Wardrobe Remix for 05.10.11

silver earrings - my mother's
striped tee - Old Navy
denim shorts - Target
orange sandals - Urban Outfitters



It's in the mid-80s today and I am ecstatic. I'm hot and soooo happy! Shortly I am having margaritas and Mexican food. Partly to enjoy the weather and partly to celebrate my big news...

The Chicago Cultural Center will be selling Branchbound jewelry very soon!

This is an amazing opportunity for me and my shop and I am over the moon! My dad posted the news on Facebook before I got to, ha. Also I have a Heartsy deal coming next week, I'll be sure to post it! Busy busy month for Branchbound.

I'll leave you with this AWESOME photo of me and Seymour. Look at his mouth, haha.

Wardrobe Remix for 04.09.11

Feather or Haute Dress - ModCloth
army green tights - UO
BC Shipwreck wedges - 6pm

Saturday it was sunny and mild, so Michael and I went downtown for a bit of shopping. I'm fighting off a cold, but was determined to enjoy the nice weather this weekend. I wore this dress in Nashville but neglected to snap a picture. I really love the cut and pattern, and I definitely need more white dresses in my wardrobe.





Family portrait! Also, Michael tried to get Seymour to be cool like him.

Wardrobe Remix for 03.28.11

Jonathan Logan sailor dress - Small Earth Vintage
polka dot tights - Target
tan t-strap wedges - DSW
striped purse - Target via eBay

photos care of Rachel





My last day in Nashville the sun finally came out, and Rachel and I had been really bad about taking outfit photos so we wanted to find a good spot. Rachel thought we'd stop by a mill that was being converted into stores, and upstairs it was empty with this amazing skylight. As you can tell, these images are pretty much perfect.

I am excited to be wearing this dress from Karen I got in late October, and since I wasn't partial to it with a sweater I've been waiting for it to warm up so I could wear it. I think Karen was actually wearing one of my headbands at the same time I was wearing this dress! ♥

Also, let me tell you about this ring. I had this exact ring for about a year before I lost a stone (green, my fave) a few weeks ago. I went to the Nashville Flea Market and a vendor had this ring so I bought a new one! Hooray! Also, you can see my sweet manicure.

Wardrobe Remix for 03/27/11 - Nashville Edition!

antique pearl collar necklace - Tennessee Antique Mall
pink silk cardigan - thrifted
Rodarte for Target dress - eBay
nude chevron stockings - Target
tan t-strap wedges - DSW

All these photos were taken by Rachel from MouseVox Vintage on my visit to Nashville! This is what I wore on Sunday to a ladies brunch at Margot. It was delicious and very fun. I met Quincy of Q's Daydream and Alyson of Alyson Is Neat as well as many of Rachel's friends. I'll have more pictures of that later! I'm going to spread out the posts so as not to flood you.

The evening before, Rachel and I popped into the Tennessee Antique Mall after getting rained out of the Flea Market and I found this beautiful collar. I was browsing some online the other day, and this one was gorgeous- and affordable! I thought it would make the perfect finishing touch on my brunch outfit and I was very pleased.

Fair-Haired

I'm blond!





orange tunic dress - Tucker for Target
olive green tights - UO
tan wedges - DSW

It took 3 hours to get it the right shade, but I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. I love it. My eyes and lips really pop now and it's the perfect shade for Spring and Summer. I'm excited to see how it looks with all my vintage summer dresses, I'm used to seeing them worn with my long, red hair. Can you believe how much my hair has changed in the past year? I wonder what that means... Regardless, I plan on sticking with the blond for a while.

Wardrobe Remix for 03.01.11

coral striped bodysuit - Forever 21
army green pencil skirt - American Apparel
black tights - Target
cognac oxfords - Aldo

Rabbit rabbit! It's March first, a new month and today I had a new attitude. I promised myself I'd be optimistic and productive all day and so far I have! I woke up to the sun shining. As soon as I got up I did my taxes, got the ball rolling on beginning therapy, shot shop photos, went to the bank and store, and I'm about to make chicken salad and list. I didn't feel mopey or complain all day.

