I'm wearing some of my favorite Fall wearables this year all in this one outfit, so I couldn't resist sharing. The Carhartt beanie I found on the free shelf at work, the Zara coat I impulse bought in Paris (I always seem to impulse buy something at a Zara when I'm traveling, I cant help it we dont have it here!), and the jeans are the Madewell Boyjeans that I purchased in a roundabout way from the Rennes yard sale! They fit perfectly. So of course, I've been wearing these all in heavy rotation, among my normal basics. The cardigan, blouse and Swedish Hasbeens are all thrifted.

Happy Fall everyone! Enjoy whats left of it while you can!

I'd like to address something here: Alex and I are carry-on only travelers. Yes! We hate luggage! We hate luggage when heading to a weekend at the cabin, we hate luggage for a week in Los Angeles. And we hate luggage, yes, even when traveling to far places, like Europe. And not only because luggage is often always cumbersome and heavy, costs extra to check, and you have to stand in long lines to check it at the front desk; but also perhaps due to an irrational fear of our luggage getting lost (!). So in preparing to pack for almost 3 weeks in Europe, we knew it was going to be a special challenge. It was bit of a conundrum because we had to take into consideration that Paris is generally colder, but we were also on the beach in Cote d'Azure, where temperatures are still warm and sunny. So I knew that I'd have to plan ahead in order to fit all of my things in one small backpack that wouldnt be too overstuffed to carry with me everywhere (on planes, in trains and on foot).

I did my research and found some really great packing tips and capsule wardrobe recommendations from various sources (for example) and so I thought it might be valuable to share my experiences here as well. I think I came up with a packing list that was just about as close to perfect as it was gonna get, and figured that anything we forgot, we could just pickup while we were there. Instant souvenir! Here's what I brought:

1 pair dark denim jeans
1 pair black jeans
1 black jumpsuit (most women recommended a maxi dress, which would do double-duty as both a beach cover-up AND dressed-up dinner dress, but I figured a jumpsuit was about the same)
1 shorter dress (mine was a silky/slinky number that did great as both a nice going-out dress and over my suit at the beach)
1 pair high-waisted black shorts
2 tees - one grey, one striped
1 black (dotted) sleeveless cami
1 black sweater (heavier-weight)
1 long grey cardigan (lighter-weight)
1 dark denim shirt
1 black leather jacket
1 scarf
2 black bikinis (one was a convertible strapless top that worked great as a strapless
1 pair leather sandals (again, that could be worn both on the beach and are nice enough to wear out to dinner)
1 pair comfy and stylish black flats (with extra Dr. Scholl's!)
1 necklace
1 tube red lipstick
+ underwear and something to sleep in
all rolled and packed into this very nice looking Burton rucksack, which I picked up at the last minute at Urban Outfitters, and I am so glad that I did!
+1 small brown leather cross-body purse for everyday

Crazy, right? I did the math and I had about 13 different outfits right there. Of course, I ended up wearing one of 2 outfits mostly, and the rest less frequently. Also, you'll notice most of what I packed is black. And although I love black and is the most prominent 'color' I wear anyways, it was highly suggested that the French wear predominantly dark colors (and a lot of black). It worked out suuuuuper well, no complaints!

We also didnt bring any hairdryers, straighteners, no shampoo/soaps, no detergent, as the apartments we chose to stay in had clothes washer/dryers and provided the necessary linens, bath towels and accoutrements. Hooray! Of course, I did still pack my toothbrush/paste, a travel sized deodorant, phone charger and extra battery, european plug converter, and a book to read on the plane. Oh yeah, and a super small lomo camera with 35mm film ;) More details and outfit photos to come!

PS: I did also buy a tote bag at Zara before we left Nice, to carry the souvenirs and baguette and cheeses we bought for lunch. We could have stuffed all that into our backpacks, as we did end up having room, but it was nice to have them more accessible, instead of packed away into our backpacks in the over-head storage bins. You could easily pack a cotton tote (they are everywhere in Paris!) instead of buying one there.

Here's an outfit photo from a few weeks back, when I met a friend at the Hex, at basically the end of the summer heat (wah!) I find myself wearing almost always black nowadays. What will happen when winter is upon us?

