Challenge Week - Pattern Mixing: April Showers

Outfit details:

Floral shirt: Target
Green slacks: Old Navy, remixed
Taupe jacket: Forever 21, remixed
Shoes: Dansko, remixed
Rainboots: Old Navy
Headband: ??

Where:
Breakfast out, job interview, afternoon in

So here's my shot at florals. Yikes. It feels soooo out of my comfort zone. I feel like I'm a happy person, with a bright personality, but I am NOT. A. FLORALS. PERSON. So this top = pain. But I was determined to rock it, because it's a pattern that I never wear and that was the whole point of this week's challenge. Plus, it matches so nicely with these green pants. Also, I feel like this jacket un-feminizes it just enough to keep it "me". And S. at Academichic totally inspired me, with her awesome outfit the other day. I hope I did half as well...

I didn't take pictures of the outfit that I wore for my job interview. I feel like it'd jinx it or something. I think it went well...keep your fingers crossed for me!

Also, I'm loving the pattern combo of the florals and polka-dots on the rainboots. I flippin' love these rainboots!

New Bolero Shades.

Gals,

We are so excited to be adding some new shades to our Victorian Inspired Bolero range, we managed to source this stunning silver shade above which has the most illuminating quality that just glows in the sunlight. Its great to know that these shades will open up the doors to more evening events with a little black dress or victorian blouse!

Available now in the shop here.

Current Colors; Ivory, Champagne, Black, Silver, Teal, Red. ( just enquire within.)

In Style....

Bonzie & Ger

Challenge Week - Pattern Mixing: Small Packages

Outfit details:
Brown/orange tie-dyed tank: shop in Albuquerque, remixed
Turquoise shirt: Target
Salmon skirt: Falabella (department store) in Chile
Socks: Target
Boots: Kmart, remixed
Belt: Steve Madden, bought at TJ Maxx

Where:
Target for new pots and pans, Marshall Fields/Macy's downtown

Okay, I swear there are patterns in there! I know you can barely tell from the picture, but I have a rocking three patterns in this outfit: the tie-dye from the tank, the woven leather on the belt, and the crazytown pattern on the socks!! See?? And this was HARD. I am mad struggling through this pattern challenge, but I'm determined to see it through. The problem, I've found, is that all of my regular pattern pieces are accessories or socks/belts/scarves, which is fine but hardly thinking outside the box.

Joe and I were talking today about the possibility of a Challenge Week when Joe picks out my outfits each day...how do others see our fashion sense? what might they think looks good that we normally don't go near? would I look like a crazy person each day? I think these are questions worth answering.

Challenge Week - Pattern Mixing: Copycat

Outfit details:
Gray/white striped button-down shirt: Merona from Target
Jeans: Target
Scarf (worn as belt): very old, originally my grandma's
Electric blue booties: Sigerson Morrison for Target
Anchor necklace: Etsy, remixed
Blue sweater bracelet: Old Navy, remixed
Ring: World Market, remixed

Where:
Work, downtown

So I know, I know. I am TOTALLY copying quite a few of my favorite bloggers' outfits with this one. Sincerest form and all, so I think it's okay. And no good copycat copies without citation, so: thank you A., S., Psyche, Sal, and Kimberly, for being constant sources of inspiration!!

These electric blue short boots (booties?? what a weird word for a shoe that's not a baby's slipper!) I found on sale (I don't remember exactly, but <$10!) at Target and FELL. IN. LOVE. Apparently, Kasmira felt the same (see how she styles them here). They're not the most comfy, but when you need a bright and intense splash of blue they do just the trick. I actually wore my trusty and comfy brown boots during the day when I was walking around downtown, but these were perfect for work stuff.

I feel like I'm getting a bit more daring with my patterns today. I started off with my new, AWESOME, anchor necklace from Etsy, and my nautical theme was in place! I actually really like the way the scarf's bright V-lines constrasted with, yet complimented, the shirt's neutral verticals. Even the detail on my ring has some lines to it! To be honest, I'm very proud of myself today.

Challenge Week - Pattern Mixing: Scarf Day

Outfit details:
Navy long-sleeve shirt: Old Navy, remixed
Purple scarf: market in Chile, remixed
Plaid slacks: thrifted
Navy pumps: Kmart, remixed
Earrings: gifted, originally from street vendor in NYC

Where:
Work

I have instituted a wardrobe challenge week for myself this week (see original post here). I rarely wear patterns, and when I do it is usually one strategically-placed piece in a sea of solids. So this week I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone with more interesting pattern combinations. Monday's outfit may not seem very daring or pattern-y to some, but pairing the plaid work slacks with the fringe-y patterned scarf was harder for me than I'd like to admit.

These earrings are a favorite of mine. My mom got them for me while on a business trip to New York City, apparently from a street vendor in Manhattan. I adore their design and color palette. Unfortunately, they're pretty heavy so I only wear them on special days. I thought that they did a good job of contributing to the overall feeling of mixed textures and patterns in this outfit.

