Tag Archives: fashion

Exemplary Embroidery

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I’m still battling feelings of wanderlust.

Through my travels I like to keep my eye out for local style and traditional forms of dress. Truth be told, I’m quite the sucker for souvenir shops and outdoor markets with alleyways of vendors that stretch for miles. I like to think that I’m quite the little bargainer from my years of haggling experience, but sometimes the language barrier gets in the way. At that point I rely on my ten fingers and my smile to get my ideal price point across.

I carefully curated this dress from my trip to Mexico last year. Dazzled by the vibrant colors and beautifully embroidered flowers, I remember the first time I slipped it over my head. The vendor saw the flash of excitement on my face and immediately, I was at a disadvantage. I may not have had bargaining power to strike up a ridiculously good deal, but it didn’t matter.

The shapeless silhouette makes it easy and comfortable to wear, with the bright colors only made more stunning by way of embroidery. It reminds me of my embroidering days as a kid, spending endless hours threading embroidery floss into the fabric stretched out on two wooden hoops. I’d like to think that the same care was taken by some lady in Mexico carefully embroidering this dress just for me, but something tells me this was probably mass produced by a machine somewhere. In any case, I love it just the same!

I accessorized minimally with a pair of colorful vintage cork earrings, a simple necklace and even incorporated some enamel bangles curated from my time in Beijing. The dress’s ornate embroidery speaks for itself. It doesn’t matter if you can’t understand Spanish, this dress is simply beautiful and transcends all language barriers.

La playa? Thanks for the compliment, but I’m looking for the beach.

D&Y hat (similar hat) / Mexican dress / Franco Sarto sandals (similar sandals)

The Green Dress

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Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? I do not have a green thumb, but a green dress I do.

This dress was a lucky green find at Salvation Army and it has quickly become a favorite of mine to wear in the spring and summer. The solid color and simplicity of its design serves as the perfect blank canvas for me to create a styling masterpiece. Whether I choose a statement necklace, a scarf tied around the neck, or a big fancy belt, there are an infinite amount of ways to accessorize it into different looks.

The rich green color is as lush as the rolling green hills on which I had these photos taken. Indeed, this dress is fertile for a mighty garden to sprout, so I accessorized accordingly with pink floral accents. This upcycled one of a kind leather belt I often neglect, but for this dress it was a match made in heaven. And of course, the bodice of the dress wouldn’t be complete without a giant flower pin. Although there’s not a single silver bell or cockle shell on me, I still think Mary would be quite pleased.

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Unless of course, you don’t own a green dress.

J.Crew cardigan (similar cardigan) / thrifted dress (similar dress) / thrifted belt (similar belt) / Natural comfort wedge shoes (similar wedge shoes)

I Wanna Americana

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I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T do you know what I mean?

Independence Day, also known as Fourth of July, celebrates the United States Declaration of Independence. It was way back in 1776 that we gained independence from Great Britain, and we have been celebrating our freedom ever since. For many, this holiday means the start of a long weekend filled with activities such as picnics, barbecues, drinking, parades, county fairs, and let’s not forget the dazzling evening finale: the fireworks show. One must celebrate in style, so show off your National pride by saluting to the red, white, and blue. Baby, you’re a firework – don’t you wanna Americana?

Americana style is quite broad, but it draws inspiration from none other than the American flag. You can either just wear the red, white, and blue solid colors of the flag or choose to go down the patterned route with stars and stripes. Take it one step further, and incorporate a flag motif into your outfit. Americana is often associated with anything denim, which is as American as they come (thank you, Levis Strauss). Whether its a boho look with a fringed crop top tee and denim cutoff shorts, or a preppy look with a collared blouse, chinos, and boat shoes, there are many sides to the Americana look that are as diverse as the American history of which it reflects. If wearing the American flag isn’t quite your thing, there are plenty of stylish options to show your patriotism. Checkout my July 4th inspired lookbook!

The Lookbook: Stripes on Stripes / Stars & Overalls / Plaid Casual

I recently had the privilege of attending afternoon tea with the Queen. When one is in the presence of the Queen, one must keep calm and wear a hat worthy of her royal highness. In patriotic fashion, I donned a tea-time appropriate Americana inspired outfit in red, white, and a dash of blue. She spoke lovingly about her family, and also inquired about how I was liking my independence in the states. Alas, it was time to say cheerio, and she was ever so gracious to escort me to the airport in her state car to properly bid me adieu.

Have a fun and safe Fourth of July everyone!


vintage hat (similar hat) / thrifted cardigan (similar cardigan) / DIY bow-tie (similar bow-tie) / Carol Anderson Petites dress (similar dress) / Nina Dolls shoes (similar shoes & shoes)

White Hot Heat

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What’s long and hot?

Why, summer solstice of course! The first day of summer officially kicks off this weekend in the Northern Hemisphere. While it may not be the hottest day (although some places have experienced heat waves already), June 21st is the longest day of the year. With up to 16 hours of daylight, what will you be wearing? Better do it right and wear white.

