WARDROBE WEDNESDAY | Frames

As a graphic designer, I am 80% of the time on the computer, and it has taken a toll on my eyes. I have been on and off with eyeglasses since I was five. My eyes always seemed to correct themselves.

My closet is a graveyard for neglected glasses frames that will never dress my eyes again. I had gone through at least 5 pairs of glasses before I hit middle school. I think my mother was grateful I didn't need them in middle school but by college, I found I needed them again. The pair I wanted were too expensive so I was stuck getting some that didn't fit my head very well because they were the less expensive choice. Two years ago, I got the two for one special, but of course only a select few were on that special, none of which fit me at all, but all I could afford.

Last year a friend told me she had gotten a pair of online glasses, so I looked at Coastal.com and got a deal on a pair of Vera Wang gunmetal frames, but unfortunately they sit very low on my face (the downside sometimes to doing online shopping for glasses--you don't get to see what you look like in them). Then Warby Parker frames. They send you free pairs to try on and then you can make your decision. Great idea, but I couldn't afford them! The pursuit continued.

I just found a website where I can do a virtual look of what the glasses look like on me. I've been having way too much fun with this thing.



So far I have narrowed it down to these three:

I like the one on the top left...ooo and the last one too. I want something classic, but fun and that will go with what I like to wear. What say all of you? If you are interested, Glassesusa.com is running discount right now: 15% off + get free shipping on your entire order (orders over $50). Code: FS15
10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

PENNY LOAFERS

Penny Loafers- Bass

I grew up loving oxfords and loafers. I knew from an early age I was born in the wrong era. There was a stint in my life where I wanted to look like everyone else and so I buried my mature sense of style to blend in. I was still different and was always made aware of it.

I have now come to my senses.

I have been craving loafers for almost seven years now, but could not find ones that were that hard leather and in a size for women. My craving has been satisfied by Bass. I never splurge on clothes or shoes. And even though these are originally priced at a 1/4 of my paycheck, Labor Day sales allowed for me to maintain a non-splurge purchase.

I still have to find some more close toed shoes for my internship...but then I also need some for the upcoming GENT event my boy J.O. is putting on (more on that later) and I want those to be saucy.

But I digress.

I am definitely wanting to do a whole collegiate prep style with these shoes, but I want to think beyond Ralph Lauren Polo. These are my style-spirations.

I N S P I R A T I O N

Pinterest is a drug that is hooked up to an IV. I have begun building my imaginary wardrobe from there. Its so convenient and free. It lets me know what I can look for when I am out shopping. I do not go off course.

I have my wishlist items as well as my current items so I know what I need to NOT get. Most of these items can be found thrifting. Do not cringe. I have found my diamond. It has served me well. Other items I get on clearance. I like to be frugal. I like to look like money without having to try.

A S S E S S M E N T

In my closet are lots of hodge podge items. There is no rhyme or reason to any of the clothes I have purchased or snagged at crazed swap shops. Some are textured. Some are patterned. Some are plain. Most are oversize items that need to be tailored. Have been waiting to be tailored.

I pulled out all my clothes to see what I did have. I found I have a lot of full skirts. Tea length skirts. There are button up shirts and blouses, but none go with the skirts that I currently have. I have mostly boots. There are lots of scarves.

I live in Florida.

There is hardly any color except for that blue pleated skirt and red skirt. Everything else is a remnant of Spring. Summer colors are no where to be found, but then I live in a place that is Summer 95% of the time. Summer and I have never been on friendly terms. I wear scarves and boots in spite of Summer. I have plenty of Winter wear. We are comrades.

I start interning in less than two weeks. Business casual. Nothing in my closet screams business casual. I am becoming more social. That means more night time events. Nothing in my closet says socialite. I am getting older. That means more engagements. More weddings. I have relatively no dresses. I have Fridays off. That means more strolling. I like to be comfortable when I stroll. I don't like to put a whole lot of time and effort when I stroll. I need more effortless wear as well.

More color.
More congruency.
More comfort.
More separates.

S T A R T

Fall is less than a month away. Summer will still linger. I will still dress for Fall. If I could be any season, it would be Fall. I am not as vibrant as Summer, but I still have color. There is beauty to be heard in the muted.

I build my foundation. It must be strong. Strong enough to withstand the hurricanes that weather the bold colors of Summer. Earth tone neutrals with remnants of yesterday's season to accent.