Inspiration: Marilyn in Glasses

Marilyn Monroe in How to Marry a Millionaire

Proof that glasses can be sexy.


Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Micheline Pitt

Model, makeup artist and production manager at Pinup Girl Clothing - Micheline Pitt.
I love this lady's edgy, pinup style. I have a serious girl-crush on her.

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Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Imelda May

I've recently been turned onto the music of Imelda May.

Despite my appearance, I don't regularly listen to a lot of rockabilly music. I saw some clips of her performing at Viva Las Vegas 17. I was intrigued, so I watched some of her vids on YouTube, then immediately downloaded a few of her albums from iTunes. Imelda May's voice is out of this world. Her albums are currently on permanent repeat on my iPod. I'm hooked and looking for more cool neo-rockabilly bands to discover (any recommendations?!).

Imelda May is classic rockabilly pin-up. I love her dedication to a style and a silhouette. It goes to show that a simple formula - a wiggle dress or pencil skirt and top with an iconic hairdo - can be the key to a great signature style.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to all of you for your kinds words and well wishes on my birthday last week. It meant so much to me!! xoxo..

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Jazz Age Lawn Party

So, technically it's not "my era", but what vintage enthusiast could resist a Gatsby era party complete with big band, dancing and a picnic?!

Not me. I'd love to attend the Jazz Age Lawn Party one day. In the meantime I'll just ogle the photos and beautiful fashions online.

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And in honour of this event (which just passed, but they do another Jazz Age Lawn Party in August!) I will be sharing some authentic 20's vintage from my collection with you for Show and Tell this week! Stay Tuned!


Lisa.xo

Shop Your Closet: Getting Inspired

As a long time shopaholic I know how easy it is to talk yourself into buying new clothes because you're missing something for that "perfect outfit".

But, as a long time shopaholic with a closet stuffed, I also know (deep, deep down, much to my dismay) that my closet is fully stocked and ready to tackle any inspirational outfit.

So for this week's post on shopping your own closet I've compiled some amazing looks I've been coveting on Pintrest and replicated them from items in my own closet - the key is interpretation.



The first look is all about the hat for me. I love my raccoon fur hat and have been on the lookout for ways to keep wearing it this spring.

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My interpretation is similar. I've duplicated all of the major elements to the best of my ability: the black jacket, the burgundy pants(in my case, red) and black and gold accessories. The biggest liberty I've taken with my interpretation is in the scarf. I opted for a vintage floral scarf instead of black to give my outfit some more interest. 

 * Vintage Raccoon Fur Hat: Canadian Costume Museum Gift Shop * Vintage Floral Scarf: was my Grandma Cotton's * Black Blazer: Ricki's * Black Stretch Belt with Gold Buckle: was my Grandma Nelson's * Red Corduroy Skinnies: Forever 21 * Black Suede Boots: Ragpickers * Vintage Persian Purse: thrifted *

The next outfit is from Nora Finds. This is a great look for spring. I love the green and red colour combination - it feels fresh without looking christmas-y. 

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I opted for a dark teal cardigan instead of green. None of my green cardigans looked quite as good as Nora's. I rarely ever wear scarves as headbands this way and I forget how cute they can look. I also threw on two co-ordinating bracelets - once I had everything on I felt I was lacking some jewelry. I also felt a bit strange not wearing a belt (I wear one every day), but am surprised how nice this look still is without one. Proof that interpreting outfits can stretch your comfort zone and get you thinking about your wardrobe in different ways. 

* Vintage Silk Scarf: Ragpickers * Dark Teal Beaded Cardigan: Reitmans, thrifted * Red Embroidered Bustier: Suzy Shier * High Waisted Jeans: Forever 21 * Bracelets: thrifted * Hot Pink Ballet Flats: thrifted * Vintage Bamboo Purse: thrifted *

You know I love a casual outfit. I don't know why, but this next look speaks to me. So I knew I had to add it to this list. 