There are many pitfalls to wearing white, namely red wine. Even if you aren’t particularly clumsy, you’re likely to be around someone who is. White can get stained easily, tends to become less white with age, and may also make you look larger than life. But even with all these caveats, isn’t it worth it for the color that keeps you the coolest under the hot summer sun?

It’s time for a new season, so why not get off to a fresh start with a clean white slate? Check out my white hot summer lookbook for key investment pieces that can transition easily from the daytime highs to warm summer night lows with just a few simple accessory edits. Like what you see? Get styled by me for free – details at Keaton Row.

The Little White Dress

 The White Hot Pant

The Little White Peplum

Press Play

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Please be kind, rewind.

Hey all you youngins, before there was iheartradio or Pandora, there was the actual radio. My early teen years were spent by the radio dial, switching between the all the popular stations. When the DJ played my favorite song, it was time to press play+record. Behold the art of the mix tape.

Nowadays cassette tapes are obsolete, but they continue to live on in my heart and in my closet. I scored this very cool tee shirt a while back from a local artist that features a screen print of her tape collection. I admit I don’t know all the names of the artists and album names scribbled on some of the cassettes, so I guess I’m a bit of a youngin myself.

The tee shirt deserved some edgy elements, so I found an excuse to wear my seatbelt belt; it is quite the conversation starter for obvious reasons. I juxtaposed the casual tee shirt with a dainty lace inset vintage cardigan and a pair of cutout heels to match.

Life is like a cassette player: if you fast forward you’ll miss the scenery, but don’t rewind and dwell on the past. Remember to pause, stop, and just press play. You better check yo self before you eject yo self.


vintage cardigan (similar cardigan) / cassette tee (similar tee) / Jeffrey Campbell heels (similar heels) / seatbelt belt / vintage Dooney & Bourke purse (similar purse)

Chambray for Days

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Gonna dress me up in chambray, all over all over. From my head down to my toes.

I’ll be having naysayers of a head to toe chambray ensemble saying touché by the time I’m done with this post. I rarely go monochromatic in my outfits, but I was inspired by my recent purchase of a pair of chambray jogger pants. The natural lightweight hand of the soft fabric coupled with the relaxed pant silhouette means that I will be wearing these pants down to the threads.

I paired the jogger pants with my one and only chambray top and a wide belt to help create the illusion of a jumpsuit. I couldn’t have topped my look off better than with a chambray floppy hat. If my times tables is correct, and I’m normally pretty glam, then chambray x 3 = glambray, correct?

Chambray is the new neutral, which means this outfit is the perfect blank canvas to be punched up with some color. A lemony yellow cardigan helps brighten up the outfit with the all-over felted flowers acting almost as a print. Both the color and flower “pattern” of the cardigan helps compliment the solid monochromatic look. Checkout my chambray lookbook for ideas on how to piece together your head to toe chambray outfit.

Normally, I don’t like to over accessorize, but I couldn’t refrain from wearing this cute cork beaded necklace and earring set from the 1970s. Not only are the shades of Easter pastels enchanting, but the necklace itself is as light as a feather. I also couldn’t stay away from this darling 1960s daisy brooch. It serves a functional purpose to keep the floppy hat from being so floppy over my face.

I recently wore this outfit to a friend’s picnic in the park. The weather was gorgeous, the food was delicious, and I got to mingle and meet new people. The best part was when I found out the bocce ball set she had brought matched my necklace precisely. I had a ball doing a photoshoot with them, so much that it caused a scene. I guess I’m just a ball hog.


H&M hat / Old Navy blouse (similar blouse) / Urban Outfitters pants (similar pants) / Natural Comfort shoes (similar shoes & shoes) / Fossil bag (similar bag) / vintage daisy brooch / vintage cork bead necklace & earrings

The Graduate

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Get your kids in school, so they can get an education, get a degree, and take a vacation.

It’s that time of year for the black caps and gowns. It’s time for the turning of the tassel, for inspiring commencement speeches, and for pomp and circumstance. I’m talking about graduation ceremonies. Congrats to those of you who have recently graduated or who will be graduating soon. This is a monumental accomplishment.

To the graduates: before you dance, skip, jump, or strut your way across the stage to shake hands with a strange man you have never met and are handed a rolled up piece of blank paper, think about what outfit you want to reveal when you disrobe your rented cap and gown.

To the friends and family: you will be showering your graduate in hugs, kisses, tears of joy, and flower leis. All the while, many pictures will be taken, and Kodak moments will be made. You too, must be dressed to impress for your graduate.

What to wear? With many ceremonies taking place outdoors, you should dress according to the warming trend: keep it playful with day dresses or stay springy in separates. Checkout my Keaton Row lookbook for outfit ideas.

You should be gettin’ it (an education), cause you don’t want to sell yourself Too $hort. Congratulations to the Class of 2014!

The Cool Chic

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You’re hot then you’re cold.

I’m talking about the finicky weather lately. A heatwave one week, and a chance of rain the next week. Or, it can happen all in the same day: mild in the daytime, but winds pick up soon after sunset. Lightweight layering pieces are key to surviving these fast-changing temperatures.

