Question of the Day

"What do spiders do all day?"

P.S.  Happy Birthday, G!

Easter Sunday

Dress:  Merona Mod Floral Dress in Yellow/Aqua** (solid yellow and yellow/aqua floral print at Modcloth; very similar style in blue and yellow/blue floral at Dorothy Perkins) 
Cardigan:  Chelsea Cardigan at New York & Company** (current version at New York & Company)
Shoes:  Poetic Licence 'Girl About Town' Pump**
Necklace: Gold Multi Chain Agate Necklace at Target**
** Blogger's own

Bernice Bobs Her Hair

Dress:  Waist and See Dress at Modcloth** (aka Dear Creatures Piper Dress in Silver / Navy*)
Shoes:  Seychelles Petunia T-Strap Pump, Orange**
Hair Comb:  bought locally (Deanna DiBene* has several similar and very pretty options here and here; also check out the great selection of cute cloches)
Tassel Necklace:  Tinley Road Deco Tassel Necklace at Piperlime
Chain and Bead Necklace:  Sears** (similar at ASOS)
* I have not shopped at this store.
** Blogger's own

"Bernice Bobs Her Hair" is a very good short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about an awkward girl's transformation into a social butterfly.  When she becomes more popular than her mentor, her mentor humiliates her in revenge.  But Bernice gets the last laugh!  Check it out at your local library or on Amazon.

Keep Calm and Go Shopping

I love to shop, although currently I'm under a shopping moratorium (because soon I have to buy a big white dress). If I try to stuff any more shoes or clothes in our condo, we may end up on a reality show. I'll be all crazy-eyed, clutching a pair of my ridiculous shoes (ridiculously AWESOME), while my fiancé faces the camera with red-rimmed eyes and quietly mourns "our cat Sadie whom we haven't seen since the Great Closet Cave-In of 2012". (This is based on true events. My hanging closet rod slipped and dumped all my tops onto the floor while my fiancé looked on and said, "I think you've exceeded its weight limit.")

Anyway, due to my shopping prowess, my friends often ask me for recommendations of stores to find "cute" clothes, so I have extended the favor to you, Gentle Reader. I scoured the Internet far and wide to bring you this list.  (Really, I just pulled them out of my well-worn list of Favorites).

TJ Maxx and Marshalls are obvious, but bs, answers because you can always find good stuff there, but you have to browse patiently. Remember to eat a snack and use the restroom first. Otherwise you turn into Shopper Crankypants glaring at someone because they are blocking your singleminded path to the Michael Kors display. Must. Look. At. Orange. Dress. withJanglyBits.  

Amazon

I love Amazon. I want to move into Amazon. Surely there is a small empty corner that I can curl up in. Then when you do a search for "Sarahs", I'll pop up. I wonder if I'm Prime Eligible? I have found so many obscure (to me) awesome shoe brands here (oh, and here).  But Amazon is like Marshalls.  It's not always a bargain unless you get lucky.  And the sheer volume of stuff can be exhausting. Try doing a seemingly innocent search for, well, anything, and you'll see what I mean. 9,357 results...ok, try size mmhmm...3,872 results...*sigh*...I need a snack.

ASOS

The clothes are stylish and interesting, if sometimes a bit, shall we say, unrealistic.  It's European, so of course it's fabulous. You can find reasonably-priced to crazy-expensive stuff here. Plus, the site has a great runway feature to show how the clothes actually move when worn. 

Yoox

I recently discovered this store, although I've been shying away since. You can get sucked into its alternate reality where you find yourself thinking, Marc Jacobs flip flops for only 200 bucks?? SCORE! (This can happen on Amazon, too, when you look at your shopping cart total of $1,687.00 and you're like, wait, what?)

Modcloth

Anthropologie Jr. I'm too old to shop here, and I know it. Yet I'll still wear this. It's big into vintagey, retro-style clothes, so if you have a hankering for a big 50's skirt (and who doesn't?), you can find it here. Be forewarned, the sizing is juniors, even though the numbers are even. 

Online / Brick and mortar stores 

New York & Company

I only started appreciating NY&Co recently when I outgrew Express (in more ways than one). Now that I'm in my mid-thirties, I'm squarely in their target demographic. The suits are always professional but not terribly expensive. The pants are not all low-rise. It particularly excels at comfortable and pretty jersey dresses, colorful patterns, and every year it does a neat twist on the cardigan. 

