The Pink Colors Behind the Clouds

Sweater: vintage, thrifted * Dress: c/o Common Crow Vintage * Tights: We Love Colors (maroon) * Socks: Target * Boots: Target

These pictures are kind of flashy, don'tcha think? Hahaha. Puns on Wednesday. Seriously, though, I hate nighttime flash photography, especially when my camera wants to focus on falling snowflakes instead of my fabulous self. But oh well. I'm really, really, really hoping that by the end of the 30 for 30 challenge it will be light enough after work for me to take pictures then.

This outfit is one of those outfits that can make everything better. I think all the problems and violence in Egypt went down a bit after I wore this outfit. It was super comfortable, and I love the vintage-on-vintage effect. Plus, my Target boots, which magically go with everything, go with it, so I could slog through the snow without feeling like I was sacrificing my style.

Sorry for the short, possibly incoherent, and unsubstantial post today, folks. I had an early doctor's appointment (with a doctor who was all of about twelve years old), and now I'm just trying to get through the day. Care to share a pun with me on this frigid Wednesday?

Title song: The Mountain Goats, "Flashing Lights"

Studio Shots...

Bonzie Designs

Kite Design Studio

11 Henrietta St

Viking Quarter

Waterford City

Ireland

www.bonziedesigns.com

Hang Up the Whole Next Day

"Faux-thropologie" shirt: thrifted in Austin w/my sister * Cardigan: UO * Jeans: Gap * Boots: Classique * Socks: Target * Fur collar: thrifted

One thing that I think I'm going to love about the 30/30 challenge is remixing pieces for both work and weekend wear. I definitely don't have a strict "professional" wardrobe, by any means, but I tend to reach for things, on Saturdays and Sundays, that I don't tend to wear during the work week. It's a nice way to feel distanced from work, so I've never thought to change it. But remixing and re-purposing work clothes for the weekend, and vice versa, has been a surprisingly satisfying way to renew creativity in my sartorial choices. This adorable blouse, for example, has been long relegated into the land of work wear, but I adore how it looks with a more casual ensemble.

I didn't originally have a pair of jeans in my 30, but quickly realized that that would be a big mistake. At heart, I think I'm still a jeans and a t-shirt gal. I can't tell you how much I loved the recent picture on the Sartorialist with the woman wearing dark jeans, a simple sweater, and Dansko clogs. This was my "uniform" for many years, and is still my go-to outfit when I just want something easy, comfortable, and comforting. I still wear my Danskos everyday for my mile-long walk to and from work (except for on snow days, when I bust out the duck boots).

However, I've also really loved experiencing the subtle shifts from that simple uniform. What started as dark jeans that were one or two sizes too big has morphed into a pair of denim that truly fits. My band t-shirts and graphic tees have transformed into softer layers, augmented by scarves and cardigans. And though I do truly love my Danskos, and always will, I've happily branched out into boots, flats, and heels that are still comfortable and "me" while adding a little oomph to the ensemble. This outfit in particular is a perfect example of this most recent stage in the evolution of my casual weekend outfit.*

How have you seen your style morph and change over the years? Do you think it's an age thing? A blog thing? What elements of your previous personal style do you still hold on to?

*To be fair, if I was really going anywhere on this day, other than to the store for toilet paper, I probably would have worn the duck boots or Danskos. :)

Title song: Bob Dylan, "One More Weekend"

Client Corner ~ Lauren

Our Bridal Client Lauren sent us these stunning images from her special day recently. Lauren looks like an absolute vision in her vintage inspired Bridal ensemble. Also loving Lauren's Hubbie's Light Suit, very dapper!!!! Lauren was a dream client and we are so grateful that she popped back to us with her wedding photos. It's such a treat to see our wee boleros in action across the pond.

Lauren is wearing a Bonzie Bridal Bolero to top off her wedding outfit. She chose the Gabriella Style available from our etsy store HERE.

