Black & White Stripes

I find it humorous that black and white stripes seem to be deemed a "new trend" every few years. That's like calling out gray as a hot new neutral or suggesting the masses wear less clothing in the summer heat. Those are tried-and-true constants that have nothing to do with trends. Black and white stripes are so timeless and classic that I can't recall a single year or season in my life where the design was not readily available - thankfully.

Though I wouldn't call this look 'trendy,' I would call it cool as hell. A black and white stripe will always get my attention. It's a definitive look that's somehow both tough and feminine, modern and retro. It is all things! Cool, unisex, interesting: it's the leather jacket of prints.

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Do you fall for black and white stripes too? What's your favorite print? How do you feel about 'trends' versus 'timeless'?

STYLE: Style Icon - Annie from Community

If you've ever seen the show Community, you're probably familiar with the character of Annie Edison, and if you haven't seen it, well, YOU'RE 4 SEASONS BEHIND! Also, the fifth is coming soon so you might want to get on that. Annie is a typical overachiever and perfectionist, a little uptight and on a constant quest for straight A's, but she also has a slightly sordid past (Adderall addiction, rehab, the usual) and a kind-of-insane streak, which is a nice balance.

I could get into all the things I enjoy about this show and its characters (I've been known to chatter aimlessly on such topics), but what I really want to discuss is Annie's wardrobe. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy the floaty cardigans and leather jackets of the other female leads, but Annie's near uniform of floral dresses and bright cardigans just speaks to my fashion soul.

It does kind of seem like a uniform, right?

She never shies away from a bold print and loves feminine details and retro silhouettes. A lot of her dresses and blouses have a 40s feel and she sure does love a tie-neck top. I also don't think I've ever seen her wear pants, which I admire as a dress and skirt devotee.

This girl has seemingly replaced her pill addiction with a cardigan addiction, which I think is probably healthier and also warmer, so win-win.

Want to replicate Annie's cardigan game? These ones will have you two getting confused for each other at CA meetings. Yes, that is Cardigans Anonymous. I'll see myself out.

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Annie's no slouch in the dress department either, as witnessed in many scenes:

I think she would love these dresses, too - perhaps as much as she loves a perfectly pinned back hair-do:

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She's the kind of gal who not only still wears blouses, she calls them blouses, too.

Here are some cool blouses that would live up to Annie's rigorous standards:

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And, just for funsies, here are a couple of her outfits recreated for your shopping pleasure:

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What is your fashion 'uniform'? Do you have a cardigan addiction like Annie and me? Are you watching Community yet or what?

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STYLE: OOTD

I am a houndstooth junkie. - it’s one pattern I really don't mind falling into. I’ve always been drawn to it and over the years I’ve accidentally built a pretty hefty houndstooth collection. I think if I wanted to I could dress in head-to-toe houndstooth (dare me?), as I have sweaters, shirts, heels, bags, necklaces, belts, headbands and more in my beloved graphic pattern. There’s just something about it; part studious British undergrad, part bold Mod, this pattern is timeless, cool and works for literally everyone.

I thrifted this houndstooth cardigan from Savers for around $4.00 last summer and now that there’s a definite chill in the air I finally get to wear it! Paired with a simple, super comfy jersey knit dress that I may or may not own in 7 DIFFERENT COLORS (hint: the answer is ‘may’) I’m in heaven.

I've been wearing this lipstick a lot that I got as a gift from my Nana! 

It's her shade and I can see why. Love That Pink by Revlon.

Also can I just say that grown up pigtails are the best? Yes, I suppose I can. Low and behind the ears with a little teasing is fast becoming one of my go-to looks as my hair grows out and I couldn’t be happier about it. Hannah posted a great how-to on this look over at xojane.

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Thrifted

Tank top: Old Navy

Leggings: Target

Boots: Rampage

Silver Bangles: Forever 21

Yellow Bangle: Vintage

Do you like pigtails on adults or is it a little too ‘creepy uncle’ feeling for you? Also, please tell me you own a single item of clothing in multiple colors so I feel slightly less crazy…

xoxo,

Michelle

STYLE: OOTD

Since I finally got around to washing this vintage dress I got from Savers a couple of months ago, I was able to wear it out last night for a movie date. It's got that great permanent pressed accordion texture on top and bottom and a keyhole style neckline that I added (it was originally sewn all the way up which was wayyy too stuffy). It was really swingy and paired perfectly with a simple cat eye and bright red lip.

Dress: Vintage

Cardigan: Kohl's (also worn here)

Tank Top: Dots

Tights: Target

Belt: Dots

Shoes: Personal Identity

Ring: Dots

xoxo,

Michelle

OBSESSED: Maps

Maps are not only useful, but also beautiful and I've harbored a not-so-secret cartography crush as long as I can remember. If placed near an actual map I can literally stare at it for hours, noting locations of placed I've only heard in passing or memorizing the capitals of lesser known nations in case I ever need them on a Jeopardy appearance.


The wash of colors, the ocean, the old fashioned symbols and lines, the minimal modern approach - maps can be done in any style and still look timelessly cool. My obsession is partly knowledge-based and partly design-based, but the unique combination of smarts and style that is inherent in a map is truly unmatched. (You have no idea how hard I had to refrain from writing "unmapped" there instead. You're welcome).


Here are some of my favorite map pieces, so you can see they're not only beautiful, they're versatile!


World Map Shower Curtain

World Map Necklace

Road Map Bangles

Vintage Map Bunting

NYC Subway Map Dress

Embroidered US Map Necklace

Road Map Pendant Light

Florida Coffee Table

World Map Vinyl Wall Decal

US States Love Map

xoxo,
Michelle