tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16796804157042548152024-03-08T11:10:23.717-08:00The Elegant BohemianAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-14173350279629527272014-05-16T14:45:00.001-07:002014-05-16T14:45:52.715-07:00I'm back and with my own domain!Hello there! I just want to let everyone know that after taking much needed time off from blogging, I'm back and have my own domain. I haven't figured out yet how to add a follow button or RSS feed over there, but it's up and running nevertheless!<br />
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Just go to <a href="http://www.theelegantbohemian.com/">www.theelegantbohemian.com</a> for the inaugural post! And thank all of you so much for all of your super kind words and encouraging messages! I really appreciate it!<br />
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See you over there!<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-20318322829018316182013-07-18T15:14:00.002-07:002013-07-18T15:14:50.104-07:00I think I may be done<br />
I've become really frustrated and disillusioned over having an internet presence in general and social media in particular. I feel like this morning I had an epiphany. Basically, this isn't me and it isn't what I want to BE me. <br />
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My blog has become a mostly unenjoyable responsibility for the past year or more. I don't regularly update and yet I find that I'm constantly thinking about things I "should" blog about. It's crazy to literally THINK in blog posts, but that's where I am. And what's even more crazy is that what repels me about blogging and social media is the very thing that's almost addictive to me. So often, I feel like I'm the writer of my own "Truman Show", except that I KNOW <strike>everyone</strike> some are watching. And it just feels wrong.<br />
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I'm sick of myself taking pictures of the most menial things so that I can post them on Instagram. I'm tired of needing feedback and comments to feel good about something that I do or write. I'm embarrassed that I have gotten sucked into a need, or at the very least, a definite want of ego stroking. I remember years ago when I got dressed and LOVED it and didn't give a thought to how it would photograph. I remember doing things and enjoying things without taking a picture or giving commentary. I remember when I just lived my life. When I wasn't attached to the computer. When I wasn't a perpetual voyeur. <br />
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The computer has become so much of my daily routine. Checking my blog. My blog roll. My twitter. My Instagram. Bottom line is......the problem is me. This online presence is just NOT the person I want to be. Others seem to be able to balance it all and take it in stride. I'm not one of them. I want to just enjoy my life and my family. I want to learn some new things for the sake of learning them, not so I can post, tweet or Instagram them. I want to maybe learn to knit. Read more. Take more walks. Go do things with friends more. Maybe volunteer at a retirement home. I want to write. I used to really enjoy writing, but along the way, I've gotten so self conscious. I know me. I'm at my best the fewer voices I have in my head. <br />
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So, I'm thinking it's time to step away from blogging AND twitter and maybe Instagram at some point. Maybe I'll be back with another blog later. Never say never, right? But for now, I don't even want to think about that. I want to not NEED to be seen, to be heard, to be complimented, to be noticed. <br />
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No need to comment as I won't be checking back on here. But I did want to leave my email in case any of you want to write and keep in touch privately. Here it is: serenesineath@gmail.com <br />
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Love and hugs everyone!!<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-57470196697527225402013-07-04T07:39:00.000-07:002013-07-04T07:39:03.438-07:00Because we have everything.....and so much of it....<br />
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<b>Peggy Olson</b>: <i>I look at you and think, "I want what he has."</i></div>
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<b>Don Draper</b>: <i>Really?</i></div>
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<b>Peggy Olson</b>: <i>You have everything. And so much of it.</i></div>
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<b>Don Draper</b>: <i>I suppose that's probably true.</i></div>
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From Season 3 of Mad Men</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEm8t9z1UXM/UdWABSOU5nI/AAAAAAAACDw/BHEYXcNW_Mo/s400/Peggyolson3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEm8t9z1UXM/UdWABSOU5nI/AAAAAAAACDw/BHEYXcNW_Mo/s320/Peggyolson3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As Americans, we really do have everything, especially in the eyes of most of the planet. I know what it is to be American broke, but I have no comprehension of what it is to be poor according to so much of the world. Poor, to me, is that I can't afford our Friday night pizza or, (bad case scenario) I'd have to downgrade my iphone. Or (worst case scenario), I'd have to cut off my cell phone. <br />
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Much of the poor of this world struggle just to eat. They don't have the luxury of trying to realize their dreams or potential. They're simply trying to stay alive.....keep existing. They're not concerned about body acceptance or self esteem. Their concerns are much more dire and are fatal by nature. In today's social media speak: #<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy5hnI9qweg" target="_blank">thirdworldproblems</a> NOT <a href="http://littlewhitelion.com/more-tragic-first-world-problems-ha-20002/" target="_blank">#firstworldproblems</a>.<br />
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I was fortunate to be born an American. To be honest, I'm not the most patriotic. I don't believe the US has been blessed and favored by God above all other nations. I can't even say that I'm proud to be an American, because I had nothing to do with it. I was simply born into this nationality and enjoy the privileges it bestows. But I COULD have been born in Africa. Bangladesh. Central America. Or any number of countries where poverty, disease and want are a reality of daily life. <br />
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A few months ago, my husband and I started sponsoring a child through <a href="http://www.compassion.com/" target="_blank">Compassion International</a>. What I really loved about it is that we sponsor a particular child (in our case, Diana) and the $38 a month that we give, helps provide her with food, education, and hopefully hope. We can correspond with her and she, with us. We've already gotten a handwritten letter from her telling us about her life and family.<br />
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I'm always so leery of charities, too eager to turn into corporations, from my cynical point of view. But, with this one, I read, researched and felt very comfortable that the funds we are sending really are making a difference. And you know what? At the end of the day, I can blow $40 a month on Starbucks without even blinking. So, sending $38 a month to help a child who didn't have the luck to be born in my situation, really isn't a hardship at all. I'm not deluding myself that I'm Mother Theresa over here!<br />
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If this moves you at all, I'd ask you to check out <a href="http://www.compassion.com/" target="_blank">Compassion International</a> and consider helping. There are <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/child-video-biography.htm?needKey=BF4700077" target="_blank">children who have been waiting close to a year for a sponsor</a>, and some are in Aids affected areas and areas that are high risk for exploitation. Heartbreaking, really. You can make a <a href="http://www.compassion.com/donate.htm" target="_blank">one time donation</a>, <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm" target="_blank">sponsor a child</a>, or <a href="http://www.compassion.com/donate-to-charity.htm" target="_blank">meet critical needs</a>. They are very transparent with how the money is spent and <a href="http://www.compassion.com/about/financial.htm" target="_blank">financial integrity seems to be a priority.</a><br />
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Have a grand and glorious Fourth everyone and God Bless the WORLD!!<br />
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Again, if you're so moved, I'd be very thankful for you to Tweet or Facebook or move this post on in any way. Hugs and love all around!<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-10569783726326619262013-07-03T05:04:00.000-07:002013-07-03T05:19:36.151-07:00The Sweet Wisdom of Bono<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">As I age in my physical life and my life as a believer in Christ, I'm more and more moved by grace. Specifically God's grace and when I see grace in others, in my world, in relationships and exchanges. In a "I worked for everything I got!" world, Bono clarifies so succinctly what it would take me chapters to express....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“The ones whose light will remain with me long after they have burnt out are the ones that had grace. Because it's rare that the gift comes with grace. Some of the biggest arseholes I've ever met are the most gifted. Because it's "pretty girl" syndrome. <b>Being gifted is like being born beautiful. You don't have to work a day in a year in your life for it. You were born with it. In one sense, it's like blue blood, money, gift, or beauty. They are the things that should make you the most humble, because they are not the things you have earned. They are the things you were given. </b>Yet, it is my experience that they male (sic) people the most spoiled. <b>And the people who work the hardest, and who have overcome the most obstacles on their life, who have reason to beat their breasts are the most humble, sometimes</b>. I can't get over that. it's bewildering to me. To make it through success and still have manners, to still have curiosity, intellectual curiosity, to still have some grace, to keep your dignity, that is really... rare.” </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/56627.Bono" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Bono</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2185899" style="text-decoration: none;">Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas</a></span></span></i><br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-28499689656827319342013-06-12T04:13:00.000-07:002013-06-12T04:13:52.706-07:00A good rule to follow (when it comes to dressing)<h2>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">*Show your skin on the top or on the bottom....NOT both</span></i></center>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/shortskirt_zps37940068.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo shortskirt_zps37940068.jpg" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/shortskirt_zps37940068.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ixluxury.com/?p=94" target="_blank">Via</a> and <a href="http://www.myfacehunter.com/2012/02/miranda-kerr-is-gorgeous-as-she.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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So I realize I have a bit of a Pruddy McPrude living inside me. And I'm totally cool with that. However, this isn't coming from Prudy, but rather from a concern that we've crossed some lines of appropriateness in a rush to wear whatever we want. <br />
