Judith March Perching Birds

Dress, Judith March. Sunglasses, Ray Ban. Shoes, Gap. Bag, Target (the $6 one!).

     Although I didn't buy this lovely Judith March bird motif dress online, I had to think a lot about the purchase. Therefore, I want to write a review as though I am writing for an online boutique. The dress certainly has hanger appeal (albeit a little bit of sticker shock). I saw the darling scalloped edges, the top stitching on the bust (waist?) line, and the birds and I knew I at least had to try the dress on. The only sizes left were a medium and two larges. I decided that the medium fit me pretty well in the dressing room, definitely well enough not to pass up what I was sure was a limited quantity dress in the boutique.

     I was right, but I was wrong. The dress fits perfect if I hike it up to my ribcage and tie the back ties as tight as they will go. Perhaps I should have tried to hunt down a small but then I believe that the dress wouldn't have actually zipped over my ribcage, and also would have been too short for my modest taste. The built in bra in the dress is wonderful for members of the I.B.T.C., but if you're looking for support you will have to hike up the dress to your tatas in a similar fashion that I did. I normally wear a size 0 across the board, but in this I would say I would need somewhere between a small and a medium.

     Overall, definitely consider Judith March dresses for a piece that you can keep coming back to, but try ALL the options on. Although I have seen some of the dresses on Modcloth before, here is where to buy them locally.

Photo Diary: Late July- Early August

     Photographs 1 and 5 are hints at the next outfit post. Stay tuned ;).

Summer Shorts

Top, Mossimo via Target. Shorts, LC Lauren Conrad. Shoes, Gap. Belt and bag, vintage. Sunglasses, Dollar Tree via Mom.

     There are rare moments when I am able to truly appreciate the finer details about a backyard. The way the light falls perfectly through the trees during the golden hour. The various places to perch. The blank backdrop that my house provides from this vantage point. Having grown up in two separate households (dad's and mom's), I take a lot of stock in what a backyard represents. 

The Lakehouse, Part Two

    While on a walk in the deserted lake front area (after all, it was a Monday), my friends (Zack and Alysse) and I stumbled upon a perfectly picturesque wooden swing and the GIANT hill in the last photograph. We had some fun on the swing and then ended up walking for about a mile before turning back. Overall, it was such a wonderful time before we all head to college.

P.S. How do you like my vintage hat, pictured on Alysse?

The 1940s

Sources: 1, 2,3,4,5

     My mom always tells me that if my clothing choices were to be defined by an era it would be the 1940s. Whether it be from the men or the women, the culture or the clothing, the pictures or the movies, I am endlessly inspired by the era that Life's archives call "New York's Golden Age". It was a time where American citizens were truly proud to be who they were. The movie Captain America definitely solidified my love for the black and white days of old: everything from the military uniforms to the hair and make up of the female cast sucked me in. The sources above for the photographs are great for pictures and information (and the first one includes a review of one of my favorite movies!). Not only have these inspired me as far as fashion choices go, but I am feeling inclined to take some pictures on some good ole black and white film. Luckily for me, that is probably the majority of what will be on the syllabus in my Intro to Photography class this fall...

The Lakehouse, Part One

On me: Dress, Target. Socks, Gap. Oxfords, vintage.

On Reid: Shirt, AE. Jeans, Gap. Shoes, Sanuk.

    I'm enjoying the last fleeting days of summer before all of my friends scatter across the state, and even the country, on our fast approaching move in dates. I have been listening to this swinging mix from the Summer Mix Series 2011 and hoping to dance away some of the last nights we have together. As kind of a last hooray before we all start fall semester, I took a few friends down to my family's lake house. There ended up being so many joyous moments and great photo opportunities that I had to split my post into two parts, but never fear, the other pictures will come very soon! These are the pictures that I felt represented my outfit best. Something about going into the country always has me dressing in girly floral prints! Those shoes are also a particular favorite: basically the perfect pair of oxfords for $4 from Goodwill. 

    It's these last weeks of summer that are always the most interesting: the mix of emotions from saying good-bye will be new to me, but luckily, most friends are only a fifteen minute drive away or their family is staying in town.

Beach Trip, Film Lens

     I took a few pictures while at North Myrtle Beach on vacation before I ordered my new lens. I mostly used lenses from my Canon film cameras just for some fun experimentation. Strangely enough, the one time I relied on my digital lens to take some photographs of fireworks, it fogged up so badly I didn't get a single good picture! I love the hazy effects that the film lenses often give when paired with the digital body, and I save some money by doubling my lens collection with a simple converter! 

     The pictures are some sights that I enjoyed while at the beach. Typically I don't end up coming back with too many pictures of people, generally the surroundings are more inspiring.

Simple Success

Baseball tee, J. Crew. Shorts, F21. Necklace, sandals American Eagle. 

     I took a break from my normally more "dressed up" style to enjoy the weekend. Currently I am waiting for the food to be ready at what will probably be the last cook out at my house until I go to college. I loved the shadows that the leaves were casting on the wall and the way my parents had lined the stairs with flowers. The simple things about summer are what I will miss most this fall!

     In other news, I used my reward points at some Sephora to get some goodies from Benefit (everything except for the powder came in the kit). :

     I used the products today and I absolutely love them! In the outfit pictures, this was the makeup used. The blush, mascara, and primer are currently the "500 point perk" at Sephora (for beauty junkies like me!).

Out on a Limb

Camilla Cami, Kate Spade. Shorts, F21. Belt, vintage. Shoes, Lands End. Hair clip, J. Crew. Cardigan, Kid's Gap.

     Although I counted at least ten mosquito bites and have the Goldbond tube next to me to prove it, taking these pictures was well worth it. My new best friend, also known as the Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens came in the mail yesterday (along with some other exciting photography equipment) and I have been jumping at the chance to practice with it. Bear with me as I find out the quirks of my new baby.

     As far as the outfit goes, that cami (although I'd call it more of a sleeveless blouse) is absolutely heavenly. The polka dots look like little round bits of confetti or sprinkles- very fitting for Kate Spade! Despite the very bright color palette, I see it being a staple come fall! 

P.S. Stay tuned for my pictures from my recent beach trip that I'll be posting tomorrow. No outfits but plenty of scenery!

Here it Goes Again

Blouse, French Connection. Skirt, Gap. Shoes, Lands End. Bracelets, J. Crew. Sunglasses, Delia's. Bag, vintage Margaret Smith.

     Although sometimes the favorite items in a wardrobe aren't meant to go together, I am very fortunate that mine do. The items pictured here are some of the most treasured and well used pieces in my closet. They all go together to make such a ladylike combination! 

     The icing on the cake is definitely the Margaret Smith bag. I did a little bit of research, but unfortunately there aren't more pictures available from when the bags were popular (1960s era). There was actually an article from InStyle magazine attached to the purse (my favorite antique store is handy that way) describing the value and telling a little bit about the Margaret Smith line. The line actually just stopped producing clothes in 2008; however, the bags are quite valuable. Although the prices are somewhat steep for a full collection, I can definitely see myself incorporating more into my wardrobe. The colors and fabrics are so beautiful and often have illustrations of birds or floral print- two of my all time favorite motifs!

     Check out these listings for more Margaret Smith goodness: 1, 2, 3, 4.

P.S.- My hands aren't really that small, my little sister kindly modeled the bracelets for me in the third picture.