Sequins: Is It Spring Yet?

I saw in our local newspaper that, while the rest of the country has been experiencing one of the more milder winters to date, our pocket is getting hit harder than usual. It’s definitely wearing on me, and I’ve noticed that my response to day after day of crummy weather is to wear the brightest clothes I own.

Sweater: Thrifted, Shirt: Modcloth, Pants; H&M used, Boots:... One day I will remember, Necklace: Lisa Leonard & Fireworks, Jacket: Paris, Cowl: Anthro *gift

It worked well. I love my new lavender sweater, and I think it works so perfectly with an abundance of items in my closet. Which is always my goal–as crazy as my clothes might seem, my goal is to have as many things paired with as many other things as possible, so that at my laziest moments I can just grab at random any combination of necessary articles and head out the door.

Many may argue that I should never do that with my closet, but what can I say? Picking outfits out is really no where near my top priority. I’d much rather spend my mornings sipping on coffee that Monsieur made while reading a book on naval tactics throughout history. But that’s just me

My other top priority? Wearing things with sentimental value. It’s why the earrings Monsieur gave me are what I wear 95% of the time I wear earrings (well, that and they’re absolutely awesome. Seriously, the fella knows my jewelry tastes). The necklace I’m wearing is a combination of Lisa Leonard’s Hope Is the Thing Necklace, which was a birthday present from my mom during my first year as a college graduate, and a beautiful blue bird necklace my sister found for me at Fireworks, years and years ago. I’m grateful enough to be surrounded by people who not only love me, but have fabulous taste in jewelry (I know, I’ve got my priorities in order!)

“Hope” is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—

And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—
And sore must be the storm—
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm—

I’ve heard it in the chillest land—
And on the strangest Sea—
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.

Emily Dickinson

Sequins: Cheetahs & Horses & Birds, Oh My!

**Hey all, I’m actually out of town right now visiting my family, and my mom and I have a really fun all-day extravaganza planned, so I figured I’d pull this outfit post from off the dusty shelves. It was taken during the Snowpocalypse, thus the snow boots. Hope you’re all having a wonderful weekend!

This outfit was put together with some help from Monsieur–he always likes to have a say (especially when he knows I’m going to ask him to photograph it on our lunch date). This outfit started out really uncomplicated but every time I asked him if changing something bland (say, for instance, jeans) into something funky (a cheetah print skirt), he kept nodding yes.

Shirt & Skirt: Thrifted, Tights: Sojourner, Sweater: Nordstroms, Boots: Sorel, REI

I think all the nature motifs on my outfit are helping me blend in with the natural environment surrounding me (because I’m totally surrounded by cheetahs during my nature walks…). Can you count the animal prints?

Wait….

Can you count them all now?

Yeah I might have been a little excited about all the animal-related clothes in my wardrobe. But I think the mere fact that I didn’t wear my deer head necklace means I didn’t take the obsession too far. Yet.

Also, in case you’re wondering what my hair looks like when I don’t spend hours blow drying/straightening it, this is it. As it grows out it just keeps getting more and more awkwardly wavy.

Sequins: My Modern Alice

I’m sure I’m not alone in this supposition, but if I had to make a guess, I’d say that Alice (from Alice in Wonderland, of course) is the most remixed character in literary history. The story itself is constantly being reimagined, and with every reimagining, Alice herself is remade. I think it helps that the story itself is so bizarre and unexpected, and no one really knows what it’s about. Although Cracked takes a shot at the “right” interpretation here.

Dress: Charlotte Russe; Sweater, Vest, Ring & Shoes: Thrifted; Tights: Gift

This dress always makes me feel like Alice in Wonderland, no matter how I style it. Usually I opt for the vest pictured with purple or marroon tights, but I’ve been jonesing for a fun way to wear my new polk-a-dot sweater so I branched out a bit.

Seriously, though, this sweater? The internet made me buy it! I completely blame the internet (specifically this pin) for me blossoming obsession with polk-a-dots. I may have gone a little overboard with them in this outfit (have you seen how ridiculous those shoes are?) but I totally and un-apologetically loved this outfit.

I did not, however, love the crazy wild wind that messed my already-being-difficult hair. I was whining to Stripes about my hair–I’m a fan of the length but I’m seriously having the hardest time styling it. If I do nothing to it, it looks like limp noodles. If I spend hours blow-drying it straight, it last about five minutes before turning into greasy-looking limp noodles. And if I use my snazzy blow-drier attachment to help the natural waves turn into curls, it looks like a monster trying to eat my face (see above photo for reference). And then, of course, once satiated, it turns into limp noodles. In short, I’m failing in my stylistic efforts to prevent noodle hair. Any tips are much appreciated.

*Ahem. Back to my main point. This is my funky, modern version of Alice! I’m pretty sure she would have rocked this look perfectly. After all, what’s the point of getting dressed if you can’t dress up? And really, lest you think my costume is lacking in the props department, be assured….

…I even had my White Rabbit.

