Stomach Flu and Jumpsuits

I havent posted all week because a.) i was sucked into the Sims and b.) i had a stomach flu that was brooding in my belly and waiting to explode until the weekend. Good news, i am all better. Bad news, i have no photos from last week. Hopefully i will do better at posting this week.

I did my weekly post for Stylebust.com on jumpsuits and through writing about them, i decided that I desperately needed one. I will be on the hunt for the perfect summer romper.

http://stylebust.com/2010/05/31/the-best-2010-summer-trend-jumpsuits/

5.23.2010

No make up.

David's Sweater.

A day relaxing in the house.

I let my hair go natural, and i really liked it.

I Hurt my ankle pretty badly yesterday because I decided it would be a great idea to wear my heels with socks to the dry cleaners. I tripped, tried to catch myself (which made it worse), and twisted the hell out of my right ankle. Today I was feeling a more relaxed vibe and comfortable clothing. I didnt want to have to pull jeans over the ankle.

Ive been struggling with how to wear these coral tights since i've toned down my super bright style. I think this a pretty flattering way to pull them off. I felt like an American Apparel ad though, but their basics are just so comfy, i couldnt help but pair them together.

I wont be posting over the weekend because i'll be in Everett. I like getting away from the city every now and again.

ps. I feel like this is an appropriate way to wear leggings as pants.

Have a good weekend!

You're Crimping My Style.

When Crimped Hair is Cool.

It is undeniable that crimped hair has been making a come back, but there are some few key differences between the crimped our of our mother's youth and the crimped hair that is breaking through today.

Style hounds all across the world have been opting out of tighter crimps and going for a more natural route. This can be achieves through braiding your hair and then teasing it out, using a special waving iron, or using your straight iron to create waves

People are also incorporating crimped hair into up-dos so it doesnt have such a 80's throw back feel.

The main difference I notice between the two? Teasing in all the right places and letting your hair be the stand out piece.

Ive tried out a more subdue version of the crimp. It has more of a wave feel. Crimping is also really great if you have thin hair like me because it creates the illusion of volume.

Heels with Socks.

Brown and Black.

The Pair can look quite nice when put together right. You need to make the match look deliberate or else it can come off as sloppy.

top: Value Village.

Wii Fit Plus; How its changed my life.

It sounds silly, I know, but the Wii Fit Plus has drastically improved my life. Let me give you some background on my work out history.

I used to be an avid user of pilate videos. You know, the ones where you watch people do it and you mimic it. Even though I would do them religiously, i never really saw any results. So I switched to cardio videos, and the results I saw were minimal. Granted, i am not a big girl by any sense of the word, but i wasnt toned and the results I was seeing were not satisfactory.

I first tried the Wii Fit over christmas break at my Aunt's house in New York. I instantly fell in love because it tracked your progress! What a genius invention! Before, i had no way of telling how many calories I burned. I pledged i would get one when I moved into my apartment... and I did.

Ive been using it for 17 days and i have seen drastic results in my midsection. The pooch that i thought i would always have... its disappearing. Almost gone, i might say. Besides the fact that i have lost 5 pounds in two weeks, I have seen major improvements in my posture and balance. This is due to their yoga they have on here where it literally measures how balanced and well you are doing the poses. AMAZING. Before when i did yoga, i didnt know what the hell i was doing!

One key aspect of style is feeling confident and looking good in what you're wearing. Besides even just looking good, being in your best shape is so beneficial to your life. If you have a Wii, i suggest you buy this device (and actually use it regularly) because you will not be sorry with the results that you see. Plus... its just fun.

The Tricks to Thrift.

Thrift store shopping can be tricky and discouraging at times. When you walk into a higher end vintage store, you can feel overwhelmed by the price. When you stroll into a Value Village, you can be taken aback by the rows upon rows of items to pick through.

There are some key things to keep in mind when you're thrifting around town.

1. Location. Your selection is going to be very different at a boutique than if you were at a salvation army. Make sure you pick a place that is better suited for what you're looking for. If its vintage, you might be better of at the boutique. If you're feeling lucky, then try a goodwill. Just remember that the smaller the place, the smaller the selection, the smaller the chances of you walking out with some really great fitting and fantastic finds (at a reasonable price!)

