A Touch of Audrey: Breakfast At Tiffany's Reinvented

 

 

 

 

E here, today's post was particularly fun to do because of the theme of my outfit. Ever since I discovered a Breakfast at Tiffany's shirt for $5 on a clearance rack at Target last week I was excited. Anyone that knows me can tell you that I adore Audrey Hepburn. I have seen every single Audrey Hepburn movie ever made, and Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady are in a close tie for my favorite. However in the end, I have to say that Breakfast at Tiffany's wins. The heartbreaking story of a country girl's transformation into a swanky Manhattan socialite is so compelling.

 

[Image: EW.com]

 

 Perhaps my favorite scene in the entire movie is when Holly is sitting on the fire escape singing Moon River and playing a ukulele. Throughout the movie Holly looks very glamorous, but in this particular scene she still looks sophisticated in just jeans, flats, a sweatshirt, and a bandana. From that moment on I wanted to be just like Audrey Hepburn! She always looked so effortlessly chic and sophisticated, but still managed to retain her own unique look and style.

 

 

Thrifted items; trench: Banana Republic $10. Non-thrifted; shirt: Target $5, skirt: Joe B $10 (Fred Meyer,) boot socks: Fred Meyer $6, boots: Madden Girl $25 (Fred Meyer,) ring: Curfew $5 (Fred Meyer,) pearl necklace: vintage (borrowed.)

                 

 

I thought the bow ring really added to the outfit. For just $5 the ring added sparkle and a pop of color. You don't need a lot of accessories, but rather pieces that add  just the right polish and glam factor.

 

 

I had to have my picture taken in front of Tiffany's of course!

Well that's all for now. Until next time. Happy Wednesday!

-E

A Lovely Day at the Marina

 

 

 

E here. Another beautiful Seattle afternoon. My husband and I decided to take a stroll on a marina near our house since the weather was nice. One thing I love about living in Seattle is being surrounded by water. I don't think that I could ever live anywhere that wasn't near the ocean.

 

 

 

 

Perhaps its because I grew up near the ocean, but I enjoy the convenience of living merely minutes away from the water. I love everything about the ocean; the smell of it, the vastness, but most of all, the freedom and tranquility that it embodies. There's something humbling about the ocean.
 

 

As you may have noticed, I practically live in my trench coat. The weather is often chilly and wearing a longer jacket offers more warmth. Not to mention the fact that wearing a trench provides a far more stylish alternative to the typical northwest jacket of choice - the North Face. Don't get me wrong, I own several North Face jackets, but its nice to mix up your collection every once in a while.

 

 

Thrifted items; trench: Tommy Hilfiger $10, cashmere sweater: Esperante $7. Non-thrifted items; scarf: $10 (Chicago souvenir shop,) jeans: JCPenny's $20, oxfords: Pink & Pepper (Fred Meyer) $10, sunglasses: Sperry's $30, purse: Dooney & Bourke (gifted.) My lipstick: Maybelline, "brazen berry."

 

That's all for today. Happy Monday! I hope you enjoyed the pictures. See you next time!

 -E

Rainy Day Afternoon

 

 

E here. Another rainy Seattle afternoon. What did I spend it doing? Shopping of course! For once I didn't head to the thrift stores, instead I went to the mall with a friend to browse the latest trends and brainstorm for Christmas gift ideas. Tip: when going to the mall this time of year it is best to go early, and on the weekdays when it is less crowded. Not looking to spend a lot of money? Check the store ads for any coupons and promotional events. Most sales ads tend to run weekly, and during the holidays there are usually several coupons and doorbuster sales. Always make sure to check coupons and sales for exclusions and expiration dates.

 

 

 

Thrifted items; trench coat: Tommy Hilfiger $10, sweater: Mossimo $6, leopard loafers: MIA $7. Non-thrifted items; scarf: D&Y $5 (Fred Meyer,) jeans: Levi's $30 (JCPenny's,) purse: Dooney & Bourke (gifted.) 

 

 

I'm wearing my newly thrifted leopard print loafers that I picked up the other day. How much? I snagged them for just $7! I tend to have pretty good luck finding trendy name brand items at the Goodwill by my house. The trick with thrifting shoes is to check for any visible damage i.e. - ripping, snagging, holes, etc. Once you get them home, all you need to do is take some form of cleaner whether it be Lysol, foot powder (anything that would clean out the use/odor of the last owner.)

