A Warby Parker Home Try-On Review

As I've mentioned before, I wasn't much of a glasses girl until last December when I made my first glasses purchase in years. Now, I'm digging specs for everyday wear!

I thought I'd take another glasses company out for a spin. Here's my experience with the  
Warby Parker Home Try-On Program.

How it Works

1) Select 5 frames from Warby Parker to try out.
2) Wait for your trial frames to come in the mail.
3) Try out the frames for 5 days.
4) Ship the frames back for free with the handy dandy return label.

Frames start at $95 a piece, including prescription lenses. One awesome bonus? For every frame you buy, Warby Parker donates one to someone in need.

So without further ado, here are the frames I tried.

Lyle in English Oak

Sims in Violet Magnolia

Nedwin in Summer Green

Nedwin in Cedar Tortoise

Quimby in Aurora

I think I like the Lyle and Sims frames the most. What do you think? 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. All opinions, however, are my own.

Spring/Summer Sewing Wishlist {or If Wishes were Horses}

Spring is in the air. Or at least it's in my thoughts, despite the freezing temps. I can't help but plan out my springtime sewing. Of course, knowing me, I'll be lucky to finish even one of these projects.

Here's hoping this year will be different!

1) Simple Blouse

Colette Pattern's Sencha and Grainline Studio's Scout Woven Tee

2) Simple Button-Up With Peter Pan Collar

Colette Pattern's Violet

3) Summer Shift

Vintage Simplicity Pattern from my personal stash (it was my Aunt's!) and Colette Patterns Laurel

4) Cigarette Pant

Brigitte Bardot in the perfect cigarette pants and a vintage cigarette pattern I've been longing for. It's a hard one to find at an affordable price!

5) Basic Dress

I love, love Carey Mulligan's dress. Hoping to create something similar with the Emery pattern from Christine Haynes.

6) Spring Suit

Still figuring this one out, but I'd love a cute matching spring suit like this one from Ruche.

The Poetic Wardrobe {Exiled}

I live by the ocean. But I live in a city by the ocean. There's barely a beach. Mainly, it's a busy wharf filled with touristy stores and restaurants. Except for the seagulls, you sometimes forget how close by the turbulent ocean you are. 

Last Winter and Spring, we spent several months living by the sea in a more rustic environment. Lately, I've been missing those months, and I've dreamed of living in an even more rustic oceanside community. As usual, Edna St. Vincent Millay (one of my favorite lyric poets and a fellow Mainer) sums up my feelings quite well.

Exiled

by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Searching my heart for its true sorrow,

This is the thing I find to be:

That I am weary of words and people,

Sick of the city, wanting the sea;

Wanting the stick, salty sweetness

Of the strong wind and shattered spray,

Wanting the loud sound and the soft sound

Of the big surf that breaks all day.

Always before about my dooryard,

Marking the reach of the winter sea,

Rooted in sand and dragging driftwood,

Straggled the purple wild sweet pea.

Always I climbed the wave at morning,

Shook the sand from my shoes at night,

That now am caught beneath big buildings,

Stricken with noise, confused with light.

If I could hear the green piles groaning.

Under the windy, wooden piers, 

See once again the bobbing barrels,

And the black sticks that fence the weirs;

If I could see the weedy mussels

Crusting the wrecked and rotting hulls,

Hear once again the hungry crying

Overhead, of the wheeling gulls;

Feel once again the shanty straining

Under the turning of the tide,

Fear once again the rising freshet,

Dread the bell in the fog outside,

I should be happy!--that was happy

All day long on the coast of Maine.

I have a need to hold and handle

Shells and anchors and ships again.

I should be happy, that am happy.

Never at all since I came here.

I am too long away from water;

I have a need of water near. 

Outfit Details

Dress: Handmade by Me - Colette Patterns Peony

Sweater: Gap

Glasses: Unkown

Belt: Thrifted 

Oh, and yes, that is Winnie the Pooh on my dress. And no, Winnie the Pooh has nothing to do with the poem. 

Wardrobe Architect: Defining Silhouettes {or What Your Clothing Says About You}

In working through Colette Pattern’s Wardrobe Architect Series, I've noticed I veer toward structured basics with a touch of whimsy. These fashion choices actually say a lot about my personality. 

I’m a goofy, eccentric person, but I’m a private person as well. My love of structure parallels my reserve. It reigns me in.

