Ode to Target

Worn January 27, 2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

I wore this dress a few days ago because I realized while looking through my closet that I've only worn it one time (on Thanksgiving Day) since I purchased it during the fall and I didn't even photograph myself that day. It was time to put the dress back in rotation. My whole outfit with the exception of my cardigan is from Target. I literally work across the street from a Target and that store is my 'budget kryptonite.' I've been pretty good at staying out of there for the past few weeks because I inevitably spend money when I do go in. I'm itching to make a quick trip over there and browse around the Junior's section, but I'll stay strong. Target, how I love thee...

Dress: Target
Tights: Target
Boots: Target
Cardigan: Old Navy

Valentine's Day cards from independent artisans

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I love the art of letter writing and Valentine's Day is a nice occasion to send a handmade Valentine's Day card with your own personal message inside to your special someone, best friend or mother. I think all of the cards above are nicely designed.

Shen's Favorite Things: Beautiful Summer Dresses

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Discovered these lovely dresses by a designer who won "The Fashion Show" on the Bravo network on this blog. I am so purchasing one of these babies as a birthday present to myself : )

Feelin' Purple

Worn January 26, 2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

Instead of feeling blue today, I'm feeling purple. The print of this dress is what caught my eye when I first saw it a few months ago, it's become a favorite since then. I'm kind of proud of myself that I don't have on any black for a change!

I know it's only Tuesday, but it feels like the week should be going by much faster...or is it just me?

Dress: Forever 21
Tights: Target
Shoes: Gojane.com

I Joined the Slow Readers Book Club...You Should Too!

You are invited to join and become a part of the Slow Readers Book Club! I can never seem to find the time to join a book club, so 2010 is the year I plan to remedy this and you can too! This different take on a book club is inspired by the Slow Movement effort... a goal to rebel against the rush of a world that wills us to be quicker-faster with a very conscious attempt to really slow down and appreciate and connect with what's around us. I think this is something we forget to do in the social media society that many of us exsit in these days.

The first book for the club will be Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls. 'A magnificent, true-life novel based on her no-nonsense, resourceful, hard working, and spectacularly compelling grandmother.' The plan is to read, discuss as a group (via email) and ultimately write about the book on Thursday, March 4th (two months from now).

Send an email or comment with your own email address so that you can be added to the Official Mailing List. You don't need a blog to join, but if you do have a blog, please help yourself to a button *HERE* and be sure to link it back to what ends up being your first post on the Slow Readers Book Club.

Shoe Love: Oxford Flats

Joan & David 'Zena Flat

Sam Edelman 'Cory'

Steven Melin Pinked Perforated Oxfords

Steve Madden 'Tuxxedo' Oxfords

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One of my favorite stores is closing...

I walked by one of my favorite stores recently, a vintage store on Capitol Hill called The Remix and thought it was odd that they were having such a huge sale. Then yesterday, while looking through my email, I noticed that I received an email from The Remix which is pretty normal because I am on their email list and regularly get emails about sales and specials. But when I opened up the email, I let out an audible groan when I read that they are closing their doors for good in February after almost a decade of existence. That so bummed me out! I loved popping in that store to look for some vintage clothing and accessories to add a pop to my wardrobe. I loved that they usually stocked a lot of items in small sizes because I am pretty short. The store owner and I are actually the same size, I always feel a kinship to people who are short, petite, like me. I found some really great dresses there like this one, this one, this one, and this one.

The Remix, you'll be missed!

Casual Friday

Worn January 22, 2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

This is the first time I've worn jeans on casual friday in ages! Now I remember why, I feel much more "me" in a skirt or dress...oh well. Every item I am wearing is at least 5 years old, if not older, I'm trying to 'shop my closet'. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Blazer: Gap
Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Express
Boots: Payless
Broach (see detail shot): Express via Etsy seller

Chanel Iman: Spanish Vogue 2010

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I love the shapes, colors and aesthetic of Chanel Iman's clothing in these pics from a Spanish Vogue editorial. Photos like these are making me start to long for warmer weather...

