Japantown

Torrid Chevron Maxi Dress / Old Navy Scarf / Kate Spade Sunglasses

Target Faux Leather Jacket / American Eagle Moto Boots / Vinage Clutch

Snow Day

Land's End Parka / Old Navy Leggings / Vintage Shades

This weekend, Edwin and I drove up and spent a quick night and day in Lake Tahoe. It was a fun clothing challenge, as I rarely go to the snow, even though it's really only about 3 hours away. We stayed at a cute little lakeside cottage (franciscanlodge.com), and spent the next day practicing and taking lessons in our chosen winter activities (cross country skiing for the first time as an adult for me (visit the nice guys at the Squaw Creek Nordic Center) ). I hope to be able to make it up again this winter, maybe for snowshoeing with my parents.

For my snow wear, I snagged this great Land's End Parka on sale with a promotion for only $60. I know it will motivate me to go to the snow for winters to come. I also found some affordable plus size snow pants my actual snow time (they do run big and long).

Nordstrom Boots

Après-ski:

Old Navy Jeans, Coat and Shirt, F21 Scarf

After my morning skiing and falling about the meadow (the golf course in summer), I changed out of my sweaty clothes and huge coat into something appropriate for the warmer afternoon temperatures and hanging out in the village. I added a black military cap to cover my messy hair.

Here's Edwin looking cool after his day on the slopes in his fingerless gloves and a pair of amazing $25 shades he picked up last minute at a resort shop:

Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection

Last season, Banana Republic did a promotional campaign featuring Mad Men. This season, they are taking it a step further and  collaborating with costume designer Janie Bryant to release a limited edition collection inspired by the show. The collection will be in stores and online in August.  Here are some of my favorite pieces, head over to NY Mag's "The Cut" Blog for the full slideshow.

 

I really like the collection. I've seen some comment that it is a little boring, but it's not supposed to be a literal interpretation of the most dramatic looks from the show show. The point is to incorporate some of the vintage style into a modern work and evening wardrobe. Of course, if you're the type that wears full vintage head to toe, this may not be  the collection for you. But for the regular BR customer,  it is a  change of pace without deviating too far from their tried and true work staples. If I were small enough to fit into Banana clothing (size 16 is still a little ways off for me), I would definitely wear some of these pieces in my upcoming life as a teacher. 

Arrested Fashion: Made in the Shade

When you live in the OC ("Don't Call it that!"), sunglasses are essential. As a convertible driver in California, I feel the same way. In this post we'll look at the vintage sunglasses of the vintage Bluths: Lucille, George Senior and Oscar. Lucille's signature oversize gold frames are the most recognizable of the Bluth family sunglasses:

My Antique Straw Hat

I was inspired the Royal Wedding today to share another one of my antique hats. This is the oldest one, and while I am no expert but I seem to recall the salesperson throwing around a 1910s-1920s date. The straw is very fine and delicate and it came with a hat pin, so either way it's the grand dame of the collection.

Old Navy Eyelet Dress

Click through for a couple of lovely close-ups!

Tie Dye for Summer!

Alloy Taryn Tie Dye Dress (available in XS-XXXL!)

Vintage Purse

After the jump, a couple more jewelry alternatives and another tie dye-inspired dress!

Musings: One-Piece Swimsuits

Visit Esther Williams' Offical Site!

Get Go Retro: Lucille Ball, 1943

This season, I'm so excited for all the retro-inspired swimwear out there. This post will focus on one-pieces, you can read about my favorite retro bikinis as well. I've discovered that film legend and synchronized swimming pioneer Esther Williams has her own line of suits, including plus sizes! Here are a couple below available at ModCloth:

Beach Blanket Bingo Plus Size One Piece

Hipster Plaid

Old Navy plaid shirt dress, braided leather belt stolen from my Dad

Grandmother's vintage Gucci handbag.

More hats...

Dress by Lithe from Anthropologie

An antique hat for spring

 Old Navy Top