I love spring, I do, but spring leads to summer, and FLA summers are far too long. The fact that I am seven hours closer to the equator means that it’s going to last even longer than what I am accustomed to. Perhaps I’ll apply to PhD programs in Siberia, or the Yukon.
I had a feeling that the day these pix were snapped would be the last day for me to don heavy layers, so I went a bit overboard with my reworked 40’s swing coat, and my vintage mink caplet (it belonged to my beloved grandmother, Willie).
Vintage Coat via Golyester, Vintage Caplet, Nieman Marcus Private Label Turtleneck, Thrifted Shorts, American Apparel Sheer Luxe Pantyhose, David Yurman Bracelet & Cocktail Ring, Vintage Chanel Charm Bracelet, VC Signature Shoes, Ray Ban Meteor Sunglasses, MAC’s Girl About Town Lipstick
Note: I completely forgot purchasing these American Apparel tights last fall, and when I opened the plastic wrapper, I was surprised (in a good way) to find tiny hearts, and not sheer “spirals“… that is what the label misread after all.
Here’s my attempt at recreating this NYFW look. I told ya I had the key ingredients (chiffon blouse & cozy sweater).
As you can see, I paired my double mint layers with white jeans. I cannot remember the last time I owned white denim. These J. Crew skinnies fit like a glove. I bought them a size larger than I normally wear FYI. Something about too tight white recalls serious fashion faux pas.
BCBG Kayne Sweater (on sale), H&M Blouse, J.Crew Matchstick Denim, Vintage Chanel Necklace via Plum Delightful, Michael Kors Tote (similar), Shoemint Garbo Heels, & Oakley Frogskin Sunglasses (similar)
Note: I don’t like the antiquated “no white before Easter” rule, and I have delayed wearing my super sexy Garbo heels for long enough. They were dying for a debut. Although no shoe is comfortable right now, as I have a nasty little bugger called a neuroma living in my foot (he’ll be dead, or removed soon), these feel pretty good… for stilettos.
“We don’t need another hero, we don’t need to know they way home, all we want is life beyond Thunderdome…”—Tina Turner
So, the first thing that came to mind when I spied this vest, my latest Target acquisition, was Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. I came pretty close to pairing it with leather jeans (think post-apocalyptic biker babe), but opted for something a bit more feminine: silk foulard trousers & a turtleneck.
Update: I am finally getting settled into my new digs, and am slowly, but surely finding things to like about my new city.
Neiman Marcus/Target Skaist Taylor Faux Fur Vest, Club Monaco Turtleneck (old), Joie Silk Pants, J.Crew Belt, Coach Boots (old), Michael Kors Bag (similar), Mimi by Sorrelli Cuff, Ray Ban Meteor Sunglasses
My affection for novelty sweaters is beginning to rival my love for novelty tees
I picked up this quirky kitty jumper while Christmas shopping at J. Crew recently. Cropped trousers, ballet flats, and a ladylike blazer made it feel a bit more grown-up (and less schoolmarm-ish).
Alythea Jacket via Tomato Boutique, J.Crew “Tabby” Sweater, J.Crew “Minnie” Pants, LV “Alma” Bag, F21 Necklace (old), J.Crew “Mila” Ballet Flats, Ray Ban “Meteor” Sunglasses
I’ve never quite understood the sartorial aversion to pairing black with brown. It is undeniably chic after all.
Today, marks the first fall day that a coat was needed in my neck of the woods. Cold weather = a very happy Rhea.
Poleci Coat, Banana Republic Cashmere Turtleneck (old), AG “The Legging” Jeans, Prada Belt (old), Frye “Jenna” Boots, Goyard Clutch (custom), Ray Ban “Meteor” Sunglasses
So, I survived the flu, and made it to The Big Easy for an amazing wedding weekend at the Roosevelt. I wasn’t sure this would happen.
I got a jingle bell. Tis the season…
Alythea Jacket via Tomato (on Magazine Street), F21 Scarf, sample sale skinny jeans, Celine Bag (old), Shoemint Frankie Wingtips, Ray Ban Meteor Sunglasses
On the day of my departure, I got a wild hair, and decided to introduce one of my gal pals to Commander’s Palace. Initially, we were dressed for a long(ish) car ride (think Lululemon spandex pants & cotton), but quickly changed for a fine dining experience. Thank goodness I recalled the restaurant’s strict dress code at the last minute. Shockingly, jeans are now acceptable (as long as they don’t have holes). What you see here is the best I could do under the circumstances (packed bags): skinnies, wingtips, a boucle jacket, and a silk scarf to hide the tee underneath.
I chose Commander’s for the food, and for the fact that it’s situated across the street from one of the most morbidly romantic cemeteries in the city. I try to think of John Keats, and Ian Curtis lyrics as I aimlessly meander through its labyrinthine layout.
