Maybe Not, Monday: Giddy Up!

I know that the appeal of horses is great:

They can run fast.

They're gorgeous.

They make snort noises.

But that does NOT mean you should channel them into how you wear your heels. These shoes, which have the lovely sticky-up mane along the heel and are definitely velvet too, are not suitable for riding a horse. Nor are they suitable for wearing to work. Nor should you wear them out on Friday night to try and impress your equestrian friends.

I'd like to blame these shoes on Monday, but let's maybe not wear them.

Shop Akira!

Yes, it's getting colder. Pretty soon, we'll all be confined to wearing multiple layers, and the cute little sun dresses that we've been wearing all summer will be moved to the back of the closet. Depressing, right? Well, don't make that switch yet! There is still plenty of warm, sunny days left to wear that cute little dress!

To celebrate the last month of warm weather, I went to Akira to find my current favorite dresses (and one amazing little top). 

Roll Up Sleeve Shirt Dress

Mesh Corset Tube Dress

Color Block One Strap Dress

Raglan Sleeve Cinched Blouse

Draped One Sleeve Color Block Dress

Mesh Inserts Criss-Cross Back

Debbie Snap Back Dress

Maybe Not, Mondays

This week's fashion miss is this shirt.... with smiley-egg boobs.

I can see what they were trying to accomplish here, but unless you're wearing this to IHOP the night after a ridiculously drunken party experience, there is no reason to be wearing this.

The ultra-low V-neck cut really doesn't help either.

So, let's blame this shirt on Monday. But maybe not wear it.


-KD

Krista Drager... winner of the Alternative Apparel The Whigs contest!

Got my contest prize from Alternative Apparel today! Pretty awesome stuff!

-2 shirts from the Whigs
-A pair of AWESOME Sunglasses
-Two Magazines (One of them has a feature on It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia I'm looking forward to reading!
-My $200 gift card to the Alternative Apparel website!
-A vinyl record from the Whigs
-A CD from the Whigs
-And to hold it together a wonderful, eco-friendly Alternative Apparel bag!

So thrilled! When I order my stuff, I'll be sure to do an outfit post (or a few of them!)

Work Outfit Post!

Shirt: Gap

Skirt: Banana Republic

Shoes: R2 (I wish they were mine!)

Bracelet and Earrings: They were a gift

Pencil skirts are classic for a reason. They look great on you whether you're a stick figure or curvy, and the higher cut on this one helps create that hour glass figure!

I'm hesitant to even start on the shoes... because although they are on my feet in this picture, they are not mine, and I cannot have them... so I'd really hate to rave on and on about how great they were, and how little black wedge booties like these are MUST HAVES for fall. But if I started saying things like this I'd just want them even more.

Man, do I want them!

Currently Shopping: Nasty Gal

Before I even start this post, I must confess that yes, I have been living in a small box under the stairs of a farm house in Idaho. Thats the only reasonable explanation that I can offer for never having heard of Nasty Gal before.

The online vintage store offers a handpicked selection of amazing vintage clothing and accessories. Each piece featured in the store is picked based on current fashion trends. So basically, its your dream come true. And I'm talking better than Zac-Efron-confessing-his-undying-love-for-you dream. Plus way more realistic.

If vintage isn't your thing though, Nasty Gal still has you covered with an absolutely stunning collection of unique new designer pieces that will have you drooling a little.

So before I roll out my favorites currently on the site, take a moment to go get a few napkins and four credit cards. Because you will be drooling and buying all at once.

This is going to get messy.

Times Square Watch $28

Now, maybe its just opposite day, because normally I would not chose a watch to showcase OR gold accessories, but I could not pass this up. The unique statement watch is yes, just that, a statement watch; but at the same time, its still elegant and you could wear it with jeans or a nice dress. And for the price too... its just a want-want situation. Put this one on credit card #1.

Studded Laptop Case $98

Want to show some hardcoreness at the office that won't get you fired? Try this laptop case.

Armored Shoulder Top $84

I think you always have to have a bit of edge in your look... and this dress has it. The detailing isn't overbearing, but you can still feel really badass.

Estevez Silk Cocktail Dress $198

Go ahead, feel like Audrey Hepburn in this classic dress that will do wonders for your shape, and its easy to accessorize into a very modern look.

Glen Suede Wedge $122

Jeffery Campbell is one of the most amazing shoe designers out there right now, and once again he hits my show-heart strings right on target.

Lily Lace Cardi $48

Well... it won't keep you warm, but at least you'll be crazy stylish.

