I’ll take it though.

I decided to welcome the heat in a black dress (this makes sense, right?).  There is a method to my madness though; my office heats up like a greenhouse during the day, so I need to be able to take off my sweater/blazer and still be presentable, and this dress has a nice high neck, modest straps/armholes, and STILL manages t be both comfortable and flattering.  So it’s perfect.  The only problem is that it can be a little bit short – so I’d only recommend this one for work if you’re my height (5’4) or shorter.  Otherwise, you’d need leggings or opaque tights to make this one okay.

I bought this off modcloth almost a year ago and I have zero regrets – it’s super comfy, practical, and the black can be styled quite a few ways.  It comes in quite a few cute colours too.  You’ll be seeing this one again, but probably not that many times during the summer.  :)

I skipped the jewellery today because this neckline (embellished cowl-neck) really doesn’t lend itself well to jewellery, and I also thought that between the black/silver buttons, and the studs on the blazer, I was blinged out enough.  Sometimes less is more.

Dress – modcloth (Size L, same), Blazer – RW&Co (Size 4, similar), Shoes – Cynthia Rowley (Size 8, similar)

Crop tops + high waisted shorts

Stripes + Cut-out backs

Crochet + Round sunglasses

Maxi Dresses

Tie Dye

Peplum

Graphics

(1: American Apparel; 2: Urban Outfitters; 3: Nasty Gal; 4: Forever 21; 5: Urban Outfitters; 6: Modcloth; 7: Wildfox Couture)

Y’all have a great rest of the week and a wonderful weekend!

-C

Its spring y’all! I love dresses so incredibly much and they can be just so easy rather than finding a top, pants or cardigans. Throw it on and you are ready to go! I found this perfect little spring dress on Modcloth (of course – they are the best place for any kind of dress) and it happens to be the PH Awareness color. The lace on top definitely sets the vintage vibe and with all this detail on the neck we wont have any need for a necklace. Also, with the cut of the dress we are already getting a super professional look.

Can be found on modcloth.com

Shoes? Well for a professional or maybe even an evening look heels are a must. Seriously, are y’all shocked right now? Anyways. These Jessica Simpsons are perfect because they are keeping the “lightness” or spring quality about the look. And hello, with big ‘ol platforms like these your feet are likely to hurt less and you will look skinny. If you want to switch to a casual or I’m running around town all day look, then throw on some white or silver strappy sandals.

Can be found on jessicasimpson.com

Jewelry is going to be tricky. As stated before, we don’t need a necklace with all the lace detail already on our neck. So we can go all out when it comes to earrings (which I love to do). Lets throw on big silver chandelier earrings and call it good! When it comes to bracelets or watches, layer up with some dainty and elegant white or silver bracelets. This white Fossil watch definitely completes the professional look.

Earrings by NATASHA found at Dillards

Fossil Watch found at Dillards

And of course we need a fabulous bag! Whenever I’m looking for one I always look for a Betsey first! I just love her. I found this little girly beauty on her website. Yes, it has gold but it wont be too much to ruin the outfit. The big bow adds to the girly look and there just isn’t much more to say about this amazing lady and her style.

Betsey Johnson Purse can be found on betseyjohnson.com

I hope y’all enjoyed this very belated Fashion Friday! PLEASE promote this rare disease over the weekend. So many lives are lost each year to this invisible disease and it’s time that people start seeing it for what it is! MAKE PULMONARY HYPERTENSION VISIBLE!!

-haley.

Follow Haley on Instagram  haleyann92

Hype this on lookbook!

I may have went a little close-up crazy for this look, but I had to show you the flower print on my shorts! It’s so cute, I’ll definitely be wearing them all summer. I do realize that the first two photos are not in focus, but I tried! I just need more practice.

So I’m working again today, which means I may not be able to photograph an outfit, but who knows! It’s alright, I have two that I still need to post anyways.

Nothing else is really new…I bought a really cute pair of flats yesterday, so I will definitely be wearing them in a future look. But for now, off to make some money!

