Wish List: Lots of Lace

Through Daisies and Chains, I write a lot about pairing the masculine with the feminine, and sometimes that means translating old-fashioned patterns into more current styles.

When I think of lace, I automatically think of a tea party. But then I realize the last time I attended a tea party was when the tea was made of air. So with that in mind, I chose some items that could be worn to a tea party in today's big girl world, where you might pair your dress with a leather jacket or your tights with some biker boots.

The Ornamentalist Dress

[Photo source: modcloth.com]

 

Crochet Lace-Front Tee

[Photo source: jcrew.com]

Hue 'Baroque' Lace Net Tights

[Photo source: nordstrom.com]

Applique Lace Headband

[Photo source: freepeople.com]

A Week of StyleMint: Day 5

I wear a lot of scarves. (Sidenote: This is the part in the paragraph where I list links of all the posts shown with me wearing a scarf. But I'm not going to out of pure laziness. Sidenote to the sidenote: That should prove how many scarves I wear.) Recently, an intern at work told me she didn't recognize me walking down the hall because my neck wasn't covered up. I told her that I indeed felt chillier than normal that day.

One of my favorite things about StyleMint tees is that although they are trendy, they are completely versatile and all look great paired with a scarf. A bonus is that the scarf always acts as a bib when I eat.

What I'm Wearing
Sunset Tee in Black (StyleMint)
Skinny Jeans (Express)
Brown Ankle Boots (Old Navy)
Floral Print Silk Scarf (J.Crew)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)
Black, White, and Gold Bracelet (Forever XXI)
Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)
Campo Bag (J.Crew Outlet)

A Week of StyleMint: Day 4

One of the most basic rules of fashion I follow is "When in doubt, add a black blazer." The only time this rule fails is when I'm at the beach. (Too hot.) Or when I'm in Antarctica. (Too confusing with all the penguins running around.)

The Fillmore tee is great to pair with a blazer, because it's actually quite oversized. And considering the supremely soft, micro modal fabric, I'm afraid it just looks like I'm trying to disguise pajamas for work clothes if I don't add a later or two.

What I'm Wearing

Fillmore Tee in White/Mushroom (StyleMint)

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Blue Velveteen Platform Heels (Forever XXI, Plato's Closet)

Printed Ikat Scarf (J.Crew)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

A Week of StyleMint: Day 3

One thing I've wondered since I started purchasing StyleMint tees is where they come up with the names of the shirts. This polka-dot number is called "Rush," so I like to think it's something I should wear as I rush around town while drinking lattes and being fabulous. Or maybe it's something I should wear while rushing for a sorority... The girls will be so enamoured by my beautiful top that they will forget I am too old to be standing so close to college freshmen. Either way, this is one of the softest shirts I own, so you should RUSH! to buy your own. (Oh, how I love a good pun.)

What I'm Wearing

Rush Tee in Ivory/Black (StyleMint)

Pink Twill Bell Skirt (J.Crew)

Black Tights (Forever XXI)

Brown Ankle Boots (Old Navy)

Brown Woven Wide Belt (Forever XXI)

Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

A Week of StyleMint: Day 2

I bought the Magnolia tee from StyleMint in October without a moment's hesitation. I'll snatch up a dolman top quicker than you can ask, "What the heck is wrong with those sleeves?" If I had dressed up for Halloween this year, I thought about using this tee to recreate a Black Swan costume, seeing as it already looks like I have wings when I put my hands on my hips.

What I'm Wearing

Magnolia Tee in Black (StyleMint)

Silky Pleated Skirt (Luxe Apothetique)

Black Tights (Forever XXI)

Black Suede Loafers (Old Navy)

Pearl and Chain Necklace (J.Crew)

Black and Silver Knot Wide Headband (J.Crew)

A Week of StyleMint: Day 1

It's been awhile since I wrote about StyleMint, my first online clothing purchase. Between then and now, I have faced my fear of online shopping and acquired five StyleMint tees. Even just after my third purchase, the idea started forming to wear and blog a week's worth StyleMint once I grew my collection.

Luckily for the Olsen twins, I just made my November purchase. I know they could use the extra money.

What I'm Wearing
Hudson Tee in Charcoal/Black (StyleMint)
Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)
Retro Floral Silk Scarf (J.Crew)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Pearl and Beaded Bracelet (Gift from a craft fair)
Campo Bag (J.Crew Outlet)

Anyone else jumping on the StyleMint train? If so, what are your favorites?

Wish List: Spots and Dots

I know she's a cartoon, but between the big hair bows, white gloves, and polka-dot frocks, Minnie Mouse might be the greatest fashion icon, other than my gals Audrey H. and Jackie O. I'm finding myself seeing spots -- literally -- all the time, so I pulled together some of my most coveted spotty and dotty pieces.

The polka-dot pleated dress is a great nod to the Mad Men obsession going on right now and is the perfect dress to wear to the two Texas weddings I have coming up this fall. And the calf hair belt would look great with black, brown, denim, and anything in between!