Enchantment

Worn January 21, 2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

I rediscovered Corinne Bailey Rae's first album and Enchantment is one of my favorite songs on that album. I'm so happy she has a new album coming out in the near future. Her first album evokes memories of summertime, sunshine and the ups and downs of love. I bet her new album will be just as good and probably poignant as well considering that she's lost her husband since her first album. But anyways, today's outfit was yet another effort on my part to "shop my closet" and pair pieces together in a new (to me) way. On another note, is anyone else excited that the weekend is almost here Yippeee....

Worn January 21, 2010

Lace Dolman Sleeve Top: H&M
Dress: Urban Outfitters
Tights: Target
Boots: Target
Belt: Urban Outfitters
Earrings: H&M

Trench Coats for Petite Ladies

Banana Republic

Overstock.com

Land's End

A classic trench coat is an investment item that is timeless and can be worn for countless dressy and casual occassions. But it is so hard for horizontally challenged ladies like me to find styles that don't overwhelm our figures. These trenches are are petite sizes which make them ideal for smaller ladies. Since I can't afford this perfect trench, I have been eyeing the others above that aren't completely out of my price range if I'm willing to save up for them.

Awesome Illustrations - Brianna McCarthy

Look at these awesome illustrations by an illustrator named Brianna McCarthy I discovered from this great blog! Makes me want to take an art class and really learn how to draw/paint...

Black and Blue

Worn January 20, 2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

Today was just a regular work day. As usual, when I can't think of anything I'd specifically like to wear, I rely on black with one punch of color to build my outfit. I can't remember the last time I've worn this skirt. Happy Wednesday!

Cardigan: H&M
Top: H&M
Skirt: Target
Boots: Target
Earrings: Modcloth
Necklace: Claire's

Shoe Love: Deena & Ozzy Lace-Up Boot

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I really like these boots, too bad the smallest size they come in is an 8...smh.

Shen's Favorite Things: Pretty Journals

Paris Journal

Tree Leaves Journal

Black with Peony Lined Journal

Gold Suede Elkskin Journal

I love my Mac laptop and it has been my repository for many of my thoughts over the past several months since I purchased it, but there is nothing like a pretty journal to write down quick thoughts when I don't have my laptop on me or don't feel like typing little notes into my phone. I want to write more in 2010, so a pretty journal is a great item for me to carry around in my bag to encourage me to do this.

Ode to my Target 'Kady' flat boots

Taken-1.15.2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

Hands down the best purchases I made during the fall were my Target Kady Boots
in Black and Cognac. If I had known how useful they would prove to be, I would have ordered two of each color because they were pretty inexpensive. I feel sad just thinking about when I'll have to retire them. Hopefully I'll find some worthy replacements when that time comes.

On another note, I'm so happy it's Friday and it's the long MLK weekend at that! Hope you do something positive in honor of Dr. King this weekend.

Top: H&M
Skirt: Target
'Kady' Boots: Target
Necklace: Claire's

Ruffles Galore

Worn January 13, 2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

I love this skirt but don't really wear it that often. I decided that it was time to put it back in rotation when I chose my outfit this morning. Please excuse the wrinkles in my skirt as this photo was taken at the very end of the work day. I realized when I was loading this picture into flicker that my outfit consisted of ruffles on my top and skirt, that was not a purposeful decision, but I like the way it looks.

This shirt was a purchase over a year ago when I worked in Ann Taylor Loft, or 'The Loft' as they're calling it now. I loved working at a retail store part time, maybe I'll do it again when my schedule allows. The only 'unfun' part of the job was spending hours putting clothes back in their proper place at the end of my shift but I love putting outfits together and interacting with people around clothes.

Cardigan: H&M
Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Payless
Stockings: American Apparel

Creative DIY T-Shirt Ideas

I saw these creative DIY T-shirt ideas by one of my favorite blogs, My Style Pill. I definitely plan on trying some of them. I have several T-shirts that could use some "sprucing" up.