Sweater, Shorts – Forever 21  •  Scarf – ModCloth  •  Shoes – Converse

To Celebrate Arabian Nights: Disney’s Reigning Beauty Collection: Jasmine – $23 – $66 @ SephoraI am WOEFULLY behind the times in reporting on this line for you, but I can tell you that when I first got word that Jasmine would be the next Disney Princess to get the ‘Reigning Beauty’ treatment in partnership with Sephora, I definitely squealed. For one, I was in a production of Aladdin as a kid (my sis was Jasmine) and I’ve got a soft spot for this oft-overlooked princess. For another, I was psyched to see what Jasmine-specific goodies Sephora would come out with, and they did not disappoint. The 3 Wishes Eyeliner set ($50) is a particular standout as it gives you three options to charcoal on your own dramatic liner – in gel, chunky pencil, or smooth-gliding liquid liner form. Also special is the A Whole New World Perfumed Body Shimmer ($54), which gives your skin a sparkling glow to rival the desert sands at sunset, along with an exotic citrus & flower scent.

To Turn Japanese: Kimono-Style Robes – $65 – $142 @ Pretty Plum Sugar
Technically speaking the minds behind these pretty Japanese-inspired robes have branded them as “Bridesmaid” robes for that morning-of prep (and many mornings to come), but realistically any gal would love to wrap herself in one of these Cotton Voile or Habutai Silk dressing gowns. Available in array of classic vintage-inspired prints, these robes would make an angelic choice for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or yes, wedding parties. Want to turn up the snuggle factor? Be sure to check out the matching lounge pants, tanks, nightgowns, and accessories.

To Avoid Being a Bull in a China Shop: Five-Sense Yun Aroma Diffuser – $293 @ The Harmonious MindThe clean lines of the aromatherapy diffuser pictured above certainly echo what we’d expect from Eastern design, this all-in-one relaxation station is designed to help you achieve some inner zen as well. Not only does this nifty device gently diffuse the essential oil aroma of your choice, it also helps purify the air around it. Unwind to the built-in spa music or hook it up to your MP3 player or SmartPhone, plus mediate to a light show for a total body experience. It may be a splurge, but it makes a perfect choice for a Master Bathroom after a long, hard day.

To Kick Up The Kremlin Factor: World-Wind Tour Skirt – $57.99 @ ModClothPeople always forget Russia is indeed part of Asia. Add a pop of colour and a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe with this Kremlin-inspired skirt. Featuring an array of onion dome buildings, this cheery skirt is perfect for springtime paired with a crisp white tee or a sheer lemon-coloured blouse. The knee-length is flattering on just about everyone, and the subtle pocket is handy for those sunny day walks when you want to feel almost completely unencumbered, but still have some essentials on-hand. Makes a lovely birthday gift for your sister or wife.

To Channel Beauty By Way of Bollywood: Ganesha’s Garden Solid Perfumes – $13.99 eachFirst things first. These are solid perfumes housed in pretty soapstone boxes. Now let’s dig deeper. Those solid perfumes? They’re actually made from (mostly organic) essential oils, and earn the Canadian Gift Guide’s stamp of approval for being an all-natural green beauty alternative to typical alcohol-based perfumes. Secondly, those stone containers are actually hand-carved by Ganesha’s Garden fair trade partner Pushpanjali, in Agra, India – making each one a one-of-a-kind piece of micro art that supports the welfare and education of women in India. Finally, each little scent minimizes its ecological footprint: when you’re done with a perfume, hang onto the box and use it as a little trinket keeper. I love these as party favours for stagettes or small weddings, or even just something to keep on hand for hostess gifts.

I’m very excited to be introducing you to Ganesha’s Garden, and hope you’ll consider ‘em for future gift-giving. Want to try their scents for yourself? We’re giving away TWO perfumes each to TWELVE people, which means the odds are very much in your favour, IF you read below:

1) Leave a comment by May 21st with the TWO scents you’d most like to try from Ganesha’s Garden AND your favourite not-so-far-east gift pick featured in this post.

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around May 22nd to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Pin any of the five items in this post and leave a link back to your pins to earn up to FIVE bonus entries (1 per pin).

The high-waisted bottom gives all body types a nice curvy yet, slimming shape. This style is perfect for ladies who love wearing two-piece swimsuits but, want more coverage around their midsection.

Here are a variety of places to get a high-waisted bikini that suits you! (no pun intended):

Urban Outfitters has a great selection of high-waisted suits with great patterns such as: floral, tribal, or mixed print:

Modcloth.com specializes in vintage wear and their swimsuits definitely live up to this trend. Here are some of their swimwear looks:

For more basic high-waisted styles you can always count on American Apparel to deliver the modern and clean swimwear looks. Check out some of their high-waisted collection.