I'm excited for March. I'm taking care of myself inside and out all month. My plans for the next 31 days include:

• begin sessions with a therapist
• treat myself to a facial and a Swedish massage
• cook for myself and Michael more
• weather permitting, start running
• get my hair professionally dyed blonde
• treat myself to my first professional mani/pedi
• go to Nashville March 25-28 (!!!)

Yes, you heard right, I'll be in Nashville. I've been planning for the last month of so with Rachel. If you want to meet up, or can suggest things for me to check out while I'm there, please do!

Wardrobe Remix for 02.19.11

teal flower headband - factorygirlashli on Etsy
vintage dress - thrifted
navy sweater tights - TJ Maxx
silver flats - Target


I know, it's been approximately 850 years since I've done an outfit post. I've taken photos and never uploaded them. These would fall into the same pile except I forced myself to upload them.

Why? Well, many reasons. First of all, winter has me in a rut. I want to be comfortable so badly. I wear a sort of uniform most days, and I'm just bulked out in knits and layers. I'm too exhausted in the morning to take a photo, and I manage to dress even worse on my days off. What's the point if I don't leave the house?

Also, a few weeks ago, my boyfriend's sister attempted to dye my hair blonde. Suffice it to say, this didn't pan out (I'm telling my stylist, when I go back with my tail between my legs, that "we couldn't get the right blonde"). Oh well, blonde is tricky and I had two years' worth of red dye in my hair, it was going to be a pain in the ass. I dyed it golden brown, cried a lot, and miss my red hair. I feel old and ugly. I've just been feeling gross in general because winter drains me of my energy, due in part to hiking through the post-blizzard snow banks and working extra overtime at work. I've not been eating the healthiest and feel overweight. Basically, I feel ugly, old, and fat. So dressing well isn't really up there on my list of priorities right now.

Anyway, back to this outfit. Saturday the sun was shining, the snow on the ground was all gone, and even though it was chilly and I didn't have anywhere too special to go I thought I should pull myself together a little bit. I'm not sure about this dress, high neck styles aren't the best for me, but I wore the top 2 buttons unbuttoned the rest of the day and it looked fine. It was originally for the shop but when I saw how well it fit, Michael and I agreed it should stay in my closet for the time being. I adore the matching belt! I also sported this headband I got last winter in a trade with Ashli and I love the pop of colour it gives my outfit. I love wearing headbands with a pixie cut, too.

Michael and I left late in the day to Shangri-La Vintage located in Roscoe Village. It's small, but there's a decent amount of clothing there. Very well organized and very fairly priced. The man who runs it even puts measurements and flaws on the tag for you! I got a cute 60s sundress and Michael scored a vest, tie, and four vintage Playboy Magazines (two were $4 each, the other two only $2 each cos they were missing the centerfolds!). We wandered around a bit, had dinner at the Pick Me Up Cafe and went home to watch a film.

Wardrobe Remix for 01.15.11

Black Beaded Necklace - Target
Beaded Sweater - Old Navy
Jersey Floral Print Dress - Forever 21
Black Fleece-Lined Tights - Target
Steven Madden "Intyce" Boots in Cognac - ShoeMall.com



Saturday Michael and I did a bit of shopping down town. I also went shopping Friday, which is when I picked up this dress! It's so comfy and I've been looking for a black and floral print dress. I've also really been drawn to pinks and oranges lately.



I was off early Friday, as well as both days this weekend, so I painted my nails. This colour is "Commander in Chic" from Sally Henson. It's a really nice shade, goes with everything. I also want to find more clothing in this colour- looks so nice with my skin tone. That's something I've really been paying attention to since I've become a redhead, how colours look with my hair and skin colour. As a pale brunette I figured, and was somewhat right, in thinking I matched everything!



And here he is, toast of the internet, my Seymour. Look at those toes!

Retrospecticus: 2010

It's the last day of 2010! How this year flew by; seems like just yesterday I was in Lawrence, Kansas preparing for my NYE dinner party with Michael. This year has brought me lots of wealth in many ways than one; I received a promotion and raise at my day job, my Etsy stores have been a success, I've started selling my jewelry and vintage at pop-up shops. I've become more confident as a sales person and as a jewelry artist. And perhaps the best event of 2010 is that Michael, the love of my life, moved to Chicago!