So what's the verdict so far? Am I capturing the essence of pattern mixing, or am I still being too timid? I spent much of the evening pulling out every piece of clothing I have that has so much as a hint of a pattern, so we'll see how I do for the rest of the week!

Wol-vert-bean!

I'm curious about this movie. Not looking forward to it like I am the new Star Trek, but I'll definitely go see it.

And yes, those are x-acto blades.

Challenge Week: Pattern Mixing

I've been feeling a bit uninspired in my fashion choices lately, so I've decided to institute a wardrobe challenge for myself. Inspired by the Fashion 101 modules at Academichic, I'm taking them up on their suggestion to play around with pattern. So this week (Monday - Friday) I'll be doing my best to incorporate interesting patterns into my wardrobe each day. Stay tuned to see how I do...

Concert Day: Mmmm, M. Ward...

Outfit details:

Gray tank: thrifted, originally Old Navy
Yellow/gray/brown plaid tunic: Forever 21
Skinny jeans: Old Navy
Gray boots: Target
Anchor necklace: Scarlet Duchess Etsy shop!

Where:
Work, then M. Ward concert at the Vic Theater!!

As part of my birthday celebration, Joe and I got tickets to go see M. Ward play at the Vic Theater in Lakeview on Sunday. The Watson Twins were the opening act, who I saw a few years ago when they were playing with Jenny Lewis. They were amazing as a solo group! Their harmonies were beautiful and their cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" was haunting. And M. Ward, of course, played his ammmmaaazzing music...a lot from Post-War, but a bunch of new stuff too. I guess I have two new albums to buy on payday!!

Also, part of my birthday present to myself came in the mail the other day! I know the whole anchor thing is sooooo in right now, but I just totally fell in love with this necklace when I saw it on one of my Etsy-browsing afternoons. It reminds me a little of the one that Jessica sometimes wears on What I Wore, but not as dainty. Etsy is my new best friend. I can't wait to debut a couple of the other pieces I just got. LOVES!

I hadn't totally glammed up (and by "glammed up", I mean put on boots and thrown on some eyeshadow) while I was at work before the concert, so I snapped a picture of my outfit (I'm in a new office for a few weeks during construction, so I'm still playing with picture lighting and background):

Outfit details:
Brown tank: soooo old
Brown gladiator sandals: Old Navy

Exciting News.

Gals,

We have recently had a wave of fortune in the studio in the form of some new magazine shoots coming our way. There are 4 new publications on line to work with us in the near future and we are just stoked about this and really looking forward to sharing the pieces with you guys when they hit the shelves. Its funny how these things happen in waves.

In fact Ger and I were just conversing across the cutting table the other day about working on some marketing projects soon as we have been studio based for a good while now and its nice to shake it up a little now and again. Well, if she did........ literally within 12 hours of mouthing the word "marketing" we were approached by 4publications to work on some shoots soon.

I like to think that the "laws of attraction" are at play there and very much enjoy the message in the book " The Secret" , if you havn't read it yet its worth a read and a really nice way to look at things afterwards. It makes you look at your life through a different perspective.

Whilst we are on the subject of looking at things, I hope you guys enjoy the newest couture piece to hit the shop, Im loving the colors in this one and it reminded me so much of the Phantom of the Opera show on Broadway I just had to name it "Masquerade Corset"

In Style.......

Bonzie & Ger

www.bonzie.etsy.com

Forever In A Day

This weekend was my birthday, and my wonderful wonderful mom came to Chicago to visit and take us out on the town. I didn't get pictures everyday, but I'll post the ones I do have...and fill you all in on my birthday festivities!

Outfit details:
Red w/black pattern shirt: Urban Outfitters
Black & white scarf: Urban Outfitters
Bootcut jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Baker's

Where:
Art Institute, Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast, home to cook delicious dinner

My mom got in a couple of days before my birthday, so on Thursday we decided to "do up" the city. We walked a ton, but had a blast looking at great art, sipping delicious coffee, tasting scrumptious ice cream, and cooking a delightful dinner. (If you can't tell, my favorite moments are based around food.)

I also loved my outfit on Thursday...basically just a glorified jeans & t-shirt ensemble, but I felt comfortable, cute, and chic...a perfect outfit for a day in the city. Plus, the boots look just a little bit cowboy, so I felt like I was returning to my Wyoming roots.

Outfit details:
Blue tank: Target, very old
White cotton tunic: Sears
Denim miniskirt: Old Navy
Black/white/blue flats: gift, Madden Girl
Black/silver necklace: gift
Blue sweater bracelet: Old Navy
Silver ring: from Mom, originally from Crete, remixed
Blue sunglasses: Target

Where:
Outside!!!! Chicago in the sun in all its glory!

I got sooo lucky with the weather, and on Friday (my actual birthday) it was 85* and sunny...beautiful! We went to the beach, had a picnic, strolled through Old Town and sipped champagne on a patio. What luck! My favorite sushi restaurant downtown topped off the day.

