In the Midst of Inspiration

Hey Friends,

I haven't much felt like blogging lately- well, since Sophie's passing- but tonight I am sitting in a place very dear to my heart [Adam Brother's Cafe] on the eve of what I am sure will be a very lovely wedding. . .

And I feel inspired!

My life lately has been a miscellany [a favorite word of mine- also inspiring!] of teaching swimming lessons, filling out applications, and going to job interviews. I've either been in workout gear, pajamas, or my interview suits. A not so interesting, or inspiring, history of outfits. . . The good news, though, is my discovery that aerie carries work out pants, a.k.a. "slim gyms," in their online store.

But, as much as I love wearing work out pants, I didn't find very much motivation to photograph or write about my descent into ultra casual wear, or repeat my many [actually, not so many] iterations of an interview outfit over and over and over again.

But lately, even before I stepped into this cafe, my style has been more inspired.

Here is a sample of one of my latest inspirations:

blinking. . .

As many of you know, I have an Etsy shop, Eclectic And Elegant, that has remained dormant for the past few months- but it is back in business! I've been on the lookout for cool things to add to my store, and this burnt sienna (dark orange?) wool skirt is one of my favorite finds so far! I enjoyed it so much that I decided to take it for a spin before listing it in my store.

The skirt seems to be from the 60s- there's something very Mad Men about its shape, color, and construction. What I love most about the skirt, besides all of the compliments I received while wearing it, is its origin. I had to do a bit of linguistic research via Google Translate, but from the words on the tag I discovered that this darling skirt is far from home! The skirt was made in Bucharest, Romania and somehow made its way to Central Illinois! Woah! 

I think I may need to wear this burnt sienna stunner once or twice more before I list it in my shop. . . so irresistible!

Not blinking! Much better!

Retail Details:
White Cardigan: Abercrombie & Fitch
Floral Top: Anthropologie
Copper Beaded Belt: Anthropologie
Dark Orange Wool Skirt: Vintage (from Romania!)
Dark Purple Cabled Tights: Anthropologie
Raspberry Flats: Old Navy

Pan Am Style

Hello Readers,

There are shows that, for some reason or another, capture our interests so greatly that they become a part of our lives- to varying extents (hopefully not too much!)

A new show, Pan Am, has recently captured my attention and held captive my 9:00 hour on Sunday nights. Interesting protagonists, romance, espionage, and fabulous fashion!

Here are a few screenshots of my favorite outfits and stylings so far, enjoy!

I love her hair and makeup!

This dress is splendid!

I love this dress too!

This could almost be a page from an anthro catalogue

Out on the town in style!

Hair, makeup, jewelry, check

Such a fresh look!

I Will Not Let the Sniffles Stifle My Style!

watch out, I'll sneeze on you!

Hello Readers,

Monday, it began with a seemingly harmless case of the sniffles. By Tuesday morning, I felt like I was hit by a train. Runny nose, itchy eyes, a general feeling of achiness, groggy voice, and a slight chill.

I planned an outfit for yesterday, but instead I resorted to comfort: my North Face jacket, an old pair of jeans, and a long sleeve nondescript knit top, and ballet flats. When I went to Walgreens to get medicine (and maybe a bit of clearance Valentine's Day chocolates), they were out of Sudafed! Out of Sudafed? Yes- out of Sudafed. So, I settled for a substitute which seems to be working just as well.

When I woke up this morning, I felt alive enough to do my Cardio Pilates DVD- so no need to worry readers! It appears that I am on the mend! Inspired by the workout, I decided to dress up today despite my sniffles. And this is what I wore:

I look amazing, I know. . .

Retail Details:

Black Beaded and Feathered Headband: aerie

Layered Silver Necklace: American Eagle Outfitters

Slate Blue-Green Draped Shell: Ann Taylor

Black Gross Grain Ribbon: from my lovely and lacey Tracy Reese dress

Black V-Neck Cardigan: Zara

Doe Gray Lace Skirt: Vintage (1960s, Scotland)

Greyish-Brownish Tights: aerie

Black Ruffled Ballet Flats: American Eagle Outfitters

*Don't forget to enter my giveaway!