Overall, this is a reasonably priced wish list, with each item valued less than $55.

LC Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Pleated Dress

[Photo source: kohls.com]

Queen of Hearts Blouse

[Photo source: spottedmoth.com]

 

 Polka Dot Skirt

[Photo source: forever21.com]

 Skinny Calf Hair Belt

[Photo source: jcrew.com]

Snow Leopard Vegan Women's Classics

[Photo source: toms.com]

Anyone else digging this trend lately?

Hot and Cold

I spent the weekend in Gruene, Texas, at a bachelorette party for my wonderful friend, Jeanine, where I drank a lot of wine, ate my weight in Twizzlers candy, and laughed until I cried at Jeanine's hilarious stories. (Seriously, she needs to write a book ... anonymously ... Otherwise, she would be arrested shortly after publishing.)

Needless to say, I'm moving slow as I start this week off, so I am actually including photos of an outfit I wore a few days ago. The weather in Texas can't decide to be warm or cool. This week has brought breezes and cooler temperatures, but the lingering grey clouds trap in all the humidity. Likewise, I can't decide whether I'm hold or cold at the office. I go from drinking glasses of ice water to turning on the space heater at my desk.

The shoes are a great daisies and chains mix. The looseness of the black loafers is old-mannish, and the rose appliques scream "young girl." They're the Woody Allen of footwear.

What I'm Wearing

Black V-Neck Slub Tee (J.Crew)

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)

Striped Khaki Crop Pants (Calvin Klein, collected at a clothes swap)

Black Suede Loafers (Old Navy)

Floral Print Fringe Scarf (Madewell)

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

Happy Accidents

Lately, I've been pairing bold stripes with other small patterns. Even just yesterday, I combined a striped blazer with a whimsical parachute print. Wearing this conservative navy- and ivory-striped top -- which feels a  soft as pajamas, by the way -- with a floral scarf was a bit of an accident. I simply wore them at the same time because they both had blue in them.

The scarf is a gift from my parents from a cruise they went on this summer to Italy and Greece. Before they left, they asked if I wanted any souvenirs. I asked for an Italian man. They brought me back this scarf. They knew I would like it better anyway.

What I'm Wearing
Navy Striped Top (J.Crew)
Grey Wool Mini Skirt (J.Crew)
Floral Scarf (Gift, purchased from a market in Greece)
Tahari Tan Pumps (DSW)
Campo Bag (J.Crew Outlet)

Flying High

One of my favorite silk tops from Anthropologie is from a brand called Fei. When I set out to write this post, I imagined how international I would appear explaining to you -- my 23 readers -- the French translation of "fei"... But it came up totally blank when I entered "fei" into the Babel Fish translator online... So, I attempted an Italian translation. Also blank. Then, I Googled "translation of fei" and discovered that "fei" could mean "flying high" in Chinese. And I'm tired. So, that's what I'm going with. One point for culture, zero points for Jenn.

Luckily, the top has a parachute print on it, so perhaps "flying high" is actually not just a Google coincidence.

What I'm Wearing
Fei Parachute Silk Top (Anthropologie)
Terry Striped Blazer (Forever XXI)
Flare Jeans (Gap)
LC Lauren Conrad Black Platform Pumps (Kohl's)

My Latest Acquisitions: The Fall Edition

Halfway through the summer, I posted a few photos of my summer purchases and gifts and why I was excited to incorporate them into the season's outfits. And although the fall has only just started, I'm excited about my latest acquisitions.

[J.Crew Outlet Campo Bag, a birthday gift from my parents; Rush Polka-Dot Tee from Stylemint;

Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch]

[Close-up of the Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch,

a birthday gift from my fabulous fella!]

[A birthday gift to myself: Tahari Tan Pumps from DSW,

purchased with $15 in gift rewards]

And just as I said in my summer post, I am really anxious to incorporate these seemingly unrelated pieces all together! What have you recently acquired for fall that you can't wait to wear?

Wine, Cheese, and Ikat... Oh My!

This past weekend, I enjoyed a fabulous wine tasting party with my friends. We actually added an element of competition by covering all the labels of the seven different types of red wine at the party and giving everyone the chance to guess which wine was the merlot, pinot noir, zinfandel, and so on.

[Leanne, Jenna, and I pose during the tasting festivities.]

[A big thanks to the fella who organized the whole party. What a gent!]

One of my favorite parts came when the cake arrived, and -- drumroll, please -- it was painted with an ikat design! My friend, Laura-Kate of Sweet Stirrings, created a one-of-a-kind cake in honor of my birthday, and it was divine. Thanks to Laura-Kate and all of the wonderful friends who were there on Friday to celebrate. It was hard to say goodbye to the weekend!

So Long, Sweet Summer

Hey gals, how did the weekend treat ya'? I wore my DIY jean shorts for possibly the last time on Saturday. I'm using equal parts wishful thinking and logic to assume that fall might have finally hit Austin. Plus, my legs are becoming offensively pale, so it's really just time to put the shorts away for good until March or April anyway.

