Hey, look at me! I am blogger, hear me roar!

Here is another outfit post, where I am wearing a dress! This dress was purchased at the two*birds sale this weekend, which I luckily had time to stop at, during an eventful weekend this past weekend. I LOVE the polka dots! So perfect! I cant wait until this next weekend too, when I have my first of several holiday parties to attend, where I will wear (another!) fancy holiday dress! I am feeling so festive, guys. Expect another feeling festive post. For sure.

PS: Can you spot the "little something extra" in this outfit photo?

That's right! I got a new tattoo! I am loving it. AND I am loving Steady Tattoo on University. Best tattoo artist experience so far. Though I did have to wait a loooooong time for a walk-in appointment, it was worth it.

dress: two*birds sale!
tights: random
boots: vintage, thrifted

On Monday night, Emma and Maggie and I attended the first-ever Mighty Swell Vintage customer appreciation event! Which was also, of course, a preview of their annual Summer Sale happening this weekend! So much fun! And way less crazy packed/sweaty as their usual sales have come to be known for (Bonus! Though honestly, I'd brave the crowds either way, they have the BEST selection of wearable vintage and the BEST prices around. I'm dead serious, you guys.)

I really wanted to wear my best Mighty Swell piece, but then I realized that most of the things I get from Mighty Swell are those things you LOOK and LOOK and SCROUNGE for and then finally find when you're not at all expecting to. Exhibits A, B and C: a 70's one-piece crochet swimsuit complete with low scoop-back (just what I wanted for the summer), a lovely 50's black velvet cocktail dress with little embroidered flowers all over it (that I wore to last year's Holiday Party), and a square leather tote bag that I use all the time. So, even though these are exactly what I wanted right when I wanted them, what I wanted for this event was to wear a bright and summery (Emma nailed it on the head with "kicky") dress. So I chose this vintage yellow gingham homemade dress I recently picked up from Lula Vintage, and paired it with with red lipstick and a red clutch I never get to use. ("real" outfit photo above, and some film photos I took of us ladies, below!)

It was a great event, as always, and my faves were the raspberry vodka cocktails and Nutella puppy chow! There was also a braid bar, providing already-adorable ladies super-adorable braids! Not me of course, people with HAIR. Here's Emma in her beautiful braid! I brought home a couple of dresses, of course. Both lovely summer dresses, I am sure they will be making their appearances on here real soon.

Thanks as always Mighty Swell ladies Meghan and Rae Alexis. And also for the friendship bracelets!!

dress: vintage, Lula Vintage
handbag: vintage, Spinario
heels: originally Target, thrifted from fake Target
bracelets: H&M and Mighty Swell!

I think everyone should have clothing swaps. I can't believe I had never participated in one until this past fall, with some of my new blogger friends. Well, aside from a few close girlfriends asking if we wanted something before they got rid of it, that is... I always look at my old clothes and accessories as kind of boring and yuk. But when brought to the swap, girls were grabbing for them! One blogger's trash is another blogger's treasure, I guess! And that is definitely true of the new items I was lucky enough to take home at the last one we did, in January. I have been wearing my new items non-stop!

Red Gingham shirt: vintage, swapped

Last time, the majority of items I ended up grabbing originally belonged to Nora, or Maria, I found out. This time, most of the things I brought home were my best lady Emma's, and I didnt even know it at the time! (There's a super cute photo of Emma and I over on her blog, in some of our swapped items, btw. ISNT IT SUCH A CUTE PHOTO?! Best ladies <3 <3 <3) Also, if one the items below was yours, let me know. It is super fun to know who's clothing I'm giving a new life to.

Vintage Fair Isle cardigan, skinny double-wrap belt and basic black dress: all swapped

Equestrian Print flannel shirt: vintage, swapped

Can you tell I cant wait for summer?!?! White cotton blouse and leather bag: swapped

These amazing green cuffed shorts with belt: swapped!

Here are the things I got from the swap. Remixed! And how I've worn them so far! This was a lot of fun to go through and think about different ways to wear my new pieces. I feel like I get into a sort of a style rut most of the time, since I dont have any time to put a lot of thought into my outfits. Especially in the mornings before work. I know I know, I think I grabbed a bit too much this time, the point is to GET RID of clothes, isnt it?!? Oh well... I'm in love with all of these pieces. Like, to bits. Especially that pink H&M dress. I knew I would want to wear it for Valentine's Day! However, I dont think it will be warm enough to go tights-less tonight, like I was hoping it would be. So tights-version it is. I'll let you know what Alex and I end up doing on our Valentines date, we dont really have any plans yet, but I think its way more fun to wing it sometimes and see what happens.

