Everlasting Impression Outfit

I've been adding a few things to my ModCloth Love List and this fabulous outfit practically put itself together.  Hopefully a few of these items will make their way into my wardrobe eventually.

Filigree Gleam Earrings

Everlasting Impression Maxi Wrap Dress in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 1X, 2X, 3X

It's Decided T-Strap Flat in 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41  by Chelsea Crew from ModCloth

Wants and Reads

   I've been struggling to find things to do this winter that get me out of the house but not outdoors.  The below freezing temps have really lasted this year and I am not good at handling the cold.  That's what makes the public library such a haven this time of year.  

    I love libraries; I always have.  Ever since elementary school, I've just adored wandering around a big room full of books for hours.  I haven't always loved reading though.  It took time and effort, but now I try to read at least two or three books a year.  Lately I've gotten really bored with all the new books out there for us grownups with their predictable messages and lack of hope or happiness or even resolution.  But I'm also bored to tears by the lingering Twilight wanna-be trash in Young Adults.  Whoever says "it doesn't matter what kids are reading so long as they're reading something"  is an idiot.   It matters what you read.  Don't fill your mind up with stupid trash and don't let your kids do it either.  What you put in your mind matters just as much as what you put in your body, so treat it well.  

    So, in my search for something better than what I've been handed, I've been going to the Juniors section to find a few good reads and I haven't been disappointed.  My last was City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab and I truly enjoyed it.  I hope there's a sequel in the near future.  My current read is called The Lost Kingdom by Matthew J Kirby  I'm only four chapters in and I've loved every sentence of it.  It touches on a number of my favorite topics like historical figures (Ben Franklin, anyone), adventure and a bit of fantastical steam punk style science.  And the best thing of all, I know when this book is over it will have conflicts resolved and lessons learned and maybe even a touch of hope and happiness in the mix.  BTW if I'm wrong about any of that, I'll come back and do an update.

 Shopping Info: Charter School Cardigan in Rose and Wants and Reads Tee from ModCloth.  Classic Simplicity Skirt in Olive from ChicWish.  Bell Flats by Report.

V Day with ModCloth

ModCloth Day After Day A-Line Dress 

Chelsea Crew Vivacious Vibes T-Strap Heel in Burgundy 

Yours Truly Long Sleeve Dress in Dog Print

Starry Time T-Strap Heel

Flaunt Where You Want Two-fer Dress 

Peter Pan Starfish Pink Lipstick by Besame Cosmetics from ModCloth

Formally Yours Satin Sandal

Taken to Heart

    Valentine's Day is fast approaching and I've already got my dress for that very special date night.  It's been a while since I've done a dress review, so I thought I'd do a quick one for this Day After Day by Emily and Fin.  Em&Fin have pretty reliable quality and consistent sizing.  That's part of the beauty of only making a handful of styles.  Sadly, my usual size XS was already sold out when I decided to purchase this dress, but after reading a few of the other buyers' reviews claiming the dress ran small in the waist, I decided to size up.  The fit is best described as comfortable.  It doesn't feel like a whole size too big, just a little big.  So, if you're on the fence about which size you need and you're towing the line between sizes, I'd definitely say go up.  If you're on the smaller side of your size, then buy your regular size.  I don't think this dress in a size smaller (my regular size) would have been too tight at all.  

    Other perks to this dress are pockets of course, the cute keyhole back we've all come to adore about the Day After Day series, and the dress is fully lined.  It is an enormous pet peeve of mine when I spend $100 on a dress and it has only one single cheap layer.  One layer is not worth $100.  A word of warning though, I nearly scorched this dress when ironing it and I only had my iron set on Med-High just to get a little steam.  So, be careful or perhaps consider having it professionally cleaned.  Other than that, this is another hit from Em&Fin.   

Shopping Info:  Day After Day Dress by Emily and Fin from ModCloth The Zest is History Heels in Navy From ModCloth

Poised in Plaid

Still fighting this bitter chill and trying my best to layer responsibly for the weather.  I'm beginning to think there aren't enough layers in the world to beat the cold.