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Legs are gorgeous! So is a bit of decolletage! Not a thing wrong with showing both off. But a good rule of thumb is:<br />
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<b>If you're showing a lot of skin on top, be more conservative on the bottom. If you're showing a lot of leg, keep the top more covered. </b><br />
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Too much at both ends and it's just and eye jarring barrage of skin.<br />
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This is a rule of thumb that I use for myself and I've passed onto my daughter.<br />
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<i><b> But what say you? Prudish or appropriate?</b></i></div>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-75122883856094215682013-06-09T14:23:00.001-07:002013-06-09T14:23:49.667-07:00Because I love the 70s and true love lasts forever.....<center>
<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/vintagedenim_zpscb3b28b4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo vintagedenim_zpscb3b28b4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/vintagedenim_zpscb3b28b4.jpg" /></a></center>
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<i>Vintage Denim Dress: <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=281117186333" target="_blank">Available on ebay</a> , BCBG platforms: thrifted</i></div>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/vintagedress2_zps81a85ba7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo vintagedress2_zps81a85ba7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/vintagedress2_zps81a85ba7.jpg" /></a></center>
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Perfect wash and weight denim? CHECK<br />
Loose and sleeveless? CHECK<br />
Honkin' big silver hoops? CHECK<br />
Modern platforms? CHECK<br />
Wonderful 70s hippie chic-ness? CHECK CHECK<br />
Lotta look for a great price and supports ethical style? CHECK CHECK CHECK!<br />
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I have had this listed for months now, and it's one of those pieces that I am surprised is still around. I was playing dress up this morning with some of my inventory and fell in love with it all over again, and decided that if it doesn't sell in a couple of weeks, then it's meant to be mine! When the weather starts to cool, I'll pair it with a tissue long sleeve tee or turtleneck and my <a href="http://elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/2013/01/nuetp-hand-me-down.html" target="_blank">favorite boots</a>!<br />
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I'm happy to hook up with <a href="http://www.notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patti</a> for Visible Monday this week!!<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-47766791063124309612013-06-07T08:36:00.000-07:002013-06-07T16:44:49.156-07:00Do you have "It"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The original <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_girl" target="_blank">"It" girl</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clara_Bow" target="_blank">Clara Bow</a>. She wasn't the prettiest, sexiest, smartest or most talented, but she had "It". It - that indefinable quality that transcends physical attractiveness and yet, is more compelling than sex appeal or modern day good looks. Well, that's what the studio wanted the public to believe! But maybe they were absolutely onto something! </div>
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<b><i>"It" is far more to be preferred than mere attractiveness. Because, frankly, looks fade but "It" stays with you to the grave and beyond!</i></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_PFpPtO6og/TD94gHetguI/AAAAAAAAAYw/KRmYnHP_9rQ/s400/Clara+Color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="339" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_PFpPtO6og/TD94gHetguI/AAAAAAAAAYw/KRmYnHP_9rQ/s400/Clara+Color.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theyhadfaces-silentfilmblog.blogspot.com/2010_07_11_archive.html" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"It" Qualities</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Unapologetic</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphrey_Bogart" target="_blank">Humphrey Bogart</a> was NOT traditionally good looking, but there's no question he had "It". Can you picture Bogie wringing his hands over his overbite? Did he ever give the impression that he wished he was a bit taller or more muscular? Not on your life! He was unapologetic about who he was. <i style="font-weight: bold;">He didn't try to hide his flaws because he didn't see them AS flaws! </i>BINGO! That's "It"!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://beingsakin.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/humphrey-bogart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://beingsakin.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/humphrey-bogart.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://beingsakin.wordpress.com/tag/humphrey-bogart/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Sense of fun</span></i></div>
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"It" people laugh! They have fun! They find humor in themselves, others and everything! Probably because they're not overly self conscious, worried about how they look or what others are thinking. They seem to be able to get outside of themselves and just have fun! And that fun is infectious, making others gravitate to their presence! Does ANYONE seem less self conscious than the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_Midler" target="_blank"> Divine Miss M</a>? <b><i>My favorite Bette Midler line? "That's enough about me! Let's talk about you. What do you think of me?!"</i> </b> She's hilarious and every girl's girlfriend!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s2.evcdn.com/images/edpborder500/I0-001/000/442/249-4.jpg_/bette-midler-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://s2.evcdn.com/images/edpborder500/I0-001/000/442/249-4.jpg_/bette-midler-49.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eventful.com/performers/bette-midler-/P0-001-000040812-2" target="_blank">Via </a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Not afraid to be different...</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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Though not TRYING to be different. Anyone can be different for the sake of being different, but where's the originality in that? How is that being true to oneself? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Depp" target="_blank">Johnny Depp</a> could've remained just a pretty boy actor in a sea of good looking faces in Hollywood. But he was different and he embraced those quirks. It's obvious watching him, that he doesn't have an affected quirkiness. His is genuine and real! How else can a 50 year old man pull of the looks he does?! Because he has "It"!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://style.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/style/2013/02/161417463-johnny-depp-grammys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://style.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/style/2013/02/161417463-johnny-depp-grammys.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://style.mtv.com/2013/02/10/grammys-2013-red-carpet-fashion/" target="_blank">Via</a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><i>An independence from the physical</i></span></td></tr>
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Nowadays, it seems to ALWAYS come back to the physical. In our struggle to stand out, we end up blending in. We try to duplicate someone else's "It" only to lose our own. That's why celebrity faces aren't as interesting as they used to be. Because they've been morphed into an amalgamation of what the press says are the most desired and beautiful qualities. Big lips are in, ergo every actress is running to get lipids injected into her pucker. Youth is "in" and maturity is "out"? No problem. There's a doctor who can take care of that for you! So you'll have no unique characteristics....who cares? You'll look "young"!</div>
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"Beauty is what's on the inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It's not something physical." <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophia_Loren" target="_blank">Sophia Loren</a> </div>
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Sophia Loren has never seemed to get caught up in her sex appeal. She knows that there is far more to her than her figure. And it shows. It truly is captured in her eyes. And interestingly enough, as she's let go of this dependence on and definition of sex appeal, she is even sexier than ever! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bulletnewsniagara.ca/2012/11/29/entertainment-international-film-star-sophia-loren-coming-to-fallsview-casino/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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And what does the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2239586/Sophia-Loren-puts-younger-models-shade-launch-2013-calendar.html" target="_blank">oldest woman ever to appear in the iconic Pirelli calendar</a> (2007 she was 72!) have to say about youth and it's appeal?</div>
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<i><b>"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age."</b></i></div>
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Listen, there's always going to be someone prettier, smarter, slimmer, more talented, more muscular, sexier.....basically more ANYTHING than you. </div>
