Polyvoredom

The rain is falling softly as I sit here working on my fashion week runway report for Green Cotton (a little late, I know, but it's tough to find the "eco angle" each season. We try!). I did take some outfit photos earlier today, following my second job interview (for the same job I interviewed for a few weeks ago, natch). Since I've got official blogging to do tonight, I will share my new photos sometime over the weekend. But here's a little hint at my outfit inspiration, shown in these cheery Polyvores (created during a fit of boredom or two)...

You Are My Sunshine by erincathleen featuring Forever21 tops

Just the top part by erincathleen featuring Kohl's cardigans

These looks are very Pollyanna to me. Pollyanna-vore? Oh, the puns are never-ending. Well, "Pollyanna" is one way to describe my current temperament. I'm ready for cheery spring blooms and oodles of sunshine. If you've got any, won't you send some my way?

Here's something you really can do for me. I'm sort of new to all these social networking apps, but I have since added Blog Lovin' and Google Friend Connect to my site. Won't you do me a favor and add me? I will appreciate your gesture ever so much. :) You can find links on my sidebar, or just click on my RSS feed. Clickclickyclicky. You just made my day!

And, of course, if you would like me to add you to my blogroll and I haven't done so already, let me know in the comments! I will catch up with you ASAP. Thank you so much for your visit!

Amethyst

Happy hump day! I can't believe another February week is flying by, and next week we'll be in March! I'm ecstatic; winter is almost over!

Sunday was a bright, sunshine-y day that made it feel like we were on the cusp of spring. It was also my mother's birthday. I made black bean soup (super-spicy, just how we like it!), and we had cupcakes for dessert. Yum!

Here are a few snaps my "guest photographer" took around the house. Thanks, Mom!

Dress, scarf, tights, belt: Loft
Sweater: Kohl's
Bag: H&M (gift)
Locket: vintage
Bracelet: Apt. 9 (gift)
Shoes: Zigi Soho (DSW)

This knit dress is my favorite LBD. It's a great base dress with some simple attributes: a scoop neck (goes with everything), a banded waist, pleats, and pockets (hard to make out in these photos, though). I nabbed it last summer for a song. I like to infuse such a basic dress with a generous dose of hippie styling. A fringed bag, tapestry print scarf, and boho-rock heels are the way to go.

I usually wind up wearing purple on my mom's birthday, since amethyst is her birthstone (and purple is my favorite color, anyway). These eggplant-hued tights go with everything! Totally.

It should be noted that my mom shares a birthday with Jennifer Love Hewitt. We love her on Ghost Whisperer (mostly for her vintage dresses and nighties, and her gravity-defying false lashes). So happy belated b-day, J. Lo Hew!

I'm with the empire

Maybe it's my inner sixties flower child, but I just love the feel and flow of empire-waist tops and dresses. A college friend once joked, having raked through my closet, "Do you think you have enough babydoll tops?" I have a few less than I used to (ok, that's a lie), but I'm all for finding what works for you and sticking with it! And I'm not worried they'll ever go out of fashion, because designers have been referencing free-flowing, hippie-child styles for many a season. Long live boho-chic!

And I glimpsed plenty of free-spirited frocks during fashion week that I plan to highlight later. It always takes me a few days to process everything I've seen and come up with worthy runway reviews. But it'll happen. Soon. For now, I leave you with another outfit post. Woo-ee! I don't usually post these two days in a row, so don't you feel spoiled? :P I'm kidding. Totally. These photos are actually a few weeks old; right now we have snow on the ground, though it's still unseasonably warm (funny how that works out).

Cardigan: Kohl's (from years ago)
Necklace: Gift (from Mumsie)
Dress, headband, tights: Loft
Shoes: Zigi Soho (DSW)

Anyway, I got this dress from work back in June or July and pretty much wore it everywhere. Here's how I styled it then (with my much darker hair!). I guess my winterized version isn't too different; simply add tights, a cardigan, a (slightly different) headband, and sturdier shoes!
These particular shoes, by the way, were an obsession that I stalked until they were mine. I first spotted a similar pair, in brown, on one of my favorite blogs ever, Bohemian Musings. Of course I admire Isabelle because her style is flawless, and we share several interests, including a love for vintage-boho fashion. And H&M!First I bought these, but they were scary:They didn't seem to fit with my aesthetic... or in my closet.So I returned them but kept the bedazzled beauties. And I'm glad I did!

