outfits - Natalie Wise Blog

Monday Hello

Time for a Monday blog & vlog! Just a little hello and catch-up (and a weird thumbnail image!) 🙂

I did a little beach chair re-vamp, too…spray-paint and some vintage fabric and trim can do wonders for a rusty beach chair 🙂

New beach chair was thoroughly enjoyed. A bit too thoroughly, as I am THOROUGHLY sunburned 🙁

But mostly, the past 2 weeks I’ve been MIA on set for a cookbook photoshoot I styled.

#workinit

instagram on set

And I FINALLY got a copy of the Darling Magazine with 8 of my BRAND-NEW, PRINT-ONLY poems in them! Grab your copy now at Anthropologie, WholeFoods or a local cool retailer (ask your local stores to carry it if they don’t already!).

Darling Summer 2015 issue available to order online here too

But it hasn’t been all work and no play…

Tee hee.

Have a great week, my dears!

New Firmoo Glasses & Sweater

I’m feeling Spring-y with my super fun retro-y new glasses from Firmoo.com. They are a lovely magenta-red that rolls into a soft creamy translucent color, with some fun vintage metal “arrows” on the corners. I’ve received several compliments on these already, and my mom said, “Take your old glasses off immediately and wear these instead.” Ha! Yes, mom!

I also took my new vintage-style jumper from London (sweater, hehe) for a spin in the Spring sun (don’t be fooled, it was still cold). I could NOT resist this darling little sweater. It’s absolutely SO 1950s-school-teacher-Laverne-&-Shirley-esque which I ADORE. So especially fun with my new glasses.

The sweater is a tad on the short side, so I tucked a nude cami in underneath it (which helps with the sheerness, too), so don’t worry, you aren’t seeing my tummy. They call this shirt a “one size” but I’m not sure how they think this is one-size, since if you were any bit bigger than me, it wouldn’t fit. Bummer.

I love these magenta high heel smoking slippers. They are just so fun and unexpected. The multi-strand pearl bracelet has gotten so much wear since I received it from my boyfriend’s mom for my birthday a few months ago.

I popped a little green velvet hair bow at the top of my bun, too, for an extra dash of charm. One can never have too many “dashes of charm.”

I’m so pleased with my retro-styled glasses from Firmoo.com. The quality is top-notch and they are beautiful. The price can’t be beat and the quality is definitely there. I definitely recommend them!

Glasses: Firmoo.com // Sweater: Miss Patina // Printed Wool Pants: J.Crew // Heels: Thrifted

Happy almost-Spring!

Sun and Snow

So here we are, still most assuredly in winter, but with more sunshine, bringing with it a longing for Spring.

And pink lipstick, because that’s sort of like spring.

And Valentine’s Day, coming soon!

Oh I can hardly wait!

Enjoy the sunshine on the snow…it’s quite beautiful and it makes me smile. Spring will come soon enough, dears.

Almost-Winter Wedding Attire

I love a good wedding, no matter the time of year! This LC Lauren Conrad dress has served me well through all of the seasons, and transitions into winter well with some opaque tights.

If it happens to be chilly, it’s simply the perfect excuse to wear my vintage capelet. And a shot of color with my vintage green clutch.

I love the details here…you can’t quite see the velvet bow above my side bun, my 1920s-ish earrings, and the wooden heel on the Missoni for Target pumps.

Yay for weddings! Such a fun excuse to get dressed up and celebrate all things lovely.

Christmas Dreaming A Little Early

“So I’m doing, my Christmas dreaming, a little early this yearrrrrrr…”

I couldn’t resist these beautiful diamonds from Anjolee jewelry when they sent me their website and asked me to review it. So here are some lovely diamond choices should a loved one be looking to gift you with something sparkly this year. If so, you’re in luck, scroll to the end of the post for a discount. If not, do some dreaming with me about Christmas party outfits with extra sparkle!

Here are three outfits I’d simply LOVE to wear to holiday parties this year…or to find under the Christmas tree!

Outfit details

Jewelry

This is my absolute favorite outfit and SO perfect for the holidays. Then wear it again at Valentine’s Day, of course! The skirt, the bow shoes, and a simple top…to die for. The unexpected? Lip print, of course. So very Schiaparelli!

Outfit details

Jewelry

This is such a grown-up outfit and I love the luxe textures and details. Nothing like leather pants, leopard print booties and a sumptuous top and clutch for the holidays. The unexpected? Leather pants at a cocktail party. Daring, darling!

Outfit details

Jewelry

This is so cute and party-perfect. I’d love to wear this for my birthday in January! Ladylike and lovely. The unexpected? Arrive with a black cape to top it all off. Oolala.

Anjolee also has customizable Gemstone bracelets that make great Christmas presents too!

AND as a special treat, here is a code for 5 percent off your purchase (since we’re talking high prices here, this discount is totally worth it): Anjolee5

(these are NOT affiliate links)

Here’s to a fun and festive holiday season and hopefully a little something sparkly!