I hardly ever wear skirts anymore. Aside from the occasional maxi skirt / dress, I've almost completely forgotten how to wear them. But then I spotted this skirt in a drawer and decided to figure it out. This is a pretty crazytown outfit for me, you cant hardly see the light blue and white vertical pinstripes on this blouse in the pictures, but I assure you it is striped. So I'm feeling pretty psyched about my successful skirt-wearing and pattern-mixing!

In retrospect, I think this outfit is comprised entirely of Emma things! I snagged the blouse and skirt from her before heading out to LA (lucky me!), and the booties (you can tell me if I'm wrong lady, but I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess) are a pair that she happens to have too :) Funny how things work out sometimes.

the deets: blouse and skirt (H&M): from Emma // booties: Target, thrifted

Dudes. I'm sorry, 2014 has been seriously getting away from me. I cant believe it's July! Let's pretend that didnt happen. And so how better to pretend to do that but with AN OUTFIT POST! I wore this casual outfit recently, when Alex and I took a spontaneous trip up to the Como Conservatory. I hadnt been there in so long, maybe since middle school! And it was the perfect muggy, Minnesota summer day for it.

dress: from Emma? // sandals: Birkenstocks, my summer sandal of 2014, thrifted // bag: American Apparel

It was seriously so gorgeous, wayyy moreso than I remembered. I could just be that I have developed much more of an appreciation for plants now. I mean, check it out, they have an entire room for different species of ferns! Alex looks overwhelmed by it all.

And get ready you guys, because this is just the beginning. It's officially the start of a new era for dotluv. As you may have noticed, the blog got a major redesign (and still has some minor bugs to work out, apologies.) But boy, do I have a whole slew of posts in the works for you. A whoooole lot of house updates, and some exciting news. Stay tuned! And as always, thanks for sticking around ;)

You guys! Madewell is having a 20% off sale this morning, and I am doing everything in my power not to hit "add to cart" on everything!! Seriously, I've loved Madewell for some time now, but only own a gold bangle from them (given to me by my lovely and thoughtful husband!). Here are the top 5 things I wish I could buy for spring! (That is, if it ever decides to change seasons around here... Notice a theme? White!!)

clockwise from top left: skinny skinny ankle jean in mapview!  /the transport tote / two-tone sweater /  the linen tee in ink print / the Chelsea boot in black leather

Today, the birds were chirping, kids were outside laughing and playing football in the street, and Alex and I got darn near the whole house cleaned and a bunch of little projects finished! IT IS OFFICIALLY SPRINGTIME PEEPS. (Edit: It is not Springtime, it is Second Winter...) I'm over the moon excited, over here! And tomorrow I plan to eat myself silly at our annual friends brunch (photos to commemorate our 5th annual brunch to follow, for sure).

I actually wore this outfit to work the other day, and applied lipstick for evening. One of my absolute favorites to date. I wish I could just dress this simply and easily everyday! Well, I guess I try.

And a few angsty shots, for good measure...

white button up: F21
jeans: free shelf! (brand?)
suede booties: Jessica Simpson, DSW
gold bangle: Madewell
frames: vintage

YOU GUYS, I am getting so excited to attend my friends' upcoming SPACE PARTY! Any and all kinds of space related costumes will be in attendance, and all sorts of weird alien foods & beverages will be consumed. Last time around (yes, this is our second space-themed party, the last one was so epic we had to do it again! Flickr proof here!) my costume was pretty blah, and thrown together last-minute, but this time around I am determined to be prepared (there is a grand prize for the best costume... we are nerds.)

Emma and I went to the craft store last weekend to collect items for our costumes, and I ended up getting super inspired by all the weird plants and materials in the floral aisle. I even started construction and spray-painting some things the other night. I cant wait to see how it turns out! But to give you a little sneak peek, here are some of the inspirations I've gathered from the diverse corners of the internet. Think sort of a white ethereal moon-princess-type-creature. But with a little edge. ;)

This great outfit via The Fashion Void that is DC

The Childlike Princess from the Neverending Story

Moon Princess by McMugget on Deviantart

white leather harness by BCBG Max Azria via Elle (via an amazing DIY harness tutorial by DeSmitten)

Whitish alien plantssss

And of course, I cant decide what to do for a manicure yet but, GEMS? PEARLS? YES BOTH!

I had the great honor of being asked to walk (as a last-minute replacement) in the MIA's Third Thursday Fashion show, featuring several vintage and thrift store's looks during one of the last MN Fashion week events on Thursday night! I was representing Blacklist Vintage, with one other model, and I have to say that the two looks Vanessa picked were superb, my absolute favorites. They were the perfect representation of Blacklist Vintage and what they are all about. All of the other shops did a great job of showing off their individual styles too, they were all so different and so great!