And... oops! I almost just posted this to my brand-spankin'-new-other-blog, my side project: Storyteller Girl. This is where I will be documenting my writing life, from my journalism endeavors to my singer/songwriter adventures. Oh, yes. Instead of abandoning this blog, which I love, I decided that I just need to expand my horizons. Or something. So, if you like my fashion sensibilities, or witty commentary, or anything at all, really, you can still find me here. And if you're curious to know what I'm working on, you can also find me there. Here, there and everywhere. How I'd love to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Hmm...

Bright Star

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Bright star, would I were as stedfast as thou art...
Finally, I caught up with my Netflix queue and watched Bright Star last night. I know I'm very behind, as this film came out last summer, but my excuse is that I couldn't find a local screening then. Wah, I know. Whine, whine. I could have just gone to Boston. Ah, well. Those of you who have already seen it know that it is exquisite; the costumes and cinematography are pure eye candy (Indeed, Abbie Cornish's Franny Brawne was a blossoming fashion designer!). The actors were so beautiful, so enamored and charming, I swooned over every minute. Bliss. To those of you who have not seen it... you must! Commercial over.
Lately I've been in quite the romantic mood myself. This was my Valentine's Day ensemble:I must admit, I love how these photos turned out. The dressing screen looks so tiny behind me, it almost makes me feel like Alice in Wonderland, after she drank that elixir and grew, and grew, and grew... oops!

Hey, I'm only 5'5"-- not exactly a liliputian, but I'm no giant! And my elixir is coffee, which isn't exactly known for making one grow...Dress: Loft (on clearance last summer, $3.88, baby! That's less than my latte!)

Headband: also Loft (holiday, not on clearance)
Locket: Target
Purse: Pink by Victoria's Secret (cheapie, wannabe Chanel! Love that!)
Tights: Target (I think...)
Heels: Payless

If you're curious, you can look back and see how I styled this same dress back in November.

The below photo is there simply to illustrate the magic that is photo editing. Behold the same image, above, cropped, with adjusted brightness and saturation. Photoshop can do wonders! (Or, in my case, The Gimp. Download it free! That was not a plug for Linux. They don't pay me. They just rock.) Anyway, I like the slightly adjusted version better. But for the sake of keepin' it real, here's the unedited one:

Next on my Netflix queue: Coco Avant Chanel! Can't wait! Have you seen these (or other) fashion-savvy films? What's the last movie you watched?

P.S. Added the widget from Bloglovin'. I read lots of blogs but never actually clicked to "follow" most of them. Whoopsies! Faux-pas amended. Please take a second to follow me back! Thanks. :)

Runway show I wish I'd seen in person: Betsey Johnson Fall 2010

Are the clothes a little outlandish? Of course! Betsey's aesthetic is nothing if not eclectic. But this is one show where the models actually look like they're having a blast. How could you not? Crazy boots! Western! Velvet! Purple leopard! PINK! "Love" bloomers! Marilyn Monroe! Kelly Osbourne? Yes, yes, yes, and so much more...


All images from NYMag.com.

Each day is Valentine's Day...

... but even so, for some reason we choose to celebrate love on February 14th. :) So for all of you lovebirds out there who want to show someone you care, all whilst showing the planet some love, I've compiled a list of eco-friendly Valentine's goods. These are way better than stuff you'll find at the nearest convenience store, promise (though you can find some of these things there...) You've still got time, so go and scoop these up, quick!

Cards from the heart

The first item on your list is probably a heartfelt card. Instead of defaulting to Hallmark, why not express and create your own sentiment? Making cards (from recycled and reusable paper, cardboard, ribbons, buttons, etc.) is a cute, fun way to share your love… and makes you feel like a kid again. I like to use old photos or magazine cut-outs to make something one-of-a-kind. You can even up-cycle your old cards by cutting out the picture on the front and placing it on your new card. Last year we even suggested taking blank cardstock and covering it with your own lipstick-covered kisses—alternate shades of red, pink, even purple to make a sweet statement that’s all your own. Finish by spritzing the card with your favorite perfume.

