Monday, February 28, 2011

26 & 27 of 30

Playing a bit of catch up from this weekend. I want to finish on time!

I feel like I should wear this outfit to a concert. Like to see my absolute favorite band, the Avett Brothers, in April! That's right. Just bought my tickets today and I'm pumped. I hear their live concerts are amazing.



Outfit 26

Denim Shirt - J.Crew (via Plato's Closet)
Concert Tee - Vintage (Mom'd)
Skirt - Urban Outfitters
Boots - Frye (via consignment)
Belt - Anthropologie
Jewelry - Vintage



Outfit 27

Sweater - Vintage, Thrifted
Jeans - Gap
Boots - Vintage, Thrifted
Scarf - Vintage, Mary Quant

25 of 30

I'm wearing my mom's bracelet, my grandmother's brooch, and someone else's grandmother's blazer and skirt. That's right, ladies and gentleman (my dad), this is another 100% secondhand outfit. Well, aside from my tights, but does anyone begrudge me new tights? Tights are like underwear, one of the few things I insist on buying new.



Outfit 25

Blazer - Vintage, Thrifted
Shirt - J.Crew (via Plato's Closet)
Skirt - Vintage Oscar de la Renta, Vintage, Altered
Boots - Frye (via consignment)
Brooch - Grandma'd
Bracelet - Mom'd

A big thanks to Sophorn of norococo who gave me a shout out in a recent post.



Friday, February 25, 2011

Week 3 Roundup

I feel like this week was all over the place stylistically. I guess that's alright. It doesn't look like I'm wearing the same 21 pieces (including shoes). That's right, these 8 outfits only include 21 of my 30 pieces. Does that mean that I've truly become a remix master?



Week 3


Thoughts on this week:

- I think the key to outfit variety is wearing a different topper everyday. The same pair of jeans look very different with a black blazer versus a mustard cardigan.

- Along the same line, I think that blazers and cardigans are more versatile than sweaters. They are going to look very different based on what you put under them, while a blue sweater is always a blue sweater.

- After the 30 for 30, I'm going to be in the market for some colorful cardigans for spring.

- My favorites for the week: 22, 23, and 24. What are yours?

24 of 30

The good news: I finally wore the blue sweater.

The bad news: I went a little matchy-matchy.

There is such a thing as too color coordinated. A scarf that matches both my sweater and my tights. I'm pretty sure that qualifies for the "too much" category.



Outfit 24

Sweater - Vintage, Thrifted
Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted, Altered
Tights - Hue
Boots - Vintage, Thrifted
Scarf - Estate Sale
Necklace - Dillards

Thursday, February 24, 2011

23 of 30

Three patterns in one outfit. There is a thin line between fashion forward and wackadoodle and I tread it often. I'm working a series of posts that deal with mixing patterns. It's a bit art, a bit science. Hopefully clarifying my thoughts in these upcoming posts will make it a bit more science (with results that can be replicated) versus art (that flows inexplicably out of the mind from some unknown wellspring of creativity).



Outfit 23

Cardigan - Banana Republic
Blouse - Banana Republic
Skirt - Urban Outfitters
Boots - Vintage, Thrifted
Scarf - Self Made
Belt - Target (Old)


Edit: Umm...My photo should say "23 of 30" not "23 of 20". That doesn't even make sense.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

22 of 30

One thing I do to spice up the 30 for 30 challenge is to make a new accessory using material I have on hand. It recreates the thrill of getting something new, that rush we all get from shopping, but I haven't spent a penny and I'm flexing my crafting muscle.



Scarf 1

Last night I made an infinity scarf using this tutorial. It was really easy. Depending on your skill level, you could whip one of these babies out in 15 minutes.




Scarf 2

It was so easy, in fact, that I made another one this morning. The fabric for both of the scarves came from the bag o' fabric that I got at a yard sale, a whole garbage bag for $5.00. I've previously used some of the fabric here.




