No Message Could've Been Any Clearer

Outfit details:
Striped dress: Ancient, originally Target
Teal shirt: Target, remixed
Belt: TJ Maxx, recently remixed
Shoes: Steve Madden, remixed
Bracelets: Old Navy, remixed other colors of same set

Where:
Work

Work is totally wearing me out. Yesterday was only Monday, and I already felt exhausted and ready for the weekend by the end of the day. I know the lighting and color on these pictures isn't great, but I'm limited with my photo ops. I have had this dress for what seems like forever, and it has been with me to every international trip I've been on for at least the past 5 years. Only recently have I started to wear it less. But yesterday I wanted to get a little more mileage out of it, so I layered this teal shirt over it to match the teal stripes in the dress. I love how the pattern of the dress peeks out at the sleeves and neckline, making it a bit more interesting.

Title song: Michael Jackson, "Man in the Mirror"

Clashing Colors

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We leave on our vacation Wednesday.
I hope to post some images from our trip on Friday or Saturday. Remember that we plan on being here Saturday, if you happen to be in London. A few people have mentioned that it will be rather busy that weekend, but I've been in my share of crowds, so I'll be there unless it's raining.

Also- Can't sleep? Hear my dulcet tones here, answering a some questions about wire, cavemen, and bananas. My part starts about 3/4 into it.

They Print My Message in the Saturday Sun

Outfit details:
Dress: Gift from my mom in my freshman year of college
Sandals: Clarks

Where:
Morning walk, breakfast, home to apply for jobs, coffeeshop

I was going for serious simplicity yesterday. One item of clothing was plenty. I almost added a belt to the dress, but belts are seriously problematic with a cast, so I nixed all accessories, buckled my beloved Clarks, and was set for the day.

I had a surprisingly (and refreshingly!) productive day. My creative juices were flowing, I was motivated to get things done that I've been putting off for ages, and I even had time to take off to my favorite coffeeshop in the afternoon. I'm in the midst of a couple of informal book clubs with family and friends, and I always have at least one book going on my own, so I always have plenty to read. I felt gloriously satisfied sitting in my comfy chair at the coffeeshop reading Three Cups of Tea and Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands. Easy like Sunday morning...

I also found a bug! How cool is that thing (and patriotic)!

Title song: Michael Jackson, "Black or White" (check out Macauley's video cameo!)

If this Town Is Just an Apple Then Let Me Take a Bite

Outfit details:
Blue/white rugby polo: Old Navy, remixed
Gray jersey scarf (worn as skirt): Old Navy
Tan braided leather belt: TJ Maxx, remixed
Gold ballet flats: Target, remixed

Where:
Taste of Chicago, going-away party at Huettenbar for a dear friend

Yesterday was a busy, crazy day! For most of the afternoon and evening I wore the outfit above, but I actually ended up changing a couple of times before that, so bear with me.

I wanted something casual and comfy while still interesting and maybe a bit sexy. Joe had been vying for days for me to wear this rugby-striped polo, but neither of us could think of anything to go with both the shirt and the heat, so it kept getting set back on the dresser to be saved for later. I wanted a neutral, light and comfy skirt to pair with, but sadly, none were to be found. In a welcome break from a few days of feeling uninspired, I realized that I have a gray jersey scarf that, if wrapped and belted properly, could easily double as a skirt! And voila!

In the first version of the scarf/skirt (scart? skirf?), I wrapped the scarf over my shirt and belted it, pairing the whole ensemble with my beloved Lela Rose for Payless wedges (outfit to the right). After none too long, however, I realized that 4" heels do not happy feet make, and I opted for my flats for our Taste of Chicago outing. After untucking the shirt as well and belting it on the outside, I think I actually like the more casual version better (though my legs looked great in those heels!). Which is your fave? Have any of you ventured into skirf territory? Once I stopped repeating to myself that I wasn't wearing any pants, I actually quite enjoyed it, and was happy to get some summer use out of my beloved scarf collection.

Taste of delicious!!

But before all this...

Outfit details:
Maroon tunic tank: Old Navy
Linen cuffed shorts: Forever 21
Floppy sun hat: Target
Rope sandals: Old Navy

Where:
Breakfast, farmer's market

It was Saturday, and it's officially Farmers' Market season, so I felt like putting on my best (only!) floppy hat and buying some veggies. We hit gold again this week with crisp fresh arugula, baby leaf lettuce, radishes, snap peas, bing cherries, and unbelieveable raspberries. The only mishap was that as I carried the raspberries home in our canvas bag, a few squirmed out of their box and left an unfortunate pink stain on my new shorts! Luckily, with a hearty dose of Arm and Hammer, the shorts are none the worse for wear.

I feel only mediocre about this outfit, but I decided that I cared much more about my tasty vegetables than my fashion sense. Sometimes, style must take a backseat to stands full of herbs, berries, honey, and kohlrabi. It was a lovely morning. Plus, on the way home, we saw this spinning in front of our local grocery store:

Sort of bizarre, no?

