GETTING SERIOUS (FOR ONCE)

Confession time, lovers. (Yes, again. So predictable.)
I could care less about labels.
It's not a very shocking admission, after all the exposition I've shared on my immature love of Forever 21, and considering how many people in the world don't give a crap either way who designed what you're wearing. But I feel like, being a blogger who could be considered "fashion oriented", it is somewhat outside the norm. But I don't really focus much on fashion as I did in the beginning. And I've never really known much about the industry.
Personally, I go more for comfort or what attracts me. Since I have a tendency towards the quirky and magpie, with the wallet of a match girl, my exposure to designers is from gossip rags or the rare Ebay find. Yesterday was a girl's day with mom, shopping in Orlando. When we went into the Gucci store, I felt like an intruder in my DF shirt and UO jeans. Yes, I could appreciate the beauty of the bags, scarves, and shoes, but I didn't have a feeling to save up the money to possess the beautiful pieces. They do not fit into my lifestyle.
And that's ok.


(Also, Marilyn in the Orlando/Kissimme area, your vehicle is ready at Oberry's. And the dude you gave your phone number to out on the town is desperate to get a hold of you. Just a heads up, though; he calls at all hours of the night, and may have a drinking problem. Good luck!)

DECO

{Mosaic Panel Bracelet}


I hope that this becomes a trend. I love the art deco motif.

FALL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN

My favorite season is Fall. For those readers who've been here from the beginning well know, I am a fool for fall fashion and attitude. I'm pretty sure it's because I long for a changing of seasons, but, poor thing, am instead stuck in tropical paradise. (Slap me, already.) So, while I can't wear many fall fashions until our "winter" hits, I still enjoy lusting after the trends.

But if the runways are right about the thigh-high slits, I think I can make that work.

MY MOTOR MOUTH RUNS OVER YOU

I am an German-Irish-Italian raised in a predominantly German family. Needless to say, food is a big deal to us. We have strong associations to our food; stollen will always remind me of my grandmother, my mother's rolls are aces, blackened fish is brother's specialty, dad is the grill master, and hummingbird cake will be linked to my sister-in-law until the end of time, while my specialties are paella, caprese salad, stroganoff, and chocolate ganache torte.

At every event, no matter how large or small, there is always a spread. Even for family fishing trips, we pack enough brats, burgers, and hot dogs to feed three families, not to mention the veggie tray, meat & cheese tray, fruit, and drinks. And if a friend or neighbor drops by to talk, we've got some kind of treat to offer them; cookies, homemade chocolates, crostini, veggie dip.

That is how I was raised, with always having food to offer visitors. Coming from a large family didn't help me learn proper portions, because making mashed potatoes for a holiday meant twenty pounds of potatoes, washed, peeled, boiled, and mashed. (And it was never enough.) When my mother asks me to pick up a "regular sized turkey" from the market, I'm expected to come home with one no smaller than twenty-five pounds. God forbid we have Thanksgiving at our house. To this day, I routinely make enough food for twice the amount of people I'm cooking for.

Tonight, I made spaghetti with homemade sauce and meatballs. The evidence is below.


{This was our leftovers. Yeep!}




{My secret recipe. Modified because I only had diced tomatoes, not crushed.}







Enough food for three, you think?

Title: "Alligator" Tegan and Sarah - Love the song and the video is adorable.

SKIRTING WITH DANGER

For some reason, I'm spending more and more of my fashion research (read: shopping) looking at skirts. Mini, midi, maxi, patterned, solid, pencil, A-line, tulip. I love it all! I found a tutorial on Made by Lex which is going to fuel my latest obsession.

Expect to see a DIY post on my attempt soon, and if it works, plenty of OOTDs with my crazy skirts.

Kisses, lovers!

COVET

The brights of Spring are wooing me. With the vintage pieces I've been gathering, I want to add a little something to really make the pop. At the moment, I'm coveting the beejeesus out of these...




{Spike Drop Earrings}


{Snake Ring}



{Boxy Flat Lock Clutch}


{Stripy Canvas Clutch}


{Obi Wrap Boyfriend Belt}


{Side Split Maxi Skirt}


{Boyfriend Belt}


What are you lusting for?

BACK TO BASICS

The secret of any great wardrobe is twofold: basics and personal style. It's like building a house; you can't pick the paint until you've laid the foundation. And if the foundation is bad, it doesn't matter how nifty your trinkets look when the house collapses. So if you've got the wardrobe essentials, then you can put your personal stamp on it.