As most do at this time of year I am reflecting on goals I made for myself for this year. From the blog, let's revisit:

Resolutions and Goals for 2010

• Get up 15 minutes earlier every day (outfit photo + get together lunch + not have to run to the bus)

I'm not getting up earlier, but cutting my hair has also cut down my morning routine!

• Take outfit photos way more often (see previous)
• Update blog at least every other day

Eep. Maybe this is why I'm not late to work as much? I'll try harder next year!

• Get a lot more stock for both my etsy stores

Yes! I also remember telling Michael I'd like to hit 100 sales in my vintage shop before my birthday, which I also did. :)

• Save money so I can go to L.A. in March and Boston/Salem in September or October with Michael

Yeah, neither of those happened. But I *did* do to Madison in Febuary, a bonus trip to Lawrence in July, and New York City in May so I did get out of the state!

• Make solid, fashionable attempt to wear pants more often

I am wearing pants more often! I just never photograph it. ;)

• Only buy shoes that are durable, comfortable, and stylish

Except for a stupid purchase here and there (it's hard to justify spending more than $20 on novelty heels!) I've been pretty good about this.

• Get rid of even more stuff

I got rid of A LOT when I moved...of course now I accumulated some more. Ha.

• Buy a better sewing machine and learn how to sew (this is not likely, but I'm still putting it on here)

I did NOT buy a new sewing machine, however I DID learn to sew! Or at least hem. Thanks to Alma and her sewing machine. :)

Goals for 2011? Let's see:

• Travel! Travel travel travel. I started tearing up on the bus to work this morning, frustrated at how badly I need to leave Chicago for a little while. Ugh.

• Sew my first garment from scratch.

• Try to relax, be less insecure about myself and my relationships, and remember that I am loved.

• Get my driver's license, or at least renew my learner's permit.

• Spend less money on clothes and more on experiences and pampering myself (massage, anyone?)

• Maybe get another kitty friend for Seymour!

At the risk of this being too long, I'm going to post photos from a few of my favourite moments in 2010, and wish you all a happy, healthy 2011. Thanks for sticking with this blog, I hope to be even better about updating it next year! I love all of my readers. :)

Wardrobe Remix for 12.19.10

sequin leaf headband - UO
black cardigan - Target
green and gold 50s dress - Etsy
black tights - Target
shiny black flats - Target



Sunday Michael and I went to go see the Nutcracker at the Auditorium Theater, this is what I wore. I also wore this dress last weekend to Michael's holiday party. I've been searching for a green cocktail dress for Christmastime for YEARS and I was searching Etsy about a month ago, willing to shell out up to $70 or so, but everything was too small, too large, had a pattern on it, SOMETHING. Finally I see a green dress in my size*, the perfect length, nipped waist, etc. for TEN BUCKS. It was fantastic! There is some wear to the dress; a few of the copper beads at the bust are missing and there's a hole here and there but it's nothing very noticeable. It even has a crinoline in the skirt!

*the bust was actually a bit big but my friend Alma helped me take it in.



I've also noticed that since I cut my hair, while I can no longer wear my vintage hats (they overwhelm my tiny head!) I look so much better with headbands! I saw this one at UO last Spring and wanted to die, it looked like a weird little 20s hat. It was $24, ugh. But I waited and waited and FINALLY it went down to $6! It's the perfect little bit of sparkle for this time of year.

Anyway, enough of my bargain hunting. We headed off to the theater, got there pretty early. Michael checked in on Four Square and it said he got a free hot chocolate for checking in there! What! So I joined For Square just to get a free hot chocolate...haha. Well it was GOOD hot chocolate. We get inside, drinking our hot chocolate in the lobby, waiting for the upstairs to open. There's a choir (that sings at the end of the first act) warming up and singing Christmas Carols. We then get to our seats, which were box seats! We had this gorgeous plush chairs and we could see all of the theater from our seats. It was seriously like we were royalty.

