A Touch of Fringe

From Top { Shirt and shoes Guess, Skirt Forever 21, earrings Banana Republic, Necklace Gilt, T-shirt James Perse, Jeans: Rag and Bone, shoes: Alexander Wang }

Pulling out a few fringe pieces this week from the closet. I am wearing each on their own otherwise I think the statement might be a bit too much.
Also a list of covetable items that I could also easily add to my closet, especially that Kate Moss for Topshop dress!!



1. Valentino
2.Michael Kors
3.Kate Moss for Topshop
4.Deux Lux
5.Free People

I hope your having a great start to the week everyone!

Summer Weekends

Stocking up on paint to finish my latest piece.

Close up

Sun and Coffee, a morning must.




Solitary days at the park reading, walking and just being.




Lazy days at the Platte River trying to beat the heat.

Sweet 16

Continuing on the variations on the simple classic button up from here and here showcasing the history behind and how Kaylynn and I would wear ours. I have now included Jayme, who at 16 has that natural way of putting things together creatively without having to think too much about it, which I envy about that age. When I was 16 I used to just grab what was on the floor and go to school in my punk way I was back then, but I always felt like I was expressing myself just right and didn't have to think to hard to figure it all out. Today, I am honestly in-between, I am either overthinking it or way under thinking which is basically saying, "I have no time, I will just throw the same thing on from yesterday."
Maybe I should just take a few things from my closet and keep them on the floor ;)

Button-Ups: Uniform of the Modern Woman

Look in your closet. Whether you’re 19 or 99, a homemaker or a CEO, chances are you’ll find a white button-up blouse. Dress shirts have become a closet staple for any modern woman, largely due to their simplicity. These shirts are classic, polished and appropriate for virtually any occasion, from a crucial business meeting, to a casual day at home. Their extreme versatility explains the vast popularity of these classic pieces and their tendency for long lasting chicness. However, the simple button-up has a secret history, filled with conflict and controversy. This mild mannered wardrobe essential played a vital role in liberating women from the restricting undergarments that they had been confined to for centuries, and has played an integral role, in women’s quest for equality.

The button-up blouse emerged as women’s attire during the 1900’s. Although blouses would occasionally drift into fashion for chic women, the garment was most heavily donned by men, and by poor women, who sought cheap, functional attire. Wealthy, fashionable ladies tended to prefer more restricting, corseted dresses, as they had no need to entertain notions of “functionality.” However at the turn of the century, bicycling became a popular past time for both genders. Women’s fashions were ill equipped for such a strenuous activity. In order to accommodate women on bicycles, athletic companies introduced a style known as the lingerie blouse, a top exceedingly similar to the today’s button-ups. These blouses were heavily embellished and lacked the simplicity of their modern day equivalents. Still they managed to bridge the gap between classes, and became immensely popular, both on bicycles and off. While corsets were still worn with these shirts, blouses came to represent start of the end of their repressive reign. As time continued, more women abandoned their corsets, as to move around more easily. The blouses of the time allowed them to do so, as their style accommodated the more relaxed silhouette. In order to boost sales, corset companies introduced a style known as the tango corset, a longer style that was easier for women to move around in. This corset came with a detachable brazier. Eventually, the tango corset, too, was abandoned, leaving only the bras that we wear today.

The lingerie blouse gave way to the Gibson girl blouse, a simpler top, adorned with many tucks and pleats. Other styles of blouses drifted in and out of fashion in the decades that followed. The 1920’s fashion frequently featured loose unfitted tops, decorated with beading and other embellishments. Over time, women’s blouses came to resemble the modern day button-up more closely, however there was still a great deal of deviation between men and women’s dress shirts. Women’s tops, were generally far more embellished, than men’s, featuring lace, pleats, and other adornments. Women’s blouses were also buttoned from the left side while men’s were buttoned from the right, a custom that still persists today. However, during the Second World War, the two shirts became far more similar. As men fought abroad, there were fewer people working to produce the supplies that were essential for battle. In order to compensate, many women adopted men’s work in factories. With these jobs, women also adopted men’s garments, particularly, their simple collared shirts. While there were a few alterations, the shirts were simpler, less decorated and easier to wear than ever before. Yes, the button-up shirt had emerged, offering the classic, understated appeal that we still enjoy today.

