Cute Tips From College Fashion

So I'm sitting at work drinking my afternoon tea and, shhhh, trolling a few blogs while I work and the lovely Zephyr(what a cool name!) ofCollegeFashion.net just did the cutest post on 25 Fashion Tips to Make You Smile.  I picked a few of my favs and included them here but go check out the article.  I always love the how to's on her site.

 Buy yourself something cheap and impractical at Forever 21. The cheaper and more impractical, the better - think bright pink, sequins, feathers, studs, or whatever embellishments you love. Ignore the fact that it might not last forever - have fun and live a little!

 If it’s raining, ditch your standard umbrella for a kid’s umbrella - they come in fun prints and colors and are the perfect size for one person. Even better, they’re cheaper than normal ones.

Dress up, blast music, and take photos of yourself. Ruthlessly delete the bad ones. Keep all the good ones and start a lookbook of you wearing your favorite outfits. Bonus points if you do this with old-school Polaroids.

On a rainy day, ditch your heels in favor of brightly colored rain boots. Proceed to splash in the puddles. Repeat.

 Grab a random item out of your closet, and no matter what it is, vow to “make it work.” Note the sense of accomplishment you feel once you get it right.

 Dress up. Not for an occasion, not for a job, not for anyone in particular. Do it because it’s fun and you want to. Life’s too short to blend in!

The Motor(less) City

These pictures are from the blog The Motor(less) City which documents the many abandoned houses and businesses in what is swiftly becoming the ghost town of Detroit.  I don't know about you but whenever I drive by old beautiful houses that are just falling to ruin it breaks my heart a little bit.  I love old architecture so much I want to see it all restored and made beautiful again.  It seems pretty clear that the auto industry as we knew it(much the same as my own industry, music) will never be the same.  That said, the property prices in Detroit have got to be rock bottom.  I vote for a mass exodus to Detroit!  We can all buy big old houses and create a young and vibrant artists community with space for music, art, culture and more.  It's time to give Detroit it's renaissance.  Also, I want a big old house.

What I'm Listening To:

Damn, Sam- Ryan Adams

Dream Day

My dream day is hanging out outside(in my dream I have no allergies) and listening to records by Ryan Adams.  Maybe I would throw in some Rilo Kiley too.  There would be good friends and good food to join me and of course my little Bear, maybe Kitty too, but she doesn't always play well outside.  What's your dream day?

Right Now I Love: Red, White and Blue

So I was inspired by my little sailor pin up girl and frankly the fourth of July is one of my favourite holidays and while I know it's over a month away, it's never too early for shopping!  I've been trolling etsy again and since I'm still poor that means I will happily share my adorable finds with you.  These little bloomers are so sweet they are actually giving me a toothache.  I'm not sure what you would wear them with but aren't they just darling?
OK, obviously I love nautical stuff.  This little tank is another one that's just too cute.  I would love it with high waisted shorts or high waisted sailor pants.  Ahoy!
Are you feeling like a patriotic glamour puss?  This vintage 70's maxi dress is just the thing then.  You can't see in the picture all that well but it's polka dotted.  And of course the halter style is just so flattering.
Oh swingy little red dress.  Be still my heart.  Need I say more?

The 4th of July is actually the gentleman friend and I's anniversary but sadly he has a rather large family reunion to go to so we won't be spending it together.  Fear not though because I will be kept company by none other than Connor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band and Jenny Lewis who are both doing a free concert in Central Park.  I intend to take my roommates, a picnic and a good deal of beer and enjoy my city.  What are your plans?

Ahoy, Sailor!

So this past week I told you I was going to the Shins and Delta Spirit show.  Let me start by saying the show was mind blowing.  It is always wonderful to see the wild and rock and roll Delta Spirit boys but it was a real treat to hear the Shins as well.  They are amazingly as good live as they are on CD!  That said, following the show, which ended rather early, my darling roommate and I did some upper west side wandering.  We amused ourselves by swinging on the swings in a near by park for awhile but as we were wandering back to the subway we saw a cheesy looking tex mex bar.  

