Shirt- Liz Claiborne
Skirt- Vintage
———–
If I was born to look like Winnie Cooper,
I wouldn’t have to put on makeup either.
I wouldn’t have to know so much about music, people, and pop culture.
I’d just have to be pretty
and let the world look at me.
Then I’d be in dreams too.
———–
Finally high quality AND affordable corsetry is available to you from Orchard Corsets. No more paying $200+ for an authentic steel bone corset that’s supposed to last a lifetime, and no more opting for costume corsets that do not do a thing for waist training! I own two plaid corsets style 411 from them, which is perfect for smaller framed women and are great for layering seamlessly with your casual clothing. I chose these two because a lot of what I have look too conspicuously like corsets—shiny and lacy. The plaid was a good choice, yeah? Oh and you know what, corsets are awesome for posture training too. because they force you to sit up straight (and also to eat slow). Talk about becoming a proper lady. They do wonders for my back, which I really need right now! Whaddaya know?
Above: Crepe Suzette 411 Supreme High Strength Navy & Green Plaid Overbust Corset
Below: Crepe Suzette 411 Highland Red Plaid Underbust Corset w/ Black Satin Trim
I am also honored to host a giveaway for Orchard Corsets, so you can own one of their lovely shapewear. I must say, their website is quite classy. The photos are relatively clean (which is a plus for me), and the options aren’t cluttered. It’s easy to find your way around and hopefully find what you like!
This giveaway is based on random drawing. Remember, the more entries you have, the more chances of winning. Good luck! The giveaway is open to all (US and international) ages 18+ and will end on Sunday, February 10th at 12 am EST.
I really have not worn sneakers in forever. I just love that these are maroon and are wedged. I’d been looking for a pair like these to match with a seemingly office-type outfit to break the monotony of a dull, foggy December. 
So Christmas is only 5 days away. I’ve been getting into the habit of asking people for what they want instead of just coming up with something, and that method has worked really well for me. I’ve learned to act this way because of my sister-in-law. She used to ask me what I wanted, and her presents (obviously) were always my favorite.
If you prefer surprises, this could still work by having people give you something in the same category or style of presents. I met up with two of my closest friends last weekend. One of them asked for a gift card from Macy’s to help pay for her favorite fragrance; and the other, after much coaxing, eventually asked for something “girly like a cross body bag so (she) could look like a lady.” I told the first friend that I probably couldn’t give her the full amount to pay for her perfume, but I did end up getting her a purse-sized version of the perfume instead. She didn’t expect it, so her reaction was definitely priceless. When the present is genuinely appreciated, both the giver and the receiver equally benefit. I don’t think I did a very good job getting my other friend exactly the girly thing she asked for, but I think it’s because it’s a lot easier to work with specifics! I got her a cross body bag from Aigner, because she did say something like it. Either way, it was a lot of fun just seeing them!
A good way to determine what things the “giftee” would like is to look at their social accounts for clues. Today, we are not limited to just Facebook—there’s Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, among other things. You could also have someone send you their online store (such as Amazon.com) wishlist or post one yourself.
Speaking of Macy’s, apply for a Macy’s card if you haven’t! It’s so worth it. You gets tons of benefits (freebies and discounts), and also you can opt to donate to charity. A lot of the things I am giving as presents are practically free with my Macy’s card.
salmon nail polish (and other pastels) – long sweater with a dog (or cat/horse/galaxy) print, nude matte pumps, and lots of sweater dresses (matched with different colored microfiber tights for the cold)
Above are just a few of the things I’ve been wanting myself. I usually just end up purchasing what I want, because I do rarely say what I want from people. I really should try to be a bit bolder this time around, so I can cut my costs on things I will be buying for myself anyway!
What do you really want for Christmas? By this, I mean the season of commercialism and gift giving. Jesus will remain in my heart all year long.
I hate that I cannot stray away from the vintage prep look. It’s starting to get on my nerves. I should be able to change styles with a little bit of discipline and thought, but it’s difficult once you have figured out what sort of image you think looks best on you. Don’t you ever think it’s unfair that how you naturally look often determines everything else—how you are treated, what clothes are most flattering, your job, your mood, etc.?