MNG by Mango at JCPenney

Once again, European = fabulous. It also equals small and tight. Mango appears to be obsessed with American cartoon characters, but beyond that, the jersey dresses (see a trend with me?) and tops often have interesting cuts and prints.  MNG regularly knocks off its big sister Mango, and while it may not be considerably cheaper than Mango, JCPenney is probably more accessible. 

H&M

Are you picking up what I'm putting down? Where is your US e-commerce site, H&M?? We're dying here!

To my international readers:
Sorry if my list is too Americentric!  ASOS, H&M (lucky you!), and Yoox are international shopping sites, and Amazon has many international storefronts.

Modcloth also ships internationally, but the cost may be high.  This is what I discovered on my end after ordering some things from Dorothy Perkins.  (I especially like its dress selection, namely the brand Closet.)  The shipping cost to the US wasn't too bad, but when I had to make a return, it was very expensive.  So I am careful about ordering anything from Dorothy Perkins now.  You may find this to be the case in reverse, so check return policies before placing orders!  Bon shopping! 



Fifties Housewife courtesy of Velma's Retro Clip Art and Images

Ikea Shoe Department

How do I love thee, United Nude?  Let me count the ways...

Soyez le bienminou

Tank Top:  You’re Far Too Kind Top at Modcloth**

Underpinning:  Old Navy Stretch Jersey Tank 

Skirt:  Karen Kane Women's Leopard Knit Skirt via Amazon**

Shoes:  Seychelles Aloof Peep-Toe Pump via Amazon**

Bracelet:  Cat Get Enough Bracelet (Tatty Devine) at Modcloth**

** Blogger's own

French lesson du jour:

Merci beaucoup = Thank you very much

Soyez le bienvenu = You're welcome

minou = kitty-cat

Puss 'n Boots

Dress:  Got a Feline Dress** (aka Sugarhill Boutique Feline Fine Dress; cats or mint or cats and mint at Modcloth)
Scarf:  Chasing Down Chic Scarf** (Running Zebras Mint Scarf at HappyScarf*)
Boots:  Ego and Greed Driver - Maya Black with Cats at Shoo Daddy via Amazon**
Tights:  I like Merona® tights at Target
* I have not shopped at this store.
** Blogger's own

Plus ça change...

plus c'est la même chose!

 

 

When I was ten, my favorite outfit was a pair of two tone gray jeans, K-Swiss sneakers, and a t-shirt with the House of Plantagenet family tree, which my father ordered from a catalogue that sold all kinds of nerdy t-shirts, like with the periodic table.  This was before online shopping, of course.  I would totally wear that outfit now, if it still fit.

But instead I wear:

Jeans:  Diesel Hi-vy Slim Jean, Black at Amazon**

T-shirt:  Un-Edited Tee at Modcloth** (Nooworks Teachers Pet Tee*)

Flats:  Puma Karlie Ballet Flat, White/Barberry at Amazon**

* I have not shopped at this store.
** Blogger's own

Lady of the Lake

Dress:  Star Sign Dress in Pisces at Modcloth**
Cardigan:  Jason Wu for Target® Long-Sleeve Pointelle Sweater in Belize Blue** (you can still find it on eBay or similarish at Dillard's or similar color at New York & Company and Target)
Shoes:  Apepazza Rosalie T-Strap at Amazon**
Earrings:  Target** (similar at Forever 21)
** Blogger's own

Awesome Sauce

 

Skirt:  The Webster at Target® Ruffle Skirt in Flamingo Print**

Jacket:  In a Good Highlight Jacket in Yellow at Modcloth** (available in pink or similar at Forever 21, Topshop, or as a vest)

Tank Top:  modbod Perfect Cami**

"Ridiculously Epic" Sneakers:  Sam Edelman Alexander Fashion Sneaker** (find at Anne-Shoes Store* or similar Rock & Candy or Aldo at Amazon)

"Arm Party":  assorted from Target**

* I have not shopped at this store.

