Men's Accessories

As promised, here are my current top six favorite men's accessories which are simple and classic with beautiful detailing.

1. Coal Considered Harwood Paper Straw Fedora by Coal at Snowboarder.com - $49.95

2. Cotton watch strap by J. Crew - $20

3. Plastic Round Sunglasses in Clearblue by Express - $24.90

4. Braided Stretch Belt by Brooklyn Industries - $24

5. Converse Distressed Jack Purcell sneakers in White at J. Crew - $65

6. Deerfield Small Sport Wallet by Ralph Lauren - $195

Inspired by:

Spring Accessories

I am rather enamored with Talbots Spring campaign. I have only recently started shopping there but ever since my wardrobe has taken on a more grown up approach, I have been hooked. Not to mention they have really stunning statement jewelry. I love the necklace I purchased there a couple months ago and can't wait to wear the bead cluster ring I just ordered. Julianne Moore is absolutely gorgeous in the current look book. In case you haven't seen any of the brilliantly color enhanced photos that scream elegance and style, here is a sample for your enjoyment:

I'm still trying to figure out a format and consistency to my blog. I haven't quite settled on a routine yet but I would like to put together some seasonal accessory picks for both men and women so stay tuned for the men's version. Since I am updating my accessories, I figured I would share. I finally had to give in and order another pair of leather wedges since my Seychelle wedges are finally to the point that they aren't salvageable despite loving leather care over the last five years (I bought them in 2005, is that weird I still love them!? Attachment issues...).

When I saw this similar version at Aldo I jumped at the chance to have my beloved wedges back. I tend to go for more neutral accessories in order to diversify their wearability with my wardrobe. This collection is soft browns, oranges, pink and gold. I am a huge advocate of properly accessorizing since it can definitely make you look and feel more put together... enjoy. :)

1. AKOUPE leather wedges in Cognac by Aldo - $80

2. Bead cluster ring by Talbots - $27.30

3. Initial Pendant Necklace by Urban Outfitters - $24

4. Arbor Years Hoops by Anthropologie - $28

5. Keepsake Clutch by J. Crew - $89.99

Spring lovelies / Etsy finds

I cannot even begin to explain to you how ecstatic I am that spring is here. It was 61 degrees today in beautiful Portland, Oregon and the sun even peaked its' head out of the clouds for a few minutes. Unfortunately, it isn't quite time to bust out the summer dresses that longingly beckon to me from the back of my closet. But it's almost here, maybe April. I did, however, forage through my winter purchases and imagine all of the lovely outfits I will be able to compile by mixing the new items with last spring/summer season's clothes when the time is right...

I'm also pretty sure that I'm going to start getting into making earrings. I was going through my jewelry collection and found a bracelet I bought at Anthropologie a few seasons ago of which I love the beads but not how heavy or noisy it is when I move. My plan is to deconstruct it and make some earrings. I stumbled on a shop on etsy by a woman who used to make jewelry for bloomingdales and the smithsonian... she has a really cool collection of vintage beads for sale from her years of jewelry making. I'll be sure to post up pictures of the progress when I start!

Until then, feast your eyes on some spring ideas from etsy in anticipation of the sun and warm weather!

8x10 Antler drawing and flower photograph 4217 by kariherer

$30

Chamomile Tea - Fabric/Labradorite/Sterling-Earrings by kangas

$24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handmade flowers halo-headband by mignonnehandmade

 

$75

The gum drop necklace. bold. bright. clusture. statement. by NewFashionedWhispers

$68

Flowers Linen Pillow Cover - 12x20 by sukanart

$55.95

Style watch - pussy bow blouse

I feel like moving to Britain just to take advantage of this look. For some reason this style just doesn't seem to be as common here as it is overseas. With a google image search of the term 'pussy bow blouse' (although I'm not as fond of the term as I am the look), shopping results are primarily at a website.co.uk. I was browsing Asos.com when I stumbled on this dress and fell in love with it:

(Asos Petite 2 in 1 Big Pocket Blouse Dress $80.69)
But...I'm not sure I can pull off the navy/lime combination. After thinking about it for a few minutes, I remember seeing and really liking this look on Zooey Deschanel in 500 Days of Summer. As far as style goes, this movie personifies the urban indie hipster. Very retro but somehow modern at the same time with all the vests and sweater vests...ties and loafers.