I have to give a shout out to my buddy John from Scout Vintage on having the best men's looks of the night, showing off his more 90's grunge facet of vintage rugged menswear (you can check out his beautiful shop - designed by my other fabulously talented buddy Bill - over here!) and for keeping me company while we all did all of the run throughs and hair/makeup/sitting around.

Kimi and the other staff at the MIA did an amazing job of hosting a high-caliber, high-energy, and quality runway show (among a slew of other events happening that night that I did not get the chance to partake in). One of the best and most fun shows I've gotten to walk in to date. And congrats to Megan and Nora of Two Birds, for hosting what seemed like an amazing photobooth, there were always lines around the corner! Sorry I didnt get a chance to say hi and chat you two!

 

Anywho, you can check out the City Pages' recap of the event here (they managed to take the best photo of my look BY FAR). And more photos of the event on the MIA's flickr, here and Facebook, here. EDIT: Also, here's a time-lapse video!

Thanks again Vanessa and everyone involved in the event, it was super fun!

I was lucky to pick up this great vintage coat a while back, while out thrifting. It is right up my alley, with its classic drab green, quilted style coat, complete with a great faux fur shawl collar, it is the perfect mix of utilitarian american heritage style for me! I havent been able to wear it until recently, because it has almost been too cold to wear anything other than my trusty down coat that goes from my nose to me knees! But on the warmer days this past weekend (read: about 20 - 30 degrees),  I was able to throw it over a wool shirt, and was plenty warm for running errands. Yay!

 





I also picked up these tan ankle wedge boots the other day, and have been wearing them nonstop! To work and out in the evening (even though it's been a bit slippery here and there!).

wool shirt: vintage, thrifted at Mighty Swell Vintage! (for the boy, actually, but it ended up being much too short for him :( )
tank underneath: F21
jeans / leggings: Target
ankle boots: DSW
coat: vintage, thrifted

I got me some new (vintage) glasses! The frames I found while thrifting at Value Village a long ass time ago for, can you believe it, 39 CENTS?! The old glass lenses were extracted by the folks at Visionary Optical in Uptown (my favorite glasses boutique and purveyor of loads of vintage eyewear... love them!). I am so happy to have finally gotten them filled!

Also new, are these crazy red velvet matchstick pants that I have been wanting from J.Crew this holiday season (below). They were on extra-sale when I went to spend a gift card I got for Christmas. Happy day! Plus, I had to wear them for this wardrobe remix photo, as they almost match my new glasses! PS: sorry about not wearing any shoes (I probably wont be wearing shoes in my remix photos for awhile now), wet boots are not good for clomping around the house in.

the deets:

new (vintage) glasses: frames thrifted from Value Village, lenses from Visionary Optical in Uptown
vintage wool sweater: thrifted from Savers
denim shirt underneath: Target
striped tank underneath underneath (peeking out!): H&M
red velvet matchstick pant: J.Crew, bought with an xmas gift certificate!
wool socks: Target? borrowed from the boy...

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

I just received a pair of new boots in the mail! A pair of vintage, Red Wing Irish Setter's in a darker cognac colored leather. I cant tell you how long I've been pining for a pair like this. And I thought it would be prefect timing if I let myself splurge on a pair, as this week is the Annual MCAD Art Sale! I am on my feet all day, for long 10 - 15 hour days all week, installing art in the galleries, gathering lunch for the crew and general non-sense. These work boots have Lug soles and should be the perfect thing to keep my feet from aching (at least a litte bit), especially when I drop in a pair of the highest-rated Dr. Scholl's on top of that! I bought a half size up just for that reason.

After wearing them for the first couple of days, they are every bit as comfortable as I thought they would be, though they still need some breaking in, especially in the leather upper, which is still a bit stiff. Cross your fingers that they were well worth the wait and the dollahs!

You guys, I'm obsessed with denim lately. Especially this perfect denim shirt I picked up at Target a couple of weeks ago. I know that denim shirts have been trendy for at least a year or two now, but I just couldn't find juuuust the right one. This one though? I've been wearing it every day since! But of course, I have a great jean jacket and dark wash jeans that have been staples of mine for years as well. DOUBLE DENIM!

I feel like I might be getting closer to reaching that ultimate denim look...