So, ladies will you be sporting the high-waisted look this season? Let us know in the poll below! As always, stay lovely.

Peplum Dress

A beautiful coral peplum dress with cutouts from Lulus.com
Photo courtesy of Lulus.com

This is more of a dress-y kind of dress, but it’s still super cute. I love the ruffle, it ads a hint of sass to an otherwise conservative outfit.  Hercampus.com highlights the fact that the peplum minimizes the waist by accentuating the hips. Always a plus!

Lace Dress

Gossamer Vacation dress from ModCloth.com
Photo Courtesy of ModCloth.com

From shoes, to shirts, to even pants lace is having a definite moment. So it’s no surprise that a lace dress is one of my favorites! There is just something so crisp and classic about a white lace dress. ModCloth.com dedicates an entire section of their website to lace dresses. So convenient!

High-Low Dresses

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.com

So this next dress isn’t entirely a new trend. I was obsessed with high-lows last spring and summer too. They are just so adorable and wearable. plus, since I’m short, I love the fact that they give me a little bit of length and make me look taller. This spring though, the trend has caught on and high-lows are available in a multitude of styles. Seventeen.com gives a great tutorial on how to wear the high-low trend if you’re unsure!

Maxi Dresses

I love the color and style of this one. Maybe I’ll try it this summer. Dress from Forever21.
Photo courtesy of Forever21.com

Maxi dresses are one thing that I haven’t had the guts to try yet. I feel like I have such stumpy legs that I’d drown in it! I love the style though and hope to try it this summer. Forever21 has great maxi dresses at affordable prices, so if you can’t pull it off at least you didn’t spend a fortune!

]]> http://leprocrastinista.com/2013/05/02/may-favorites/ Thu, 02 May 2013 21:20:22 +0000 Le Procrastinista http://leprocrastinista.com/2013/05/02/may-favorites/ Happy May!

1. Golden Chevron DOF Glasses

2. Just a Jubilee Top – ModCloth

3. “Marc by Marc Jacobs Neoprene Drew Blossom 13″” Zip Case”

4. Splendid Congo Flat Sandals

5. Lodis Accessories – Audrey Continental Wallet

6. Hunter – Original High Gloss (Smoke)

It is finally that time of the year when we are supposed to be seeing lovely weather, blossoms on trees, birds chirping, etc, etc. But instead, my state decided to take a massive white dump on our land. May 2nd, it is, and it feels and looks like it’s February 2. So all you Californians flaunting your sandals and short skirts, I beg you to stop it. Some of us are jealous.

Anyway, these are the things that we are supposed to be wearing right now – not parkas. I’m a bitter if you can’t tell.

In spite of the weather Colorado has been facing, happy Thursday, and celebrate it wisely

This cat print bandeau and bottom set from Topshop caught my eye immediately. It’s fun, playful, and adorable! You’ll be the talk of the town with this one.

These retro one-piece suits from Modcloth are great for anyone looking for something different. You’ll be photo ready at the beach with these!

In my mind Modcloth is the perfect place to fins suits, so check out their two-piece section for awesome choices like these! Aptly named “Too Cool for Pool,” this two-piece complete with polka dots and ruffles will make you stand out in any crowd and the light pink high-waisted floral suit is still fun without getting too crazy.

Written by: Morgan Dudkewitz

Photo Sources:

http://mediaus.topshop.com/wcsstore/TopShopUS/images/catalog/03P39DPNK_large.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/313oefk.png

http://i44.tinypic.com/3484wt2.png

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http://i42.tinypic.com/15eg2h2.png

The “Must-Have I Can’t Have” are pieces of clothing that I really want to buy, but I cannot. Inability to purchase these items may be because of  budget restrictions, no shipping to the USA, not working with my body type, etc. Every week, I’ll post one clothing item I would love to add to my wardrobe but cannot buy at this moment. This is a way for me to highlight articles of clothing that I love but do not fit into other blog  features.