Obviously, you need to keep several factors in mind when building your essential wardrobe: your body, your climate, and your lifestyle. As cute as they are, strappy stilettos aren't a good match for schlepping through a blizzard. Likewise, merino is so not a good idea at the Equator. I recommend that you take these factors into account while going through your closet and pulling out all the basic pieces you have. Once you have an inventory, determine what needs to be built upon, and what you should parse from your closet. After the basics are mastered, styling and personalizing is a cinch. (Of course, organization at all stages is key!)

As a Florida girl, my basics will differ from many of you. Here's my wardrobe essentials....

FOUNDATION
* Bras - I get sized by a local shop twice a year. The lifespan of most bras is six months before the band starts to go. My fitter recommends a new bra that hooks on the outermost hooks, so I can extend the life by going in on the hooks. I recommend three colors (nude, black, white) in each of three styles: strapless, push-up, and racerback.
* Panties - I firmly believe there is no such thing as too many panties. After the three main colors (nude, white, black) in preferred styles (thong, string bikini, boyshort), you can go crazy with it. Just remember to watch the shelf life on these too!

TOPS
* Tanks - Multiples in black and white. Straps that are wide enough to cover bra straps, or else have a bra top built into the tank. These are summer and fall lifesavers. Just be careful of deodorant marks.
* Tees - Multiples of these in black, white and gray. I prefer the look of V-necks, but I also have ones with a U-neck.
* Button Down - At least have one of these. White, black or a jewel tone.

BOTTOMS
* Jeans - In this day and age, denim is king. I think a good basis for jeans would be 1 white pair (any cut), 5 dark wash bootcuts or trousers, 2 dark wash skinnies, 1 dark wash flare, and 1 dark wash wide leg.
* Dress pant - I like to have one pair of muted gray plaid, wide leg dress slacks. For the rare occasions I go to a trade conference or have a meeting with creative directors.
* Leggings - These are my version of sweatpants. Pairs in black, navy and gray. Some are for casual errands, others are for working out.
* Shorts - Mostly Bermuda length, although I have a few dress shorts with higher waistbands and hems. 1 pair khaki, 1 pair gray, 2 pairs black, 2 pairs white, and 1 pair of skorts. I have a few terrycloth shorts for working out.
* Skirts - Maxi's are another sweatpant alternative, primarily in black and navy. Knee-length and A-line in black, muted gray, and white. Pencils in black, navy and white.

DRESSES
* LBD - The beloved little black dress. I prefer a deep V-neck and back, A-line, full skirted in a delicate, flowing fabric.
* Wrap Dress - At least one in black, maybe patterned. At or just above the knee.
* Sheath Dress - At least one in a neutral color.

OUTERWEAR
* Leather Jacket - Splurge item, if used a lot. I can make do with cheapies and knockoffs. Sometimes can get lucky at the thrift stores or flea market.
* Blazers - Neutrals. Way to pull an otherwise casual outfit together. Nice to have on hand.
* Cardigan - Any light to medium weight sweater for office work. Again, in neutrals.
* Gloves - Handy (*kneeslapkneeslapkneeslap*) and great for sudden snaps, but are always getting lost.

ACCESSORIES
* Belts - 1 black, 1 brown, 1 metallic.
* Purses - 1 black leather, 1 brown leather, 1 metallic. Clutch preferably.
* Scarves - Neutrals. Neck kerchief, large oval, and bandana sized.

SHOES
* Pumps - Black. Round toe. Stiletto.
* Tennis shoes - For workouts.
* Sandals - Wedges and thongs. Sand doesn't like leather, so mostly cork or fabric.
* Flats - 1 pair black ballet flats and 1 pair pink/nude ballet flats.


There you have it! It's seems like so much, but with this foundation, you can do so much more with your style.

FRIDAY FANTASY

Happy Friday, darlings! I hope you all are having a lovely day, and have some fun plans for the weekend! We've had semi-normal temperatures here the last few days, upper-70s, but have another cool front rolling in tonight. With all the switching between sweaters and tanktops, I am over the novelty of winter and am ready for Spring. So, this is what I will be wearing in my daydreams this weekend, while huddling in my ratty hoodie and cursing my weathermen.



