Japan Love: ootd

Who says girly girls can't also be strong intelligent women?  There is a very popular style worn by business women here in Japan.  It is so common that it's quite like a uniform, and yet it is so much more feminine than the standard, drab business attire.  Working women here are not afraid to wear ruffles, lace, and big bows.  I love it.  I admire it, and this is my tribute to it.  I did these photos about two months ago, but since this outfit has a decidedly spring feel to it, I thought now would be the perfect time to post them.

 Shop the look:

Cardigan by Fervour

Lace Skirt from Ruche

Top purchased locally

Earrings are handmade

Peep toes are from Payless

On a Barrel Roll in Ivory: ootd

    If a little is good then more must be better, right?  In this case, the answer is yes.  One of my favorite dresses is the On a Barrel Roll dress from ModCloth.  It is perfect in every way from the fit and the cut to the shade of blue.  I wasn't looking for another dress just like it, but I found one anyway.  It is the same exact same dress (although by a another brand) in ivory with a black print and I love it just as much. 

    I've been in that position when you see the perfect top and so you buy one in every color, but the truth is that's never really a good idea.  After a while your closet can start to look like that of a cartoon character who wears the same thing everyday.  

    So, even though I've found this dress in the same style for a third time in purple with a different print, I won't be buying any more.  I'm all through at two (that's my modified version of the "one and done" saying), but I have no regrets over owning two of these interesting and figure flattering dresses.

Shop the Look:

On a Barrel Roll Dress in Ivory by Fervour
Denim Jacket is a thrift store purchase
Peach Purse by Nila Anthony from shopjeen.com
Flourish at the Fete Flats in Peach from ModCloth.com
Bow Belt is a thrift store purchase
Pink Rose earrings are handmade by me

Summer School Cool in Red: Dress Review

    Our vacation's not over; in fact we've barely started, but I couldn't resist doing a quick review of this dress.  Shirt dresses are a fabulous thing, and worth talking about. 
    Sometimes I get on a shopping kick and become super focused on one item or color.  Before I realize it, everything in my wardrobe is blue or I suddenly have nothing but sweaters in my closet.  It probably has something to do with the delayed gratification that comes from so much internet shopping followed by waiting weeks for delivery.  

    What ever the reason, when it comes to this little shirt dress by Fervour, I'm glad I went ahead and bought more than one.  In July I posted my review of the Summer School Cool dress in Forest at ModCloth and I loved it so much that in August I bought it in red too.  

    I don't own much red, in fact the addition of this dress now brings my closet total up to a whopping three red things.  Although I would never normally go for this shade, I love how warm this red is, and I absolutely cannot wait to wear it with tights and a cardi during those bleak winter months.  In my last post I mentioned how I love to do my winter shopping in the middle of summer to nab the best bargains, so I may as well show off this great trench coat by Tulle.

Shop the Look

Cover Girl Lipstick color 307

 Summer School Cool Dress in Red

Perfume Bottle Purse in Black

With Haute a Doubt Heel in Noir

Second Hand Plaid Coat by Tulle

Summer School Cool: Dress Review

    Summer's heating up and there is nothing better on a hot day than a breezy dress and sandals.  Fervour is one of my favorite brands, I don't think there is anything that I own by them that I don't get tons of compliments on.  

    I really don't have any complaints about this dress. I love the fit, the color, and the fabric.  My only idea for it so far was to pair it with these gorgeous dark coral flats by Chase & Chloe.  No complaints about the shoes either.  They're so cute and comfy and I think they'll be great for fall too.  

    I ordered my normal size, and I could maybe have gone up a half size, because my big toes do seem to peep through the top a bit.  

    I also got some blisters from the straps, but I really can't think of a pair of shoes that I own that doesn't give me blisters after walking a mile or more in them.  So, I don't fault the shoes for that.

Shop the Look:

Summer School Cool dress in Forest Green by Fervour at ModCloth for $54.99

Washington Square Spark Flat in Coral by Chase & Chole at ModCloth

Rings are handmade by me

 No Place Like Roam Necklace from ModCloth

Nectar in Line Necklace from ModCloth

In a Nutshell Travel Wallet by Disaster Designs

Prints Charming

    I'm a textbook introvert and for years I had lovely clothes that sat in my closet because, well, they were lovely.  Lovely clothes make people take notice and that scared me.  I won't say I'm over it.  I still have days where I walk out in mostly neutrals trying to hide, but there are far fewer of them now that I've fallen in love with these charming prints.

Furry Up Now Dress on ModCloth

I'm wasn't sure about the white accents.  Until I actually got the dress was thinking I would replace the buttons with dark brown and use fabric paint over the piping, (don't be afraid to change some things on a dress to make it work for you) but I actually think they work pretty well and I love the little fox print, plus it was 50% off plus I had an extra 20% off code! 

Air of Adorable dress in Balloon Print.

  One of my first print purchases and still a fave.

Day After Day Dress in Truly Yours  one of my most recent purchases from ModCloth and such a classic look.

I bought it during the holiday 50% off sale so it was kind of an impulse buy and really started to second guess myself while waiting for it to arrive.  As soon as I opened it all those fears evaporated.  It's a wonderful fit and the print is lovely.

 

Emily and Fin Country Homeward dress.

Sold Out on ModCloth, but a great Ebay find.  I've had it for almost a year before finally finding the right heels and cardi to go with it.

 

Oui Are the World from ModCloth 

This was supposed to debut in August and I waited patiently all through August and September.  It finally was in stock about two days into October when my 20% off coupon from ModCloth had already expired.  No matter, it's still a unique dress that looks great casual or a little dressy.

Is there a trick to wearing prints?  Personally I usually go for small prints and pair them with several coordinating colors of accessories instead of all accessories being just one color.  Don't shy away from colors or even mixing prints.  It is tricky but as long as everything is in the same color palette it will work.