Etsy Purchases

I bought three pairs of earrings this morning! The first two will complement my NPS uniform, and I thought the third was awesome for daily wear in industrial Baltimore:

Desert River Delta earrings from lunedesigns = $21.00 (incl. shipping)

Hydrangea post earrings from sammi84 = $23.50 (incl. shipping)

Bell Tag earrings from industryabandon = $10.00 (incl. shipping)

I've updated budget totals on the right! --------->

Vogue June 2010 Inspiration

Although it is nearly eclipsed by disturbing articles about surrogate motherhood (a bioethical nightmare that has no place whatsoever in a fashion magazine, in my opinion) and expensive vacation destinations (??) in the June 2010 issue of Vogue, the feature "Two If By the Sea" offers some summer inspiration in the form of a photoshoot of Glee's Matthew Morrison and model Raquel Zimmermann. Here is the photo that jumped out at me from the issue as a whole:

(Photo from Vogue via chungkit)

I love the use of a simple white blazer (this one from Tommy Hilfiger) as a swimsuit coverup - it is very different and adds a surprising contrast between work and play. Another photo in the shoot shows Raquel using a tiered skirt rather than a sarong to cover up. What do you think of the trend?

Head over to Vogue via the link above to see more pics from the shoot!

n.b. As an aside, I will say that I am unhappy with Vogue magazine and am not likely to renew my subscription once it runs out next year. It favors celebrities over models in the shoots (a definite turnoff for me) and features articles like those mentioned above that not only have nothing to do with fashion, but are also offensive.

Thank you for your patience!

I know I have been horrid about posting lately, but I promise my inspiration is back and I will be posting soon! My new job started this week and I will be taking a break soon to give my blog a little TLC. Love you all!!!

Life Changes

Psst...guess what? I have some awesome news: assuming everything goes smoothly, I am slated to begin work as a seasonal park guide for the National Park Service on May 23! I am more than a little nervous about the change from the lab to a park, so prayers are much appreciated during the switch. But how does this affect me as a budget fashionista? Well, I will be wearing a uniform in the colors of the great outdoors five out of seven days of the week. It is going to be an interesting challenge to express my own personal style while still paying respect to and not drawing attention from the uniform.

Searching etsy for subtle inspiration in green...

brown...

and gray...

May Budget Update

Just updated my budget totals to add $10 to the book budget and reset the clothing budget!
($51 carries over from last month and now rests in my clothing account for a rainy day...)

-------------->

In other news, my oxfords shipped yesterday.

Creative Layers

(From The Sartorialist)

I actually had a conversation the other night with Fr. Mark White (recall: the priest with the cufflinks) regarding where the best fashions are coming from these days. Although I have a great deal of affection for vintage and vintage-inspired clothing like that we are seeing on the runways, is it really new? I wonder. Anyway, after some thought we concluded that Asia is really producing some new and creative fashion these days.

To my delight, the Sartorialist has been in Japan recently (the above pic was taken in Toyko). Don't you love the layering that the girl has in the photograph? Layers of lace over cotton skirt, with colored stockings...my roomate is from China and she has the same sense for lovely layering that I wish I possessed. Even the dude in the photo has an awesome aesthetic, with the vest thrown on over the t-shirt (so effortlessly cool!) and the hat.

(p.s. ack! where did all my old pictures go?!? I will fool with that later...sorry!)

Blog Review: Young, Fat, & Fabulous

Have you been thinking about the so-called "curvy" model controversy? With my sisters, myself and my mother, there are four girls in all living at my house, and the issue has definitely come up around the dinner table. The questions we've discussed involve whether catalogs should use "regular" women as models for their clothes, whether designers should use curvier models on the runway, and the definition of "plus-sized" and "curvy" in the fashion world today.

While I think I prefer to see designer clothes, and clothes in general, modeled on very thin models - giving me a blank canvas to help me appreciate the designer's art so to speak - I have at the same time a problem with the fact that the fashion world would call a normal body imperfect, a curvy woman fat, etc. What do these words mean? Would I be considered merely imperfect, curvy, plus-sized? The size of the vocabulary necessary to navigate the world of fashion makes the head spin.