The thought of nachos and corona on our minds we crossed the street and skipped on in.  To our immense surprise it was Fleet Week.  To those of you non-New Yorkers, Fleet Week is an annual NYC tradition.  It is the one week of the summer when all the Navy boys come to port for the week and general debauchery ensues.  This bar was packed to the gills with boys in spiffy white uniforms.  So we did what any two sensible New Yorkers would do, we grabbed some beers and parked it!  My roommate is single so my job for the night was wingwomaning, as if she needed it.  The place was like shooting fish in a barrel!  After a few lovely hours of beer pong and cheesy pictures of us in Navy hats we headed home, while the lovely boys tried to press crumpled phone numbers into our palms and the braver ones tried to follow us home.

Fleet Week is in my opinion a glorious week!  Sure, I can't bring home a sailor, but getting to say I played beer pong at fleet week is still pretty great.  If you can make it down single ladies, I highly recommend it.

Sunday Undies

Ok, it's only wednesday(hump day again) and I'm exhausted.  And we had Monday off!  I don't know about you guys but I wouldn't mind a lazy day loungin' around in my Sunday Undies.  The above adorableness is courtesy of Stella McCartney.  Ohhhh don't I wish I had them.

What I'm Listening To:

Muddy Hymnal- Iron & Wine

Halsey Kingdom

Meet my home sweet home for this glorious summer.  My apartment goes by the name Halsey Kingdom and is inhabited by the most wonderful group of artists I have ever met.  The above pictures are of my room.  The bottom is the desk from which I currently greet you.  It's still a work in progress but it is certainly starting to feel like home...

What I'm Listening To:

Barking At The Moon- Jenny Lewis

Bike Chic: Heels?

Ok, this looks glorious.  I could never ride like this mind you.  But a) her bike is gorgeous, b) so is her outfit!  Her hair is pretty freaking awesome too.  But here's my question, do you, or can you bike in heels?  I don't seem to be that coordinated.  However, when someone pulls it off, they look fierce, yeh, I said fierce.

Hair Envy

Please tell me this isn't real. The cut, the color, the length, they are all making me absolutely green with envy. I've been trying in vain to grow out my hair for a year now. Sadly, I must satisfy myself by looking at other people luxurious locks. Le sigh.

BBQ

It's BBQ day! I don't know if I've mentioned this but I love pin up style drawings, photos and clothes. I think they're so classic and feminine but with a tongue in cheek twist. One of my new roommates does pin up style drawings and I'm really hoping he'll draw one for me, having my own pin up would make me feel so special!

Right Now I Love: Who What Wear Daily

Generally, I'm not a fan of Who, What Wear Daily. It seems to be all that really avant garde fashion that isn't really my thing. But I love this little "Currently Channeling" post. And what you wonder are they currently channeling? The 1998 movie Pleasentville. A movie I happened to love! I love quirky fifties style and the pieces they picked out are so charming! What do you guys think, what are you currently channeling?

Roadtrippin...

Today I head to Boston for the long weekend.  The gentleman and I are planning a BBQ with some friends so I'm very excited.  I also get to see my kitten for the first time in almost 3 weeks, she is by far the cutest kitten ever!  Sadly most of my friends have already left town for the summer but I think a nice small BBQ gathering will be just what I need.  Yummy, hot dogs and beer!

Right Now I love: Patchwork

OK, I am going gaga for patchwork right now.  All of these lovelies are from etsy vintage and I think they're glorious.
Maybe it's from sleeping under my mom's homemade quilt but I find patchwork really sweet, summery and quirky.  I also have such a thing for vintage aprons.  I have one at home that's bright yellow with cherry pattern and blue trimming.  I love to wear it while making cupcakes!

This dress is actually reversible, it's denim on the other side.  What a perfect dress!  I can just see myself lounging around Prospect Park in this dress.  If only... Oh well, I suppose if I can't shop for myself, I can shop for you guys!

