I'm always ready for fall and winter fashion to make its yearly debut. Of course here in Georgia patience is required as we wait through several rounds of temporary cool-downs before fall finally and permanently descends on our southern state (usually in time for Thanksgiving... although I do recall a Christmas morning in shorts some years back, but I digress.)
In the past I've only had one bone to pick with winter-wear: the unceremonious pallets of gray, black, navy, and other equally quiet neutrals. Don't get me wrong - neutral can be chic, interesting, and down-right daring. But sometimes I look back forlornly at the season before and reminisce about the jewel tones of spring and summer splendor. However, fashion trends from the past few turns of the calender seem to be with me on this colorful matter, and welcome with open, covered arms a bolder and brighter color pallet. Purples, pinks, (side note: I heard coral was the new "it" holiday color...) greens, teals, and more are just as much of a winter wardrobe staple as a khaki coat or a black pair of boots. Tis the season to decorate... yourself!
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Devil May Care
Layering is haphazardly artistic... it's like a 14 year old boy who works and works and works to get his hair that perfect kind of messy: like he didn't care or try at all. And sometimes it is as effortless as it looks. Comfy, easy layers make me feel intune with something larger than myself - perhaps because if I spend less time getting ready then I've likely gotten more sleep.
p.s. giveaway contest on the post before this! super cute alfanai, leather, cranberry-red fold-over clutch is the prize for the winner... please check it out!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Jezebel's Most Eligible... and Most Fashionable! (And our first giveaway contest!)
When Jezebel Magazine extended an invitation to Finders Keepers Boutique for their Most Eligible Atlantans party, we jumped at the opportunity to take a gander at some Atlanta's trend-setters. And of course we wanted to give you a peek too. And then we had an idea: why don't we let you decide which bachelorette is also your favorite fashionista? So we scoured the packed venue (the recently-renovated Gold Room) for ensembles that stood out from the (very full) crowd. These 8 stylish southern bells took risks, and they paid off big time. So we wanna know what you think! In the comments for this post, list the name of who you think put together the night's winning look and why. The style that receives the most votes wins a $50 gift certificate good at any of our three stores! The best part: YOU can win too! In your comment, give us your definition of style. Yes, it's vague, but that's all part of the fun! The Boutique Staff will decide on the best definition, and the winner will receive the cranberry-red Alfani leather clutch pictured in this blog post! Votes and definitions will be tallied until June 20th, and we will announce both winners on June 21st. We can't wait to see what you have to say! I've also included other pictures from Jezebel's extravagant event, which included a live, up-close-and-personal performance by Sara Bareilles. She was incredible - by the way - and getting her newest album is definitely on my to-do list.
Contestant #1: Jana
Stephanie spotted her in line for the *delicious* complimentary appetizers. "OMG - look at that belt!" The bold-colored maxi dress is a personal wardrobe favorite of mine. And Jana had cinched in the waist with a glittery, metallic belt. Her effortless, feminine look scored high with us!
She wears: BCBG
She shops: Bloomingdales
She can't live without: A great clutch
Contestant #2: Bren
Bren is one cool chick. Just take her ensemble, for example. The harem pants are from Monaco, she's rocking L.A.M.B shoes, a Teri Jon jacket, CB Herrera jewelry, and a vintage church hat. The combination of eras, material, and glam are a symphony of styles that blend beautifully into a pitch-perfect sound.
She wears: worldwide apparel (mentioned above)
She shops: Loehmanns, vintage, consignment, and especially when she travels
She can't live without: her 5 inch stilettos or her mother's jewelry
Contestant #3 Charlotte
What a doll! This dress is such a statement and she knew it! She kept it simple with minimal jewelry and nude heels so that the dress could take center stage. The uber-chic simplicity was a total knock-out look. p.s. *LOVE* the bow detail!
She wears: Neiman Marcus
She shops: Old Navy to Neimans and everything in between
She can't live without: her Patagonia
Contestant #4 G.G.
