There's Not Enough Hours in the Day

Dress: BCBG, thrifted * Cardigan: UO * Tights: We Love Colors (charcoal) * Boots: Ciao Bella

I can't believe it's already Thursday. For the first time, maybe ever, I feel like the week is going by too quickly. I have so much that I still need to do, and the next few days at work are going to be just beyond busy. This is the time of year for me when I have a to-do list a mile long, but have no time in the day to actually sit down and start checking things off the list. I still know that I'd rather be super busy than super slow, but I still feel like I need to somehow discover that there are actually more than 24 hours in the day, or more than 7 days in a week. I seriously need some extra time.

So things might be a bit light, word-wise, over here for awhile. I'll still post regularly (I think there's something important about maintaining a normal routine even when things get really busy; it helps me keep my sanity and sense of order), but there will be (and have been, if you look back on the posts this week) more posts that only talk about the outfit, the weather, or what I had for dinner (last night: spinach pasta with lemon pepper brussels sprouts). I have a couple of cool posts in the works, but it will be at least a week before I have the stamina to get to them.

So, speaking of outfits, this one is fabulous, if I do say so myself. I went thrifting with my roommates awhile ago, and we found this BCBG dress among the racks. It's in perfect condition, and fits as though it was made specifically for my body. I love the deep navy color. I knew I'd have a busy day with lots to do when I wore this, so I just added comfortable layers and accessories to make it a bit more interesting without feeling too high-maintenance. I really like the result, though I might go with more matching neutrals next time (the charcoal tights, heather gray tank, and brown boots all next to the navy dress seem to clash a bit in my mind).

Title song: Gomez, "Whipping Piccadilly"

We'll Go Out and See It Sometime

Sweater: thrifted * Dress: thrifted by Emily * Boots: thrifted * Tights: We Love Colors (charcoal) * Glasses: Warby Parker * Ring: gift

It took me four wearings to actually get usable pictures of this outfit. I wore it a couple of weeks ago, to work and then dinner and drinks at Revolution Brewery. We got home pretty late, and I was too tired to care enough to pose it out, so I figured I'd just wear it again. So I wore it again last Friday, for work, driving, and dinner with Joe and his friends. Again, we didn't get home until late, and again I missed my window of natural light opportunity. On Saturday afternoon, I finally decided to just put it on for pictures, but every picture ended up making me cringe (Saturday was kind of one of those days, and I think despite my awesome leopard-print dress, I was definitely wearing my grumpy pants). Finally, I changed back into it on Saturday evening, and Joe and I took a short, and decidedly freezing, walk to the lake, where we finally got a few pictures I didn't hate. They're a tad fuzzy, and I'm fussing with my hair like there's no tomorrow, but I'm okay with that.

Honestly, I'm not usually that fickle about pictures. If I'm having a good day, and am in a good mood, I'll pretty much be happy with any picture I take, even if it's unflattering, unfocused, and poorly lit. But catch me on a bad day and I become blogzilla. I feel bad that I dragged Joe through the mud with this outfit, since he's always such a trooper with taking pictures, and I'm sure the last thing he wanted to do was go venture through the snow and try to get my camera to focus on this somewhat amorphous skirt. So thank you again, Joe, for putting up with my occasional bouts of crazy. I promise to not demand too many re-takes this weekend. 

On the upside, I love the outfit, which I think is why I was so determined to get good pictures of it. This periwinkle cashmere sweater is one of my favorite things in the world. It fits perfectly, seems to go with everything, and is delightfully cozy. And I knew I wanted an awesome debut for my first piece of leopard print. Emily thrifted this wrap dress a few weeks ago, and passed it along to me. It's a bit much as a dress, but I love how the boldness of the animal print is softened by the sweet cropped sweater. So I was finicky because I really wanted to do the outfit justice. How'd I do? Do any of you do re-takes of your outfits? (p.s. I promise I'm not as high maintenance with my photos as this post makes me sound. It was just a series of sartorially unfortunate events.)

