Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Countess of Cotton Candy

Cotton Candy

______It was colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra when mother dearest and I snapped these pictures circa one week ago. The wind was sharp and cold against my skin like frozen sea urchins that had risen from the dead to pelt me furiously with their poke-y urchin spindles. I think you can even see goosebumps if you scrutinize these enough. Halfway through, a small child popped out of a parked Hummer and commented, "That is a very cute outfit, but aren't you cold?"

______It was as if my subconscious itself had materialized into a human form and spoken to me. The child had exploited me. The child knew that fashion bloggers are indeed very, very chilly whilst taking their outfit pictures in the dead of winter, but would never admit it and brave through the picture-taking process either way. I hesitated before I sputtered, "Yes, well... I didn't think it would be that cold!"

______A white lie. I knew it would be cold.

Cotton CandyCotton Candy

______I've realized lately that opposed to buying things that are purely fashionable or cute, I've been purchasing items which are practical and made with high-quality materials (ex: only leather shoes, sturdy knits), which often means I'm dropping a lot more cash on things and spending a lot less time shopping. But on the bright side, my fashion-y doo-dads aren't wearing out and I'm feeling loads more content with my purchases--I mean, how many times have you guys seen me wearing the same socks and heeled oxfords? Quite a bit, I hope!

______That doesn't mean I still don't want to experiment with trends--such as wearing a pop of neon in sock form here from that neon trend that was going around earlier (I'm late, oops). I can't see myself donning a hot lime skater dress with slashed sides, but I can try it out with something I feel is more down my alley that I'll actually wear again when the trend slowly dies down, just like my patience at the end of a long day. I feel like I'm really starting to get a feel of what my style is, both fashion-wise and art-wise, and that's refreshing!

Cotton CandyCotton Candy
Cotton Candy

______In fact, I also received two more pairs of Jeffrey Campbell shoes because I know that brand fits me like a bug in a rug. I remember I got my first pair my junior year of high school, and I'm still wearing them four years later (these!). My dad spoils me rotten. If I were milk, I'd be so spoiled I could be used as a deadly weapon in the next world war. More effective than an atomic bomb, fer sure.

______What would you guys describe your style as in two words? I'm shooting for mine to be dashing and whimsical at the same time. Or maybe "very quirky English professor with a penchant for shiny things" would describe it.

Cotton Candy

Dress: Urban Outfitters (similar)
Blazer: Charlotte Russe
Oxford heels: Jeffrey Campbell (similar)
Neon socks: Target
Spike bracelet: via Nordstrom Rack
Ampersand ring: c/o BornPretty
Cameo ring: vintage
Earrings: Betsey Johnson, via Nordstrom Rack
Clever "colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra analogy": special credit to my dad

22 comments:

Jenniya said...

you look amazing dear. :)

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Unknown said...

u look so pretty!
love your shoes<3

www.bstylevoyage.blogspot.com
xx

Sampada said...

I'm glad you're finding your style! I still can't quite put a finger on mine, and it drives me nuts. I guess as long as we're content with what we wear, it doesn't really matter!

Love your outfit, girl!

-Rose

rose-et-violet.blogspot.com

Plami said...

OH wow I love your writing! I was laughing so hard aren't you cold STORY OF MY LIFE! :D

The outfit is indeed very cute! I love the shiny necklace and petal colors. You're brave to wear that in the winter!

I guess our dads are pretty much alike :) I'd be spoiled even if I was a McDonalds french fry (which we all know doesn't ever spoil) :D

I'd describe my style as feminine and vintage inspired ... my boyfriend describes it as "granny-like". Oh well I guess it's all about the point of view :D

XoXo
Plami

Samantha said...

Haha, blogging in the winter...sometimes I try to wear enough layers to be warm sans my coat, and then I think that that's why we wear coats: being cold is unavoidable! :S

You look smashing in these soft pastel shades (a nice break from the sea of black) and your jewelry is precious!

Frannie Pantz said...

LOL Sometimes kids seem to state out the obvious for us. I feel ya; I usually HATE taking photos in the winter. We have been fortunate to have a pretty mild winter. And I am about 50% bigger in weight, so that helps. I love when you wear these oxfords and socks so I for one am happy about your more conscious purchases! I love your dress too! So pretty!

ftashion said...

The blazer is such a classic! Definitely adds a lot of chic points to any outfit! Haha I totally can't tell that you are freezing, great job there! You are right, we'll brave the winters just to get that perfect outfit shot!
Fang Ting
ftashion

Unknown said...

you don't look too cold at all :)
anyway, I think buying better made clothes is always a good idea to invest in. your yellow socks are rocking it.
it's 44 degrees here today. toooo hot, imagining you being cold isn't possible.