Outfit 22

Blazer - Vintage, Thrifted
Tee, Bracelet - Vintage, Mom'd
Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted, Altered
Boots - Frye (via consignment)
Scarf - Self Made
Belt - Thrifted


Wow! An all secondhand outfit. This may be a first.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Shopping Secondhand: Small Leather Purses

I have trouble finding real leather purses, especially good name brands, at thrift stores. Usually some savvy thrift store employ snaps them up, slaps on a hefty price tag, and then puts them behind glass (that is if they even make it to the sales floor in the first place). One thing I have had some luck with are small leather purses. Sometimes these manage to slip by and end up with all the regular purses.

One thing I always recommend when buying secondhand is to try to buy quality items. There's nothing wrong with having a few synthetic purses, but these can easily be purchased new at mass retailers, so for secondhand bags, I try to stick to leather. They are only going to look better with age.

One of the best manufacturers of quality leather goods is Coach. You may think that it is impossible to find Coach secondhand, but I'm speaking from experience, it can be done.


Purses


The purses pictured above are secondhand. All are Coach except for the black one in the lower right, it's Etienne Aigner. Coach is perhaps the more desirable brand, but I find this particular Etienne Aigner is on par with Coach as far as style and quality.

The top two purses are from family members, the cream one from my mom and the caramel one from her cousin. They both came from their aunt (my great aunt) and then eventually made their way to me. We usually think of "secondhand" as thrifting, but family members can be a great resource. Be sure to check out the back of your mom's closet and grandma's attic.

The purse on the bottom left is similar to the "Basic Bag" which retails on the Coach site for $168. It was purchased from a now defunct thrift store that benefited a local health clinic for $3.00. They either didn't realize it was Coach or didn't care. Such low pricing could account for why they are no longer in business.

The middle bag is similar to the "Willis Bag" which retails for $298. It was purchased from another local thrift store for $15.00, marked down from a higher price. It was priced a little high for a thrift store bag, but it is definitely a bargain compared to new or even similar used bags on Etsy or Ebay.

The last bag is Etienne Aigner. It is also from a local thrift store, $7.00. Don't automatically dismiss a bag that you don't consider "designer". For thrift store prices, you can usually take a chance on a lesser known brand, all long as the quality is still there.

In my experience, you are going to have a better chance of finding a well priced leather bag at a locally owned thrift store versus one of the larger chains. Be sure to dig through all the racks. You should be able to tell the leather bags from the synthetics based on touch. Look for a style you like, leather that feels good to the touch, high quality stitching, and unusual details like buckles and claps. Finally, remember that the best bag is one that you will actually carry.

21 of 30

I've got a busy week ahead, teaching and working for two different architects. I'm warning you in advance, expect short posts that are light on verbal content, starting today.



Outfit 21

Blazer - Banana Republic
Plaid Shirt - Converse One Star (via Plato's Closet)
Pants - J.Crew
Boots - Thrifted
Necklace - Loft
Bracelet - Vintage (Mom'd)

Monday, February 21, 2011

20 of 30

Indoor lighting may not be the best, but you never have to worry about a strong gust of wind blowing through your apartment and messing up your hair.



Outfit 20


Cardigan - Anthropologie
Concert Tee - Vintage (Mom'd)
Jeans - Gap
Boots - Frye (via consignment)
Necklace - Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)
Bracelets - Vintage

Sunday, February 20, 2011

18 & 19 of 30

Playing a little weekend catch up. First outfit was worn on Saturday to a wedding shower for one of my friends and then out and about with my mom. The second outfit I wore to church on Sunday morning. Note the polka dot blouse. One of my favorites yet it's making its 30 for 30 debut on day 19?!?



Outfit 18

Cardigan - Gap
Stripe Tee - Anthro
Skirt - Kimchi Blue (via consignment)
Boots - Vintage
Necklace - Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)
Belt - Gap
Bracelet - Vintage



Outfit 19

Blazer - Banana Republic
Blouse - Banana Republic
Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted, Altered
Boots - Frye (via consignment)
Necklace - Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)
Bracelet - Vintage (Mom'd)


Please excuse the awkwardness of the above photo. It was so windy out today that all my photos ending up looking extremely awkward. This was the least awkward of the group. I don't know how some bloggers manage to get outdoor shots everyday. How do they deal with wind? Pony tails?