Sequins: The Back of the Closet

I couldn’t decide what to wear this morning (not actually the most typical quandary I find myself in, considering I usually plan my outfit as I fall asleep the night before), so I dug deep into the back of my closet and pulled this baby out.

Sweater & Dress: H&M, Scarf: Vintage, Boots: ..I forgot…, Tights: Target, Bag: Modcloth.com
This dress always looks so frumpy and ugly on the hanger, as if it would be too long or awkward. I always forget that I like wearing it, and an office job is the perfect place for it! I did spend the whole day feeling super toned down, but such is life. I can’t always be ridiculously dressed, I suppose.

Also? Can I just say about the above pose? I have a perpetual fear of being photographed from the side angle. I’m not the thinnest girl (I’m healthy, though, and I love my body), and I have a stomach condition that causes almost constant tummy bloat. So I live in fear of sideways shots and appearing pregnant. But this dress is fluffy and full enough that I could totally pull off a sideways shot! Because now you’ll never know if it’s just windy (which it was) or what!

I’ll admit, though, it does help that I get to bring my favorite ridiculous “business briefcase”  with me, though!

How about our readers (we know you’re out there!)? Do any of you have those easy-peasy pieces hiding in the back of your closet? How do you doll up a piece that’s on the bland side?

Sequins: Professional Snow Day

Snow is still here (but the forecast says it should be gone by the end of the weekend, and it’s starting to freeze rain–yuck!) and life goes one. Including work. This is how I juggle wearing professional, office-appropriate attire when it’s 12′ outside.

Shirt: Modcloth, Vest: Thrifted, Skirt: Kensie, Gloves & Tights: Target, Boots: Sorel, REI, Scarf: Knitted by Yours Truly!

That was as far as I was willing to strip for the photo shoot! Also, before you all start thinking I’m a bad person for showing off my sweater vest when just a few posts ago Stripes was lamenting her lack of one, the real conversation went like this:

Stripes: This outfit really makes me want a sweater vest.

Sequins: Did you seriously just say that you want a sweater vest?

Stripes: Uhh.. Yeah? Why, is that a bad thing?

Sequins: Aren’t you the one who, just weeks ago, mocked me and my desire to wear one?

Stripes: Probably? So?

*Sigh. It’s a good thing I like her. Also, the rest of the photo shoot I looked like this:

It’s super cold outside. I hope everyone reading this stays nice and warm and dry!

Stripes: Snowpocalypse Continues

Snowpocalypse 2012 continues in our little Northwest town! Admittedly there is not *that* much snow up here, but what’s different about our snow from other places’ is that ours is wet and turns to ice really easily. And have we mentioned that all of the Northwest is built on hills? Yeah, terrible combination. I think this article really outlines why people shouldn’t be quite so quick to call us total whimps…though it is funny to think about how much we’ve all been changing our routines and plans because of a measly 2 inches of snow.
I have been really excited, however, to get to wear my snow boots for a week straight. Usually they live under my bed waiting for our normal two days of snow and the occasional trip to the mountains for some snowboarding-but this week they’ve been taking me all over town! I also LOVE wearing so many layers. “Layers?! She’s not wearing that much clothing!” you may be saying to yourself. But I am actually wearing a ton of hidden layers under this stylish outfit. I’ve got my snowboarding thermals (Little Hotties Brand, seriously amazing!) and a pair of soccer socks on under my jeans as well as a tank top on under my shirt. And that scarf is way warmer than you’d expect…or at least than I expected the first time I really layered with it and was covered in sweat because I was overheating.

Coat: H&M (old), Scarf: Salvaged (old), Gloves: F21 (recent), Shirt & Jeans: Gap (old, both), Boots: The North Face (old).

And of course, my silly picture. It was about 5 degrees out with the windchill when I unbuttoned my coat! This was one of the first times Sequins and I have questioned our own sanity while taking pictures. Man it was cold!!

How’s everyone else’s weather? I read the Midwest is getting hit soon…stay warm folks!

-Stripes

Sequins: The Perfect Snow Day

Our area gets fairly consistent snow, but I think collectively we as a community forget that, since it never snows until mid to late January. We also get a decent snowfall every other year or so in Thanksgiving, but I think by January we’ve given up believing the forecast. So when it dumps a foot of snow overnight, the whole town is in this beautiful state of sparkley white shock.

Coat: JCPenny, Dress: thrifted, Jacket: local crafter, Tights: Target (with leggings underneath), Boots: Sorel from REI, Cowl: handmade (crocheted by me), Earwarmers: gift

Stances differ drastically on who you ask, but I friggin’ love the snow. I’m a pedestrian/biker who doesn’t even have a license, and I live in walking distance to everything I need, so I never feel inconvenienced enough by the snow to hate on it. Plus I grew up in the desert, so cold weather will perpetually hold a deep fascination with me. The trick is just preparing for the cold! My handmade cowl and (non-homemade) earmuffs did the trick perfectly

Monday was a work holiday (thanks, Martin Luther King Jr!), which meant that I actually got to enjoy a snow day instead of watching the flakes fall down out my window. Monsieur and I bundled up and spent the entire day literally walking all the way around town (which goes to show how small it actually is). We encountered a surprising amount of snowmen.