Park Avenue Dress $98

Again with the vintage inspired, this dress is classy, modern and wearable just about anywhere.

Pin Up Bustier Dress $62

I really love the strap detail. I don't know how well this dress would work on busty girls, but I still like it. I wonder if the safety pins pinch the skin...

Prospect Cutout Oxford $98

Yes, again with the vintage inspired. Sorry if you're getting sick of it. But the these shoes have been given a modern twist with the cutout pieces... and I think its fabulous. 

Saturday Shirtdress $88

The detailing on this dress is great. What gets me is the sheer sleeves. 

And apparently, I don't believe in color today, except for the navy shirtdress... if you count navy as a crazy cool color. But, we ARE transitioning into fall, so vivid colors are going to be taking a backseat.

PS. All these photos belong to Nasty Gal (they take nice photos over there, don't they?), I'm using this sampling of photos for commentary and also to encourage you to visit the site and maybe even by some stuff! Click and go, people, click and go.

Stripes: The Line by Line Instructions on How to Wear Them

A few days ago, I got a comment, from my wonderfully insightful aunt Kelly. It went like this:

"If horizontal stripe shirts are so bad, why the heck as I always drawn to them at stores? 

Seriously, every time."

It is a good question. One that I needed to think about, because I have the exact same problem. I love when spring rolls around and the expected nautical themes start to roll out in stores because there are always stripes. This summer has been especially stripy, with a horizontal striped t-shirt being a key essential to wardrobes of women of all ages.

But at the exact same time, we are told, "No, no, no. Stripes are unflattering, and make you wider, longer, thicker in all the wrong places. Especially those horizontal stripes. The devil in pattern form."

Well for the record, I don't think stripes are bad. And if you like them, you should wear them. Yes, stripes can be unflattering, but just the opposite is true too, stripes can also be flattering. Even those forbidden horizontal stripes. All it takes is the right pieces.

The beginners rule  to wearing stripes is to wear just one printed piece and match it with solid pieces. Like this look (left) from Who What Wear's most recent Style Tracker. Now, I know this is a bit over-styled for day wear in Wisconsin, but the point is there.

If a striped blazer is a bit much for you, you could tone it down several ways. The first of which is to look for less pizzazz-y stripes. Yes. I just said less pizzazz-y. For instance, what about this look (right) from ShopBop's Spring LookBook? This blazer (note its paired simply with a grey tank and classic denim shorts) would be easily wearable shopping, on a lunch date, or just around the house.

Color also makes a difference. If you're worried about the boldness of stripes, try them in a neutral color.

This Fall 2010 DKNY look is a lot more laid back, and easier to wear because of the earthy tones. They are less harsh than black and white, and a lot easier to wear without feeling self conscious.

And if you're STILL worried about the impact of the stripes, but still want to wear them, you can always layer it under a sweater or jacket (again, just like this DKNY look). This peek-a-boo styling will allow you to wear those stripes, but not worry about whether the horizontal, diagonal or vertical stripes are doing you harm in the widening/lengthening department.

And I haven't even gotten into what kind of stripes where are flattering on what types of bodies! How stripes can be flattering or unflattering is probably an endless lists... although I hope that everyone has a general understanding. 

Here is a list of suggestions, although there are many more, and this is not a set "rules" list either. Everyone's body is different, and everyone will feel different in certain types of stripes. Always remember to be comfortable! Just my disclaimer. 

• Horizontal stripes have the power to create curves, because they create depth. So if you're lacking in the curves department, horizontal may be your friend.
• Vertical stripes generally elongate... just be sure that you want to be elongated.
• Keep horizontal stripes loose. If the garment clings, it will widen, but if its hanging a little looser, it will be more forgiving.
• Vertical and diagonal striped bottoms can make you look taller, especially when paired with a solid top.
• Beware too many stripes! Striped top and striped bottom... may be too much. Although I would recommend playing around with pairing stripes with other patterns like polka-dots and floral prints. The key to this is just making sure that colors match well.
• Remember: darker colors are more forgiving. This is also true for stripes!
• If you are fuller in one part of your body than you would like, consider a stripy style with a single color-block in that area. For example, if you're big-busted, then a dress with a plain black bodice and then a striped skirt will flatter. If you have a small bust and big hips, then the reverse is true.
• Along the lines of busts... you can create the illusion of a bigger bust by wearing broad stripes across your top half and then balancing out your lower body with narrower, diagonal stripes.