Friday, February 18, 2011

17 of 30

Pulled out another of my unused items. These boots have yet to make their 30 for 30 appearance. I think that lace up ankle booties are having a moment right now, but I found these at the thrift shop for $2.98. Further proof of the cyclical nature of fashion.



Outfit 17

Blazer - Banana Republic
Blouse - Banana Republic (via consignment)
Jeans - Gap
Boots - Thrifted
Necklace - Gap
Bracelets - Vintage


Oh, the joys of being (relatively) fashion forward in a small town in Arkansas. I wouldn't really consider this outfit too "out there". It's actually pretty tame compared to my usual fare, but I definitely got some looks while out to lunch with my parents today. In this town, if your not wearing jeans and a t-shirt, you are definitely over the top. What about everyone else? Do you find yourself tempering your outfits based on where you live or where you're going?

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Week 2 Roundup


Week 2


Thoughts on Week 2:

- I'm light on thoughts.

- I suppose 30 for 30 is old hat by now and I can't expect major epiphanies at this point.

- DTL: Deeper Thoughts Later

- Favorites for the week? Mine are 12 and 13.

16 of 30

The world may not be ready for my legs, but it's going to be 74 degrees today and there was no way I was going to stuff myself into the color tights I had planned to wear with this outfit.

Everyone one will be glad to know that this skirt is one of the scragglers. I'm now down to 4 unused pieces and plan to break at least one of them out this weekend.



Outfit 16


Stripe Tee - Anthro
Skirt - Vintage Oscar de la Renta, Thrifted, Altered
Flats - Banana Republic
Belt - Nine West (TJ Maxx)
Accessories - Vintage


I was feeling rather nautical in this getup. What do you think? Mixing horizontal and vertical stripes? Genius or crazy? I'll be back later this afternoon with Week 2 Wrap Up.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Shopping Second Hand: Silky Scarves

I'm starting a new series about shopping second hand. I do not claim to be an expert on this subject by any means. I'm basically writing from my own personal experience. This series will primarily focus on things that I like to collect as well as things that I have good luck finding second hand.

The first objects of my second hand affection are silky scarves. I find that square scarves in a silky material are relatively easy to find. I love having a collection of such scarves on hand to add a pop of color to an otherwise bland outfit. These little beauties pop up in a variety of places. The ones below came from thrift stores, antique stores, flea markets, and estate sales. I don't think that I've paid more than a dollar or two for any of them regardless of brand or material.


Scarves


What should you look for in a scarf? Obviously you should first look for colors and patterns that you are attracted to. If you don't love it, you won't wear it. For good quality scarves, look for those made of pure silk. Most places, especially thrift stores, don't distinguish between materials when it comes to price. This silk ones are the same price as the synthetics. The material is not always indicated, but with a little practice you should be able to identify silk by touch.

Another sign of quality is a name brand. High-end designers such as Hermes are know for their scarves, but I've never found one second hand. I have, however, found several scarves designed by Vera Neumann, a very popular and prolific 20th century textile designer. Her scarves are usually marked with her name "Vera". The three scarves on the bottom row are all marked Vera. You can clearly see her name on the middle scarf.

Flickr has several groups dedicated to the work of Vera Neumann. I would suggest perusing these groups to familiarize yourself with her work. She has a pretty distinctive, painterly style. Once you know what you are looking for, the scarves will be easier to spot.

Good luck and happy hunting. Next week, I'll have a new installment of Shopping Second Hand.

15 of 30 Halfway!

Well, today is my halfway point for the 30 for 30 challenge. I still have 5 pieces that haven't made their debut. I suppose it's good to have some items to spice up the last half of the challenge.

How is everyone else doing? Have you used all your items yet? Do you purposely save a few for the last half?