What I'm Listening to:

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart- Wilco

Show Girl

Tonight my roommate and I are going to the Delta Spirit/Shins show.  I'm so excited!  I suppose my job does have some rather nice perks.  Has anyone seen the Shins live, how are they?  Have a wonderful night everyone!

Right Now I'm Listening To:

People, Turn Around- Delta Spirit

Hump Day

Wednesday morning and I'm soooo sleepy.  I've been enjoying using my gorgeous pink french coffee press in the morning though.  It's been chilly enough that I'm still enjoying a nice warm cup of coffee.  I'm clearly on a coffee blogging kick but generally I take a moment to troll my favourite blogs quick while I'm drinking my coffee(organic free trade!).  What's your morning ritual, what gets your day off to a good start?

What I'm Listening To:

Touch, Feel, Love- Ryan Adams

Coffee and a Good Book

These are too cute, they make me smile.  Cause honestly, a cup of tea or coffee and a good book or magazine really is what brings a smile to my face.  That and I love love love cute mugs.  I collect quirky vintage ones.  What makes you smile?

What I'm Listening To:

Blindsided- Bon Iver

P.S.  My bad, I forgot the link, here it is!

I Can't, But You Should

So, Little Miss Kitty Bear is brokety broke.  Not going to lie.  But that doesn't stop me from trolling ebay looking at all the pretty things.  Well let me tell you there is a serious cache of cute, adorable, covet-able rompers on ebay.  Some are too big for me, some too expensive, ok all too expensive.  But that doesn't mean you can't buy them!  I've posted the pics and links to my favs so get to bidding.  And if you win, send me a pic???

I'm actually having a mini love seizure looking at this one with it's perfect peter pan color and cutsie pockets and buttons.  Also, it's so gorgeously red!  This would be too cute with sweet little heels and a parasol!  It's a size 7/8.
mmm, I love polka dots.  This has a cute forties vibe, I would love it with some big glamorous sunglasses and a belt.  It's a size 9/10.
This one looks so comfy and perfect for lounging on the beach or hanging by the pool.  It's got teeny tiny stripes and cute white bands around the legs, arms and neck.  I also love the built in belt.
I happen to think that this is too cute.  I love pin up style and think it's so fresh and feminine.  This one is a size small and would look gorgeous with wedges and cute sunglasses.
I'm actually convulsing.  Seriously, will someone just buy this for me?  It's a size xs and the buttons are actually breaking my heart.  The neckline is cutesy and playful and the straps cross and button in the back.  So cute, I'm actually dying.

P.S.  There is a weardrobe romper contest going on right now! I'm so psychic.  Get thee to bidding, you could win a $50 UO giftcard!

Weekend Wonderment

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend.  I had a fantastic time with my beau going to the Russian Baths, strolling central park, watching movies in bed and drinking in beer gardens in Williasburg.  Did you guys do anything fun this weekend?  Tell me!

Penny Saver: Pretty Digits

OK, so I was sooo excited about my boyfriend coming to visit me in NY for the first time that I could hardly sit still.  I decided to distract myself by giving myself a nice mani pedi and catching up on some old One Tree Hill episodes(blog world please don't tell anyone I watch that, I'm embarrassed enough as it is!).  It occurred to me that besides being a great way to pamper oneself and calm down a bit, painting your own nails is a great Penny Saver.  I know, I know, everyone says this and I frankly never buy it cause mine always come out so crappy.  The difference I've discovered is how much time and effort you put in.  What do you love about getting your nails done, besides the obvious pretty nails part, it's the pampering!  The time where you can't do anything else cause hey, your nails are wet.  That's what we ladies(and gents) love about getting our weekly mani pedi.  So I say, don't just slap on a coat of too old, sticky middle school pink.  Luxuriate, enjoy it, relax.  This Penny Saver is really about taking time for the most important person in your life, Y-O-U.