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My biggest dilemma in replicating this outfit was that I don't own a 'Coke' t-shirt or anything else with a logo on it. So I took some inspiration from the colour and went with this striped tee that I own. Again, the look felt a little sparse without some accessories, so I added a large red flower brooch and a leather braided belt to make this look my own. I usually wear this tee with red flats, but I love how it looks with my black and white brogues. This look is a definite keeper. 

I've saved the best for last. I've coveted this outfit for quite some time now. I have several shots of it from different angles pinned on Pintrest. This stylish lady was part of the Tweed Run in London. This look is all about the pattern mixing and bold colour combination. 

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I decided to make my outfit more monochromatic due to the selection in my wardrobe. I focused my interpretation on texture and pattern play. I'm eagerly awaiting the opportunity to wear this outfit out before it warms up too much. 

* 60's Faux Croc Hat: Ragpickers * Vintage Fox Stole: gift from Kim * Velvet Blazer: thrifted * Pink Cardigan: thrifted * Vintage Lace Camisole: thrifted * Vintage Leather Belt: thrifted * Black Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 * Vintage Burgundy Snakeskin Clutch: gift from Jen * Purple Booties: Steve Madden *

I had fun examining my wardrobe, comparing it to these inspiring images and playing dress up in my closet. As you can see, inspiration photos can be a great way to help you see your closet with fresh eyes. The trick is to avoid the trap of wanting to replicate an outfit to the letter and instead let the colours, the patterns or the silhouette help you when you construct your own version.


Lisa.xo

Blogger Style Inspiration

Hey! I'm finally back with the land of the living after a CRAAAZZY week last week working on an NFB short film (I'll fill you in on the details of the film and hopefully be able to post it here once it's been edited and released!). I was working 15 hour days and running my feet off, but it was so rewarding! I've spent most of this week laying on the couch. ugh...I was tired!

Anyway, I've got an outfit post to share with you on Saturday and some Link Love coming your way tomorrow, but today I want to share with you the bloggers who inspire my style the most. These are the folks whose posts I MUST click on when a new one appears in my reader. I can't get enough of these ladies' style.

Here they are, in no particular order. :)


Kendi Everyday

This blog may (or may not!) come as a surprise to you as style inspiration for me. There's nothing about Kendi's style I don't love. She is a master at mixing prints and colours. She has a simple, effortless, chic style that I aspire to emulate - perhaps not in trend, but in feeling.
Plus, she's crazy funny. Reading her blog is just as good as checking out her amazing outfits.

Atlantic-Pacific

Blair is another blogger who is a mix master - this girl can rock a trend like nobody's business , but still manages to maintain a thread of personal style no matter what she's wearing. One of the biggest take-aways here is that there is nothing like a signature piece - in Blair's case, her Karen Walker 'Super Duper' sunnies to put her own stamp on every outfit.
Again, I love her use of colour and pattern mixing. And am always enamoured with her outfit's silhouettes. Full skirts? Skinny jeans? Yup. Love it.

Through the Looking Glass

This one a vast departure from our last two bloggers. Although I was never a goth kid, I totally love this girls style (she doesn't reveal her real name on her blog, just goes by mothmouth). Perhaps it's my own penchant for wearing all black, but I love her unapologetic individual look - it's toughness and it's femininity. She is also incredible at mixing textures, as one must be if you are to wear one colour from head to toe.
Plus, she's got pretty wicked long hair...I want mine to be that long (sooo close!!).

Vintage Vandalizm

This blogger will come as no surprise to you as style inspiration for myself, as she is another self proclaimed rockabilly girl. I love Jasmin's edgy vintage look - it's everything I wish my own look was   and so much more.

Esme and the Laneway

This blogger is another no-brainer style inspiration. If you've been hanging around for a long time you already know I love Marianne's feminine, vintage style. She's got an enviable collection of pretty vintage dresses and pairs them with substantial modern wedges and platform shoes - a twist I love and try to emulate in the summer.

Vixen Vintage

I love Solanah's take on menswear and her amazing boot collection. I want to wear boots with everything when I check out her blog.