 

 

The idea of wearing shoes that belonged to someone else makes some people cringe, but for me I see it as a bargain. After all, if you take the time to clean them properly you can score shoes for as low as $5. Yes, I have thrifted shoes that cheap! I won't guarantee that every time you step into a thrift store you will find items in your size, but that's how thrifting works. Its hit or miss most of the time. Want more tips for thrifting? Check out my thrift page.

 

 

 
 

That's all for today. Please stop by again soon.
Until next time friends.
-E

 

Adventures In Puddle Jumping

 

 

 

E, here. As a Seattleite, I've grown accustomed to the rain. In fact, I really don't mind rainy days because it means that I get to wear my new Hunters and a trench coat. Besides, rainy days serve as  the perfect excuse for going thrifting! I mean what better way to spend your day off? Just grab a coffee and lunch at your favorite café then head to Goodwill or Value Village after (or both.) Sounds pretty darn good to me!

 

 

 I grew up watching classic movies, and I have a particular penchant for musicals. So when I step outside on a rainy day, I feel compelled to jump and skip through puddles as if I was with Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain. Of course I never do this, otherwise people would be like who is that crazy girl jumping through puddles! But I will admit that I did test out my new Hunters in a puddle or two. I had to break them in after all!

 

                  

My friend (and partner in crime when it comes to thrifting,) Nicole is wearing a fur lined coat and rabbit fur boots. What's great about her outfit is not only is her jacket very stylish, but its also very practical and keeps you warm during chilly days.

 

 

If tall rain boots aren't your thing, try wearing fur lined rain/snow booties like Nicole is wearing. Aside from keeping your feet warm and dry, the fur accents add just a little bit of flair to any fall/winter outfit.

 

                

I love walking around my neighborhood this time of year because it's so festive and bright. It's fun to look at the interesting window displays that stores create for the holiday season. I don't know what it is about this time of year, but its like the whole neighborhood comes alive.

 

 

I walked through some serious puddles and didn't have to think twice about it! 

 

 

Thrifted items; trench coat: Tommy Hilfiger $10, hounds tooth skirt: Debut $7, shirt: Halogen $4. Non-thrifted items; scarf: D&Y $5 (Fred Meyer,) leggings: One Step Up $7, (Fred Meyer,) rain boots: Hunter-gifted (Nordstrom.)

 

 

Looking forward to more rainy day adventures!

Until next time, E.

 

 



 

Fall Is In the Air

 

 

 

E here, happy to report that the weather cooperated long enough so that I could take a few shots before work. This time of year the weather tends to be pretty unpredictable, and perhaps you can't tell in this photo, but it was very windy!

 

 

However, despite the wind and rain, the great thing about living in the northwest is that the weather is typically very mild. While the rest of the country tends to be pretty frigid about now, its pleasant enough here. It is ideal for creating layered outfit ensembles such as the one that I'm wearing. I purchased the jacket at Crossroads recycled clothing, as a result of a successful selling session. As for the boots, I found them at Value Village.

 

 

Thrifted items; tweed/faux leather jacket: Gap $20, boots: Report $10. Non-Thrifted items; necklace: Charlotte Russe $5, tank: Ana $5 (JCPenny's,) jeans: Levi's $30 (JCPenny's.)

 

As you can probably tell by now,  I love to wear boots! What's great about boots is that they add a certain sense of flair to any outfit. Not to mention the fact that boots can say a lot about your mood, i.e. - if you're feeling sexy, playful, or even bold. What I love about this pair of boots is that not only are they quite stylish, but they have a sort of vintage, Victorian look to them. Added bonus, they were only $10!
 

 
 

Until next time, E.

 

Leaves Are Falling.....

 

 

 E here, it's been awhile since my last post. I work in retail management, and with the holidays approaching its one of the busiest times of the year for me. I will post as much as I can in the coming weeks. For this photo session, we went to one of my favorite local Seattle parks - Discovery Park in Magnolia.  I hope you enjoy my photos.

 

Thrifted items; trench coat: Banana Republic $10, stripe shirt: Ann Taylor $7.99. Non-thrifted; scarf: d&y $5.00 Fred Meyer, globe ring: Curfew $3 Fred Meyer (not visible in this picture,)  jeans: JCPenny's $20, sunglasses: Sperry's $30 (Nordstrom Rack,) rain boots: Hunter Nordstrom (gifted.)

 

 

 

 

 The colors of the leaves were so vibrant today that it appeared brighter for being such a grey and drab morning. It was simply stunning walking through the park and admiring all of the beauty that fall brings to the park. This is by far one of the best parks in the Seattle area to visit because of the diversity of trails, picnic areas, beach access, and of course for walking those furry friends. There is so much to see and do all year long.