We spotted this ensemble early on. The bold, don't-you-dare-look-away color combined with the easy-going fabric made for a perfect dress for the evening. A funky, edgy, structured statement necklace was the perfect compliment, and her use of white and black accessories was timeless and daring all at the same time. (And if I could pull off her hair, I would totally try!)
She wears: a gift from Mom!
She shops: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and consignment!
She can't live without: a great silver necklace
Contestant #5 Pamela
I am a sucker for sequins. (I'm like a moth to a light when it comes to shiny objects.) The deep scoop cut in the sequined neckline is a formidable opponent for potential accessories. The black and gunmetal multi-strand necklace was the perfect balance for the dress, and her lace-up booties had enough structure to stand up to this high-power look.
She wears: French Connection
She shops: Finders Keepers (thanks!) and Loehmann's
She can't live without: "hot, sexy shoes"
Contestant #6 Kristy
Kristy's retro, checked choice stood out from the sea of dresses. But the bright colors weren't the main reason this look was so eye-catching. The fit of this dress was perfect, like it was made for her. Vintage clothing is often tailored in a splendid way that has become harder to find with newer merchandise. The ankle strap detail on the shoes spoke well to the timelessness of the look.
She wears: a locally purchased vintage dress
She shops: bebe and Guess
She can't live without: her favorite pair of Meks jeans
Contestant #7 Tammy
Tammy's chic, all black ensemble took a step outside of the box with the combination of textures and sheen. Many people have a hard time with all black: "I have to make sure the blacks match," they say. Heck no, you don't! The simple jewelry choices let the variety of fabrics and shades work harmoniously together, and her sleek hair style was the perfect icing on the cake. The coolest thing about Tammy was Tammy: she's a weapons buyer for law enforcement and the military. "I don't know how to shoot at all," she said.
She wears: bebe and Express
She shops: "Everywhere! But since I'm a buyer I refuse to pay full retail price for anything," she said. Sales and discount stores are her personal favorites.
She can't live without: platform heels
Contestant #8 Shawntay
Shawntay's grape, peep-toe booties were the shoes of the night! And we loved that she combined them with a lighter purple dress. The structured, I-get-my-way footwear gave a little punch of power to the silky, sweet frock. By keeping the earrings simple and dawning a statement, bejeweled ring, this fashionista achieved perfect balance between three pieces that all adore the spotlight (and we adore them right back!)
She wears: Marshalls - this girl is a bargain hunter!
She shops: Marshalls and other discounted designer stores
She can't live without: her favorite pair of Arden B. jeans
Don't forget to vote for your favorite look in our comments! And leave/email contact information so we can let you know if you're chosen as the winner! Posted below are more pictures from the Jezebel event as well as a picture of the Alfani clutch that you can enter to win!
Yes - we were this close to the stage
Sara Bareilles was incredible!
Enter to win this leather Alfani clutch! Vote for your favorite contestant and answer this little question in your comment: what is style?
The Gold Room enjoyed a packed house for the Jezebel Event!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
i *heart* details
If ever there was a Boutique Girl who, above all else, treasured the value of a detail, she would be Ivana. This attention to the little things couldn't have been more true than the day she topped wide-leg trousers with a fitted vintage t-shirt of Audrey Hepburn. The detail part: Ivana had replicated her hairstyle after Audrey's coif in the image down to the black cloth headband. She'd even mimicked the pearl studs. The look was perfection. As she zipped around Boutique in her usual way, customers literally stopped mid conversation to admire her ensemble.
My favorite detail: buttons. Either big, funky, statement buttons or high-quality, well-organized rows of buttons. I liken it to a manicured Pecan orchard (I drive by such a place on the way to my parents' lake house and I find that I always hold my breath as I stare down the perfect rows of grass and grandeur) or a random sunflower or day lily - a bright, random splash of color that seems so reckless that it almost dares anyone to tell it not to grow there.