Title song: Michael Jackson, "Human Nature"

She's Just a Girl Who Claims that I Am the One

Outfit details:
White tank: American Eagle, remixed
Gray silk pleated skirt: Old Navy, remixed as a shirt
Black/silver peep-toe wedges: Naturalizer
Black/silver/turquoise scarf (worn as belt): Forever 21, remixed as scarf
Earrings: Gift from sister
Ring: Forever 21

Where:
Work, Art Institute, dinner date

The heat finally broke yesterday evening!! As much as I've been loving all the flirty dresses and summery ensembles that the 90-degree weather has demanded, I was seriously relieved when a cool breeze swept down the street last night. So now our apartment, which is not yet air conditioned, is finally at a reasonable temperature, and I can go back to being okay with the idea of summery layers, neckscarves, close-toed shoes, and pants. I'm telling you, I truly struggled through a week of work-appropriate and heat-reasonable outfits. What do you do when you're stuck for inspiration? Where do you look to get ideas for a summery work wardrobe? Any pointers are seriously welcome.

As you can see, I'm still rocking the high-waisted look with this outfit. I've finally found a way to wear this skirt (as a skirt) that doesn't make me cringe. I bought it in winter and had so far only paired it with tights and boots. While it looks truly adorable with high-heeled booties, it clings to tights like moths to a flame (sorry 'bout the mixed metaphor). So I'm thrilled to know that it looks great as a summer work skirt!

To cool off yesterday afternoon, Joe and I spent some time downtown...at the 'Tute and out for dinner. I'm telling you, nothing is as cool and refreshing as a (giant!) mug of beer:

I'm instituting a new kind of challenge week this week. It's really more of a tribute week, though, for the King of Pop. Since I don't have any leather jackets or sequined gloves with which I could emulate Wacko Jacko's unparallelled style, I will feature one of my fave Michael Jackson hits in the title each day. I think Bubbles would approve.

Title song: Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean"

You'll Know What Makes the World Turn

Outfit details:
Gray tank: Old Navy
Navy jersey skirt: Old Navy, remixed
Blue pumps: Kmart, remixed
Belt: TJ Maxx
Anchor necklace: Etsy, lengthened and remixed

Where:
Work

I love this outfit! I think I'm coming around on the whole tucking-in-shirts thing (I'm a slow learner, I know) but I really like it this way. It gives the illusion of a dress, but by using separates the "dress" becomes almost infinitely versatile. I had a very similar outfit recently with my brown jersey skirt, and I think this is quickly becoming one of my favorite summer looks!

Things are going well at work, but I'm so much busier than I was before. Planning and implementing goals and tasks for myself and two new employees is taking up lots of time. And I seem to be thinking about it even when I'm not physically at work anymore. Blerg. But after work yesterday I got to celebrate with a close friend who has recently completed her graduate coursework! Our lychee mojitos sure smoothed over the rough patches of the day.

I'm also dreaming up a few ideas for the Weardrobe contest this week, so stay tuned for my best picnic wears!

Title song: Depeche Mode, "Blue Dress"

RTE Website Feature!

Gals,

Some exciting news to share on the publicity front....

One of our pieces from a previous photoshoot with Zeba Hair Group on Dublin and Dublin Based Stylist, Roxanne Parker has been featured up on the National TV station, RTE Website! Gers hubbie came upon this little nugget by accident online scouring the fashion pages, ( as you do!) and he instantly recognised the picture.

The feature is an interview with the fabulously talented Hair Stylist, Stephen Kelly who we had the pleasure to work with on the photoshoot. Check out their website here to oogle after their artistic creations.

It brought a smile to our day today. :)

What Happened to Your Sweet Summertime Dress

Outfit details:
Dress: Old Navy, clearance
Shoes: Seychelles "Always a Lady", remixed
Necklace/earring set: gift from Joe

Where:
Work

I love this dress! And when I say it was on clearance, I mean it! There are little sashes that tie in the back, and one of the loops holding the sash in place was broken, so voila! $3.99!! Thank goodness for irrational markdowns.

It has been so hot in Chicago lately. Mid-nineties and humid as sin. So it's all sundresses and sandals from here on out, and I couldn't be happier...

Title song: Amos Lee, "Colors"

All Day Long They Work So Hard

Outfit details:
Blouse and skirt: Ann Klein suit, jacket remixed
Mary-jane pumps: Born
Bracelet: Market in Chile, originally a fork!

Where:
Work

Monday was a big day at work. We have two brand-new employees starting this week, and I am the direct supervisor to both of them, so I desperately wanted to make a good first impression. I don't know if this comes across on my blog, but I'm not naturally very managerial. I mean, I'm great at managing myself, but Idon't have a lot of practice being an authority figure. So I'm new as a "boss", and wanted to come across as professional but approachable. EXACTLY like this:

Now, since I don't have a captain's hat lying around, I figured that the best way to channel my inner-Michael Scott was with a suit. I didn't wear the matching jacket, since god is currently threatening to set the entire city of Chicago spontaneously ablaze, but I did wear the matching skirt and blouse. I adore the cut, color, and material of the blouse, and I'm excited to pair it with some other, more casual but still work-appropriate, pieces.

