Flashback Friday: Adorable Edition.

Well hello! It's flashback Friday here and I decided to bring out the big guns. If you thought I was adorable when I was in my sailor dress, well I'm just glad I could prove you wrong. While trying to be as modest as I can, I am an adorable little child here. This is my school picture from 3 year old pre-school. Notice the blemish on my lip - I was an extremely nervous child and constantly bit holes in my poor poor lips. Perhaps it stunted their growth....

I'm rocking the short bangs, but I'm also rocking some awesome curly hair. I vividly remember sitting in our living room on our (ugly) brown plaid stool while my mom would sponge roll my hair at night. I would go from straight hair to this crazy 'do.

How adorable is that bow in my hair? And the ruffled neck on the turtleneck with the little rose on the collar and the jumper? I am pretty sure I have the lollipop head syndrome going on where my head is so much bigger than my thin thin body. This is because I refused to eat anything but grilled cheese sandwiches for the first 19 years of my life. I'm not sure why the Grilled Cheese diet hasn't caught on - it worked for my skinny little arms here. (Lastly, please don't be too scared by the little girl in that grilled cheese photo, but I'm sure that's the look I used to have when I ate 2 grilled cheese's at a time...I was a champ).

Until tomorrow. Libby

Let's go Pens. The Puck drops tonight against the Habs. Sorry, Canadien half of this blog, you're currently the enemy.

Completely Constructed Domesticity

Look at me, so at home in the kitchen. Momma, I can hear you laughing from here. This is not my kitchen, as that is clearly full of library books and sunglasses and empty diet coke bottles that need to be recycled. This kitchen in the Asian Studies building (so, so much nicer than the Tower we live in, the one that was used as the Wolverine top secret government prison by only adding a fence at the bottom) inspired Doran, today's guest photographer, who recommended a "domestic goddess" (or something, I think he may have actually said diva, but that's pretty embarrassing) photo shoot.
Seriously, though, this outfit is a bit of a sassy June Cleaver, don't you think? June Cleaver if she hiked up her skirt and added some black tights?

The inspiration for this outfit was, really, the skirt's slight misfitting -- it's just the tiniest bit too big, so it doesn't sit as high as it should, which is the perfect opportunity to pull it up just a little too high and cinch it was a black belt.
In case you thought my legs were looking a bit weird, it's because my tights are polka-dotted! Yes! You have to fit those polka dots in wherever you can. I thought black would be a nice contrast with the very springy, very feminine colors of the skirt and cardigan.
Skirt: Thrifted by Erin, Salvation Army, Tahari

Cardigan: Old Navy

Tights: the Bay

Earrings: Gifted, AlyWebb

Shoes: AE

Judging from these pictures, I'm far more Kirsten Cohen than June Cleaver. And that's okay. xoxo Anna Rae

Interview FAIL

So the interview today didn't work out because she needed someone who could work the afternoon shift until 6 - well guess what? I have class at 6. Just another reason why school ruins lives. Oh well, I'm really soaking up the unemployed life currently, so I'm okay to just keep looking!
But here is my outfit for the interview - some nice wool pants because it was really cold out today! And thank goodness I had a blazer, because when I left it was sunny and we all know (if you read yesterday's post) that I most certainly did not grab a jacket. Cold weather FAIL.
On the bright side of things, I saw Jeff Reed at the grocery store afterwards. Kidding. Gross...I think I inhaled his herpes. He was grabbing his crotch while walking in - remind me to never touch a cart at that particular grocery store without wiping it down with hand sanitizer....

Shoes: Steve Madden

Pants: Express (I know it's basically that only place I get my pants, but it's also the only place the really fits well!)

Shirt: Gift from parents

Blazer: Gap

Like Dec. 26

Not December 26 as in Boxing Day, but December 26 as the day after Christmas, when all the excitement is gone and nothing different or surprising is going to happen. The day of leftovers (and no birthdays). Well, that's kind of what my outfit is today. As Mike Stewart, today's photographer, asked: How, after the magic that was yesterday's outfit, do you dress, knowing you can't top it? You fall back onto basics. Each piece of this outfit is simple, but I think they've created a pretty interesting, although much calmer, look.