No time to make a card? No sweat. Try cards by Green Field Paper or Tree-Free Greetings. We especially love their plantable cards… this way your gift covers both the card and flowers! But if that’s not quite enough…

Love in full bloom

Show your valentine how much you care… about him/her and Mama Earth! A big bouquet of red roses may seem like a surefire hit, but remember that most of the flowers bought and sold in the U.S. (at least 60%) are actually harvested in countries like Colombia and Ecuador, and with a hefty amount of pesticides. According to the Environmental News Network, those r

oses can contain up to 50 times the amount of pesticides that are legally allowed in our food. That’s no way to say “I love you!” Say it instead with a local, seasonal, beautiful bouquet. Simply visit your local farmer’s market and ask for what’s in season; you can select fresh or dried blooms. Your sweetie will love your thoughtfulness. Got a long-distance love? Check out an online organic flower delivery service. Good ones:

Organic Bouquet Your love will flip over their certified organic, sustainably-grown roses or tulips. Even better, you can add on a box of Life Is Sweet organic, fair-trade certified gourmet chocolates, which come in a recyclable and biodegradable box. Sweet, indeed!

Diamond Organics is another gem. All of their flowers are grown by American organic flower farmers in California and Hawaii. This awesome site also features free delivery, and this week you can even save an additional 10% with their Valentine’s promo code. If you really want to wow your loved one, order their elegant organic wine sampler.

California Organic Flowers is another site to try, and they will deliver to anyone in the

continental U.S. Flowers are shipped priority overnight for $14.95.

Say it with... chocolate!

You already know you should be eating organic chocolate… it’s good for you! Share some with your sweetie today. Now there is such an abundance of tastebud-tantalizing organic, fair trade, and just plain yummy chocolate to choose from, you can just waltz into your nearest grocery store and snag quite a few varieties. A few to try:

Chocolove. This is the sweet candy bar with an even sweeter message tucked inside: you’ll find a love poem in every package. And for those of you with dietary concerns, Chocolove is certified kosher, and most bars are also vegan (the company takes great pains to whip up milk chocolate separate from the dark, dairy-free recipes). Chocolove is also part of the World Cocoa Foundation, which supports cocoa farmers worldwide.

Another favorite: Dagoba organic chocolate. Try their tasting squares for the perfect bite-sized portion. The lavender blueberry dark chocolate is sure to hit a romantic note.

Equal Exchange is another great place to look for organic chocolate (and coffee!). Check out the site’s great guide to pairing chocolate and coffee (a match made in heaven). And try their Organic Very Dark Chocolate (71% cacao)—it’s vegan, gluten-free and the site’s top seller.

For the gourmet chocolate lover, you simply must try Terra Nostra. This organic and fair trade company offers a truly decadent assortment of truffles and bars. If you’re feeling lavish, give their complete organic chocolate bar collection gift box. Your gift will be swiftly devoured, but never forgotten.

You can also order some divine organic truffles from OrganicBouquet.com. Their assortment of handmade ganache will make your mouth water!

Swoon-worthy

You’ve got the flowers, card and chocolate. Now sweeten the deal with a cute little ensemble... Try on Indigenous Design’s adorable little knit dress in ruby, made from organic cotton and tencel. This red-hot number is perfect for a night out or in.

Sweet face

Complete your V-Day look with the perfect glow. Organic beauty products will help you look and feel your best and brightest. We love Tarte’s Flower Child Natural Cheek Stain. This eco-chic product is made with Tarte’s exclusive T5 Super Fruit Complex, a blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, açaí, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. It’s blissfully made without nasty parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes and fragrances and other chemicals that block your glow. Plus it’s the perfect shade of pink that complements every skin tone. Grab a tube at Sephora.com.

Another cool way to glow: with The Body Shop’s new Love, Etc. collection. Give your sweetie the gift box including the Love, Etc. Eau de Parfum, (a blend of jasmine, neroli and bergamot with notes of vanilla and sandalwood), body wash and body lotion. Buy the whole set, or each product individually, at a current reduced price. The Body Shop is a great line to support because the company is against animal testing and for sustainability and community trade.

Bejeweled

No Valentine’s Day is complete without a little bling. But don’t buy into all those jewelry store ads; try rocking something vintage instead, and lessen your environmental impact. Shop vintage and thrift stores for one-of-a-kind finds that you or your Valentine will cherish forever. We love the line Vintage by Kate, jewelry created by a Boston-area artist who re-styles vintage beads from the 1930’s and ‘40s into wearable, modern pieces. The vintage pearl rose quartz necklace would make an especially sweet gift for anyone who wants to echo a charming and romantic era.