Which bloggers do you find inspiring?

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: for Spring

We're still buried under a mountain of snow here in Winnipeg, but the weather has warmed a bit and I'm thinking about outfits for spring.

Edit: I totally spoke too soon. It's snowing like crazy here tonight!!! Aaarrrg!

I'm really loving the idea of a tied button blouse with a skirt or pants. It's the epitome of casual chic to me. Add a denim or leather jacket over this look and some tights and you're ready for spring in Winnipeg.

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Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Ulyana Sergeenko Strikes Again

My penchant for black and white has not waned this winter and I am lusting after this endlessly classic look from Ulyana Sergeenko.
I will be replicating this look come spring. It's still too cold here to rock a hat that doesn't cover my ears.

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Check out my last Ulyana Sergeenko inspiration post here. 

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Dita Von Teese - Winter Chic

As we settle into winter I have been fighting the urge to hibernate in jeans and long sleeve t-shirts layered under sweaters. Chic, cozy, winter dressing is possible and who better to gain inspiration from than Dita?

Here are my pics for chic winter dressing via the Queen of Burlesque:


I LOVE this look - particularly because I am smitten with the resurgence of the tea length skirt this winter. I would, of course, add tights to this outfit.

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Surprise, surprise, an all black outfit. I would wager that nothing Ms Von Teese is wearing in this photos is actual vintage, but look at the power of a curled 'do and a red lip - it adds instant old world glamour to black sweater and skirt.

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It would be blasphemy not to include a look with a great coat - since in my part of the world it's the fashion item most people see in the winter when you're out and about. As far as I'm concerned you MUST have a great winter coat and co-ordinating accessories. It's a fashion saver for any manner of outfit. I love this military inspired coat paired with thick tights and pretty shoes.

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Lisa.xo

Inspiration: All Black for Fall

This fall I am obsessed with wearing all black - which is a sharp turn from my bright summer wardrobe.

There is just something about an all black outfit that is chic, easy and enveloping.

I love this girl's look - even though the fur isn't black. It's a nice touch and gives the outfit a focal point and a place for your eye to rest.

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Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Pintrest board Black is the New Black

Or peruse my archives Outfits: Black and White

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: This Girl

It's the first day of September and the temperature here is cooler than it has been all summer. We're still expecting some hot days at the end of this week, but I'm already thinking about my fall wardrobe.
This image has been inspiring my fall wardrobe dreams:

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There is nothing about this outfit I don't love. I will be trying to re-create it for fall. 

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Summer Girls

Love this image. Total summer chic.

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Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Vintage Styled Pink Hair

I am and always have been totally obsessed with pink hair (examples of my pink hair lust here and here). If my hair was not almost black I would have pink hair.

So in lieu of dying my own hair I just gaze adoringly at lovely ladies with pink hair on Pintrest.

Here are some of the images that are inspiring me right now:

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*Sigh* if I was younger and more foolish I would totally bleach out my hair - ruin it - and dye it pink. Now I'm waaaay too sensible...too bad..

For more Vintage Inspired Hair (not all of them pink) check out my Pintrest Board. 

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Vintage Style Summer

Found this pic surfing Pintrest.

I love everything about it: the palm trees, the fan, the vintage styled ladies.
It makes me wish we were in the midst of a summer heatwave. You know the kind...hot, sun baked days followed by hot summer nights.

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Unfortunately, spring is clinging desperately here this year... I'll just have to keep waiting patiently for summer to arrive.

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Ulyana Sergeenko

I'm sure you've seen her amazing sense of style floating around Pintrest.

These days I am totally smitten with the modern, ladylike, vintage-inspired fashion stylings of Russian fashion designer and photographer Ulyana Sergeenko.

One word people: Perfection.

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Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Rockabilly Style

I don't listen to rockabilly music and I'm not covered in tattoos, but I am always inspired by kick ass rockabilly style, especially when I'm dressing more casually.

I love the mix of vintage, toughness and pin up.