And so, Kelly. To answer your question, you're drawn to horizontal stripes because you know they are not evil, they are just misunderstood. And you, the kind-hearted woman you are, want to give stripes a chance. And I do suggest that you do! And everyone does! Stripes can be so much fun.

Summer in the City

It's summer in the city for this small town girl, and that means a lot of things...

I'll be in a prime location for music festivals, days on the beach, boutique shopping, getting ice cream on lunch breaks, and just sitting outside soaking up the sun in general.

Sounds fabulous, doesn't it?

Well, to top the list of big-city-dwelling perks, there is the fashion scene. Milwaukee has a great variety of different vintage stores, resale shops, boutiques and also higher-end chain retail stores that would otherwise be unavailable to me. I plan on taking full advantage of these perks this summer.

Starting with the vintage shops.

I'm not quite sure what sparked my sudden, intense need to own some great vintage pieces, but I'm pretty dead set on it at this point. So what's on my list?

• A wonderful, classy hair flower
• A versatile dress that can be used for the office and as a day dress
• A pair of wedge heels
• A pencil skirt (I'm a working girl now, after all!)
• My goal is to find all of these in vintage shops

Oh, yes! And there is on item missing on this list... and was actually the inspiration for this post...

Cat's Eye Glasses!

I saw them fairly early in the spring on runways, and I was curious on whether the love for this sassy little eyewear would continue on into the summer. And it is safe to say that yes, the love is still strong!

Diane Von Furstenberg has a wonderful selection for $145 a pair, and comes in black, brown, teal and a pink that I'm loving. Check them out HERE.

Of course, Marc Jacobs is offering a pair of cat-eyes that are modernized (ie. made bigger) and have even more sass. Oh, Marc Jacobs, I love thee. Pick them out at ShopBop.com HERE for $345.

And I know, neither you nor I have $345 to spend on a pair of sunglasses, nor do we have $145 to pick up the pair of DVF's either.

But luckily, you don't need that much! Here are two of my favorites... and much more realistic.

ModCloth.com never fails to deliver, and these versatile cat-eyes can and will go with all your outfits. Pick them up HERE for less than $12. 

And if you're even feeling that $12 is a little steep... well I have something for you too, frugal fashionista. Forever 21 has a pair for only $5.80. So you won't feel bad when you take them to the beach and they end up getting carried away by a crab.

Or something.

Pick them up HERE.

Urban Outfitters, Refinery 29 and Vena Cava

I got more than a just little excited when I saw that Refinery 29 and UO was hosting a giveaway. And then a trunk full of Vena Cava treasures as well? This might be one of my favorite giveaways EVER!

What will you get?

$1,000 UO Gift Card

And if that wasn't enough...

$1,000 worth of Vena Cava that is HAND PICKED by the designers especially for you! How great is that?

Signing up is easy-peasy. Click here, and sign up for updates! I

But like I said, I got pretty excited when I found out about it, and went ahead and picked out what I would get if I won the giveaway right now. Well, I'd probably swap a few pieces out with some of their apartment stuff, because I love that stuff just as much as I love the clothes. But since this is a fashion blog after all, I decided to just pick out $1,000 worth of UO clothing. My total actually came to $1,001 but I think I could probably spring that extra buck if I was getting $1,000 free.

Embroidered Leaf Headwrap

$6.99

I really love headbands, and this slightly hippy-ish headband would be a great addition to my... err, anyones collection. Wearable anytime a little touch of girly-ness is needed. (I'd pair it with the Breezy Button Down Shirt, BB Dakota Slouch Pants, and the Kimichi Blue Linen Ankle Strap Skimmer.)

BB Dakota Nettie Floral Dress

$88.00

If you don't remember, I've already featured this dress before. I'm just really, really in love with it. When I win this giveaway, this will be the first item into the shopping cart. (Plus, as you will see down lower, I'd also get the belt!)

Cooperative Peter Pan Collar Tank

$32.00

Besides the point that the name of this tank is Peter Pan, this is a great vintage-inspired tank for the summer. (I'd pair it with the Sailor Shorts, but it would also look great with a high-waisted pencil skirt for a summer office look.)

BDG Breezy Button Down Shirt

$38.00

The perfect shirt for almost all summer activities - BBQ picnics, music festivals, hiking, bonfires, etc. And another great thing about this shirt? It goes with so many things! Blue jeans, White jeans (like the white skinny jeans below!), denim shorts, khaki shorts or pants... very versatile. And I'm loving the color. Is anyone else loving the color?

