Category Archives: Uncategorized

Peachy in Shades of Grey

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Although I do not own many shades of grey in my closet, instead preferring beiges and creams, grey is certainly a versatile neutral that can be worn with almost anything. My favorite hue to go with grey is peach. I accidentally paired these two colors together one day, and now they are inseparable.

I am an absolute cardigan fanatic, so when I spied this grey number at Ross (do you love it?) with all the loop-de-loops, I just had to have it. It goes in perfect harmony with the vintage peach colored blouse with grey polka dots from mommy dearest. I tied a thrifted navy blue scarf in an ascot knot to offset the light color palette and secured it with a vintage scarf clip. The floral pattern at the ends of the scarf also adds another element of fun to the outfit. What shoes should I wear to trek around in the forest? Grey suede heels of course!

Peachy in Shades of Grey

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Okay, this is what I aspired to for my new year’s style resolution, but have failed miserably. However, Frivolous Fringe has hit the nail on its head! I love the layering of different metals, materials, and styles to create an eclectic “I just thew this together” look.

I have 281 days left of 2013 to work on having more arm candy. Stay tuned.

Day to Night

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Oh yes it’s ladies night and the feelin’s right.
Oh yes it’s ladies night, oh what a night.

How to transition an outfit from the 9-5 daily grind to an after work happy hour or girls’ night out? You can dress up a daytime casual piece for the evening, but my trick is to downplay an evening dressy piece for the daytime. I am ready to be your wingwoman.

Unless I was a cocktail waitress or Samantha from SATC, I would never wear this open back dress to work because it shows so much skin. My solution is to wear a blouse underneath the dress. Voila! Instantly work appropriate. I chose my momma’s vintage sheer blouse because the fabric is thin enough to be worn under the dress. To keep my look ultra conservative, I decided to wear black opaque tights and a pair of classic black pumps. My favorite detail is the unexpected cutout on the heel.

For the nighttime look, all I have to do is peel off the layers underneath, and change the shoes and bag. I’ll be ready faster than you can say TGIF.

Thank Goodness It’s Fashion!

Business in the back, party in the front

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The High-Low Skirt

Asymmetrical. Waterfall. High-low. Mullet. Whatever you call it, we can all agree that the party is definitely in the front. Just don’t walk over a steam vent because no one can do it like Marilyn.

You may have seen this type of hemline in increasing numbers during the last two years, but did you know it has its origins in the Victorian era? Back then, it was called a fishtail hem, and it was a popular style on dresses and formal gowns.

A friend asked me, “What should I wear with a high-low skirt?” Although I do not own such a skirt, my answer to that would be to wear whatever your heart desires. Because these skirts are usually made with a lightweight material, you can choose a flowy soft top to maintain the feminine style and keep it dressy. Or pair it with a cotton tee for a downtown casual look. Whatever you choose, make sure you keep calm and party on.

The mullet skirt: because it’s better than getting a mullet haircut. Do you love or hate this trend?

Green with Envy

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The only time of the year when Elphaba can feel comfortable in her own skin.

Unless it is my favorite lovable funny Irishman, Chris O’Dowd, I would prefer not to get pinched by drunken strangers. Not a problem, as I already have a stylish solution that will make you green with envy. Just call me Chic Shamrock.

Chris O'Dowd

When I first laid eyes on this skirt, it was love at first sight. Being a petite gal, I was pleasantly surprised that it was the right fit in the length – no hemming needed! I knew it was the one because I instantly imagined the countless combinations that I could wear with it. The rich green color and the pleats had my name written all over it.

To get in the spirit of the shamrock, I almost went monochromatic by pairing the skirt with my momma’s vintage muted mint green blouse. And before I knew it, I was paying homage to the Irish flag with cream and a hint of orange in my cardigan (okay, so I cheated with the white). The details in the accessories added the final touch; I especially like how the iridescent chunky beads contrasts with the soft knitted yarn bow made by a friend.

I toast my Guinness to corn beef, cabbage, riverdance, and Chris O’Dowd’s lucky charms.

St Pattys

The rain in Spain falls mainly on the windowpane

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Alex Trebek says: This gridlike pattern is one of spring 2013’s hottest trends. (hint below)

Windowpane
Windowpane by chicvic featuring tibi

Answer: What is the windowpane print.

I purchased this windowpane printed poly blouse last winter at my local Out of the Closet thrift shop. I was not particularly crazy about it, but I do have a penchant for semi-sheer blouses, and a weakness for twofer deals (the tie came attached!). I channeled my inner Eliza Doolittle with a 1940’s twist. I decided to go modest with a wool midi-skirt, with the blouse tucked and belted in. I recently acquired this wide brimmed wool hat from Uniqlo (finally, a hat to add to my collection!), and it complements the outfit’s color palette and silhouette quite nicely. Added to the mix is a pair of old maroon pumps from my momma that match perfectly with my hat. Eliza’s look wouldn’t be complete without a bouquet of flowers! I feel like singing in the rain now.

If I were a poor flower girl, I’d still know how to look dapper on a dime. Oh Professor Higgins, I’m a real fair lady now, aren’t I?

Mar. 2013: Windowpane

Cat in the Hat

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I am not much of a cat person. Neither am I really a hat person. I am not fond of cats in hats. But recently, I’ve been searching for the perfect hat. I think I’ll leave it at that.

