So Mod

Breakdown:

dress- made by me, Simplicity 7673

brogues- Seychelles via TJ Maxx

bracelet- c/o Merci Beaucoup

rings- thrifted/gifted

Allow me to toot my own horn for a hot second... I made this dress. Myself. With little help. Toot. Toot.

I fell in love with the pattern when going through my Rubbermaid boxes of vintage patterns! The shape looked easy enough and it did not have to fit perfectly, so adhering to the pattern fairly strictly was going to be easy. My body is not a perfect pattern size (my Mom's is, which is why she has never understood why things she's made me don't fit like I want them to), so I had to take it in before putting the final stitches. In fact, the measurements on the pattern pieces said that my original cut was going to be too small and I was going to add a section in for contrast to cover up the oops. As soon as I pinned it on me, however, it swallowed me. What is it with stock patterns and off-measurements? Has anyone else had this issue?

Anyway, since this dress has such a mod shape, I wanted to keep the feel and add white accessories! I rarely get the chance to don these brogues but today was the perfect occasion. Now I have to figure out how to wear it next... any ideas?

Dipped & Dyed

Breakdown:

blouse- c/o Anthony Ryan

jeans- Levi's 

shoes- Antonio Melani [similar]

gold bracelet & rings- thrifted

stink bug bracelet- market in Mexico

button bracelet- made by my grandmother

clutch- Costa Rica maybe? I cannot remember

Last Wednesday was the LSU Hemline Contour fashion show, which is an annual event showcasing the junior and senior design students' designs as well as a styling competition for the merchandising students. It was held at the Lyceum in downtown BR and was my first time exploring the venue! It was beautiful and had such cool architecture. The night was full of eye candy and it was interesting to see each designer's vision and how they interpreted the world around them. As usual, Momsies and I were paying close attention to construction details and whispering to each other the entire time. I was most impressed with a senior student Annie Etzel, who was featured on Haute Off the Rack a year ago! Her collection could have been costumes from Downton Abbey or scenes from the white ball in Pride & Prejudice. I wanted every single piece. I can't wait to follow her career!

This outfit was entirely centered around this Anthony Ryan blouse. It is a gorgeous silk and was hand dyed. I love the ombré centered on the diagonal. That simple detail gives an intriguing twist to the simple shape. The contrast thread on the collar and sleeve is also a fun detail that I look for in design, but rarely find. 

I wanted to contrast the softness of the blouse with a hard, textured clutch. I have two coconut purses (???), but this one actually held my keys. I like the juxtaposition of the silk against a hard bag. It feels less matchy-matchy and more cool.

Oddly enough, Sister #2 and I showed up to the event as twins... her wearing a beige blouse from the swap and white jeans, and me in this. Momsies and I usually do the accidental twins thing. Is the Think Twice Style fever spreading?

How To: Preserve Your Swimwear

You know that moment: the moment you realize your swimsuit has faded and there are little pills on your bottoms from sitting on concrete. 

I feel ya.

As a lover of swimwear (it's a disease, really) I have perfected a solid way to preserve your suits! Swimsuits are expensive. Make sure that you get more bang for your buck with this method! It is way easy, inexpensive, and uses things you already have at home. Can't beat that!

A little background on these suits-- I found them at the clearance Dillard's in Baton Rouge, which is like the Off Saks version of the department store. All women's clothing was BOGO and swim separates were $10 a pop. I have had to toss a few of my favorite suits this year, so this was the perfect way to get cute suits without spending a load of cash! Sure, they're last year's collection, but they are still cute. I actually tried both of these on last year, but did not want to spend over $60 per piece. Now that they were $20 total, I couldn't resist!

Let's get on with what we're really here for: preserving your suit.

What you'll need:

large bowl
water
vinegar

For every 1 part vinegar, you need 3 parts water. I used 1 cup of vinegar and 3 cups of water. Scale to your needs :)

Soak your suits for at least 3 hours. I usually leave them longer because I get distracted and whatnot. The vinegar preserves the color and quality of your fabric. No faded and pilled swimsuits here!