Dream Job: Novelist

Novelist by acelovesvintage featuring Forever21 Accessories

I started college as an english major(actually a creative writing major, ok ok, it was poetry)  I had hopes of writing poems and novels and other such things.  But sadly, I realized that while I love writing, I wasn't going to be able to make a living on it.  I didn't want to have to write, and the future I was seeing was a swiftly crumbling journalism route or a magazine career akin to Andy Anderson the how to girl of How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days.  So instead, I went with my gut and made the jump to music.  And I'm glad I did.  I love music and the thrill and the tingle it gives me.  But sometimes, and I by no means consider this a dead dream, I still think about shipping off to Paris or London and writing those stories that float around in my head.  What's your dream job?  Do you have it?  Are you going for it?  Let me know!

My Beau

My beau gets here tonight!  Don't worry, I've got a few blog posts stored up so there will still be that.  However I will be a bit too distracted to answer comments for a few days.  Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Dear Zooey...

Please stop being so fabulous and adorable and charming, I really can't handle it.  This new cotton ad campaign is tugging at my heart strings in a pretty serious way, I already love Zooey but Miranda Lambert's ad is just too cute as well.  So really Zooey, stop being so cute when you're checking out flea markets or playing your gorgeous piano or casually flipping through records.  And if you can't do that, will you at least invite me along?  Is it just me or do you want to be best friends with this girl too?

Mixing Prints

I love mixed prints!  Mind you, I almost never have the courage to do it myself.  But when people pull it off it looks so nonchalant and  classy.  This girl on the bike is too cute with her perfect striped sailor T and floral shorts.  And I don't care if the fedora is a passe trend I still think it's cute.  Below is my little interpretation on mixed prints.  I love how it comes off as very feminine and rather French.  What are your thoughts?  Do you mix prints? Yay or ney?

Mixing Prints by acelovesvintage featuring Miu Miu tote bags

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A Kitchy Kitchen

I love a happy kitchen, and I'm beginning to think I have a thing for orange.  But come on, don't you love those cute blue chairs?  I also love the sink, the hung up mugs and that awesome trash can!  Where does one find a turquoise trash can?????  Do you paint it?

Home...Sick (and a little home sick)

So I've been sick for the past couple of days, and I'm actually out of work today because my coughing was beginning to concern my coworkers, and myself.  So if I'm a bit lax in my responding to your comments, don't hold it against me.  I'm just holed up in my bed watching ancient episodes of One Tree Hill and Buffy the Vampire Slayer and downing gallons of orange juice.  More soon, but just to amuse my slightly delirious mind, what do you do to make yourself feel better when you're home sick?  Do you have a special tea, favourite movie or show, something you like to eat?  Let me know!

Thou Shalt No Covet: Lolita Shorts

I don't know about you, but Lolita is on my summer reading list.  No not for school silly's, the one I assign myself each summer.  Sure, the subject matter is  a bit taboo but it's a classic, and frankly, I love heart shaped sunglasses.  And while we're at it, I love little itty bitty Lolita style shorts like the ones above.  I'm hoping that traipsing all over New York will provide me with legs toned enough to wear such things.  I'm also thinking, and I'm aware this is a bit early, about being Lolita for Halloween.  If for no other reason than an excuse to get these.  

What I'm Listening To:

15- Rilo Kiley (go download!)

Flowers In Your Hair

So apparently an intern at Glamour didn't have time to do her curly hair so she whipped up this little do with no mirror in a couple of minutes.  Or so the interweb has told me.  I'm refusing to believe it because I could never achieve such a thing.  But doesn't it look just lovely?  And how nice to have all the hair off your face and neck for summer?  Maybe if you had a braiding inclined roommate(or identical twin sister Asian Cajuns) you could replicate this look.  Go on, I dare you, and send me pics so I can be jealous, I mean impressed.

First Day

First day of work...I'm nervous!

Relax

Today is my last day to relax before I start work tomorrow and sadly I am home feeling a bit under the weather.  I have terrible seasonal allergies but I seem to also have a bit of a cold.  I walked to Prospect Park yesterday to read for a bit and was hoping to walk back and stroll through the botanical gardens today but I think instead I shall be spending the day in bed with my kitty and a whole bunch of tea and movies.  If you hadn't guessed, I'm pouting.