Particularly Poised A-Line Midi by ModCloth in sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, The Zest is History Heels in Navy From ModCloth in 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, J crew Sweater from ThredUp, use my link to sign up and save $10 off your first order

Walking on the Moon

    It's cold.  The hard frozen, bleakest cold of the year.  And I just haven't found the desire to go out in it to attempt some outfit photos.  On one particular day, a terrible storm blew through and left us with ice, snow and school and work cancellations galore.  I enjoyed cooking a hot stew and sitting by the fire playing Uno with my family, but as far as going outside has been concerned, I'm not the least bit tempted.  
    The good news about all this staying indoors is that the sewing bug has returned and I've been busy creating new dresses and trying new patterns.  I did tiptoe out for a few moments to snap some pics of my latest creation.  It's a new pattern but still in my beloved vintage style.  This Butterick Retro pattern is super easy and had some great detail variations such as adding a v cut to the neckline and attached bows to the front and back.  The only trick was that I chose a printed fabric before reading the pattern and then discovered that for this pattern I had to cut two front pieces instead of one piece on a fold, so there is a seam running down the front, if I had cut one piece on a fold, the print would have been completely sideways as opposed to slightly sideways as you can see on the skirt.  I don't mind it really, but for those of you who are sticklers for the rules, maybe go with a solid color or a floral print for this pattern.  

 Dear Stella Love You To The Moon Sky Scenic Navy Fabric, Retro Butterick Pattern B5748, Charter School Cardi and heels from ModCloth

Silver and Gold

I know the season of Silver and Gold has passed us by already, but when inspiration strikes, I go where it leads no matter what time of year it happens to be.  Plus, I think it's a good idea to have a few ideas on hand for when the holidays roll around next year.  This is a little outfit I put together which I think would be great for a Christmas or New Year's Party.  It has the silver and gold of Christmas and the satin and sparkle of New Year's Eve.  Individually these pieces have so much in the way of outfit potential that I'll have no trouble putting together other great looks with them, but I couldn't a whole year to showcase this outfit.

Shopping Info:  HaoDuoYi Womens Sparkly Sequin Crop Backless Pullover Shirt,

Vero Viva Women's Double Layered Tulle Elastic High Waist A-Line Pleated Skirt

Winter's Warmth

A warm pot of stew bubbling in the kitchen, the crackling of wood on the hearth, steamy cup of tea in my hands as I look out the window and the frozen world.  Some days I hide in my little cabin and some days I wrap up in something warm and I just have to venture out.  Today I've left my stew to bubble on a while and the hearth to crackle without me so I can enjoy a few brief hours of sunshine and the warmth in winter before the clouds close in again.

Shopping Info:  Button Front Plaid Dress from SheIn, Red Heels from Modcloth

Le Jardin de Paris

I think it's safe to say I need a little Jardin de Paris to brighten up these winter days.  These colors are traditionally for spring and summer, but when winter's at its worst, I think it's ok remind myself of brighter days on the way.

 Shopping Info: Jardin De Paris Pink and Ivory Belted Floral Print Dress from: Lily Boutique, Ring, purse, and cardi are all old.

Why So Serious?

If you have an office job like me, you may have noticed how....how can I put this nicely...serious (?) office wear can be.  And if, like me, you're a fan of creative clothing, bright colors, and novelty prints, most suits and business sets just don't get your motor running.  If I only had to wear a suit for a day or two, I wouldn't complain, but when it's a part of everyday, it can be easy to fall into a rut.  But, who's to say we can't look nice at the office and completely appropriate while still being creative?  Behold my escape from boring suits, totally office appropriate outfit of the day!  Basic tee and blazer with a printed vinyl mini skirt and criss-cross flats.  Comfortable, suitable for the office, and far from serious.

 Shopping Info:

Vero Viva Women's PU Faux Leather Floral Print A-Line Bodycon Mini Skirt Zipper, Vero Viva Women Summer Solid Round Neck Short Sleeve Casual T-Shirt Stretch Top, HaoDuoYi Women Seperate Blazer Pants Suits for Bussiness