fashionhodgepodge

via BangStyle.com

Collars. I used to hate them. After being forced to wear a collared shirt (mainly a polo) for thirteen years of school dress code, I got rid of every button up and collared shirt I owned…until NY changed my  mind.

via FashionHippiesLoves

via ThisTimeTomorrow-Krystal

I was so inspired by the city’s savvy mix of street style, I realized that there was more than one way to wear button-ups.  I forgave the collar for dominating my closet and leaving me with no fashion freedom and embraced its tidyness. But not without a change.

via OhFashionBlog

via OhFashionBlog

Yah, to avoid looking like a serious business person, or too prim n’ proper, I’ve been adding all the chunky and blingy neck-hugging jewelry I could find. The result? A love for collared shirts again, with just the right amount of show-stopping jewels.

via SavvySpice

via StyleMania

Yours Truly Conquering the Collar

See? So much love under that collar.

xo

So, ever since I’ve moved away from my home state of AZ (no Arizona Muse picture-pun intended), going to the mall isn’t really my first choice anymore. There are just too many awesome places to find things – in NY, there were store fronts conveniently all over town, and in LA, boutiques and shops are scattered in cool nooks around the city, and online there is just an abundant of up-and-coming specialty fashion sites.

So, exploring the hood…I went into a vintage shop and butterflies instantly tossed around in my stomach. There. It. Was. – an amazing Proenza Schouler dress just staring me down. Or maybe it was the other way around, but it was almost like a beacon of light shining down just callin’ me to take it off the rack.

I picked it up, dashed to the dressing room and was sooooo lucky that it fit like a glove. I couldn’t believe that someone would want to trade it in for a newer model – it. was. gorg. It has such a classic print and cut but just the right amount of edge with an exposed zipper.

Stunned by my luck, I couldn’t help but wonder what else was out there. My find got me inspired to search for even more great work from the design duo.  From ad campaigns to cool editorials, Proenza Schouler has it goin’ on. I mean, how awesome is Sky Ferriera in those shorts? Risk-taking shorts, yes, but so cute and so different. And Liv in head-to-toe Proenza? Bananas foster. Yum.

Proenza Schouler Black and White Print Dress - Los Angeles Thrift Find

Their designs are super sleek and patterns are incredibly inquisitive and creative. I’m so overwhelmingly happy with my dress, but also can’t help dreamin’ about a pair for their floral pants or some of their other amazing prints they have right now.  Just as good as finding a gem in a vintage store, I also found some Proenza on cool online boutique sites like Net-A-Porter and FarFetch along with pretty much every designer dress under the sun that I drooled over.

But I guess my point is, don’t stick to what you know. You never know what you can find when you get out of your comfort zone and don’t just go for the easy route.  Go out, explore, have an adventure –  maybe you will just end up fetching that perfect unexpected find.

xo

Photo: For Love and Lemons Tripper Spring 2012 Collection Lookbook via The Cool Hour

Skip the arm party and just go straight to the wrist rave.

Photo: Aimee from Song of Style

Make it a double.

Photo: Ashley from Purse N’ Boots

And Spwwwwi-ke the punch.

Photo: Julie of Sincerely Jules

I mean, Cool aid.

Photo: Leandra of The Man Repeller

But give a toast to the original hostess with the most-est.

xo

Photo via Unknown

Photo via Elle Mexico Magazine by Santiago Ruisenor

Photo via Unknown

Photo by Sanitago Ruisenor for Elle Mexico Magazine

Photo Unknown

Photo by Vien Tran for Fashion Gone Rogue

Photo via Peach and Apricot Tumblr

Photo via I.D. Magazine September 2007

Photo by Magdalena Frackowiak for Vogue Japan February 2012

Photo via Elle Vietnam Magazine July 2011

Photo: Artwork by Michael Trujillo, Nail Polish c/o Julep.com

I am a victim of shying away from color, so once again I’m resolving to wear more P.O.C.s (pops of color) in any way I can. Julep.com sent over an awesome kit with these two hues in it, and it happens to match some art in my house. The pink and blue are totally not something that I’d pick up on the Rite Aid down the road, but they are encouraging me to make my nails the into a new accessory.

So, pink and blue you will be part of my wardrobe (sneakily on my fingertips) and not full-on outfits like in the editorials above, but let’s make those goals to move towards. One step at a time, one step at a time….

Well, gonna give these new colors a lil pat on the back for making me add some life into my black & neutral wardrobe! Pat. Pat.

xo

Photo via Unknown (Tumblr)

Photo via the awesome Atlantic-Pacific

Photo via Unknown

Photo via Stockholm Streetstyle

Photo via Unknown

Photo via Unknown

It’s no secret that I love to wear black, but the ultimate is not an LBD for me, its a maxi skirt. No, I’m not hiding anything under there or trying to look like a school teacher – with the right material and styling a maxi can elongate my shorty silhouette and not make me look stumpy dumpy.

Totally in love with black maxis – dress or skirt, pleated or asymmetical, sheer or solid. My fave which I’m suuuuuper excited about is my new American Apparel chiffon maxi skirt (also a more sheer version here)  – It’s so comfy, flowy, and a wardrobe staple.

Go work your magic.

xo,

Tam