I’m reserved for many reasons. There’s my similarity to my dad’s family, a seemingly open and gregarious but fiercely private bunch. There’s my natural shyness and my fear of getting hurt. Most importantly, though, there’s a realization I came to years ago.

At 11-years-old, I wrote a very poor poem. I remember only one line now, “There is a wall, a barrier, separating me from the rest of the world.” I realized even then that I was different. My thought processes and actions weren’t what others considered “normal.” I also realized that I wasn’t interested in advertising my weirdness. It’s not that I’m afraid of being different. I simply don’t want to shout it from the rooftops. Sticking out is outside my comfort zone.

My clothing showcases that personality trait. I show my eccentricities in my odd color combinations, vintage pieces, and love of texture. But I also show my reserve in my love of pencil skirts, tailored pants, and blazers. In so many ways, my clothing is my armor. 

To be perfectly honest. I do love freewheeling, bohemian styles, especially in the summer months. That’s when I break out the flowing midi-length skirts, palazzo pants, and loose button-ups. I find, though, that I still seek restraint in those outfits. I wear loose skirts and pants with fitted Ts and my loose tops with slim pants or skirts. 

Bohemian styles are often associated with freedom. My tendency toward control might seem the antithesis of freedom. I’m actually passionate, to a fault, about my personal freedom. I bristle at containment from an outside force. In my intentional control, however, I think I find freedom. I have the freedom to be myself, private and alone, soaring through the skies (in my mind at least) or mulling over a flower. It’s when I declare my freedom and independence through my actions or dress that I feel self-aware, awkward, and imprisoned. Restraint allows me to forget myself and fly. 

In our world of rampant social media sharing, restraint is sometimes viewed, I think, as being untrue to yourself. We are taught be be proudly unique. Let me say at the outset, that I think this idea can cause more harm than good. It often connotes the idea that you never need to change and grow because who you are is OK. In contrast, I believe growth is a necessary part of life.

That said, I would never advocate being someone you’re not. In my case, there’s room for growth. I’m learning to let people in, even when it’s uncomfortable, simply because it's so often the right thing to do. Still, while I hope to change as needed, I’ll always be reserved. It’s part of who I am. In the end, to stop being reserved would be to lie about myself.

Image Source: Ruche

But enough about me. What about you? What do your personal style choices say about your personality? 

Weekly Inspirations a Week Late

Last week, I had a whole series of blogposts planned out. Then, things fell apart. Busy work schedules, sickness, and an ill cat have all added up to one crazy week. At least one good thing came out of the experience, though. I remembered exactly how glad I am to have married my husband. How could I not love a man who works hard then comes home to wash dishes, sing to a distressed kitten (his voice soothes her), and love and support me in my emotional roller coaster?

On a different note, here are some lovely links to start the week off.

• I'm still working on planning out my spring sewing schedule, but these patterns are definitely in the running! 
• Such a cute little dress pattern!
• One more adorable dress pattern!
• I'm getting really interested in this making your own cosmetics thing. Anyone tried it? I have really sensitive eyes and definitely want to try DIY mascara. 

Finally, to add a little smile to your day, here's a picture of my nephew Cedar in his Valentine's Day finest. His mum made the patches with the heart brooch template! 

The Poetic Wardrobe {i carry your heart with me(i carry it in}

I love fashion. I also love literature. For quite some time, I was a little sheepish of the former love. What self-respecting literary nut puts value on something as trivial as pretty clothes?

Over time, though, I've come to peace with my disparate interests, in part because I no longer see them as being so disparate. I don't love fashion for the compliments. I'm not concerned with being trendy. I love it as an art, just as literature is an art. I fully admit fashion is probably a lesser art, but it's an art nonetheless.

I really can't draw. I'm the only one of my siblings with this affliction. Getting dressed is my art form. It's an aesthetic that I can create and, even better, wear. It's my own means of creative expression.

My love of literature quite frequently ties in with my love of fashion. When I get dressed, I often think of books and poems as inspiration. To highlight the meeting ground I've found between my two favorite art forms, I'm starting a new series called The Poetic Wardrobe. From time to time, I'll post outfit pictures accompanied by the poem that inspired it.

This first one is a bit silly and needs little explanation. As I got dressed, all I could think was "I carry your heart with me. I carry it in your heart."