This might be a 29 item challenge. With temperatures in the high 60s/ low 70s, I'm not sure that I'm going to be able to wear that last blue sweater. When nice temperatures finally show up after a long, snowy winter, you definitely want to break out the spring attire, not put on yet another heavy sweater.



Outfit 15

Cardi - Gap
Striped Button Up - J.Crew (via Plato's Closet)
Pants - Gap
Flats - Banana Republic
Scarf - Vintage Vera
Necklace - Charlotte Russe
Bracelet - Vintage

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

14 of 30

Well, I decided that the world was not quite ready for my legs. Back to tights, even though it was definitely on the warm side today.



Outfit 14

Cardigan - Eddie Bauer
Plaid Shirt - Converse One Star (via Plato's Closet)
Skirt - Vintage Anne Klein Thrifted, Altered
Tights - Hue
Boots - Frye (via consignment)
Belt - Gap
All Jewelry - Vintage

Monday, February 14, 2011

13 of 30 Happy Valentine's Day!

I didn't really think of Valentine's Day when I was picking out items for the 30 for 30 challenge. I knew I wouldn't have a date. My boyfriend lives on the other side of the state. Hi Sweetie! (He never reads these things.) Anyway, I picked out the most Valentine-esque outfit I had in my 30 items. I was going for a mix between sweet and va va va voom. I think hot pink is actually a better color for the holiday versus the traditional red, much more unexpected.

Note the blindingly white bare legs (I actually toned them down some in Photoshop). Last Wednesday, it snowed several inches. Today it was 70 degrees and I ran the AC in my car. If you don't like the weather in Arkansas stick around a few days, it will change.


Outfit 13


Cardigan - Banana Republic
Skirt - Kimchi Blue (via consignment)
Flats - Banana Republic
Necklaces - Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)
Belt - Gap
Bracelet - Vintage

10-12 of 30 or Playing Catch Up

Playing catch up today. Yes, I did wear clothes this weekend, I just didn't blog about them in a timely manner. Below is my weekend wear.


Outfit 10

Plaid Shirt - Converse One Star (via Plato's Closet)
Skinny Pants - Gap
Flats - Banana Republic
Necklace - Vintage (Great Aunt's)
Belt - Gap


Outfit 11

Blouse - Banana Republic
Turtleneck - Merona (Target)
Skirt - Urban Outfitters
Flats - Banana Republic
Necklace - Charlotte Russe
Bracelet - Vintage


Outfit 12

Cardi - Anthro
Stripe Shirt - Anthro
Skinny Pants - J. Crew
Boots - Frye (via consignment)
Necklace - Vintage (Grandmother's)
Wood Bangle - Local Artisan

Friday, February 11, 2011

9 of 30

I guess this week has been unofficial "Inspiration Week" here on Unusual Form. Today is no exception. Below is a page that I cut out of one of the fall issues of Lucky Magazine. I am absolutely enamored with all of the outfits here. I've had this page hanging in my closet as inspiration for quite some time.

I've also been on the look out for the perfect camel blazer. I love the one featured here, but I can't really get over the $310 price tag. I checked all the usual suspects (Gap, J.Crew, Banana), but couldn't find just what I wanted. At the same time, I had my eye peeled for a second-hand option. I finally hit the jackpot a few weeks ago and found a vintage camel blazer at one of my local thrift stores. The best part, it was only $5.00.


Source: google.com via Kara on Pinterest



Today I was inspired by the outfit in the upper right hand corner. I started out with an outfit that was fairly faithful to the original. It would have looked better if I was wearing heels, but I didn't include any in my 30 items.



Outfit 9B

The outfit looked okay, but didn't look quite as chic as the inspiration outfit. It felt a little "blah", so I deviated from the original and "Kara-fied" it. Add a patterned scarf and voila, an outfit that is "inspired" but still felt like me. I think this is a great example of taking an outfit as a base point for inspiration, and then making it work for you.