Yesterday I discovered this fashion blog, Young, Fat, & Fabulous (via WORN). And let me tell you, Gabi has the right attitude and taught me volumes in the first few minutes of reading her posts. First of all, she throws the confusing body-image vocabulary out the window, replacing it with an acceptance with and love for the body one has been given in life. One thing in particular that she said really got me thinking and exemplifies her awesome attitude, so I thought I would share it here:

I still have friends who call themselves fat to get others to argue that they aren’t - something else I refuse to do. Be warned: if you call yourself fat, I’ll probably just agree with you, even if you’re a size 4. Because, what’s fat, anyway?

Too true.

Anyway, hop on over and take a look at her site. Add it to your Google Reader. Not only does this gal have a fabulous fashion philosophy, but the fashion sense I wish I had!

Oxford flats

I did it - I bought myself a pair of black oxford flats from goldenponies (remember when I posted about them a couple weeks ago?). It will take a few weeks to make them before they are shipped, but I promise I'll post a picture when they arrive! :)

$35 for the shoes + $6 shipping to the U.S. = $41. Note the new budget totals -------->

Classic Gangster Style

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending two performances of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (written by Bertolt Brecht and performed by CUA Drama). Aside from being a fabulous and thought-provoking production, the costuming was delicious and satisfied the so-called "greedy eyes" of this wannabe fashionista. The play made me cast my mind back to classic gangster style I'd seen in old movies like those starring Jimmy Cagney and Edward G. Robinson.

Very awesome. Since the first time I saw the play on Thursday night, I've been set on incorporating some classic gangster-style subtly into my wardrobe in case the mood hits me. Any ideas on how to do this? I did some Etsy browsing this morning and found a few pretty fabulous things:

Steel-grey spats from here.

Earrings made from bullet shells.

Finally, my personal favorite. Pinstripe cuffs. :)

Vogue Korea March 2010

The March 2010 Vogue Korea has an absolutely gorgeous spread of Han Jin. All the photos have an ethereal, feminine quality that is a great inspiration for Spring. I love the ruffles, pleats, and delicate folds on her dresses. Makes me want to find something beautiful to wear, and put flowers in my hair. (Maybe like these from whichgoose?)

Photos from Vogue Korea via Asian Models. Head over to AM for the rest of the photos (and beautiful, full-size versions!).

Make a Spring Scarf

I don't know about you, but I can never have too many scarves. They are one of the ultimate accessories, because you can wear them a million ways. Wrap them around your neck all by their lonesome, twist them up with pearls or another necklace for some extra fabulousness, tie them around your waist, or around your purse handles for panache. Scarves are the easiest way to remake an old outfit, and are warm for slightly chilly spring days.

Yesterday I came across this tutorial on making a trendy scarf out of your old tights that I am hoping to try this weekend. I have literally a drawerful of old tights with runs in them that I haven't had the heart to throw away as they were so expensive. Anyway, check out the tutorial!

(photo from Obstinate Pursuit)

Suit Yourself in a Men's Dress Shirt

This morning I'd like to introduce you all to the creative and fashionable author behind the blog Cubic Dreams. As her "about me" says, she is currently living in London (is there a cooler place to live? I miss London almost as much as I miss Paris) studying Interior and Spatial Design. She also has some fabulous ideas about how to s-t-r-e-t-c-h one's clothing budget.

Suppose you come across a men's dress shirt at the thrift store that you simply love. You love the fabric, the buttons, the color...you wish it were a dress or a skirt and not a men's shirt. At this point, if the shopper were me, I would sigh wistfully, caress the fabric, and put it back on the rack. But not this gal! She makes the shirt into a dress or a skirt!

Here is a photo of the dress she made out of a shirt (too cute!) and the tutorial on her website.

And here is a skirt she made out of a shirt and another tutorial!

Now, make sure you add Cubic Dreams to your Google Reader for some daily inspiration!

(photos from Cubic Dreams and used with permission)

Latest Purchase

Remember the gingham dress I bought a couple months back from allencompanyinc? The waist was a little big, so last night I bought a Banana Republic skinny patent leather belt to go with it. I got the belt on eBay for $10.00. I've always wanted a skinny black belt!!!

Check out the sidebar for new budget totals ------>

Welcome!

Welcome (back) to my blog - unfortunately my previous hosting site had a problem with "regenerated content" so I was forced to find another host. No worries! Give me a little time to get back on my feet and the "new" DOBF will be just as awesome! I have a backlog of posts I've been working on that I will start posting later today.

Thanks for visiting!

Budget Fashion Tip: Use Shopping Blogs!