[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]

by e.e. cummings 

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in

my heart)i am never without it(anywhere

i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done

by only me is your doing,my darling)

                                                      i fear

no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want

no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)

and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Outfit Details:

Glasses - Rivet & Sway
Shirt - Old, Gap
Heart Brooch - handmade by me
Belt - thrifted
Skirt - thrifted
Tights - ?
Shoes - Urban Outfitters

Valentine's Day Giveaway Winners!

The two winners to the Valentine's Day Giveaway  are Carrie Faith Colby and Jane Andrews.

Carrie's Valentine's Idea:

"I am planning to make a heart garland with scrap book paper and/or tissue paper and string, possibly using left over white petals from our wedding too! And hoping to hang some red hearts on the white tree in our living room. (one of the ones from our reception with white lights on it.) :) "

Jane's Valentine's Idea: 

"This year for Valentine's, I have a DIY idea of sewing heart knee-patches onto a pair of Cedar's pants. I think it could be a manly nod to V-Day. For an activity, I'm thinking Color Me Mine--that is, if I can get my artist to come down to such a lowly level."

Congrats Carrie and Jane!

Carrie Valentine's Day Tree

Weekly Inspirations and A Beautiful Sunset

I'll be announcing the winner to the Valentine's Day Brooch Giveaway later today (hurry! You still have time to enter!). Until then, enjoy a few blogposts that have been catching my eye this week.

• Cutest dress ever! 
• Lovin' this outfit.
• An incredible read by my own dear sister. 
• This is an old post, but I loved this description of what really happens when you write a DIY tutorial. 
• Summer wishlist? If I were rich . . . .

Earlier this week, I looked up from my computer to see a gorgeous sunset out my window. I had to stop and take some pictures. They don't do it even a tiny bit of justice, but I thought I'd share what beauty I could capture. Enjoy.

My Wardrobe Architect: Defining a Core Style

Last Summer, I discovered Jennifer L. Scott's 10-piece wardrobe project. I was fascinated. Could I create a basic wardrobe so perfect that 10 pieces was enough?

Eventually, I decided that for now, I'll concentrate on a general simplifying, not just meeting a particular number. From there, though, I started wondering about a capsule wardrobe. If I had a ten piece base to my wardrobe, would it make everything else I owned fit in better?

So I decided to set a challenge for myself. I want to learn to sew better than I currently do. Why not make myself sew my own capsule wardrobe? As of yet, I haven't met that challenge, but I was reminded of it again after reading Sarai's Wardrobe Architect series. I'm working through some of her worksheets to help me better plan that basic wardrobe. Here are my results for defining a core style.

When you're wearing your favorite clothing, how do you feel?

relaxed but elegant
comfortable but structured
at home in my own skin
subtle

When you're wearing something not quite right, how do you feel?

stiff
scratchy
awkward
obvious

Who do you consider to be your style icons?

Audrey Hepburn. I know EVERYONE says this. But I can't not include her. Until I discovered Roman Holiday at age 15, I had no idea how to be stylish without being girly-girl. Audrey has been a huge part of my own style discovery. Since age 15, I've gradually realized I look nothing like her and can't be her, but I honor her individuality by staying true to my own personal style.

Leslie Caron. I love Daddy Longlegs. It is one of my favorite movies. I can't get pass how adorable Leslie is and how amazing all her outfits are! Whenever I feel in a style rut, I watch it!

Brigitte Bardot. Ok. This is a bit of a mixed style icon. I'm not a fan of her sexy looks, but I love how well she pulls together her tomboy and girlish sides. Plus, there's that hair. It always makes me feel like there's hope for my own thick, full, crazy locks.

Carey Mulligan. Carey is probably my only style icon from this millennium. I love her slightly vintage look that still borders on modern. Clean lines. Warm, basic colors. Simple combinations.

Downton Abbey Women: Quite some time ago, I decided that the 20s look wasn't right for me. I wanted a more defined waist. The recent seasons of Downton Abbey are changing my mind. Right now, I don't have much in my closet inspired by them, but I expect to see that change some.

What are some words that describe styles you like in theory but aren't quite right?

Gamine. A true gamine look (AKA Audrey) is too harsh on me.

Flapper. As I mentioned, I'm enjoying the 20s again, but the outright flapper look is far too loud for me.

Minimalism. I love simplicity and basics, so minimalism always attracts me, but it never works for me.

Look over your answers from last week on history, philosophy, culture, community, activities, location, and body. List at least 15 words that you associate with your answers. Think about descriptive words, moods, and feelings you associate with these things.

