USO and the Chicago

Military styling: this trend deserves attention - pun intended.  I found this army green micro-suede dress at a thrift store a couple of weeks ago and it had to get it's moment of glory here on Fauxshionable.  It's shape is slightly retro, and I played into that.  It could also be worn in a more modern way if I lost the cape and the little hat I made.  I feel like I'm honoring our troops when I wear military inspired clothes, and that makes me happy. (click on photos for a larger view)

 

 

My photographer was none other than Krystle from Fly Vintage!  (you all probably think we're dating or something. Really we just use each other for fashion.)  She did a most excellent job, yes?

 

 

One thing I vow to start doing is to site the location of shoots, and give you a little background on them.  You're looking at the Chicago River and a bridge which crosses over it and into the Ravenswood Manor neighborhood.  The Manor is a tiny hood on the Northwest side of Chicago, located here, which boasts a variety of historic single family homes along the riverfront. 

 

It is unique to find such large homes on over sized lots within city limits, and one feels like they might have taken a wrong turn and ended up in the burbs.  Recently, all of Ravenswood Manor was named on the National Register of Historic Places!   

 

 

Back to the clothes - the military trend is easily workable into any wardrobe.  The green color of my dress is an easy neutral to pair with khaki, black, navy, brown - or most any color!  Look for details like epaulets, brass buttons, and anything else that screams TEN-HUT! Be sure to pair your military piece with something feminine to offset the hard look.  For this look for men, check out my friend Adam in one of my older posts.

 

Outfit:  Dress: labeless, thrifted ($2.50), Fur Cape: Feuer Fur Co., also thrifted ($12), Tassel: swiped from some old window treatments my mom was getting rid of (free!), Shoes: Cynthia Vincent on amazon.com ($53 SALE!!), Hat: homemade from a page in V Magazine (mag cost $6.50).  Total cost: $74.00

 

 

Styling, Production, Modeling, Hair & Makeup by Fauxshionable

Photography by Krystle Ansari - Fly Vintage

Dump the Frump - A Collabo with The (Inner) Peace Project

I recently collaborated with Ashley of The (Inner) Peace Project to help compile a list of spring essentials for 2010. (Remember her from my Hot Mama post?) We focused on stylish and comfortable basics that will work well with her busy life of being a mom. Who doesn't love comfort and style? Check out our list and get inspired! 

Read it here!

Inspired Fashion - Part 1

One of my favorite parts of getting to know someone is learning what makes them tick. Why are they inspired to pursue a certain passion in life? What brought them to where they are today?

In this two part post, I'd like to show you two women who have given me my passion for clothing and style. It just so happens that I'm related to them! 

Meet my grandmother, Jeanne Rose Bell, or Grandma Jeanne to me. We spent hours playing with dolls and antique toys in my mom's old bedroom that served as a magical play place for me growing up. We always shared a special bond. She was a beautiful, caring soul and her classic taste still inspires me every day. 

Love this blouse!

Bathing beauty

This could easily pass as a photo of a movie star.

Grandpa and Grandma - she knit that sweater!

That little gal is my mom :) 

Part 2 coming soon....xoxo 

The Enemy of my Enemy is my Enemy

A very Dick Tracy -esque post from my favorite vintage blog.  Fly Vintage features an amazing vintage Christian Dior suit she found at a thrift store in this kitchy, retro photography feature. Oh, and I'm in it too. Thanks for letting me wear that little slice of heaven! 

Check it out! 

Variety is the Spice of Life

1 skirt, 3 ways

Making the most of your clothing is easy with a little creativity. See how many ways you can wear one of your favorite pieces by experimenting with different shoes, color palates, and accessories. It's just one more way you can save money and appreciate the wardrobe you've got.

Outfits: Skirt: 100% leather from a thrift store, Tights: Simply Vera (black), Express (red), Socks: Target, Shoes: Zigi Soho (booties), Nine West (yellow sandals, red pumps), Watch: Fossil, Belt: thrifted, Necklace (worn as a belt): 2 Sisters boutique, Scarf: H&M

Let's Go Crazy

Do I look different to you? Perhaps a little nuts?

I would like everyone to fully commit to unleashing their inner crazy this week. Not a dangerous crazy, of course. I'm talking about things you really want to do, deep down inside, that might come off as a touch...odd. 

How many times have you admired an amazing clothing item but thought you couldn't pull it off without looking loony? Have you ever wanted to wear outrageous long fake eyelashes? Maybe a giant faux hawk do? Whatever it is that's lurking within, let it out and own it!

Taking risks in fashion is the only way to progress your style. Might I suggest if you want to try out a new trend that you purchase it on the cheap, just in case? Thrift stores and Forever 21 provide a slew of zany pieces to try for very little dough.

 

So for this weekend and many weekends to come, rock your crazy inner fashion beast, loud and proud!

Outfit: Skirt: 1/2 of my senior prom dress, top: BCBG, Belt: garage sale find, Gloves: gift from Fly Vintage, Cuff: vintage, Necklace (without gun): Forever 21, Boots: Brian Atwood 

Hang Ups

I got some wonderful new hangers. They're similar to Huggable Hangers only without the label. I normally don't support knock offs, but come on guys - it's a hanger.

I got them at Costco for only $14.99 for a box of 50, as opposed to name brand which sell at a lesser quantity for $29.99.

So now my closet (or 1/3 of it, as pictured here) looks quite posh......

But what do I do with all of these?!?!