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<i><b> But "It" isn't in any of those things! "It" is being unapologetically and unabashedly YOU! </b></i></div>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-13196608809884623542013-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:002013-05-27T08:35:44.307-07:00NUETP of the Wide Leg Jean<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>N</b>ever<b> U</b>nder<b>E</b>stimate <b>T</b>he <b>P</b>ower: The Wide Leg Jean</span></div>
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It's no secret that <a href="http://www.elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/2012/04/70s-style.html" target="_blank">I LOVE the 70s</a>! And while the reasons are plentiful, I think we have to send a Thank You note to the 70s for bringing us the wide leg jean. Flares.....bell bottoms.....wide leg.......call them what you will as long as you acknowledge their total FABULOUSNESS!! </div>
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I thrifted these <a href="http://www.jbrandjeans.com/womens_flare/pl/c/107.html" target="_blank">J Brand</a> jeans for a mere pittance (seriously....a couple of bucks)!! Paired it with another thrift find, a <a href="http://www.cabionline.com/contact-a-consultant/?lead=shop&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=cabi%2Bclothes&utm_campaign=CAbi%2B-%2BClothing" target="_blank">CAbi</a> top, and <a href="http://www.francosarto.com/" target="_blank">Franco Sarto</a> (purchased on ebay...."I'm not just an ebay seller.....") wedges. Can you tell I'm feeling crazy cute right here??<br />
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I think these are the same jeans, except here, I've paired them with a thrifted <a href="http://www.nicolemiller.com/" target="_blank">Nicole Miller</a> blouse. I originally got this blouse with the intention of selling it, but frankly, I love it so much, I just can't let it go!</center>
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Kenneth Cole Wide leg dark denim with a thrifted blouse (THE most perfect fitting blouse ever!) and a vintage suede vest that's thrifted as well.</center>
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My J Brand jeans again with a tagless thrifted blouse and men's leather belt. <br />
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While I completely understand the universal penchant for skinny jeans, my heart belongs to the wide leg cut! The skinny, to me, feels more trendy. The flare is simply classic!!<br />
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<b><i>BONUS: All outfits are under $10 excluding the shoes!! (I'll ALWAYS splurge just a little bit on shoes!!!)</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-32429596583950824172013-05-21T05:46:00.000-07:002013-05-21T05:46:50.297-07:00The Catherine Ogust "Forever Dress"<center>
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<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271191126992&category=" target="_blank">Purchase</a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=281094501436&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT#ht_10031wt_1165" target="_blank"> Purchase</a><br />
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When I came across these dresses, I just knew they were something special! The gorgeous print. The easy fit. The soft cotton. So I snatched them up right away! (Originally, there were three of them, one has already sold) I did some research on the brand and LOVED the concept!<br />
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Catherine Ogust for Penthouse Gallery<br />
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The name sounds like porn wear, no? However, Catherine Ogust was a print designer for Penthouse Gallery. The above dresses are referred to, by the brand, as The Forever Dress, because it's such a classic dress, it can be worn forever! THAT'S the concept that I love: a print and tailoring that never dates. The hem can be taken up. Wear with or without a belt. Swap the belt out. Or even wear in the current popular style of pencil skirt over the dress with the hem flaring out the bottom! (<a href="http://coutureallure.blogspot.com/2011/05/catherine-ogust-and-forever-dress.html" target="_blank">Info Source and a great read!</a>)<br />
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When I look at these, I can't help but reassert, "THIS is why I love vintage!!"<br />
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As you're shopping, please don't forget to peruse <a href="http://www.thecitizenrosebud.com/" target="_blank">Bella's</a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/citizenrosebud?ref=em" target="_blank">store</a>. She has such novel vintage items! And <a href="http://www.ragsagainstthemachine.com/" target="_blank">Terri</a> has a growing <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/honey540_1/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1543.l2654" target="_blank">eBay shop</a> that exemplifies her classic style and vintage flair! Now, more than ever, there are so many options to <a href="http://www.thecitizenrosebud.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Shop Secondhand First</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-24122099399099967352013-05-16T08:28:00.000-07:002013-05-16T08:28:29.578-07:00Style and the Serenity Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://web-kiosk.funeralkiosk.com/images/BostonPrayers/SerenityPrayer_359_467.jpg?1222433836" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://web-kiosk.funeralkiosk.com/images/BostonPrayers/SerenityPrayer_359_467.jpg?1222433836" width="488" /></a></div>
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Most of us have heard this at least once in our life. This morning it hit me how this sweet prayer can apply to our personal styles, especially for those of us who've left our twenties in the dust!!<br />
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<b>In my opinion style ought to be about what I love about myself, not about what I want to change</b>. So, in my daily life of deciding what to wear and how to wear it, decisions are being made. Am I going to dress to hide what I've come to not like about myself (or often, what I've been TOLD not to like about myself) OR am I going to dress with acceptance, serenity and with an eye to showcase my features and personality?<br />
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<i><b>We really CAN'T look like whatever we want....</b></i></div>
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We live in a society that tells us that we can look however we want. Women are lauded for their <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/05/15/victorias-secret-reveals-its-what-is-sexy-list-which-star-got-sexiest-feature/" target="_blank">parts not their whole</a> and we think that if we work out the way Gwen Stefani does, we can have her legs or eat like Gwyneth Paltrow, we will have her figure. But wise women have figured out by now, <b>that's just not true!</b> I am me. You are you. And we can spare ourselves much time, grief and frustration by accepting what can't change and changing what we can....but as the prayer says, the key is knowing the difference!<br />
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<b><i>I can change my size, but I have to accept my body shape</i></b>. All the dieting and working out in the world isn't going to change my basic body shape. So instead of bemoaning my muscular legs, I can show them off in above-the-knee skirts and fitted jeans!<br />
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<b><i>I can change my hair style, but I have to accept my hair texture</i></b>. It does me no good to take a picture of <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images1.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Camilla-10-000-BC-Premiere-camilla-belle-812940_817_1222.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/camilla-belle/images/812940/title/camilla-10-000-bc-premiere&h=1222&w=817&sz=229&tbnid=J81lkMbnFl-T5M:&tbnh=88&tbnw=59&zoom=1&usg=__7QYdpl_2xjRhk_zjikFdUCibTes=&docid=JH-_mU8UPTzozM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=jfWUUZTeJoS49QTtioCQAg&sqi=2&ved=0CJ4BEP4dMBE" target="_blank">Camilla Belle</a> to my stylist and say, "This is what I want" because our hair texture is different. I may get the cut, but I'll never have the look! <br />
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<b><i>I can change the way I apply my makeup, but I have to accept my face</i></b>. Yes. That's right. I have to accept the shape of my eyes, the roundness of my cheeks, the "little too much teeth" grin that I get when I'm really excited! I know. I know. There's cosmetic surgery. But there are plenty of examples of women trying to get "just the right" face, who <a href="http://www.womansday.com/life/10-worst-celebrity-plastic-surgery-mishaps-103522" target="_blank">ended up getting something else entirely</a>!<br />
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<b><i>I can change the way I dress, but I have to accept my age</i></b>. Ouch! Now I'm just meddling, aren't I?! Here's the dirty little secret we sometimes don't want to acknowledge to ourselves: my age IS a factor in what I wear. There. It's out there and I said it! :) There are some things that will look ridiculous on me at my age. Certain types of shoes. Super short skirts or shorts. Low rise jeans. A LOT of graphic print tees. I can try to dress like a 20 year old all I want. But it's never going to change the fact that I'm 46! <br />
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<b><i>So what's the key in all this? Acceptance. </i></b></div>
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Acceptance of our features. Our bodies. Our age. Our personalities. And with that acceptance, an embrace. I'm not talking about a grudging acceptance and having the scooter store on speed dial. I'm talking about a celebration! Celebrating what makes each of us unique. Celebrating our personal style that's built around flattering our assets, not camouflaging our perceived "problem areas". <br />
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<b><i>Changing what we can. Accepting what we can't. And having enough wisdom to know the difference! How's that for a style devotional?!</i></b></div>
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By the way, if you've happened to stumble here without ever meeting <a href="http://www.over50feeling40.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pam</a> (I can't imagine!!), please do yourself a favor and give her blog a read. Her blog is prolific when it comes to celebrating one's age and embracing change! And another FABULOUS read is <a href="http://www.fashionoverfifty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paula</a>! Paula is a gorgeous example of self acceptance and wearing it well!<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-52087242012557701592013-04-05T07:36:00.000-07:002013-04-05T07:36:12.160-07:00What is elegance?<div style="text-align: center;">