The whole day was entirely magical, as well as perfect for an indie film (I mean, seriously, me and my mister walking around the town encountering all types of people we’re familiar with. A hipster indie film is just dying to be made from that). It’s supposed to snow throughout the rest of the week (haha yeah we’ll see…), but I’m just really grateful that I got to spend Monday taking advantage of my small town in all it’s beautiful, winter glory.

Stripes: The Snow Is Here

Winter has finally hit mine and Sequin’s little town! In the 5 years I’ve lived up here this is the latest we’ve ever had a first snow of the season. Luckily, it means snow is still fun rather than just annoying. And it means it’s our first time being able to post pictures of our snow gear!This is my attempt at posing with a tree…

This is me and the tree sharing a wistful moment together while looking off onto the yonder. It was one of those deep moments…or I might have burst into laughter as soon as the picture was taken, you know, cause I’m such a pro modeler.

Coat: Body Glove (old), Zip Up: Paradox (old), Tank Top & Belt: American Eagle (old), Jeans: Gap (old), Boots: The North Face (old), Gloves: Forever 21 (recent).

And this is what was inside the coat. Judging by the forecasts, we’re going to have a few more winter wonderland posts in the next couple of days-what a fun break of pace?!

Is anyone else out there getting a ton of snow? Anyone want snow? Anyone totally over the snow?

-Stripes

Stripes: Clark Kent?

While I was getting dressed today I totally felt like Clark Kent. I love it! I am a serious nerd  so this outfit was really fun to put together. Originally, I was just going to wear the white button down but I decided the outfit really need a little something so I threw on the llama shirt for a pop of color. The only thing that would have been better would have been a sweater vest…I see myself investing in one soon. My cousin got me these gloves for Christmas and I love them! Sequins snagged a picture of them before I took them off for the real outfit pictures.

My outfit, seeing as it made me feel like Clark Kent, made me remember a post by another blogger I read, Charlotte Hilton over at The Great Fitness Experiment. She did an entire post about what her superhero power and it got me thinking, “If I was, indeed, Clark Kent, what kind of superhero am I?”

And so I pondered for a while. And pondered some more because thinking about what my superpower is is really challenging. But now I have decided that my power is the ability to be eerily accurate at guessing how long it will take to do something. When I used to work in food service I was really good at knowing exactly how long it took to prepare a dish when customers would ask me how long the wait was for their food. As a result, I am good at using every second of “down time” while doing one activity to complete a secondary task. I ♥ efficiency!

And of course, a silly picture! This is a dance move I learned with a friend in high school (aka forever ago) from the High School Musical dvd boardgame.

Gloves: Ugg via Nordstroms Rack (recent), White Button Down Shirt: Target (old), Llama Shirt: Delias (old), Skirt: Gap Outlet (recent), Tights: ?? (old), Shoes: Lucky Brand/gift (Recent).

Anyone else have a superpower? Mine’s not that exciting but Charlotte accidentally killed a mouse by screaming one time…now that’s freaking awesome! So what are you really awesome at?

-Stripes

Stripes: Vest 2.0

Happy New Year all! I hope everyone had a great (and safe) New Year’s Eve. I ended going over to a friend’s house to play boardgames, drink wine, and get lots of puppy loves (there were three doggies celebrating with us). While I had a blast I wore totally boring clothes which is why this post is about an outfit I wore a few days ago; the vest 2.0.

I posted about this vest a couple months ago without the hood and mentioned it’s fluffy faux fur hood that I had taken off for that day. Well, here’s the hood in all it’s goofiness. So the biggest surprise I found while trying to take pictures in the hood was how hard it is to get a decent picture with fur surrounding your face. As Sequins put it, in half the pictures I looked like I had stuff between my teeth because the fur got all up in my mouth and as I would like to put it, posing with a hood on was much harder than people make it look on other blogs! So, I’m sorry to say, I am not going to post any pictures of the hood up because it turned out looking good. And now I am reconsidering ever wearing hoods ever again because I am doubting my ability to look stylish in one again…  This one is just me being silly and looking SUPER white. Gotta love being Irish in a city that gets 20 days of sunshine a year. What’s funny (to me anyways) is that my face and chest don’t really tan- my legs (which absorb color like a sham-wow on a puddle of water) still have a bit of color from this last summer but the one shade I got on my face was gone by the end of September. It totally makes buying make-up easy, though, because I only have one month a year where my face is slightly tanner than my foundation and even then the difference is so small that I either just wear my same old foundation or just skip it all together.

Vest: Aeropostale (old), Shirt: Target (old), Jeans: Gap (old), Shoes: Converse (old, but they still make the same color still).

Hope you have a great New Year’s Day! Sequins and I are working on a bunch of new posts for you all for the coming days/weeks; hope you all enjoy our upcoming clothes, creativity, and cool thoughts (ok, so it was hard to keep the alliteration going but you get the point-we have lots of exciting things coming your way)!

-Stripes