Oh Shorts, I wish you were Pants! part deux

If you know me, have seen a previous post; or if you follow me on Pinterest or Polyvore, you'll notice something: I have an ambivalent relationship with shorts. And, today I entered a contest on how I would transition summer shorts into fall (also on a previous post). If I wore them, I totally would wear my entry. I like the idea of shorts. I like the many things one can do while in shorts. I just don't like shorts on me. It's that pesky missing-ankle-lackluster-yuck leg thing. Shorts are such an abrupt cut off on the leg, no matter what type of footwear  I try them with, I just can't find a way to like shorts on me. Unless maybe I  tried them with over the knee boots...but even then, maybe not.

Here are some examples of looks I love that involve the aforementioned "shorts", and would be completely content if their makers would sew back on the missing portion of the legs:

From my Pinterest board, other Pinners, my "girl crush": Kendi Everyday (who, by the way, if by some miracle you actually read this [which would be awesome] You are an inspiration and give me hope!)

Summer to Fall - Contest

Summer to Fall - Contest by wmiltonburn featuring a slim belt

White top
romwe.com

Velvet jacket
$625 - veryeickhoff.com

Sailor shorts
ebay.co.uk

Printed tight
$33 - pret-a-beaute.com

High heel
$345 - farfetch.com

Kate spade eyewear
southmoonunder.com

Slim belt
romwe.com

The End of Summer?

Technically: the end of Summer according to the fashion world is upon us (although my calendar says Sept 23rd)  Literally: Not in FL. In the sunny sunny South, summer extends on into the wee dregs of the year, through October and November when the rest of the world starts to refrigerate and in some parts freeze (homage to my home town peeps in WNY, where it was 41 this morning!). I'm wondering what the best way to segue into the Fall trends would be? This video courtesy of Fab Sugar suggests booties. At the very end the host pitches booties and sundresses. One of my avid Facebook followers (Thank You Michelle Hurtley) pointed out that she didn't think sundresses and booties were a fit for her. I'm thinking they're not a fit for me either, but for aesthetic reasons (see my post about lack of ankles and shapeless legs) Ultimately, I think fashion means what fashion is to you. Follow the trends. Try a few. Buy a bootie. But if you don't think the media hounds are playing the right angle for you personally, then don't do it. Because in the end, if you're not comfortable, and you don't like the way you look, then what's the point? Ah, the point; back to my post for today: transitioning from Summer to Fall in FL. I like the idea of the bootie. It says cooler temperatures are on the horizon, but it's still warm enough to keep the leg visible. I have been lately, and probably will remain fascinated with cardigans. Love 'em. They come in all lengths, all fabrics, some plain, some bedecked and bejewelled. Pick the right cardi and you don't need jewelry! Use them as jackets, over a sundress, or cropped pants. Try some lightweight scarves with a 3/4 length t-shirt. That's what I'm about. Mmmhhmm.

The Mirror has Two Faces: Well, Not Quite.

Intriguing title, no? I wanted to fill this post with a few links that would support what I'm about to say; at least something scientifically veritable, but after a few maligned Google attempts, I gave up. So, I've included what I did find, but I'm not happy about it. If you've had me over to re-imagine and re-purpose your closet and existing wardrobe, you are familiar with the power of the camera. (For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, or where I'm going with this: 1. You'll see when you hire me, and 2. When I start to make outfits out of your current wardrobe, much of the time you won't be comfortable with what I've done (It takes a little getting used to, this mad genius of mine) until I make you take a picture of it with your smart phone or iPad or some such, and then the clouds part, the heavenly light shines down and you smile like its Christmas morning.) When we ourselves look at something, we see it one way. Our way. But when we take a picture of them, we see them as others see them. A little like looking in the mirror, we are used to seeing our face, reflecting back at us.  When I lay out outfits, I can see them, like the camera sees them, in my mind. A super power, to be sure (wink). These outfits that are sometimes out of the box, and often completely unimagined by their owners can be a little hard to swallow; but all it takes is a few snaps of the magic shutterbug, and you're ready for the runway.

If you're ready for a wardrobe makeover and want to see this awesome camera magic for yourself, click on over to my Facebook page to book a session, or shoot me an email to get started!