My outfit on my birthday was just comfortable and casz. Perfect for a day in the sun.

New Arrivals!!

Gals,

We finally got a chance to get outdoors today for a time and take a few pictures of the newest pieces to hit the shop. Of course it was raining and dull but we managed to run in and out of the studio between black clouds to get a couple of much needed new snaps.

Heres the first piece in stock.....

"Blue Tapestry Spring Blazer."

Available now in the shop.

In Style

bonzie & ger

Yesterday's Flowers

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I'm putting some prints of "I Like to Have Coffee With My Breakfast" in my Etsy store. Each will be titled, numbered (edition of 50), and signed by me.

[edit- I screwed up the listing, but Etsy now knows that I have more than one print for sale!]

---------------------------------
And Iberg asked for a profile of Mr. Atlas Tee.

Clashing Colors Day

Outfit details:
Tan/black striped cowlneck shirt: Old Navy
Black pencil skirt: Old Navy
Brown tights: ??
Red flats: TJ Maxx
Necklace: World Market

Where:
Work

I love this black pencil skirt. I feel so cute when I wear it. The only problem is that the waist is a tad too tight, so for a long day at work it gets a smidge uncomfortable. But I like how I look in it, so I don't care. Maybe someday I'll splurge for a bigger size...

I'm still trying to try out new styles and trends that I wouldn't otherwise be comfortable wearing. This particular outfit embodies a color "don't" that I've always thought was curious. The whole don't wear black with brown rule of thumb always seemed like a rule that was made for some strange reason that no one remembers anymore. Plus, I have always seen brown as more of a color than a neutral, so I don't see the problem. And with the accents in red, I feel positively saucy.

One Last Rainy Day

Outfit details:
White button-down shirt: Target
Navy/multicolor sweater: Old Navy
Gray skinnies: Old Navy
Boots: DSW
Necklace: Baker's

Where:
Work, home

The girls at Academichic are challenging their readers (and themselves!) this week to wear outfits that make certain styles or cuts work for their body type. So I thought I'd jump on this bandwagon (it's what I do best) and give it a try. There's a part of me that has always loved officewear...button-down shirts, slacks, etc. The problem I usually find, however, is that my small chest and lack of a defined waist (plus a bit of muffinage here and there!) make button-down work shirts fit poorly. They always seem to hang awkwardly and hug all the wrong curves. If I ever do wear them, they are tucked loosely into a skirt or slacks, but that's questionable too. But I wanted to find a way to work this style. So I paired my button-down shirt with a cozy lambswool sweater and statement necklace on top, and then something I'm much more comfortable with on the bottom: skinnies tucked into my fave boots. I'm not blown away, but I did manage to feel work appropriate and chic at the same time, so I'm calling it a success.

In other news, the rain (hopefully!) seems to be about to stop! Just in time for a visit from my wonderful mom and my birthday on Friday!! Due to the excitement, posting might be delayed for a few days, but I'll do my best.

...come again some other Day!

Outfit details:
Pink long-sleeve shirt: Old Navy
Striped sweater-vest: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy, "The Diva" boot-cut
Peacock feather earrings: market in Chile
Slippers: Christmas present

Where:
Work, grocery shopping

STILL RAINING! My outfit yesterday was apparently a big ol' ad for Old Navy. I felt a little silly as I was putting each thing on and realized that none of the major pieces came from anywhere else. But ON is great...affordable, fashionable, and full of more timeless items, like this shirt and the jeans. I normally buy "The Flirt" cut of jeans because they cover up the infamous "muffinage", but I think that these look nice with sweaters, and I love the dark dye!

I did have these shoes on too, but since it's raining I was just feeling the slippers so they went on as soon as I got home from work. Home was full of wonderful things that more than made up for the rainy weather. Hot blackberry sage tea, reading Salman Rushdie while listening to Joanna Newsom, sitting in my comfiest chair and listening to the rain on the skylight was enough to make me smile through the rainy day. But I do hope it lets up soon...

My afternoon activity: reading good books!

Rain, rain, go away...

Outfit details:
Yellow t-shirt: Old Navy
University of Colorado sweatshirt: gift
Blue polka-dot mini: Old Navy
Yellow & blue polka-dot rainboots: Old Navy

Where:
Work, home to clean the apartment

This is my fave sweatshirt. In the past few years I have moved across the country 4 times, and in those moves I have downsized my possessions dramatically. One of the things to get the boot was my admittedly sizable collection of hooded sweatshirts. So when I got a package in the mail from my best friend and her husband with this sweatshirt inside, I was thrilled. She is at medical school in Denver at the University of Colorado, so it reminds me both of her and of the years that I spent living in that beautiful state. It's a happy sweatshirt.

When I headed off to work this morning the rain had started, but it wasn't too cold yet, so I thought that a mini skirt + rainboots would do just the trick to keep me dry but still dream of Spring. By the time I left work at 4, however, I was freezing!! Tomorrow will be more practical...