Even after the end of WWII, and their return to the household, women continued to don the tops. While occasionally altered, the iconic button-up evolved very little in the following decades, while their popularity only increased. The garment became more engrained in the public consciousness, as women began to abandon domesticity and join the work force. Much like the workingwomen of the early 20th century, women enjoyed the functionality of the collared blouse, while on the job. In 1966, the garment was cemented as a modern classic, when Yves St. Laurent introduced Le Smoking, the first exclusively feminine suit. Button-up blouses have been considered a closet essential ever since.

White button-ups are a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. The style looks natural, polished and appropriate on anyone, from Michelle Duggard to Jenna Lyons, and can be styled in virtually hundreds of ways. While the top itself, can be boring and hackneyed at times, its history is anything but. From the shirt’s humble origins, as working wear, to its function in gender equality, the button-up blouse has greatly evolved, yet its impact on the world has been even greater.

Basically

This week I will be introducing you to my intern and contributor to this blog, Kalynn. She has written a fabulous piece on the history of the "Classic White Shirt" that she will be sharing and wearing. I thought fit to pull out one of mine along with the kids to show how they would wear theirs. ( I will split and post throughout the week.)
I really do love my classic white shirts, but for unknown reasons they are always forgotten when looking for something to wear, once I have it on, I always wonder why I pass them by so often.

Here are a few of my recent favorites.

H&M {wearing}


Theory


Helmet Lang

Lust

Tee- Zoe Karssen, Sweater- Rodarte for Target, Jacket- Caslon, Sunglasses- Elizabeth and James, Skirt- Style Saint, Shoes- Alexander Wang, Tights- Cynthia Rowley

Today wearing a mix of sloppy comfort and lady like proper I suppose, it is winter and I need many layers of course.

So happily close to the weekend though, I have a million things to share in the next few days and will hopefully find the time to get it all up including today's surprising news finding out that Sarah Jessica Parker had used my Current art print on her mood board for inspiration for her collab with Hallmark. Awwww what, so flattered. Cool moments like that deserve wide eyes, smiles and wine, love her. I also am dying to get my hands or rather feet on her new shoe collection, cannot wait!


Via

Render Simple

Dress- H&M, Booties and Sunglasses - Elizabeth and James, Tights- Banana Republic, Necklace and Bunny Ears unknown.

Lace bunny ears and a spider necklace worn after trying on a few looks that next years Halloween will have my attention and effort. The focus was more on getting the house and the kids, well and Jim ready (he always beats me on costume attention and effort), which I actually enjoy. Also somehow we have become the "house" all of the kids want to visit. Jim has set it up so well that a few kids came with shaking voices while asking for candy and a few others telling us that our house was the house they couldn't wait to visit, best compliment ever!

All and all, this year was a bit emotional for me as I am watching my daughter grow so fast and with her finishing up her last year of elementary to enter middle school marks the end of school Halloween class parties and all of those details of being my sweet little baby girl to now growing into her own independent self more and more each day. Not to mention the second she turned 10 this year, I went from being a really cool Mom to, "Mom your such a dork" Mom, fabulous! That must mean I am really cool, right?

Hope your all having a wonderful weekend xo

Notes

Sunglasses- Elizabeth and James, Tee - Ten Sixty Sherman, Skirt- vintage, Shoes- Alexander Wang, similar here and here

Taking advantage of warm afternoons outdoors between brisk mornings and cool evenings while I can. I cannot believe it is almost Halloween! Jim and I are trying to figure out the theme for this year. I mentioned him going as Robin Thicke and I as Miley Cyrus, Or maybe the other way around ;) A quick no as I am sure that will be the costume of the year with everyone else and I'm also sure I would embarrass myself along with my daughter to the point of no return and cause controversy in my own household.

