STYLE: OOTD Blue Studded Vest

I'm baaaaack! Sorry for the unintended break around here - I've been busy looking for a place to live and moving unexpectedly (long, horrible story), but we're finally settled in and I'm finally ready to get back to some normal habits, like this here blog. Lucky you, right?!

Just to dip my toe back into the Neon Rattail universe, here's a simple Outfit of the Day post taken a couple months back and lost in the twists and turns of my hard drive before being unearthed during a recent marathon organizational session.

I snatched up this vest from the Dots clearance rack last summer, where it was hanging all alone with its measly $5 price tag. Yes, $5. I'd almost purchased it previously at full price because, while I can do a lot of things successfully, resisting bright blues and moto-style clothing are usually not among them. I originally passed on it because I thought it was slightly overpriced for what it is (I'm sure it's made of, like, plastic and old paint chips or something), but at five bucks I was ready to play ball. Plus, I had a bunch of studs laying around (ebay is the best for bags of cheap studs!) that I used to quickly upgrade this vest.

Vintage Paisley, Revlon Lipstick, Skeptical Face

Outfit Details

Blue Studded Vest: Dots {with some DIY studs added by me}

T-Shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Marshall's

Head Scarf: Vintage {thrifted}

Necklace: Forever 21

Ring: Dots

What have you been up to in my absence, babes? Have you ever done any DIY studding? How much do you LOVE clearance racks at already-cheap stores?

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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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ROUNDUP: Cool Stuff on the Internet Vol. 3

It's time for another round of Cool Stuff on the Internet! Here's some fun stuff I found recently:

Garfield Minus Garfield

Just what it sounds like: Garfield comic strips, where Garfield has been removed. This often leaves just a few panels of an introspective, lonely Jon Arbuckle, and it gets pretty dark without that witty kitty offering his two cents on naps and lasagna. I never really noticed what a sad sack Jon is. Can we get Nermal in here to lighten the mood?

The Bob's Burgers Experiment

If you watch Bob's Burgers, you've likely noticed the ever-changing menu board at the restaurant which features a special burger of the day, always - always - with a pun-derful name, such as the 'Don't You Four Cheddar 'Bout Me' (pictured above). Well, some genius has taken to creating all of these fictional foods in real life and documenting it all on his blog. 

Iconic '90s Cartoon Outfits Recreated via Buzzfeed 

Ever wonder what your favorite childhood cartoon characters would wear today? Okay, probably not, but now you don't ever need to have that thought because this list has just gone ahead and told you. Keeping you from thinking thoughts, is there any greater gift? All your faves are here (including Pepper Ann, who is so often overlooked) and some of these outfits are actually pretty great, regardless of cartoon inspiration.

Amazing Shadow Sculptures via Marvelous

Artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster create piles of what seems like debris - trash, birds, cigarette packs, cans, scrap metal - and shine lights on them just so to create shadows that truly resemble people sitting, standing or talking. In that picture above, would you ever believe that pile of trash could create that very recognizable human shadow behind it?

Tampon Crafts

Yes, these are all tampons. I generally wouldn't waste a tampon on unnecessary matters because how much would you regret it if you had a tampon emergency and you realized that you just hot glued your last one in a DIY menorah? Very much, I think. Tampon Crafts is fun for a peruse and there are several holiday related ideas, which is very timely. You have to admit - those Christmas "lights" are genius, right? Something here could be a great Yankee Swap gag gift for the right crowd, unless you don't hang out with people who would think a tampon toupee is hilarious, in which case you have my sincerest condolences.

Yogurt the Pirate Dog on Instagram

This dog is just adorable. I guess some might describe her missing eye and always-hanging-out tongue in other ways ("disfigured" and "gross" come to mind), but I love a good messed up mutt. Her remaining eye is so big and beautiful it totally makes up for the missing one, right? She likes to wear elf outfits and fancy collars (the human shirt kind, not dog collars) and we get to look at that for FREE. What a world!

The Worst Things For Sale

Everyone has seen something and wondered how it ever got made - this site is full of those things. Ever wanted a $70 wi-fi egg tray that updates your phone when your eggs are about to go bad? How about the iPhone panties pictured above, which serve no purpose whatsoever, except creeping me out indefinitely (look how they're just pushed to the side for charging...ewww). I can't forget the hard candy that makes your body exude a perfumed scent when you eat it. Because putting on perfume is so hard. Don't worry - they're sugar free, which is great because I know when I'm eating weird Bulgarian chemical perfume candies, the sugar content is of utmost concern.

What cool stuff have you seen lately? Link it in the comments!

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STYLE: OOTD Flowers Galore

Little known fact: sometimes your floral motifs get lonely and you need to give them company. Okay, I actually didn't notice that I was wearing florals on top AND bottom until I made this post, but that rationale seems accurate, right?

Lipstick is Fire & Ice by Revlon

I made this skirt last year from a very simple pattern and this glorious floral fabric that I got from Joann Fabrics. Here's a closeup of its vintage-inspired goodness, wrinkles and all:

Here's a closeup of the cardigan's floral gems. I'm...let's call it "thrifty" with most purchases, but I still remember that I spent $29 for this cardigan on clearance, which is probably NBD to most people, but I like to see how little I can pay for all of my clothes, so this was a MAJOR splurge to me. This one was special!

