Bohemia Lane

Everyone goes through fashion phases but the phase that keeps coming back for me is the hippy look. Although I think high fashion calls it the Bohemian look. Works for me.  Hippies and Bohemians are associated with a carefree, independent spirit; someone who can be soft and romantic one minute and feisty and unshakable the next. I've been told I should work more on acting Bohemian rather than just putting on the costume. I agree. Hopefully that spirit will work its way into my skin. (More on clothes and self-image in a future post.)

Here are three outfits I've worn lately that incorporate Bohemian elements into everyday, wearable looks that won't have people pointing peace-sign fingers.  It may be subtle, but compared to the mainstream fashion statements out there, I do consider these ensembles reasonably Bohemian.

LOOK #1: The Cold Weather Hippy

Shirt: JC Penney (I love the detailing in the neckline and the way the shirt flows so I don't have to have perfect posture every second. This is one reason I love hippy shirts.)
Belt: Can't remember. Jeans: Ross, Socks: My mom's circa 1979, Boots: Macy's

LOOK #2: The Workplace Hippy

My attempt at bringing Bohemia to work although my students informed me I looked Japanese. (I'll take that as a compliment.) The fitted shirt balances out the wide leg pants and thanks to the detailing in the shirt, it remains interesting with or without the necklace. Hopefully this outfit will please those that tell me I wear too much black and not enough color. :-)
Shirt: Forever 21 (Hand-me-down), Pants: New York & Company (Hand-me-down)
Necklace: *cough*.....Wal-Mart. A completely lucky freak purchase.
Sandals: Rack Room Shoes

LOOK #3: The Weekend Urban Hippy

I take no credit for this ensemble. My friend, Heyni, whom I mentioned in a recent post, put this one together for me. Shirt: $7 at Plato's Closet, Belt: JCPenney, Tights: Hand-me-down, Sandals: Rack Room Shoes

What Can Brown Do For You?

I was recently given a pair of beautiful brown sling-back shoes from a family friend. These are my first brown dress shoes and I was anxious to coordinate some outfits. But my wardrobe revolves around black so I needed the help of an expert. Enter my college roommate, Heyni, who was here for the weekend. She took a look at my closet and within minutes had put these two outfits together for me.  It turns out I can wear brown and I had what I needed hidden in my closet the whole time. Thank you, Heyni!

Left Photo

ALL articles of clothing are hand-me-downs from friends.

Right Photo

Necklace: World Market, Shirt: Old Navy, Belt: Thrifted, Skirt: Hand-me-down from a friend

Nifty Thrifting Part 1

How could I have forgotten how fantastic thrift stores are?  My mom sent me thrifting the other day to look for something for my cousin and I was in awe. Yes, I bought TWO items but again this was part of the stipulations for my vow so I do not feel guilty. Especially considering the two items.

The first item is this American Eagle shirt which was $3.50 at Goodwill.  I love the Bohemian-style crocheted neckline. 

 This New York & Company blazer in the photo on the right was $5.  I took an identical Forever 21 blazer I had that had gotten too small and sold it at Plato’s closet for $4.90. So I basically broke even and have a fabulous new blazer that goes with everything.  I already had this burgundy purse is by Etienne Aigner and I can only imagine how much it retailed for.  (I got it for 25 cents!)

The outfit on the left has several thrifted items. The brown leather purse was 25 cents, as was the belt. The Hollister jeans were $10. In case you’re curious, the shirt is from Forever 21 and the shoes are Sperry Top Siders, which I’ve been wearing for years, which makes me cooler than the groupies.  :-)

I encourage you to start scouting out your local thrift stores. Some will be better than others. If you live in or near the city, you have a greater chance of finding brand names. Ask about return/exchange policies. If there is an “all sales final” policy you want to know.  Goodwill allows one exchange per month.  When you are thrifting, make sure to check the item thoroughly. I recently found a green belt I absolutely loved until my dad pointed out that the buckle was rusting.  I will say this: it is hard to go thrifting if you need something specific. But if you just have the urge to shop and have time to dig, then go for it and of course…share your success stories!

Spring Break, a Birthday, & Luck of the Irish

This week was full of things to look forward to: the school I spend most of my time teaching at went on spring break, I had a birthday, and it was St. Patrick’s Day.  Even though I’m not Irish, my name is Irish, I love and enjoy playing Irish music, and happen to look good in green, making St. Patrick’s Day extra fun.  My family and I took off to my grandmother’s for a few days and had a jolly good time. Mom surprised me with a delicious (and festive) red velvet cake and some red TOMS shoes too. They really are as comfortable as all the groupies say they are. (Yes, I realize I am now a TOMS groupie.) Today's photos were all taken at my grandmother's house. It is a beautiful spot full of great memories. So here's to life in the late 20s. Cheers!

