Styling it Solo

One is fun. Especially when it comes in the form of a romper. When I spotted this one-piece number at my local Salvation Army thrift store earlier this spring I literally gasped as I grabbed it off the rack. The halter neckline and pockets needed no alteration, but I shortened the knee length culottes to a more kicky length, the better to show off my wedges. I bought them last summer to wear to an outdoor wedding and love their blister-proof soft leather straps.Supporting players were also thrifted finds: both the gingham belt and the bangle came from the same thrift store on different trips. My hair with this look is a modified take on milkmaid braids. Rather than simply parting and braiding, I pinned back the top half of my hair for some soft volume and then crossed the two braids in front like a headband. Romper, Belt and Bracelet: All thrifted, Salvation Army Kerrisdale
Wedges: Ellen Tracy, Winners
Sunglasses: Kate Spade, Amazon.com

Playing Dress Up

Sometimes, when I get a new piece that I really, really love, I immediately want to create as many outfits for it as possible. I'm glad that I've adopted this sort of practical dress up as a hobby because it helps me to immediately visualize ways to remix my pieces instead of always pairing the same tops with the same skirts or pants.

After deciding how to wear this amazing J.Crew shirt to work tomorrow (look for that post very soon!), I thought it'd also make the perfect casual outfit with my newly revamped romper-shorts. My romper did not last through its most recent cycle in the laundry machine, but I'm loving the idea of casual cotton shorts with a small floral print. Also, how great is this sunhat? It''s the perfect size and shape!
My favorite thing about this outfit is the proportions. The shirt not only has the bolder print, but with its wide boat neck and longer sleeves, it also takes up more space on my body. My straw hat, sunglasses, and sandals are, of course, the perfect counterparts to this summer on the cape look.

Shorts (romper): Target

Shirt: J.Crew, J.Crew Outlet, Premium Outlets, Williamsburg, VA

Hat: H&M

Sunglasses: Giant Eagle

Shoes: Thrifted, Alabster's Attic Church Thrift Store, Greensburg

Not one to let a good outfit go to waste, I plan to wear this (probably sans the hat), during the drive and day portion of my friend Toni's bachelorette this weekend! Hopefully I won't be in too much of a celebration mode and I'll take pictures of the lovely dress I plan on wearing for our night on the town as single ladies! xoxo Anna Rae

Black and White and Red all Over

The theme of this outfit is impatience: I bought a romper on final clearance this winter and just couldn't wait until spring to wear it. Since it is black and white (of course) it only needed my new favourite shoes, tights, and a cardigan to winterize it.

Anchoring the outfit was the bold pop of colour that only red can provide. I like this belt because it has a covered rather than a metal buckle, which is more versatile if you accessorize with both gold and silver.

Though I loved the look, even with the tights I did end up feeling a little self conscious in this length in early March-- what are your thoughts on winter shorts?

Romper: BCBG Generation, The Bay

Cardigan: Banana Republic

Belt: Aldo

Shoes: Bass, Shoebuy.com

Coat: Tulle, Hill's of Kerrisdale

Scarf: Gap

Hat: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Superstore

Tights: Hue

Winter Romps

I just can't seem to stop remixing my old summer favorites into new Fall (Winter?! It is snowing!) pieces. Today: the romper.

I know what you're saying: the pattern mixing, the layers, the tights: Anna's signature outfits are back. I was really happy about the way this came together, but there is a lot going on so let's break it down, top to bottom.I started by wearing the romper over this long-sleeved tshirt with a thicker belt, but I liked the look of the thinner belt once I added the vest and the idea of matching the nautical stripes with the small florals obviously delighted me.

The Tiffany's key necklace is amazing and can work with almost any outfit, but I try to not wear it too much, as I want to keep it a special treat. The romper, though covered, really represents summer fun and whimsy, and what's more whimsical than a key necklace? Not much.

The bottom of this outfit is by far the best. Again, the wool vest over the romper worked really well, and I matched it to my thick grey winter socks, a great addition under the boots and a nice way to contrast the color of the tights. The tights! These are actually my plaid tights wore inside out, and I have to say, they're a great solid color. Power blue!
Finally, the boots! The last of my birthday splurge on Zappos. I love these boots; they're so comfortable, but also adorable. The best part is that I can fold down the top for when I'm not wearing them with pants (or high socks).

Romper and Socks: Target

Shirt: Old Navy

Vest: Gabes

Tights: Kohl's

Shoes: Gifted, Mom and Dad, Zappo's, Chinese Laundry

Necklace: Gifted, Mom and Dad

Belt: Vintage, Came with dress, Eons, Pittsburgh

And now, an adorable picture of me with my eyes closed, trying to hide from the cold. xoxo Anna Rae

This Summer has Staying Power

Over the long weekend, once the warm weather returned, I felt defeated. Goodbye tights and cardigans, I hardly knew you. To cheer myself up, I wore a crisp button-down to my family's picnic, hoping the slight Cape Cod feel of the look would make me forget that it is still 90 degrees outside.

I wanted some non-boring shorts to wear with the shirt and, having none, had to roll and fold my romper until it passed for a pair.
I love these socks. I love wearing them with flats. I love this weird trend.
Shirt: Joe Fresh, Real Canadian Super Store

Romper: Target

Belt: Thrifted, Value Village

Socks: Gifted, Jenna

Shoes: Target
Hopefully this is one of the last of my summery posts. xoxo Anna Rae

Loving the Romper Too Much

I love my new romper so much that I decided to wear it as a shirt. My mom took these pictures before the sunset while we were eating on the patio of a restaurant, which embarrassed her, so they were snapped pretty quick.

A few things to note: I'm not sure if you can see the headband I'm wearing or not, but Elana gave it to me and it's beautiful. Also, I love the way the tiny pattern on the shirt (romper) is mixed with the big pattern on the skirt.

Romper: Target

Skirt: Purr

Sweater: Thrifted, Value Village

Headband: Gfited, Elana

Shoes: Thrifted, St. Mary's Church Hospital

I'm going to Etown for the next few days, but hopefully I'll be able to post some outfits anyway. xoxo Anna RAe

Romping Around

Well, readers, I bought a romper.

I was initially against the rompers (especially after some unsuccessful try-ons), but I tried this one on at Target after a few pretty muggy days and decided it was absolutely necessary for Western PA summers.
Today was actually pretty chilly, so I wore it with this denim button-up, which I thought added a nice bit of structure to the outfit.
The oxfords may seem an odd choice, especially since the romper is made for 90 degree weather and oxfords are not, but they were both so retro-y that I thought they'd look so lovely together.
Also, I love the delicate floral pattern. So sweet and summery.
And the best news -- I think the romper has invigorated a love of the word romp and all its varied and sometimes dirty meanings.

Romper: Target

Denim shirt: the Real Canadian Superstore

Sunglasses: the Real Canadian Superstore

Shoes: Thrifted, the St. Mary's Hospital Thrift Store

And a special thanks to my momma for not being mad when I nearly broke the diamond thing on the deck during my posing. Blogging is dangerous work. xoxo Anna Rae