in nearly everyone's wardrobe, perfectly season-less, different widths, verticles, horizontals, pinstripes, plaids, tiger, zebra, and so many, many more varieties of stripes! Here's only a small sampling of how I've worn stripes in my everyday life. Feel free to click on any tumbnail to embiggen the images.

Hopefully this has got your striped inspiration flowing.

Join Keely and I starting tomorrow Monday, March 19th for a week filled with stripey goodness. Sign up here.

All that glitters

 Tank - thrifted

Skirt - The Limited, thrifted

Pin - Old!

Pumdals - Miu Miu, ebay

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Well, a day early, but tomorrow I'll be celebrating at my Mom's away from an internet connection. As someone who hails from a predominantly Scottish/Irish/English heritage, my family always celebrated St. Patty's Day. We don't drink* (I don't drink beer that is) or anything crazy, but it has traditionally become yet another holiday where we cook too much food - corned beef, cabbage, and a food coma plz - and watch too much television.

Instead of going with the traditional leprechaun green, I went for gooold! Especially since I am ready to bring out these "pumdals" (pump?! sandal?! who knows!). I've been on a hunt for white shoes that aren't too this or too that and are real leather. And not patent. A tall order in reality. I nearly bought the Jeffery Campbell clinic boots in white (and still want them), but admittedly, I've fallen over in my black pair before. I was walking on grass but still... Something about the wedge heel doesn't allow me to feel the ground as well as I like. 

I've actually been lusting after these Miu Mius on ebay for close to a year. The seller kept re-listing them and finally dropped the price. I took that as fate and snatched them up. Even though they aren't all white, metallics go with everything, amirite?

It may be hard to see but I'm wearing my St. Patty's Day pin that says "Kiss Me I'm Irish!"

Don't forget Monday starts Stripes Week! Join Keely and I in our first year anniversary of Fashion Challenge! I'll have an inspiration post up on Sunday for those who might be stuck on how to style your stripes or just want a preview for the coming week. Hopefully our yard will be back in order as well. My Father-in-law pulled out a pine tree yesterday, which is why I've had my school brick wall lately instead of the house one.

Deadwood Altair

Deadwood Altair Dress - All Saints, gift from Megan

Tee - Club Monaco (old)

Belt - Rugged Warehouse

Boots - Frye, ebay

Ahh! Yes! Today was so crazy I can hardly begin. For starters, today is probably my last day for knee high boots. I was sweatin' today. Still in the 80s with no cooling off in the weather forecast. I'm glad I didn't wear a jacket today. This is the second All Saints dress, gifted to me by the awesomesauce Megan. I have to admit I was pretty excited to get this one. It was a bit big on me compared to the black dress from Tuesday, but a couple of seams brought the bust up. 

I took some inspiration from Audi on this outfit and layered a tee underneath. I went for purple, although the plaid is a faded red, grey and khaki. Even with the best of tailoring, this bustline is quite open. You can also see me versus Audi - I'm short. Almost all my dresses hit below my knee or mid-knee. I think it balances the open neckline though.

I have a similar dress by All Saints (the Vinca), but the neckline is a little less open and it doesn't have the poof at the neck line. Which I will admit to de-poofing by about 4 inches of fabric. Otherwise it doesn't lay under jackets very well and and I am so in love with this plaid I hardly want to limit it to summer wear. The excess fabric became two unique buttonflowers, one of which is on it's way back to Megan as a thankyou.

A quick reminder, Fashion Challenge - Stripes Week starts next week. I hope you will consider joining Keely and I for at least one day of striped goodness.

Pear

 Pendant - gift from Keely

Tank - Simply Vera, gift from Heather

Trousers - Etcetera, thrifted

Vintage Mary Janes - Etsy

Clutch - DIY

I was going to wear my other gifted dress from Megan today, but these thrifted pants have been calling my name. They are the exact color of a green pear. I'm assuming they were cut to be ankle pants for an average height person. However on me they just reach the tops of my feet. I thought they went perfectly with this gifted tank from Heather, and this pendant from Keely was an exact match. My wardrobe now consists of clothing that has traveled far and wide to be in closet. I am so very grateful to everyone!

Lots of info for today's post - I wanted to show off one of my latest projects. This is my "envelope" pouch. I've made a few of these, but I really enjoyed how this one came out. It just fits my Nook. The lemon-lime fabric was originally purchased with the intent to make a skirt (about four years ago). I felt 'over' the print after awhile, but felt renewed love for it once it became a pouch. I made one other in this fabric with a different "button."

Curls! I tried out curls again. They fell more today. I definitely think doing them overnight is much more effective. 

Weather! It's 85 freaking degrees! Wtf.