Do you guys remember that video from way back, "Oh my god shoes"? Yep, you know the one... THIS ONE. I cant. Believe. It's 5 years old already. From 2007, what?!? It seems like only yesterday my girlfriends and I would say "LETS GET SOME SHOES" all the time. And then we'd get some shoes!

Well, anywho I was just reminiscing about that video and singing it to myself a bit when I took this photo of my shoes this morning (below). AND THEN I REALIZED. I haven't taken a single wardrobe remix picture since moving into the house on Laurel. Nope! I hadnt even decided where my little remix spot was going to be... But I quickly remedied that situation by digging out my camera and tripod today and clearing all of the boxes from a wall in the room that will (someday) become my little studio. Yay! A triumph!

Here it is peeps, a pretty decent work outfit for me. This one is for when I'm feeling very Librarian. As I often do in the fall, when the leaves are turning and the cities look so beautiful and sunny and colorful! And I am also able to wear a sweater dress! The location of my outfit photos may change a few times as I rearrange my space, and the wall color will definitely change into something better than boring taupe. But I actually really like this instead of having windows behind me, like in my old photos at the apartment.

dress: cashmere sweater dress originally J.Crew, thrifted
blouse: originally Brooks Brothers, thrifted
vintage leather belt: thrifted
socks: Target?
shoes: vintage Bass, thrifted

Wow cool, unintentionally almost-all thrifted outfit today too? Awesome.

Yesterday was my 26th Birthday, and man was it great! Unfortunately, I had to work all day on Saturday and then got a tiny bit done at Laurel (we finished painting the living room! yay, finally!), and pretty much passed out early after that. But my best friend Emma came over to Laurel bright and early (ish) make me savory delicious birthday pancakes for bfast, and I cant imagine a better use to initiate our new stove! (You seriously have to get the recipe from her, they had corn, and herbs and BACON in them!) Then my parents came over, and our good friend Trygve too. The boys took down the fallen tree in back with a borrowed chainsaw and lots of elbow grease. The whole thing was covered in vines, and so were the surrounding trees. I can't believe what a mess it was back there. But we now have a good tree-sized pile of waste to take to the garden center. Finally, I got a good head start on painting the entryway (flat black! its going to be so fancy!) while my mom scrubbed everything she could get her hands on (the kitchen and bathrooms, the windows and baseboards, oh my!). Oh also! My dad power-washed the front and back porches for us! They look so amazing and shiny and clean now!

Then as a surprise, Alex and I got changed and he took me to The Bachelor Farmer for a wonderful Birthday dinner! (PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS EATEN THERE YOU GUYS). I got to wear my dress that I had altered at the tailor (was long-sleeved and high-necked, now it has a LOW BACK!) My friend Katy is the hostess there, so she sent over some champagne as a treat (what a nice lady! Thanks Katy!) All in all, I have to say it may just be the best and most satisfying Birthday of all time. Thanks family and friends for being the best a girl could ask for!


dress: vintage 70's, thrifted, and altered by the tailor to be sleeveless
wedges: Mossimo, thrifted from Fake Target


OKAY OKAY HOUSE PIX IN THE NEXT POST, I SWEAR.

Alex and I had maybe the best date night last night. Here we go: Alex helped me set up an updated budget and Mint account (since I'll be buying a HOUSE, and also therefore a NEW CAR very soon), until we realized that it was already 9pm and neither of us had eaten dinner yet. As a reward for all of our hard work, we then hopped over to Mt. Fuji and stuffed ourselves with piles of sushi (I'm not kidding, even our waitress said "I cant believe you ate all of that sushi!"). On the way home, Alex got a hankering to watch Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (with the best Sean Connery role ever made), so we stayed up to about 1:30am watching that.

It. Was. The. Best. Constructive AND fun! What have you guys been up to?


blouse: vintage, thrifted from Everyday People
shorts: from the swap!
belt: vintage, thrifted
flats: originally Urban, found on the free shelf, new clasps added by me!
headscarf: vintage silk scarf, gift from a friend of the family

I've been doing a bit of shopping lately... (I now have a shopping ban firmly in place) And most of it has been vintage, yay! I thought I'd share with you the vintage I've scored: the navy dress and sundress are from Mighty Swell, Yellow gingham dress is from Lula and everything else is thrifted! Stripes, colors, and patterns seem to be my themes lately! I love the summer!