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

April Adventures: Dinner with Lauren Winner

Hello Readers!

Lauren Winner- image from http://divinity.duke.edu/

Last month, just over two weeks ago, one of my favorite authors, Lauren Winner, came to my college to speak in chapel and to give a colloquium. You may recognize her from her books, like Girl Meets God, Real Sex, Mudhouse Sabbath, or her latest book Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis. In addition to being a successful author, she also teaches at Duke Divinity School in North Carolina.

Earlier this semester, when I found out that Lauren Winner was coming to campus, I mentioned to a colleague and friend that I was a fan of her writing and I hoped to meet her during her visit to campus. He recommended that I ask the powers that be (my now friend and former professor of Ethics) if I could meet  Lauren Winner. I did (thank you Kent!) and I was even invited to dinner with her, Winner, and another colleague from the college (thank you Christina!). Amazing! How many people get to eat dinner with one of their favorite authors?

As the time approached, I read and re-read some of her books to prepare for her visit. As I did my "research" I came to an interesting realization about authors, like Winner, who write autobiographies: they reveal so much of their stories to readers. It must be strange, then as an author, to meet people who already know so much about you, or at least the portion of you project in your writing. With this possibility of a realization in mind, I was determined not to be one of those creepy "I feel like I know you" fans when I met Lauren. I would be cool, or at least as cool I could be.

Finally, on April 25th, the day arrived of Lauren's visit. I had a lot of grading to finish, so I listened to her chapel address on the college radio station. In the afternoon I attended the colloquium, which was wonderful, and before I knew it it was time to jump in the car and drive to St. Louis for dinner. Lauren Winner, Christina, Brian, and me.

The drive from campus to our restaurant, Mangia, on South Grand was nearly an hour. On our way there we talked about almost everything: politics, religion, literacy, education- it was great! We arrived at the restaurant in time for half price appetizers (hooray!) and ordered duck potstickers (delicious!) and tomato bruschetta (yum!).

During dinner, our conversation continued over delicious food. At one point, Lauren asked each of us what our favorite book was that we read in the past year. Woah! One of my favorite authors asked me what I was reading? Cool! All of the books shared around the table were interesting, and I wish that I would have written them down. The rest of the dinner went well: delicious food, a bit of laughter, and more great conversation.

Looking back on the whole experience, I am so grateful for how it went. I've heard of people meeting authors and being disappointed, but Lauren was no disappointment! Meeting a woman with a powerful voice, an accomplished career as a writer and academic, and thoughtful Christian was an inspiration. I must admit that I wasn't very talkative during my dinner with Winner, but that was because I had so many interesting things to listen to and learn about from her and my colleagues from the college. This adventure may be my favorite one from this semester.

What a wonderful opportunity! Have you ever met an author? Or, if you could- who would it be?

Thanks for reading!

Equestrian-Inspired Style

Happy Thanksgiving Readers!

Last Friday (that is, seven days before Black Friday) I looked in my closet for clothing I don't wear very often and I came across the jacket of my grey suit from Banana Republic. It, along with the pants, were things I "had to have" for job interviews/conferences/work etc but somehow I've only worn it 4 or 5 times since I purchased it late this spring.

So.. I decided to wear it to work last Friday with my trusty corduroys, vintage belt, ruffled top, and sliver wedge boots. When all of these ingredients came together, I realized that there was something quite equestrian about the whole thing.

What to you think?

I did a bit of research online and found these images of more equestrian and equestrian-inspired looks:

From Jillian Lewis' 2008 Collection at New York Fashion Week

Kate Middleton (The Duchess of Cambridge)

Maggie Grace

 And.. here are a few more of yours truly:

Just horsing around!

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving is going well!

Retail Details:
Grey Suit Jacket: Banana Republic
Off-White Craft & Creation Tee: Deletta for Anthropologie
Burgundy and Gold Belt: Vintage
Olive Green Stevie Corduroys: Adriano Goldschmied
Leather Silver-Wedge Boots: Anne Klein

Inspired by The Ocean (Yesterday's Outfit)

Hello Readers!

I hope everyone is having a good Tuesday! Here in St. Louis, it's been rainy almost all day, and I think as a result of this weather I've been moving at a snail's pace all day. Oh well! According to the weatherman St. Louis is supposed to have a sunny day tomorrow! Hooray!

Anyways. . .

Yesterday I decided to pick an outfit that reflected my source of inspiration from Sunday: The Ocean. Since most of my wardrobe consists of ocean-y tones (blues, greens, and greys), this wasn't a major challenge, but I made intentional selections that reflected the aspects of the ocean that I find so inspirational (Color Palette, Movement, and Fun).

