Bell-bottoms: top priority of the summer

I've said it here before: I am a huge fan of the movie Dazed and Confused, which coincidentally was filmed here in Austin. In high school, I must have watched Dazed and Confused 100 times. I rented it so much that the guy at the video rental place would just hold it at the counter for me on Friday nights if the store's one copy wasn't already out (and if it was out, my town was so small, I usually knew who had it!). Inspired by the movie, I had the most amazing collection of bell-bottoms in high school, nearly identical to the ones the girls wore in Dazed and Confused. I've come full-circle: here I am years and years later wishing for a pair of these throwback jeans:

A few weeks ago I bought a Groupon from Bakersfield, California that was good for one pair of Indi Custom jeans for $85, down from $155. (By the way, it can pay off to check other city's Groupons if they work for online orders). Indi Denim wasn't lying when they said they offer a "perfect fit promise". Becca, in the gracious customer service department, emailed me to see if I was ready to place my order. I mentioned that I wished they offered a flare or a bell-bottom (in addition to their other fabulous cuts). She let me know that they could easily tweak a pair more to my liking... free of additional charges! I chose their Soma (slim fit) wide legged jeans and they're going to take 'em in under the knee and add to the circumference:

I got the darkest rinse possible, with a little bit of stretch, and the highest waist offered. Needless to say, I cannot wait until these beauties arrive! I've never had a pair of custom jeans before. They say it takes around four weeks (because each pattern is cut specifically for you), but the moment they arrive, I'll report here with a full review! Alright, alright, alright...

With one accord

If I were to win the lottery, the first silly thing I would buy myself is an accordion. My affinity for accordions is solely to blame on a childhood love for Judy Tenuta (I had a tv in my room and would watch Stand-up Spotlight on VH-1 waaaaay past the time when child should be in bed). I'm thinking that this love for accordions may also explain my love for accordion pleated dresses and skirts. Lulu's sent me this sweet maxi dress for the Texas Style Council Conference/ SXSW/ Style X (last seen here) and I screwed up the lining and top by machine washing and drying it incorrectly. Note: screwed up dress + scissors + elastic + sewing machine = new maxi skirt. Behold:

date: 24 May 2011 | occasion: watching Bridesmaids at the Alamo Drafthouse with Bee (baby day!)
dress (refashioned to skirt): c/o Lulu's (similar) | shirt: 80's Purple via Refinery29 Reserve | shoes: Lulu's (similar) | ring: Buffalo Exchange (similar) | belt: Buffalo Exchange (new merch)

And just so y'all know, when I finally get my accordion, I'm going to wear this skirt the first time I play it.

By the way, Who What Wear Daily had a great blurb on accordion pleats yesterday. Check it out! I guess everyone has a childhood love for Judy Tenuta.

Pinterest

Newest time waster in my life? Pinterest:

Pinterest is a collection of inspiration boards and a handy visual bookmarking tool. You can have as many boards as you'd like. I have one for style, one for decor, one for things I like for Jude, one of cool dogs I like, and lots more. You can post to your boards alone or do a collaboration, and there's a simple image/ link grabber that you drag up to your toolbar to "repin" images from whatever website you're on. Since I love browsing online boutiques this has been a wonderful addition (addiction?) for me.

If you're already on Pinterest, find me at http://pinterest.com/indiana. The community is invite only, so if you'd like to be a part of it, leave a comment with the email address I can send your into to or DM me that info on Twitter!

Neither trashy or flashy

The leather shorts I ordered last Wednesday came yesterday and they are everything I hoped they would be. Not too trashy and not too flashy.





date: 23 May 11 | occasion: nada
blouse: F21 | shorts: 80's Purple (Refinery 29 Reserve) | shoes: UO (similar)

Rare indoor photos! Chris got me a vanity for Mother's Day, and I love it. No more sitting on the floor in front of the full length mirror in my closet to do my makeup. I now have a nice little place in our bedroom to spackle my face and to read.

Weekend recap (with videos!)

This weekend was a whirlwind! In a good way!

Friday:
Chris and I were able to enjoy our very first night out without Jude. Our sweet friend Joanie offered to watch Jude so we could go out to dinner and bid adieu to our friend Seth by watching his band, The Sad Accordions, before he leaves Austin behind for Albuquerque. Y'all should know that I was so excited to not be wearing a nursing bra! Go, date night! (Um, please forgive the low quality pictures; I only had my point and shoot on hand):


shirt: Buffalo David Bitton | shorts: F21 | necklace: City Wide Garage Sale | clutch: LV | espadrille wedges: c/o Wanted

I'm starting to miss my Cynthia Vincent wedges less. These Notti wedges from Wanted are filling the gaping hole in my summer shoe collection the damaged CV wedges left. I'm thinking about getting them in orange, too.