I actually didn't do the first worksheet, but I tried to come up with some words. I'm not good at describing myself. The hubby agreed to help. His answers made me smile so much, I had to share!

my words
quirky
gangly
awkwardly elegant
truthful
basic
rich simplicity
warm
natural
airy
textured
controlled/structured

the hubby's words
sensitive
passionate
childlike
paradoxical

Hubby summing me up: "a passionately sensitive child philosopher."

So those are my answers. What about you? How would you define your core style?

Valentine's Day Heart Brooch {A Tutorial}

As promised, here's the tutorial for making a heart-shaped brooch. Enjoy! And don't forget to enter the giveaway to get one of these premade and for free!

This tutorial does involve sewing. However, if you're not a seamstress, don't worry. You can actually use hot glue throughout for a slightly different brooch.

Supplies

• hand sewing needle with wide eye
• cotton embroidery floss in your choice of color
• felt in your choice of color
• scissors
• heart-shaped template
• hot glue gun (optional)
• metal pin closure

Skills

• very basic sewing skills 
• blanket stitch (check out this tutorial) 

How-To

1) Download heart template here. Note, if you make sure your printer is at 100% this should print to size. For reference, however, just measure from the dip at the top of the heart to the point (the bottom of the heart). It should measure roughly 2 1/4 inches to 2 3/8 inches.

2) Cut out two hearts from the felt. You can double the fabric together and do it at once, but I found the felt was so thick that I ended up with crooked edges, as you can see below. I'd recommend cutting them one at a time.

3) Sew metal pin closure to one heart. Make sure you sew it on correctly. If the heart is right side up and the pin is facing you, you want the opening side to the left. That way, you can easily pin it to your clothing with your right hand. If you're left-handed, then reverse the direction.

4) Blanket stitch the two felt hearts together. I've been planning a blanket stitch tutorial, but haven't been able to get good pictures or a video. It's nearly impossible to photograph yourself sewing! 

For now, check out this You Tube video. If you don't have time to learn, try hot gluing the two pieces together. You won't have the decorative edge, but the hot glue will work just fine. You'd be surprised how much money you've shelled out on cute accessories that were hot glued together! Just use the glue sparingly around the edges, so it doesn't leak out.

5) *Optional Step* Cut out a 1 inch x 1/2 inch rectangle from your felt. Mine is actually just over 1/2 inch wide. The size really depends on the size of your brooch pin. 

Hot glue the piece over the brooch pin as shown below. Spread the hot glue evenly over the felt piece but use lightly so you don't have visible glue.This step stabilizes the pin and covers up the messy stitches. 

If you don't like sewing, you can actually skip sewing the pin on and just do this hot glue step. I prefer having the pin extra secure, however.

Voila! You're done! 

Valentine's Day Heart Brooch {A Giveaway}

Can you believe Valentine's Day is almost here? It seems we were just celebrating Christmas or even Independence Day!

Valentine's Day is one of those things that everyone seems to have a love/hate relationship with. I have to confess, that I've been on both sides of the fence throughout the years. This year, I think I'll stay on the loving it side. Yup, it's a corny holiday, but so what? Corny can be fun, too!

To celebrate the launching of this blog, I'm posting a Valentine's Day tutorial and hosting a giveaway. Tomorrow, I'll be posting a tutorial on how to make this cute, heart-shaped brooch. Today through Saturday, I'm giving two of the brooches away through a giveaway.

Here's how to enter

1) Comment below with a Valentine's Day celebration idea. It can be something you've done in the past, something you're doing this year, or just an idea you love. You need to comment on this blog post to enter.
2) For an extra optional entry Like my Facebook page. If you've already liked it, just let me know in your comment. You can still get an extra entry.
3) For an extra optional entry, follow me on Twitter. Once again, if you're already following me, just let me know in your comment. You'll still get the extra entry.
4) You need to enter by Saturday, February 8 at noon EST.

Terms and Conditions

1) You must comment on this post to enter.
2) You can get up to two extra entries by liking me on Facebook or following me on Twitter.
3) To get those extra entries, you must let me know what you've done in your comment here.
4) The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
5) Shipping is free.
6) There will be two winners. Each will receive one brooch.
7) I'll announce the winners on Saturday, February 8 at 2 PM EST.
8) The winners will be drawn at random.

Got it? I look forward to reading your comments! To get you started, here's one of my favorite Valentine's Day ideas this year. Check out this gorgeous flower wreath!