For this weather driven style challenge, I reached for my leather jacket. I finally got my hands on one for a price that I can live with – $15 at Goodwill! A simple leather jacket is classic and timeless – you won’t have to worry about it going out of style. It’s the perfect mid-weight item for that in between weather, when it’s neither frosty nor too hot.

It’s black and it’s white. Still high off my previous outfit post, black and white seemed most appropriate for this leather jacket. Not one to be very edgy, I softened up the ensemble with feminine details: a polka dot bow, a strand of pearls, a sheer blouse, and a vintage beaded cardigan.

Between the jacket, the killer heels, and the graffiti in the background, I couldn’t help but feel too cool for school (while staying warm) in this outfit. I tried my best to give a mean mug, but to no avail. Instead of looking bad ass, I just look cool chic.

This cool chic chick needs a cigarette, a tatted up boy toy, and a motorcycle. Who da baddest chic?


thrifted Banana Republic jacket (similar pleather jacket) / vintage cardigan (similar cardigan) / Old Navy blouse (similar blouse and blouse) / Levi’s jeans (similar jeans) / Dollhouse booties (similar booties) / vintage Coach Willis handbag / thrifted headscarf (similar scarf)

Black and White

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“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” – Yves Saint Laurent

YSL couldn’t have said it any better. There is a lot of gray area (50 shades, to be exact) with regards to what is fashionable and what is not. But whether or not you have style is very black and white: you either have it or you don’t. Especially when it comes to wearing black and white.

If you’ve been a long time follower of mine, you will know that I am a huge fan of color and a lover of prints and rich textures. Not everyone can mix and match as I do, but even Chic Vic has her days. I can’t tell you how often I’ve wasted time staring into the depths of my closet just to pick out the right shoe or scarf to match my outfit.

So when I went to my friends at Lalakitty seeking an item to borrow for my next outfit post (readers: use code CHICVIC20 for 20% off your order!), I naturally wanted to pick a floral frock. Instead, one of the co-owners excitedly pulled this white number from the racks. “Try this! It’s much cuter when worn,” she said enthusiastically. I was skeptical, as it was outside the realm of my signature style. It wasn’t colorful or printed, and lacked the soft feminine element I usually preferred. For precisely these reasons: challenge accepted.

Occasionally I like to step out of my vintage bubble and join my friends in the 21st century of fashion, and this tee shirt in faux patent leather was the perfect fit. The cropped and boxy silhouette begs to be worn with something high waisted and slim on the bottom. Instead of wearing it with my usual pair of high-rise skinny jeans or vintage pencil skirt, I reached for my black jogger pants.

Naya Leather Box Top / Urban Outfitters joggers (similar jogger pant and jogger pant) / Enzo Angiolini pumps (similar pumps) / Giannini clutch (similar clutch)

The jogger pant trend has been around since last fall, and up until recently, I had paid it no mind. Remember when everyone and their mom started to wear yoga pants to the café, the mall, the bars – basically everywhere outside the yoga studio? The jogger pant now follows suit.

But these are far from the usual sweatpants you were forced to wear for P.E. classes in junior high. Jogger pants these days come in a plethora of fabrications to make them oh so lux – whether it’s faux leather, silk, denim, or plain old sweatshirt material, the jogger pant is the answer for the girl who wants to look stylish and relaxed, with a hint of urban cool.

To avoid looking like you’re actually going for a jog, try pairing the pants with heels. The result is a perfect juxtaposition of feminine dressy with relaxed comfy. Keep it simple on top with a cropped tank or even a soft cotton tee tucked in for a high waisted jogger pant look.

It don’t matter if you wear black or white, this is one look you won’t want to break a sweat in.

The Jogger Pant

Cropped Tops & Jogger Pants

Mom Jeanetics

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I’m not planning to be a mom anytime soon, but that won’t stop me from wanting to sport the “mom jeans.”

If you’re lucky to get it from your momma – a pair of hand me down jeans – then you’re already one step ahead of the trend. I call it jeanetics. But what exactly are these so called “mom jeans”? They are characterized by a high waist, slight bagginess in the crotch area with optional pleats, and a tapered leg opening. In other words – they are quite unflattering in that they make your butt look bigger than it is, while simultaneously flattening it. Call it pancaking.

All of this sounds like bad news bears, but oddly enough, it is precisely the ill-fitting unflattering way of the mom jean that makes it so charming.

The tomboyish cut makes it a perfect candidate to juxtapose with feminine elements, such as high heels and a girly top.


Or, you can embrace the boyish look with a cropped tee and sneaker flats, with the hem of the jeans rolled up to show some ankle.

I may have gotten my single dimple from my momma, but mom jeans I did not. However, I did score this vintage Levis jeans upcycled into a pencil skirt. I imagine that they were a pair of mom jeans in their previous lifetime, and so I styled them accordingly: with a soft knit top, wedge heels, a fancy belt to accentuate the high waist, and a healthy dose of girly accessories.

To all you mothers out there: wear those mom jeans up high, loud and proud! Happy Mother’s Day!


vintage top (similar top) / upcycled vintage Levis (similar denim skirt) / Natural Comfort shoes (similar shoes) / vintage belt (similar belt)