Fighting the winter blahs

Worn January 12, 2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

This cold weather leaves me pretty uninspired style-wise and makes me too reliant on my go-to black clothing staples. This outfit was an effort to try to get beyond that.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Tights: Target
Boots: Target
Earrings: Etsy seller

My (Belated) Style Resolutions for the New Year

I love the begining of a new year, because it's an opportunity to make goals or resolutions for what I'd like to accomplish in the New Year. I've written about my personal, career and financial resolutions a few weeks ago on my other blog, but I also have a few style resolutions:

1. Remix more of my clothing items. Reading style/fashion blogs and magazines has become a regular source of inspiration in remixing my existing wardrobe and I'd like to continue to remix items in my wardrobe in ways I've never worn them instead of buying new items when I feel uninspired. It's fun to look back on photos of the different ways I've worn clothing items and think up future ways to wear them.
2. Learn basic sewing skills. Clothing fit is always going to be a problem for me because I am short. I can't even tell you how much money I've spend over my lifetime on clothing alterations. I'd like to learn how to do basic heming and create one piece of clothing before the year 2010 ends. Sewing could save me money and become a creative outlet. This goal is feasible because I actually received a small sewing machine as a Christmas present!
3. Rely less on big-box retailers. I feel that at the age of 25, I am just developing my sense of style and nothing makes me cringe more than seeing another girl walking down the street wearing the same exact clothing items as me. Now I know this is bound to happen sometimes, but shopping in places that aren't big-box retailers should cut down this occurence. Seeking out thrift and vintage stores instead of shopping where every other person in my age demographic shops will prevent me from cringing when I see someone wearing my exact outfit as often and is actually a "greener" way to get my fashion fix.
4. Cut out the mindless impulsive shopping. I am a bit of an emotional spender and when I get bored or upset about anything, I tend to shop. H&M and Target are the main places I head to when I've feeling down. Some people eat when they get upset, I shop. I never spend a lot of money at one time, but all of the money I spend on mindless shopping could go toward other goals like traveling or paying off debt.

These style resolutions are realistic and will force me to be more creative in the way I dress. Fashion should be accessible to everyone no matter your price point and I continually like to inspire myself and others to feel the same way; my resolutions are just one way to hold me accountable to that belief.

Monday Blahs

Worn January 11, 2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

Finding outfit inspiration is harder for me on Monday mornings. These were the first clean items I grabbed this morning. I seem to be wearing a lot of black lately...I'll have to remedy that.

Shirt: H&M
Skirt: Target
Tights: ?
Belt: Forever 21
Necklace: Claires
Shoes: Payless

Shen's Favorite Things: Fashionary

I found out about the Fashionary from reading from of my favorite blogs, What I Wore and decided that it would be a small gift to myself though I have very little drawing skills. The Fashionary is a book of figure templates for fashion designers (or wanna-be's like me) to draw anatomically correct designs with the help of the lightly drawn templates included on the pages. The book also has pages of useful clothing measurements, pictures of various types of clothing; it even has the time periods of the Fashion Weeks in 'fashion cities' around the world! I could amuse myself for hours with this book. Visit Fashionary.org to order your own copy through Etsy. As with all of my purchases from Etsy, the Fashionary came in a reasonable amount of time and a personalized thank you post-it note was included for patronizing the seller.

Images: Fashionary

Arlenis Sosa In Feb 2010 Issue of Harper's Baazaar

I love the stylish, on-trend looks that Arlenia Sosa is wearing in this editorial in the Feb. 2010 issue of Harper's Baazaar. Leopars print, stripes, lace-up boots, black/white accents; these are all looks I will incorporate into my Spring/Summer wardrobe. The best things about these looks are that I can create most of them with items I already own. That's so important for a budget-conscious girl like me.

On another note, the frigid temperatures we're currently experiencing in D.C. make me wish Spring would hurry up and get here. Maybe I should get a bike too...


Images: Harper's Baazaar via Fashion Bomb

Purple with a pop of red

Worn January 7, 2010, originally uploaded by ShenDove.

I'm not sure the proportions of this outfit, but I love the colors in this tunic. I think I'll try it with skinny jeans and boots next time though...

Tunic: H&M
Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Tights: Kohls
Shoes: Go Jane
Earrings: Gift
Belt: H&M