The Easiest Up-do

All summer long, I've been coveting the turban-like scarf styles of Jessica from What I Wore. The other day she posted a tutorial -- which you absolutely need to watch -- and it turns out the scarves are the easiest way to wear your hair in the summer.

To celebrate, I based my outfit off of the new polka-dot scarf, homemade from the newly hemmed polka dot dress.

I love this skirt -- I mean, of course I do, it has a big bow -- but I hadn't really found a lot of ways to wear it. The idea of a black tank top, black flats, and a pattern-mixing black-and-white head scarf seemed like the perfect solution.
I pinned the vintage brooch to the scarf, which I think really add to the even-though-this-is-easy-it's-also-pretty-fancy feel of the look, complementing it with my favorite clip-on earrings.
Summer outfit success! And thanks to Melissa for taking my picture outside of the mall.
Tank top: Hand-me-down from Mom, Talbots

Skirt: Purr on South Granville

Shoes: Old Navy

Scarf: Homemade (by Mom)

Brooch: Vintage, Arterie, Montreal

Tomorrow is the Bachelorette Party. I'll try to post my best Party Down outfit, marking my first occasion out and about on the Pittsburgh bar scene. Oh Boy. xoxo Anna Rae

Some light, fashionable hazing

In a recent discussion between Libby and Anna, we decided that you, Erin, newest addition to the Tights that Bind style collective, in order to be fully initiated into our blog must participate in the following style challenge:

Libby wore yellow tights.

Anna wore yellow tights (a lot).

Now you must wear them too. We would give you a time limit, but it's not that kind of blog. And, readers, look forward to more style challenges, as we are all currently brainstorming ideas (Erin, mostly, unaware that we had already thought one up for her). Or suggest some ideas of your own. We'll do it -- we might just not leave the house.

Update from Libby: Come on, Erin. All the cool kids are doing it.

Blogs and kisses, Anna Rae and Libby.

The Ones that Never Got Away

So, I think one of the big challenges for me, as someone who doesn't have a big budget for clothes, is wearing things after the styles have changed and making them not look dated.

I've owned this skirt for so long, so long that I can't remember the name of the store where I bought it because it closed down years ago. It used to sit on my hips, hit below my calf, and work so well with scarves and cowboy boots and band tshirts. Camilla and I risked injury we jumped on the Sienna Miller bohemian bandwagon so fast back in 2005, and this skirt was one of my favorites from the trend.
To keep wearing it, I pulled the waist up to mimic today's silhouettes and hemlines (thanks Mad Men!) and used my belt to hide the awkward only-waist band top of the skirt. I thought the belt and the sandals did a good job of keeping with the original intentions of the skirt.
This necklace, an adorable if not slightly noisy birdcage from Target, really completed the look.
Skirt: So old, I don't know

Tank top: Old Navy

Belt: Thrifted, Value Village

Shoes and Necklace: Target

Sorry for the shadowy pictures. I'll improve my self-timer skills soon, I promise. xoxo Anna Rae

Top Tier

Hello. This is another outfit that didn't quite make the cut when I actually wore it, so now it gives me some leeway to not get dressed for anything in particular today because I'll just be packing and cleaning my room. I'm quite excited to go visit Sophie Bear this week - I'll try to take pics of my outfits while down there but I'm not promising anything. After all, cuddles take precedence over everything else.
I wore this to that concert I was talking about last week down in the Southside Works. It was a scorcher that day and this light material was DEFINITELY a must. A fun fact - this dress had a piece of ribbon at the top of it and I had no idea what to do with it so I cut it off. I think it's much more my style without the ribbon - plain, slightly boring, yet completely accessible. The perfect summer dress! (Except it doesn't have pockets...wah wah.)

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes and Dress: American Eagle

Necklace: Aerie

Who knew I was such a billboard of AE products this day?

West Coast Wedding

This weekend my boyfriend and I took the ferry to beautiful Galiano Island BC to go to our dear friends James and Louise's wedding. The scenery was beautiful, the bride even more gorgeous, and I got a chance to wear a sparkly party dress I have had for a year.

I bought the dress at a store that can only be given the descriptor 'old lady,' but was lured in by the 80% off sign in the window. That a store can offer that level of discount and still make money makes me resolve to continue thrifting with a vengence and continue to seek out stores where I am not the target audience.

The dress was shiny, swingy (good for plentiful amounts of both food and dancing) and fit perfectly so I bought it with no place to wear it. I am so glad it could finally make its debut-- it made me feel glamourous even though we were camping in a tent in a meadow at Reece's uncle's cabin.