River Island Red Super Skinny Jeans

I'm really into bright colors in my wardrobe, for some reason. I think these would be a super awesome addition to my Jean Army, and make for some interesting challlenges for me to style. I'd play up the retro vibe, but my hair can't hold a curl worth a damn.



ASOS BLACK Petal Maxi Skirt

Maxi skirts and dresses are like a fashionable answer to sweatpants for me. Got a bunch of errands and very little time? Throw one on and book it! Still look low key in a hurry, without falling into a frumpy rut. This skirt looks like it would be a fun update to pair with basic Tees and flats.




Banana Republic Matilda

I love how the ribbon design amps this Tee up. I see Lex from My Mama Made It/Made by Lex do designs like this all the time. I adore her work, and her blog is absolutely darling. If you haven't seen it yet, you should do so soon. Every time I read it, I get a hankering to do something craft-y. (I am not a craft person.) Maybe I could DIY this top!

(No, I could not.)





My future ex-husband Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Pack play the Chicago Bears this weekend! As a fan, I am amped and confident that we will advance to the Superbowl. As a superstitious fan, I will be hiding in the bathroom and straining my ears to hear the action while the game goes on. Go Pack!



Ah, fantasy... I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

ALPHA ROMEO INDIA SIERRA ALPHA YANKEE SIERRA....

Military style is back! Or still here. Either way, yay military trends! Let's have a breakdown, hm?


JACKETS


Clockwise from top: BB Dakota, Aryn K, Forever 21, Forever 21. Center: Urban Outfitters


Structured, surplus, embellished, epaulet-ed, kahki, leather, linen, olive, gray, is there nothing that doesn't work for the jackets? Personally, I'm looking forward to rocking The Bomber. What can I say, pilots are hot.



CARDIGANS


From left: Twelve by Twelve, Forever 21, Forever 21.


Less structured than some of the jackets, never the less an interesting and fresh way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe without hemorraghing cash. I would love to pair one with a lace bodysuit, trouser jeans, Converse high tops, and armful of bangles.



DRESSES


From left: Twelve by Twelve, Brooklyn Industries, Splendid.

I absolutely love the idea of bringing back the worker shirtdress. It brings back memories of listening to my grandma talk about her life working in warehouses for the war effort. She was a Rosie the Riviter with headscarf and pearls. So, yeah, I'm obviously a fan of this look.


TOPS


From left: Forever 21, Love 21, Elizabeth and James.

I'm not so much a fan of these. As you regular readers are aware, I have no problem wearing a men's shirt. Mensware trend is one of my favorites for that reason. But there is just something unappealing to me about these. I'll keep looking for ones I like, but so far: thumbs down.


PANTS


Urban Outfitters and Forever 21.

Whether skinny or baggy, as long as it is cargo, I am down with it.

ARI'S FALL FASHION ESSENCIALS

Hello darlings. Sorry for the lack of updates as of recently. Real Life has picked these past two weeks to rear its head and pester the hell out of me. Real Life, don't you know I want to wrap myself in the cocoon of fashion and style and ignore you? We have such a tumultuous relationship.


Anyways, yes, the title is true. Fashion can never stop and smell the metaphorical roses as they are always worrying about the upcoming season. And that's why shit like the 80s revival happens.


And seeing as how I was fawning over Fall as soon as Spring started, I'm really no better. With my own inability to appreciate the current trends established, here's my list of Fall Wants & Needs.




GRAY NAIL POLISH

I was really into the nude nail for a while this spring, and for fall, I'm going for neutral gray. Sally Hansen's "Wet Cement" is my favorite so far, and flattering for my skin tone. Highly recommend neutral nails this fall.



FAUX FAUX-FUR VEST

I saw this great tutorial on ...love, Maegan. It's really easy and looks beautiful. The biggest problem is how much marabou sheds when trimming the boa to the vest length. Other than that, I'm a huge fan of this DIY. A faux faux-fur vest that cost less than $15 in materials? Ba-zing!



T-SHIRT DRESS

Fall is tricky in Florida. The palm trees don't turn brilliant reds and oranges before dropping their fronds, there are hurricane threats instead of snow threats, the temperatures are almost hotter than summer, and we only layer sunblock. Sounds really nice, eh? Throw in mosquitoes, tourists, and ridiculous humidity, and you've got a party. Although there are a few instances when we'll get a cold snap or "deep freeze" for a few days and real fall clothing is essential.

