Dreaming of Dresses. . .

Hello Readers,

I'm not sure how the weather is where you are, but here in Central Illinois it is foggy, rainy, and chilly. Not terrible weather (I actually enjoy it. . . most of the time), but not the best of conditions either. As much as I enjoy donning a trench coat and a scarf, there are times when I miss wearing a dress or a skirt without the threat of treacherous winds. This is one of those times.

To escape the chill and the bluster happening outside, I decided to browse the web for dresses to wear on days with more hospitable weather. Dresses to wear to work, weddings, special occasions, or any occasions.

I ventured onto the Sarah Seven website (have you been there? check it out!) and found these dreamy dresses from her Fall 2012 and Spring 2012 Ready to Wear Collection. Aren't they gorgeous?

I think I would wear this one to a work party. . . or maybe even to work with a cardigan or blazer.

I don't know where I would wear this one, but I know it would be to someplace fabulous!

Stunning! And, I'm in the market for a new LBD.

This would also be a great dress for work. I love the classic shape and feminine lace. So chic!

Again, I don't know where I would wear this. . . maybe I could invent an occasion!

Throw on a blazer and a pair of tights. . . work outfit?

This would be a great dress to wear to weddings. . . as a guest or a bridesmaid!

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

Now Open for Business. . . My Etsy Shop!

Greetings Readers,

I have very exciting news. . . my Etsy shop, EclecticAndElegant, is now open for business! As of today, I have 2 items listed in my shop, but there will be more listings in the near future.

Until then, please feel free to browse the current listings in my shop and send any questions or suggestions my way! I am still very new to the Etsy experience, from the perspective of an Etsy seller- but I am so excited to be a part of that lovely community!

Here is a little preview of my listings:

shoe clips

red suede Escada heels (vintage)