Modcloth’s Home Sweet Helm Skirt
$74.99

This week’s ‘Must Have I Can’t Have’ is an amazing skirt by Modcloth.  The piece of clothing originally caught my eye when I was searching the site for a new skirt. I am a big fan of vintage clothing and Modcloth. A friend introduced the site to me a couple years ago, but, because of the prices and lack of faith in their measurements, I have yet to make a purchase from it.

This skirt is a very tempting choice to be my first Modcloth purchase. When I set my eyes on the ‘Home Sweet Helm’ skirt, I fell in love with it. The simple colors but playful design match my style aesthetic.  Due to this fact, the skirt works with almost every shirt I own.  My qualms with the skirt is that it looks a little too heavy for summer. The design is perfect for a summer day, but there is too much material for really hot days. However, if the price range was better, I could look pass the bulky fabric.  $74.99 is a lot for just a skirt. I fully understand why Modcloth’s clothing is so pricey but I just can’t afford to buy this skirt on a whim.  But, I remain hopeful this skirt will be mine when it goes on sale. If you can purchase the skirt, why not? It would be great for a day sailing.

A short while after I won, people would excitedly ask me what I spent my money on and I kind of wish I would have lied instead of replying honestly with “groceries.”  C’mon, man, don’t give me that look! Organic shit is expensive! Are you shitting me? I don’t have money to blow on FUN shit (except modcloth dresses).  But the time has passed, and if I could go back, I would tell people I spent it on a male prostitute, or moon boots. Something daring.

To be honest with you, after I won I was expecting a little bit more fanfare..  The whole month of the competition I placated my starving self by writing my interview responses in my head.  I would sit there and giggle at what I might say and how awesomely funny I’d be. And the interview would be posted on our company website for all to see and then EVERYONE would know that I am amazingly hilarious and they would hoist me up on their shoulders and parade around with streamers and balloons. But very much unlike the season finale of the Biggest Loser, the secretary just dropped off the gift card at my desk and said “here you go.”  And that was about it.   Stupid TV.  Raising my expectations.   But OH well, who am I to complain? I have $350 on a shiny silver giftcard and that’s at least worth about 4 grocery trips!

Now that the competition is over, I feel kind of lost in regards to what to write about. I’ve never had a recurring theme before, and have usually written blogs in the style of a standup comedian, which I detest (to clarify I do not hate stand up comedy, I just hate writing in such a style). I don’t know any other way, man.  It was nice to have a reason to write, for a while, and not having a theme makes me less apt to write, but Troy says he loves to read any of my shit, so here we go again.  Random paragraphs about things that run through my brain, or whatever stupid thing that happened to me on whichever day.

Today I was at a benefits meeting at work; they had a drawing for gift cards if you attended the meeting (I know sweet, right?) and I was in a running with 3 other people (there was free breakfast and a gc drawing and only 4 people attended? What the crap is wrong with people?).  Unfortunately I lost, but the winner got to pick out whichever gc they wanted. The meeting lady read off the list of giftcards,  “movies, itunes, visa and starbucks.”  Everyone whispered “ooooh, starbuckssssss”  and the winner immediately grabbed for the card.  For some reason I was shocked. Is starbucks still a “thing?”  Over MOVIES??   I guess I am completely unaware that people are still loyal and crazy about starbucks.  I mean, even before I worked there I never thought it was the shit. The only reason I frequent mine (twice a month on Saturdays, IF that) is because the only other place for coffee around where I live is Anita’s Pleasures… and I’m fairly sure the non-english speaking employees are brewing decaf in all their urns just to spite all the crabby elderly who eat there.

I wonder what my alternate universe self is spending her gift card on…

So guys. I think I’m doin’ it.  I’m gonna do it. I’m following the route of every emo attention seeker and state that I’m deleting my facebook.  JK, im not deleting it, just going to not.. do it.. anymore.  Do you care to know why?

  Motherfuckin babies.

My facebook feed has gone from 0 to 7 babies born in the past 5 months and it’s all my feed consists of these days.   And they all look the same! They all look just like Dr. Evil.  No, not Mini Me.. Dr. Evil.  I just cant stand it anymore, so I’m jumping off my hypothetical FB wall.  I mean, I’m not sure you would have even noticed, but I need to state it somewhere public to hold myself accountable. Not only is the baby thing fucking annoying (the only reason I feel comfortable admitting this is because all those people just had babies and if they ARE reading this WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOU JUST HAD A BABY), but I’ve had this stupid gnawing voice in the recesses of my brain telling me that  I stare at screens way too much. I stare at a screen 8 hrs at work, come home and stare at an imgur screen till Troy gets home, then watch the tv screen until it’s Ava Lights Out time.