The show itself was lovely; the acoustics are so good in that theater I could hear the dancers' feet on the stage! I get so emotional waiting the ballet, especially the Nutcracker. I danced for 7 years 9 months out of the year so it was a giant chunk of my childhood. The Nutcracker was always my favourite, I would watch various versions every year around Christmastime and on Christmas Eve I would ALWAYS wear my ballet shoes, hehe.

Michael and I might be coming back in February for Swan Lake *and* Merry Widow! I can't wait!

Wardrobe Remix for 11.21.10

blue velvet dress - kittenteeth on Etsy
black tights - We Love Colors
black t-strap flats - Christmas gift



Debut of my brand new dress! I've been looking for a velvet mod long-sleeve dress for a while, preferably one with a neckline that wasn't too high, and this fit the bill quite nicely. I was eying it for weeks and then a few days ago finally decided this was the one and was thrilled to receive it so quickly! I think I'll be wearing this on Christmas, too. I highly recommend kittenteeth's shop, she has some really cute things and great prices, and she was very friendly. Like I said, she shipped this very quickly, too.

It was nice out today and I had some errands to run so Michael and I wandered around the loop. A lot of the Christmas decor was up. This is Michael's first Christmas in Chicago so I want him to have the full experience! We're seeing the Nutcracker in a few weeks, and next week we're going to dine at the Walnut room in Macy's (I've never done that, either!) and Christkindlmarket, the German marketplace with a giant Christmas tree in Daley Plaza.

Don't forget you have until tomorrow night to take 15% off the entire shop at Branchbound for my anniversary!

Wardrobe Remix for 11.11.10

orange polka dot blouse - Tucker for Target
grey jumper dress - YeYe Boutique on Etsy
tan crocheted tights - Marshall's
black leather flats - Target



My usual photo spot was blocked by all of my Vintage Heaven bins (I did very well, by the way!) but I still wanted to snap a pic...so I figured I'd give you a different view of my apartment! More photos to come soon, once I clean this VH stuff up, and I have a few neat shots on my phone, so I hope to give you a tour of my place!

Anyway, we've been having a bit of everything in Chicago so far this month, but most of this week was nice and warm. I had gotten this blouse the night before. I usually don't care for orange but I like the oranges in the Tucker collection for Target and I must admit that shade looks great with my hair and skin colour. I also really love this jumper I got from YeYe, it goes so well with my hair and looks oh-so-mod. This is already the second time I've worn it!

Dracula's Pajama Party

Yipee, my Halloween post is only a day late! Forgive the quality of these pictures but they were taken at my Halloween party held Saturday night. I went as a Snow Queen, but a lot of people thought I was Tilda Swinton/the White Witch. Same thing, I suppose. I based the dress off of a Cecil Beaton photograph of his sister as a shooting star (my original idea) and styled it very John R. O'Neil a la Wizard Of Oz (see my jaunty crown?).







There is still some glitter in my hair and the whole costume left glitter all over my apartment. I expect my life to sparkle for the next few months.

My brother went as Captain Carl from PeeWee's Playhouse:







Michael went as a pilot again, Alma went as a house:







Erin went as Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica and Phill went as Dorothy Valens from Blue Velvet:





Steve went as Columbo and Elise went as paint-by-numbers:



While I don't condone the deformation of a vintage dress (I'll just hope it was already ruined...), that vintage Jackie O mask is freaking terrifying:







My roommate, Kara, dancing to Twist And Shout as Ferris Bueller:





Andrew, who is not in a costume (boo) and Kacy as a Double Dare contestant:



Costumes I did not get photos of include AstroTurf, a cat lady, George Michael (from Arrested Development), and Death (from The Sandman). Highlights included starting a conga line to "Jumping The Line," watching Sleepy Hollow and The Shining on mute, all of us turning The Shining off mute at the end to watch it, lots of hugging and dancing and punch consumption. I gotta say, dancing with that staff was pretty sweet.

I hope you all had a Happy Halloween! What did you dress up as? What did you do?