Back From A Magical Train Ride

“Let’s go play choo choo train!”

“Yeeesss! I call Conductor!”

That’s basically how my conversation went with my nephew and niece when my brother-in-law and sister unveiled their hand-made wooden train. A sweet gift made by my brother-in-law. So, of course, I agreed to go along on our magical train adventure. And how does one dress for such a ride? Striped conductor jacket – check. Appropriately bright colored shorts and accessories to enter into magical lands – check. Mostly thrifted items in case something is left behind – final check. We jumped on board, waved our little hands good-bye (okay, their little hands) and began our journey across miles of bright blue oceans and into enchanted lands. I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure this past summer. And that my friends, is why I have been gone for so long :-)

Thrifty Thursday: A Tribute to the Discarded

“Latest and Greatest”

In our everyday lives it seems like we are constantly being marketed with those simple words. “Get it now – it’s the latest and greatest.” We yearn for that new car smell and get consumed with keeping an item in mint condition. Could it be that without even noticing we have become so obsessed with the idea of “newness” that in the process we’ve forgotten the intrigue of “distinctiveness” and “old charm”? Instead, we describe those items as used, ordinary, bland and cast them aside.

Well, here’s to the forgotten and the discarded.

A Vintage Affair

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending Resurrect at Retromended Vintage. It combined all of my favorite things: local artists, hot music, delicious treats, and vintage fashion. Could it be any more perfect? This was my first time at Retromended Vintage and it was just as cute and quirky as I expected.

My Addiction Remixed: A Sheer Maxi Skirt

Ever get an obsession to a recent purchase? Like an amazing red lipstick that you can’t stop wearing or a pair of flats that are about to disintegrate because you can’t take them off. Well, here it is: My name is Iris and I’m addicted to my maxi skirt. There, I said it.

Neon Caribbean Colors

You might recall how some colors trigger memories of my childhood in Puerto Rico (see here). Well, this time it wasn’t just a memory. I finally went back to my little island and relived it all again. Of course, I wasted no time to bust out the neon bright colors. I wore this lively ensemble to an impromptu boat ride around the southwest coast of the island. Not exactly a boat tour type of outfit (one needs a bikini when coasting along a Caribbean paradise). But it turned out perfectly because all around me the vivid colors of my outfit were reflected in the scenery.

Maxi Skirt and BCBG clutch in Chicago

It was my first night in Chicago. The plan was to go Navy Pier and then to an amazing dinner at Girl and the Goat. I wasn’t privy to all the details of the evening so you know what happens to my imagination, it quickly finds ways to fill in the holes. I began planning my outfit…

Micro Mini: The Thrifty Tweed Skirt

“Clothes look best on tall women.” If you are petite, you’ve probably heard that several times before. Well, pssssh to that I say. There is one thing that petite girls can seriously rock and that’s the micro mini. They look short but not so short that you wonder if you are going to get an unwelcomed preview. Maxi skirts, knee-length skirts, and mid-calf skirts on petite girls are sure to raise a few eyebrows by onlookers (although, that has never stopped me before and it shouldn’t stop you either). But not the micro mini, it flatters petite legs by making them look longer and leaner, like they belong on a runway model (or at least a taller girl). Better yet, we can wear them just about anywhere because it doesn’t look inappropriately short. Night out? Shopping? Hell, just doing some grocery shopping? Throw on that micro mini. You know I’m doing it.

"Beat the Heat" and Keep it Cool

Imagine this, if you will:

You open the door of your cool, even cold air conditioned home, cautiously step outside - and immediately feel like you’ve been engulfed in flames. As you rush to your car, your skin starts to boil, melt. You throw open your car door, crank the AC, and stand as the car crackles.You wait.

When the temperature inside the car registers a chilly 95 degrees, you’re ready to climb in, drive away, and start your day. Welcome to the Sunshine State.