And I’ve been trying to tell that stupid voice to shut up, that I’m happy with the way my life is… but then I look down at my flabby fat gut and sigh out “ughhhsshhhit”  and know that the voice is right.  I know I need to get up off my ass and do something out doors.

But back to the baby issue. I get it it. I understand that you love your offspring and desperately want to show them off. I get the pride that comes with posting pictures of your wrinkly raisin staring blankly at the camera (blankly staring because it does not yet have the brain cells to process memory or know what’s actually happening). I feel the same way about my cat. And I’d be quitting the FB if everyone just up and started posting pictures of their cats… just.. sitting there..   I mean, at least I take pictures of Cuey doing some pretty funny things.  But cats just SITTING there? Doing nothing? Nothing special at all? Well fuck that. I’m out. And I even LIKE cats. I don’t necessarily care for babies… they don’t do anything useful or interesting.  If a baby could understand me, I’d tell it, “Until you’re past your ugly phase (from 0-4 and 6 -16) or old enough to give me a back massage, I want nothing to do with you.”

And I know I could just hide all of these people’s posts, but between that and all the other people I’ve made hidden, I would seriously have almost no feed at all.  It’s gone too far. I’ve blocked people who share too much political shit, scam shit, and shit you’d only expect from a 14 year old girl but is actually from someone in their later years. I don’t even remember who ive blocked and now just assume they are all silent FB lurkers.

SO, there goes my declaration. Much like everyone who swears to delete their FB, I’m sure I’ll be back. In a day or so.  (dont worry, I’ll still post my blogs there. How else will I get ratings?)

Here’s a picture that Troy was trying to take of me but, as usual, Kiah gone done fucked it up.

What a little shit. Pun PUN pun

I can almost feel the sun on my skin. Almost.

How about these pretties for…

…prancing into your windowless office in just about the prettiest creamy-yellow blouse I’ve ever seen? 

(Modcloth, natch.)

…a grab and go mini satchel for spring’s last-minute adventures? 

(Ralph Lauren at Macy’s.)

…still looking lovely when you lazily throw your hair into a knot and run out for drinks? 

(I am in love with these.  BHLDN.)

…smashing the hell out of your Dietbet competitors? (More on this soon, but I totally recommend checking it out in the meantime.)

(Nike Free Run at Amazon. That color alone ought to put a spring in your step.)

…inevitably celebrating your Dietbet win and incredible flexitarianism, by making protein-packed, sugar-, gluten-, and diary-free baked goodies (or, you know…this or this or this)?

(WHALE measuring cups.  I die.  Anthro.)

…that early June garden wedding?

(Also Anthro. I’m obsessed with the print, just not totally sold on the length…thoughts?)

…wow, the sweetest, cheeriest bikini ever?

(Madewell.)

...and last but certainly not least, for nautically storing your many leather-bound books?

(Incredible. Modcloth.)

XX

P.S. Is anyone out there into Bloglovin?  I’m still navigating it myself, but you can now follow my blog with Bloglovin if you fancy.

Obsessed with Maxi Skirts for the Summer

Doll About Town Skirt: ModCloth

Peach Soft Petal Skirt: American Apparel

Field of Dots Skirt: LaLaMagic

Pleat Retreat Maxi Skirt: LuLu’s

Modcloth 50s-style dress

With thanks to PhotoShop, I now can wear this lovely 50′s style Dress in the World Wide Web

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/mid-century-fashion?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=midcentury-043013

I opened the image and came across the website Modcloth.com  This site had all the information that I needed to decide whether this dress was for me or not.  With LOTS of reviews from customers on the dress I learned that while it IS a stretchy fabric (made from 79% Rayon, 17% Nylon, 4% Spandex) It does have quite a bit of stretch to it.  I reviewed other customers measurements to see if I could find something similar to my 39-29.5-40 measurements and decided to go with the XL.

I debated for a few weeks going back on the website staring at the dress over and over, until I finally gave in and decided the Lady Love Song dress in Fern was the outfit for me to wear to the Gala.  I placed my order, and even though I was nervous with the sizing, I am happy that I decided on the XL.

