Tomorrow's Halloween!

Let's get into the spirit, shall we?

Extra, Extra!

Shirt: The Limited, thrifted, $1 // Sweater vest: ?? // Pants: Vintage, thrifted, $4 // Necklace: Vintage, $13 // Shoes: Payless

This is what I wore to work yesterday. I couldn't decide if I looked more like a newspaper boy of yore or a stuffy old professor. No matter, they're equally dorky. It may not be obvious based on my recent fashion history, but I'm a longtime enthusiast of the sweater vest. So very geek chic.

Dress (worn as shirt): H&M, $28 // Jeans: Guess via TJMaxx, $28 // Cardigan: Vintage, thrifted, $4 // Scarf: Gift // Boots: Payless, $22

I wore this comfy, casual outfit for running errands today.

Halloween

In the same spirit as Jessica, Julie and other ladies of the blogosphere, I was going to share with you some photos of past Halloween costumes. After digging through Facebook photos and old albums, however, I realized I have either no pictures or awful pictures of my costumes! Note to self: take good photos on Halloween! This is a total cop-out, but here are some pictures of people I've been for Halloween (the real deal instead of my rendition). I've always loved going as movie characters or actual people. I promise I did MOST of these justice.

 

 

What are you going as this year?

You're the Best

Thank you all so much for your votes! I feel very supported. Just so you know, you can vote every day (so up to seven times for each outfit). Our new set of outfits are posted each Tuesday morning for five weeks. Every time you vote, you're entered to win $1000 on Bluefly.com.

The First Challenge

Remember that contest I told you about? Well, voting for the first challenge has begun! Here's what I put together.

For the first challenge of the Bluefly / StyleList America’s Most Stylish Blogger contest, we received a tailored navy boyfriend vest. I was thrilled to get this piece because it’s totally my style but also unlike anything I already own. With the vest as my muse, I toyed with various outfit ideas including an office look and a dressy evening ensemble. The combination that felt right was a casual weekend look featuring denim leggings for a sleek silhouette and complete comfort, the boyfriend vest and ankle-wrap sandals to add some edge and a ruffly blouse and printed silk scarf to keep it sweet.

DIY Dye and a Splurge-Worthy Jacket

Jacket: Old Navy, $70 // Jeans: ZCo, $18 // Scarf: Gift // Boots: gojane.com, $30

Here is the outfit I wore en route to Chicago on Friday. Though it was way more than I would normally spend, I couldn't resist this taupe-colored wool jacket from Old Navy. I adore the big collar, cropped sleeves and waist tie. Sadly, $70 is a splurge for me, but I figure this is a timeless piece. I've barely taken it off since I got it, so I think it was the right decision. If I look disheveled, it's because this was taken at the end of a day of traveling. Lucrecia of Fashion is Poison kindly snapped the shot in the bathroom of our hotel (where the lighting was best).

As for the thigh-high boots, you've actually seen them before. If they don't look familiar, that's because I dyed them black! Though I love grey as a neutral, I specifically wanted tall black boots for fall, and they also had annoying black stripes up the sides that now blend in. It was my first foray into dyeing. Based on the satisfying results of this project, it won't be my last.

Jeans: Guess, TJMaxx, $28 // Bracelet: F21, $9 // Hat: H&M, $15

Today I wore basically the same outfit with the exception of a different shirt underneath, different jeans and the addition of a couple of accessories I picked up in Chicago: a gold stud bracelet and a red bowler hat.

A post about the Chicago trip to come soon!

Windy City Bound

Bright and early tomorrow morning, I'm headed to Chicago for an exciting weekend trip! Designer Christina Fan was kind enough to invite me to the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion show. Her line C/FAN, along with the collections of several other emerging Chicago designers, will be featured. Stay tuned to hear about my weekend!

Dresses by C/FAN

Under the Weather

Dress: Behnaz Sarafpour for Target via Buffalo Exchange, $12.50 // Cardigan: F21, $23 // Tights: HUE, $5 // Pearls: Payless // Shoes: Abaete for Payless

This is what I wore to work today. I like how the short-sleeved cardigan, pearls and pumps make it ladylike, but the leopard print and lavender legs add some sass. This look didn't last long after I got home. Shortly after the picture was taken, I changed into the comfiest of clothes because I'm feeling sick. I really need to get rested and rejuvenated because I have an exciting trip ahead of me this weekend! I'll tell you about it tomorrow.

Perfect Day for a Picnic

Northeast Kansas was blessed with blissful weather today: sunny and 70s. To celebrate this pleasant change of pace, I took little Igby for a picnic in the park where I debuted a new pair of sandals I acquired recently. Awhile back, my sister-in-law told me about a limited-time shoe sale on 6pm.com with some crazy clearance prices. For about $30, I got four pairs of shoes (including shipping!). Among them were these ankle-wrap sandals. I had been meaning to get a pair like this for awhile, but it didn't happen while the weather was still warm. I wondered if they would still be in style by the time spring rolled around. I reasoned that they are pretty edgy for Kansas, and for less than $10, I've got nothing to lose. I'm really glad I decided to get them. They felt fun and fresh today, and Igby likes to chase them...