And the best part? My shoes matched the dock.

Dress: Anne Klein, Tique South Granville

Shoes: JCrew

Earrings: The Bay

Big City Finds

It's okay, kids. I'm back. And, if I might add, a bit better dressed now that I've scored some lovely vintage items. A few to be revealed instantly!

This outfit, while sweet and feminine, is adorable enough, but if this was Vogue, than I would call this an accessory shoot. The accessories are really what makes this outfit bloggable.
The brooch! I'm a little obsessed with brooches at the moment, so when I saw this one in Montreal, I had to have it. I went into the store because it was besides James' apartment and because it had a really adorable hat in the window, but this made it even more worth it.
I think I've featured the headband before, a gift from Elana, but it's so cute and went so well with the pink lace and brooch.
These shoes, not from the trip, were bought for the trip. A risky purchase, buying shoes for walking comfortably without walking in them, but they were a great success.
And the purse! Seriously, let's just really love this purse. It's in great shape for vintage and adorably kind of looks like an envelope and the perfect little day bag.
Other exciting finds to be posted soon.

Skirt: Thrifted, Church Thrift Store in Greensburg, Old Navy originally

Top: Target

Shoes: Target

Brooch: Vintage, Arterie, Montreal

Purse: Vintage, Local 23, Montreal

Headband: Gifted, Elana

It's good to be back on the blog. I've beginning to feel like the Tights that Bind slacker. xoxo Anna Rae

I'm Hired! Sort of...

No not for real, silly readers! Please, I'm still riding the unemployed train. But yesterday was my mock interview for my career development and vocational counseling class and I was told that if I was really being interviewed for a job, I would have been hired. That was nice to hear - especially since I was so blatantly under-qualified. But hey, apparently my "personality" and "well thought out answers" sold a message faster than Marshall Applewhite ever could have.
I was also told by one of my classmates that I was the biggest and most surprising closet nerd they've ever met. So I chose to come home and finish my book rather than go out for a celebratory drink after class? No.big.deal. Then I was all, closet nerd? Pfft, have you heard me talk in class? (Pushes glasses up on nose...what's that? I wear contacts? That visual was for EFFECT, okay?)

Also, I feel like I can't lie to you readers anymore. It was brought up yesterday by someone else in my class upon seeing a resume of someone named "Elizabeth McCarthy." So she leans over to me and says "Does this person exist?" I looked at her and said "Hi, right here." So people, my real name is Elizabeth. I'm glad we got that little bit of paperwork out of the way.

Also, this is the dress I wore for college graduation last year. It's nice to be able to wear it to something else and get complimented on the color of it, even though it can be considered a tad bit obnoxious. Have a good weekend everyone! And while not wanting to directly disappoint Amanda, this dress has pockets, but alas, no dollar was found. Woof.

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes: Old Navy

Dress: J. Crew

Grouse Grind

Last week my boyfriend gave me a serious sartorial challenge: a day up the mountain and an evening of drinks in Gastown with no opportunity to change. I went with an easy floral top paired with glacial-clear lucite bling to keep me cool and sparkling. I paired the top with pleated and cuffed denim/linen shorts that hopefully said both lumberjack show and urban cocktails...

and finished it off with silver sandals (my this summer's go-tos) for grizzly bear stalking and patio sipping.
I think it was a great success!

Top: JCrew, Ebay

Shorts and Sunglasses: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore

Shoes: Rocket Dog, Sterling Shoes

Necklace: Hill's of Kerrisdale

Ohhh I got a brand new pair of roller skates!

Well hello! My book is really good right now, but I'm not as blah about other things in life like yesterday. I think because I'm playing fun music and just had to be disciplined and type up a proposal for class tonight. Weak. But this outfit is not what I'm wearing today - today I have my mock interview for class and it will be posted either tomorrow or next week. This outfit is from before but never got posted and it has a very, oh I don't know, I'm so bad at determining eras for things, but it feels nice. I love wedges with the red stripes and it makes me feel all "I should be riding a bike and singing". Follow me? Yeah, I confuse myself sometimes, too, it's ok.
Well tonight is my last summer class and phew am I excited! 12 credits down people - take that Duquesne and your "You're only supposed to take 9 credits a semester" policy. Guess who's laughing now? What's that? You still are because going to class in the summer is miserable and doing it for 4 classes is for suckas? Shoot! But yes, I'm looking forward to chillaxin', after I take the Praxis next week that is. But after that, chillax city! Chillax city and baby cuddles of course, as I'm going to visit my brother, faithful reader Amanda and ever adorable Sophie Bear next week.

