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