It's like the feminine version of the button up and tie. I decided I am in favor of the short sleeve blouse that isn't attached to a dress for versatility. Since I'm probably going to end up ordering one from overseas, I figured I should probably make it as flexible as possible! Plus, I already have multiple pencil skirts to pair it with... I will probably end up getting one like this one from Asos for $44.83 - :)

Current shopping obsession: Ruche online boutique

Anyone who knows me knows that my fashion sense is borderline retro. Not over the top. Perhaps "classic" is a more accurate descriptive word. I'm not trying to guest star on Mad Men. As much as I love Mod Cloth, some of it seems too vintage-y for me. Ruche's headline is "a modern boutique with a vintage touch." I think that sums up my aesthetic pretty well. I love how this store is reminiscent of things I would find at Anthropologie but at a fraction of the cost. Key example being this scarf:

chenin grape scarf in light pink

$22.99

And it's a steal of a price.

Here's some images of the spring collection for your viewing pleasure.

Ralph Lauren

A genius marketing campaign, this commercial appeals to the young male demographic on many levels. The song, the lifestyle, the style in general, the care free attitude. A male friend of mine told me to look up the commercial on youtube because I hadn't seen it. He said it worked on him because it made him immediately want to download the song and buy the cologne. Marketing isn't a bad thing...it's just important to know your demographic and appeal to the consumer with something they actually enjoy. I would say good job, Ralph Lauren. Also, I really heart Onerepublic.



Ralph Lauren was also recently featured on the cover of Architectural Digest showcasing a "new classic" style mansion he built in the Beaux Arts style in NYC to be a high end retail showcase for his merchandise. I love classic styles and he has mastered ways to keep them fresh and appealing. Plus he's a cute little old man with impeccable style.  

Style watch

I haven't posted anything in the men's style category for awhile. Channing Tatum is featured in the new GQ. In the slideshow posted online he's featured wearing an art tee from Urban Outfitters by Deter with an image of Kate Moss on it. I absolutely love it. And for $24 it's a steal. And I can't say it looks bad on Chan either. ;)

 

The cover photo encapsulates classy men's style. Skinny black tie + white button up + leather jacket = the perfect combination between prepster and rugged bad ass.

Talbots' ever classic styles

In case you haven't figured out by now, my fashion style is a compilation of classic styles. I am not trying to be uber trendy...although if I pick up trendy items it's for dirt cheap! I'm not trying to start new trends, I like to keep things simple and elegant. I am absolutely in love with this dress from Talbots. This dress reminds me of something Jackie O might have worn... Considering this clothing company was founded in 1947 and they're still going strong, they must be doing something right! Now if only I could come up with $427...

Mod Cloth

Two reasons that I absolutely love Mod Cloth... Since the dresses come from independent dress makers, sizing is difficult and it's hard to gauge material choices.... this was trial number two after returning another dress that wasn't what I expected... however, I was extremely pleased with this purchase with the cute button stud earrings.

*Necklace: JCrew, Heels: Forever21

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  

Men's Style Guide

Umm... so I don't know if you know any guys who seriously need help dressing themselves... but I sure do. I think guys can be intimidated by shopping... but seriously, the right clothes inspire amazing confidence and girls definitely pick up on it and appreciate a little effort! I just read this book Details: Men's Style Manual by Daniel Peres... and despite what many hetero men think (that Details is only for non-heterosexuals), this style manual has great advice that ANY guy can utilize. It contains great fit guides, style tips and keeps the looks classic instead of super trendy. My youngest brother (whos is only 12, but you can never start too young!) even found it to be a good read. He is going to be a young GQ man before I know it....ahhhh! Anyway, this book is great because it has diagrams about fit and measurement; it even explains in great detail the different types of cuts and names of styles when it comes to suits, sport coats, blazers, peacoats, etc. There are even diagrams for tying a tie! I'm keeping this book on hand... it's amazing. Ladies, if your brother/husband/boyfriend is clueless but wants to dress better... it might be a great gift idea!

I wish I had looked it up on amazon before I impulse bought it at Borders, I could've saved some serious dough!