Queen of the Jungle

This burnt sienna cashmere sweater is paired with a basic black denim pencil skirt. The outfit goes to the jungle wearing these shoes - burnt sienna with leopard print accent. A necklace with leopard print and turquoise beads both ties the outfit together and adds an extra pop of colour.

i carry your heart

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

~e.e. cummings 

A sweetly romantic ensemble - a cream coloured blouse with ruffled bib (from ModCloth), a black and cream tweed skirt (from John Lewis), both embellished with black rick rack trim. and a basic black pump from Chinese Laundry. A tailored fuschia cashmere cardigan sweater adds a pop of colour, and amber-and-rose chandelier antiqued earrings complete the look.

Of Wildfell Hall

This outfit brings to mind Helen Graham, the protagonist of Anne Brontë's novel "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," who is solid and practical but also believes in fairytale romance.

A conventional grey and brown  jigsaw herringbone skirt from John Lewis and a practical shoe in the same colour scheme is offset by the ultra-feminine aqua blouse with bow from Miss Selfridge. A fitted curry velvet jacket is both sensible and whimsical. And pinned to that jacket is a brooch that bears what could possibly be the silhouette of Helen Graham, with dangling poetic charms. 

Pink Cadillac

In this outfit, men's vintage wool pants get vamped with a black lace trimmed cami (from Coast) and a men's cut jacket in shocking pink (from Planet).

With Gabriella Rocha patent leather pumps

And this black rose choker (from Etsy)

Sunshine On A Cloudy Day

Just because the weather is overcast and dreary doesn't mean your clothes have to be! This hemp/cotton blend Dijon tee brings out the subtle golden-yellow pattern in the retro wool skirt, and a Merino wool cardigan with flared waist and bell sleeves adds a dainty touch to the outfit.

Let the sun shine with these suede knee-high boots



With this necklace (from Etsy)

Poppies In October

In the poem "Poppies in October," Sylvia Plath expresses wonder at discovering poppies on a frost-heavy autumn morning. This outfit captures that same feeling with a ruched green blouse by Betty Jackson and a ruffled brown denim skirt with a splash of poppy red provided by the shoes.

With Miz Mooz "Tania" red slingback

And a delicate necklace with a poppy-like flower (from Etsy)

Poppies in October by Sylvia Plath

Archimedes Would Be Green With Envy

On the TV show thirtysomething, my favorite character was Melissa, the insecure rebellious artsy photographer. Melissa had a fantastic apartment and she wore an unforgettable winter coat that was emblazoned with numbers. When I saw this dress by Ischiko, I knew I just had to create an outfit. (Unbelievable as it may seem, this is a $300 dress!)

In looking for a jacket or sweater to add a splash of colour, I found this handknit bolero. Numbers and handknit? This outfit is an elementary school teachers dream.

As proof that anything can be found on Etsy, I present this necklace that incorporates the complete numbers/green theme.

And to complete the outfit, green shoes by Kathryn Kerrigan (which also, suspiciously, look like something an elementary school teacher might appreciate)

Autumn Splendor

This outfit from Nordstrom would be lovely for autumn. And overall it's a great retro look.



with Heatherette lace-up platforms from Kathryn Kerrigan



And this necklace (from Etsy)

Winter Wonder

I love the classic Pendelton plaid wool skirt. And when you pair it with a crushed velvet jacket it creates a bit of unexpected glamour. I was delighted to find this photo of a J. Crew Eden jacket, because the colors of the layers pull the whole look together.



And these retro boots are perfection. (found on EBay)

Glamour At The Office

Pair a retro ruffled gold blouse from Sears with a trendy purple jacket by Anne Klein and grey trousers from Nordstrom and you have a stunning and unique office look.




And Salvatore Ferragamo Clara purple pumps