 

 

The best part about owning Hunters? They go with practically anything, and they add a particular touch of sophistication and style to any outfit. You can pair them with jeans, skirts, or wear them with a dress and tights/leggings on a cold and rainy day. Personally, I love to wear them with jeans and a trench coat. It tends to be pretty windy where I live because of my proximity to the water, so they are a must have. Especially during these rainy months!   

 

 

Another added bonus? They are very comfortable. However if you have athletic calves like me, trying to wear boot socks with them on top of jeans/leggings does not work too well. If this is the case for you, I recommend purchasing the "Huntress" variation of sizing (wide calf) which I am wearing. They look exactly the same and are available at most retailers such as Nordstrom's, Macy's, etc. along with the regular width Hunters. They come in a wide variety of colors but I prefer black because it goes with everything and will not show dirt nearly as much as the brighter colors.

 

 

Located at one of the highest areas of the park, the chapel is an iconic landmark visible from many of the walking trails down below.

 

 

 

 

 

I really love the rustic beauty of this old chapel. I can only imagine what it must have been like back in the day. It has a lot of charm and character, and is one of my favorite places to visit in the park.

 

This area overlooks the rolling hills that face out over the Puget Sound. In the summertime this part of the park is popular for flying kites, and also serves as the perfect site for having picnics and sunbathing with a good book.

 

 

 

One of the many things that I love about this park besides the majestic view of the Puget Sound, is the natural scenery. Sometimes when strolling through the fields, forest, or trails, you can spot a rabbit in brush such as this.

 

That's all for now. I will try to blog more this week, assuming my busy work schedule will allow me the time! Happy Sunday!

-E

Adventure Tuesday: A Trip to the Ballard Locks

 

 

E, here. Today my friend and fellow blogger Sara and I went on a mini adventure to the Ballard Locks (also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks,) which is not too far from my house. It was an unusually sunny and pleasant fall afternoon in Seattle and we wanted to get out of the house. Since it was such a nice day I felt like taking several nature shots because it isn't too likely that we will be able to enjoy such weather for too much longer.

 

 

 

Speaking of the weather, there is a fairly common misconception about Seattle that it rains all 365 days of the year. In reality, it doesn't rain nearly that much. Most of the year its actually quite beautiful. For the most part it rains more frequently in the late fall through the winter, and into early spring. So if you ever think about visiting Seattle don't hesitate because of the weather. In my opinion this is perhaps the best time of the year to visit because of all the lovely fall colors and leaves, not to mention that there are far less tourists in town.

 

 

Its funny because I've been to this park many times, and even took my prom pictures here, but I don't think that I have ever ventured into this part of the park before. Besides the locks themselves, there are several beautiful botanical gardens on the grounds. This is just one of several that we decided to stop and take pictures at.

 

Thrifted items; Tommy Hilfiger $10 (Goodwill,) sweater: Loft $10 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items;  jeans: JCPenny's $20, necklace: Charlotte Russe $5, boots: Bandolino $99 (DSW.) *Sunglasses: Ray Ban's (gifted)

  

Great shot of Sara don't you think? She is wearing a tweed jacket with layers underneath, and boots from DSW. Our outfits today are pretty typical of most Seattleites; jeans, several layers, and boots. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining! Fall is actually one of my favorite seasons personally. I enjoy experimenting with layers. I'm certain that Sara would agree with me. Also, did I mention that I love boots? I have a serious obsession with boots! Riding boots, rain boots, fashion boots, booties, etc. I think you get the point. I get excited when fall comes around because I start planning all of the different outfits that I can put together with boots.  I mean who doesn't love a comfy fall outfit complete with jeans, a sweater, (or your fave jacket/vest) and boots?

 

 

I love how perfectly my outfit goes with the scenery! I didn't plan to go to the locks today, but my outfit definitely has a very nautical theme to it. Anyone that knows me is aware of my nautical infatuation (my dad was a sailor,) hence the interest.

 

 

 

 The Ballard locks is a popular tourist destination because you can watch boats travel through the locks from Lake Union out into the ocean. The Locks serve as a special ship canal that allows vessels of all sizes to pass through, and also serves as a fish ladder for local salmon.

 

 

 

 

Today was a unique day because as you can see in this picture, and the picture above this one (in the background behind Sara,) the Locks were drained today which only happens once in a while. Its always interesting to see what sort of items are laying in the bottom of the chambers. There wasn't anything today otherwise I would have taken a picture. In previous visits I've seen everything from tires to cell phones, and random articles of clothing. 

 

 

 

That's all for today. I hope you enjoyed our little adventure. See you next time!

 -E