Maybe I should leave the whimsical rhyming to Dr. Seuss.

I seldom think of adding hats to my outfits, and with good rationale. Usually it is not cold enough for me to wear one. I also have no easy solution to cure hat hair. Since I am indoors most of the time, I also feel silly keeping my noggin covered. These are all the reasons why I am not a frequent hat wearer. However, I was inspired after writing my recent post on Jackie O, and now I am on the hunt for a classy pillbox hat. I am a little bored with recycling the same hats in my posts: my beloved French/Monica Lewinsky beret, my nubby knit beanies, and my cloches. The only hat I will wear at all times is my fashion blogger hat. I think it’s time to add some new silhouettes to my collection.

What kind of hats do you like to wear? And if you have a solution to hat hair, please let me know.

Hats
Hats by chicvic featuring sun hats

Birthday Suit

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Remember when you were a little kid, three months of summer vacation felt so endless? How I long for that feeling of eternity again, but never more! I guess I should just come to terms that as I get older, time will just fly by faster than ever, and there is nothing I can do to stop it. The only thing I can do is to ensure that I look damn good, all the damn time. Take that, time! Ha!

It’s my birthday, folks. I can’t say I am eager to turn a year older, but I am excited to get all dolled up to celebrate with a fancy meal, a cocktail or two, and good company. The question remains, what outfit would be best suited for my celebration, a birthday dress or a birthday suit? The answer: neither! I should wear a birthday tuxedo.

This satiny J. Crew tuxedo jacket has been collecting dust in my closet ever since I bought it years ago, and has never been worn. How perfectly it would go with my crepe tuxedo pants that I recently purchased from Urban Outfitters! My outfit wouldn’t be complete without a vintage touch: a 1950s blouse. The sheer fabric is both alluring and delicately demure. The beading, mini Peter Pan collar, and dainty ribbon bow tie are all details that add to the charm of this blouse. A belt is the extra touch to help any ensemble to look clean and polished, especially on this outfit, which requires tucking layers at the waist. The floral buckle adds a splash of color to the black, white, and red palette.

I was having my photoshoot right before a family dinner. What perfect timing for an impromptu photo session with my dearest and only grandparent remaining? At age 87, my grandma is still in excellent health, and can go on three-hour strolls without getting tired. I guess that is the key to her youth. I am told that I look just like her when she was in her prime. Not only do we look alike, but she also has a great sense of style. She loves to shop at Ross and Salvation Army (my favorite places too!). This outfit she put together herself; I just had to help her adjust and button. I hope to be as healthy and vibrant as she is when I’m in my eighties.

Juvenile was right: I get it from my (grand) mama.

Fashion Week Favorites

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New York. London. Milan. While Paris Fashion Week hasn’t even started yet, there are simply too many fashion shows to keep up with. After reviewing hundreds of runway photos, my favorite Fall 2013 collections so far are from Anna Sui, Badgley Mischka, and Dsquared2.

I love Anna Sui’s bold use of color and eclectic mix of fabric and textures. From the clean wingtip eye makeup on the models to down to the shoes, Anna has redone the 1960s in a very groovy way and kept it young and playful. Might it be a reminder that yours truly was swinging 60s before Ms. Sui debuted her Fall collection. Call me clairvoyant.

Badgley Mischka’s slim silhouettes, fur, jewels, and dark hues paint the portrait of an elegant lady. It is said that the duo were inspired by the female characters from Alfred Hitchcock’s films. I’ve never seen any of his famous movies, but now I will definitely check some out, just for the outfits. Oh the horror!

Dsquared2 channeled the 1940s wartime look without the seriousness of the war. They added their own whimsical twist to the popular silhouettes and styles of that decade, with pencil skirts, suits,  fedoras, and fur. I must find excuses to wear socks with strappy heels more often. I drool over the men; the menswear doesn’t look so bad either.

What are your favorite runway looks from Fashion Week?

O, Be a Lady First!

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Our country has had many great presidents, and behind each of them, there has always been a wonderful First Lady. And where there is a First Lady, there is a fabulous wardrobe. And behind that wardrobe is likely a large walk in closet. No, make that an entire wing of the White House.

When most people think about fashionable First Ladies, Jackie O comes to mind. Who can forget her pillbox hats, gowns, and over-sized sunglasses? Currently Michelle O is reminiscent of the late Ms. O, as her stylish outfits have the power to make unknown designers (Jason Wu) become overnight sensations, as well as keep longtime fashion brands (J. Crew) still relevant to the consumer. Oh, Ms. O and Ms. O, you two are kindred style spirits indeed.

I rock the presidential vote because my voice matters. But ask me to go into a political debate with you on foreign policy and I will politely decline. What I will debate on is whether I should wear a red dress + white cardigan, or red pants + blue top, or blue skirt + red top for my salute to the presidents?

I purchased this Michelle worthy J. Crew sweater jacket secondhand at Crossroads some time ago. The first time I wore it, someone commented, “You look very..…president’s wife-y.” I haven’t worn it much since then. However, with Presidents’ Day beckoning, it is my patriotic duty to honor our country’s past commander in chiefs with a little red, white, and blue. I paired it with a red sheath dress and pulled a cream vintage Anne Klein skirt over it. I love the skirt’s interesting gathering and draping – it has pockets also! Nothing declares “First Lady” better than a strand of pearls. I only wish I owned a pillbox hat to complete the look.