"We must never confuse elegance with snobbery" ~<a href="http://www.biography.com/people/yves-saint-laurent-9469669" target="_blank">Yves Saint Laurent</a></div>
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"Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress" ~<a href="http://www.biography.com/people/coco-chanel-9244165" target="_blank">Coco Chanel</a></div>
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"The only real elegance is in the mind; if you've got that, the rest really comes from it." ~<a href="http://www.dianavreeland.com/" target="_blank">Diana Vreeland</a></div>
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For me elegance in a look is paramount! I enjoy whimsy, a bohemian vibe, a touch of the unexpected, but at the end of it all, the overall effect must be elegant.</div>
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<a href="http://www.biography.com/people/cecil-beaton-38501" target="_blank">Cecil Beaton</a> said, "What is elegance? Soap and water!" He's right! Elegance doesn't need designer labels or a credit card. Elegance is found in simplicity. As Ms Chanel once said, "Elegance is refusal". That speaks to me of refusal to be a slave to trends. Refusal to carry oneself differently whether wearing an evening gown or a pair of jeans. Refusal to go straight for "sexy" instead of letting the imagination entice.</div>
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I love that there's no price tag for elegance! This is a thrifted vintage dress that cost $5 and a thrifted <a href="http://www.chicos.com/store/home.jsp" target="_blank">Chico's</a> long blouse that I shelled out $2 for!! Truly the. best. blouse. EVER! The collar is made to stand up perfectly!<br />
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Finished off with my favorite over the knee leather boots, a pair of silver hoops, and my favored red nails. I can't tell you how great I felt in this!! If there is an outfit that just FEELS like me, this is it!<br />
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<b><i>I just thrifted a pair of black leather flat heeled boots for $5. I could have worn those with this and the whole look would be about $12! </i></b></div>
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I leave you with a final thought from Mr. Benjamin Disraeli that really speaks to me:</div>
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<b><i>"Teach us that wealth is not elegance, that profusion is not magnificence, that splendor is not beauty."</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-34871222428802038052013-03-29T16:30:00.000-07:002013-03-29T16:30:48.842-07:00Purging my closet....being creative, not consuming.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before we moved to a different city a year and a half ago, I had a busting at the seams closet! And you know what? I had NOTHING to wear!! How can a woman have so many clothes and nothing to wear???</div>
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Well, probably because when I opened my closet, my eyes had nowhere to rest. Just a riot of fabric and colors and clothes that don't fit, or that I'm iffy about, or I bought because I thrifted it cheap. <b> The last one is a huge lesson I've learned...thrift like you retail....if you don't love it, I don't care if they're GIVING it to you, DON'T take it!</b></div>
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Anyway, beyond <a href="http://www.thecitizenrosebud.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">shopping secondhand first</a>, I also want to make the most of the space and the clothes I have. Over the past year and a half, I've seriously purged. And I continue to purge!</div>
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Whenever I open my closet and see something for which I've lost that loving feeling....it's GONE! And I mean GONE! I'm brutal about this. <b>I want to open my closet and see nothing but items I aboslutely love!!</b> If I love the item, I can create a look I love...pretty hard to do when I'm apathetic about my clothes.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4hYqkumiGA/UVYYRk5NFrI/AAAAAAAACCM/ws7t99_FXs0/s1600/closet44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4hYqkumiGA/UVYYRk5NFrI/AAAAAAAACCM/ws7t99_FXs0/s1600/closet44.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've even paired down my leather skirts! I have given up a couple because they no longer fit. I didn't think I had really lost weight, but the two I've purged just didn't hug my hips the way I think pencil skirts should. Soooooo....those skirts went into a project in which I used them to <b>cover my dining chairs!</b> More on that in another post, but I have to tell you, I feel pretty uptown with my suede cushioned chairs!!!<br />
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If you can believe it, I've even pared down my shoes! I truly LOVE my boots and so I've lined them up on the floor of my closet and rolled up magazines to put in them to help them remain aright. And by the way, remember <a href="http://elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/2012_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">this post</a> about lusting after the Nine West Harper boot that retailed for $250? Well about a month ago, I checked out the site and it was on clearance for $60!! They didn't have the reddish brown color in my size, so I hopped on the blond leather and actually find it more wearable than the darker!! <br />
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<b>I counted up all of the items in my closet, including shoes, boots and coats and also counted in cotton tee shirts and I came up with 84 items. </b><br />
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I love the idea of being creative with my wardrobe - of creating multiple looks out of the same item. Have you seen <a href="http://www.societystylist.com/?cat=20" target="_blank">The LBD experiment</a>? It completely inspires me to use my creativity and not my credit card to put together fabulous looks. Like I mentioned on <a href="http://www.thecitizenrosebud.com/" target="_blank">Bella's blog</a>, <b><i>my aim is to be a creative woman, not a consuming one! </i></b><br />
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Have you ever counted the number of items you have in your closet? Are you cool with it?<br />
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Before I let you go....don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/citizenrosebud?ref=em" target="_blank">Bella's shop</a> for some fresh picked vintage goodies, <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/honey540_1/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1543.l2654" target="_blank">Terri's offerings</a> for some of the most unique items I've ever seen, and my <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/The-Elegant-Bohemian" target="_blank">ebay store</a>...I'm running a crazy sale right now!! Oh! And I almost forgot! My aunt is selling some beautiful new <a href="https://www.doncaster.com/doncasterecommerce/" target="_blank">Doncaster</a> items in <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/silviamarina3333/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1543.l2654" target="_blank">larger sizes</a>....gorgeous career clothing!<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-72486808611105553892013-03-15T16:06:00.000-07:002013-03-15T16:06:08.131-07:00Doing the math.....(GASP!!!)I want to start off by saying that I absolutely love me some <a href="http://www.theglamourai.com/2013/03/my-matrix-2.html" target="_blank">Glamourai</a>! Seriously, she always looks effortless and gorgeous and seems like the nicest girl! <br />
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<b><i>That being said....</i></b><br />
<br />
As I was reading her post today, I scrolled down to the outfit credits and clicked on every link, curious as to the cost of the individual pieces and therefore, the entire outfit. Here's what I came up with:<br />
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<a href="http://shop.timoweiland.com/collections/blue/products/danny-coat" target="_blank">Timo Weiland Jacket</a>: $275 (on sale from $915)<br />
<a href="http://www.whiteandwarren.com/color-block-crewneck-35000?source=shopstyle" target="_blank">White + Warren Sweater</a>: $295<br />
<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-little-boy-tee/3174748?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=vince_'little_boy'_tee:355980&cm_pla=tops:women:t-shirt/tee&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=QFGLnEolOWg-3YZuin5_VAx48RW6rzG_TQ" target="_blank">Vince t-shirt</a>: $60<br />
<a href="http://www.rebeccataylor.com/invt/rt012706p893?cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-QFGLnEolOWg-_-884092408247-_-15&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=Linkshare&utm_campaign=QFGLnEolOWg&siteID=QFGLnEolOWg-.4uSmOKSvjzWRRjClTVe9A" target="_blank">Rebecca Taylor Pants</a>: $395<br />
<a href="http://www.gucci.com/us/styles/303888AKZ0C1000#" target="_blank">Gucci Bag</a>: $3,950<br />
<a href="http://us.jimmychoo.com/en/us/view-all/titan/invt/247titanbsue/?utm_source=Affiliate&utm_medium=LinkShare&utm_campaign=USNetwork&utm_content=15&utm_term=QFGLnEolOWg" target="_blank">Jimmy Choo Boots</a>: $1,395<br />
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<b>GRAND TOTAL:<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> $6,370</span></b><br />
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Now it's absolutely no business of mine how much ANYONE spends on clothes. And it's possible that these companies loaned Kelly these clothes to get exposure. But whatever the case, all I'm saying is that this isn't the planet I live on and I totally can't relate. In fact, thousands of dollars on a single outfit is, in my very humble opinion, bordering on obscene. <br />
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Or maybe I'm just turning into a communist....(shaking head and TOTALLY kidding!)<br />
