boutique fashion + mainstream

Ever since I stumbled upon Makool Loves You a few years ago via Portland Picks, I was hooked! Being sustainably minded, I try to support local shops and sellers first...which isn't very difficult given the amount of creative designers in Portland! Even though I only have one splurge from the store, I religiously check back from season to season and see what kind of new styles have been added. Right now I am absolutely adoring this skirt:

It's so flirty and feminine but still screams conservative. I would love to pair it with a billowy white button up and a strand of pearls, perhaps like the ones created by Beazuness...  which isn't made locally in Portland, but you would at least be supporting an artist who handcrafts her own jewelery! I can't get enough of ultra feminine, soft and luxurious fashion items. Mix these more boutique-y items with a luxe gray or navy blue cardigan from jcrew and it could be a match made in heaven. I definitely can't afford it right now on my tight budget (think, credit crunch..sigh), but I can dream!

If there's one thing I've learned from being on a tight budget - accessories are your best friend! I usually can find some pretty reasonable yet trendy basics at Express, H&M or Forever21 to satiate my clothing addiction and then accessorize with really cute items (headbands, necklaces, earrings) from Anthropologie, ModCloth, Urbanoutfitters, Free People, etc. Accessories always turn that great outfit into something a lot more stunning. And I'm not ashamed to say I always hit the clearance rack first. It would be silly not to! ;)

Being an etsy seller myself, I find myself endlessly browsing unique and beautiful accessories from other etsy sellers.  Some of my recent successful etsy purchases that I absolutely love love love:

Pink Softie Feather Necklace from Being of Love













 and Vintage Harlem Necklace from The Mustard Seed Co

This necklace I took with me on my trip to Alaska to visit my nieces (3 and 1.5 years) and they were mesmerized with it in combination with a delicate sequin/rhinestone/silk flower headband I got at Anthropolgie....

Needless to say, my little nieces will soon be blossoming fashionistas who I will love sending various baubles to. They couldn't get enough "dress up" with Auntie O's stuff!  Top picture: Emma wearing a headband from Anthropologie, a polka dot sweater from forever21 and shoes from urban outfitters. Below, Haidie wearing a headband from Express and a pearl necklace from JCrew. Contrary to their facial expressions, they were absolutely giddy until I pulled out the camera phone... perhaps Haidie is getting a headstart on her model pose. <3




xoxo