Here is what I came up with:

Color Palette: As you can see, the color palette of this outfit mimics many of the colors found in the ocean. My charcoal trousers (also featured here) and belt, and light grey cardigan are the same colors as many of the rocks and pebbles found at many of the beaches I used to frequent when I lived in Vancouver (Eagle Harbor Beach!). My two tank tops are the colors of the waves, and my gold shoes are like the color of the sun and those tiny glimmers of gold that touch the tops of waves on a sunny day.

Movement: I see this feature most prominently in the ruffles of my cardigan and the otherwise streamlined profile of the outfit. I also wore a locket with a long chain, so when I walked while wearing it it swayed to and fro.

Fun: The fun starts with the colors of this outfit. I love wearing these colors, and the confidence that comes from wearing these colors, in a way, give me an extra capacity for fun- which is essential for Mondays! The other part of the "fun" element of this outfit come from the ruffles on my shirt. They look a bit silly at times, but don't they just make you want to smile?

Do you have any ocean-inspired outfits? If you do, feel free to send a picture to me- I would love to feature your outfit on my blog!

Until next time. . . here are my Retail Details:

Light Grey Cardigan: Banana Republic

Green Laser-Cut Tank: American Eagle Outfitters

Mint-Green/Ocean-Mist Green Tank: Anthropologie (for 10 dollars last year!)

Dark Charcoal Wool Trousers: J.Crew

Gold Ballet Flats: American Eagle Outfitters

Silvertone Locket: American Eagle Outfitters

Charcoal Patent Belt: Ann Taylor (I LOVE this belt!)

How Inspiring: The Ocean

(Pipeline, North Shore O'ahu- you may, or may not recognize this beach from Blue Crush)

Readers,

Those of you who know me well know that I love being near the ocean. In the water, on a boat, or standing on shore; there's a certain ease and peace I experience when I'm near a large body of salt water. The ocean, in all of its beauty, is a constant source of inspiration in the way I choose to narrate my life through clothing. How?

1) Color Palette

(Ocean Park in San Francisco, CA)

All at once subtle and stunning

(somewhere in Ireland- I've forgotten where exactly)

2) Movement

(Northern Ireland, somewhere on the way to Bushmills)

The ocean is ever-moving and always fresh, qualities reflected in the large stocks of flowing and ruffled skirts and blouses in my closet.

(Ocean Park, San Francisco, CA)

3)Its capacity for fun (when you know the rules)

(Ocean Park)

The ocean, like fashion, is an incredible resource of endless possibilities for fun and leisure. But, in order to participate in this fun safely, we must enter the water with a sense of adventure and the common sense to stay away from the dangers that lurk in the water (ie; MC Hammer pants, leggings with UGGs, or generally wearing leggings as pants).

(Ibiza, Spain)

How Inspiring: Zooey Deschanel

Happy Sunday Readers!

Today I bring you another one of my fashion icons and recent hair cut inspiration: Zooey Deschanel. In addition to being an icon in fashion, she was also in some of my favorite movies: Almost Famous, Raving, (500) Days of Summer, and Elf.

So, what is it that I love about Zooey's style? Let me show you my top three reasons:

1. Her everyday style is infused with vintage loveliness

Not everything she wears is vintage, but she is a girl who appreciates the best of what the past offers including music (listen to She & Him to see what I mean), hair (see bangs), and wardrobe.

2. Her ability to accessorize

This girl can rock tights- even tights with flats.

Never underestimate the power of a well-placed belt! Zooey knows this well!

I appreciate her use of headbands/hair accessories

3. Her positive confidence

Last summer I saw She & Him live in Forest Park and she was amazing (as well as M. Ward)! She has great stage presence and connects to her audience with ease and style.

I think that it takes a lot of confidence and positivity to rock white and off white, and Zooey has what it takes to rock these colors. The first dress is one of my absolute favorites.

Well Readers, there you have it, one of my fashion icons! What do you think of Zooey's style?

How Inspiring: Charlotte Charles

Happy Sunday Readers!

I don't know how the weather is where you are, but where I am it is raining and a bit bleak outside. On days like these, a bit of inspiration can put a bit of sunshine in my smile and bounce in my step.

Today, readers, I would like to introduce you all to an icon who inspires my wardrobe: Charlotte Charles (played by Anna Friel) from the series Pushing Daisies. Her outfits are colorful, feminine, and elegant with a touch of whimsy. Her closet and my closet are not identical (there are a few similarities), but I admire the style created by the costume designers of the show.

this reminds me of my swirling lace Tracy Reese dress

The show, by the way, is one of those brilliant shows cancelled before its time. If you haven't watched it yet- you should. No, you must. Especially if you like vintage fashion. Both seasons of the show are available on Netflix, and you can watch them instantly.

Here are a few of my favorite outfits from the show. Enjoy, and be inspired!