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What say you? Can you relate? Are blogs like Kelly's completely aspirational and not intended to be reality based? Is this what being a "top tier" blogger means nowadays?<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-3317515764974025212013-02-14T07:46:00.000-08:002013-02-14T07:46:06.696-08:00What's beautiful today? Vintage Monet AdsWhen I was a little girl, I'd LOVED to peruse fashion magazines, imagining that I would grow up to be a woman as sophisticated as the ones pictured. The Monet ads were always sooooo enchanting! I love how the jewelry highlights the women's faces not necessarily the jewelry itself. The make up, the stylying: Pure femininity and glamour!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.clerestorial.com/CJArticles-Ads.htm" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://alwaysadorned.blogspot.com/2009/11/vintage-monet-ads.html" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shuushuubylulu.com/blog/?tag=vogue-ads" target="_blank">Via </a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1973-Vintage-MONET-Jewelry-in-the-Golden-Manner-Gold-Necklace-Ad-/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjAw/$(KGrHqJ,!pgFB(VnLF--BQk0JDWkKg~~60_35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1973-Vintage-MONET-Jewelry-in-the-Golden-Manner-Gold-Necklace-Ad-/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjAw/$(KGrHqJ,!pgFB(VnLF--BQk0JDWkKg~~60_35.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.illusionjewels.com/inv/monetvogue1970.JPG" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.modismonet.com/truffon/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1962_Monet_Ad.62114504_large.jpg" target="_blank">Via </a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-26019080672769306182013-02-10T14:40:00.001-08:002013-02-10T14:40:09.696-08:00I AM beautiful! It's the STANDARD that got ugly!<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yCV3SaF2NfQ" width="560"></iframe></center>
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Don't you just love Norma Desmond's confidence? Okay, so it may be rooted in psychotic delusion, but you gotta love a woman that commits! Seeing this movie makes me of the standards we have of beauty. After watching this clip, I thought to myself, "I AM beautiful! It's the standard that got ugly!" Imagine Bill Holden turning to a woman today and saying...<br />
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"Hey wait, I know you. You're a woman over 40. You used to be beautiful!"<br />
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"Hey wait, I know you. You're a woman who has hips. You used to be beautiful!"<br />
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"Hey wait, I know you. You're a woman who has smile lines around your eyes. You used to be beautiful!"<br />
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"Hey wait, I know you. You're a woman with gray hair. You used to be beautiful!"<br />
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"Hey wait, I know you. You're a woman that's bigger than a Sz 6. You used to be beautiful!"<br />
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"Hey wait, I know you. You're a woman who doesn't wear a D cup. You used to be beautiful!"<br />
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Guess what Bill Holden! <br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">I AM beautiful! It's the standard that got ugly!</span></i></b><br />
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<b>And the standard HAS certainly gotten ugly. </b><br />
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<a href="http://pzrservices.typepad.com/vintageadvertising/images/2007/10/01/skinny_no.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://pzrservices.typepad.com/vintageadvertising/images/2007/10/01/skinny_no.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The modern standard for beauty seems to get more and more demanding in it's appetite to me met. What was considered beautiful 20 or 30 years ago, now seems like a bad joke. No doubt, if Marilyn Monroe were alive today, she'd be told to go on a diet. If Jackie Kennedy had aspirations today, she'd be admonished to get her teeth fixed. This isn't being mean, it's simply the reality in our culture today. And what's interesting is that women haven't changed, <b>only the standard of beauty has changed</b>.<br />
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<b>A demanding standard</b><br />
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You know what makes the beauty standard so ugly? It's demanding. Demeaning. Fickle. Impossible to satisfy. The standard says, "You're not skinny enough! Only skinny is beautiful!" And so we diet and deprive ourselves until we've reached that elusive Sz 2 (or at least as small as we can get) only to hear the standard say, "Oh, cool! You're skinny! But in losing all the weight, you lost your boobs! UGLY!" Oh okay, well thank goodness there are breast implants. Whew! Crisis averted. The standard teases us with, "Gee, if only you didn't have those laugh lines around your eyes, you could really be a looker!" Off we go to get wrinkles botoxed or stretched off our faces. Surely now that insatiable standard will be satisfied. But nooooo, "Wow! What did you do to your face?! You can't even express an emotion on your face!" Or how about this standard quip? "A woman has to be young to be beautiful." And so we buy every cream that promises us a youthful glow. We try to adjust our wardrobes so that we can still make our womanly selves appear more "girl like". And even for that we get, "Haven't you heard? Women over 35 aren't supposed to wear a mini skirt! Can't you act your age?!"<br />
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There have always been differing and changing views of what is seen as beautiful in a woman. And, as women, we jump on the treadmill trying to keep up with them. I mean, what woman doesn't want to be thought of as beautiful? I know I do! I don't think it makes me shallow. I think it makes me human! Call me crazy, but I think ALL women are beautiful. And I'm not talking about the "Well, she has such a good heart" kind of beauty, I'm talking about genuine attractive beauty. Just like we are. All different shapes and sizes. All different ethnicities. Whatever your weight. Whatever your age. So the reality is that I don't need to change. And neither do you. The only thing that needs to change is the fact that we give a crap at all what some marketing agency or industry tells us what is and isn't beautiful.<br />
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So the next time that ad or commercial says to you, "Hey I know you. You used to be beautiful!" You just hold your head high and say with confidence: <br />
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I AM beautiful! It's the standard that got ugly. <br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-21122660019849716212013-02-05T08:05:00.001-08:002013-02-05T08:05:38.803-08:00Letting my body just BE.....<center style="text-align: left;">
Have you read <a href="https://twitter.com/gritandglamour" target="_blank">Vahni's</a> latest <a href="http://www.gritandglamour.com/2013/01/31/feel-fit-february/" target="_blank">post</a> on Feel Fit February? If you haven't click over, read it and come back please! And while I was typing this, I clicked over and she already has a <a href="http://www.gritandglamour.com/2013/02/05/stepping-away-from-the-scale/" target="_blank">new post</a> about the scale, so please read it as well. I think you'll either see yourself or many of your friends in how Vahni describes her relationship with the scale. </center>
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Body obsession has been a theme of my life. My epitaph could read "She always wanted her mother" or "She dieted"! Because I've spent the bulk of my life doing both of those. And it doesn't make for a happy or content existence. Think about the demands we make on our bodies. We expect it to give us....</center>
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<li>Our desired weight number</li>
<li>Our desired waist size</li>
<li>Our desired thigh, hips, butt, bust size</li>
<li>Our desired clothing size</li>
<li>Our desired proportions</li>
<li>Immune against sickness</li>
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Surely, if our bodies could talk to us audibly, they'd be saying, "Are you freaking kidding me?!?!?!"</div>
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Why, really WHY is it so hard to just be thankful for our bodies? Why do we see our appearance as a barometer of how desirable we are? Why does a number on a scale or the fit of a pair of jeans control our mood, our self esteem? <b>Why do intelligent, bright, creative and beautiful women obsess over something as fickle and superficial as weight/size?</b></div>
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No finger pointing here, because as I've said, this has been a struggle for me and I'm just OVER it! At 46 years old, I don't want to head into my 50's STILL obsessing about my weight. </div>
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I have a wonderful friend who is a trainer and an athlete. <a href="http://yoursolution4fitness.wordpress.com/mandy-huffman/" target="_blank">Mandy</a> and I have worked together and had TONS of conversations about weight and our/most women's obsession with it. I love her healthy attitude toward her body. She feeds it real food and works out. Mandy admonishes her clients to "let your body just BE"; stop trying to GET it to look a certain way". Isn't this brilliant! What a concept!! Let our bodies BE! Treat our bodies with kindness. Feed my body well with the food it needs. Rest it well. Think on good things and relax the brain. And then, wherever my body "lands" after that, that's where it supposed to be. </div>
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<b>And that's what I'm trying to live now! Just let my body BE!</b></div>
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By the way, is this a cultural phenomenon among American women? Do women in other countries give much thought to the size or weight of their bodies? If you have any answers, I'm all ears!</div>
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<a href="http://s800.beta.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/fotoflexer_photo_zps868b4a4a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fotoflexer_photo_zps868b4a4a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/fotoflexer_photo_zps868b4a4a.jpg" /></a></center>
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Blouse: Silk, Ellen Tracy, thrifted Boots: Jessica Simpson via TJ Maxx Pants: J Crew </div>
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Like how I used a butterfly sticker to cover the dumpsters??</div>
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While I'm not usually a fan of embellishments, I do love the corset laces in the back of the boots!</div>
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<a href="http://s800.beta.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/fotoflexer_photo_zps4715595e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fotoflexer_photo_zps4715595e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/fotoflexer_photo_zps4715595e.jpg" /></a></center>