 

Shirt: Gap, Jeans: JC Penney, Shoes: TOMS, Headband & Watch: Target

This is what I wore for lunch and shopping with my mom and cousin. I saw LOTS of beautiful clothes but remained true to my vow and left the store empty handed. I kept the clothes dark so I could use color in the shoes and headband. While I'm not a fan of this spring's color blocking trend I do enjoy mixing contrasting colors from time to time. 

Shirt: Ross, Belt: Kohl's, Skirt: Been so long I can't recall, Shoes: Old Navy

This is what I wore to church on St. Patrick's Day. I highly recommend having dressy flats. For once I could perform and not think about my feet. 

Blazer: Can't remember, Dress: JC Penney, Shoes: Rack Room Shoes, Pin: Vintage

This was an outfit I tried on for fun. I'm trying to plan ahead....I need outfits in the works for mornings when I freak out and have "nothing to wear." This is my favorite summer dress and the blazer gives it a classy touch and keeps me from getting chilled by cool spring breezes...which I'm sure will come when Mother Nature realizes it's not summer yet.

Kelly's Kloset: My new favorite store

Here are a few wardrobe attempts I'm willing to share.  Sure it's easy to throw on a dress shirt and black pants for work or a t-shirt and jeans for play, but I'm trying to be creative so I feel like I have a new wardrobe when in reality....well let's not talk about ten months to go.  Anyway, my closet apparently has some fun (if not successful) combinations in stock.

I won’t be listing prices of clothes as I usually can’t remember but I can tell you I don’t usually spend a ton on clothes/shoes.  The most expensive item you will most likely see in these pictures are my leather boots from Macy’s. They were originally $160, on sale for $90 and I had a $50 gift card. Booyah.

Dress: Hand-me-down from a friend, Shirt: Gap, Belt: TJ Maxx, Tights: JC Penney, Shoes: Target

This is my first “sweater dress” and I’m having fun experimenting with various combos. I layered a shirt underneath but on warmer days I can nix the shirt and wear calf-length leggings for a whole different look.

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Scarf: Gift from Mom, Shirt: American Eagle, Cardigan: Old Navy, Belt: Gift from Mom, Pants: Belk, Shoes: Thrift Store

I’ve never had the nerve to mix a fitted t-shirt with dressy pants but was inspired by a fellow blogger.  I’m still not sure if it was a success but it was fun anyway and upped my music teacher dork status.  My favorite part of this ensemble are the Oxford-like shoes, which I paid 25 cents for at a thrift store.

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Scarf: Thrift Store, Shirt: Hand-me-down, Belt: Hand-me-down, Pants: Kohls, Skirt: JC Penney

Flats: Target, Boots: Macys

Today’s post wouldn’t be complete without some bohemian/hippy attire.  :-)

One Dress, Two Seasons

Mother Nature can’t seem to make up her mind about which season we are in. Winter or spring? Nobody knows.  Thankfully I had this dress in my closet that works for either season.  By wearing a patterned dress that doesn't look too heavy or too flimsy, one can be ready for either season, particularly when traveling light. This look is inspired by People Style Watch magazine's regular segment on wearing one article of clothing in warm or cold weather. 

Dress: Kohls, Cardigan: Old Navy, Lace Cardigan: JC Penney, Shoes: Rack Room Shoes

Back to the Ward!

I have a story with a picture to match.  But before I divulge here is one of my recent ensembles to prove to you that I am capable of looking like something other than a deranged lunatic.

(Please forgive the quality of the photos.  My camera is not fancy but it is paid for.  Hopefully the quality will improve as I continue to experiment with photo editing.) 

Cardigan: Old Navy

Camisole: Hand-me-down from a friend (She bought it at a boutique in Chicago)

Belt: Vintage (From my Grandmother)

Skirt: Old Navy

Tights: Don't remember

Boots: Macy’s

En route to a recent birthday party I was forced to walk through a Lord & Taylor store, which was apparently the only way to reach the restaurant.  It was too much…I started croaking (literally) “Shoes……..dresses……..hats……….SCARVES!”  My friends channeled their inner bouncer and firmly guided me past the temptations. Here’s the kicker to my sad story: I startled the guy ahead of me with my proclamations of longing. He literally jumped and started looking around to see where the strange croaking noise was coming from. Once he spotted me the laughter began. His face then twisted up into something horrible and he croaked right back at me “SCAAAARRRRVES!”

Slightly humiliating. 

In honor of my brother who arrived home from college today on spring break, here is a photograph from Christmas which illustrates what it might be like if I was to go in another mall. My brothers lovingly captioned it “Back to the ward!!!” I caption it “SCAAARRRRVES!!!”