Outfit 9A


Blazer - Vintage, Thrifted
Blouse - Banana Republic
Jeans - Gap
Scarf - Banana Republic
Boots - Vintage
Accessories - Vintage

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Week 1 Roundup

Week 1


Thoughts on Week 1:

- The whole not shopping thing is easier this time around. I've already been 30 days without shopping once and I was trying to be really conscious of my shopping for the 2 months between the challenges.

- I wish I had chosen at least one skirt that was more colorful. I like all the skirts I picked, but they all fall on the darker end of the color spectrum.

- Last time I was wishing for one more neutral cardigan. I think that this time I went over board and picked too many neutrals.

- My favorite outfit is Day 3, I think that really evokes "Kara Style".

I promise I'll have some better outfits next week. I didn't want to use all my best ideas in the first week.

8 of 30

I had a really cute outfit picked out to wear today, but it snowed and iced last night, so school was canceled. I'm snowed into my apartment and probably won't see a real person today. Is it wrong to save your "good" outfits for the days when you actually see people? I suppose by posting my outfits on the internet, they are being viewed by numerous people, but it doesn't seem to count unless someone sees your outfit in person. I don't know. That's just the crazy workings of my mind.


Outfit 8

Denim Shirt - J.Crew (Via Plato's Closet)
Jeans - Gap
Flats- Banana Republic
Scarf - Mom'd
Belt - Gap
Bracelet - Vintage, Great Aunt


Source: luckymag.com via Kara on Pinterest



I was inspired by this outfit. I don't think that I hit the mark though. This girl looks chic and stylish and I look more frumpadump. I think higher rise jeans and heels would help, but hey, I was working with what I had. Isn't that the whole point of 30 for 30? To be inspired by the fashion world and then to be creative within your own closet instead of running out to buy something new.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

7 of 30

Blogger Kara: Wanted to try out the new foppish bow trend.

Real Kara: Is working for a architect she doesn't really know this afternoon and doesn't want to scare him off.


Juliette Hogan Winter 2010 Collection

Lately I've been craving a big floppy bow. I thought that it might be the perfect foil for this rather preppy outfit. I didn't have a long thin scarf on hand to make said bow, so I tied together two square scarves and proceed to tie them into a big bow.


Outfit 7

Cardigan - Eddie Bauer
Striped Button-Up - J.Crew (via Plato's Closet)
Jeans - Gap
Boots - Frye (via Consignment)
Scarves - Vintage



Outfit 7 detail


Since we've already determined that this is a safe place to try out new styles, what do you think? Is it too much? Too over the top?

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

6 of 30 or Blazin'

Blogger Kara: Confidently rocked these bold tights all day.

Real Kara: Thought that her skirt was a teensy, weensy bit short for teaching so she took her outfit photos with the berry tights and then changed into black tights before she left for class, to better camouflage the length, or lack there of, of the skirt.

I'm back in all my bloggy glory today. Please don't judge me on the fact that I photograph one outfit, and then wear another one to class. If today was Wednesday (my day off), I would totally rock these berry tights all day long. I feel like some of the outfits I wear to class push the envelope as it is. I don't want them to be indecent as well. You have to imagine that all my colleagues wear all black, all the time. This might be a bit of an exaggeration, but not much of one. If I wear a bright color, much less two different colors, in an outfit I definitely stand out. I don't mind standing out, but I definitely don't want to be censured for inappropriate clothing. Keeping it PG. That's what I'm all about.


Outfit 6

Blazer - Banana Republic
Original Fleetwood Mac Concert Tee - Mom'd
Skirt - Urban Outfitters (via Consignment)
Tights - Hue
Boots - Vintage Thrifted


Outfit 6 detail


This outfit is also part of Everybody, Everywear's Classic Blazer Tuesday. Head over there to check out everyone else's take on the Classic Blazer.




Monday, February 7, 2011

5 of 30

I'm back in body, if not in spirit. This is literally the first time I've worn anything other than pajamas for the last two days. Also, I may or may not have applied my makeup in Photoshop.

I'm 2 days behind now, which is a bit of a bummer. This is the exact same thing that happened during the fall challenge, but I managed to catch up.