We want to extend our warm wishes to the Happy Couple.xxx

www.bonziedesigns.com

Facebook: Bonzie

Grow Up Fast

Dress: thrifted * Scarf: gift * Thigh-high socks: Target * Tights (not seen): c/o We Love Colors * Snowboots: thrifted

When I left the apartment to take pictures of my outfit yesterday, I was greeted by an otherworldly fog that filled up and enveloped our courtyard. It was laundry room fog, which also meant that it smelled divine, like freshly-dried laundry. I adore that smell. I remember, as a kid, standing outside of our house, where the vent from the laundry room let out its hot air, and smelling the warmth and comfort of the laundry. Such an odd thing to be so comforting, but it's one of those smells that ranks up there with warm cookies and clean babies. I find smells to be incredible and so powerful in their connection to memory. A well-timed smell can bring you to a totally different moment in your life, or bring back someone long gone and much missed. I remember, walking through the Italian neighborhood of Boston last fall and getting these constant whiffs of my grandmother's perfume and feeling as though she had been suddenly transported there with me.

Growing up, I never thought that my parent's house had any particular smell. Since I was there every day, I didn't associate the place or smell with memories. But now, when I come home for Christmas, even though my parents have long since moved out of the house where I grew up, I'm accosted by the smell of my childhood. It's partly how, despite moving and seeing each other only a few times a year, I know I'm home.

I miss that smell, and that home, and my parents much more this winter than I have in years. I always miss being able to see them frequently, and it's still an adjustment, even after almost four years, to not be able to see them every weekend if I want to. But our Christmas vacation was so relaxing, so comfortable, and so familiar that I think I'm still suffering a bit from a vacation hangover. It's hard to know that it might be months before either of us can visit again, and I can't wait to be sitting on their patio, watching the hummingbirds and listening to music, basking in the smells of home. But for now I'll be content to absorb myself in a laundry room fog of memories.

Title song: Radiohead, "Fog"

I'm Sure She Walked By You

Shirt: thrifted * Cardigan: H&M * Cargo pants: Old Navy * Boots: Target * Scarf: thrifted * Necklace: Etsy * Socks: Target

It's snowing. AGAIN. We're not expecting much, but I gotta say, there's something a bit less romantic about snow falling on top of two feet of accumulation. Eh. It is winter, after all, I guess I better deal. I do love the quiet softness of a cold snowy morning. Even in Chicago, the world slows down and becomes calmer, subdued, muffled under the snow. I'm just finishing my coffee now, but might indulge in some hot chocolate later in the day, especially if the snow continues.

My outfit yesterday was totally designed around warmth and casual comfort. This cardigan is incredibly warm and cozy, and I can tell already that these pants are going to get a lot of love this month. I won't wear them to work, but they're already proving to be great weekend pants. I left them unzipped yesterday to show the cozy socks I wore underneath. Though I spent most of the day indoors, I loved the layers and colors that this outfit had.

My thoughts this weekend are quiet and calm, like the snowy morning I woke up to. I sometimes have a tendency towards anxiety, about the smallest, and least important matters. In my efforts to simplify my life (by not buying things, focusing on important activities and habits, and trying to pursue those things that are most special to me), I'm also trying to simplify and focus my thoughts and emotions. It's not always easy, and I know that simply thinking it does not make it happen, but I'm determined to pursue it. So this morning, I'm focusing on my coffee, my breakfast of homemade challah and a tangerine, and watching the snow fall outdoors.

Title song: Joan Baez, "In the Quiet Morning"

We Got a Whole Big Fat World to See

Dress, worn as shirt: thrifted * Skirt: Talbots, thrifted * Boots: Target

It's a beautiful, sunny, Saturday morning. Snow is slowly melting off cars, and I'm happily content to eat my Greek yogurt and drink my hot coffee while watching the world go by. I don't have any big plans for this weekend, which suits me just fine. There are a few productive things I'd like to get done, and I'm hoping to bake a loaf or two of challah today. I may even venture out to the lake to take pictures of the craziness out there, and see how different it is today than it was on Wednesday. But mostly, I'm just pleased to take the weekend slowly, read books and relax.

So far, the 30 for 30 challenge is going well. It has helped, I think, that I sketched out so many outfit ideas. It's letting me feel organized on mornings when I might not otherwise know what to wear. I am finding, however, that it will be a bit of a challenge to put up an outfit post everyday. I'm pretty good on posting during the work week, but I've gotten into the habit of taking the weekends off. I'm sure my weekend posts will be briefer, but I'll give it the old college try.

Do you post everyday? If not, how do you organize your posting? Do you have a schedule? And for those of you doing the 30 for 30, have you found that a challenge involving daily outfits affects your posting regularity?

Title song: The Eels, "Saturday Morning"