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Okay, so I had to put on a bit for my sweet baby! He played photographer and I played DIVA!</div>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-79759187588444436362013-02-02T06:04:00.001-08:002013-02-02T06:09:22.527-08:00Saturday morning elegance.....Old Hollywood StyleHow about some Kay Francis this morning? Gorgeous. Minimalist. Not traditionally "girly" but supremely elegant and feminine! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S5HA8iwIzXk/UQ0c1NHdWDI/AAAAAAAACAs/gXBLX3uNI88/s640/blogger-image-285713145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S5HA8iwIzXk/UQ0c1NHdWDI/AAAAAAAACAs/gXBLX3uNI88/s640/blogger-image-285713145.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qt6AoW7O24c/UQ0d2nqCZZI/AAAAAAAACBU/LlDY0hS7c-o/s640/blogger-image--1042555240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qt6AoW7O24c/UQ0d2nqCZZI/AAAAAAAACBU/LlDY0hS7c-o/s640/blogger-image--1042555240.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1QbSJpXAcZE/UQ0duxKVMFI/AAAAAAAACA0/K_rpuDxFjIY/s640/blogger-image-246755146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1QbSJpXAcZE/UQ0duxKVMFI/AAAAAAAACA0/K_rpuDxFjIY/s640/blogger-image-246755146.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HugfXC_WHDk/UQ0dyyvD3hI/AAAAAAAACBE/f6SCF3LcdYg/s640/blogger-image--570077927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HugfXC_WHDk/UQ0dyyvD3hI/AAAAAAAACBE/f6SCF3LcdYg/s640/blogger-image--570077927.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hv1UIbri-TE/UQ0dxC1AVJI/AAAAAAAACA8/TrfZttRkaHY/s640/blogger-image-1280831321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hv1UIbri-TE/UQ0dxC1AVJI/AAAAAAAACA8/TrfZttRkaHY/s640/blogger-image-1280831321.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-381S73_hYxA/UQ0d0tKAGoI/AAAAAAAACBM/069nxlWDGg4/s640/blogger-image--562555649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-381S73_hYxA/UQ0d0tKAGoI/AAAAAAAACBM/069nxlWDGg4/s640/blogger-image--562555649.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-84706548327448392182013-01-31T10:53:00.000-08:002013-01-31T10:53:18.735-08:00NUETP: A Hand-Me-Down<center>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>NUETP (Never UnderEstimate The Power)</i></span></center>
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My aunt gave me this dress along with a bag of other unwanted clothes of hers for me to either sell, keep or donate. The interesting thing about this dress is that it's not something I think I would have picked out for myself. I mean, I probably wouldn't have even considered taking it into a dressing room! I didn't think it was me. But, hey, if she's just GIVING clothes away, I'll give it a shot!</center>
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And I'm soooooo glad I did! It's easy to wear. It's got a gorgeous print. It's buffet friendly! C'mon! Nuff said!</center>
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And since the dress pretty much speaks for itself, I only had to had my favorite boots (which, by the way, make everything look just a little bit better) and I had a great look that felt very "elegant bohemian". </center>
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Dress: label was taken out, so I have no idea Boots: <a href="http://www.ninewest.com/" target="_blank">Nine West</a></div>
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And a couple of weeks earlier, I wore the dress as a blouse with my favorite leather skirt! Seriously, if I ever had to make a run for it fast; I'd be grabbing this skirt on the way out the door! I've also worn it <a href="http://elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/2012/02/why-you-need-leather-skirt.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/2012/06/nuetp-black-pointy-toe-pump.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/2012/03/post-full-of-favorites.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://s800.beta.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/fotoflexer_photo-20.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo fotoflexer_photo-20.jpg" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/fotoflexer_photo-20.jpg" /></a></center>
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Dress: Same Boots: Same Leather skirt: Vintage and thrifted</div>
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So the moral of the story is, hand-me-downs are good. The price is right AND sometimes, it helps push you out of your comfort zone!<br />
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And if you're so inclined, check out my other NUETP posts <a href="http://elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/search/label/NUETP" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-83605188275810899362013-01-29T05:02:00.000-08:002013-01-29T05:02:02.134-08:00Ode to the glossy lip!Maybe it's because I'm a child of the 70s/80s, but I just ADORE a glossy lip! I remember as a middle schooler, laquering up my lips and talking to myself in the mirror. I just felt soooooo sophisticated and glamorous and my speech was soooooooo expressive. Okay, so maybe I spent too much time in my imagination when I was a kid, but what can I say? The idea of glamour has always captivated me. And, no matter how you slice it, a glossy lip is just GLAMOROUS!!<br />
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Matte lips come and go, but the glossy look never goes out of style! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jumpingfrog.com/images/ads-celebrity/79end032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.jumpingfrog.com/images/ads-celebrity/79end032.jpg" width="473" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thejumpingfrog.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=851420" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7TqOyUDYGg/Td-BS-SdHGI/AAAAAAAAEFI/zPVeL-cGOVI/s1600/jaclyn_smith_gallery_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7TqOyUDYGg/Td-BS-SdHGI/AAAAAAAAEFI/zPVeL-cGOVI/s640/jaclyn_smith_gallery_14.jpg" width="555" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ivannature.blogspot.com/2011/05/viva-80s_27.html" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1rn3ou3Xm1rnimpto1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1rn3ou3Xm1rnimpto1_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://superseventies.tumblr.com/post/20343467654/music-books-designer-fashion-clothes-sale-photography-he" target="_blank">Via</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">I LOVE me some Lynda Carter!!</span></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/170785010838917381_upfRGwTh_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/170785010838917381_upfRGwTh_c.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/170785010838917381/" target="_blank">Via </a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/244390717249080252_7Q8lVGeC_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/244390717249080252_7Q8lVGeC_c.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66850375689497828/" target="_blank">Via </a></td></tr>
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<b>I remember carrying this in my purse! There was even a chocolate flavor!</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/219972763019521524_ULJUipgH_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/219972763019521524_ULJUipgH_c.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66850375690522157/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.kimkcdn.celebuzz.com/files/2012/06/Kim-Kardashian-Vintage-Vogue-Magazine-Covers-060612-5-491x643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn2.kimkcdn.celebuzz.com/files/2012/06/Kim-Kardashian-Vintage-Vogue-Magazine-Covers-060612-5-491x643.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/2012/06/08/fashion-friday-vintage-vogue-covers/kim-kardashian-vintage-vogue-magazine-covers-060612-5/" target="_blank">Via </a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>While Cher would have a difficult time NOT looking fabulous, the glossy lip just sets off her face!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vintagenorth.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/monet-ad-vogue-may-1976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://vintagenorth.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/monet-ad-vogue-may-1976.jpg" width="442" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vintagenorth.wordpress.com/tag/vogue-ads/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<b>I think this is my favorite of the bunch! A clean look and a lip that stands out!</b></div>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-78343196560307320102013-01-27T07:12:00.001-08:002013-01-27T07:12:42.793-08:00"If I saw this at Walmart, would I still like it?"<center a="" href="http://s800.beta.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/fotoflexer_photo-17.jpg.html" target="_blank">
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Have you seen the I Love Lucy episode where they go to Paris and Lucy insists that she has to have a very expensive Parisian designer dress? Not one in particular, but ANY one actually, because, well....IT'S PARIS! And we all know that Paris is THE final word on what's fashionable.</center>
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<a href="http://blog.rubylane.com/files/u3/Lucy___Ethel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.rubylane.com/files/u3/Lucy___Ethel.jpg" /></a>The punch line of the show is that Ricky and Fred have dresses made for them using burlap sacks and horse feed bags, and have the designer label sewn into said dresses! Well Lucy and Ethel are thrilled! As they dine at a local outdoor cafe, feeling "Oh so chic!!"; Fred and Ricky can no longer contain their amusement and give up the gag, to the horror of the girls. The following day, berated and humbled, the husbands have consented to purchase the real deal for there wives. As they're all sitting at the same cafe, the models from the famous Parisian fashion house walk by wearing the <b>EXACT</b> same outfits (and coming off "Oh so chic!!") that were the butt of the joke the day before! </center>
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And while that makes for a hilarious bit, aren't we really the same? I've seen the below picture of Anna Dello Russo all over the street style blogs a while back (shows you how long I've been sitting on this post!) with comments lauding her style and creativity. Apparently Ms. Dello Russo can do no wrong when it sartorially speaking.</center>
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But do we really believe that? If I walked into my local Starbucks to pick up a Cafe Misto and a woman walked in wearing that hat, would I clasp my hands to my chest, throw my head back and swoon over the fashion statement she was making? Probably not. In my opinion, it's a silly hat that isn't practical or flattering and for the most part, serves only the purpose of garnering attention. </center>