Paintball + Tie Dye

Yes, paintball. What does paintball have to do with fashion or styling you ask? NOTHING, but I'm going to segue into tie dye later on...My brother has been playing weekend warrior for several months now, in a paintball league. Upon a recent return from the battlefield, he asked if I would be interested in playing. My first thought was no, but as I watched him unload his gear, I was actually thinking about it. He then handed me a fully loaded magazine and I proceeded to let loose on an unsuspecting light pole. Talk about fun! And, did you know that paint balls are water soluble? I know this, because I let him shoot me on purpose to see if I could stand the pain (CAN! I'm a total trooper) However, I won't be playing: this delicate flower bruises very easily and doesn't heal quickly. (I'll spare you the photo's because it's gross). Paintball is played with varying colors, to differentiate teams. And if you've ever seen a fallen paintballer, they're a big polka dotted, multicolored mess! A painful version of at home tie dye, and so unlike the following tie dye ensembles, which lit up Spring fashion and are proving to come back on trend:

Shabd, courtsey of Refinery29

Tie Dye Jeans, courtesy of BlueIsInFashionThisYear

Giving Summer the Boot

I adore Fall: the transition from warm, sing song days to frozen nostrils and numb toes in boots...apple cider, cake donuts and down blankets; and the clothes! Oh the clothes. And BOOTS. I'm going to talk about boots. So bear with me, this could get worse before it gets better; and I get around to my point. I'm a big girl. I don't have ankles (well, OK, so I obviously do, else how would i walk?!, but they are invisible to the naked eye and cloaked in the rest of my calf) and consequently, because I lack ankles, my legs decided that since they didn't have a ladylike graceful taper, that they might as well just go all willy-nilly and not have any shape at all... Aaaaand back to boots. I love the look of a boot. Short, tall, over the knee, ankle, "shootie": you name it, I like it. But, boots are not 'me' friendly. I know far more women like me, who lament their lackluster stalks than those who belong on Dancing with the Stars. So if you're reading this, and saying to yourself  "Amen sister!!", then follow me, and I will give you some recommendations, some personal recommendations for boots that I've found that fit. Yep. Fit my bad, muscular self.

 

DSW: Check out the "Bare Traps" Style. I've a few of those mid-calf darlings, and they fit. No zipper strength required. 

Nine West: They don't label theirs very well, so I suggest going in store to try on. I have two pair, and they are so well worn (because I can never find others!!!) that I can't read the name or the item number on the label.

I've been toying with boot talk for a few weeks now, since I've been seeing them all over the trend-o-sphere and fashion bulletins I decided it was time to give it a go. That, and the trees are starting to turn in my neck of the woods and it was 40 some degrees this morning.

Musical Inspiration

Musical Inspiration by wmiltonburn featuring high heel shoes

Peplum top
$28 - owntherunway.com

Paul Smith peplum jacket
stylebop.com

A L C capri
$1,815 - brownsfashion.com

Mulberry high heel shoes
mulberry.com

Gucci handbag
$2,120 - profilefashion.com

Leather necklace
$78 - johnlewis.com

Aldo jewelry
aldoshoes.com

Fat Face stud earrings
$7.85 - fatface.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs aviator sunglasses
piperlime.gap.com

Knit circle scarve
$21 - bestseller.com

Fashion Peeves

Black with brown. Black shoes with navy pants. Socks and Sandals. Those are all bad enough, but socks AND dress shoes?! Who thinks of these things? I know it's been happening in the fashion world for the better part of a year, but by now I was hoping this tragic trend would be gone. *Shudders* I asked my Facebook peeps today what they thought. I'm interested in their responses. Could be it's just me and my "rules" but I just can't get on board with it. I mean, socks go with sneakers. Right?! Can I get an Amen?! I can't stand the abuse. Pretty, dainty, ruffly socks, wrapped around a foot that is encased by a thick soled shootie (shoe-bootie). Knee high socks stuffed into stilettos? It just doesn't compute for me. See the examples below. And then head over to my Facebook page and join the poll. Is it me? May-be.

It's amazing what one finds when one Google's: Dress shoes and socks

To Shop, Or Not?

That is the question. Online, or in store? What say you? I like to browse online, especially when they send me coupons. Just to see whats out there. What kind of deal I might get at that very moment, the deal meant just for me (and trillions of others on the mailing list, to be sure) And, wouldn't you know, that since I'm on a self imposed lock-down (ie: bought a house and I'm broke) those sneaky sneaksters are sending me daily discounts! And good ones too! Free shipping, 50% off, 30% off and more. Oh the agony. Check out some of these deals:

JCrew Factory: 30% Off new arrivals, priced as marked (online only)

GAP: 25% Off total purchase (online only) ends Saturday 8/18/12

Madewell: 30% Off of $100 AND Free Shipping

So go shop around, and let me know what awesomeness you find!

