Monday, April 18, 2011

Adventures: Homer, Alaska



As exhausted as I am right now from working every day, and most days, I am working two jobs ( so days can stretch about 12 hours long without any 'personal' time) I am stoked for the mini vacation coming up.

Wednesday afternoon, Nick and I leave to head to Homer and Anchorage.  I have been to Anchorage many a times before, and was just there 3 days ago for work, actually, but my real excitement lies in HOMER. I haven't ever been to Homer, AK before. Homer is about, 4 hours south of Anchorage, and 10 hours south of Fairbanks.  I have no real plans for when Nick and I go to Homer, more just a visit to Two Sisters Bakery, and the Homer Bookstore. And whatever little shop strikes my fancy. And just wandering about outside..... The drive itself should be amazing, as the furthest south I have been is Girdwood.... We will most likely drive from Fairbanks--Anchorage Wednesday afternoon,

Stay the night in Anchorage with friends, and then Head down to Homer Thursday Morning, stay the night, head back to Anchorage Friday afternoon (we are seeing Patton Oswalt Friday night in Anchorage), and then hang in Anchorage Saturday and Leave Sunday. Oh, and bring good ol' Mr. Firmin Back to the 'Banks with us, as he flies into Anchorage Friday night :D Sorry if this was scattered, I'm at work, exhausted, excited, and trying to multi-task!

Cheers!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Fashion: Wardrobe staples

As I was getting dressed the other day, I got to thinking about the items (clothing, accessories, boots, otherwise) that are my wardrobe STAPLES. The items that I reuse, over and over and over, in a variety of ways to make an out fit ME, and that I get the most bang for my buck out of...

(Which is funny, b/c though I will list links to were you CAN purchase such items, I do not believe I purchased any of my items, sans a few at the local Value Village for no more than $6.99).

Current Wardrobe Staples:

Colored Tights
Essential, especially now that I live in an area that has seasons. Essential colors ( for me) are navy blue, Black, Brown, Grey and nude. The brighter colors don't always work on me, though I do have a pair of neon pink that I grabbed at a swap. You never know. Tights are essential b/c they allow you to wear the dresses and skirts you crave year 'round AND to start rocking the shorts in early spring when you just cant wait any longer!
We Love Color- Tights // American Apparel -Tights

Knee High Socks
I would say it has been the last 6 months that I have started to get into knee highs. I strictly stick to dark colors, usually in the same colors as my stockings, or matched about (so navy tights, with dark brown knee high socks). Once again, I DO own a few pairs of printed knee highs i got on SUPER sale, but haven't found a way to rock them. they are more daring, and they make your calves look wider/bigger (and if you already have big/muscular calves it might not be what you want). I wear knee highs to add warmth to my legs in cold Alaska, but keep the tights/skirt look. I also use them for a little flair peaking over the top of my tall boots, or with loafers. 
American Apparel-Knee High Socks

Simple, Fun Wide Belt
Now, I love belts. I own... A Lot. I feel it is important to own at least 1 wide belt in Black, dark Brown, and a camel Brown. I also believe one statement wide belt should be owned, I own a black stretch belt with animal print clasp. I wear my belts mainly around my waist to accentuate it, but I also own a few nice skinny belts for simple elegance. 

L.L. Bean Deerfield Rustic Boots

I LOVE my boots. They are the exact ones pictured. I got them this past Christmas from my mom, and they are WONDERFUL. I made sure to put a nice leather protector on them, since i was going to be in snow and sludge with them, and now they get worn ALL THE TIME. I mainly wear them with skinny jeans, or skirts/dresses, but occasionally wear them under a pair of boot cut jeans as well. I just feel they are so gorgeous they shouldn't be hidden! And the best part about them is the wonderful soles. They have tread! I can walk in Alaska with them! I wont bust my ass!






Men's Penny Loafer
I have a pair of these, yes, Men's. I found them (though, mine are a little more camel colored) at Value Village. I ALWAYS look at the mens shoes section at village, most time they are better than the women's (Esp. if, like me, you are not one to wear heals...).  I got them on a colored tag sale day, so they cost me $3.49. I think they are great, b/c like the boats above, they can be worn with skirts/dresses, jeans...and added bonus, SHORTS. with a nice pair of shorts and tights/knee socks, or in summer bare legs! I just think they are just as comfortable, and a lot more classy than slapping on some sneakers. Esp. in fall/winter months. In summer, go for cute sandals! 



1969 Gap Jeans
I was lucky enough to find two pairs, in (basically) the same size of these jeans at Value Village. THEY ARE AMAZING. It is true what they say about spending a little more money on certain items. No, I didn't personally spend the money ($69.50 online), but someone did, and I got the good fortune of finding these jeans for only $9.99 each. What makes them wonderful? the quality. No thin flimsy fabric. The waistband is thick, so no bending and such from sitting down all day. They retain shape! the dark wash is always flattering, and they aren't sized like american womens clothing, they are actual length/width sized! thank the heavens!   They are perfect. and i will cry when i can no longer wear them.






Wanna see someone who's style I think is immaculate, and inspires me to not ever dress like a bum (unless cleaning, or camping?): Orchid Grey.

What are YOUR fashion essentials?