Hence, my dilemma. A lot of stores are selling knee-length jersey knit dresses, an item that would be great on its own or for layering. The versatility alone is enough to make it a perfect wardrobe staple.



LACE

As tarty as it is, I love leather and lace together. Tough, yet feminine. So, I'm looking forward to seeing what designers are going to be doing with lace, and how I can incorporate the sexiness in my own life.



BOHO/SAFARI ACCESSORIES

A battered Panama hat. Batik belt. Leather cuff. Henna bracelets. Beaded hair accessories. Feather earring. Ethnic inspired jewelry. Canvas backpack.

Maybe someone named Dr. Livingston?



BOOTS

The only thing I really look forward to every year are the boots. I cannot wait to bust out my Miss Sixy knee highs. Even if it is hot, I will wear my damn boots!

FALL IN LOVE

The fall catalogues are coming out now. Can I just say that looking at all the jackets, pants, vests and boots is really difficult with 90+ degrees on the thermometer?


I'm loving the looks in the Free People catalogue. I can't really afford their clothes, but I do enjoy looking and lusting. My current picks are the Ruffled Tweed Jacket, Doma Hooded Biker Jacket, Joe Lace Up OTK Boots, and Burma Brass Belt.


The J. Crew catalogue also gave me hope to keep the brights going into fall. Sure, they look like hobos, but as long as heroine chic doesn't make a comeback. I can barely tolerate seeing Kate Moss as much as she's around now. For a sneak peek, check out the scans on J.CrewAholics.


I'm still working my way through them all, and will update as I get through them.

DECONSTRUCTION: BIP BEEP BOP

Bet Your Sweet Bippy shorts


The quality of these shorts compared to the price they charge is astounding. It's delicate and lightweight, perfect for the scorchers down here.The bow design is just as cute in person as it is online. However, girls with hips or booty should be warned that the lower portion of the bow pulls a bit, and makes it look like you've got a fupa.



(If you don't know what a 'fupa' is, please don't Google it at work.)



Other than the fupa issue, this is a great buy. It doesn't sit above the bellybutton, which always makes it look like I've got a big belly pooch. (I have a little belly pooch, but not as big of one as high-waists make it look.) The fabric is awesome, the design is adorable, the cut is flirty, the color is flattering.



My final decision: Great product, great price. (I'll add pictures with it worn and styled once I get home.)

"DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS, JUST CALL IT A THRILL"

Soleares Silk Blouse




Just say "yes!" to this. Kinda Victorian, but still pretty.

Oh. Oh God.

OWL PRINT

I railed against the prevalence of owls in indie and hipster fashion a few months ago. But I actually think this dress is pretty cute. Even after I looked that the closeup.

Oh God, am I turning into a hipster?

*woe*

I AM A MAGPIE.

PRECIOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

PRETTY LIL THING

Abstract Stone Ring --- $18.00


I would do terrible, naughty things to the designer. That's how pretty I find this bauble.

SHOE - IN

I apologise for the title today. Puns are just completely irresistible to me, and only slightly more socially accepted than the dirty jokes and innuendo I also spout. What can I say, I'm pretty fucking awesome.




One trend I've really wanted to sink my teeth into has been the Oxford trend. I have a serious soft spot for the nerdy look. I rocked that shit when being a nerd was nonkosher, and after an attempt to cover my nerdling roots, I decided to embrace them. To an extent. According to the children, I'm not a nerd, but am now eccentric, but without the massive wealth of Howard Hughes.



Dagnabbit.




At first, I thought the Oxford trend was just a little too "hipster" to work out. Then, they started popping up one my favorite shopping haunts, and did the models ever make them look cute! So I decided not to cave until there was some other color combination than black and white.

Well played, Deena and Ozzy. Well played.

Dear Express,

THANK YOU.


I hope to see more (faux) fur vests this fall season. I think the trend should continue.


Love,
Ari

Dear Anthropologie,

I am going to kidnap your handbag designer and keep him in my closet as my personal bag-maker.

Thanks!

Love,

Ari

My Curse

I have a small head.


Not a problem; I'm sure my mother was grateful for my smaller noggin while she was giving birth, but other than that, it's just a spot of insecurity for me.


I can stick my head in odd places (DON'T ASK) without getting stuck, most of the time, but when it comes to hats? It looks like the hat is being worn by a Tribble.


That being said, I would still rock this:

TRIBBLE.