I’ll admit it: I am totally addicted to shopping blogs. What exactly is a shopping blog? They are a cross between a fashion ebay and a consignment store, where people clean out their closets and sell their high-end items via a drawing system. When you surf the site and find an item you like, you post your paypal email address to enter the drawing to buy the item.

My favorite shopping blog is Laws of General Economy. It is very active; sellers post several items a day so you need to visit daily if you are serious about it (or addicted as in my case). Currently I have my name attached to two items, and am debating putting my name in for a third.

I’ve bought accessories and shoes on blogs in the past, and I must say I like it because there is such a huge range of items available – literally something to fit every wardrobe/style. The other plus is that you don’t have to get involved in a bidding war. Rather, everyone pays the same price if they win the drawing.

Here’s a sampling of things listed at the moment. Click the image to go to the listing itself:

Ted Baker skirt UK Sz. 2 - listing ends 4/17

Adam Lipps dress Sz. 2 - listing ends 4/17

Calypso dress Sz. XS - listing ends 4/17

Corso Como oxfords Sz. 6.5 - listing ends 4/16

Anthropologie sweater Sz. S - listing ends 4/15

Some other, less active (at least at the moment) shopping blogs are shoes and your mom, Shop it Right Now, and Shop the Stylish Wanderer’s Closet.

Happy Shopping!

(all photos from laws of general economy)

Inspiration India

The Fashion Spot featured an article this morning on India’s Expanding Fashion Weeks and Middle Eastern/Indian inspired fashion. Am I a little excited that I had my finger on this fashion pulse? Yes. Do you want to know where to get some inspiration on how to incorporate the look into your own wardrobe? Of course.

To start you off, my favorite place to go is High Heel Confidential, a fabulous blog written by Payal and Priyanka about Indian celebrity fashion (both male and female). The commentary is fun, but I enjoy the roundup of awesome photographs. Indian fashion is gloriously colorful and forever interesting.

The featured fashions vary from traditionally-inspired…

..to modern...

(Images owned by High Heel Confidential)

*the* flat for Spring 2010

I’ve had my eye on these handmade oxfords (in colors to suit anyone!) from goldenponies for awhile. Good thing, since Vogue is saying that the oxford flat isn’t “just for winter any longer”. As soon as the seller gets back, I will be sure to get a pair of my own.

As a side note, to wear these fashionably one must pair them with either blue jeans or a sufficiently short (above the knee) skirt to avoid frumpiness.

P.S. I’ve used some of my book budget $$ to subscribe to Vogue, and added a box on the side to keep track of where that money is going. In reality it is $10 of the $200 per month of my regular budget, but in the interest of full disclosure I will show it separately.

To Die For

Is everyone else loving Danni Li in her gorgeous gown and floor-length pearls as much as I am? Photo from the April-May 2010 Issue #69 of the City Newspaper, via Asian Models.

Mixed Bag

I’ve been awful about posting to my blogs lately – so sorry! Hopefully I can get back into it soon because I miss my favorite hobby. Life has been crazy lately with many exciting changes.

That said, I have a couple questions for my (scanty) readers:

1) What do you think of harnesses as fashion?

(from iheartnorwegianwood)

I am kind of digging it – seems like a nice way to define your waist.

2) My priest-fashion post was pretty popular: should I feature some more fashion-forward priests on my blog?

In budgetary news, I’ve used my book budget for the past two months to subscribe to Vogue for a year. Can’t wait for my first issue!

Vintage Sari

Here is a headshot of me in my “new” vintage sari. Hopefully I can track down a full length picture soon!

(photo courtesy of the author's sister)

Lingerie on the Outside

What do you think of the lingerie-on-the-outside trend for the ladies? I think it can be done tastefully, and with a little layering can make an outfit deliciously feminine. I’m not really into the over-corseted dominatrix look, but this slip dress from Topshop would be lovely over an onionskin tee and leggings.

It is warm outside and I am getting very excited for Spring. Today is the first day I wore a short-sleeved top.

As soon as I get my hands on a camera I will post photos of my Portland purchases!

New Budget Totals

Check out the sidebar for updated post-Portland totals! —————->

Vintage silk sari (for whenever) = $55.00 + $6.00 s&h = $61.00

Corduroy dress (for Fall 2010) = $35.00

Faux-fur reversible vest (for Fall 2010) = $10.00

Multi-colored wool wristlet from Peru (for Fall 2010) = $7.00

Multi-chain necklace = 50% off $12.50 (dug out of sale bin) = $6.25

Totals: ($99.87 from March + 35.92 left from Feb.) – $119.25 (above) = $16.54 left for March

Good thing I saved some money for Portland!