Find it (and the little red dress!) online at Jute & Jackfruit.

Got a few sweet suggestions of your own? Sound off in the comments below! Happy V-Day!

L'enfant terrible

Alexander McQueen, ever the rebel, sent shockwaves through Fashion Week every season. Today he gave us the biggest shock of all. Perhaps he has made the ultimate statement. Regardless, he has left behind a truly enduring legend. His collections, his master tailoring, his showmanship was unparelled. Fashion lovers everywhere are grieving, and for good reason. McQueen can shock us no more.

I wrote my very first runway review about McQueen's fall 2008 collection. His inspiration was an ancient tree, and from there he imagined an entire fairytale about a woodland sprite turning into a queen before our very eyes. Look after look echoed his fascination with Russian czarinas and a recent trip to India, all fused with otherwordly elegance. This is what McQueen did best. Fashion editors and fans everywhere are still talking about his spring 2010 "alien" shoes. Lady Gaga wore head-to-toe McQueen in "Bad Romance." His work is just so fresh, so utterly relevant, and sadly today his "McQ" runway show was understandably cancelled. We've lost the chance to see his imagination and craftsmanship at work. It goes without saying, but he will truly be missed.For a retrospective of some of McQueen's best work, click here.

For just a few of my favorites, see below:

Think spring!

While the "Blizzard of '10" rages outside, I'm dreaming of spring. Once the temperatures rise, here's the trekker-chic look I'm craving...

Spring Break by erincathleen featuring Old Navy dresses

These finds are so fun and summery, it makes me want to pop into the mall to check out American Eagle and Old Navy again. The rompers and sundresses are too sweet! I'm also dying to try the newest fragrances from Benefit and coral and mint candy apple polish shades from Essie. We may be in the midst of a raging winter storm, but in my mind, spring is in the air...

The kindness of strangers

Earlier today I went food shopping at Trader Joe's, on the eve of what is supposed to be a massive coastal snow storm (I had to stock up on all my organic veggie food, lest I should starve!). I had just gotten out of an interview for a job I'm less-than-enthusiastic about taking, but we all do what we can "in these times," so we'll see. Then a funny thing happened... the woman ringing in my groceries was incredibly discerning and kind to me. How so? She simply asked, "Did you have a good day today?"

It's a simple thing, and since I work in a boutique I tend to say similar things to customers: "How are you today?" But that simple turn of phrase, by changing a few words around, made it into an entirely different question that, well, made my day. "Did you have a good day today?" It took our customer-cashier banter to another level, like a conversation between friends or mother and daughter. Nothing more than a polite exchange, it's true, but even so it's nice to be asked.

And you know what? Because of that, I did have a good day. Thank you very much. :)

My interview ensemble:

Cardigan, ruffle top, tweed-y skirt, tights: Loft
Shoes: Abaeté for Payless

What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever said to you?

Favorite things: February

It's that time again, already... new month, new fun stuff! Here, my second in a series of soon-to-be-monthly favorites... a few sights and sounds to delight in right now:

Frou-frou tulle, everywhere:The sweet sounds of chanteuse Charlotte Gainsbourg:

Rom-com movie infiltration:

No offense, Na'vi... girls' night out is back!

Lovey-dovey organic beauty products, just in time for V-day:

Caffeination, simplified. The Starbucks Double Shot:Sparkly taupe/latte-colored nails (a choice made, perhaps, under the influence of said caffeine):

Leighton Meester's enviable Louis Vuitton look at Paris Fashion Week:

I am so busting out the boot socks, sandals and sweater vest and snagging this look!

Lauren Conrad's sweet little dress:

Boston bloggers, FYI: LC's next book tour stop is at the B&N in the Prudential Center tomorrow night. I'd be curious to go, just to style-stalk her. This print is great, but maybe next time she should make a conscious effort to not clash with the bookstore. :P

Lastly, Anthropologie's divine bedding:

Ahhh. My dream set.

Perhaps I picked that last one as a hint to myself... time to wrap it up! Beddy-bye is calling. But do leave me a little note to read when I wake. What are you dreaming of this month?