Category Archives: Style

Three Months. No Shopping. Bring it on.

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How often to do you go clothes shopping? If I’m totally honest, I probably buy 2-3 pieces of clothing, shoes, or accessories every month. This might not be so tough on my wallet if I stuck to shops like Forever 21 and H&M, but I truly believe in building a quality wardrobe (think: style over fashion), so I end shopping at places like Lands’ End Canvas, Pickwick & Wleller, or Threadless. And that can do a number on anyone’s budget!

http://hangerhiatus.tumblr.com/

Photo courtesy of hangerhiatus.tumblr.com. Read this blog. Seriously.

On September 1st, a good friend of mine dared to embark on a courageous (she works in the fashion industry, after all) journey: she is not going to buy a single piece of clothing (shoes and accessories included) for a whole year. Her blog is well-written and super entertaining, so be sure to check it out here!
I wish I could join her, but to be totally honest, I don’t think I’ve totally built up a solid enough wardrobe to take on the task (I work in the fashion industry too, remember!), especially since I’ve only really been spending good money on my wardrobe since graduating college a year and a half ago. However, my fall and winter wardrobe is the most robust season represented in my closet…
So for three months, I’m giving up clothes shopping all together. Here are my rules:
-No clothes shopping (shoes and accessories included). Excluding…
  1. If a staple item breaks or becomes unwearable (think: black leather ballet flats or sports bra).
  2. A (needed) lingerie or sleepwear purchase.
  3. Gifts for family or friends.
  4. Materials to make or tailor my own clothes.
3Months#noclothesshopping
Tank- Pickwick & Weller, Tank- Mango, Sandals- American Eagle Outfitters, Pants- American Eagle Outfitters, Watch- Fossil, Cameo Bracelet- vintage find, Necklace- RocksNSoul, Earrings- Swarovski
For three months, what I usually budget for clothing every month will be added to savings. If this (it’s my first!) triathlon goes well on Sunday, I’m going to put the savings towards a triathlon bike next season.
So wish me luck! Maybe I’ll even dare to go to six months…
Ciao,
Sarah

Madison’s Good Style Shop & A “New” 60s Bikini

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Good Style Shop Madison

Recently, and thanks to the suggestion of a friend, I visited the Good Style Shop, a vintage clothing store, in Madison. I was blown away by the atmosphere (electric, not too serious about itself, and very well organized) and by the variety and quality of the selection.

Good Style Shop Madison

This isn’t a shop that you have to spend hours digging through piles of 90s flannel before you find a proper 70s a-line dress; it has a wonderfully merchandised selection of dresses right in the corner. The shop also boasts a robust selection of vintage menswear, which is a refreshing sight to see. I was delighted to find a gorgeous 60s high waisted bikini, bullet bra and all, for $35. I’m going to have to channel my inner Pucci when I wear it on the beach this weekend.

60s Bikini

60s Bikini

Before I left the shop, I had a brief chat with the founder and owner. When I asked, “If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring entrepreneur, what would it be?”, he said simply to never forget about work/life balance. At 23, when we started the shop (!!), he initially had trouble separating work from the rest of his life, understandably. He emphasized that the ability to balance is a valuable skill for any entrepreneur.

Certainly, valuable advice for any of us.

Good Style Shop Madison

Good Style Shop is located at 817 East Johnson St in Madison, WI.

Ciao!

Sarah

Great Finds: Antique Bullet Crystal Necklace

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bullet crystal necklace from RocksNSoul.com

Usually, I stick to buying coffee and veggies at the Madison Farmer’s Market, but a couple weeks ago, I ran across this antique bullet and crystal necklace at RocksNsoul‘s market booth and had to purchase it. I’d hate to get too hippy, but isn’t the dichotomy just lovely?

You can purchase your own unique necklace on her Etsy shop. Another favorite of mine that I saw at her booth was this amazing cuff bracelet. Maybe I’ll save that for my next trip to the Farmer’s Market!

RocksNSoul.comPhoto courtesy of RocksNSoul.com

Design Inspiration for My New Place

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Just about a year ago, I was moving into my first place and starting this blog (in Italian, “la mia prima casa” means my first house) to catalog my adventures. This week, my sister and I are moving into our second place. When we first moved, we wanted an eclectic, comfortable space, but faced the problems of living in an old house (bad trim, wall colors that didn’t fit our palette, and an outdated kitchen). Our second place is newer and lighter, with higher ceilings and a modern look. Our new decor inspiration is open, comfortable, and a mix of patterns with pops of bold colors. Below are my favorite inspiration images for my newest place.

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Can’t wait to start the decorating process anew!

Ciao,

Sarah

The Only Time It’s Okay to Wear a Side Pony Tail

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The Majestic, an old theater turned bar-dance floor-concert venue, in downtown Madison, puts on an 80’s vs. 90’s dance party a few times each year, and I’ll admit I’ve been to more than a couple. This time, my friends and I actually dressed up, and I had a chance to wear some of my vintage 80’s clothes and jewelry. …And my friend Julie got the chance to relive the side ponytail (along with a pair of hot pink leg warmers).

80s Leggings 80s Dress and Earrings 80s Dress

Which do you think wins? 80’s? Or 90’s?

Sarah

The Springtime Black Watch Tartan

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Black Watch Tartan Scarf

So what exactly is Black Watch tartan, anyway?

According to Esquire, the Black Watch plaid isn’t a girly plaid. Oh no, it’s a “I’m gonna drink whiskey until dawn and fight you at Devil’s Rock” kind of plaid.

According to my friends, it sounds “kinda military” and “cool.”

First of all, Black Watch refers to an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Apparently, King George I organized a “Watch” of six independent Companies and that each Company was to wear a plaid of the same pattern and color, i.e. the Black Watch plaid.

Tartan, is what we more commonly call “plaid” in the States and was originated in wool fabrics, though we all know it’s prevalent in just about every kind of fabric you can think of. Still confused? Scottish kilts usually have tartan patterns.

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to find a Black Watch tartan wool and cashmere scarf at a rummage sale in Lake Forest, IL (think, where F.Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby that Tom Buchanan’s polo ponies are said to have been bred). This weekend was chilly in Wisconsin, so although I usually associate Black Watch tartan with autumn and the holidays, the plaid made a daring springtime appearance. (p.s. Although Esquire might consider Black Watch the manliest of all plaids…it’s hardly less attractive on a woman!)

Springtime Black Watch Plaid

Ciao,

Sarah

3 Ways to Style…A Neon Scarf

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A neon scarf is the simplest (and maybe most inexpensive) way I’m updating my spring wardrobe for the transition into summer. Pair it with other brights… or back to classic neutrals. Mix prints and have fun with it!

3 Ways to Style...a Neon Scarf

3 Ways to Style…A Cardigan (Without Looking Buttoned-up!)

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I love cardigans. I probably own about ten in various colors (but at least three staple black ones). I’m lucky enough to work in a casual office where wearing a cardigan is absolutely acceptable, so I probably add one to my look at least three times a week. Generally, I dress fairly preppy, but I also try to deviate from the overly-preppy-kinda-buttoned-up look that cardigans can so easily give off. Below are three ways I style cardis without looking buttoned-up. Try adding bold patterns and prints, wearing a neon cardigan, or adding platform pumps. No girl looks uptight in a platform pump, right?

3 Ways to Style a Cardigan (without looking buttoned-up)