Post Count. Also you may or may not have noticed a big drop in my post count after mentioning I was hitting 700 posts. I've been cleaning up my online life as much as my IRL life. I wanted to clean out my photobucket account because I next to never use it. I use Picasa for my blog since it's already attached to my blogging account. I didn't want to leave 100+ posts with broken links so I wiped a portion of the blog. I did try to back up the most visited pages, and the reference type posts I've written like Shoe Days and theme weeks, and a few early ones. However if you do hit any broken images or otherwise, leave a comment on the post and I'll try to get it fixed up. I just don't have the time to transfer hundreds of photos manually. Sorry if this causes any inconvenience. 

Want a peek at what's in my clutch?! The one piece of technology I am never without!

Kitty Dress

 Kitty Dress - All Saints, gift from Megan

Belt - Guess (?)

Clinic Boots - Jeffery Campbell

Have you guys met Megan? No, not me! The ever-gorgeous, super-fashionable Megan of the Fashionable Bureaucrat! I have to admit, I felt a bit of glee when I first stumbled upon her growing blog last year. Megan has an amazing collection of shoes, containing many Fluevogs, and her style is quirky, cool, with retro and modern influences. And have I mentioned how sweet she is?

A few weeks ago, Megan shot me an email asking if I was interested in a couple of All Saints dresses that she was about to send to donation. Hells yes! They appeared on my doorstep this past weekend thanks to Megan's generosity. Today the weather was warm and sunny, so of course, I had to combat yesterday's rain and brights with some black. I'm hoping the weather holds and I can wear the other dress this week.

This dress is the "Kitty" dress. I was uncertain how I'd like the sleeves, but was actually super comfortable all day. A sturdy cotton with that classic "origami" cut. I stuck with a monochromatic look and tossed on my clinic boots. This dress certainly got attention today!

I'd been missing a LBD in my closet since Keely bought my other All Saints one. This was an awesome gift. Thanks again Megan!

Neon Watermelon

 Tee - Old Navy, thrifted

Skirt - the Limited, thrifted

Socks, Necklace - gift

Pearl Hart Pumps - Fluevog

I'm happy to announce that I've been featured in Wendy Brandes's article on sheer clothing over here at the Huffington Post. What an honor to be included with so many awesome bloggers! Head over and check everyone out. I'm new to wearing sheer, but I am definitely inspired to try more gauzy fabrics as the weather warms...

Speaking of warmer weather, I'm really looking forward to my color shift. I tend towards more greens/blues and brights during summer. My absolute favorite color combo now and forever has got to be pink and green. Even my computer colors are pink and green. My mom gifted me these socks awhile back and they are my favorite colorful pair, and how perfect of a match are they to my Pearl Harts?!

Some sad news, today is my last day before school starts back (Boo!) However, I've worked my butt off all spring break and I'll be thrilled to get all my work turned in. I used to agonize over work and procrastinate on writing papers until last minute. When I started college I decided that I would commit to doing the work as soon as possible. It's a relief not to spend every Sunday scrambling to get everything that's due on Monday done.

Cumberbatched; or, Rag Curls on Short Hair

 Dress - thrifted

Custom Harness - Audra Jean

 Leather jacket - Theory, ebay

Boots - All Saints, ebay

So to start at the inspiration for today's outfit: Mr. Benedict Cumberbatch at the after party on press night for Design for Living at Baltic. (Photo linked directly to the photographer) The shirt he's wearing seems to be from one of the earlier All Saints lines. While my dress may not be All Saints in origin (my boots are though!), it has a similar neckline. And since my hair has been growing out I've actually wanted to play around with different hairstyles - so we come to part two of today's post.

Rag Curls! I do have a curling iron. Two in fact (one large, one medium). Bizarre for someone who never ever curls their hair. But both of them are too large for my short hair. So I started looking for alternatives. Pincurls seems to be on the biggest rec's across the board, but my fingers can't ever hold onto the hair, I drop pins, drop the curl - oh and I don't have hairspray. So! I kept looking. Rag curls seemed to be where it was at.

I found this lovely retro-inspired blogger who actually showed an adorable tutorial for short hair. I cut up an old tee and got to work. I do suggest using a stiff cotton if you have it, but the tee did work. I imagine stiffer cotton only helps you hang onto things. I did use a wave/anti-frizz spray and a little gel run through wet hair, but otherwise it was just some strips of cloth and time. I added pictures of my hair tied up, and right after I pulled the 'rags' out. I wound up sleeping on the curls and ran a comb through them so they softened into loose waves. However I think this is a great way to get a variety of curls with some great control - and it's nearly free to do. I will definitely be trying this again as my hair grows out.

                                  Before................. After (sort of ancient greek, no?)