This shot/my poor photographic skills don’t do this guy justice. I’ve seen him around Portland before and have been bracing for the opportunity to get a shot of him. He’s always sporting orange aviators, bike gloves and laceless oxfords. It’s quite a feat to be able to wear those three pieces so regularly that they’re just a natural part of his personal style.
Hello boys! I chased down these well-dressed gents as they exited Starbucks to snap a group photo. I love the variety of styles here, from a trapper hat to a toggle cardi to chic sneaks, there was a lot of good going on. Unfortunately, these fellas were visiting from Boston. But don’t worry, I informed them that their city is not known for their style, though they might be the exception.
I’ve always wanted a 3/4 length winter coat but have always considered them impractical for Maine winters. But since it’s been practically balmy this year, I was very envious of this camel coat. A sweater and wrist warmers are a smart addition, just in case it ever does cool down. Her perfectly worn Bean Boots were a hand-me-down from Mom.
Here’s what Ashley had to say:
For me holiday fashion is all about going over the top. You’ve got to be big, bold and sparkly. The Christmas season is filled with parties, dinners and reuniting with friends and family. I think it’s important to put your best foot forward and show off who you are, but not break the bank doing it. Here I am wearing a few of my favorite thifted pieces. My vintage vibrant red floral coat was purchased as a set that included a matching dress. I found this piece when a local community theater was selling off old costumes. I bought the set for $1. Another favorite find is my delicious eggplant Maggy London cocktail dress. This dress new would have cost me $158, I found mine at Goodwill for $4.99. I am wearing vintage gold shoes, Goodwill $5.99 and Vera Wang argyle and gold tights, Kohl’s $8.40. My jewelry is MissAshleyKate (that’s me!) made from a mixture of vintage Swarovski crystal, vintage metals and other shiny things. My outfit’s total cost $20.38.
A huge thanks to Alex, Ashley and all the #xmasbloggers that participated. I hope they’ve inspired you to go out all in the fashion department this holiday season. I’m eating lunch in a silk taffeta skirt so I know it worked on me.
Alex and Ashley never let me down in the fashion department. When I asked them to come up with Formal Holiday Attire, I knew they wouldn’t disappoint. Here they are in their finest tartans and Christmas reds (champagne in hand of course) in looks that left me inspired. It doesn’t get more dapper than this folks. Here’s what Alex had to say:
When you’re wearing formal wear it’s all about “classic”. Fortunately classic also means that you can buy it anytime, you don’t need to update every season. I’m wearing a vintage wool blend tuxedo with a shawl collar. Purchased for $25 at Twice Upon a Time (Brattleboro VT), it’s got unstructured shoulders and high armholes that give it a relaxed nonchalance that might run you $800 if you wanted to buy it new. These wool Royal Stewart tartan trousers are also a vintage pair, they offer a great shot of color into a black tie ensemble, and at $11 over a decade ago at Roz’s Place (Northampton MA) they’re about 1/20 of the price you might pay online. The outfit is completed with black wholecut oxfords (more vintage, Sebago, Made in Maine baby, $8 @ Salvation Army Portland ME), vintage Brooks Bros satin bow tie ($2 at Goodwill, Falmouth ME), and a spread collar shirt by Banana Republic (christmas gift about 10 years ago). Pieced together over a decade from all over New England, a great, classic, black tie ensemble for about $50.
Ashley of Sweet William has officially been on this blog more than anyone else in this fine city. Why? Every time I see her she looks perfectly polished and adorbs. It’s very annoying - but great for someone like me who’s on the constant hunt for personal style. I asked her to come up with a look for Holiday Brunch. Here’s what she had to say:
For a holiday brunch, you don’t want to get too dressed up. It is never a good idea to look like you are dressed for a night out during the day. But it is a good idea to add a little shimmer or sparkle to all of your holiday outfits. I chose to pair this Madewell ‘fish scale’ dress with a chambray shirt. I pulled the two together with a brown leather belt that tie it together with my leather lace up booties. With a sparkly dress, I wanted to make it a little more casual for brunch. This is a meal that, to me, always seems a little bit more relaxed. The choice of shoe for brunch is always important. Since the dress is my one fancy piece, I went with flat boots to play down the look. I added polka dot tights (which you can’t see) to make the outfit a bit more fun in similar colors to the dress. The two contrasting textures adds something playful for a the day time look.
Be sure to visit Ashley at the new Urban Outfitters downtown. I can only imagine the outfits she’ll be sporting now…!
Bride and Groom style spotted in Owl’s Head, Maine
There’s a new fashion blogger in town, Sarah of I Wanna Wear That, who I met a few months ago at the Love The Skin You’re In event. The most fashionable people aren’t the ones with giant walk-in closets, but those with a carefully crafted wardrobe of favorites. We stopped by Sarah’s South Portland home to uncover her obsession with H&M basics and giant plastic rings.