2. Fit. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT! If it doesnt fit you (and you do not plan on having it altered) it isnt worth buying even if it is only 10 cents! The trick to looking good in your thrift items is to buy things that fit you well and make you look great. If not, then you can look dumpy and it defeats the point of searching for stylish secondhand items. Clothing items from different decades can be especially tricky to fit because body types and sizes change over time, so keep this in mind! Invest the money and have nice items you find altered to fit your body better. It is worth it in the long run.

3. Brands and Materials. Look for good quality names that you like. Chances are, if it is from a more expensive brand, then it will be better quality and worth investing in. For instance, at the Salvation Army Bins located in SODO, i found a jacket by Guess that i estimate probably cost the person who originally bought it around $80, if not more. I paid probably around (they charge you by the pound) a dollar or so for it. Perfect condition, nothing is wrong with it. Thats a great deal! Look for silks, satins, cashmere, and other really nice and expensive materials. You'd be surprised by the stuff that people get rid of. A friend of mine bought a rabbit skin vest from Value Village for $25. I watched one woman find a mink stole at the bins. It is possible to find ritzy stuff at places that appear mundane or even down right dingy.

4. Search, search, search. Dedicate time to finding great items. As i said, it can seem overwhelming but once you get into the swing of things, you'll never want to stop! Don't just settle for shitty t shirts and ratty pants. Hunt for those 7 jeans and you might find them, or maybe something better! Find items that you think are quality and worth wearing. Five dollars might seem like a steal, but if you dont really like what you found or arent going to wear it... then you just wasted your time and five dollars.

5. Get it dry cleaned if needed. Trust me, its worth it. If you can hand wash it, then do that but dont skip out on cleaning items that you bring home.

6. Donate. Keep the flow of fantastic clothes going by donating to your local Goodwills, Salvation Armys, Value Villages, or whatever! If you want to make a few bucks, then try your luck at places like Buffalo Exchange, Platos Closet, and Crossroads.

7. Chic, not Costume. (This is my personal rule, and this might be different for you.) This applies especially when you are shopping in a vintage shop like Redlight on Broadway. The goal is to look stylish and fashion forward, not like you're going to a 1950's revival night. If thats youre style, then go with it. But if that isnt really what youre going for, try finding basics like blazers and sweaters. If you find a bunch of cool, quirky, and bold pieces... try limiting your use of them to one at a time. I love the Golden Girls as much as the next person but I am not trying to look like Bea Arthur walking around while i shop for groceries.

Have fun with it and take thrifting as a way to incorporate cool new pieces into your wardrobe without having to pay an arm and a leg to do so. You can easily try out new trends or create your own. Also, its great for when you're on a budget but you want to look super chic or try out some haute couture trends youve been eyeing.

I hope this helps!

Willem does Vogue.

He loves the Camera.

High Bun.

I almost NEVER wear my hair up without bangs. I think its because bangs can become a crutch and provide security. Its risky to have all of your hair pulled up and out of your face but I tried it out on this chilled out tuesday and I have fallen in love!

My good friend Natalie (the one who gave me the nail polish) also gifted me with the idea to try this out. She sports it frequently and I always thought it looked so great on her but I was nervous to try it out myself. Despite how casual it is, it is very bold. I am glad I finally gave it a chance.

Being able to do this hairstyle also means that my hair is finally getting

to the length that i wanted it to be.

I decided to not cut my bangs (desp

ite wanting to so badly while they're in this awkward length) and let them grow out with the rest of my hair. I can't believe that i havent cut it in almost two years! Especially considering that I had kept it short for three years prior.

I recommend trying this hairstyle if your hair is medium to long in length and you want to keep ALL of it out of your face. I wore my hair like this while doing the Wii Fit for over an hour and a half and it stayed put! If that isnt impressive, i don't know what is.

My good friend Natalie (the seattle Rimmel Girl; www.fashiononthehalfshell.blogspot.com) gifted me with this GORGEOUS nail polish; Rimmel Lasting Finish PRO in Steel Grey. I am always looking for interesting nail color that isnt cheesy (like black or hot pink) and i think this fits the bill. I like having my toenails painted because i like to keep my fingernails natural (the paint always chips off from me using my heads a lot).. It was so pretty, i had to share.