For the time being here are a few snippets of the past week.

- A recent interview I did for Social Stylate, which includes in more detail my day to day running a business and taking care of my 10 year old.

- Just finished reading The Glass Castle. A book that made me cry, laugh and appreciate my own life even more. In other words, grab it.
For the next read, J.K. Rowling's The Cuckoo's Calling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. A little crime solving sounds like the perfect fall read.

- Happened upon and loved this British drama on PBS, Last Tango in Halifax.


Until soon xo

Angelic

{ Blouse- Alexander Wang | Jeans- Citizens of Humanity | Shoes- Nine West }

There are sleeves and then there are sleeves, which this tops the list as the most creative of any I own, well maybe back in 80's when it was all about ruffles and Purple Rain.

Red Touch

{ Jacket- Free People |Tank- T by Alexander Wang |Jeans- Citizens For Humanity | Shoes- Alexander Wang | Clutch- Rebecca Minkoff | love necklace- UO | Umbrella Necklace - Allami, Etsy | Bracelet- Tai Jewelry | Rings - Banana Republic }

A tuxedo jacket in casual form with a touch of red. I usually stay away from red and choose lighter shades to accessorize along with my basics, but absolutely knew with this Rebecca Minkoff bag that it needed to find its way in to my closet. It is my 4th piece from her brand and must say more and more I am becoming dangerously addicted. I am handing down my first wallet from her now to my daughter which brings me to a major simplifying of my stuff actually. I am taking on the challenge each day (10-20 min max) to organize, donate, recycle or throw away things in my life I have no need or room for in the entirety of my home. The thought alone is freeing. Bras to junk drawers, closets to extra dishes that just collect dust, au revoir!!

Silver Lining

Sweater- Theory,| Pants- Helmut Lang | Shoes- Alexander Wang

By far a few of my obsessive brands this past year, fit, comfort, edge and quality. Cannot get enough and of course my love for Rachel Zoe, which comes to mind fit and softness and an, "oh yes that is exactly what I have been looking for without knowing".

This week has had me straight up overwhelmed! In a good way, but so thankful for the weekend. Small joys like sleeping in a bit, reading the paper in the sun with coffee, playing the wii with my daughter and getting out of the house. I love my house btw, but I work from it full-time, as blessed as that is, it can be hard to separate the work life from life life. So I am off to loosen up a bit and might pop my head back in here as well a few times, or not, no pressure. :)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! xo

Spring Tease

Jeans- Citizens of Humanity | Shoes- Rachel Zoe | Tank- Guess | Sweater- Vintage | Sunglasses- Ray Ban | Necklace- UO | Bracelet- Banana Republic |

Today is freaking beautiful and unseasonably warm, I am yearning more then ever now for Spring. I am juggling my day otherwise with packing prints, listening to podcasts on the French Revolution and finishing up on a commission for a client.

Then to less brain wave activities which includes catching up on the Bachelor. Is it just me or is Sean going to end up falling in love with every single girl on the show? End result, no one gets anyone, broken hearts for a few months and the one with the biggest drama and effect for the show gets to be the next Bachelorette? Hmm regardless I am totally addicted.

Cape

Cape- Via Spiga, Dress- Laundry by Shelli Segal, Boots Theory, Sunglasses- Target.

For those winter days that feel like spring, the cape feels like the perfect idea in-between those heavy coats and cardigans.

A wonderful start to the weekend enjoying warmer weather and taking advantage of some time to myself finishing up 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. A very long read, but enjoyable netherless. Also this past week I jumped on the train that is Downton Abby, I had never seen an episode before this week, and am now hooked. Which reminds me I still have yet to see Dexter, oh let the marathons begin.

Here is some music as well on repeat this week,

American Lady

Good to be back! I have been enjoying the season and having a few days to enjoy the Christmas traditions, not to mention feeling refreshed, inspired and ready to see what 2013 brings. I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday with your loved ones.

Tee and Sweater- BCG, Dress- VS, Hose- Cynthia Rowley, Shoes- Elizabeth and James