Happy Tuesday everyone... well I guess it is technically Wednesday now, but I hope you had a happy Tuesday! I know I had a good day because when I got home and opened the mail box this little gem was in there and look, it even matches my outfit!
For those of you who don't know,
Birchbox is a monthly subscription to all kinds of beauty goodies. Hand-picked beauty and lifestyle samples are delivered to your door (well mail box at least) for just $10 a month (free shipping wooo whoo). When you sign up they do put you on a waiting list, which well... sucks, but I think it is worth the wait. It is a great way to try new products before you buy them, and if you like your samples you can buy them right off the website. Also, they have Birchbox for men. It is a great gift for that special someone in your life... they smell good, you get to be thoughtful... that is a win-win in my book!
Ok, now on to today's outfit. When I first got dressed this morning, I had a silver belt with a bow closure, my hair was straight and in a high pony tail, and I wasn't wearing the statement necklace. While I thought it looked super cute it also looked like the only things missing were my saddle shoes and my bobbie socks. I love classic looking pieces, but sometimes if you are not careful, your classic can look like a costume and suddenly BAM! your full skirt is a poodle skirt.
After a few slight modifications, this is what I ended up with. I have to say I have never worn these pieces together, but I LOVE this outfit! It was comfortable, playful and fun to wear. I don't know about anybody else, but a full skirt will always turn this kid into a 5 year-old. I can not stand in this outfit without swaying and playing with the skirt at least a little bit and I spent a majority of the day resisting the urge to twirl. I have worn this skirt to weddings and man does it give a good twirl on the dance floor!
The skirt is actually my design. I made it out of a light-weight wool. I love this fabric it drapes beautifully, it is not itchy like some wools and it has great movement. This is just something I whipped up for myself, but you can see gowns and formal wear when you like my page,
Stephanie Marie Custom Design, on Facebook. My
Ooh La Gondola Top ($32.99) is from Modcloth.com. It was a little bit more expensive than I would usually spend but I do really like it. The comments say it runs small but I still bough it in my usual, medium. It is fitted but not too tight and it is actually long enough! Usually the bigger your bust, the shorter the shirt becomes, that wasn't a problem for me with this shirt.
I did not realize this till the middle of the day but I was apparently channeling Carrie Bradshaw in Paris with this outfit. Just one note... While the giant stripped flower on Carrie's top is fabulous, it is not going to work on me or you other busty babes. Don't be afraid of stripes, because they are amazing, but be careful about extra fabric on the bust. Some ruffles can sometimes work, but a big old flower like this in combination with your big boobs is usually just going to make you look big.
I think these are the two accessories that really make this outfit. The belt is from the Talbot's outlet near O'hare Airport. I am not sure how much the belt its self cost as it was a gift, but I am told over $1000 of Talbot's goods were purchased for under $100... yes that says over a thousand for under a hundred! I really think the belt is the perfect combination edge and polish, I love it, and I wear it all the time. The necklace is Macramania, an independent label from Argentina, but is sold here in Chicago at the
Squasht by Les boutique at 2556 W Chicago Ave in the Ukrainian Village. I know the necklace was expensive (don't remember how much), but it is amazing and people comment on it pretty much every time I wear it.
Squasht not only sells AMAZING locally-made, reversible hats in varied sizes and styles, but also sells awesome independently designed apparel and accessories. This boutique is a fantastic place to go and support (mostly local) independent designers. Don't forget to like her page,
Squasht by Les, on Facebook.
My
Torque Guide Ring ($13.99) is from modcloth.com (I maybe like that website a little). I like how quirky it is, but it pretty much went unnoticed today. The
Quipid Drama-90 Platform Peep Toe Bow Pumps ($29.00) are from Amazon.com, but I have seen them on a few different sites. The shoes got the most comments today. My dad informed me that they did not match my outfit... he is right, they COORDINATE which is about 1000 times better in my opinion. A co-worker told me that she never would have put these shoes with my outfit, but that she actually really loves it. The team of 13 year-old volleyball players I coach LOOOOOOVED the shoes (yes the caps and extra o's are necessary to accurately express their excitement about the shoes). They also told me I looked fancy today.
This outfit got great reactions today and most importantly, I loved it! I would say it was a smashing success.