The fabric will want to float, so I use a plate to cover them. I had to add a jar of water to the top for a little weight. My methods are topnotch & scientific. After soaking, throw them in the washer and always always always hang your suits to dry. 

Now you're set for a season of fun in the sun!

NOLAFC x TTS Clothing Swap!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the NOLAFC x Think Twice Style Clothing Swap at Kenneth Brown Design last weekend! It was such a blast and everyone walked away with fantastic new-to-them pieces! The racks were full of great pieces and accessories were scattered around the space. We sipped and scooped our drinks & gelato as we shopped and eyed each others' findings, plotting when to ask if an item was in their keep or toss pile. 

I can't wait for the next one in June, so stayed tuned for details!

Thank you to:

Kenneth Brown Design for opening your space

A Pinch of Lovely for creating our rad graphic

Time Warp Boutique, Noelie Harmon, Posh, & Loft 3H for our awesome door prizes

Latte e Miele for to die for gelato

LSU Textile & Costume Museum for loaning us clothing racks

Dr. Delisia Matthews for her expertise on swaps (her thesis was on swaps... I know!!!)

Our lovely interns for spending the Saturday after finals working :)

A Bleeding Love

Breakdown:

kaftan- vintage, c/o Anthony Ryan Auld

sandals- Nine West, old

purse- vintage Coach, thrifted

necklace- c/o Merci Beaucoup

Sunday Mom and I drove down to New Orleans for the TwoPointOh! Great American Blogger Tour at the W Hotel in the French Quarter! It was a fun day making new friends and having blog talk. When your in-real-life friends do not understand blogging and all that it entails, it is nice to spend time with people who understand what you mean when you never know what to do with your hands. It was fun talking about business and community and just hanging out with some cool gals. 

The day before, at the NOLAFC Swap, Ryan popped by to drop off some pieces for me and this dress was one that he had told me about a couple of months ago at Trash & Treasure. The underdress was über weird on me, but this sheer over-part is perfection! I wore my trusty green t-shirt dress underneath for more coverage than a slip and it worked out so well! I love the colors and the bleeding effect of the fabric manipulation. It is truly something I will treasure for a long time... especially when I become a Baskin Robbins taste tester and gain 100 pounds. 

Eatin' room. It's important, y'all.

PS: I snuck these photos upstairs at The Revival Outpost. If you're in NOLA, it is a must stop! Ask for my high school pal Jennifer-- she'll hook you up.

Coast to Coast Style: Monochrome

Breakdown:

tee & trousers- Gap [similar]

blazer- Target (old) [similar under $30]

sandals- TJ Maxx

shades- Kensie

bracelets- vintage

lip color- Tangee

When Dani and I decided to take on the monochrome trend for this month's Coast to Coast Style, my mind went crazy mentally scanning my closet for what to wear. I had a few ideas, but, in keeping with my recent decision to try new things, I wanted to go with a color I have never been fond of: orange. 

Oddly enough, I had the makings of a full on orange blast outfit. Who knew?

This was the first time wearing my orange trousers. I haven't a clue why I have not worn them before and I will surely be wearing them again soon! They are comfortable and are the perfect statement... when I want to make one. The stripes on this old blazer made the look not as one-note. Monochrome is about tones and textures. I have a few different orange tones, but the textures are all similar. I had to break up the shades with a neutral, and the navy and cream do just that. 

Maybe I am turning into an orange wearer... and not just the juice I spilled on my shirt this morning.

Stay tuned for the Link-Up at the bottom of this post

On to Dani...

Breakdown:

dress- Forever 21

blazer- Alloy

sandals- Old Navy

bracelet- Stella & Dot

watch- Urban Outfitters

I absolutely love Dani's take on the monochromatic look! All blue is so classic, but using denim and mixing textures makes it way cool. Her touch of turquoise gives just enough Southwest to keep the classic factor playful. Dani's outfit could be easily remixed with so many things you probably already have in your closet! Chambray shirt, denim cutoffs, and a navy blazer. Chambray shirt, skinnies, and a blazer. Too easy! 

Pin our image above & help spread the word!

Now, Dani and I want to see your 

monochrome looks! Link up below!