America's Most Stylish Blogger

I am excited to announce that I have been selected as one of eight finalists in the America's Most Stylish Blogger contest. Of course, style is all relative, but I'm flattered and thrilled to be included in this super fun contest. Here's how it works: each week the eight bloggers will be sent the same item from Bluefly.com to style in their own unique way. Starting on Tuesday, October 27th, it's up to readers to vote for their favorite. After five weeks, the winner will be determined. I'll keep you posted on the outfits I put together and how to vote!

Oktoberfest

Shirt: Rampage, thrifted, $10 // Jacket: Old Navy, thrifted, $6 // Skirt: F21, $8 // Tights: Hue, $5 // Shoes: Payless

This is what I wore to an Oktoberfest party today. I love the mustard color of the tights paired with the prettily printed jacket.

Autumn Sweaters

Sweater: If It Were Me, TJMaxx, $18 // Dress: Gift // Scarf: Courtesy of Shop Ruche // Shoes: Abaete for Payless

Awhile back, I discovered that a rather long floral skirt of mine made a pretty little dress. I only wore it a couple of times during the warmer months, so I decided to remix it for fall by adding a cozy sweater, tights, ankle boots and a scarf. This look felt light, airy and playful while still being appropriate for the season.

I wasn't the only one cuddling up in a soft sweater. Yes, I'm already one of THOSE dog-owners. To give myself a little credit, he does shiver every time I take him outside. And, you have to admit, he looks pretty handsome. I think Igby has a fashionable future ahead of him.

My Month

Dress: Forever 21, $19 // Sweater: Thrifted, $10 // Scarf: Gift // Boots: alice + olivia for Payless

Despite a dreadfully dreary week, I was thinking today about how much I adore October. It may be my favorite month. Crisp autumn air is setting in. The leaves are beginning to turn. Hot cider is flowing. Pumpkins and candy are plentiful. Okay, this is starting to sound like a bad poem written for some high school creative writing class, so I will refrain. You get the idea! This is the first time I've worn this dress. It's kind of strange--almost a sleeveless trench--so I think next time I might layer it over another dress. Today I wore it with a wool turtleneck, silk scarf, tights and boots that remind me of Edward Scissorhands, which is one of my favorite movies and absolutely perfect for my October-y mood. Do you have a favorite month?

The Holloway Way

Dress: Vintage, antique mall, $30 // Necklaces: F21 and Payless, $1 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Abaete for Payless

Many members of the fashion community (including the lovely Jessica recently) have derived endless inspiration from Mad Men. After finding this dress, I couldn't resist doing my own ode to Joan.

The fabulous '60s frock wasn't by any means an impulse buy; I developed a relationship with it before the purchase took place. I first laid eyes on it while shopping for my Halloween costume (which is also Mad Men-inspired, more on that later). My first thought was, "If only I were being Joan, this would be perfect." Then I went back and saw it again. Hmm, that gorgeous emerald color and those charming faux fur-trimmed sleeves are totally in style this season. Then I kept thinking about it. On my third visit to the dress, I actually tried it on. Aside from a rather long hemline, it fit like a glove. Now I had to buy it!

For its debut (at the office of course), I paired it with simple black tights and taupe pumps. I finished the look with chunky gold chains, a leopard-print belt and a messy attempt at her perfectly arranged coiffure.

I know it makes me sound terribly cheap, but $30 seemed like a lot for to spend on a vintage dress (since I'm used to thrift store prices). But I'm already sure it was worth it. 

I'd Like You to Meet Someone

I'm a proud new mommy of a two-month-old pug. His name is Igby.

Sweater: Target, $17 // Leggings: UO, $5 // Jacket: yesstyle.com, gift card from Weardrobe // Scarf: TJMaxx, $12 // Boots: gojane.com, $30

Sorry for the short post! I've got a lot of work to do. Luckily, little Igby is all tuckered out from a full day, so he's fast asleep next to me on the couch.

Cover Girl

I was surprised to discover last night that I'm on the cover of Ink. The feature isn't about me (just zombies in general), but still ... pretty sweet, right? Thanks, Ink!

Sweater: Old Navy Men's, borrowed from boyfriend // Button-up: Vintage, thrifted, $1 // Jacket: Vintage, thrifted, $12 // Jeans: Tilt, TJMaxx, $18 // Shoes: Patricia Field for Payless

Here's what I wore for a casual Friday of running errands. Don't get me wrong, I love to get dolled up as much as the next girl, but I tend to feel my best in outfits like this: thought-out but comfortable, laidback and involving denim. Maybe it's the Kansas girl in me. Oh, and I'm allowed to wear three different types of plaid, right? That was a rhetorical question. You don't have to answer.