What I'm Listening To:

Long Division- Death Cab For Cutie

French Songs, Pretty Clothes

I'm not sure if I notice the clothes of the new Charlotte Ronson campaign all that much, though they are lovely, mostly I am in love with the little scene that's created.  I will admit that it makes me miss my gentleman friend very much.  Since meeting as roommates two years ago we have spent everyday together and the next four months are going to be a very tough but worthwhile separation.  We are however excited at the prospect of really dating for the first time.

Right Now I Love: The T-Shirt Dress

The T Shirt Dress by acelovesvintage featuring James Perse t shirts

Right Now I'm Listening To:

Adele- Right As Rain

Stuff Like This Is Why I Moved...

Thanks to the wonderful Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo blog I am now aware of one of the most glorious things I have ever heard.  The Domino Magazine Tag Sale.  Now, I loved Domino, it was the only magazine I read religiously and subscribed to.  Mind you, the month after I subscribed it tragically folded.  Thanks economy.  

But, this my friends is the silver lining.  The, what I assume are disgruntled, staff of Domino are selling off the lovely leftovers of the magazines prop department.  And for really cheap might I add!  Nothing is over $500 and most of it is under $10.  Yes, I said t-e-n.  Could I get a better welcoming to the big city?  When is it you say?  It is TOMORROW!  It starts at 10am and goes till 5 and is located in the garden apartment at 13 West 9th.  I'll see you all there!

Tuckered Out

All moved in, now I need some ZZZZZ's.  Tomorrow I venture out into my new hometown of Brooklyn to locate some finishing touches for my room.  Namely, some more fun closet storage solutions and some nail clippers, I always forget the little things.  Goodnight lovelies!

Kitty Bear Moves: The Day Has Arrived

Today is moving day, wish me luck!

Bike Chic: Country Florals

I'm in love with these pretty country florals and the boater hat for biking.  I can just imagine riding down dusty country roads.

Thou Shalt Not Covet: Toast

Toast by acelovesvintage on Polyvore.com

The Toast catalog is my dream life.

A Gloriously Wacky Living Room

I have no clue where this picture came from I've had it so long.  I love how hodge podge and wacky it is.  The mix of colors and patterns make me smile.  I also love the quilt like art work over the fire place and the use of two couches facing each other rather than a TV.  I'm also a big fan of the use of outdoor furniture inside, such as the little glass coffee table, I think it gives it an airy feel.  What do you guys think?

P.S. Click to make larger.

What I'm Listening To:

Somebody Fix Me- Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Summer Wish List

Summer Wish List by acelovesvintage featuring Tom Ford sunglasses

1) New aviator sunglasses, classic.

2) A classic black and white striped french girl top.

3) Classic Keds, I just picked up a pair in navy blue but I'd still love the red, they're so cute!

4) Rompers by the dozen!

5) Cute loungewear to mill around in when my gentleman friend comes to visit me this summer.

What You're Wearing- Flickr

This is lovely, it's from the flicker stream of Vitamin in Motion.  I think it's so dreamy and fun.  Her slide show is incredible and I highly encourage you to check it out.  I'm so jealous of the ability to pull off over the knee socks without coming off as a tarty teenager the way I do.

Garage Sale Season

Garage sale season is my favorite.  Last year I managed to get to my hometown for garage sale weekend and picked up a cute white patio set for my front porch.  I love to grab a few girlfriends in the summer and head out to the suburbs like the lovely seaside town of Ipswich and hit the beach, grab some lunch and wine and head over to a few garage sales.  This day also generally involves an impromptu picnic in a field near my favorite organic, wind powered orchard and food shop.  Garage sales are always the best place to find cool odds and ends.  When I was a kid living in England they had a weekend "boot" sale where everyone would come to a big field and sale whatever they had out of the back of their car.  It was glorious.  

What I'm Listening To:

Girls of Summer- Aerosmith (guilty pleasure)