Standing Room Only

I never know what to say when writing style posts and to be honest, this look is all Topshop from mid-shoulder to mid-calf. If you read my last post about traveling, this is the number one outfit NOT to wear to the airport. First of all, the jeans are high-waisted and sitting is a pain. This is also my first time in a bodysuit since third grade and I can't even imagine what it would be like in an airplane bathroom in this thing. So, basically...if you want a cute look to stand around in at a hightop while you drink your last rosé of the season or you want to do a quick drive-by to check out the scene at the San Gennaro Feast, this ensemble has your name written all over it.

The shoes though! They were a steal at DSW and I can't even find them online anymore. I specifically bought them so that I didn't look like a teenage boy from the 90s rocking some extra long Southpole jean shorts, if you know what I mean. Who knows, maybe I'm still giving off that vibe, but I hope not.

Happy FriYAY!

How to Style a Vintage Skirt: Part III

You guys! I really outdid myself on the vintage skirt front this week. My hope is that there's a tiny little piece of you that is considering a thrift shop excursion this weekend and a vintage skirt in your future. I will wait patiently for the Instagram photos. 

If you read the blog this week, you know that I've been throwing out thrifting tips like it's my job, but sometimes the best vintage clothes belong to your family! Take this skirt for example - it used to belong to my mother before I stole it a few a years ago. She was an elementary school teacher and had THE BEST wardrobe. I especially love this skirt because of the buttons. It feels so Angela Chase. So, my last tip is to raid your mom, grandma, aunt, great-aunt's closet. I even have clothes that belonged to my dad! 

For look #3, I paired this skirt with a denim, pinstriped top from the Gap (if you click on the link, notice the half tuck), and tied the bottom for an 80s vibe. I busted out my Ray-Ban Clubmasters to take the look even further down memory lane and then just threw on the same shoes and put my Annie Bukhman handbag over my shoulder. What else is new?

So that's a wrap for Vintage Skirt Week! Hope it was everything you wished for and more. Until next time, ciao!

How to Style a Vintage Skirt: Part II

It's Vintage Skirt Week on CMJ!

On Monday, I gave you two tips to remember when thrifting for skirts or any pieces for that matter, and here's a few more - number three: make sure to wear something that you can easily maneuver in the fitting room and/or open room with no curtains. You never know what you're getting yourself into when it comes to trying on clothes at a thrift shop, so I would suggest wearing an easy dress like this one. Tip number four: remember to hand wash or dry clean your finds before wearing - some clothes can have an unpleasant smell.

Here is look #2: I recently picked up this tropical-print, wrap skirt at the beginning of the Summer. Again, it fits high on the waist, so it's fun to pair with a crop top. You can't really tell, but this top has some texture, which adds a nice little touch. Something like this top or this one could work too! I'm wearing the same shoes to show you the versatility of these clogs, but I also love these...like I might buy them tonight! Never without my Annie Bukhman handbags!

Check back on Friday for look #3!

How to Style a Vintage Skirt: Part I

If you know me, you know I love a good thrift shop. Some of my favorites include Wasteland in the Haight, Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn, Thriftique in Pittsburgh, to name a few. This appreciation for vintage, gently used, whatever you want to call it, came from my parents. And if anyone can scoop up a $2 Tommy Bahama shirt, five $4 fur coats, a tea set and a classic radio all before noon, it's Jim and Cecilia. They taught me young how to spot a good deal and over the years, I've racked up quite a collection of vintage pieces including this skirt!

So this week on Clara Mae James, it's all about how to style a vintage skirt. The first thing you need to know is that skirts from back in the day will be high-waisted. When you look at the waistline, you may be thinking "oh hell no," but give it a try - you will be surprised! The second thing you need to know is to make sure to check the hem and zipper. These things can be fixed, but it's nice when you don't have to repair.

Here is look #1: I paired a maroon-colored mid-length skirt with a retro New York City t-shirt and did a full tuck to accentuate the waist. You can also pair it with a shorter tee like this one, which I'm obsessed with, and give the half tuck a try. I swear it's cool. And for the Fall, I'm a big fan of making sweatshirts work-appropriate and when paired with a cool skirt and a fun moto or denim jacket, no one will bat an eye. For the shoes, a good pair of clogs like these always look great and they just happen to be back in style. My handbag is from Annie Bukhman - no surprise there, her pieces are perfection!

Check back on Wednesday for look #2!