Title song: Bob Dylan, "Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat" (this is an absolute favorite song for me!)

Will have a new image here soon!

I'm coming out of my doldrums.  

I'll be posting some images from the streets of Atlanta very soon!

Munster Express, Waterford.

Thank you to the folks at Munster Express Newspaper ( in particular Ann Power!) for doing a wonderful fashion feature on Bonzie this week.

Mayor Mary Roche and Yvonne Crotty ( moi )

Mayor's Ball

Tower Hotel

Waterford City

She's Only Just Gone

Blouse: vintage, thrifted * Jacket: thrifted * Jeans: Old Navy * Boots: Target * Belt: thrifted * Ring: gift * Glasses: Warby Parker

Who has two thumbs and loves that non-skinny jeans are back in style? *points thumbs at chest* This guy. Seriously, though I do love the skinny jean, and think it's utterly rad for many outfits and styles, I gotta say that I've been missing my standard bootcut denim. To me, there's something perfectly casual chic about bootcut jeans, and I've been happily brainstorming outfit ideas around a few of my old pairs. (Also, just as a caveat: I know I can wear these jeans whether or not they're in style. It's not like I've been sitting around, waiting for the fashion police to call and tell me I can bust out my flares again. I guess I just haven't thought about them for awhile, so when I noticed that they're coming back, in a big way, I remembered how fond of them I am. So there.)

I've had this particular pair for years, and have always worn them in much more casual ensembles, with my Danskos and a t-shirt or pullover sweater. This weekend, I thought it might be interesting to pair them with a few pieces that are a bit more pulled together and somewhat reminiscent of the '70s style that also seems to be on the upswing this year. I just love the sort of geeky professorial vibe that this outfit ended up having. I'd wear it every day if I could.

This vintage blouse, from what I can tell, is covered with a pattern of twin bugles. It's very weird. But totally awesome. And this blazer? Seriously, sometimes I think that this blazer is the ultimate in geek chic. Joe and I have agreed that he's not allowed to own an elbow-patch blazer until he finishes his PhD, but there are no such regulations for those of us who have not signed our lives away to the academy. So elbow patches it is, for me at least.

And I'm also happy to introduce you to my new specs! I was feeling the urge for a new style of glasses, but with my terrible prescription I was super hesitant to get another pair if I didn't absolutely need it. My glasses are usually upwards of $400, so it's not an investment I take lightly. But I've been lusting after the affordable, adorable frames at Warby Parker, and finally succumbed to the under-$100 price tag. I'm so glad I did. I love my new geeky glasses!

Title song: Damien Rice, "The Professor"

'Cause I Speak Sincerely

Sweater: H&M, via Meg * Skirt: Tulle * Tights: We Love Colors (charcoal) * Boots: Frye * Necklace: Etsy * Ring: gift

Monday. I mean, come on. Bummer. Monday and I have a dentist's appointment (yes, again. I had some cavities, as expected). Double bummer. But! I got to spend Sunday with a best friend, from way back in our college days. She was in town just for the afternoon, and we spent it drinking beer, catching up, and remembering why girlfriends are awesome. We've only seen each other twice in the past four years, but it was as though no time had passed at all. It was hilarious, heartwarming, and incredibly cathartic. I didn't know how much I needed that blast from the past until she was there. 

I'm also a little bit obsessed with this outfit (and this sweater, which I wore only a week ago). It was so comfortable, and I just love how it plays with proportions while still being flattering and fun. Perfect for a Thai food lunch, lots of beers, and belly laughs with old friends.

Title song: Weezer, "My Best Friend

Visiting Red Nose Studio

Chris Sickels is the man behind the curtain, which is Red Nose Studio. He was looking to do a run-though of a workshop he was giving in the near future, so I headed over to his studio Saturday to be part of the guinea pig audience.

