Back to Fall Styling: Two Tone Jeans and Urban Boots

 Jacket: thrifted | Shirt: TJ Maxx | Jeans: Aeropostale | Brooch: vintage | Boots: Matisse | Sunglasses:  Guess | Hair:  by Jana 

My girl Jana is in town and besides being a top hairstylist {check out the amazing relaxed, curls she gave me}, she can take a mean photograph. She's my artist soul sister and whenever we get together, there are many adventures made. My plan is to force convince her to move here so that we can take NYC by a storm. She has a wandering heart, so what better place to be than the city that never sleeps? 

These boots are the comfiest I have ever worn and you can bet they will mold to my feet this season. As much as I love fall being here, I can't ever stop wearing a bold lip color. It helps when I get very pale {not complaining!} and on the days the sun doesn't shine. Lesson here: bold lips work all year.

Are you ready for fall?

Outfit Day: Polka Dot Dress

On a snowy day this was my wishful thinking outfit. One step outside and the circle skirt went SWOOSH up in the air around my waist. I'm looking to spring days when I can prance around OUTside in this.

[hat: thrifted | jacket: thrifted | dress: Grey Dog Vintage | Tights: Target | Boots: Nine West | Rings: vintage, Piccadilly Market

One Piece Multiple Ways: 3 New[ish] Ways to Wear Your Jeans

1. Cuffing your jeans isn't some new phenomenon but it's a great way to change the look of your favorite pair of denim. These are boot cut jeans but I roll them just as you would a pair of skinnies. And it means they're not crazy tight on my leg.

2. Pair your rolled up jeans with a tailored dress coat and wear it unbuttoned for a casual look. It feels dressy without being stuffy.

3. Pair a simple top with a full or stretchy skirt that you can tie up on one side. It gives you a interesting silhouette but is still very flattering with dark wash jeans and a fitted top. Don't forget to cuff your jeans!

It was snowing and really gosh awful outside, hence the indoor backdrop. Just ignore the ribbon hanging behind my back :)

Would you try any of these styles?

Molls

Taking Style Tips from Kelly Framel aka The Glamorai

 I don't normally copy an outfit outright but Kelly Framel of The Glamorai is one of my favorite stylish ladies and this photo of her captured my attention months ago. I sought out pieces in my wardrobe that were similar and worked them together. I was quite pleased with the outcome.

Have you ever copied an outfit with your own flair?

Molls

Outfit Post Outtakes & Learning Vulnerability

I originally decided to post these because I was hyper and thought they were hilarious and assumed other people needed a hearty laugh too. Bring on the next morning and I was very hesitant about this post. Vulnerability is difficult, dear ones. And daytime brings about a clarity that night shoots out the window. I did not want to show these photos.

Then I heard this TED talk titled The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown. Please listen to it. 

Before it was even finished, I jumped on this post to write a little more.

I want to be a vulnerable blogger, makeup artist, wife, friend, human.  That doesn't mean I HAD to post these. But for me, I feel a great need to look perfect on the outside. I'm a makeup artist and aspiring creative director! It's how I'm supposed to be, right? Expect perfection.

But no, today I choose to show these hilarious photos for two reasons. 1: To allow myself to be vulnerable and 2: because laughter is extremely healthy.

>>>

I asked Nik to take some outfit shots of me and this is what ensued. I call it "Bad Day to Be a Blogger".

 Not all shots turn out well. Or even ok. But at least we had a great afternoon in Battery Park. Thanks Nik! [But I am never asking you to take outfit photos again.] I love you.

And you're welcome for these.

Molls

One Piece Multiple Ways: How to Wear Your Boyfriend/Husband's Shirt

This is one of Nik's shirts. I want this shirt. Now this shirt can look like my own. There!

1. Pairing it with this long sleeve, vintage mini dress, leggings (because this girl DON'T DO minis), and heels can spice up a shirt generally reserved for "officey" situations.   

2. Channel your inner [insert glamorous femme] and add a dash of pizzazz with a fur stole, your favorite blousy jacket, leather skirt, and your go to heels for that extra charm. Watch the men's jaws drop, ladies.  

If you do work in an office or like that classy look, seize your man's shirt and pair it with wide leg trousers and a feminine, sleek belt. And don't forget your bright colored pumps to make it extra ladylike. They'll never know it's HIS shirt.

<<I would like to point out that when I asked Nik to preview this post, he didn't recognize his shirt. I call that success.>>

Long Sleeve Printed Dress [Downton Abbey Inspired]

This thrifted dress makes me feel like Lady Mary of Downton Abbey. Maybe that’s the reason I put my hair in a bun as well. How often does one find a long sleeve dress these days? Actually the coat and the gold brooch are thrifted lovelies as well. And the fur stole belonged to my grandmother, adding to the vintage nostalgia of this romantic outfit. Now all I need is an English garden in which to stroll. [Warmer weather would have to be on the menu too. It was 28 degrees when I shot this. Yikes!]

Coat: Thrifted | Dress: Thrifted, Beacon’s Closet | Fur Collar:  Vintage | Brooch:  Vintage | Shoes: Nine West

Park[s] Date

While Lacye visited us, [our first family member to visit us since we were married!] she was super awesome to put up with me begging, "Will you please take pictures of me for my blog??" She's super talented and since I expect everything I do HAS to be AH-mazing, it was swell to have someone take "official" looking pictures. AKA fashion blogger worthy :P. You can see my post about Lacye's style here. She inspires me in so many ways! 

I did my sisterly NYC duties such as taking her thrifting at some favorite shops so that she could return to Arkansas and tell everyone who asks, "Where did I get this amazing blazer? During a trip to New York City visiting my bro and sis. No big deal. Oh yeah, I also picked up these rings and canvas shoes while there. Nothing MAJOR." There should be a sarcasm typeface. 

To the point, I bought both the jacket and the dress at a store in my neighborhood. Super score. Lacye said I looked like I was channeling Blair's style from Atlantic Pacific. And I nearly fell over upon hearing that statement. Who DOESN'T want to have a closet/style like Blair? I count myself a fan.

Jacket: Thrifted | Dress: Thrifted | Tee: H&M | Belt: Thrifted | Leggings: H&M | Boots: TJ Maxx | Gloves: ? Christmas present | Bag: TJ Maxx

Sister Style: Lady in a Bowler Hat

This is my amazing sister(-in-law) who came for a swell holiday visit. She has incredible style and loves to find unique pieces for her wardrobe, such as this oversized 80's jacket (found at an Upper West side thrift store). Nik and I took Lacye to Prospect Park on her last day where we shot this. And she loved the park like we hoped! I miss her tons and want her back very soon. I hope you're reading this, Lacye.  

 

This cool ring she found left marks that looked like bruises. She was starting to look like a roller derby girl :). Thanks for posing for me and allowing me to put your beautiful face on the blog!

Mollie

One Jacket Five Ways

Today marks the first of a new series on the blog, One Piece Multiple Ways. It's easy to get in a rut with clothing, especially with your favorite items. Jackets are a staple in my wardrobe and I am always looking for a new way to incorporate them into my style. 

The Challenge:  I gave myself ten minutes to put together each outfit, with no pre-planning involved. I barely changed my jewelry because I used versatile pieces to show how much wear you can get even with a pair of earrings. 

I thrifted this 40's style army green jacket recently and have been quite thrilled to give it a home in my wardrobe. [Please note the misguided strand of hair in the first image. I laughed so much that I decided to leave it there. You're welcome for the chuckle.]  

  I hope this serves as inspiration for your own closet! What is another item you would want to see styled multiple ways?

Mollie