By the way, that green drink is my favorite: a tall, Midori sour with a splash of Sprite. I'm trying to get all bars to call this the "Indiana". This isn't working as well as I had hoped it would...

Saturday:
My friend Dearing celebrated her grand entrance into her 30's with a "vin et le chocolat soiree". We were instructed to dress French and pick up a French name for the evening. Since I'm incredibly classy, I went by the name "Frenchy", donned a striped shirt from a fancy French boutique called the GAP, and I made obnoxious references to Amelié and said "wee wee" a lot:

Sunday:
This weekend was one of my favorite annual events- The Austin Renegade Craft Fair:

What's really great about Renegade is that it travels from city to city. If you missed Austin, you can catch it in LA, Chicago, New York, or London, too! I picked up an alphabet print and a tiny Texas plaque from Emilee Rose for Jude and I seriously regretted not getting the hamburger plush from My Paper Crane. Thank goodness most of these craftsters have online ordering available!

The dream

I've spent most of my post-college life pursing acting, but to be honest, in the last year or so I've lost a lot of my drive for that. Public speaking and acting have always my big loves, but since I've been easing up from obsessively auditioning, I've been thinking a lot about some of my other desires which have been dormant for a while.

Since moving to Austin I have become a fantastic baker and an expert shopper. Adored Austin has created the most amazing opportunities for me to meet some of the most creative and loving folks in this city and in the blog world. Y'all know I love blogging and shopping, but you may not know that I also love baking. Since 2006, I have wanted to open a mobile boutique/ bakery of sorts in (what else?) a vintage Airstream trailer. I remember trying to hash out the business plan with Chris at Kerby Lane one night five years ago, but the whole "food trailer" thing hadn't really started at that point, and my idea seemed so far fetched. I called my aunt in Florida, who has always been one of my biggest supporters, and she loved the idea. But until today, it's been only that. Just an idea.

My aunt called me today to let me know she hadn't forgotten my idea, and she and my uncle may be able to help me secure a 1960's Airstream. Would I still be interested?

Would I still be interested?!

My heart jumped up into my throat. My long disregarded passion for this idea was suddenly and feverishly reignited. The timing wasn't right five years ago, but now, perhaps things are aligned to make this happen. In fact, I sat down a few nights ago with two friends to discuss opening a restaurant in a year from now. Could this be the predecessor to that?

It's a little scary sharing this idea with y'all because A) what if it all falls through, B) what if I fail, and C) what if it is a dumb idea now that Austin is oversaturated with trailer boutiques and eateries? Not to mention D) how will I ever raise enough money to start, and E) where would I even park this thing?

I feel like Adored Austin has allowed me to know a lot more people who may be able to help me get started (be it advice, recommendations, or just supporting the business!), and more than ever my vision is clear. I'd like it to be half boutique and half bakery. I'd want to carry vintage and vintage inspired jewelry and sweet eats, like pies, cupcakes, and muffins. We'd have sweet tea and lemonaid and little bistro tables set up outside. The minute you step inside the trailer, you should feel like you're hanging out with your grandma in 1950. The food should remind you of home and the jewelry should be something your future daughter would see you wearing in an old photograph and ask you if you still have it (you do; you saved it for her). For now I'm calling it "Common Nostalgia", and for now my fingers are crossed that this idea becomes a reality for me and my family.

Any advice to a burgeoning business woman?

Earning our stripes

Since moving to Texas I have become somewhat of a taco expert. One of my favorite places in Austin is Torchy's. Last night my friend Matt had his surprise birthday party there, and since it's pretty casual, I, too, kept it pretty casual:
date: 18 May 11 | occasion: Torchy's birthday partyshirt: TxSCC gift from Striped Shirt | skirt: American Apparel | watch: TIKKR | belt: Target (similar) | necklace: c/o ThreadSence (similar) | shoes: TOMS (similar)
Torchy's always has a special taco of the month, and that's what I usually get. For the last two months, it's been a taco with an entire sausage link inside (no double entendre intended, pervs!). I really recommend trying that.

I also really recommend these striped shirts. They are so incredibly soft and comfortable and are a great alternative to the regular, gaudy fanwear. The bloggers at the Texas Style Council were each given one and some of the members of the Delightful Dozen were given one, too. These are some of my favorite looks:

1. The Electric Elmo Newsfeed, 2. Maybe This Door, 3. Hello Wife,

4. The Mac Styles, 5. Sable and Sage, 6. The Closet de Natalie, 7. Tick Tock Vintage

My school colors were purple and gold, which I think would make for a downright ugly striped shirt, thus why I chose red and gray (and the green and white combo) for myself. I am loving look #7 from Tick Tock Vintage, and since I own that striped shirt, too, I may have to copy it explicitly style chain it up!