Have you put away all your summer clothes yet? I'm trying to transition a lot of my knits into the fall. I know they're going to show up in dozens of my fall outfits, because I'm going for a gamine look into this season. What about you? How would you describe your fall wardrobe?

What I'm Wearing
"C'est La Vie" Tee (J.Crew)
LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)
DIY Denim Shorts (Gap)
Guess Tan Cork Wedges (DSW)
Gold Michael Kors Runway Watch (Macy's)

The Sights of Seattle

It's been several days since I got home from Seattle, but I finally have photos to share. While I didn't find a narwhal as I hoped, I walked a half marathon (I'm injured, so running is a no-no right now), went to a Mariners game, took a canoe trip, and spent time with the fella's family, among tons of other fun excursions.

[The fella and I pose with celebratory beers after he ran the full marathon and I walked the half.

Check out his crazy running antics here.]

[We got front row seats at the Mariners game!]

[We took a canoe trip out of the University of Washington.

I wore my life jacket and then stole the fella's to cover my legs.]

[His niece and nephew are A.Dor.A.Ble.]

[Just the gals.]

What I'm Wearing (throughout photos 2-5)
Green Anorak (J.Crew)
Grey 3/4-Length-Sleeve Tee (J.Crew)
White Lace Dobby Skirt (J.Crew)
Retro Floral Silk Scarf (J.Crew)

Reviewing these photos already makes me want to take another summer vacation. Are you headed anywhere fun this season?

The Blues Are Still Blue

OK, confession: The Life Pursuit from Belle and Sebastian is one of my favorite guilty pleasure albums. And every time I wear this ensemble – which has already been a couple of times this summer – I think of "The Blues Are Still Blue," which is my favorite song on the album... Aside from "For the Price of a Cup of Tea." And "Funny Little Frog." And "We Are the Sleepyheads."

Oh, what can I say? I love those crazy Scots and their whimsical lyrics!

... I left my washing in the launderette.
You can put some money on it, you can place a little bet.
That when I see my washing
The black will be grey and the white will be grey,
But the blues are still blue...

[I totally copied the knotted cardigan from about a zillion other fashion bloggers.

Thanks, ladies!]

What I'm Wearing

Strapless Navy Dress (Gap)

Jackie Cardigan (J.Crew)

Guess Tan Cork Wedges (DSW)

Gold Merona Boyfriend Watch (Target)

My Latest Acquisitions

Gals, summer is already halfway over, and I haven't even shared the fun items I've acquired since June! Some of them are summer-friendly only; and some can be easily incorporated into my fall – maybe even my winter – wardrobes. But the best thing about them is that I think they can all be mixed and matched with one another to create great outfits during the next few weeks for an all-around perfect summer style.

What items have you purchased or received this summer that are making you weak in the knees?

[Gilly Hicks floral skirt, a gift from my parents.

Pitaya polka dot blouse.

Luxe Apothetique gold bangles, purchased with a Groupon.]

[J.Crew linen tees, bought on super sale and with my employee discount.]

[J.Crew poet popover blouse in African violet.

Mossimo floral tank top from Target.]

In other related news, my StyleMint tee arrived in the mail over the weekend, so stay tuned later this week for an outfit post!

Christmas in July

Remember when I admitted to never having ordered clothing online? Enter StyleMint...

Last Friday, the Olsen twins launched StyleMint, an online shop that sells T-shirts – and T-shirts only – all priced at $29.99. As someone who took care of her membership the week before (it's free, by the way), I was jumping in my chair come Friday morning to view the four styles released for the month of July.

[Photo source: stylemint.com]

The Low Down
Taken from the same concept as JewelMint – which hosts Kate Bosworth-approved jewelry pieces – StyleMint allows members (did I mention membership is free?) to browse and buy T-shirts for the first five days of each month. (From what I understand, you have five days to make that decision. Let me know if you believe otherwise. I don't want to make incorrect statements here.) If you decide to pass on purchasing, there's no monetary consequence. And it looks like the site offers four new styles a month.

[Photo source: stylemint.com]

My StyleMint Pick
I decided I would gift myself one style this month. Each T-shirt has a name, and I chose the Fillmore design. The Fillmore is an incredibly soft v-neck T-shirt with thin horizontal stripes. The white/mushroom version is made of 50 percent micro modal, which is a supersoft fabric made from beechwood. (Again, correct me if I'm wrong. I dug up as much information as I could while I shopped.) 

[Photo source: stylemint.com]

I'm glad I finally made the plunge into online shopping and that my first experience was purchasing an Olsen brand. They are both style icons for me, to say the least. Just for fun, this is me dressed as Mary-Kate Olsen last Halloween. Holding the Starbucks cup and covering the face are deliberate moves.

[The only accessory I won't incorporate is the ciggie. Just say no, kids!]

Has anyone else ordered from StyleMint? If so, what did you choose?