** Blogger's own

Millennium Falcon

Dress:  Michael Michael Kors via Marshalls** (sequined version at 6pm, and similar and similar at Yoox)
Shoes:  Velvet Angels Falcon Platform Pump at Amazon**
Necklace:  New York & Company** (very similar at Express and Kohl's)
Bangle:  part of a set from H&M** (very similar at Kohl's)
**Blogger's own

Four Corners

Dress:  To Peach Her Own Dress at Modcloth** or BB Dakota Wren Dress at 6pm 
Boots:  Big Buddha Wayne Western Boot at DSW**
Necklace:  Sears** (similar at New York & Company or Urban Outfitters)
** Blogger's own

Liquid Silver

Tank:  Rock & Republic Metallic Crinkle Tank at Kohl's**
Jacket:  Mossimo® Pointed Lapel Sateen Jacket at Target**
Jeans:  Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Skinny Denim at Target** (find in stores or many options at Piperlime)
Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman Capsize Pump at Amazon**
Earrings:  ASOS Armour Fan Earrings**
** Blogger's own

Banker's Hours

Skirt:  MNG by Mango® Melange with Pockets at JCPenney** (similar at Mango)

Tank:  New York & Company Beige Lace Tank** (similar at Forever 21)

Underpinning:  Jockey Elance® Supersoft Camisole**

Jacket:  Deed Collection via Marshalls** (navy blazer at Gap, navy pinstripe linen blazer at Forever 21)

Shoes:  Wanted Shoes Graham Oxford via DSW** (find them on Amazon)

Necklace:  Jennifer Lopez Gold Tone Simulated Crystal Oval Link Necklace at Kohl's

** Blogger's own

Reference Desk

Blouse:  Flutter Me Up Top at Modcloth**
Skirt:  MNG by Mango® Melange with Pockets at JCPenney** (similar at Mango)
Barrette:  Sky Sent Barrette at Anthropologie
Shoes:  BCBGeneration Pascoe at ShoeMetro**
** Blogger's own

My Triumphant Return

After immersing myself in home decor for several years and neglecting my inner fashionista, this outfit marked my triumphant return to fashion.

Dress:  Simply Vera Vera Wang** (similar* and similar*)
Cuff:  Apt. 9® Gold Tone Textured Openwork Swirl Cuff Bracelet**
Shoes:  Nine West Yardenia Sandal **
* I have not shopped at this store.
** Blogger's own

The Historian

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is one of my favorite books.  It's got vampires and old books and Eastern Europe and libraries and the Hagia Sophia and finding in clues in ancient maps and descriptions of food and Vlad the Impaler and mysteries that are solved by historical research!  What's not to love?  I wish I would receive a tiny mysterious book that would send me off on a far-flung investigation through Eastern Europe!  I will say that the ending is a little thin if you really think about it, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.  (I've read it three times.)  It's like Indiana Jones, but with more emphasis on the history and less on the blood-thirsty natives.

Find it at your local library or on Amazon.

Battleflag

Which, incidentally, is my favorite song. Who's heard it?

I prefer the radio edit version.  Not due to my sensibilities, which are delicate, but because I like the cool effects.

Now, to fashion, onward!

Jeans:  Diesel Hi-vy Slim Jean**  (best jeans ever if you hate low-rise as much as I do)
Top:  Zara Piqué Blouse** (very similar but with long sleeves, softer with stripes, and you really have to commit to this look)
Boots:  Camille Skovgaard London A11005.1 Ankle Boot **
Ring:  No Conquest Ring**
Earrings:  ASOS Armour Fan Earrings**
** Blogger's own but may not have paid as much as it is currently advertised.

TutuFest 2012

Dress:  Pop Prima Donna Dress

Sandals:  I Zig It** (Zayne by Wild Rose)

Ring:  Spikes World Ring 

Eye Tattoo:  Eye Rock Shadow Transfers

** Blogger's own

P.S.  Happy Birthday, Liz!

Social Butterfly

Inspired by my friend Ginger, Part I.

Left Outfit
Jeans:  Levi's Supreme Curve Skinny Jean
Top:  Old Navy Black Chiffon Blouse (similar, casual, and eyelet trim)
Shoes:  Nine West Beeout Wedge Pump
Bracelets:  SONOMA life + style® Silver Tone Bangle Bracelet Set
Ring:  Bling Bottle Opener Ring

Right Outfit
Jeans:   Levi's Supreme Curve Skinny Jean
Top:  Old Navy Pleated Chiffon Top (similar)
Shoes:  Seychelles Eye to Eye II Wedge Pump (similar Seychelles)
Necklace:  Simply Vera Vera Wang Two Tone Multistrand Necklace

