That's Not My Name

I stalk clothes. When I first discovered that Nanette Lepore had produced both dresses and blouses with a print of boys' names in script I knew I had to own one of them. The print also came in pink on black and I would buy it as well if I could!
As an English PhD student I of course love font as pattern, and adore the way you can't really tell what the print is unless you look closely. There is also something so deliciously retro and tongue-in-cheek about having "Ralph", "John", and "Harry" emblazoned on a conservative blouse.
A black skirt, pearl studs, and simple turquoise flats set off the top without competing with it.
Blouse: Nanette Lepore, Ebay

Skirt: Teenflo, Winners

Shoes: Banana Republic, Ebay

Photos by my lovely fiancée Reece, whose name sadly doesn't appear.

Puppy Love

I'm a cat person. But when dogs get little bows and become printed onto silk chiffon it makes me feel like switching sides. I like my novelty prints rendered on the twee-est shapes possible, and the ruffles and tiered sleeves of this top fit the bill perfectly. Novelty prints always feel a bit 1940s to me (my favourite dressing decade) so I tucked them into a tweed pencil skirt with the slightest of fishtail hems. The hem also features an asymmetrical frayed ruffle, keeping it from being too derivative.
I just had to match the Scotty dogs' bows with my shoes. I recently purchased this patent pair so I can continue to wear red pumps in inclement weather, as my suede ones are just not Vancouver friendly. The pointy toe makes them a bit more vampy, but the low heel keeps them walkable.
Blouse: Femme de Carriere

Skirt: Nanette Lepore, Holt Refrew (on summer clearance)

Shoes: Vince Camuto, Winners

Thanks to Mono for her photography!

Getting Defensive

One of the last steps between me and PhD candidacy was a comprehensive paper defence. Since I knew I was going to feel nervous and uncomfortable, I wore something that I normally avoid because it makes me feel exactly the same way: a skirt. Yes, skirts cause me a profound discomfort that pants and dresses do not. I don't like the way they orbit around my waist, are often too short, and require just the right top to pair them with.

While I wish this skirt was a few inches longer (I am quite tall), I really liked the pleating and pockets. The wide waistband also means that I can pretend it is sitting at my waist rather than my hips (I am very short-waisted) and tuck tops in. I am looking forward to solving the length problem with opaque tights when weather permits.

The best thing about the skirt, however, is that it served as a neutral background for one of the most riotous floral prints in my collection. I have nothing but admiration for the textile designer who decided to pair fuschia with orange. The blouse's not-so-shrinking daisies made me feel almost as bold as they are.
Skirt: Teenflo, Winners
Blouse: Semantiks, Nordstrom's
Flats: Sam Edelman, Winners
Glasses: Joe Fresh, The Real Canadian Superstore