Classic, Preppy, Beatnik: a Stripe for Every Style

Center: Catherine Denueve (Getty Images); Top right: Jean Seberg (Hulton Archive); Bottom right: Betsey Johnson Fall 2008 RTW collection 

Classic, preppy, beatnik, mod, patriotic, collegiate, nautical, sporty, French ... if you asked me to style a single ensemble that captured each of these styles and more, chances are I'd start with stripes.

Dress (Jessica Howard, from eBay for under $20!); Bag (Michael Kors, Steinmart); Shoes (Kate Spade, Zappos)

This particular ensemble might be a bit over the top with matching black and white stripes on the dress, shoes, and even the bag, but I just couldn't resist (and I love that all three pieces were acquired at different times from different places). I didn't buy them to "go together," but the result is one very graphic and "striping" look. 

Besides, this isn't baseball, so the "Three Stripes and You're Out" rule doesn't apply! I know, I know, you're groaning at my wordplay...there's a fine line between clever and cheesy. But, hey, I've earned my stripes, so I'll write (and wear) what makes me smile.

Belt (Amazon); Watch (J.Lo, Overstock.com); upcycled Diet Coke can bracelet (Millie's Jewelry) - find out more about this unique piece, and how to get your own, here!

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

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Ode to Orange

Nothing rhymes with ORANGE, I'm told.

No words to pair with a color so bold.

But worn with turquoise, it's quite sublime,

Even if with orange, nothing does rhyme.

Turquoise and orange make a fresh pair;

Two of my favorites for weather fair.

Like a setting sun on an azure sea,

Turquoise plus orange makes a happy me.

My stanzas are simple; a sonnet it's not.

This ode to orange won't provoke much thought.

Nevertheless, it's a poem I choose,

To talk about these beloved orange shoes.

Orange croc with blue suede and four inches high,

These shoes from Zappos were an excellent buy.

From Poetic License, my favorite footwear.

They inspired this rhyme I just had to share.

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

All the details from this post: Shoes (Poetic License); Orange and white striped dress (eShakti); Mandarin Garnet and diamond ring (Aronstam Jewelers); Blue Topaz ring (Ross Simons); Carnelian, blue topaz and calcedony necklace (Laura Gibson); Bridal bit enamel bracelet (Churchill Downs Gift Shop); Earrngs (Erica Lyons); Watch (Michael Kors); Safety Pin Clutch (Bodhi Bags); Sunglasses (freebie giveaway from a University of Miami football game)

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Where's Waldo?

One favorite red and white striped dress; one ironic Union Jack; one rediscovered pair of red, white and blue shoes; one lunchtime outing with a good friend who also happens to be a great photographer; and one Amish photobomber who makes your whole day... 

Where in Waldo's world can one pair Independence Day patriotism and the Amish with a British flag bag, public rental bikes, and European style architecture?

From the historic spires of the church behind me, it might look as though we made a quick jaunt across the pond...

But nope - if you stop to take it in, you'll find that the Circle City is a beautiful blend of cosmopolitan and country with something for everyone (recent reputational blemishes notwithstanding). 

This is perhaps most embraced along the cultural mind meld that is Massachusetts Avenue. From one end to the other, there is so much to see and enjoy, and the people you encounter along the way almost always greet you with a smile.

As for the outfit, I rocked the red, white and blue every day last week in honor of Independence Day, but this cotton dress from eShakti is my favorite. In fact, I like it so much that I may or may not have it in multiple colors...

The shoes felt brand new because I completely forgot about them until a recent closet cleaning (despite the fact that I keep all of my shoes in clear, labeled boxes). Yep - I admit I may have too many shoes. I also admit that I tucked a pair of flipflops into the Union Jack bag just in case they ended up killing my feet. They weren't bad at all, so I'll definitely be putting them in regular rotation even though I did ultimately don the flipflops.

And the highlight of the day? Unquestionably the unanticipated Amish photobomb. Just as we were lamenting the construction trailer blocking part of a Mass Ave art installation we wanted to shoot, this guy pops out from behind the trailer to see what the heck we were doing. I'm in love with his hat and the whole "Notebook" look. I'm sure he's just as surprised to be featured on a style blog as we were to unexpectedly catch this shot! 

A few of the other shots were also smile inducing, albeit for different reasons. I'm pretty sure I was pointing out that the dress has pockets in the photo below. I love pockets! That said, the goofy look on my face cracked us up. Yep - not every shot makes the cut, even when the photographer is as good as Faith Blackwell...

I hope you all had a safe and flagtastic Fourth of July!

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I'm also linked up with Hat Attack today!