Pink H&M dress (and white cotton blouse again): swapped

Happy Valentines Day everyone, have a great night!
xoxo

And here's what I wore to the aforementioned happy hour with the blogger ladies. I had a great time seeing you all! (Yes, I will get around to hanging the Ryan Hughes painting sitting on the floor at some point. Do you like my rotating "stuff in the picture" theme? For months after Halloween, I had a giant skeleton hanging out there on the moldings. We affectionately call him Scully.)

hat: H&M mens

blazer: vintage, thrifted

shirt: Brooks Brothers, thrifted

jeans: J.Crew, on clearance

suede booties: Jessica Simpson, DSW

cocktail ring: vintage, Blacklist Vintage

I found this awesome knitted hat on the free shelf at work the other day. Seriously, this picture does not convey how NEON ORANGE it is. We're talking blaze orange, people. But I actually really like how it pops against my dark hair. And it really livened up my boring comfy work outfit too!

hand-knit neon orange beanie: free shelf!

sweater: vintage, thrifted

flannel: AA

jeans: J.Crew clearance

boots: vintage Bass, thrifted

necklace: antique chain, flea market

pendant: found key

(artwork behind me was a gift by the talented Ryan Hughes)

I have a really packed weekend this weekend, including the second MN Blogger Meetup tomorrow at the Cheeky Monkey in St. Paul! Hope to see some new and familiar faces there. <3 <3 <3

Today, Erin had us over for another swap: winter edition! It was, of course, so much fun (maybe even more fun than last time, if that's possible...). I feel like this type of get-together is just the perfect way to get to know the other bloggers better. Chatting, munching, trying on clothes.... it is really such a girl-fest! I of course, brought back a whole bag of stuff from girls like Lindsey, Maria, and Emma. I am sure there are others, I just have yet to learn who's. :) But that's just fine with me, because I brought at least three bags there in the first place. Win, win!

Anyway, here's what I wore, inspired by two images from my pinterest "outfit inspiration" board. The first, was this image from the Maison Scotch Fall 2011 lookbook (of which I am in love with!), and then I added a fur snood on top for a little bit of extra drama, inspired by this image of Jen from Jenloveskev. Mine is just a vintage fur collar that I wrapped around to make a scarf. Though I wish I had pinned it in place, because with all of the digging around looking for clothes and trying stuff on, it just would not stay put!

Huge thank yous again to all of the girls that came and brought such amazing clothes to swap, Erin for hosting us, and for Lindsey for taking so many pictures! I cant wait to see all of them soon.

Sometimes when I get home from being freezing cold all day at work, and all I want to do is be warm. So this is what I did the other day, I threw on some additional layers, and then added a necklace later when we went out to meet Maggie & Brett and Gene & Jill for Thai at our favorite Thai place!

sweater: vintage, from swap
flannel: AA
necklace: vintage, two birds
jeans: J.Crew
socks: SmartWool, gift

EDIT: It is currently -10 below! I have a feeling that tonight is going to be another one of those nights...

I think I'm maybe getting the hang of it? Although I admit, it's tough to put together a layered outfit that's not too overwhelmed with stuff, especially this time of year. (It's uncanny how I mention the weather every post without meaning to. I'll shut up about it already. No really, I swear.)

I wore this out to drinks with the lovely blogger ladies the other day, and I had a great time! Have an amazing month-long Holiday break, Maria!

scarf: vintage, antique store

necklace: vintage, Rewind Vintage

jacket: vintage, thrifted

sweater underneath: J.Crew, thrifted

leather belt: vintage, thrifted

maxi dress: American Apparel

suede booties: Jessica Simpson, from DSW

I constantly struggle with how to look put together (I sound like my mom when I say that) once its gets to be 20 degrees outside and snowing. Plus, I am always freezing! So I tend to just layer on as many scarves and winter accessories over my warmest sleeping bag coat. But today, I got up, brushed my teeth, and promptly sat down to peruse my "outfit inspiration" board on pinterest to get a little insight into today's outfit for a little vintage shopping with my lady Emma. We had some delicious goodies and coffee at A Baker's Wife (yum!), stopped by Mighty Swell on the hunt to find the perfect vintage cocktail dresses, and ended by chatting with Megan and Nora at the Two Birds Boutique sale. Those two had some great things to peruse this time around, including a great black statement necklace that I picked up. I cant wait to try it out!

Anyways, thanks to pinterest and of course the lovely Liz, of Olive My Love (pictured above), found via CaliVintage, I was inspired to style an outfit similar to this one! I have a coat from H&M that fit the bill, and some great tan suede booties, by Jessica Simpson. 

What do you think? I wish I could have worn one of my (many!) striped shirts underneath like the inspiration photo, but in order to stay warm enough, I opted for a flannel that I could layer with a tee underneath that.

coat: H&M
plaid shirt underneath: AA
scarf: vintage, antique store
jeans: H&M?
suede booties: Jessica Simpson, from DSW
leather satchel: vintage, thrifted
leather tote: vintage, just purchased at Mighty Swell (among other things!)

PS: This photo was taken with an iPhone instead of my usual digital camera, so I decided to do a little messing around with it. INSTAGRAM STYLE!