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For more Rockabilly Inspiration visit my Pintrest Board: Rockabilly Style.

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Fur

As you may, or may not know, I love vintage fur. It could be the unbearably cold place in which I live, but there is something so sumptuous and cozy about wearing fur.

Luckily for me, Pintrest has provided my brain with lots of fur fodder. Here are some vintage lovin' gals rocking fur (be it faux or the real deal) for your viewing pleasure too!

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I realize that fur can be a touchy issue for some folks. Please note that this blog is for light-hearted, entertainment purposes and any negative or overtly political comments will not be approved. Constructive criticism and genuine debate on the other hand are welcome. :)

Thanks for understanding!

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Disneybound

I did not intend on writing another inspiration post so soon, but I stumbled upon this site: Disneybound while I was surfing through Pintrest on Sunday night.
Disneybound is a tumbler site of outfits inspired by Disney characters. When someone wears one of these outfits it's called 'Disneybounding'.

Having grown up in the Disney Renaissance of the 90's, I have a bit of a soft spot for certain Disney movies. The Little Mermaid topping this list (you're not surprised are you...).

So for exhibit A I show you a Disneybound outfit inspired by Ariel:

Yes, I realize that this is a long way from being a  "vintage" outfit. And this is a vintage blog, but hey, look at it this way: The Little Mermaid came out in 1989, it's over 20 years old, technically making it vintage. Right?

Part of loving vintage is loving nostalgia and for me The Little Mermaid is nostalgia. I also love media inspiring art and for me fashion can be art. So I loved this site. 

So for you vintage lovers out there I decided to cobble my own Ariel inspired outfit together from vintage found for sale (at the time of posting) on Etsy. 

Exhibit B, a vintage Ariel inspired outfit:

* Red Rose Millinery Flower * Vintage Clam Shell Evening Bag * 50's Emerald Green Silk Cocktail Dress * Cultured Pearl and Shell Clip Earrings * 'Under the Sea' Vintage Charm Bracelet * 

* 40's Purple Leather Peep Toe Pumps *

The lesson here is that outfit inspiration is everywhere. If you love Disney I urge you to go check out Disneybound. I found her interpretations of Disney characters very interesting (and clearly inspiring!!). 

Enjoy!

Lisa.xo

hipster Ariel found here

Fall Inspiration: Going Out to Casual

As much as I love fall I always become a little baffled when I actually have to start layering an outfit. I search for fall style inspiration more than any other season.

I have saved two images which I am aspiring to this fall season.

The first is my "Going Out" image. By going out I mean coffee, casual dinner with The Boy or friends etc...

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For me, the outfit above quintessentially reflects my style. I love the quirky colour combo, but it's also a little matchy-matchy. I like the vintage touches: the bag, the full skirt (could be substituted for a dress!) and the subtle vintage inspired 'do. This look is also about the restrained layers. There are just enough for this outfit to be styled, but not overdone (I would have added a brooch on on the jacket though). It's very cute and I'm working towards this for fall. 

The second image is my "Casual" inspiration. Weekend errand running maybe or those busy days at work where dressing up in a no-go.

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You may be surprised by my choice of this outfit. It's awfully modern. The clincher is the sequin tank over this casual outfit. It had me at 'hello'. And it's this mix that I want for my casual outfits. I need a little something out-of-the-ordinary so I don't feel ordinary (know what I mean?). Even though none of these clothes are vintage, I know it could be easily replicated with a few vintage pieces. What about a 60's beaded/sequin shell over a vintage Levis chambray shirt and a 40's structured blazer? Add skinny jeans and some riding boots: bam! You've got yourself a look similar to this for less cash!

The bonus in any fabulous fall fashion for a Winnipegger? When the snow falls all you need to do is add a fabulous winter coat, hat and gloves to transition these looks until the weather warms up again!


Like these looks? I'm now addicted to Pintrest like the rest of the internet. 
Check out the rest of my Vintage Inspired Fall Fashion Board for more inspiration!


Lisa.xo