Saris

You may have noticed in my recent budget total update that I bought a vintage silk sari this week. I’d had my eye on it for awhile on Etsy from Badraboutique and hoped to wear it to my grandmother’s 80th birthday party. Well, the party snuck up on me and before I knew it I only had a week to get this sari. Thus the odd budget-gymnastics (using Feb. leftovers) in the aforementioned post.

That said, here is the lovely silk sari that I cannot wait to incorporate into my wardrobe. I think I will shorten the sleeves on the shirt:

(photo from badraboutique's etsy listing)

Back from Portland

Hello all! I arrived home from the APS conference in Portland this morning at the jaunty (if hours could be jaunty) hour of 2AM. I apologize for my horrid lack of posts for the past couple weeks. With my debut conference presentation behind me, I can look forward to regularly updating my blogs once again.

Guy Friday: Cufflinks!

We’ve talked about ties and belt buckles; what next?

For those of you who may not be aware, our Holy Father Pope Benedict declared the year of June 2009 – June 2010 The Year of the Priest. Throughout this year, we remember to support our priests in prayer and action. I thought it would be appropriate to feature one of the most stylish priests I know in honor of the Year of the Priest.

Meet Fr. Mark White, aka The Preacher:

Fr. Mark is a priest with style, with panache, with *BAM*. This “something” certainly has to do with his vocation as humble preacher, his smile,and his personality, but it also in a big way has to do with his cufflinks.

Fr. Mark is the King of Cufflinks and has the best cufflink collection I have seen. During the snowstorm of the century, the Preacher promised to wear the above sailboat cufflinks until the thermometer in Washington, DC hits 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

So take a tip from Fr. Mark, guys, and add that *BAM* to your suit-and-tie (or in this case, cassock) with an awesome pair of cufflinks.

Recycled Scrabble Tiles from SquishySushi

Steampunk Clockwork by nouveaumotley (my favs!!!!)

Vintage Maps by WhiteDoveJewellery

Ace of Spades by crimsonking

Single Nickel Bullets by awelldressedbullet

DC Transit Tokens by David Gieske

Socks? or no socks?

From Alexander Wang

What do you think of the sock trend for Spring? I haven’t yet decided either way (I mean, I was a convert to the shorts-and-tights trend and I thought I hated it at first)…this post from Nasty Gal may convince me to give it a try.

At least it is an inexpensive trend!

Inspiration

Head’s up: Nancy has a new post of her favorite outfits in her closet from April – December. Check it out!

Girls' Night

Note the new budget totals on the side ——->

I went out last night for a lovely secondhand shopping trip with one of my best girlfriends, Monique. After some searching, I found two amazing pairs of shoes (one pair of red leather peep-toe pumps & the summer black sandals I wanted this month) and I finally bought the totally insane gold sequined pants I’d wanted since November. At last, the price had dropped AND I had a 10% off coupon.

I promise pictures this weekend when I get ahold of my sister’s camera!

Now I need to save the rest for my trip to Portland in two weeks, because I am sure to find something there.

Military Fashion

From Vogue.com

I saw the military spread in the latest issue of Vogue…is anyone else drooling over the look as much as I am? I can see incorporating some girly florals to offset all the khaki…

(More pics from Mario Testino’s shoot here.)

Finds for Spring

My roomate and I went secondhand shopping on Saturday to three stores: Goodwill, Value Village, and Village Thrift. She bought some lovely things for spring and summer, and I also dug up a few “finds” to change up my summer wardrobe.

From Goodwill…

Banana Republic Gray Tank Top (Gray is a big color for spring) – $5.23

From Value Village…

Banana Republic Gray Wool Sweater – $5.20

Ann Taylor Gray Tee – $5.20

From Village Thrift (having a 1/2 off sale on yellow tags)…

J.Crew Khaki Skirt (totally getting in on the khaki trend) – $4.15

Black Rayon Sweater (I never have enough of these) – $2.57

Vintage 1970s Peep-toe sandals – $9.05

Fairly productive day, if I do say so myself. New totals: $55.92 left out of $200 for the month of February.