in which i embrace tomboy style

Yesterday my friend Steph mentioned the new book Tomboy Style to me.  The blog of the same name breaks tomboy style into seven basic archetypes: the sophisticate, the prep, the naturalist, the rebel, the girl next door, the jock, and the adventuress.  I've never considered myself a tomboy by any stretch of the imagination (although I guess I basically was all throughout middle school, sartorially, at least--but we don't like to think about those years), but the idea of tomboy style has definitely appealed to me of late (I think, stylewise, I'm most drawn toward tomboy prep and travel style [clothes that work while exploring foreign lands--which I equate with the adventuress]).  This outfit is a perfect example of why it just doesn't quite work.  I'm short, but I'm not waif-like.  Oversized shirts just make me look... oversized.  Flats make me look... flat.  I suppose it's nothing a classic trench can't improve upon, but still.  I'm just never going to be a Francoise Hardy.

(shirt: land's end, thrifted; scarf: thrifted; jeans: pacsun; moccasins: minnetonka; trench: h&m)

I'm determined to find ways to make the look work for me... so basically, what I've always done in the past (add short skirt and heels).  What do you think of tomboy style?  Which archetype do you most identify with?

I've been super lazy lately, and I'm not really sure why.  Maybe it's the gloomy weather inspiring hibernation, but I've basically just spend the past few evenings watching marathon episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" and wishing that I worked in a bridal salon (how fun would that be??) or designed dresses.  I did experience a small burst of inspiration a couple of days ago and started working on my ice cream dress, and made a small collage, but that's about it.  I am definitely looking forward to the weekend, for some serious rest and rejuvenation.  And I want K to be finished with the semester so we can hang out again.

in which i simplify

Maybe it's the springtime, but I've been feeling some serious waves of change wash over me lately.  I suddenly feel like I'm ready to grow up.  I've been feeling it for a while, really, chasing me down, but now the need is nipping at my heels.  I mentioned last week that I'm in a bit of a blogging rut, and that I think my blog might need to evolve in some way, so I've been puzzling that out.  There may be some changes around these parts in the coming months.

(dress: tjmaxx; trench: h&m; vest: plato's closet; shoes: seychelles; glasses: c/o glassesusa.com; necklace: uo)

Suddenly, almost overnight, I feel like my closet represents who I've been, not who I am.  I might be ready to move beyond babydoll dresses and peter pan collars, toward more classic cuts and prints.  I don't want people to mistake me for fifteen anymore.  I'm just trying to figure out what that might mean.

Maybe it's because I finished my novel, and now I feel like I can move into the next stage of my life.  While the book is most definitely fiction, there is an angst about it that characterizes the past few years of my life--sort of a metaphor for my not knowing what to do with myself, or where my true passions lie.  Maybe it's because I've been making a conscious effort to be more creative on a daily basis.  Maybe it's because I'm learning to accept and understand modern technology (I blame Instagram for making me want an iPhone).  I think I'm slowly starting to see the light, but I'm still struggling to find the motivation I need to make things happen when I have no idea even where to begin.

So that's where I'm at right now.  I didn't realize until I was editing these pictures that it sort of looks like I am wearing a parachute.  How apt.  Here we go!

in which i am raspberry-ready

Every week I so look forward to Friday. I've been kind of a blog slacker lately, and I almost didn't post today because I overslept (again--I guess that's what I get for staying up until 1 AM, again, working on this silly dress!), but I rallied and here we are. This is the sort of outfit I would have put together a couple of years ago, but it's not really my style. Problem is, "my style" seems to be a pretty simple equation: dress/heels/tights/the end, and sometimes I want to mix it up a bit!

(chambray tunic: tjmaxx; striped dress: zara; tights/belt/scarf: goodwill; boots: seychelles)

The weather has been crazy lately. Must be those solar flares? The temperatures are fluctuating daily between 20s-30s and 50s. Today and this weekend will be cold, but next week is looking verrrrrry nice :) I cannot wait to wear springy outfits next week (and beyond)!

Tonight will probably be pretty low-key. I've been craving French New Wave lately, so I might browse through Netflix to see what Godard films I can find. I'm also hoping to finally finish the dress! (Trouble is, I can't really read subtitles and sew at the same time... I need to brush up on my French!)

Happy Weekends to all!

in which i wore blue velvet

Ohhh Tuesday. I really need to do laundry. I haven't done a load since K has been gone (which works out to about two weeks!) because I can't be bothered to go to the laundramat by myself. I hate the laundramat with a fiery passion, and it doesn't help that I have to pay hard earned money to power the machines and drive 20 minutes out of my way to get to the damn place. Not happening. Anyway, this is the sort of crazy outfit that comes out of my laziness.

(blazer: antique shop; skirt: forever 21; blouse: thrifted; shoes: seychelles)

I love this blue velvet blazer but find it impossibly difficult to style. I have a habit of collecting blazers and then never really wearing them because they don't really fit into my wardrobe--if I were more inclined to menswear this would be great, but I'm really just not. This skirt was another questionable purchase because it also doesn't really seem to have a home in my closet, but I still like it. Man, I'm feeling hard to please today.

One thing that does please me: I'll be hosting my very first giveaway tomorrow, courtesy of Shabby Apple! Yay! Stay tuned...