Which outfit is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Movie Style: Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday

Princess Anne, played by Audrey Hepburn, escapes her royal guards and spends the day cavorting around Rome in the classic Hollywood black-and-white movie, “Roman Holiday.” It’s one of my favorites, and it’s currently available on Netflix.

The iconic “Princess on Holiday” outfit still works today, because all of its elements are classic pieces for an elegant wardrobe. Here are some ideas for how to recreate this look for everyday wear or for something a bit more special. This also makes a great Halloween costume, probably with items you already own.

The elements are simple, but the look comes together to look fresh and vibrant. The canvas of a plain white oxford gains personality from the sleeves being rolled and the collar popped.

Of course a smile and bright red lips are necessary accoutrements, because, as Audrey herself says, “Happy girls are the prettiest.” And I quite agree. Then, you’ll need some Roman sandals, the very first thing Princess Anne purchases on her day of freedom in the movie.

Ancient Greek Sandals gold leather sandals / Loeffler Randall real leather shoes / Isolá lace up wedge sandals / House of Harlow 1960 leather ankle strap sandals / Ancient Greek Sandals real leather shoes

The full midi skirt is making a comeback, perfect for this “Roman Holiday” style. Be sure to find one with a belt or add a belt after. Here are some examples…

Long midi skirt / Red skirt / Brown skirt / Gucci high waisted skirt / Cameo Rose brown skirt / Golden Goose circle skirt

That’s all that is required for this easy and delightful style. But I’m always up for a variation on a theme, so I took the Princess-off-duty look and transformed it into a Princess-ON-duty look, suitable for a fancy occasion. The elements are similar, but the fabrics and details have been elevated. Of course, rolled sleeves and a popped collar will add to the effect here, too.

Yves Saint Laurent collared shirt/ Topshop mid calf skirt / Jimmy Choo lace-up sandals / Pre-Owned Celine Canvas Mini Luggage / BCBGMAXAZRIA gold tone collar necklace / H M wide belt / Isadora pink lips makeup

Lavender and Wine

I simply canNOT stop wearing this orchid merino wool sweater with gold shoulder zips from J.Crew. It’s a bit drapey, but with fitted sleeeves and the nice side vents to give it shape. Perfect color for autumn, don’t you think? I love this orchid color with navy, wine (as my boots are), chocolate brown, olive green, deep golden yellow, and tan, like my hat. Such luscious combinations!

I’ve said before there are about 2 days each year where the shorts-and-boots combo actually works, and this was the fall day! Wool shorts are a unique specimen in and of themselves…because they’re, well…WOOL. SHORTS. I mean…

But I did get compliments on the shorts, and I think they’re super cute with boots.

Fall is the absolute perfect time for all of my wool hats, including this gem from American Eagle, believe it or not. I love its curvy 70’s-style brim that highlights sunglasses just perfectly. And the bright bangles and earrings are from J.Crew, too, and add a fun pop of contrast to this outfit.

Have you ever worn shorts with boots? What do you think of the combination?

Natalie

Happy Fall!

It has been a beautiful first few days of fall here! I love being able to wear my favorite boots and a few layers or heavier materials (such as this lovely alpaca sweater, one of my favorite fall pieces).

These are all classic pieces that combine to make an outfit that is both timeless and modern, with the addition of a fun, colorful necklace and some details like wedges and zippers on the boots and bell sleeves on the sweater. I’ve had the Coach belt since high school!

Big sunglasses are always a must, and a Cafe Americano can go a long way towards making a beautiful day, too.

Sweater: Catherine Melandrino//Jeans: Joe’s Jeans//Sunnies: Local boutique//Necklace: Urban Outfitters forever ago//Belt: Coach, forever ago//Boots: Steve Madden

Happy Fall, my friends!
xo
Natalie

From back when it was summer…

You guys I just remembered I never posted this outfit! In all it’s cute Labor Weekend red-white-and-blue-ness! Shame, shame.

Here it is…an Anthropologie clearance rack number with a quirky vintage purse, red lipstick and big sunnies. How I roll.

Anyway, happy almost-Friday!
xo

Natalie

The Sound of Music Dress

I bought this handmade vintage dress at an antique store last summer and wore it to see Garrison Keillor live. Y’know I love me some Prairie Home Companion. And I also desperately love some Sound of Music. Don’t you think the shape and color of this dress is reminiscent of that beloved movie? Like something Liesl might wear on a date with Rolf.

Since it has such a specific look in my mind, I had to change it up a bit. We are teetering into fall, so booties were in order. Then I added my favorite belt and a unique necklace that never fails to make me smile. So many colors! Pom poms!

The funny thing is the charm on the last bit of the necklace clanked against the belt buckle as I was ducking into church late, announcing my presence like a cattle bell. So much for being discreet!

I think this outfit strikes the transitional tone very well and could even be transitioned farther into fall with some tights, higher boots and a sweater. The dress is made of a lightweight wool, so it will keep me warm! I love handmade vintage…it has even MORE character!

PS> I’d love to share my poem I wrote for September 11th last year for Darling Magazine called, “Blue September.” Here’s a sneak peek:

Read the rest here!

Have a beautiful day my friends!

Natalie