This cardigan is old, so old that it might be a bit misshapen and so old that it's featured in some high school photographs, but it's still one of my favorites. It's simple enough in its solid, earth-toney color, but just interesting enough with some sequins and beads around the color.

Plaid tights! I think this skirt is best thing I've paired them with yet. I really like how from far away they just look navy. You really need to pay attention to pick up on the plaid.
I bought these beads when I was in Thailand and I think they're so great, but I have a hard time wearing them. I liked the way they looked next to the beads and sequins on the cardigan, though. A small burst of details.

Cardigan: AE

Skirt: AE

Tights: Kohl's

Shoes: Thrifted, Value Village

Necklace: Market in Thailand

I hope this completely sane and normal post wasn't too disappointing. And if it was -- distract yourself with the construction. xoxo Anna Rae

Question: What's Big in the Hips and Polka Dot All Over?

Answer: Libby today apparently! Wow, I don't think my hips looked this big in person today, I'm pretty sure it's just an awkward angle - trust me. These are the jeans that are totally flattering! How dare they fool you faithful reader(s) (ahem, I basically mean you, Amanda. Hehe). Today was the last day of classes for the semester so I just really wanted a laid back look and kind of preppy/studious - whoa, look at me pulling out those pseudo descriptive looks that I was trying to put together. Who am I kidding? I like polka dots, obviously my Clarks and, quite frankly, I was fooled by the sun with the temperature outside so I put on short sleeves.

Quick story - sometimes I get fooled by the sun. No joke. Sometimes, when the sun is shining (even in winter) I think it's warm out. It can be below freezing outside in the middle of January, but by God if the sun is shining, I walk out of the front door without a coat. Every time..every single time! I don't know what it is - must be a mental block and my inability to understand science. I mean this whole idea goes against my entire science education foundation. Just do me a favor and correct me if I'm wrong - Sun = Hot. Am I right?? (Cue the sarcastic "Please, Ms. Science, Tell us more!!)

Anyways, another fun story about my outfit. So I'm sitting in class and notice my adorable 60(ish) year old professor's shoes. And guess what people? He was wearing almost the exact same boat shoes as I was! (They were LL Bean, and mine are Clarks, though..minor difference). So of course I told him how stylish they were and obnoxiously stuck out my feet to show him. He seemed pleased, laughed, and told me that his wife would be happy because she picked them out for him.

One time in 6th grade, I walked into my first day of school (first day in a new school no less and clearly dressed to impress) and was wearing the same.exact.Nike.tennis.shoes as the teacher Mrs. Virone (HORROR!!!!). How.EMBARRASSING. Srsly. Even though I begged for those shoes - I refused to wear them unless it was during gym class. It scarred me for reals, guys. I didn't even tell my mom, but now since she reads this blog I guess the cat is out of the bag. Whoops - sorry, Mom (and Dad) for wasting that money.

But I guess what that story equates to is how I've realized how awesome it is to wear the same shoes as a 60 year old man. Instead of being embarrassed, I embraced it. Be confident in your style choices people! ...Even if they make your thighs look unreasonably large...

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes: Clarks

Jeans: Express

Gray Shirt: Old Navy

Polka Dot Sweater: American Eagle

Necklace: Amanda McCarthy Designs

Ring: H&M

Little Edie

This completely magical outfit post is fully indebted to Erin as she found this new exhibition in the library and because she gave me the wonderful coat, as she now thinks it's one of the more ridiculous pieces of her high school wardrobe (Did I seriously need to use spell-check to figure out how to spell wardrobe? Finals are melting my brain).

