Blog Love: Petite Early Morning Style

June 21, 2012 - Mel

So, 80s fashion is NOT COMPLETELY TERRIBLE.

I know, I cannot believe that I actually typed those words, having lived in a world with too-much-neon, shirt clips, big crispy hair… and acid wash denim (no, designers of the world, we are NOT rehashing this trend).

I found a “vintage” white lace dress on etsy — literally, straight from the 80s — that I wanted and, eventually, purchased. And intend to take this right into some serious style.

Thanks to Petite Early Morning Style for the inspiration!

PS: I want my hair to do that.

(Source: http://petiteearlymorningstyle.blogspot.com/2011/09/outfit-recap-first-week-of-september.html)

Local Love: vintage purses and local boutiques

November 17, 2011 - Mel

Don’t you love when certain items are just meant to be?

Because let me tell you, SEVERAL dresses that I loved at our local boutique Pavement were not. Thankfully, I found a couple cute shirts to add to my new super-small closet.

But I digress…

THIS PURSE (pictured above, stupid) I eyed up on my last visit to Pageboy (another awesome boutique in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood). I didn’t buy it. So, when it was still hanging from the purse tree on my visit last Friday, it was a serendipitous purchase decision, naturally. Not to mention, tagged as sale.

NOT Fall-ing for these hot temps.

October 17, 2011 - Mel

I’m really over this 80-degree weather in October BS. Can I have my tights and boots and layered wardrobe, please?

On top of the heat, on our way to Date Night, we got a cab with no working A/C. *groan*

My mind instantly went “Oooh, 80s temperature = 80s dress!”

Enter: this short, sassy number. I love how this dress fits, even if one of the shorter items in my closet. The bottom actually contains a secondary tiered slip, which looked all kinds of weird. I considered ripping it off because I like the fit of the rest of the dress… but it will take some considerable tailoring efforts, considering how it is sewn rightfully in its place. So, I rolled the excess “skirt” from the back-to-the-front (which is brilliantly split in the back at the zipper) and tied it off to the side — and what do you know? It worked.

Note: I also ripped out the “modesty panel” that a previous owner had sewn into the V-neck. Modesty. Pssssht. I layered with a light-colored lace slip instead.

I originally styled this dress with those cute purple socks, as previously blogged, but changed on my way out the door. First, I thought my legs were far too white for this late-summer madness. Second, I felt… stumpy. Plus, derby bruises on my shins. So, I opted for a knee-high pair of black trouser socks. Naturally, I forgot to snap a picture.

Dress: Vintage (purchased online; can’t remember where)
Slip: Gadzooks
Shoes: Rocket Dog (via TJ Maxx; years ago)
Socks: Guess?
Necklace: Lionette, courtesy of Spoil Me Fashion
Bracelets: hodge podge o’ stuff from my jewelry drawer
Ring: Nina Nguyen, courtesy of Spoil Me Fashion