Patterned

 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO

First Days of Summer...

It was a work day, but I snuck out for a walk anyway. ;)

...in heels.
 

Painting the World with my Kooky Paintbrush

It was 23 degrees this day, but
a.) I was in a colorful mood, and
b.) I could not WAIT to wear the shoes I had gotten the day before!!!

I'm a crazy person, yes indeed.

Where to start gushing about this outfit?  +sigh+  I just love every bit of it!  The blazer, shoes, and necklace are all brand new additions to my wardrobe, and I couldn't be happier!  I've been on the hunt for those things for awhile (a colorful blazer, a necklace to go under collars of collared shirts [specifically this denim one], and THESE SHOES). 

The shoes, OK, OK, we all know that I'm a shoe gal, so I'll really give them some typed lovin' here: 

I have been craving these shoes (in black) since before Prabal Gurung for Target even launched.  Of course, the black were the first to sell out, +sigh+ so instead I scoured thrift stores for something similar.  There were some shoes I found that could have been similar with some minor surgery, but they just lacked something that couldn't be fixed.  Like, too short of a heel, or not being minimal enough (it's the lack of actual shoe that makes these shoes so sexy and perfect lol), or whatever. 

So then, when I had all but given up hope, I found this pair at Goodwill with the tags still attached!!!!  I was amazed.  But then I looked at the size, and my heart dropped.  They were a 7.5.  I'm at LEAST an 8.5--usually a 9--but I couldn't help myself; I tried them on, anyway. 

Oh. My. God.  They fit.

No idea what face I'm making, here...

And then, of course, there's this necklace.  I was inspired by an Instagram photo posted by Forever21 awhile ago to find myself a necklace to fancy-up-but-not-fancy-up button up shirts.  ...You know what I mean? kinda? maybe?  Well, whatever.  This necklace is exactly what I was going for.  And it's not something that I would've just picked out in the store (if I didn't have a specific purpose)...which probably means that I will find myself wearing it constantly.

Anybody else experience that? 

The ironic, sort of unexpected bits of your wardrobe end up being worn the most?

Hat: thrifted || Jeans: H&M || Blazer & Necklace: JCP || Bag: Target || Shirt: thrifted (orig. Target) || Lipstick: Revlon || Shoes: thrifted (orig. Prabal Gurung for Target)

 

Escapism

Soooo before I start the actual post, I'm aware that few [...or none?] of my readers live in my area, buuuuut I thought I'd throw this out just in case: 
I'll be walking in this fashion show for a local secondhand shop I recently discovered. 

Yep, I'm gonna be in a little fashion show.  :)  It's not like a big deal or anything--I'm not suddenly thinking I'm the next Karlie Kloss--but I'm still super-excited, because:

a.)Um, it's a fashion show and Imma be in it.
b.) It's for a great cause (the business was started to make sure all girls could attend prom/special events regardless of budget [they rent prom dresses/tuxes as well as sell them and other vintage/gently-used clothing]).
c.) I get to wear a fabulous dress from the 40s (a black, ruffle-y, one-shoulder number, WOO!).

So.  On the off-chance that anyone lives near Grafton, WI (not my hometown, but close),
COME AND SUPPORT Stephanie's Prom Closet
and see me strut my stuff! 
And I'll be attempting to white-girl shake my groove thang at the dance after the runway show (which--thrust me--will be enough entertainment to make the cover charge worth it).
If you can't come, then just do me a favor and pray that I don't fall flat on my face.



Anyway, on to the OOTD:

Pastel Dreams

Peeksie peeksie: see my tattoo peeking out?  :)

Dreaming of summer...

Thought I'd post this pastel look from late summer that I just rediscovered among my old files.  Why did I never post it?  It's so pretty and perky!  And the trees are so green... *sigh*  I love snow (I couldn't live in Wisconsin if I didn't), but I was born in the hottest August on record here.  I'm a summer baby through and through, and I miss it...but these pictures are giving me the little bit of pick-me-up I need.  :)

Glasses: Forever 21 || Top: Jason Wu for Target || Jeans: H&M || Flats: gift || Watch: thrifted

Preppy Gal

Here's a sticky-sweet prepster look for you all, my darling readers!  :) 

Like the photos?  My mama took them at Subway over lunch today hahaha... I'm so fancy.  -_-;;;

I do love this look though...I feel prettyyyyy, oh so prettyyyyy.  :D  My new (to me) floral embroidered carpet bag is magical!  Especially for around the holiday season; it holds SO MUCH STUFF while still being utterly adorable (and a semi-fad right now.  BONUS.).  I've been shopping and shopping and shopping lately...mostly for gifts for others, but I do give in to the [more-than-] occasional selfish purchase-whim.  *sigh*  I'm just a girl, after all. 
I've had a blast with this holiday season: writing and mailing cards, running to the thrift store for decorations, visiting the new Penzey's (spices and seasonings) shop downtown (ohhh the wonderful smells), shovelling snow (which we finally got!!!), singing at church and at concerts...it's all so quaint and lovely and gives me a legit warm, fuzzy feeling inside. 
I love Christmas time...it's so...I dunno...SPARKLY, I guess.

Headband: old || Pearls: gift || Rose Pendant: thrifted || Sweater: GAP || Tunic: H&M || Leggings: old || Boots: old || Bag: thrifted

 THANK YOU for reading! 

Sorry for so few pictures today, but just wait until Christmas Eve!!!  I have the cutest lil outfit planned...red, black, white and polka dots. with a hat, of course.  ;)  a fabulous "Sunday-go-to-meetin'" hat. 

HOPE YOU'RE ENJOYING THIS SEASON AS MUCH AS I AM! 

Eeeeeeee I LOVE Christmas!

I Shop Secondhand First.

Lots of photos with my dog lately, I know, but she's just such a great costar!

This past weekend it was so warm that I wore a skirt this day, and shorts the other (post to come)!!!  All of us Wisconsinites couldn't believe it was November!  Buuuut our lovely state cured our doubt yesterday by snowing. 
This is why I love good old WI: it always keeps me on my toes, I'll never be bored.

I love the colors I got to wear in this outfit...jewel tones are so rich and beautiful, and the pattern on this skirt is one of my favorites.  It's the same pattern my grandma has on some wallpaper in her house that I've always loved. 
And this tweed hat is the first hat I ever thrifted.  I've had it for years.  It's definitely a man's hat, and very old, and I love it.

Hat: thrifted || Sweater: Target || Skirt: thrifted (orig. from Express) || Shoes: Target || Scarf: old || Bag: thrifted (Louis Vuitton) || Belt: H&M

 

Speaking of thrifting, I wanted to share a pledge I've recently taken.  I hope you, my dear readers, have all noticed the new widget on my sidebar.  Please, join me in taking the pledge below, if it's something on your heart. 

This whole thing was started by Bella at the Citizen Rosebud, a wonderful blogger who has inspired me for quite awhile.  Check out her original post regarding this pledge and see how you can get involved!  :)