Unknown said...

Love your shoes. So cute with the yellow socks

www.highheelsandtutus.com

megcasson said...

SO pretty!

www.kindoflovely.com

LyddieGal said...

Yes, why oh why do we torture ourselves, going out in the freezing cold for outfit photos?

Even thought your pastels look so pretty, and your accessories are perfection, sometimes it's better to dress for the weather than lie to ourselves and suffer for it.

Katie Aman said...

I agree with so much of what you said here! I've definitely been honing my style the past few years as well (I think that's typical among young adults :) ) and find myself buying much better quality items that I used to. At this point one stops growing, so whatever you find has to last several years or it really isn't worth purchasing.
Quirky, dashing, and whimsical are all great words to describe you! I always love the colors you pair together (like pale pink and yellow what?!), and accessorizing is your forte. You're just a beautiful, stylish young thing whom I'm convinced would look perfectly polished in a dress made of a paper bag. Actually with your art talents you could probably make that one work for real :).
Anyway, I digress. I hope it warms up for your picture taking! Although it's kind of adorable that little girl peeped her head out at you-she probably thought you were cool-I remember seeing super stylish women when I was little and admiring them from afar wishing to be them :)

The Dragonfruit said...

Yay for discovering your style (fashion and art wise!) :D
Haha, I'm loving what you've been investing in too, and I can't tell you how much I always love those oxfords whenever you wear them. They were certainly a perfect investment. Can't wait to see the other JC shoes you've gotten!
Hmm, and yes, for now I'd say my style is sticking to rocker boho. I just love texture rich outfits so much - fringe, leather, crochet...
Hey, I figure I might as well wear the craziness while my youthfulness still allows it ;)
Haha, and I remember when writing my 10 Essentials post thinking about you when I listed jeans as one. It's true, I can't even imagine you in denim....

The Dragonfruit Diaries

FASHION TALES said...

I am such a fan of cameos, my nan gave me a vintage necklace when I was younger that I absolutely love. Gorgeous outfit, soft and cut with the brightness of the socks, I love it!
I've never heard a quote like the one your father said, haha. So hilarious. /Madison xo

Putri Valentina said...

super cute shoes and you look so pretty dear :D

WWW.PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM

Francesca said...

Hahaha love the witch analogy. This outfit is really cute! It's been really cold where I live too, I've been wearing a lot of tights. But sometimes tights just don't work with an outfit and you have to grin and bear it, haha! What we do for fashion.

I love your blazer/ jacket and those cute little rings! Also love your hairstyle, it looks so pretty on you!

Francesca

jess said...

I'm not sure what my style is. I love that ring.

Lily Fang said...

Oh, I'd love to meet your dad. Anyone who makes funny witch analogies and buys you your favorite shoes must be a keeper haha.

You are honestly the queen of balancing outfits, Ali! I love how those socks match the gold jewels in your pretty necklace. And of course, how could I forget those pretty Jeffrey Campbells? Those rings are quite exquisite as well!

Oh, I wish I could limit myself to more quality items. I have such a predilection for bargains that it usually doesn't work out. But i have been asking myself whether I would actually wear a bargain item that I'm considering before buying it! And if it is pricier but I know I'll wear it a lot, I don't mind splurging.

I love your description of your style. I like to call mine trendy-bohemian.

Oh, and tripod photos really aren't too difficult! If you get a remote, they're actually quite simple with the click of a button. I just need to figure out how to hid the remote...haha

Have a wonderful week, dear Ali!

Boheme.Fille said...

Girl, you look beautiful! Love everything, esp those shoes and that necklace!
I know about the "sacrifices" of being a blogger, had my share of "freezing my ass off" these years. :D

I would describe my style as colorful and eclectic. :)

Bobby Raffin said...

awesome post!! love your style!!!
totally impressed!!
new follower! +1
my blog: Bobby Raffin

Bobby Raffin said...

awesome post!! love your style!!!
totally impressed!!
new follower! +1
my blog: Bobby Raffin

Anonymous said...

Us fashion bloggers definitely have to suffer through the cold winter months in order to churn out posts! I love this look, it's a perfect transitional outfit for spring! And it's great to hear that you're starting to invest in your items a bit more and choose high-quality brands, like Jeffrey Campbell! I got two pairs of JC shoes for Christmas that I adore!

Xo, Hannah

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