Closet Favorite- Red Alligator Clutch

This clutch once belonged to a very chic lady...

And now it's in my closet! The picture is a little deceiving, it's actually a really great size, about 14 inches, has 4 separate pockets and can hold so much! (There's also a detachable strap, but I prefer it without it.) The lining and zipper toggle say Louis-Cardy, which, from as far as I can tell, is a wholesale company out of Hong Kong(?) and I'm certain it's not vintage, but I love it...it's my current favorite!

The raised alligator head is maybe a little creepy for some people (it's not real) but that's sort of what gives it intrigue.

Anything in your closet that might scare a few people?
J.

Closet Schizophrenia

I was having a conversation with my boyfriend about the "outer" and "inner" personalities we all have. You know, the outer you, the you who wants to be liked and be perceived as an open, happy, dependable person, who you want your boss and coworkers to think you are, and the inner you, who you really are inside and what you're really thinking with deep, dark mysterious dreams that could only be shared within the pages of a black leather journal. Yeah, manic, I know, sort of "Catcher In The Rye."



What does all this have to do with my closet?
At one time I would have said that I don't have a specific or defined style point of view, (weirdly enough, this topic came up again on Friday night while I was out with some fellow bloggers,) when in reality it maybe closer to the truth to say that my closet has multiple personas. Looking back at some recent past posts, I have, with a few exceptions, mainly focused more on what the inner me chooses to wear, darker muted colors, very little pattern...( Inner me thinking, hmm, ever since I went back to work...)

So, let me focus on the outward side... First let me say, I deal with the general public and to be perceived as my above definition of the outer personality is important to success in my line of work. And I'm not always deep and dark (which can be easily construed as moody.) So these are items that I'd wear to work because they're practical for the job I'm doing, a uniform of friendliness to the outside world, because along with a smile, (right now the inner me is sort of gagging,) it's what I should be wearing...


Bright friendly colors and prints, making whatever task at hand seem that much more fun. When it comes to dressing like this, I almost feel like more is better, pick out the most over the top patterns and colors, just go all the way with it! (Although I do have a few pieces that can cross over into either side.) To be honest, a look like this makes me feel more out going and vibrant, versus the inner me who would prefer to seem mysterious and untouchable. (The red pants also make me feel very brave!)

(Close up of details, what I'm wearing, BCBG thrifted red pants, vintage bracelet, Anthropologie top, Elie Tahari shoes.)

I guess, for the most part, I prefer the inner personality of my closet. To me it's much more clean and modern yet insightful. But it's sometimes nice to step out of my usual box and on days when I need a bit of a pick me up, I know exactly which items I'll be pulling on.

So to say that I don't have a stylistic point of view is wrong, I actually have many (or at least two,) that depend on where I'm going, and what I'll be doing.

So what about you? What moods does your closet convey about your inner and outer personalities?

Closet Inspiration- When 2 Hang Side By Side

The overall patchwork style of the fabric is really not me, and the length of mid calf does not work with my proportions (dumpy,) yet I'm oddly attracted to it this Alberto Makali skirt...

It's hard to tell from the photo, but it has a little bit of hand beading around the flowers and thicker yarn woven in and out of the fabric...

(Close up of the fabric...)
Anyway, I had it hanging next to this Forever 21 jacket (which I seem to be wearing a lot lately,) and decided that I liked the 2 of them together. But the thought of chopping the skirt into a more suitable length, (which I would normally do,) killed me because it would just ruin all the hand sewn details. So it became a strapless dress...

Much better, yes?
Now, you might ask, "Don't you think it was actually supposed to be a dress?"

The answer is no, it doesn't hang quite right to be a dress, there's extra fabric in the weirdest places is hidden by the jacket. But the two together = closet magic for me!
J.

First Time Out Of The Closet - Thrifted Shirt Dress

After playing (and struggling) with technology, my blog has a new look! I needed a change. (Now I'm ok with my white photo backgrounds, but eventually I'll need to get creative with that as well.)

And on with the post...
So I had the opportunity to wear my recently thrifted shirt dress to work....

The fabric is a heavier cotton and I thought that maybe it would be too heavy for Texas summer, but I was proved wrong. On the day I wore it, we were getting rain from the hurricane and the humidity forced the air conditioners into full force. I could have used some leggings or tights and an additional shirt layered underneath!

I did try it with socks after I got home, but it just didn't do it for me...

But these sandals sure worked for me! They were a Christmas gift 2 years ago. (Or at least I got a gift certificate to purchase them.) As much as I love them, however, I don't wear them that much. So this was the perfect opportunity! They had just enough red for me to bring out this old DKNY clutch, which sort of looks like a giant coin purse.

In case you were wondering what that weird glowing thing was around my neck, I also wore the Lucite necklace I picked up a few months ago.

Shirt dress success! I think the dress will be in heavy rotation this fall...tights, boots...STOP! Seriously, it's to soon to be talking about fall!
J.

Finally Out Of My Closet- Beaded Tunic

I'm not sure why I haven't worn it, and I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't like it (I even slept on it before buying it,) yet this tunic has been hanging in my closet since the beginning of October...

Anyway, I threw it in my suitcase before heading to New Orleans, figuring I would pair it with jeans if for some reason I needed it. I also happened to have packed my plain old black mini and these shoes...

A pair of Steve Maddens from at least 5 years ago. (I wish to be buried in these.)
(Close up of the chain detail.)
And somehow, they all magically came together for dinner at K-Paul's, a popular French Quarter restaurant, and looked like this...

It should have been a no brainer to pair all of these together, but I guess it was just waiting for the right occasion it be inspired.

On a different note, I decided to try out the black lipstick trend...

and have decided it's not really an every day kind of trend for me. But I like how it pops the green in my eyes...

J.