Resident Genius

l-r: Albert Einstein, Sadie

Beauty School Dropout

Top:  New York & Company Short-Sleeved Cardigan** (similar*, ombre*, cropped, even more perfect for this outfit)
Jeans:  Mossimo® Skinny Ankle Pant**
Scarf:  Mossimo Blue/Teal Large Status Square**
Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman Capsize Pump**
Large Ring:  Target Pink Elongated Pave Crystal Ring
Necklace:  Target Silver Small Moveable Scissors
Stacked Rings:  FULL TILT Piece Mixed Ring Set*

* I have not shopped at this store.
** Blogger's own

The Wizard of Awesome

Even the Wizard of Pretty Great or Not Half Bad would be ok.

Dress:  Wizard of Awesome Dress in Dogwood
Boots:  Volatile Denver Boot
Earrings:  Target (similar and fun)

Friday Boots

Inspired by my friend Liz, Part I.

Jeans:  Citizens of Humanity Thompson Skinny Jeans*
T-shirt:  Old Navy Vintage-Style V-Neck Tee
Boots:  Dingo Molly Boots
Belt:  Relic® Reversible Perforated Belt
Necklace:  Pearlz Ocean Prehnite Endless Knotted Necklace*
Bracelet:  Hinky Imports Jade Prayer Bead Bracelet*
* I have not shopped at this store.

Star Fruit

Spiky but sweet.

Dress:  Pastel a Story Dress** (by Nishe; similar, similar, kind of similar, and not so similar but pretty)
Shoes:  Camille Skovgaard London S11004.1 Mule**
Bracelet:  Spike Things Up Bracelet**

Photo Credit:  Zimbio

Click to enlarge

I was inspired by the outfit Heather Morris wore to the preview of Glee 3D.  The combination of a pretty little lavender dress with tough buckled booties is really interesting.  I always go for any kind of juxtaposition:  sweet and tough, vintage and modern, or masculine and feminine.  A more literal translation of her look would be:

Dress:  Pastel a Story Dress** (see links to similar styles above)

Boots:  Miss Robertson Bing Ankle Boot**

Earrings:  Put A Wing On It Earrings**

Necklace:  Chain Art Necklace** (similar)

**Blogger's own

Own the Night Like the Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July!

Dress:  Jason Wu for Target** (you can still find it on eBay)
Shoes:  Simply Vera Vera Wang**
Scarf:  Rock Star Spangled Scarf
Necklace:  Macy's** (similar and similar)

Shirt:  Green Envelope** (similar and similar)
Jeans:  New York & Company** (similar and similar)
Bracelet:  Target Blue Rope Knotted Bracelet** (similar* and similar*)
"Ridiculously Epic" Shoes:  Sam Edelman Alexander Fashion Sneaker (solid color, very similar, and gold and leopard)

Or try these shoe options:

Left:  United Nude March**  Center:  The Geometric System Flat**  Right:  Eject 13603 Pump**

* I have not shopped at this store.
**Blogger's own

"Own the Night like the Fourth of July":  Katy Perry. “Firework”. Teenage Dream. Capitol, 2010.

.

Port Out, Starboard Home

Dress:  Paper Moon Dress** (also find it here)
Shoes:  olsenHaus Sunset Sandal**
Earrings:  Croft & Barrow Silver Tone Colorblock Hoop Drop
Bracelet:  Target Blue Rope Knotted Bracelet** (similar* and similar*)
*  I have not shopped at this store.
**  Blogger's own

If you prefer a more literal translation, check these earrings out!


P.S. It's commonly but erroneously believed that the word "posh" (e.g. Posh Spice) comes from the expression "port out, starboard home". Remember that the next time you're on Jeopardy.

Love Angel Music Baby

Top:  The Answer is Sheer Top in Aqua**
Skirt:  Swing Me Around Skirt**
Shoes:  Baci Condor Pumps**
Earrings:  Retro Rosie Earrings in Black**
Celebrity:  Gwen Stefani in Louis Vuitton at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards
**  Blogger's own


A casual take:



Top: Return of the Mackinac Bustier Top (similar and similar*)
Jeans:  J Brand Red Skinny Jeans (similar and similar)
Sandals:  Mossimo Black® Pearl Sandal**
Earrings: Retro Rosie Earrings in Black**
Body Chain:  Silver Metal Chain*
*I have not shopped at this store.
** Blogger's own