Come to mamma

It is clear that I'm not aging gracefully. I just got the following goodies from the latest Refinery 29 Reserve sale from 80's Purple (click items and text for details): 

At first glace, these peieces scream "I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom!" (reference). I mean, c'mon! Leather shorts? An open back t-shirt? What is this? Freshman year of college? Am I going to start referring to my college days as the glory days?

I let these things sit in my online shopping cart overnight. I woke up this morning fully intending to empty my cart, but alas, I could not get these items out of my head! I logged into Polyvore and attempted to style these juvenile pieces in a way much more appropriate for a lady my age. I am pleased with the results, so I hit purchase (50% off!). On top of feeling like a champ for getting such a great deal, I love that once my new acquisitions arrive, I'll know exactly how to style them (click the image for the Polyvore link):

There's a fine line between trashy and classy when it comes to leather shorts and open backed shirts. Let's see if I can't keep it classy.

Who else has a weakness for things that could easily go to the "trashy" side of classy? Anyone?

Dotty for Navy

In middle school, I had an obsession with paisley. In high school, I was enamored of plaid. In college, I loved leopard print. Lately? I'm in the era of polka dots:


date: 16 May 11 | occasion: cookout at homeblazer: vintage close-out sale (similar) | blouse: c/o Francesca's | skirt: American Apparel flea market | belt: Savers (similar) | diaper bag: Timi & Leslie | headband: c/o Accessorize (similar) | watch: TIKKR | shoes: Converse Chuck-its c/o Kaboodle
I'm also on a navy blue kick and have been since last summer. Needless to say, I'm a goner when it comes to navy blue things that are polka dotted. These two goodies are on my ultimate summer wishlist:

What color and pattern can you not get enough of this year so far?

More more more

I am one of those people. And by "those people" I mean someone who buys multiple of something I love in different colors. I got this chiffon button down shirt at the American Apparel SXSW flea market this year. I also picked up an orange and cream one, too, but the green one is my favorite:




date: 13 May 11 | occasion: Wine and cheese party at Miranda's shorts: Free People (same) | blouse: American Apparel | shoes: Lulu*s (similar) | watch: TIKKR

Something else I wish I had in multiple are these shorts! I got these great shorts from Refinery 29's Reserve deal with Otte. I love Refinery 29. I get a lot of daily emails from a lot of sites, but theirs is one of the ones (along with the Who What Wear Daily email) that I most look forward to getting every day. The Reserve deal is a similar concept to Groupon... usually gift certificates for 50% off but for really great fashion stuff. I admit that I've become somewhat of a Groupon addict lately, and I know there are so many of these deal sites out there, but I really can't recommend the Refinery 29 Reserve deal enough. I mean, I love these polka dotted shorts and my newest blazer so much that I'd get them both in multiple colors. You know... because I'm one of those people.

Stay tuned...

It's been a long time coming, but today is the day, folks. I don't know how to put this page into "down time" so in bits in pieces, I'll be implementing my blog facelift! Please forgive me; it's going to be a bit messy over here today, but hopefully tomorrow Adored Austin will be enjoying a little bit of a makeover!

Hemming and hawing...

For the most part, I consider this an "affordable style blog". I did get a pricy diaper bag and camera bag, but I wanted to pay more for those since it was important to me how they looked and how they were constructed since I use those daily. Both are holding up incredibly well. I could not be happier with my Timi & Leslie diaper bag and my Epiphanie Camera bag.

Something else I am willing to pay a little more for is denim. I don't wear jeans often, but when I do, I want them to fit me well and I want them to last. The jeans in my closet are all around five years old. The washes are a little dated (with heavy sanding on the thigh area-- no thanks!) so I've been squirreling away some money to get a few more pairs of jeans that will hopefully take me into the next five years.

My weekend purchase was a pair of 7 for All Mankind dark flare jeans. I had budgeted $150 for said jeans, but gasped aloud when I saw the exact jeans on my list piled high on a pallet at Costco for $99.00. Costco! $99.00! I used my former Buffalo Exchange buyer prowess and scoured them over for irregular stitching, worn spots, slightly misplaced rivets, or even the tell-tale sign of a bad batch (clipped or marked though tags). Nada. I quite like them:


date: 10 May 11 | occasion: watching Jude & Mitchell at home
tank: Kirra c/o PacSun (similar) | hat: Billabong c/o PacSun (similar) | wedges: TxSCC gift from Wanted | jeans: Costco (same)
I like everything about my Costco jeans except for the length. What is up with all that extra fabric? I'm tall. I'm nearly 5'9'' and there's a good five inches or so hanging off the bottom of my foot. For reference, my Wanted wedges are the tallest shoes I own at four inches tall with a one inch platform, and even while sporting  those, the jeans are still a little long. I cannot imagine these jeans on a lady of average or shorter height! I contemplated hemming them myself, but Judy Aldridge (via Twitter) advised me to leave it to a professional. She's right. I mean, she should know. Her jeans are always impeccably hemmed. Lucky for me, I saw this gem on Groupon Austin today and grabbed it: $15 for jeans hemmed with the original hems put back on is phenomenal. I used to pay $35 in California.