Sparkle & Fade Chiffon Embellished Tee

$58.00

This asymmetric top is made for being moody. At least, thats what I think. The sheerness would make it a little difficult to style, but I think I have the solution: Wear a strapless black (or colored, if you're not feeling QUITE so moody) tank, then add bottoms to your pleasing. A fun, geometric-patterned skirt, perhaps?

Tre Rouched Shoulder Top

$58.00

Now, I'm a little skeptical about how this shirt would work without looking frumpy in the front, but I do like the "petal" back and the princess sleeves. I would walk around backwards, just so people would notice it! To pull it off though... skip the layering. Either brave it and show a little back skin, or wear high waisted bottoms. I don't think this is a good layering shirt because there is already so much going on. 

Sparkle & Fade Spliced Cardigan

$48.00

I love my grey cardigans, but this would would go to the top of my list as most loved. The "splicing" detailing adds such an interesting focus point to the garment, and no one would ever say you were just wearing a boring cardigan! If people even say that. No, they would never say such things. I wear too many cardigans for them to be ever considered boring!

Cooperative Printed Cardigan

$38.00

This little number is out of my comfort zone, but is impossibly cute and quirky. And I'm cute and quirky, right? This could potentially be quite the wardrobe piece though. Do you ever have those days where you feel kind of slumish and can't seem to put together that cute outfit? Throw on a pair of jeans, a white tee and put this over it. Instant cute outfit... but without the thought process behind it.

BDG White Ankle Skinny Jean

$49.00

I recently just decided that I like ankle skinnies. You get to show off your cute shoes, and the silhouette of your legs is a lot smoother. Oh, you need justification for the white? Well, its a white hot summer, baby!

BB Dakota Jack Slouch Twill Pant

$58.00

I like these slouchy style pants. Honestly, I have yet to try on a pair, to see if they work on real people, or if they are just meant for the supermodel skinny types, but I hope not. They look comfy.

Lucca Couture Sailor Short

$48.00

Cute! Cute! Cute! I'd have the urge to salute everyone when I wore these, but they are simply irresistible. Tone down the sailor in them by pairing them with a white v-neck. But these shorts call for red shoes. Flats or heels are up to you. 

Deena & Ozzy Canvas Menswear Tote

$58.00

I don't really think they should have called this menswear, personally. I think its personally more equestrian inspired. But either way, the versatility of this bag would be endless. Its nice enough to take to work with you, yet still cute enough to take on a day out shopping or on a lunch date.

Collina Strada Ferra Bag

$268.00

This would be my splurge of the giveaway. I'm just in love with the colors. And there is also a little attached pouch in it, to keep your little "I need to pull them out of my huge bag in an instant" belongings. 

Deena & Ozzy Ankle Wrap Sandal

$38.00

Ankle Wrap sandals are essential this summer, and I like the simplicity of these, yet they aren't OVER simplistic. The strap and rouching retailing gives them plenty of personality. Pair with shorts, skirts, or I've even seen them over skinny jeans.

Key Bracelet

$15.00

I really like this. Do I even need to say more?

BDG Waist Belt

$20.00

Basic waist belt at a good price? I think so! What WOULDN'T this waist emphasizing, shape enhancing belt go with?

Vintage Feminine Beaded Headwraps

$24.00

Yes, I would chose another floral headband. Why? Because its one of the easiest ways to turn a simple outfit (lets say a white dress tee paired with gladiator flats) and give it that touch of femininity. And its not overpowering. Even a tomboy could throw this on and pull it off.

UO Wildflower Scarf

$28.00

Well. I can't say I like those shorts the model is wearing. But I sure do like that scarf! I'm going to sound like a broken record saying this but prints are so popular right now (and classic, too. No worries about this being a fast fading trend) why not get a scarf to wrap around you on the chillier days of summer?

Kimichi Blue Linen Ankle-Strap Skimmer

$28.00

Classic little skimmers that would go with just about anything. Do you have any idea how HARD it is to find great little simple shoes like this? At at a good price? These shoes are a gold mine find.

Wow. That's a lot for $1,000! You could get all that PLUS Vena Cava stuff.

So what are you waiting for? Go sign up!

What I'm Wearing Today

Well, its the Mount Mary Fashion Show today, and I know that whole department has been and will be buzzing with energy! So to honor this day, I did something that I usually don't... dress up for class! That's right. I'm not just wearing jeans and a plain t-shirt!

Sweater: Banana Republic
Top: Baraschi
Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: Charlotte Russe
Shoes: Steve Madden
Bag: Deux Lux