Gift in a Box

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Victoria

Have you ever received an unexpected gift during the holidays that caught you by surprise? On the one hand you’re delighted. A gift for moi? You shouldn’t have!

And then, reality sinks in. No really, you shouldn’t have.

We’ve all heard of the saying, “Tis better to give than to receive.” I can agree with this statement to some extent. There is nothing more gratifying than watching your dearest loved ones open a gift in delight to discover something hand picked especially for them. All the while, chestnuts are roasting on an open fire.

While this adage makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, it fails to address the guilt befallen to the recipient. On more than a few occasions, I have been the giftee of many a generous gifter. But, like a dolt, I did not have any presents to give in return. Being the fruitcake that I am, instead of a graceful thank you, I offered what I think to be a guilt ridden expression on my face while I sheepishly accepted the present.

The moral of the story is: avoid that awkward social situation like the plague, and be prepared like Doomsday Preppers by having a few stocking stuffers handy, for both his and hers in mind.

You can thank me later – as long as the gift comes wrapped in a pretty little box.

Gifts for Him

Silver Linings Lookbook

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Victoria

All the single ladies, all the single ladies, now put your hands up!

Oh, the dreaded bouquet toss. There’s something embarrassing about parading up to the dance floor like a herd of cattle. You’re up there with all types of single ladies: the flower girls, the teenagers, the eager to be wed ladies, and maybe an old maid or two. I never actually go out of my way to try to catch the bouquet, instead opting for a blasé approach to guarantee that no bouquet will land in my closed fists. However, there was one traumatic occasion when this strategy failed. With my eyes wide in shock and mouth agape, I was so caught off guard that the beautiful bouquet dropped from my clutches and onto the floor. I stood there frozen in disbelief while a small scuffled ensued around me. A seven year old victor finally emerged from the crowd of single ladies and she proudly held up the flowers above her head while smiling from ear to ear.

I’ve already attended a few weddings so far and with a couple more still to go before summer is over, what should I wear? I’ve got 27 dresses in my closet, but it’s hard to choose one. A floral frock or a powder blue 70s’ gown? My head was spinning with so many choices. Luckily, every cloud has a silver lining, and this was a golden opportunity to cool it down with head to toe silver for a recent summertime wedding.

With diamonds and crystal beads on my wrist and roses at my feet, this silver sheath dress, once long forgotten in my closet, was brought back to life. I got excessive with all my rhinestone brooches that rarely see the light of day. The result: a blinged out right shoulder that was so heavy it caused my dress to droop. I love me a good cardigan with all my vintage frocks, and this one with a lace inset and tiny diamonds embedded throughout is perfect for my 1950s inspired silver look.

silver dress (similar dress) / vintage cardigan (similar cardigan) / Nina rose heels (similar heels) / various rhinestone brooches (similar brooch & brooch) / crystal bead bracelet (similar bracelet)

Who says silver comes second? Once wedding season is over, I think I’m going to incorporate silver into my everyday wear. Whether its a whole lotta silver, or just a sliver of silver, checkout my gold medal first place worthy looks here.

Silver Look 1

Silver Look 2

Silver Look 3

Wanderlust

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Victoria

I want to get away. I want to fly away.

When I was 22, I was bit by the travel bug and was diagnosed with a chronic case of wanderlust, curable only with frequent vacations in international doses.

I am far from being a jet setter, but I am no stranger when it comes to traveling to far away lands. I love to sightsee, experience culture shock, and devour culinary delights. Immersing myself in a foreign place only makes me thirst for more novel environments. Although life’s daily demands and financial obligations make it hard to travel more often, I try my best to make time for it to keep my wanderlust at bay.

While I’m currently saving up my PTO and plotting my next getaway, I like to play dress up as a tourist – but in the chicest way possible. This thrifted blouse was a tourist trap, quite figuratively. I picked it up at a clothing swap I attended long ago. Normally I would not pay good money for a shirt like this, but since it was free, I had nothing to lose.

To prevent the full-on tourist look, I avoided khaki colored bottoms of any sort. Since the shirt is a bit boxy, I opted for a pair of mid rise skinny jeans to tuck in the excess fabric and show off a more shapely silhouette. My summer tourist shoes of choice are my trusty pair of espadrilles – the small wedge is just high enough to give me some height and I can still walk miles in them. A headscarf is a must, in order to keep that unruly travel hair under control. Now that I’ve got the outfit down, all I need is to book a ticket to a beachy travel destination. Any suggestions?

thrifted blouse (similar blouse) / Urban Outfitters jeans (similar jeans) / Unisa espadrilles (similar espadrilles) / Fossil sunglasses (similar sunglasses)

What kind of traveller are you? Do you like to get lost in a big city or be one with nature?Do you prefer a planned daily itinerary or do you just wing it? Are you a rest and relax type of person, or an on the go sightseer? No matter what type of traveller you are, make sure you look stylish doing so. After all, don’t you want to look stunning in all your travel photos? Whether you’re headed to the beach, a metropolis, or an outdoor glamping adventure, checkout my wanderlust lookbook for ideas on what to wear on your next trip.

Life’s a Beach

Goin’ Sightseein’

A Glamping We Will Go

I Wanna Americana

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Victoria

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

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Victoria

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

Chambray for Days

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Victoria

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

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Victoria

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!

Black and White

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Victoria

“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

Mom Jeanetics

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Victoria

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)

M.I.L.F

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Victoria

I’m talking about Mothers In Lovely Fashion of course.

Oh, to be a celebrity mom, or rather, to be a celebrity kid! Whether it is designer outfits for toddlers who can barely utter Louis Vuitton, trendy Mohawk hairstyles on a five year old, or unconventional names like Apple, you’ve got to hand it to these hot mommas. Not only are their kids impeccably dressed, but they also make motherhood look glamorous in stilettos.

When I look back at old photos of my mom, I realize that she too, was once very fashionable – even sporting a very stylish short perm in her prime. In recent years however, she has opted more for comfort and practicality with regard to her outfit choices and appearance. This has made it harder to figure out what to give her on special occasions like Mother’s Day. Like many selfless mothers out there, she actually prefers not to receive any gifts. Beyond everything, all mommy dearest wants is just to spend time with her children, which is priceless and cannot be replaced with material things. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting her a little something special.

Whether you spend a couple of dollars or a few hundred, no matter a big fancy gift or a small token of love, you can be sure it will put a smile on her face because it came from you. Need some gift giving ideas? Here are my picks for Mother’s Day for all budgets.

Besides a hug and a kiss, how will you celebrate Mother’s Day?