The workshop was interesting, and will be helpful in a project I'm getting ready to work on, but the highlight of the day was seeing so many of his characters that he's made over the years.
I took some video of them, and when I got back home, I figured I'd share it with you guys. Thanks to Chris for being okay with it. After you get done being awestruck by his images that I included in the video, be sure to check out his blog. As well as being a heck of an artist, he's one of the nicest guys around.




also- Attention Atlantians! (people of Atlanta, Georgia, that is) I'll be there sometime soon, and I'll be leaving Bent Objects here and there. If you think it'll be around the tourist areas, you're absolutely right!

The Mayor's Ball

Gals,

We were thrilled to be asked recently to design the official gown for the Waterford City Mayor for the Formal Mayor's Ball. As soon as we got the commission we knew instantly the ensemble we wanted to create for Mayor Mary. Over the months we met and discussed the shape/fit/fabric of the gown and had fittings to tailor the gown perfectly.

The Ball was on last night in the Tower Hotel, Waterford City and it was a huge success. Mary looked absolutely incredible in her Black Silk Couture Corset and Skirt. A matching silk black bolero completed the look. There will be official photos released in the local press this week which we will be sure to share with you.

Meanwhile back at the ranch , it was only 2 days to go and I still had no gown myself! Luckily we managed to rustle something up just in time. Ger sent me down a gorgeous antique lace fascinator with cream vintage veiling in the post with a little note attached ( Cinderella shall go to the ball!) It was the cherry on top. :)

My gown was a vintage inspired tea stain tulle number with pearl and rhinestone epulettes and draping beaded accents by " bonzie " ... bien sur!

More pics to come....

Someone Smart Said Nothin' At All

Shirt-dress: thrifted * Belt: Akira * Boots: Rockport * Socks: Target * Earrings: boutique in Chicago * Glasses: Burberry

My life lately has been just crazy. I feel like there is so much going on all the time, and no end in sight. I can hardly believe it is almost the end of March, and that Joe and I have been plugging away at this long-distance thing for eight months already. I'm heading back out of town this afternoon, which is funny since I just got back. But there are a few things happening on Saturday that I'd really like to be there for (namely, the seed fair for our garden!), so I'm making the trip anyway. This last trip/vacation was especially nice, since I finally started to feel like Joe's new town was home. I'm not surprised that it has taken eight months of weekend visits to get there, but it was a welcome realization nonetheless.

It sort of means that I have two homes now (though that number increases when I think of my parent's house, or the house where I grew up, or Joe and my first apartment, which will always be home to me as well), which is an entirely disorienting but totally rewarding feeling. Of course, I'm looking forward to the day when I have only one home again, but for now I'm settling into my dual existence. Monday through Friday I'm a hardworking city girl, sharing a lovely apartment with two delightful roommates. On the weekends I'm re-learning how to be a small-town resident, gardening, cooking, and taking long walks in the woods. I'm happy that I've struck a productive balance between these two pieces of my world.

This is my hardworking city girl outfit from the middle of last week when the weather was just incredible. This is my first time sans tights this year, and it felt good. This little shirt-dress was found among the racks and a recent expedition to Unique Thrift with my roomies. It fits me perfectly, which is usually tough with shirt-dresses, and I love the dark color and cuffed sleeves. The length feels a bit weird to me, but Joe loves it, and I'm honestly too lazy to do anything about it. Yay for awesome city living thrift finds!

Oh, and these shoes? I totally cracked the heel when I was wearing them. Which sucks. But I found an awesome, family-owned, cheap cobbler in Joe's town, so they're being repaired right now! Yay for small town living family businesses! (Whew! I am confused!)

Title song: Modest Mouse, "A Different City"

Beauty Team heading for the Dragon's Den

Uber Glamorous Sarah Jane Hanton, CEO of Beauty Team.ie

Sarah Jane is heading for the Dragon's!!!

Sarah Jane in action styling the most recent Bonzie Photoshoot...