Keep your fingers crossed for a 4.0 this semester, ya'll.

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes: Old Navy

Jeans: Express

Shirt: Modcloth

Blah-di-da

I'm sure you've all had those days when you feel all BLAH and UNDERFED and GROSS. Well, folks, that day was today for me! I'm not sure what it was, but I just couldn't even hardly bring myself to take these pictures because I just feel like not getting dressed to venture out of the house.
But I did. Because I had class. And class was stupid! So I learned that basically I shouldn't go to class next time I'm feeling yucky because it will suck. Werd.
Ok, confession. So probably some of the reason I didn't feel like getting dressed and being productive today is because I'm reading a book currently and don't want to put it down. Listen, I've told you how many times that I'm a huge nerd, when will you finally completely understand how all encompassing it is? A love for Math? Check. Mathlete Status? Check. Love for Reading? Check +! So all, I'm cutting this post short too, because hey, there's reading to be done!!!

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes and Shorts: Old Navy

Shirt: Banana Republic

Hmm, seems like a blue and Banana Republic sort of day for me, yes?

Just Call Me Violet Beauregarde

So here's another possible wedding outfit! I LOVE this blue. I'm practically obsessed with the color. If I could, I would never take this color off. I really have nothing to say else about it except...
How do you all (Amanda) feel about this one? Other readers, feel free to comment!

Until tomorrow (later this evening). Libby

Shoes: Aldo

Dress: Banana Republic (I bought it on super sale last year for $15...hells yeah!)

3 Steps to Summer Dressing

A great print...

Stylish sandals...

And a dress that spins!

I bought this dress last year at the Salvation Army thrift store even though it didn't fit-- often some simple home alterations (or a trip to the tailor) are worth it if you love the item, the changes are simple (taking in, hemming) and the price was low (a cool 5.99 in this case). Other than easy fixes, my top thifting tip is to look for an item with limited signs of wear, quality fabric, and good construction. This dress was like new, a silk/cotton blend, and fully lined with an invisible zipper, so I took it home.

Dress: Thrifted, The Salvation Army

Shoes: Rocket Dig, Sterling Shoes

Thanks for twirling with me Jenna !

Pea Green Dress and Possible Alterations

Oh, hello! Just me here. A tanner version of me, though. This past weekend was full of outdoor activities and it left me exhausted..and tan! On Saturday I went bike riding on the North Shore and got a little sunburnt, but it's fading nicely. Then on Sunday I went to the South Side Works to help support a band who won a contest sponsored by the Post Gazette. The band, Mace Ballard, was entertaining and it was very exciting for them to get the opportunity to make a music video courtesy of the PG and they won some money. Niiiice.
The only downer on Sunday was that it got too hot outside for me and I got some hives (I'm allergic to temperature change so when there are drastic changes in temperature or extremely hot or cold, I get hives...but it's muuuuuch better than it used to be. Wow, how attractive does that make me sound??) Luckily, there's a bookstore in the South Side Works so I ducked in there for some air conditioning and bought a book! Hell yeah!

Now to my outfit..I guess. I'm thinking I'm going to take this to get taken up a couple of inches so it hits above the knee...Thoughts? I just think it would maybe be more flattering and versatile. Either way, this dress is uber comfortable and was on super sale when I bought it. That's how I roll.

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Dress: BCBG

CLBD

One of these pics is not like the other...can you spot the differences? So on Friday, Laura and I went to the Waterfront to do some studying for the Praxis test we take next week. The Praxis test, you may wonder, is this stupid exam that all students must take in order to be able to work in a school. School counseling falls under that umbrella, so we are reviewing 8th grade math concepts. I have no problem with this as I Love Math, but Laura is not so enthusiastic...kind of like me for the past 2 months about The Tights that Bind. But hey, things are looking up here, so I have hope for her!
Anywho, this has been my go to dress so far this summer: it's light and versatile - my Comfy Little Black Dress. I know, when you think of an LBD, you think of this breathtakingly hot number that just flatters every inch and turns heads, but hey, when have I ever followed fashion labels and rules on here? Exactly! So why start now?
I ended up choosing the above outfit because I felt a little naked without something around my neck. The change must have worked - the lady at the Verizon store (quick tangent: My touch screen stopped working 2 weeks ago on the right hand side and so I went there on Friday to see what they could do and as surprise and luck would have it, I had 2 DAYS left on my warranty, so BAM, new phone for FREE) told Laura and me how cute and summery we looked. Well, I can't really argue with her, so that seems like an appropriate place to end this.