If I was Going to the Office

If I was Going to the Office by wmiltonburn featuring bronze jewelry

Sleeveless shirt
$39 - houseoffraser.co.uk

VILA cotton pants
$55 - bestseller.com

Toast flat ballerina shoes
$90 - toast.co.uk

Brahmin satchel handbag
brahmin.com

Pin brooch
bounkit.com

Monica Vinader onyx jewelry
net-a-porter.com

Chain jewelry
shopbop.com

Bronze jewelry
endless.com

Kate Spade hardware jewelry
couture.zappos.com

River Island gold knot earrings
$3.14 - riverisland.com

Working at Home

I do, in fact, have a day job, er... "career" and an actual office in which to perform said job. During the slow summer months of real estate in Southwest Florida when only the rain clouds make a daily appearance, I work remotely, from home in Western New York. Generally, one of the highlights of my days is getting dressed/ready for work. I derive great enjoyment from "putting my face on", assembling my accessories and watching myself come together. Working from home has stripped me of that all important (and fun) regimen. Frankly, and don't judge, some days I don't wear undergarments. I'm in my house people. In front of a laptop, careening through the internet and communicating via email and instant message. This type of virtual work does not require panties, you see? Anyways...I'm missing the anticipation of seeing people, gauging their reactions and responses to what I'm wearing. The cobalt blue pencil skirt, the pastel linen pants or the t-shirt with the silver zebra on it. I'm thinking of actually putting some makeup on so that I can video chat with a friend in FL just for a hit of that all important human interaction. I did have to run some errands this morning, so today I do have actual clothing on :)

Moving

There are a lot of reasons I like moving, and, were I to make a list, I'm pretty sure there are more reasons I dislike it. I have moved 7 times in the last year. Yep. 7! 3 of those moves happened in NY (no, not NYC) WNY, where I was for 11 months. During those 11 months, I was forced (yes, forced!) to purchase a Fall and Winter wardrobe. I now have some seriously awesome duds I wanted to debut upon my return to FL. Which, alas, never happened. For two reasons: 1) everything but what came down in the car with me was in storage, and 2) Winter never arrived in FL this year. In any event, when I began my quest for a new abode, one of the primary requirements was that it have ample closet space. You can start laughing now, because, previous to my move, I was using the spare room in my 2 bedroom apartment as the closet. I fell in love with my new home for several reasons, but the big winner was 3 closets in the master bedroom. I am finding, however, that empty space appears much bigger, until it begins to fill up...I'll give you a guess as to how much space I have now that my "closet room" has been relocated!

People Watching

Today, I got up at 4am, to catch a 6:50am flight to FL which landed by way of NC at 11:15. I got to see a lot, and I mean A LOT of people today. And, I'm happy to report, that I was not the only one with hardly any makeup on and unkempt hair. Okay, so the hair thing, if you know me, you're not surprised by that since I don't ever (sometimes) do my hair. If I thought I'd get away with it, I would have taken pictures of some seriously awesome travel outfits. But, with all of the travel hype and hub-bub, I decided to err on the side of caution and just blatantly stare...There were skinny jeans with low cut boots, layers of scarves and boyfriend cardis and bazillions (yes, that's a word, spell check didn't pick it up) of maxi dresses. My question is: did you get up at 3am to put your face on, and plan that awesome outfit? And how long did you hold up the line at security while you were taking those boots on and then off? I'm a hot mess wearing cotton floral wide legged pants (with an elastic waist!!!) a pink t-shirt and Army-green ballet flats. No one asked me for my card today. Not really surprised on that front.

Everyday Work

Everyday Work by wmiltonburn featuring yellow gold jewelry

J Crew short sleeve shirt
jcrew.com

Dorothy Perkins tan pants
dorothyperkins.com

Maryjane heels
binbin.net

Gucci red tote
$1,060 - profilefashion.com

Dsquared leather jewelry
dsquared2.com

Stolen Girlfriends Club gold plated jewelry
$230 - superette.co.nz

KORS Michael Kors yellow gold jewelry
jomashop.com

Kenneth Jay Lane long earrings
endless.com

Today is My Birthday

Yes, today is my birthday! The one day that I can justify the world revolving around ME. I love birthdays. They're like holidays for me. I know that not everyone shares this sentiment, so I'll move on: Fall fashions are coming out, in previews, blogs and some stores. When I see the color palettes, they remind me of a medieval fair: oxblood, maroon, deep purple, magenta and Kelly green...I can practically smell the mutton and hear the bleet bleet of horns in the distance. And yet; I enjoy those colors and was a very big fan of wine or maroon last year, so those pieces will get a much needed remix. However, for my "fall" I'm feeling steel/ flannel grey, a rich peach-rust and Army green. In the meantime, you can read here about what everyone else will be wearing:

From the folks at Pantone, they know color: Fashion Color Report and Fashion Week Color Trends from Refinery29 and Harper's Bazaar has some favorite Pre-Fall Looks