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<b>But it's amazing how our perspective is changed when A) A fashion icon wears something or B) It's a designer label.</b> Our label love is the delight of design houses everywhere!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/426x639/s_v/sjp_satc_v_3nov09_rex_b_426x639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/426x639/s_v/sjp_satc_v_3nov09_rex_b_426x639.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/celebrity-photos/2009/11/05/sex-and-the-city-2-fashion-and-costumes/gallery/1" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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Case in point: Do we REALLY like Carrie's outfit that she wore to a Middle Eastern Market? Or have we been TRAINED to like it because, after all, Carrie Bradshaw is Fearless Fashion Icon? <br />
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If style is performance art, then I get it....it's all good. But if style/fashion (I know they're not the same, but I'm making them quasi synonymous for the sake of this post) is about putting one's best foot forward and showcasing <b>OURSELVES</b>, then sporting labels for the sake of labels is counter productive and, dare I say, kind of silly? But don't we know this already? Even though we may get caught up in the fashion game every now and then, don't we all really know what's for show and what's really wearable; regardless of the label? <br />
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I used to love to shop or magazine peruse with my mom. Often, we'd find ourselves critiquing designer looks with the question, <b>"If I saw this at Walmart, would I still like it?" </b> If the answer is "No" then it's "No". <br />
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<b>If that Marant shoe is fabulous, then by any other name, it will still be fabulous. If not, then it wasn't so hot to begin with!</b></div>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-34520809423034861172013-01-19T06:06:00.001-08:002013-01-19T06:06:10.760-08:00Some Saturday Morning 70sLOVE the big hair and LOVE the colors! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nhOsuHaW_Wo/UPqoUR4Dc2I/AAAAAAAACAQ/dMbkTB33X4I/s640/blogger-image-1747328089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nhOsuHaW_Wo/UPqoUR4Dc2I/AAAAAAAACAQ/dMbkTB33X4I/s640/blogger-image-1747328089.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-9568332733986597472013-01-14T16:09:00.001-08:002013-01-14T16:09:22.552-08:00A loud dress & a "Should Free" Zone<center style="text-align: left;">
Let me say from the start that I would love to have a photographer available to me when I'm freshly groomed to take my picture in the perfect outdoor glow. Alas, I do not! And if I have to start dragging out the tripod and timer, well......, let's just say, I'd probably never post again. So here we with are with the handy iPhone and mirror and what can I say? It works for me! </center>
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Also, as I mentioned before, my blog has a concerted thrift theme now; but not just why thrifting is great, but also how a great wardrobe can be compiled through shopping second hand. <b>So, actually, the emphasis of my posts are really less to do with the exact pieces I'm wearing, but more to do with how things are put together and finding one's own aesthetic.</b></center>
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This dress is Tracy Porter, and apparently, Anthropologie used to carry some of her items. My understanding is that her company (apparel end) has gone bankrupt and is no more. When I spotted this dress, I just KNEW it was quality. The colors, the long wide matching sash, the silhouette.....all of it just spoke "Top Notch!". And when I tried it on and the fit was great? We're going home together little loud dress!</center>
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I kept everything else simple. An elegant heel and minimal gold jewelry. Really, it's all about the dress and the dress speaks volumes! <br />
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Other ways I'll style it:<br />
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<li>With skinny jeans</li>
<li>Worn open over black cigarette pants, like a jacket</li>
<li>With a brown leather belt</li>
<li>With my high heel brown Nine West boots</li>
<li>With a skinny belt and cute flats with the sash around my hair</li>
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Dress: Tracy Porter, thrifted, Shoes: Ann Taylor, Yard Sale for $2!</div>
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There is about $7 in this whole outfit!!</div>
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I also want to take a quick moment to add that although I am an avid advocate of thrifting (for MANY reasons), at the Elegant Bohemian, <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">no one gets "should" on</span></i></b>! Truly, my purpose is pure: to showcase thrifted finds with the intention of building a great wardrobe regardless of your budget. Period. I'm absolutely NOT saying...</div>
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<ul>
<li>You SHOULD be thrifting!</li>
<li>You SHOULD love it!</li>
<li>You SHOULD never shop retail again!</li>
<li>You SHOULD be as bothered by fast fashion as I am!</li>
<li>You SHOULD do what I say!!!</li>
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NO! <b>One thing I LOATHE is for someone to should on me!</b> So whether you love to thrift, think it's disgusting, are mildly curious or it just ain't your thing, you've got a friendly little corner of the internet right here! </div>
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Oh! And sliding it in at the last minute, but hooking up with <a href="http://www.notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patti</a> for Visible Monday!</div>
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<b>Peace Love and SOUL to you all!</b></div>
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-48469589962572647202013-01-11T07:59:00.000-08:002013-01-11T07:59:32.828-08:00Woman of Signature Style: SADEThis week, <a href="http://www.notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patti</a> has been discussing "<a href="http://www.notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2013/01/identify-your-signature-style-part-i.html" target="_blank">Signature Style</a>". It's a topic that's fascinated me for a while now. I wrote about my own search for a signature style <a href="http://elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/2011/11/signature-style-culling-inspiration.html" target="_blank">here</a>. And while I find experimentation to be a necessary ingredient for creativity, I realize that there are common elements that define our style. Really, don't we ALL have a signature style, whether we realize it or not? For me this issue has been cultivating that style and asking myself, "Does my style truly express who I am or is it basically an easy default?" For creative types, like myself, style is almost a personal artistic expression. Just like there are many types of art: cubism, surrealism, impressionism, modern, abstract, etc...all of them being just an expression of emotion or personal aesthetics, there are many types of style. While abstract art may <i>seem</i> to take less talent than impressionism, the truth is that they are both valid expressions of a similar desire.<br />
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There are several women whose signature style, I really relate to. Today, I wanted to highlight one of my all time favorite singers AND style icons, Sade!</div>
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<li>Sade almost makes a uniform of black and white and yet, always looking different and striking! Her long hair and minimalist style have remained, save for a few occasional experimental digressions, a constant through her long career.</li>
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<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jeffwinbush.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/sade.jpeg?w=581&h=767" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://jeffwinbush.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/sade.jpeg?w=581&h=767" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jeffwinbush.com/2012/06/24/when-sade-says-bring-me-home-how-can-i-refuse/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<li>She also has a way of taking functional jeans and making them seem somewhat <i>elegant</i>! In this photo, the cowboy boots, the jeans, the white tunic.....all add up for a look that is NEVER outdated and seems more feminine than the utilitarian nature of the pieces would suggest.</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog-imgs-26-origin.fc2.com/s/t/r/strongerthanparadise/Sade_pic_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://blog-imgs-26-origin.fc2.com/s/t/r/strongerthanparadise/Sade_pic_08.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://strongerthanparadise.blog122.fc2.com/blog-category-10.html" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<li>Okay, this right here pretty much sums up Sade's style in a nutshell. The slicked back pony tail. The red lip. The hoop earrings. The black palette. This is all her signature style components in one AND it just all works! It's classy. It's easy. </li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theplace2.ru/archive/sade/img/Sade_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.theplace2.ru/archive/sade/img/Sade_21.jpg" width="632" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theplace2.ru/photos/photo.php?id=301701" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<li>Here we are with the denim again. Only this time it's denim on denim. Again, it just works! Add to that the signature braid, hoops and emphasized lips and all of a sudden those jeans, look inordinately classy! As a side note, how about that fabulous bracelet? See, I think that's one of the things I can relate to about Sade. Like her, there's nothing subtle about my features. Good or bad, they are pretty much in your face. So delicate earrings or barely there necklaces, just. won't. do.</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theplace2.ru/archive/sade/img/Sade_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.theplace2.ru/archive/sade/img/Sade_5.jpg" width="630" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theplace2.ru/photos/photo.php?id=301699" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<li>Black and white perfection. Notice the hoops. Again with the pony tail. It's such a great look that it makes me wonder, "How does she pull off these same components without looking like she's just stuck in a rut?!" Ownership maybe? She knows what she likes and unapologetically moves forward with it.</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alwaysontherun.net/sade4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.alwaysontherun.net/sade4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alwaysontherun.net/sade.htm" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>A short lived foray into the bangs arena, but her signature is still in bold! The black and white uniform looks sexy, appropriate and still a bit edgy.</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.soundonsound.com/sos/nov04/images/classicpela7sade.l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.soundonsound.com/sos/nov04/images/classicpela7sade.l.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov04/articles/classictracks.htm" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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She has a video that I've ALWAYS loved, a lot for the song, but actually, more for her style. The jeans and jacket she wear in this video are so simple, yet so perfect! Her style, like her music, is comfortable, easy, bold and sexy. There's a bit of rawness to it, that's difficult to mesh with elegance, but she does it seemingly effortlessly! <br />