Gals,

I've been biting my tongue for ages in the run up to this little nugget of news. Our gal pal Sarah Jane Hanton of BeautyTeam.ie is heading for the Dragon's this Sunday. Sarah Jane will be pitching her company to the Dragon's Den on the upcoming episode on RTE this Sunday Night.

I can't wait to see Sarah in action. We are all rooting for her here at Bonzie HQ.

Great to see another local business reaching for the stars.

Best wishes Sarah, we know you can do it!!!

Check out Sarah's Beauty and Style company at

www.beautyteam.ie

It Seems So Lazy

Shirt: Forever 21 * Cardigan: thrifted at the Garment District in Boston * Jacket: thrifted * Jeans: Gap * Boots: Steve Madden * Earrings: Tree & Kimball

How is it that six days of vacation ends up leaving me just as tired as a week of work? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to have taken a break, and it was much-needed and well-used, but I am seriously dragging this morning. That 6:00 AM alarm clock was a harsh reality to wake up to this morning. I literally ended up having my coffee and breakfast in bed, under the covers, which I never do. Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday! (Ah, the life I lead...)

I wore this yesterday for my drive back to Chicago. As I mentioned yesterday, our lovely spring weather has turned to cold, gray mush, so I again went for comfort and layers (and ended up grabbing whatever was on top of the pile of clothes I had just folded from the laundry). It was a good driving outfit, and though yesterday was Wednesday, it felt like a Sunday to me, and this just so happens to be a perfect lazy Sunday ensemble. My only problem with it is that it felt a bit big and boxy on top, which isn't a silhouette I'm normally as comfortable with. But it did incorporate all of my favorites: military jacket, skinny stripes, bright sunflower yellow, and my trusty boots. Lazy Sunday Wednesday win.

Oh, and this is my new haircut! I told you it wasn't anything extreme, just a bit of an adjustment of lengths to make up for the mullet I was starting to sport. My lady Ruth at Twisted Scissors did, as always, a marvelous job, and I love how it's looking. My patience for hair growing out is usually not great, so it's a real testament to her and her snipping skills that I haven't buzzed my hair yet, (Seriously, it's been a real problem before. I have - no lie - used Joe's beard trimmer to buzz my whole head. Not a good look.)

Title song: The Kinks, "Monday Tuesday Wednesday"

I'm Clingin' to a Cloud

Striped shirt: salvaged from Emily's closet * Skirt: ModCloth * Boots: Steve Madden * Necklace: Etsy * Earrings: boutique in Chicago

So, remember all the springtime sunshine I was happily extolling the other day? Yeah, that's over. Seriously, it's been nothing but clouds and rain for the past couple of days. I still insist that it's better than the cold and snow of full-on winter. These pictures were taken on Sunday, and it has pretty much looked like this since then. Hopefully we'll get a little hint of sun in the next couple of days.

Despite the lack of warm sun and blue skies, the day was pretty incredible in its own right. The woods were misty and cool, and I spent a bunch of time just wandering through them before I set up to take pictures. I felt particularly crazy, tromping through the damp, cold woods in my long flowy skirt, but it was still so fun. It was an unplanned little excursion, too, which made it all the more spontaneous and just a bit romantic. Plus, I snapped some pictures of my ethereal little forest walk.

And yes, I'm fully aware that I am wearing the maxi skirt trend into the ground. They are just so indulgently comfortable, and I feel so utterly awesome when I wear them. I always feel one part granny, one part hippie, and one part super-chic when I'm wearing them, which is a combination that I'm totally okay with. I really only got on the maxi train this past winter, so I'm really looking forward to transitioning the look into warmer weather. If I were you all, I'd expect to see a whole lot of these skirts in the next few months.

I'm heading back to Chicago today, which means my mini-vacation is over, for now. I have to go away from the misty woods of my days off. After a couple of days at work, though, I'll get another weekend, so I think I'm cool with the situation. And maybe by then the sun will be out again. :)

Title song: Ella Fitzgerald, "Misty"