Today's outfit was comfy casual. As in, "I would really rather be in PJs, but I've got to venture out into the real world." I will be back in full fashion swing tomorrow for "Classic Blazer Tuesday" on Everybody, Everywear.


Outfit 5

Cardigan - Gap
Stripe Tee - Anthro
Pants - J.Crew
Boots - Vintage
All Accessories - Vintage

By the way, thanks everyone for the encouraging comments left on my last post. At least I know I'm not the only one who gets camera shy about taking outfit photos in public places.

Friday, February 4, 2011

4 of 30 or Blah

I'm not feeling it today. This outfit. Life. I'm fighting a cold so that probably has some effect on my mood.

As you may notice, I'm back indoors. Yesterday, I got caught by our building's maintenance man. He was in the elevator as I was getting on at the 8th floor (I live on the 3rd), while I had a camera and tripod in my hand. He asked what I was doing (in a friendly way, not in an accusing way), but I got embarrassed and vaguely said I was taking photos on the roof.

He probably thinks I'm a nut or a terrorist surveying targets. I guess I felt that saying I take outfit shots to put on the internet sounds silly or vain. I know what I'm doing is not that (or at least not totally that) and that blogging outfits does have a much higher purpose, but I still felt embarrassed. Does anyone else feel this way? Guilty when caught photographing your outfits? A little silly or vain when you have to explain to someone else what you're doing? I need some reassurance here ladies.


Outfit 4


Blouse - Banana Republic
Turtleneck - Merona (Target)
Pants - Gap
Boots - Vintage
Necklace - Target
Belt - TJ Maxx

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

3 of 30

One of the things I love most about the 30 for 30 challenge is all the outfit planning I do. I guess I'm paranoid about not having enough outfits or enough interesting outfits, so I plan everything out. During the 30 for 30, I actually have an idea of what I'm going to wear when I get dressed in the morning, instead of just staring blankly at my closet. Also there's a lot less putting on, tearing off, throwing on the closet floor.

I like the order 30 for 30 brings to my (clothing) life. It's much harder to plan outfits when there are hundreds of items to choose from, but planning is almost imperative when there are only 30 items. Last time around I used lots of lists and charts to plan my outfits. This time around I've been using Polyvore. I'm a very visual person and this method really appeals to me. What about everyone else? Are you a planner or are you just winging it?


Outfit 3

Cardi - Anthropologie
Blouse - Banana Republic (Consignment)
Skirt - Vintage Anne Klein, Thrifted, Altered
Tights - Hue
Boots - Frye (Consigment)
All Accessories - Vintage and/or Thrifted


Outfit 3 Detail

2 of 30 or Hindsight is 20/20

Speaking of hindsight....Maybe today was not the best to attempt my first outdoor shot on my apartment building's roof deck. 26 degrees, 15 mph winds out of the north. I know you Minnesotans are laughing your tuchuses off right now, but as anyone south of the Mason-Dixon Line knows, this is bitterly cold to us Southerners.

Also pay no attention to the humongous wad of keys I'm holding. I seriously wanted to get this over as quickly as possible and didn't have the foresight to throw them on the ground before my self-timer went off. Oh, well, not bad for a first attempt.


Outfit 2


Denim Shirt - J.Crew via Plato's Closet
Stripe Tee - Anthropologie
Black Skinnies - Gap
Flats - Banana Republic
Necklace, Belt, Ring - Vintage
Bracelet - Mexico

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

1 of 30

Well, I did something today that I've never done before. I wore a cardigan as a top. Such a simple concept, but one I have never been forced to use, I suppose. I know it's only the first day of 30 for 30 and maybe I shouldn't be pulling out all my tricks just yet, but I was feeling it, so....



Outfit 1


Day 1 (Teaching)

Cardigan - Banana Republic
Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted, Altered
Tights - Hue
Boots - Frye (Consignment)
Scarf - Vintage Vera
Belt - Flea Market
Bracelets - Vintage

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