5.15.201

This last saturday, David and i attended the Seattle Cheese Festival. Not the most glamourous of occasions, but it was a lot of fun. The cheese was good, Pike's Place was packed, and it was HOT out. This was the first tank top I have had the chance to wear this year and it was really exciting. i have never really been a tank top kind of person because i always thought my arms were kind of pudgy but i think this one works. I also tried being bra-less (a really big deal for me) and it actually wasnt too bad! Surprisingly comfortable, even. My favorite aspect of this outfit was my hair. I will definitely incorporate this hair into my daily style.

tank top, jeans : Urban Outfitters

necklace: Buffalo Exchange

Shoes: unsure.

The Tights as Pants Debate

(*I have recently submitted this to be featured on the website stylebust.com as a guest blogger. Wish me luck that it gets put on!*)

The ‘Tights as Pants’ Debate. By Sam Whalen

Shall we define what “tights” are? We must in order to settle this issue because many people have different ideas on what the true definition of this infamous clothing article entails. By definition, tights are of clothing that cover from the waist to the ankles and can be either sheer or opaque. They are pant-like in nature yet are traditionally covered by skirts, shorts, or dresses. Traditionally they are worn under other garments but there is a trend that is sweeping the world and has sparked controversy wherever its been spotted in action…

Tights as pants. No covers, just a shirt and some tights.

Let me start off by saying that I have been wearing LEGGINGS as pants since I discovered that skinny jeans will never quite fit my body right (I am too short and my hips are too wide for the sizes that are available). The difference is that my tights (or leggings, whatever) of choice have always been opaque and thick in nature (American Apparel knows how to make them right). Typically leggings are also footless, where as tights have feet but this is not always the case. At first I was appalled at the idea of someone wearing shear tights, A.K.A pantyhose, as pants in public but through further investigation I find that when done tastefully… it really isn’t so bad. See exhibit A.

But when it is done wrong, boy is it wrong. See Exhibit B.

So should tights be worn as pants? I believe it should be judged on a case-by-case basis. I personally follow one key trick: the underwear check. If my panties are on display, then I say “no way!”. Some people are a little less inhibited than that and who is to say that they cant put the drawers out for everyone to see as long as the nether regions are covered?

But like every trend, there has been incredible backlash. Statements, blogs, and even websites have been dedicated to the ending of this trend. If you ask me, the effort put into all of this is a little too much (the energy should be redirected into banning crocs). But people are outraged and where this is outrage, there is an internet source to support it.

Leggings, tights, pants, or whatever you choose to cover your booty up with… its your business. As long as the person is comfortable, that is all that matters. I for one would rather see someone wearing tights as pants than see someone covering up calf length tights with a medium length skirt (so unflattering), but that’s just me. So to settle this debate, I say to each their own! And if you don’t like the trend then keep wearing your denim or corduroy or whatever and let it die out like every trend before it.

i wish i was a princess.

This look is a lot fancier than i've been doing it lately. I wanted an opportunity to finally wear that peach tulle skirt!

belt- salvation army bins

Very Casual Summer.

I am trying to keep my outfits more simple. I am playing it low-key today so my attire is nothing too spectacular. As you can see, i am still trying to figure out the best way to take quality photos of myself.

Nothing I am wearing is thrift; the shirt is from my boyfriend.

Guess Who's Back.

Hello Faithful Friends!

My hiatus was long, stressful, and dumpy (i say that in reference to my personal style decisions). I am ashamed to admit that i really did allow myself to get lazy with my look but that is not the case no more! I tried photographing myself several times with my crappy new tripod but its taken a while to get the hang of it. I am just now beginning to understand all of the work that goes into setting up an well done self portrait.

Some good has come from my little break. I have decided to redirect this style blog and focus even more on thrift/second-hand/vintage items. I realized that I have a real passion for great stylish items that you really have to search for. I will limit the photos of other people (not because i am a narcissus but rather because it makes life easier).

I will start documenting my journeys to places like Value Village, Good Will, the Bins, and other second hand shops along with how i work these pieces i find into my everyday life.

... I will still post photos of non-used finds, especially if they're too cute to keep to myself.

It feels good to be back!

Love,

Samantha