My dress arrived about a week and a half later, I opened the box and the first thing that I noticed was the GORGEOUS colour! The colour online does not do this dress justice, it’s one that needs to be seen in person. The next thing that I noticed was that the dress WAS small, very small! I feared that the dress would not work on my body shape and was nervous as I tried the dress on.

The dress ended up fitting me almost 100% perfect!  With the 4% spandex the dress fits tight and shapes to your body.  It was VERY snug around my bust and showed off a little too much cleavage so I ended up safety pinning the top of the dress.

After the safety pin

without any shapewear or anything under.

The night of the Gala I definitely felt like I wanted to enhance my shape so I brought out my trusted Westward Bound deep waist cincher and my shapewear (with extra bottom padding) to keep smooth lines as this dress shows all with being so tight.

Excuse the no makeup ….    This was after the cincher and shapewear was on ( I didn’t take pics of my under garments)

The details were perfection!

The entire outfit

One more from the night of.

This dress has turned out to be my new favorite, even with the arms being slightly tight… although after a few hours they did loosen up as spandex can stretch a little.  I am thrilled with the colour, incredibly happy with the shape it gives me, and for a retail cost of 79.99 this dress was well worth the money!

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/lady-love-song-dress-in-fern

This dress works on most shapes, if you like wiggle dresses and are a fan of green this dress is for you! Again keep in mind the dress does fit small, my measurements are 39-29.5-40 and I went with the XL (when I would normally get a L).

Dress: Anthropologie. Leggings: Forever 21. Boots: ModCloth. Necklace: Vaute Couture.

I heart all things with um, a heart T: Vaute Couture. Pants: Anthropologie

Dress: Anthropologie.

Hi there darlings!

Reese Witherspoon may be under fire for some other reasons right now, but she was in a “Ring of Fire” when she won her Oscar for Walk the Line. Screenie just re-watched the film and couldn’t get over her stunning red dresses. Noticing a pattern here darlings? Fire… Red? June Carter’s fiery personality was embodied in those dresses. She goes from sweet corals and blushes to deep, rich reds as her involvement with Johnny progresses.

So today Screenie is going to show you just how you can get the June Carter look and perhaps a little of that feistiness will rub off on you, wouldn’t mind a little of her singing talent either, now would we loves?

June is wearing this darling number when she and John first meet. It’s a very sweet 50s number. To keep the coral party dress look updated and a little more sexy than saccharine, try this little Modcloth number. Loves, with that sheer neckline and demure cut, its the perfect combo of sweet and sassy!

Modcloth Frankly Scarlet Dress

Next up, June wears a more casual 50s sundress, perfect for post show activities, like chatting up Johnny in a diner

This was the best pic Screenie could find, but trust me, this Modcloth sundress is such a perfect replica!

Modcloth Swooner or Later Dress

Now as June gets deeply entwined with Johnny Cash and all of his demons, her wardrobe take on a darker, less sweet and perky look. Though, that doesn’t mean that her looks don’t continue to be swoon-worthy.

Here we’ve moved into the 60s. Her hair is a little higher, the dress a bit more streamlined.

You can get the same look with this little red dress, also from Modcloth.

Modcloth Blazing Beauty Dress

Now darlings you just need to pick up the autoharp and you’ll be the perfect little retro country songstress!

Kisses,

Screen Siren xx

I absolutely love how Modcloth is filled with not only beautiful things but the fact they use models of all shapes and sizes. This is making me very happy =) 

Cium X 

Now don’t get me wrong! I still love ModCloth, they have many great vintage-inspired pieces as well as true vintage. I think why I’m not crazy about the Mid-Century Fashion page is because I’m not a fan of 50′s fashion. There’s something about collars on dresses that puts me off.

However I found some pieces I DID like on the page:

Class in the Courtyard Shorts

Tied Together with Style Top

Foxtail & Fern Dress in Leaf

I hope I didn’t offend anyone with this post! I’m not saying that vintage fashion is wrong or bad, I’m just saying it’s not my style!

What do you think of mid-century fashion?

