Covet or Love It

I'm a girl who loves to find beautiful pieces for almost no money.  That's not to say I never splurge, but there is a certain thrill in finding a bargain (which I detailed in my last post).  Whenever I'm on Polyvore it strikes me how wide a price range they have.  While you can easily filter the clothing to a manageable budget using their tools, it's interesting to see the expensive beside the inexpensive (and sometimes not be able to tell the difference).  On Cupcakes and Cashmere (I know, I talk about that blog way too much) there is a type of post where she picks one piece and finds one pricey and one cheap(er) version.  While it's a great post, we all have different body types, different needs and different tastes.  So, I've decided to take it up a notch with three different pieces for several occasions, all with the same, classic pattern of black and white stripes.  Here are pieces that we can covet alongside dresses that are equally cute, but affordable, so that you can love them for a long time. 

Hope you enjoy!

XOXO,

Anonymous

Seeing Double

 

This dress is a perfect piece for switching from casual to fancy.  Just add leather accessories and you're good to walk the town, but add sparkles and heels, and suddenly you are ready for a party.  Pair it with this sequined purse I'm dying over, or this more dressed down leather one.  Either way, you'll be on the best dressed list.

Yesterday I attempted to go vintage shopping with a few of my friends.  I say attempted because the skirt I bought wasn't legit vintage, and they didn't buy anything.  Granted, we only went to one store and didn't have much time, it was still clear how much harder vintage shopping is versus looking through regular stores.  For one, thrift stores often only have the garment in one size.  Plus, it might be stained, ripped or have some other small but important detail that caused it to be deposited in the first place.  Now, we were at a more select boutique store, so there weren't many ripped cases, but a few shirts had (minor) stains that I had a hard time imagining coming out.  Another trial of vintage shopping is the sheer fact that most of the things are old, so there is a good chance they aren't in style anymore.  The trick is finding pieces that you can bring into the modern age, but obviously tacky housecoats are never going to make it to any fashionista's closet (at least not this year).  For all these reasons, vintage stores might not be as rewarding as other, more commercial shops.  But, if you dig, it's always amazing to find the perfect piece, for a fraction of the price.  For example, yesterday wasn't such a bust in the vintage jewelry department, as I found an older, but still adorable ring, for only three dollars!  Now my friends and I are planning a new vintage adventure, this time armed with our greatest tool...patience. 

Going for serious Gothic and 80's flair, these two outfits are definitely over the top and not for everyday use.  But find the right occasion, and lace drama is perfect.  As for the outfit on the right, it could work for a casual day, but I understand it's unconventional.  I mean, I put a skirt over a dress (note: this dress is sold out), which may leave some of you hopelessly confused.  But the truth is, if you have the right lengths so that it's a seamless combination, I've never understood the normal rules of layering.  Anything is possible!

 

This board, which I made with my bestie, is one of my favorites.  She has a very laid back sense of style, and I think it comes through in this collab.  Aviators are her go-to sunglasses, so they were a must, and her uniform shoe (sandals) added to the beach-y vibe.  The denim vest is me (of course), as are the prim earrings (note: these earrings are sold out, but there are similar ones) and spiked white heels (only $79.99).  Overall, this board is truly a blend of both of us. 

 

Oh yes, I'm bringing you sparkle shorts.  Because why not?  Well, apart from the fact that you probably can't sit in these.  But that is a small problem.  Can't you see the big picture?  These are ADORABLE.  And I love an outfit where you can punch it out with bright accessories (purse, earrings) and it works perfectly.  Plus, bright teal makeup (nail polish, eyeliner) won't push this over the top, which is crazy, because it's sparkles and teal.  And it's not too much.  So yes, I'm in love.  We've made sparkles a neutral (including this top).  Also, those polka-dot sunglasses just gave me a shot of happiness.

 

 Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, I can't upload the last board, so you'll just have to wait for the next Seeing Double.  I know you're sad. 

Kisses,
Anonymous

Fab Five

Goat herd by the road.

This morning, as we were driving, we happened upon a hillside full of goats chewing away the brush in preparation for the hot days of summer.  They were hired to clear the hill so no fire could catch there when the temperature turned boiling.  Ironically, it was raining at that very moment.  It's moments like these, unexpected little moments, that renew one's interest in life.  Of course, planned moments are great (I can't wait to go to the Flea Market an hour away next month), but spontaneity and little unique moments just make dreary cold days like this one a bit warmer.  So here's to a summer of surprises.

The Frappuccino bottle I'm using to make a DIY vase. 

Unplanned flowers that have popped up in my garden make for a grand surprise.

 

 

 

An unsuspecting biker becomes my latest muse.

 

Fire dancers at a close friends luau.

 

I hope you all have a wonderful day full of spontaneity. 

 

Kisses,

Anonymous

 

 

Art Arena

Lately art has become more and more inspiring to me.  It commands it's own corner of my Pinterest and I love to see the many different mediums artists work with.  Seeing the change from classical pieces to the newer modern age also provides a glimpse into the ideals of society at the time.  I'll admit that I'm biased to more modern art, but it's impossible not to appreciate the sheer beauty of traditional works.  I believe art should make you think.  So, for every person, the perfect piece of art will be different because every person thinks different.  That being said, here are a few pieces that have really stood out to me. 