I'm still keeping accessories to an absolute minimum, since it takes me about ten years to unclasp a necklace, and Joe is doing enough already. But I felt like a necklace would have worked well with this outfit. What do you guys think? Are accessories really important to certain looks? Should I have busted out my black necklace for this one?

Title song: Sam Cooke, "Chain Gang"

Retirement

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I'm twenty minutes late posting this on a self-imposed deadline. Good news is, I'm late because of a phone call I just received regarding some good, good news for Bent Objects. Hopefully I'll be able to make an announcement soon.

New Handmade Bridal Bolero in Lace

Introducing..........

One of the latest additions to the "Bonzie" line of handmade couture bridal boleros, the "Marie Antoinette" Lace bolero.

This delicate ivory bolero encapsulates the femininity of an era gone by whilst capturing a modern day couture finish that will add a touch of chic to your special day.

Available now here.

To see more from our newest range visit our etsy store here.

In Style.......

bonzie & ger

Seems Like Old Times

Outfit details:
Tank: Target
Skirt: Old Navy, recently remixed
Sandals: Old Navy, recently remixed
Sunnies: Target, remixed

Where:
Work for a few hours, lunch and lounging in the park

Joe and I had a nice day today. We both had to work for a few hours, but had the afternoon off to hang out. So we met in the park, had a lovely picnic lunch from the local deli, and then read in the park for a few hours. It was hot, but lovely in the shade. We topped it off with a gigantic salad dinner and Annie Hall. At every new scene, Joe asked which outfit made Diane Keaton so famous. Gosh, what a movie. Made me seriously want a vest and waistcoat. And long, straight, thick 1970s hair.

This outfit has been my staple summer ensemble for years. Comfy denim miniskirt, loose lightweight tank, and flashy sandals. Oh, and a big 'ol plaster cast.

Fabulous Bridal Blog find!

Gals,

We were so excited to receive a wee email today from the talented folk over at the "Inventing Weddings" Blog. Bonnie wrote to us to let us know that one of our boleros had been recently featured in a post over there on Bridal Shabby Chic. I immediately went over for a visit and I am so glad to have found this particular blog. This is an absolutely fantastic resource for the style savvy bride who is hoping to inject a little bit of something special into their big day.

Bonnie takes a color scheme and theme and creates truly beautiful mood boards, like the one above, bringing together an array of handmade pieces, mostly from http://www.etsy.com/ and provides color palettes, fonts the whole shebang. Its a practical wedding planner at your fingertips, and one with bags of style, a veritable feast of ideas and online resources. I got lost scrolling through the various different wedding themes and I can only imagine what a great resource and inspiration this site would be for brides planning their own big day.

If your wondering where to begin in terms of your wedding theme why not pay the Bonnie a visit at http://www.inventingweddings.blogspot.com/. Your creative juices will be overflowing afterwards!

In Style....

bonzie & ger

Rococco Wraps in Stock.

Rococco Bridal Tulle Wraps ~ Adding an Ethereal touch to your special day. :)

Available here.

In Style

Bonzie & ger

Sidewalk Sundae Strawberry Surprise

Outfit details:
Tank: thrifted, originally Old Navy
Dress: thrifted, remixed
Skirt: American Eagle, remixed
Sandals: Old Navy, recently remixed
Hair flower: Forever 21
Sunglasses: Bakers

Where:
Work for a few hours, home, coffeeshop, dinner date

Yesterday was pretty great. I had an early-morning meeting at work that went really well, which was nice. Then Joe and I spent a while at home eating breakfast and tidying up, and then spent the heat of the day eating gelato at a coffeeshop near the apartment. Our apartment is on the third story and we have yet to invest in an AC unit (it feels less like a wise environmental decision the hotter it gets), so afternoons are now reserved to be spent in air-conditioned stores, coffeeshops, or restaurants. At the end of the day, Joe treated me to a lovely homemade dinner date of steak with fresh shitake mushrooms, fresh local asparagus with tomatoes, sweet potatoes and a rich Malbec. Delicious (and what a guy)!

I still love this dress, just as I did when I first bought it in March. It's obviously too hot now to pair it with leggings or tights and boots, but it's still to short for my modesty, so I just layered my ever-convenient tan skirt underneath it for length. I think next time I might try it belted...

Sunny Photoshoots!

Hey Gals,

Ger and I held a photoshoot yesterday to add some new stock to the shop. It was a sunny day here in Ireland but very windy, which led to some very intersting windswept shots!

Irish Model, Lucy Fitzgerald worked beautifully for the shoot and leant a really ethereal feel to the overall look with her captivating blue eyes which just sparkled out of each shot. Lucy also happens to be my cousin and a trained dancer too which was a real treat to work with in terms of posing and poise. We had a fun day which involved very glamorous slurry puddles and spritely pheasants frightening the life out of the 3 of us on the barn shots!

Check out the results of the shoot with some of the newest bridal boleros being added to the shop. ;)

In Style........

bonzie & ger