Definition of Gamification: Video by Kevin Werbach

Gamification has been applied in other ways.  For example, ModCloth, a online vintage clothing store applied gamification to inspire people to submit their clothing ideas to the company.  The submissions were to be reviewed by ModCloth, and the finalists designs were reviewed by the public.  The consumers visiting ModCloth’s website could vote on these articles of clothing to help decide which would be sold by ModCloth.  The consumers were rewarded for voting by receiving and email if the clothing they chose was picked to go to production.  ModCloth gained its recognition from being shared on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media websites; its own public relations campaign.

In a Forbes article by Brian Burke titled “The Gamification of Business,” he states that gamification has become a trend among businesses for reasons such as customer engagement, employee performance, training and education, innovation management, personal development, sustainability, health and wellness, etc.  Nike+ was one of the examples he used in the article as being a successful gamification initiative. Burke also goes on to describe that while gamification may be less successful in the short-run, but it is predicted that “by 2015, 40 percent of Global 1000 organizations will use gamification as the primary mechanism to transform business operations.”

If a business can leverage the idea of gamification to their benefit, it could turn into a huge public relations strategy.  For example, if a company implements such a strategy, consumers will do most of the public relations work for them.  It can be seen as a pseudo-event; an event where the company has developed the element of spontaneous for the mere exposure of the company to the public.   If the gamificaiton is successful through the engagement of consumers, a public relations professional can spin this initiative into positive public relations for the organization.

denim jacket: F21
dress: Modcloth
boots: Steve Madden (old)
bag: F21

These were taken on (obviously) the brightest and sunniest day we’ve had. So bright that the lace of my dress got totally blown out. Ooopsydoops. Anyway, seeing these makes me conjure up all types of thoughts about the 70′s…a decade I wish I could have witnessed for myself. Frolicking around under the sun, a free spirit. This denim jacket is perfect for such activities and it’s certainly becoming my go-to staple for Spring layering and will continue right into Summer for cool nights. A jean jacket is such a versatile piece and pretty much goes with anything! But the added detail with the panels of floral tapestry fabric? Couldn’t love it anymore. Umm, should I address my infatuation with Forever 21? It’s a weakness, people. But who can blame a girl for devouring really cheap, chic, fabulous clothing? Those who have never bought a single item there, and walked away that happy yellow bag, feeling great about how little money you just spent can cast the first stone. If it’s wrong, I don’t wanna be right.

So I read a post on Delightfully Tacky yesterday on how to take good photos with a self-timer and tripod (read it here!) and I decided that I would try some of her tricks out. The main problem that I was having before was that I could never get myself in focus. Her first tip is to use the manual and auto focus, and focus on something first that is where you want to stand, change it to manual focus (so it doesn’t change when you hit the shutter!) and then take the photo. It takes a bit more time, but it’s sooo worth it! Pretty much all of my photos were in focus. I am quite the happy camper!

This shirt is actually a dress, but I liked the gradient stripes paired with this fire-engine red skirt. I was inspired by Francoise Hardy, a french singer from the 60s. I love her simple style, and her hair is so effortlessly messy and cool!

So cool!

Striped Dress – Le Chateau  •  Red Skirt – Jacob  • Heels – Spring  •  Bracelets – Aldo  • Octopus Necklace – ModCloth

Modcloth

Esther Williams Bathing Beauty One Piece | Modcloth | $89.99

Modcloth is probably my favorite destination for vintage inspired clothing, and designs like this vintage inspired suit are the reason why. The  ruching through the midsection accentuates curves as well as disguises certain flaws making it flattering to a multitude of different shapes. I’m certain that the designer drew inspiration from pin-up shoots featuring Marilyn Monroe.

Unique Vintage

All Black Monroe Two Piece Swimsuit | Unique Vintage | $64.00

Unique Vintage has a wide range of both one and two piece retro swimsuits. This suit in particular reminds me of a tankini in the sense that it covers a good portion of the midsection…the only difference is that this one covers the part that matters. Whether we’d like to admit it or not a lot of us have an unwanted bloat, this two piece makes it unnoticeable.

ASOS

Baku Lace Bandeau Bikini Top With Sierra Floral Print | ASOS | $217.79

ASOS is known for carrying trendy clothing, not retro pieces. But I am glad to see that they do retro inspiration well. Aside from being retro this two piece features several other trends as well. Bold graphic detail and mirror image prints. The high cut bottom does the same justice to your lower belly as the previous suit, but looks a little more modern.

Would you rock retro this summer? Share your thoughts below!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3