 

For more information about each piece, please go to my Pinterest @diydiaries/ The Fashion Diaries.

Kisses,
Anonymous

 

Fab Feature

It's been a while since I've done a Fab Feature, so here's one straight from Polyvore.

This Hello Sunshine Case ($40) has me dreaming of summer.  Even though the price tag is a little ridiculous for a phone case, the colors perfectly embody the season.  Especially that yellow.  It's blinding.  Usually I'm not a fan of such a bold color, but a dollop of it in a neutral outfit will update classic pieces for the modern age. 

In the center you'll see the case, surrounded by perfect pieces in the same color palette.  **WARNING: ONLY ONE NEON YELLOW PIECE PER OUTFIT OR PASSERBY MIGHT LOSE EYESIGHT WHEN LOOKING AT YOU**  I especially love the OFFWEGO License Plate clutch at the top center ($378).  Like the phone case, it's a little overpriced, so below I've found cheaper alternatives for both the clutch and the phone case. 

This Pennsylvania license plate bag might not have a cute saying, but it's authentic and only $140 (NOTE: HAS PREVIOUSLY SOLD, BUT SIMILAR CLUTCHES STILL AVAILABLE).

If you would forgive the watermarks, these three cases provide a (slightly) less cute, but still very fashion forward alternative to the case I'm featuring today.  The top choice is $27.84 and the bottom two are $2.96 apiece!

I hope this Feature has gotten you to love yellow!

Kisses,
Anonymous

Seeing Double

Yes, it's yet another new type of post for the blog! My Polyvore has been doing really well in the short time since I started it, so I think I'll bring my most common type of post on there, here to the blog.  The basic idea is taking one key piece and dressing it up or down.  I've featured a few of these boards in various posts, but now I'm making a specific post series for the pictures.  So, without further ado, here is "Seeing Double"

This first set contains the same pair of adorable leggings from Rare London (rarelondon.com, $16, Rare London Printed Atzec Leggings, found through Polyvore).  On the left is a much more dressed up version, with the blazer and higher end jewelry.  While these particular pants may never fly in some office settings, this look could be perfect for more casual places of business.  On the right, a much more punk look awaits.  For those of us who shy away from black and spikes (ME!) just get rid of the hat and bag and replace them with a more classic look.  You'll still look put together and casual, but this is proof little changes can change so much. 

 

When browsing various street-fashion sites, I am always seeing this Celine shirt pop up ($10, c2coffer.com).  On the left, you see it paired with upscale pieces, including this coral bag that's just to die for (even if it is a bit of a splurge).  To the right, the shirt is dressed down with ripped jeans and one of the cutest polka dot clutches ever (again, pricey)! As in the last set, switch out the necklace and the wash of the jeans for a totally different vibe. 

Holy lord, this sunflower crop top is one of my favorites I've found, mostly because of the price.  The left side look features my ideas on how to style it beauty wise (most of the stuff is from Neiman Marcus, but you can obviously find similar colors for cheaper).  The casual look features leggings, a trend I was hesitant to jump on to (Lulu's are cute, but underwear lines are tacky). However, with the right undergarments (please be careful, ladies, no one wants to see that), I think that leggings are an easy, comfortable style for a day off. 

And finally, two takes on this vintage poodle dress (price unknown).  Along with some beauty tips, both sides showcase quirky glam pieces, including this sarcasm bracelet and these adorable (and cheap) bow heels.  The spiky purse is an adorable way to punk-up an outfit too!
So, there you are, four pieces for the upscale environment or the casual day.  I hope you've enjoyed, and go check out my Polyvore profile (information on About This Blog).

Kisses,

Anonymous

 

P.S.  Check out this amazing link! Seriously genius ideas to DIY Anthropology style.

Changes

The above photo is one I made on my new account on Polyvore.  I'm starting to really get into online destinations for viewing and sharing fashion (and other inspiring things).  In addition to my Polyvore, I have my new Pinterest, which I have previously talked about, and I started a personal ShoeDazzle for adorable shoe viewing.  For information on how to find me on these sites, go to About This Blog page to my right.  Yes, to my right.  That's correct, I have completely redecorated the blog.  Instead of a very boxed in look, I tried to open it up and modernize it.  Do you like?  It's a more traditional format than it was, and is, in some ways, easier to navigate.  See, there is a necessity in life to keep changing things.  If you get too comfortable, you start to take everything for granted.  And while certain things, like your family or your very best friend, should stay as similar year by year as they can, it is important to continually innovate and re-do the small things.  Don't perseverate over it, but try not to get lazy when it comes to your life.  Make the effort to be spontaneous.  And, if someday, you find that perfect look that you love, then keep it exactly that way, until it's time to change again so that the look goes with the ever changing you.  Just a little sermon for you all today. 

 

Kisses,

Anonymous