I'm slowly realizing just how much this blog is influenced by Erin because she also found this skirt for me at the Kerrisdale Salvation Army - which Vancouverites must known is the best Salvation Army. Since I haven't really worn anything else in the past three days, I'm pretty sure it's going to be a staple of my summer wardrobe.
I really liked the idea of the only color in my outfit being red lipstick, as lipstick is my new obsession. I relied on some of my favorite blacks: the tights, the tweed flats, and plain tank top so I could wear my new favorite necklace. Pearl and lace! The novelty is still going strong. A few of the kids at school told me I was looking extra classy, a lovely compliment, but the addition of the coat made me look a bit crazy. A little Grey Gardens, an idea which I also love.
Oh, hey, Little J legs. I don't think I'll ever love a pair of tights as much as I love these. Speaking of Little J, why is one the early plot points tonight that Nate can't see Jenny as anything other than a younger sister? Wasn't it just last season that he was making out with her at her renegade fashion show? But, let's focus, the tights are still amazing.
Skirt: Thrifted by Erin, Salvation Army, Kerrisdale

Coat: Vintage, Hand-me-down from Erin

Shirt: Talbots, Hand-me-down from Mom

Tights: Kohl's: I just did some close-up comparisons with Tavi's blog when she wears her Rodarte for Target tights, and mine are certainly different. I still love them all the same.

Shoes: AE

Necklace: Main Street boutique

Art: Fight Club (2005), Less Than Zero (2005), Douglas Coupland
And now time to return to Grey Gardens to feed my cats and raccoons. xoxo Anna Rae

Happy Hours and Tator Tots

So you know what a mean joke is? Well, I'll tell you. Let us imagine the scene: Walk into Happy Hour at Station Square and (awesome!) get handed a coupon for a free plate of loaded tots! I LOVE loaded tots. What are they you ask? Imagine tots, plus heaven and those, my friends, are loaded tots. Oh, and don't forget to add cheese. Anyways, we read that you had to order food in order to get the free loaded tots...done and done. I love food. So I ordered a quesadilla and tots. Well guess what? Free loaded tots weren't available during happy hour. Loaded tots FAIL. I guess that was the little part on the card that said "Some restrictions may apply." Woof.
But I digress. So for happy hour, I grabbed this shirt from my closet. It was gorgeous weather on Friday (when I took the pictures...sorry I didn't post then, but Dateline was more important) and Laura and I sat outside and wrote papers on the back patio. Apparently, I got some sun so excuse the pink chest. How fun is this plant, though? It matched my shoes! I love these shoes - they're so comfortable. Once again, I believe I bought them freshman year of college.
But let us just look at how pretty the detail in this shirt is. It was a birfday present from the roomies for the 20th(?) birthday I believe. They have good taste. Actually, Jocelyn picked it out. She has good taste.

Until tomorrow. Libby

Shoes: Steve Madden

Jeans and Black Tank: Express

Shirt: Kimchi & Blue gifted by the roomies

Necklace: Aerie

Sunglasses: Marc by Marc

PS - How NOT amused am I in that first picture? Maybe now you guys understand why I usually (always) crop my face out of photos

PPS - The Pens won on Saturday night to advance to the next round of playoffs with a little help of superstitious mid-game costume changes by nearly everyone who was watching with me. Anything to help.

Because it's 50 degrees outside

Instead of marking finals, I'm dreaming of what I'd like to be wearing if only it was summer weather and I had summer responsibilities. Like not marking finals or finishing assignments. And it would be this:

Everything nice by msannarae featuring Bloch shoes

or this:

Oxford girl by msannarae featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs tops

I just want it to be summer so i can wear sun hats or, alternatively, not feel bad about spending Sunday afternoons on Polyvore.

xoxo Anna Rae

the LBD

As you may have noticed, I love a reason to dress up, and last night was, sadly, Jenna's Going Away Dinner, but, on a happier note, a perfect reason to wear my favorite Little Black Dress and curl my hair.

Although I'm pretty much a tend junkie, I very wisely chose a pretty standard dress for my closet about 6 years ago when shopping for something to wear for my Freshman year Homecoming. 6 years running and this is still my favorite thing in my whole closet. It's just interesting enough that it looks like something I would wear -- imagine how unusual I'd look in a plain black dress with no ruffles or wide waist bands -- but calm enough that I can wear it to multiple dressy occasions in any season for years and years and years (as I've been doing).