Boutique Girl: Ivana (styled by Casey)
On Ivana:
Jacket: Robert Louis $79
Blouse: 172 Grams $26
Dress: Ella Moss $34
Skirt: Missoni $83
Wedges: Michael Kors $47
Monday, June 7, 2010
black and white and pink all over
What's black and white and "red" all over? That joke always confused me when I was little, mostly because I immediately ran to the Sunday paper on my parents' kitchen table and scanned each page for any red writing to no avail. Of course until I saw the pledge of allegiance written out in my 9th grade history text book I also thought "for which it stands" was all one word: forwitchitstanz... some magical, patriotic, secret password. I hope you'll keep that little admission between us, but I digress.
My mother says that it's all about perception - "your perception is your reality," she says. To my eight-year old self, when I heard "black and white and red all over" I envisioned thousands of smart words leaping in red and black print from an omniscient, white paper. But that perceived reality impacts every facet of our lives. In Boutique we always ask a customer: "how do you feel in it?" - How does it make you perceive your reality?
On Carter
Skirt: Karen Kane $26
Top: BCBG $11
Skirt: Karen Kane $26
Top: BCBG $11
Jacket: Lux $24
Wedges: Antonio Melani $43 Handbag: Gucci $475
Necklace: $26
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Got the Blues
To be the standard color of cold and depression, blue is one of the most lively, playful colors in the spectrum. Its hues are also assigned to the two key factors of life as we know it: air and water. Granted, the shades of blue are technically just a combination of reflections of light against the dark, untamed abyss that yawns infinitely above us. But when a cloudless sky is THAT blue - the kind of blue that stops you in your tracks and makes you completely forget what you were thinking about - the reasons for the color seem irrelevant to the reaction it involuntarily commands. Blue has an endless principle to it, an utter lack of beginning or end that perhaps is why our minds, so interested in things unseen and unkown, can't help but ponder the great beyond.
Boutique Girl: Carter (styled by Casey)
On Carter:
Cardigan: St John - $53
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity - $44
Top: Kimchi Blue - $17
Heels: Enzo $43
Clutch: Finesse La Model - $250
Necklace - $18
p.s.
We took these pictures in the new dessert shop - Suno - that just opened yesterday in our shopping center. They had a grand opening last night and tons of people braved the serious storm brewing overhead for free samples of what Suno calls "the asian dessert of atlanta." The buzz is big... can't wait to try it out for myself!
Labels:
bargain hunting,
citizens of humanity,
fashion,
st john,
style
Friday, May 28, 2010
I Walk the Line
We use music to take us away - to put words and tones to feelings that we can't describe on our own. There's an escape in a melody, inspiration in a harmony, and a tender cut in well crafted lyrics. I'm a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due - and I have no problem admitting when someone else's words find the soul of something better than mine.
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine, I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
~ Johnny Cash
Headband: (belt for dress) - n/a (priced with dress)
Booties: Just Cavalli - $55
Handbag: Bottega Veneta - $856
Necklace - $12
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine, I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
~ Johnny Cash
On Carter
Dress: Pucci - $168Headband: (belt for dress) - n/a (priced with dress)
Booties: Just Cavalli - $55
Handbag: Bottega Veneta - $856
Necklace - $12
Labels:
bottega veneta,
budget,
consignment,
designer,
fashion,
pucci,
shopping,
style
Monday, May 24, 2010
Let the Light In
I googled quotes about sunshine and waded through hundreds of song lyrics, poems, definitions, and metaphors. They were all nice or cute or clever, but none of them rang true to what sunshine DOES for a person. It's a life-force... like our own microwave - speeding up the movement of the molecules (if my memory of high school biology serves me correctly) that make us who we are. Everything seems to hum under sunshine's crafty fingers. Bright mornings have an immediate effect on my winter blahs. My husband always breathes a sigh of relief when the calender rolls into longer days. Be it vitamin D, warmer temperatures, or that colorful way the rest of the earth responds to daylight - what I know about sunshine is this: I never feel as perfectly content than when I'm standing, arms open, eyes shut, under a brilliant, burning, searing blue sky.
Boutique Girl: Ivana (styled by Carter)
On Ivana
Top: Antonio Berardi $21
Jeans: J Brand $53
Heels: Colin Stuart $25
Handbag: Gucci $695
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