OUTFIT POST Accio Mah Assio

 

 

THE UH, SUMMONING CHARMS

These glasses aren't perched on my face to help me see- they are the useless but fashionable sort with blanks for lenses. But cute, eh? They remind me of Harry Potter. So to uh, cast a spell of enchantment, I posed with them and they did manage to add a bit of something to my outfit, don't you think? 

These photos were taken this past summer, when I first moved into the BT/W studio. The light in the space has such a nice quality- these are taken with just natural daylight coming through the windows. 

I've been attracted to garments that have a timeless quality to them, and this blouse is a case in point. While it's a no name cotton blouse, I like the vague ethnic quality to it, and think the floral embroidery on the front is a quiet call-back to the bold floral print on the skirt. Nothing fancy here, just a solid, comfy separates that can mix and match with a variety of other items.

I'll admit, I love the Harry Potter books but CONFESSION:

I've somehow NOT managed to watch all of the Harry Potter films. I watched the first 3 I think and just forgot about them. BUT- that does not stop me from being giddy about the upcoming LE GRAND OPENING of a wizard bar in my neck of the woods! 

More specifically in Ballard. Which somehow seems oh-so-appropo that SEATTLE IS SOON to have a wizard themed bar in our city! It's called The Splintered Wand, and you can learn more about them HERE.

NOW WEARING

• Non-prescription round black framed glasses, a FREE PILE grab
  
• Unbranded cotton blouse, thrifted from the GOODWILL
  
• Shein colorblock floral pleated skirt, AMAZON 
• Checkerboard chunky leather sandals, ALOHAS 
  

Be Beautiful in Valentino

"I know what women want. They want to be beautiful." -Valentino Garavani

Valentino nailed it. Creating garments that made women feel beautiful was the keystone to what made his design house a legend, and still fashionably relevant today.  I've had the recent opportunity to sell a couple of Valentino dresses, and I jumped at the chance. Up close, these dresses are gorgeous little creatures; the high standards of manufacture is evident. Different perhaps in expression, the two dresses both share a timeless quality. Whatever era they are worn, they will be "in style." And THAT, my friends is the keystone to being beautiful- having a constant, graceful presence. 

But, "beauty is more than skin deep." That adage reminds me that there is more to true beauty than just wearing a pretty dress off the rack. True beauty has layers, and underneath it all, beauty possesses within it, a grace that provides joy for others. While these dresses are indeed "beautiful," what will add true beauty to their refined elegance, will be the woman destined to wear them. 

Picture Perfect: Fleur D'Elise

Blonde Ambitions: Fashion Blogger/ Stylist Catie lights up Seattle with her innate sense of cool.

Recently, I've had the opportunity to work with one of my favorite (ok, MY FAVORITE!) Seattle fashion blogger. She's got tremendous charm, and has an "all-ages" style, garnering the attention of many national folks including Redbook, Victoria's Secret, Forever 21, American Apparel, Chictopia, etc, etc. Meet Catie Beatty, the blogger and stylist behind Fleur D'Elise, who possesses a wonderful warmth, backed by her great innate sense of cool.

This image sort of sums up Catie's mojo-  a champagne bubbly meets a cocktail of savvy street style, and classic style moves. She's the girl next door, only with much better shoes, and a mad vintage coat collection.  Mark my words, world: you'll be seeing A LOT more of Catie B. Meanwhile, take a peek at her blog Fleur D'Elise and style services.

Outfit Post: Animal Instincts

Seattle Fashion Blogger: Trying my Hand at the Official Fashion Color of Seattle: Olive Green.

Put this in YOUR diary: this was the outfit that I finally felt like a real Seattle style blogger. Why? The elements are pure Pac-Northwest. No shocking sun-drenched brights, no short shorts or skirts, just a bit of punch to what seems to be the official color of Seattle, olive green. You will see loads of army green, olive drab, whatever you call it, but that color of green on twill that one associates with the military, you will see it all over the fine denizens of this fair city. Usually paired with fleece, and some running shoes.

Well, here, I am wearing it. Only no fleece, and definitely NO trainers.

Outfit Post: Seattle Starling

Imagination takes flight in a practical fisherman's knit cardigan sweater. (Photo credits: Bella Q)

Grey knitted on grey, with clouds tumbling over your head, like a dirty white crest of surf washing in on a Seattle tide. Winter here is a a study of heathered, charcoaled, jetted, and slated greys. And some days, that can't help but color you. One can't pounce about in fancy silk frocks when it's wet and cold and rainy. You're going to want to feel toasty, warm, and better serving to that is the practical sweater, some leg cover; anything to get you out the door and onto the street ready to get about, to go somewhere.

I've been wearing jeans in what seems like forever, and I'm not a pants sort of girl. So I'm exploring all sorts of ways to stay warm and dry in a skirt or dress. It has to be done quickly- there's not a lot of time, or space (small, small closets) to sort an outfit out. Garments need to be selected, donned, layered and dressed.

I feel a dullness to all this practicality- what comes to mind are those drab yet shiny birds you see everywhere, the starlings. I admire their tenacity, their capability to thrive in city living, and for their bright yellow beaks that commonly accessorize their otherwise plain-as-jane wardrobe: an oily overcoat of drab dark feathers. I guess you could say that today, I'm feeling a bit like a starling.

Say YES to the dress! Shop Karina Dresses at karinadresses.com