Do you ever wonder why people leave silk (or plastic) flowers at gravesides— it’s such a strange juxtaposition, especially for a graveyard in the Garden District. Still, there’s an element of beauty, and I thought I’d share some of it with you. Please enjoy the faux flower porn.
Smile. Monday is almost over.
I love menswear. When is comes to getting ready & dressing, men have it made. In the shade.
I’ve always been a fan of both quirky androgynous attire, and androgynous names (I wanted to change mine to something like “Alex,” or “Charlie,” or “Nic” until I was about 18). Since I don’t have a long, lanky body, I’m sort of limited to men’s furnishings, which is cool. I’ve got ties, vests, shoes, hats, etc. to work with. Today’s tomboyish look was inspired by Woody Allen’s classic flick, Annie Hall. Note: if I were going to work, I’d swap wide leg jeans for wide leg trousers.
Nailed it. I keed. I did my best with what was in my suitcase.
The usual suspects: Yurman, Rolex, Gap, random vintage.
Fall colors in Piedmont Park.
Target Hat, J. Crew Blythe Blouse , vintage vest & tie, 7FAM (similar) Jeans, Shoemint “Frankie” Wingtips, Celine Bag (old), Ray Ban “Clubmaster” Sunglasses
Happy Monday. Is it 5pm yet?
Let me begin this post by stating that I’m a Chanel whore for life; however, the new #5 campaign featuring Brad Pitt. What. The. F@#k. Seriously! Per usual, I had the TV on whilst working (white noise), and without looking I heard Brad’s voice. Instinctively, I assumed he was doing some sort of philanthropic ad. Wrong. Dead wrong. Please tell me that it was meant for Asian & European markets, and is being domestically aired by mistake? #boo #epicfail
Dear Uncle Karl,
I like my perfume commercials to star sassy (and sexy) ladies like Charlize, Marilyn, Grace, & Beth (Ditto).
Love,
Rhea
Consigned Chanel Jacket, Banana Republic Blouse (last year), old Leggings, random Belt (worn as a necklace), David Yurman Cocktail Ring, Sama Glasses Sama, Sigerson Morrison (pilgrim) Loafers
I digress. This post is inteded to showcase ^this^ stupendous acquisition (jacket). Charleston, SC has one of the most phenomenal consignment stores I’ve ever visited. It’s called The Trunk Show, and it carries more Chanel inventory than most Chanel boutiques.
It’s a leetle too big, but mum, and I are sharing. I love it regardless, AND I can still show off excessive necklace layering (like you’re supposed too).
An Insta pic, so you can see the buttons.
Shoes. None of my “full” body shots were blog worthy, and again, it’s all about the blazahh!
Oh, how I love classic color pairings like bright red and navy blue.
I’ve wanted red trousers for quite awhile now. Finding these (via J.Crew) was thrilling. They’re are perfection… feminine, yet tomboyish all at once.
I need something with ^ this ^ pattern. Collar? Cuffs? Skirt? All over ? ? ?
Mum, and I decided to tour historic Charleston via horse and carriage—a much needed walking reprieve (my heels were dotted with blisters).
Blue(ish) suede shoes.
Pinkyotto Top & Collar, J.Crew Cafe Capri Pants, Elie Tahari Shoes, LV Document Case (note: it is actually holding documents), Ray Ban Sunglasses
Lipstick: MAC’s ” Ruby Woo”
Halloween is just around the corner, and my costume is nearly complete. Despite the generic nature of said costume, I am rather excited. Stay tuned.
I want to give a shout out to Taylor & Ryan for being most excellent hosts; I’m not sure anyone else could have sold a city with no seasons more effectively.
I snapped these pix on the rooftop of the couples (near) downtown abode. Their apartment complex, though urban chic & amenity equipped, is turbo about parking enforcement. Seriously. I got towed from the top of a six-story garage for parking in what I thought was a visitor spot. Mea culpa. Getting towed sucks, and paying cash (to a creepy biker) to bail your car out of jail sucks even more.
Shoemint. They’re stiff, but comfy.
Vintage Chanel.
Oh, hai St. Pete.
I love H&M as much as the next bargain shopping b, but sometimes the stores are so poorly managed, crowded, & disorganized, that I can’t bare to walk in. Not the case in Tampa. It’s amazing. I scored these watercolor floral printed trousers (along with a few other items), and I have a feeling that they are going to be year round repeat offenders.
Blouse: J.Crew, Pants: H&M, Belt: J.Crew, Shoes: Shoemint, Bag: Celine, Necklace: vintage Chanel, Cuff: Mimi by Sorrelli, Cocktail Ring: David Yurman, Sunglasses: Ray Ban
NB: I’ve officially been turned onto Pinterest. For recipes. My fantastic friends made not one, but two meals via pin, and I must say that I was truly impressed. Skinny enchiladas AND lasagna with zucchini instead of noodles. Yum.