Ugh. And speaking of jeans and hems, I broke down and got this Groupon, too:

$50 for $100 worth of designer denim at Hem Jeans in Austin? Yes, please! I should probably go back and purchase another hemming from Tailored by Design, too, now. These both end today in mere hours!

Help me! I'm out of control! Is anyone else on a mega Groupon kick, lately?

Chris' shirt inspires others...

The very first outfit post I did after having Jude was this. I wore Chris' clothes as an experiment because nothing really fit me well. Who knew that it would be a hit? Francesca's liked it so much that they did a shoot based on it and posted it to their blog:

The blog article that accompanies this photo is really great: "The Basic White Shirt: 1 Shirt 4 Ways". Most style bloggers would call this "remixing" but most regular folks would call this "wearing a shirt again with other stuff".

Thank you, Francesca's, for featuring me! I've never had someone take an outfit photo of mine and do a shoot based on it! I feel flattered!

Fringe benefits: take two

I've worn an outfit almost just like this before. However, I consider this one a slight upgrade:


date: 9 May 11 | occasion: cookout at home
vest: Mink Pink (Buy Definition) | dress: American Apparel Outlet (Groupon!) | boots: Minnetonka | lizard ring: Target (similar)
In this upgraded outfit, my vest was a bargin deal from Buy Definition instead of a DIY. My dress is from the American Apparel outlet instead of Wet Seal, and my boots are the real deal Minnetonka ones instead of the fake ones from Rue 21.

Goodbye, Cynthia Vincent Wedges (again)

You may remember that my little monster dog ate my first pair of Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges. Recently, a diligent and kind reader sent me a link to an eBay replacement pair that I promptly snatched up. The next day? The button popped off. Sadly, the damage is on both left shoes.

For as much money, time, and heartache as I've invested in the Cynthia Vincent for Target gladiator wedges, I could have bought a real leather, real deal 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent pair. I am convinced that I am at the age when I need to weigh the cost of a "good deal" versus buying a quality item that will last. Of course, in my ideal world, I'd find good deals on quality items. With all that said, it it with a tinge of regret that I announce that I've given up on finding another (a third) pair of Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges. I'm ready to start considering a pricier pair that would be worth the investment.Goodbye, sweet shoes. You will be missed:

I'm ready for a new summer shoe MVP.

Adored Austin facelift

Part of Makeover May is making over Adored Austin. I've been doing this blog for two years and it looks pretty much the same, design-wise, as it did back then. We're ready for a facelift over here! I'll be adjusting the header a bit. Here's a sneak peak at my new amped up logo:

Font changes! Yay! That's the first font I've ever hunkered down cash for, and I'm really excited about it. Nerd alert. Who gets excited about fonts? Raise your hand. Oh, just me?

I'm also going to figure out what's up with my comments not working. Some people can comment and some cannot. I cannot unless I go to each posts' individual URL. Today is probably going to be a pajama day since I plan to chain myself to my desk to make some improvements 'round here.

Stuck in a delicious rut

I am a snocone addict. My favorite snocone stand in Austin is Casey's New Orleans Snowballs. After city group at House Pizzeria last night, we jotted around the corner to Casey's:

date: 4 May 11 | occasion: City Group
shorts: TxSCC gift from Strut | blouse: c/o Spotted Moth | shoes: c/o Threadsence (similar) | hen necklace: flea market in Seymour, Indiana | hat: Urban Outfitters | watch: thrifted Michael Kors

This blouse from Spotted Moth was a great twist in the standard button up. The sleeves are super baloony and the back is cinched to fit a little nicer. As much as I like it, though, I've got to be real careful here. I could eat a snowball every day, and I could wear an outfit just like this every day. Oxfords, shorts, and a button up shirt could easily be my summer of 2011 uniform. Snowballs could be my summer dessert staple. Favorite flavors:

• cantaloupe with chili lime powder on top
• blackberry and custard with condensed milk on top
• almond, cherry, and nectar with cream on top

Oh, gosh. Now I'm craving one again. Anyone want to meet there tonight? I'll probably be wearing shorts, a button down, and oxfords....