Despite the task of learning to accept your own appearance, you are still faced with the hard-hitting reality of how everyone else perceives you. You can learn to ignore other people’s opinions of you, of course. It’s very difficult, however, especially for us women, who have from day one been measured by our appearances. 
Because of how I look, I too have been mistakenly put into the wrong category. The most common misconception people have of me is that I am somehow into really girly and cutesy things (this must not be the first time this has been brought up on here). It sort of bugs me when people assume, because of how they perceive me based on my appearance, that I might like something. I guess some feel that it is somewhat Holmesianly clever to look me up and down and deduce that I am into Gossip Girl or Mad Men. I really cannot stand those shows. I might like the clothes in them, sure, but their dialogue and story (or lack thereof) leave a really awful taste in my mouth.
I am always tempted to change how I dress, because I want to be perceived more like my interests. You can’t just keep changing when you feel like that, though. You can’t control what other people think of you, so you shouldn’t let them determine your life—unless you really believe that it will help you be a better person. That specifically was one of the reasons for me to dress more modestly. During the days when I slip up and wear a dress or a skirt that’s just a tad too short, it’s unbelievable how many disgusting looks and comments I get, especially when not around my husband. That attention is unnecessary, and to me, quite appalling. I don’t understand why girls expose their bodies and just allow themselves to be treated like this.
Taken from Portlandia
I never thought I’d put the 90s on my list of fashion raves, especially when it used to be my least favorite decade for style. The musical shift from the 80s to the 90s may have been the most awkward transition in the history of music, but in the fashion world, the change didn’t seem to be all that bad. While I was rockin’ platinum hair status before redoing my hair to a darker blue, I did enjoy the “trashy” 90s look a lot. My favorite day was when I had messy hair (both on purpose and accidental, because I somewhat fried my hair with all the bleaching, so I just kind of went with the look). I wore baggy button downs as a cardigan with some of my favorite bands’ buttons on, a Jets t-shirt, black bike shorts, and brown hiking boots with white socks. So, my outfit kind of looked like the first picture you’ll see below (different and livelier colors and with a button down to go with the shirt). Here are some of my favorite iconic 90s looks:
CYCLING/BIKE SHORTS
This image was taken from Asos, and those sequin cycling shorts are killer. Sadly, they are out of stock now. I have been generally obsessed with cycling shorts lately. They are great for layering.
Plaid skirts are great. However, I don’t think I’ve found one with the perfect length—right on the knee or slightly above. Sadly, I find a ton of minis everywhere, but I found a remedy for really short skirts by just wearing bike tights underneath. They look really cool, contrary to how it may sound. I like the uniform look a lot, and plaid is perfect for that look. I was deprived of a pleated plaid skirt when I was in private school. I had a uniform that had colors resembling an inverted tree—light beige top, green pleated skirt (and tan socks). And oh yeah—I just bought some Reeboks that were almost the exact same pair as Audrey Horne’s (Twin Peaks) black & white oxfords. However, I thought the quality was not great, because the paint started to peel off the first day I wore them out. I’m selling them here if you are interested (update: SOLD.)
DARK BROWS & LIPSTICK
I think my favorite color for lipstick has been wine for a long time now. Occasionally, I used to opt for a really bright red lipstick. I don’t really wear lipstick too often though, because I find that it dries my lips. In fact, a lot if not most chap stick and lip stick dries your lips. Perhaps lip tints work better? Of course, drinking a lot of water is hands down the best thing you can do for your skin and your lips.
BEANIES, HIKING BOOTS, VESTS
Picture from Marc Jacobs
BAND BUTTONS & TEES
Picture from Marc Jacobs
Though there are many others that are iconic of the 90s, the things I put up are just looks I’ve been trying out and enjoying these days. My husband Rob looks great in 90s clothes, which he likes to wear still :) Is there anything from the 90s that you used to wear and/or still would put on today?