Here is a clear shot of the Indiana Jones Cat portrait that lives above our couch. He peeks into a lot of my pictures, but I've never introduced him. He found me at a vaguely sketchy thrift store and I just knew. I have yet to regret making him the center of my living room decor. The other is a painting of Mike Lowell done by my dear pal Brian.

Outfit Details

Cardigan: Adrienne Vittadini via T.J. Maxx

Tank Top: Old Navy

Skirt: Handmade by me

Leggings: Old Navy

Boots: Rampage via Marshall's

Bracelet: Vintage

Do you ever go overboard with a pattern? Are you into making your own clothes? Would you not LOVE to have your own Indiana Jones Cat portrait? I think I've actually seen this print available online before for those who just must have him, too. He's worth the search.

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STYLE: Fox Sweater OOTD

It's been quite some time since I've made an Outfit of the Day post, so I figured I'd rectify that since that's one of the things I claim to do around here. Truth is, no one is watching to tell me what to do, so sometimes I get a little off track and want to talk about bunny ear flats or the clothing of 90s TV when it comes to fashion posts instead of just sharing a picture of myself in whatever I happen to be wearing that day. 

This outfit makes me feel like a vintage British schoolboy. Uh, I guess that should be schoolgirl, but I can't help but feel like a little fancy boy for some reason. That's ok, right?

These houndstooth flats have been kicking around my life since 2005. They're so old that they make crackly noises when I walk in them. I've also covered up some scratches on the heels with a Sharpie because I am the absolute picture of sophistication.

Up close, you can see the little pink jewels on this pearl collar necklace. Clearance, as usual.

Outfit Details:

Fox Sweater: Old Navy

Corduroy Skirt: Old Navy

Knee Socks: Target

Houndstooth Flats: Old Navy

Collar Necklace: H&M

Rings: Vintage {Orange} & Claire's {Mood Ring}

Do you enjoy dressing for "school" even if you haven't been a student in years? What's your favorite piece of animal clothing? What's the longest you've worn a pair of shoes?

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STYLE: Style Inspiration From the Ladies of Horror

Friday the 13th is a rare and special treat - most people are freaked out by the morbid associations, but I delight in any day that feels like a holiday. Seriously - any excuse (even a superstitious nonevent) to put a little special spice in the air is okay by me. In honor of this most fearful of Fridays I'm showing you how to get horror movie-style glamour directly from the queens of scream themselves. 

(click any style board to learn more)

The Birds

Even though we pretty much only see one outfit on Tippi Hedren in The Birds, it was definitely a good one. Her vintage green dress suit could still be rocked today and her simple, sleek accessories could still make us "flock" to her (yes, I went there). Here's how she'd do it up today:

The Craft

The Craft was HUGE for me and my friends and while she seemed to have the least screen time, I was always drawn to the wardrobe of Rachel True's character Rochelle. This look was LITERALLY the epitome of chic to me in 1996 and I tried (and failed) to pull it off with my limited 5th grade wardrobe. Gotta admit - I'd still feel incredibly cool in this right now. Also, why don't we wear more suspenders?

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy - and I'm talking movie version Buffy here - was just SO cool I could barely stand it. I once watched this movie ten times in 48 hours before returning my rental in 2nd grade. I have her wardrobe memorized, from daisy print dress to spandex unitard and every jean jacket in between. Words of wisdom: anyone who can effortlessly pull off a black leather jacket over a prom dress is a fashion pro. Here's how to steal her best slaying gear:

Gremlins 2: The New Batch

Some may find her repulsive, but I'm strangely drawn to the girl gremlin. Her confidence is insane! She's like a leathery Marilyn Monroe. Wearing a pink boa and full on ball gown like it's just ~whatevs~ shows this chick can pull off anything! A full head of retro styled green hair is a look I'd like to pursue, but we can start small with a few clip in streaks.

Rosemary's Baby

OK, so Rosemary had some serious shit going on, but she still managed to knock the whole fashion thing out of the park. Her baby is all Satan-y and she'd still sporting non-stop hats, mod collars and to-die-for nighties. If she can find the time to wear perfect shift dresses while solving the whole 'what the hell is going on' thing then what's our excuse?

Psycho

Like The Birds, we get just a glimpse into the potential super closet of Janet Leigh in Psycho, but it's stayed engrained in our collective memory. Her simple shirt dress and selective jewelry are smart for a gal on the run and I think we can all give thanks that her clothes were spared during the infamous shower scene. Also, can we talk about THOSE BROWS? Perfection.

The Shining

The Shining twins are probably not topping any lists of who we most want to emulate, but let's step back from the creepiness for a sec...their look is actually pretty cute, am I right? Nightgown-esque dress, knee socks, mary janes - YES. Throw on some Gemini jewelry as a nod to your "better half" and this lipstick in the shade REDRUM and you can have the twins' look - minus the blood stains (unless you're into that, of course).

They're not only there to terrify you: the ladies of horror can be major fashion inspiration! Follow their lead - err, at least in the clothing realm - to get a cool, vintage or tough look that's so good it's scary.

Who is your favorite lady of horror?

xoxo,

Michelle