This dress is probably the closest I'll come to a flapper dress, so I thought I'd play up the idea with a super long necklace. Also, I liked the idea of adding some color to the outfit and dressing it down a little, instead of my normal go-to jewelry for fancier occasions.
These are my favorite tights, and although I don't know if they are the Rodarte for Target tights or just Kohl's version of that, I'm going to pretend that they indeed are Rodarte for Target. And a picture of my lovely umbrella -- a Vancouver staple.
Dress B.Moss

Neckalce: Gifted, AlyWebb (with an additional chain added)

Tights: Rodarte for Target (well, that or Kohl's)

Shoes; AE

Dressing up all by yourself isn't fun and always makes you feel a bit strange. So, I thought I'd include a few pictures of Erin -- also posing with the produce -- and Jenna, since we all looked so beautiful last night.

Look how the guest of honor wore such a great floral with bright colors. As one should as the center of attention.

I realize this is a bit of an Erin reveal -- and before her great style profile -- but, if you're going to see an early look of Erin's, it should be when she is wearing a great pattern, one resembling Victorian wallpaper, a bit of backcombed hair, and some great shoes. Also, she's quite the model.

xoxo Anna Rae

3OT. Pens Lose.

Oh, hai. Libby here, remember me? No? Meh, it's okay - you all probably devote more time to noticing Anna's crazy outfits. And I've been MIA for awhile because I'm unemployed now. I have no reason to get dressed! Haha, employed suckas. But for reals, since I don't work I have no reason to get dressed - it's currently 1 pm and I'm in still in workout clothes. Granted, I only managed to roll out of bed and do my yoga at 1130, but still. Oh well, I'll get showered and put on more acceptable clothes eventually...wait, who am I kidding? I'll just throw on an old tshirt and you all don't need to see that.
So I went to the Penguins game last night - I love the Pens. But alas, they lost. Not as badly as the Pirates though, woof! But hey, at least they broke another record to go with their most consecutive losing seasons record - look on the bright side of things, people.
Like my fun, new shirt! And even though the Penguins didn't win when I wore it, I still love it just the same. It's got that vintage look that people all strive for and whatnot, but I really like the stripes on the sleeves and the Pens emblem on the front. It's one of my favorites. I also brought out this old headband from many, many moons ago. Before college I believe.
Also, these shoes are pretty old but I just can't part with them. I got them during the first semester of college and they velcro like an old person's shoes, but that's okay. I still love them. So guys, this post was a treat because I'm going to be concentrating on writing papers for the next 2 weeks and probably won't get dressed to impress. Oh, except maybe next Wednesday when I have a job interview (employment was bound to rear it's ugly head sometime I guess). Or tomorrow when I take a break from paper writing to go lunch with some friends and then later when I watch the Pens take on Ottawa again (hopefully they can seal the deal and shake hands at center ice tomorrow) but don't get your hopes up - unemployment has really brought out my laziness to unhealthy levels....

Shoes: Steve Madden (Annnnnncient.)

Jeans: Express

Black Shirt: Aerie

Pens Shirt: Dick's Sporting Goods

Headband: Who knows because it's even more ancient than the shoes....

Until tomorrow. Libby

PS - Let's talk about how red my hair looks....

Alive, awake, alert, enthusiastic

Clearly, that toned-down, scholarly look just wasn't cutting it. I love pastels and preppy clothes as much as the next girl, but sometimes you need brightness and bows and polka dots.