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I send you off to your weekend with my favorite Sade song and look.<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-229538714328727432013-01-06T14:18:00.000-08:002013-01-06T14:18:04.353-08:00New Year.....New Focus<h4>
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<i>Well Happy New Year everybody! </i></center>
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I had a WONDERFUL Christmas! And for the first time in YEARS, I just didn't want the Christmas season to end. It was great having all the kids home, baking, cooking, playing cards, eating junk and laughing a LOT!</center>
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But now it's time to get started on 2013 and I'm excited about that too! While my blog has always had a prominent thrifting theme; I see that topic taking even more center stage this year. What has started out as a hobby has become a bit of a mission. With all my heart, I believe that we can dress EXACTLY how we want without incessant shopping or patronizing the fast fashion retailers.</center>
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Most of us know we can "make do" with thrifting, but I believe that we can also build an enviable wardrobe through 90% thrifting and 10% thoughtful retail purchases. And while we're doing that, we're cultivating our own personal signature style, not following trends, but identifying, embracing and creating our own aesthetic. </center>
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So, that being said, I want to start my first post of the year with just what I was talking about. Below is what I wore yesterday and can I just say, that much to my delight, everywhere I went I just collected compliments!! Well, my boots collected most of them! </center>
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<a href="http://s800.beta.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/fotoflexer_photo-13.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/fotoflexer_photo-13.jpg" /></a></center>
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Dress: Soft Surroundings, thrifted Over the knee boots: Jessica Simpson via <a href="http://www.tjmaxx.com/" target="_blank">TJ Maxx </a> Jacket: Thrifted Black Slip: Vintage, thrifted Bag: <a href="http://www.cynthiarowley.com/" target="_blank">Cynthia Rowley</a> via <a href="http://www.tjmaxx.com/" target="_blank">TJ Maxx</a></div>
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I purchased these boots last Christmas on clearance at TJ Maxx for (insert drum roll here) $56!!!!! That's right girlies! All leather, over the knee, high heel, corset back boots for only $56! They absolutely elevate everything that they're paired with!!<br />
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I thrifted the dress a few months ago and wear it often as a blouse, dress, belted, loose, you name it! As you can see from <a href="http://www.elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/2012/12/sunday-morning.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.elegantbohemian.blogspot.com/2012/12/same-dressdifferent-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>, I wear it quite often. For $4.39....it was a no brainer!<br />
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And one of my favorite things.....my new bag! It's the only new purchase I wanted to make this year. I'll save the story of this bag and why I think it's important to make a couple of well thought out retail purchases a year for another post. But lemme say here and now, I. LOVE. THIS. BAG!!<br />
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I'm linking up to <a href="http://www.notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patti's Visible Monday</a> today, so please be sure to check out all the very visible looks from your friendly bloggers!<br />
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Again, I ask everyone reading this to please consider taking the "<a href="http://www.thecitizenrosebud.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Shop Secondhand First</a>" pledge that <a href="http://www.thecitizenrosebud.com/" target="_blank">Bella</a> has started. Please take a read and while you're at it; feel free to take a look at <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/apparel-industry" target="_blank">this article</a> on <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/" target="_blank">Refinery 29</a> regarding the fashion industry's reliance on underpaid, overworked and very often abused labor. I simply can't, in good conscience, turn a blind eye to ramifications of our aspirational, fashion/trend, consumer driven culture. I truly want to be a part of the solution or at the very least, don't want to be hypocritical. <br />
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And last, but for me, not least. I'm going to be spending more time this year working on my eBay store. I'd be tickled to death for you to take a look! And while you're at it, be sure to check out <a href="http://www.thecitizenrosebud.com/" target="_blank">Bella's</a> goodies on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/thecitizenrosebud/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1543.l2654" target="_blank">eBay</a> AND <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/citizenrosebud?ref=em" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. And <a href="http://www.ragsagainstthemachine.com/" target="_blank">Terri </a>has some fabulously fun pieces on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/honey540_1/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1543.l2654" target="_blank">eBay</a> that you won't want to miss!<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1679680415704254815.post-29466306763494785102012-12-12T05:50:00.002-08:002012-12-12T05:50:48.030-08:00A small closet = BIG opportunity!<center style="text-align: left;">
A recent move and closet down sizing has prompted <a href="http://www.notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patti</a> to reexamine her wardrobe and making the most of what she has. </center>
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<i style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Believe it or don't, I have less closet space in our modern condo than in our historical cottage! Ohs noes, I shall have to edit the wardrobe yet some more. And the old one-in, one-out rule will still apply unless I can find a way to freeze-dry my clothing and then just add hot water to revive it! (Remember freeze-dried coffee? So cool at the time). (<a href="http://www.notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2012/12/lbs-little-black-skirt-three-ways.html" target="_blank">source</a>)</i></center>
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While initially, a smaller closet may seem cause for some serious concern; there is a pretty bright silver lining! How much of what we have in our closets are we really over the moon about? Can we open the door to our wardrobes and smile at what we see there? And the biggest question: How much of what's in there do we actually wear? <br />
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<b>The reality is that it's better to have 10 things that you LOVE to wear and feel fabulous in than 50 items that are uninspiring. </b> </div>
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So, on that note, when I came across this dress at a recent yard sale, I was all set to list it in my store. Not believing it would fit, but curious, I tried it on and WOW! I just love it....the shape, the black & white scheme, the pattern....all of it makes for a piece that makes me <strike>smile </strike>grin!</center>
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<a href="http://s800.beta.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/bwdress.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/bwdress.jpg" /></a></center>
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I initially tried it on as a dress and MAN! was that thing short! At least for me! And while my husband does love my legs and loves for me to show them, I just don't think I'd be comfortable risking showing sooooo much more!</center>
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Paired here with J Crew leggings and flats, it feels very gamine (something I'm really not!). </center>
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<a href="http://s800.beta.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/bwdress3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/bwdress3.jpg" /></a></center>
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And shown here with my favorite black leather skirt (thrifted) and suede boots that I got in a recent swap with my daughter, I changed it up a bit by pairing it with a thin leather belt (thrifted).<br />
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<a href="http://s800.beta.photobucket.com/user/serenesineath/media/bwdress2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/bwdress2.jpg" /></a></center>
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For years now, I've been saying that I could make an entire wardrobe out of black and white and still keep it interesting. Pieces like this make it easy!<br />
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<b>And I just can't help but mention that I don't have $5 in this whole outfit! </b></div>
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The skirt was thrifted at a church clothing drive that I helped with and I paid $1 for the dress at a yard sale about a month ago. The details on it are amazing....truly a boutique piece!<br />
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<a href="http://s800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/?action=view&current=Signaturestamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/serenesineath/Signaturestamp.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16372495540919045223noreply@blogger.com16