Easy Rider

After not buying a faux leather skirt at Forever 21 and later regretting it, I found one at a thrift store yesterday. It's a little too big, but I made it work with a belt. It was rainy and borderline cold today, so I got all layered up. Of course, with the leather skirt and studded ankle boots, I was going for a sort of edgy biker look, but I tried to soften it a bit with the preppy plaid and girly scarf.

On a side note ...... I'm blogging outdoors with a hot (spiked) cider in hand, and it's absolutely perfect. 

Dress (worn as a shirt): Gift // Leather skirt: Thrifted, $6 // Vest: Target, $10 // Shoes: Patricia Field for Payless // Scarf: Thrifted, $1 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Jacket: Vintage, thrifted, $12 (Sorry for the blurry picture!)

Suits My Fancy

This is a bit belated, but the 1940s editorial in the September issue of Vogue really made me want to wear a suit. Specifically, a broad-shouldered, peplum-waisted suit. Of course, I have no occasion for a suit nor do I own one, but a girl can play dress up, right? I found two blazer and skirt combos in my closet that are sort of suit-like. Here is the first of the two. I resisted the urge to throw in a bright color since the examples in the magazine are neutral, classic and pretty understated. Sorry about the dark picture. I had the choice after work to go straight home and catch the last bit of daylight or go thrifting. You know how I feel about thrifting. And, yes, I'm wearing the scarf AGAIN!

Blazer: F21, $10 // Skirt: UO, $18 // Scarf: Thrifted, $1 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Worthington, gift

Taking Cues from Myself

Blouse: The Limited, thrifted, $1 // Jeans: Forme, $20 // Jacket: Target, $25 // Scarf: Vintage, thrifted // Shoes: Pour La Victoire, TJMaxx, $20

For this look, I drew inspiration (and a couple of pieces) from the zombie collection I shared with you yesterday. The jeans, jacket and flat oxfords make it a bit more casual and modern than the looks from the show. I really like the way the faux leather jacket toughens up the ladylike blouse and scarf. This is the third time I've worn the polka dot scarf this week; it may be my new favorite accessory! I've always been a fan of shirts with necks that tie, and it's dangerously easy to throw this over anything.

Now that the weather is really cooling down, I'm starting to get serious about dressing for fall. There are still a few items on my shopping list, but in the mean time I'm going to work with what I've got and hopefully rediscover some favorite pieces from last year. What are you most excited to wear this fall?

Fashion Monsters III: Adorn of the Dead

Photo credit: Aaron Lindberg, inkkc.com

Saturday's show could not have gone better! Despite some lack of organization on my part, everything went super smoothly. My models were all gorgeous, fun and helpful. The other designers and stylists were amazing. There was a record turn-out for the show (the proceeds went to a good cause). And we danced all night long! So much fun.

For those who couldn't be there, I wanted to share my collection with you. Just to be clear, I didn't make any of these clothes (I'm not that talented). I styled each outfit using clothes from a local thrift store, the Social Service League.

During my first visit to the store to collect items for the show, I didn't have anything in mind. I just grabbed whatever caught my eye, took home a huge pile and started to play. Almost immediately, I noticed a couple of themes: a color palette of deep red, forest green and cobalt blue and a lot of rich, textural fabrics like velvet, lace and faux fur.

My guy looks are all pretty similar and straightforward. It's probably what I would wear if I were a dude: Button-ups, trousers, vests, jackets and ties. The girls were a little more eclectic with looks channeling everything from a horseback-rider to a prom queen.

Here's my little blurb about the collection:

This fall-friendly collection is vintage but never dated, demure but never dowdy. The charming ensembles focus on decadent fabrics like lace, velvet and faux fur and drip with rich colors like luscious blood red and stormy forest green. They may be zombies, but they are still loving life and looking good doing it.

#1

Model: Ella // Make-up: Sophia // Hair: Victoria // Photos: Travis

#2

Model: Dan // Make-up: Me // Hair: Victoria // Photo 1: Travis // Photo 2: Amberlee

#3

Model: Victoria // Hair & Make-up: Victoria // Photo 1: Travis // Photo 2: Jonah

#4

Model: Thomas // Make-up: Me // Photo 1: Travis // Photo 2: Jonah

#5

Model: Rose // Make-up: Sophia // Hair: Victoria // Photo 1: Travis // Photo 2: Amberlee

#6

Model: Daniel // Make-up: Me // Hair: Victoria // Photo 1: Travis // Photo 2: Amberlee

#7

Model: Amberlee // Make-up: Sophia // Hair: Victoria // Photo 1: Travis // Photo 2: Jonah

#8

Model: Dayton // Make-up: Travis, Thomas & Sophia // Hair: Victoria // Picture 1: Travis // Picture 2: Jonah

#9

Model: Sophia // Make-up: Sophia // Hair: Sophia & Victoria // Photo 1: Travis // Photo 2: Jonah

#10

Model: Me // Make-up: Me // Hair: Victoria // Picture 1: Travis // Picture 2: Jonah