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Dress: Old Navy

Necklace: AMD

Cute and Babyish or Ridiculous and Adulty?

So I realize this may be premature, but I was bored yesterday and nothing is more entertaining than baby clothes and outfits. And more than that, baby Halloween costumes are ridiculously fun..try it! So here for my Friday edition, I would like to present some costumes that my brother, sister-in-law, faithful reader and commenter Amanda, and I all discussed as future outfits for my adorable niece, also faithful commenter, Sophie Bear. (Bear, mind you, is (unfortunately) not her middle name. Wah wah). My brother insists that Sophie will not be dressed as something cute and babyish, and will instead wear something ridiculous and adulty, hence the title of this post.

Since Amanda is the mom, we will start with her pick: Baby Hot Dog. Amanda thinks it's funny, and it is. Also, she thinks it would be a fun idea for her and Michael to dress up as Ketchup and Mustard to complete the theme. I'm not sure if Michael's willing to do that. Actually, I'm most certain he is not. Anyways, I like the idea, but not as much as mine, obviously.

Next, we'll discuss Michael's ideas: Baby Einstein or Baby Viking. I chose this picture because it's funnier. I think he wants this choice because lets admit it, how funny would my little niece look with a mustache and crazy white wig? HILARIOUS.
Now on to the best option: MINE. I think Soph should be a duck. How adorable! Yes, the picture is small, but the level of cute is THROUGH THE ROOF. Quack quack, I'm a baby halloween duck. Look at the baby duck bill that's like a hat! And the baby duck feet! And the baby duck belly! Game.Set.Match.

Let us now finish with a costume that Sophie will NOT wear. I give you, Exhibit A: Creepy rainbow baby costume. Are Amanda and I the only ones thoroughly creeped out by this? She's not wearing this. Period.

Now some of you may (not) wonder what I am going to be for Halloween. Surely I must have a costume picked out for myself since I am already focusing on my darling little niece. And you're right, I do. So every once in awhile I'll give you guys hints. They will be few and far between because, hey, it's a long time before October 31st. But this fun little game will end with my costume reveal. Costume hint #1 and GO: Sunglasses.

Until tomorrow. Libby

Fake Interview Attire

So for class today (Career Development and Vocational Counseling for those of you who care) we had to dress up for mock interviews. Well normally while I would wear a suit, it was 88 degrees today and I'm just not that dedicated to class to be quite honest with you. Class smlass, it was hot out! Anyway, I figured this outfit was as good as any to be moderately dressed up. But guess what...
It's the same gosh darn silhouette I've been wearing recently! I can't help it that my skirts all seem to be higher waisted and that it's been hot out so I've been wearing them lately. But guess what else about this skirt...it has POCKETS. I can't express how much I love pockets on skirts and dresses.

But, the outfit served it's purpose and before you can ask, I didn't interview today (I'll be going next week) so I did not get the job for now. Then again, I won't even fakely get the job next week because, hey, I'm totally not qualified. We're interviewing for counseling positions and I haven't even done my practicum yet let alone internship. It's a vicious cycle - I couldn't get a job earlier in the year because of my class schedule and now I can't get a fake job because of my incomplete class schedule. Lesson of the day? Stay out of school kids, whatever you do, it's a life ruiner. School and Mel Gibson's rants - maaaaajor life ruiners.

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes: Aldo

Skirt and Top: Martin + Osa

Hmm, this looks familiar...

I know people. It's only the third day back of me posting and it's already becoming redundant. Shirt? Check (Let's hope, right?!) Skirt? Check. Sitting higher on my waist? Check. Wedge shoes? Check. Toilet Paper on the floor? Check. Anyways, another day, another outfit. Wait. That's a lie. This was the same day I took all of those other outfit post pictures! Sooo, same day the other day, another outfit is more fitting. I digress. As usual. So, oh shoot. Where was I?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that when I find a silhouette that works I stick with it. And it's been hot out lately so skirts are a must. Sometimes in the muggy weather if I even think about jeans I start to sweat, once again proving the necessity of pinning my bangs back.
These outfits may seem simple, but I really do love them. I like being able to throw on 1 or 2 pieces and peace on out of the house! And to be able to do that and achieve a summery look...BONUS!

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes and Top: Old Navy

Skirt: Gap

Toilet Paper: Charmin