Each season, I usually buy one or two "nice" things to wear to more formal occasions, like this dress which I bought last year to wear to Midnight Mass at Christmas. Knowing that it was purchased for a dressy holiday, I only wore it for nicer, dressier things the rest of the year. This year, though, now that it's not the new nice dress, I wear it all the time, dressing it down with layers or colored tights or cowboy boots. It's become an everyday staple, but it took a while. This year, I bought this great vintage dress for Christmas on Etsy, but apart from the holiday and a couple days of teaching, I haven't really worn it again. I guess I'll just have to wait until next year, and then I'll start wearing it everyday.
I realize this might be one of the most basic facts of fashion, but wide belts are so flattering. Seriously.
I love how the small polka dots on the dress match the ones on the shoe -- I can't believe I haven't worn them together before! I think this look would have been better if, instead of white socks and a nude fishnet, I would have worn a white fishnet, which I tried. I put my white fishnets on this morning and they are tragically ripped. Just another push towards some brand new white crocheted tights. I try not to complain about the life of a grad student, since it's actually kind of great, but it is kind of depressing to think about how much I have to consider my finances before replacing my ripped tights.This outfit was a lot of matching -- polka dots with polka dots, the stripe on the sweater with the color of the dress -- but perhaps most enjoyable was the bow earrings to match the bow headband.

Blazer: Target

Sweater: Of the Wall

Dress: H&M

Shoes: Old Navy

Headband Bow: Hot Topic

Tights: the Bay

Earrings, Belt, and Sunglasses: Gifted by Erin, the fairy godmother of my wardrobe.

And, Libby McGee, where are you? xoxo Anna Rae

Academic defeatism

It was only moderately sunny out today, but I didn't even try to open my eyes -- or stand up straight or look pleasant. That's what happens during the end of term.
Basically, in order to inspire myself to be studious and productive, I wore glasses, a polo shirt, and a sweater vest. Add some pearl earrings and tweed flats -- could you do anything else but study? I think the plan worked a little too well because by the time these photos were taken, I was tired.

Shirt: Thrifted, Value Village

Sweater Vest: Gina Tricot

Skirt: AE

Tights and Headband: Walmart

Shoes: Gifted, Aero originally

Earrings: Gifted

Hopefully these posts will be more energetic soon. xoxo Anna Rae

All the 'Isms

Oh, yeah. I'm a grad student. This book of Manifestos and Isms is one of my favorite pieces of decoration in the department. I say decoration because I've never really read it.

I had another outfit picked out for today, but when I saw Jessica's outfit on What I Wore, I also wanted to rock a short-sleeved jacket with a cardigan. Also, contrasting my two favorite colors is one of my favorite style choices to make.
Please excuse my tired eyes, as it is the end of the term.

I rarely wear these flats, even though I think they're pretty cute, because last year I took a really traumatic fall while running to the bus while wearing them. I thought I'd take my chances today and just walk pretty slow the whole time. Success!

Cardigan: Old Navy

Skirt: Target

Jacket: Vintage, Camden Market

Tights: We Love Color

Flats: Target

So, I guess there really weren't any 'isms in this post. I'll save the academic thinking for school tomorrow. xoxo Anna Rae

Singing in the Overcast

Is that Gene Kelly? Oh no, it's just me.
This dress is one of my favorite Summer Dresses (the most important fashion category of them all). Anytime I think of something fun or memorable from last summer, it usually turns out that I was wearing this dress. Mostly because I loved this dress so I wore it to things that felt important, but also because this dress made things better.
Although I have a few color cardigans that work with the dress, it was pretty grey outside and my weather widget predicted rain, so I was sort of feeling the grey cardigan and black tights. I also didn't want to distract people's attention from the most glorious necklace of all time.
It's pearls and lace. Oh yeah, it's amazing. Yesterday I went on a small shopping excursion with Jill, girlfriend of sometimes blog fashion photographer Will Best, on Main Street where I found this amazing necklace. Because Main Street has one adorable boutique after another, I can't actually remember where I bought this. But, look for it anyway, because it's amazing.
Pearls, lace, and sweetheart necklines -- Spring is really the best time for incredibly feminine outfits.

Dress: H&M

Cardigan: Thrifted, St. Vincent de Paul, Latrobe, Zara

Necklace: Forgotten but beloved store on Main Street

Tights: Kohl's.

I didn't show my shoes because, as I mentioned before, I thought it would be raining today, so I wore my very worn and slightly broken flats that I don't mind being ruined in the rain. If I had known it would be sunny, I would have worn my tweed flats, for some elegant pattern mixing. Even I sometimes think of function over fashion, unfortunately. xoxo Anna Rae