I have been wearing this skirt nonstop lately. I got it at the swap awhile back, was it yours? Well anyways, I've been wearing it a lot. This particular outfit I wore to a happy hour to celebrate with the newly-wed Maggie, and later on Erin stopped by too! I had tons of fun, as usual, and I got to try Bell's Double Cream Stout, which I really liked. Yummmm, winter beers! I love this time of year, if only for the beers, the Holidays and hibernating at home with my hubby. I am not looking forward to snow...

dress/tunic worn as top: H&M
skirt: from the swap!
tights: random
socks: husband's
boots: Crown Vintage, from DSW

Just a quick update this morning. Last weekend, I was lucky enough to be asked to model some vintage goods for two birds boutique, owned and operated by my new friends Megan and Nora! It was super fun, and they even let me pick out some things to take home (which I will sharing on the blog VERY soon I am sure)! Well, their very first shop update is complete and here is a little preview! Go ahead and check out the rest of the shop here, and mark your calendars for their next pop-up sale (for you locals) scheduled for December 2nd and 3rd. It will be a holidays themed occasion, complete with wine and good cheer!




Thanks again ladies! Karaoke soon?

These past few weeks have been flying by, people. I have a lot of work to do at MCAD, but will hopefully be back up to regular posting speed after next week (the huge, gigantic, awesome MCAD ART SALE! Go and you may see me running around like a mad woman!). Before I forget, here are some great Instax photos my best buddy Ben took at our Halloween party a few weekends ago! I am in love with them (why dont I just carry an Instax with me wherever I go?)! I ended up just dressing as a Gophers Baton twirler, since I found this costume at the thrift store for like 5 bucks! Alex went as Steve Jobs. Thanks Ben, great idea!

Jahna Peloquin did a little fashion round-up over at Le Petit Connaisseur de la Mode this morning, featuring me! I am super excited and flattered to be included in the list with other such fashionable ladies! Nice round-up Jahna, very inspiring.

Since I love them all so much, I decided to do a quick post about the pieces I snagged at the clothing swap a couple of weeks ago! It seemed like I had a fashion affinity with both Maria and Nora the most that particular day. Also, there are a few that I do not know who they came from, if you want to chime in out there!! I love knowing the history of an item. Thanks you guys, I had an awesome time!!!

The perfect sundress from Maria:

A b/w checkered dress from Emma!

Cashmere wrap sweater from Nora:

Amazing denim trousers from Nora:

A fur-collared jacket from Maria:

And the best find, a vintage wool peacoat! That I am in love with! ALSO FROM NORA!

I also have some striped espadrilles, the perfect black mini skirt and a cozy oversized sweater to try out (not pictured)!

Went to the vintage clothing and textiles fair with Emma and Erin last weekend. It was an amazing event, as always! Thanks Erin, for taking my outfit photo, and for spotting that great door for the background. I love it so much!


dress: vintage, from Blacklist Vintage
scarf: F21, I think?
shoes: Urban clearance
leather satchel: vintage, thrifted

And some iPhone photos, for good measure! (after the jump)

Probably the most fun night I've had in weeks, with my three favorite things (aside from my husband of course)! Maggie, Emma, Erin and I scoured the Mall of St. Paul last night and went for beer and burgers afterwards at The Nook. I scored a dress, Maggie a cute tin, and Erin a strawberry. Thanks girls, I had a great time! As always.

PS: I am totally obsessed with these new trousers.

Here's a quick post about a recent trip I took to the Minnesota History Center and saw a History of Underwear show with Maria, Erin, Maggie and Emma! It a was relatively small exhibit (a tiny little room!), but that didnt stop us from oohing and aahing at all of the pretty undies from the fifties and sixties. No sir! (Some almost reminded us of Hannah's line, The Loved One.) We also had a great time gabbing and learning about Minnesota together (even I learned some new things, as a native Minnesotan). It seems we all have several things in common (Maria is married like me, and Maggie will be soon too! I love meeting other married ladies.) Can't wait to hang out with these girls again, and next time, Kimi will have to join us! Right Kimi? ;)







That last picture is of all of us, c/o Maria's phone. Thanks Maria, it turned out so cute!

Oh how fun it was to meet all of the fashionable blogger ladies of the Twin Cities on Saturday at the very first (of what I am sure will be many) MN Fashion Blogger Meetup! I was nervous at first, but we ended up having so much in common and so much to talk about. Nerves. Totally. Calmed. Thanks ladies, I had a great time.


Some fun things: Amy, Emma and I were all lost, but found the place together (strength in numbers!) Lori had the most perfect barn to host us all in (thanks Lori!) Annie had on a dress on that I sold to Blacklist Vintage, and she then purchased! (Funny! She looked way cuter in it anyways) Maggie is getting married in October and has the same wedding photographer as we did! Maria doesnt like milk? (I LOVE MILK) but made the most delicious apricot and brie tarts (I had three!). Kimi has the cutest floral wedges (I've been wanting some just like that, and they were only $20?! I've gotta get on that). Maggie and Megan were wearing the same shoes (from Target)! Alex lives 2 blocks from me, in Uptown (neighbors!) Jill and I talked about short haircuts (and the pros and cons). And it turns out, Christine and I have known each other for quite awhile through wardrobe_remix! (gotta love that internet.)


Here are some of the other girl's posts on the meetup (with pictures! since I was way too busy to take a single one, apparently): Erin's, Lori's, Kimi's, Amy & Winnie's, Lindsey's, Alex's, Christine's.

Images are c/o Amy! THANKS AMY YOU'RE A LIFESAVER.