Now, don’t let all this firey talk fool you, I love this state. I’ve lived in Florida for most of my life (and before that, the Caribbean) and I’ve resigned myself to the heat. In fact, after years of sweating, uh, misting lightly, I’ve found ways to make it look good. And I’m excited to share my tips and tricks with the Florida Fashion Blogger Link-Up.

Taking Care of Business (with my Christian Louboutin)

You might remember from this post that I was surprised on my birthday with a pair of Christian Louboutin Rolando pumps. Since then, I’ve been debating when and where to debut these beauties. After all, you can never have a “first time” again, so it had to be special. I wanted it to be an event where it would really stand out among the crowd. After much debate, I decided the perfect occasion was my profession’s annual conference. It is typically known as a conservative and professional gathering, but why not spice it up with some unexpected red soles? When I slipped the pumps on, I felt an instant burst of excitement and energy running from my toes to the top of my head. It was official, I was ready to network, discuss research ideas, and negotiate contracts. I was unstoppable. When I crossed my legs during seminars there weren’t eyes in the room that didn’t gravitate towards those red soles. Who can blame them? It’s definitely not a pair of shoes for the shy at heart. And I definitely was not feeling shy. I was equipped with my power suit and my Loubis. I was ready to stand out and use that confidence to my advantage. In the end, it turned out to be a great conference with new contacts and potential clients. Was it because of the Louboutins? Or my confidence? Or a little bit of both? I guess I'll never know!

Chantilly Lace: Not just your grandma’s lace

My grandmother’s table doilies and her Sunday church dress are the first things that come to mind when I think of Chantilly lace. Gentle, soft, and feminine – just like my grandmother. But it’s time for a new outlook on this traditional lace. I’ve been determined to step out of my comfort zone and re-evaluate my preconceived notions. With this new approach in mind, I decided to reinvent how I wear lace. In fact, this time lace would not be so delicate. This time there would be a twist.  Lace will now have a tougher look. Now it’s Chantilly lace with an edge. Probably not grandma approved but sometimes a girl has to break out of her obedient role and introduce a little bit of mischievousness and defiance into her life.

Beach Neutrals

How fun are spring trends lately? Bright, bold colors, and stripes are just some of my favorite. Actually, I’ve been so crazy about these trends that the neutral clothing in my closet has been neglected. The poor things. I skip over them as I reach for my purple jeans and bright yellow shirt and they cry a little inside. As an equal opportunity fashion lover, I decided it was time to put a stop to it by taking my favorite neutrals out of the closet and into the sunlight.

Now, I didn’t pick just any neutrals, I picked neutrals that reminded me of one of my favorite places. The beach! A beach-blue ruffle skirt spices up my sand-colored cardigan. I then added an oh-so-cute owl pendant to complete the beach-inspired neutrals look!

What clothing of yours have you been ignoring lately and what will you do to add it back into your life?

Fashion Tip: Be inspired to wear your neutrals by incorporating some of your favorite accessories! Any color is fair game for your accessories so be creative with those pendants, necklaces, or fashionable earrings!

What I’m Rockin:

Ruffle skirt: Express
Cardigan: Taken from my sister

Cream colored undershirt: Charlotte Russe
Owl Pendant: c/o Mango
Assorted Bracelets: Nordstrom Rack

Wedges: Marshalls

A Pink Remix

As you might know from this post, I am absolutely in love with the brightness and spunkiness of my pink jeans and all the wonderful memories it conjures. However, when I first got them I got remarks such as, “Where will you wear that to?” and “How many outfits can you come up with that color?” and even “You think you’ll even wear that more than once?” O ye of little faith, not only do I wear my pink jeans more than once, I probably wear them too many times.

Vivid and bright colors may seem daunting at first for pairing into every day wear. The colors appear wild and untamable. They mask all the other pieces in your closet and you worry they won’t play nice with your pastel colored cardigans. Fear not, taking control of these feisty ensembles only takes a little practice and a little daring.

Fashion Tip: Treat your vibrant bottoms as neutrals to help you pick out a top. Don’t be scared to use floral patterns, prints, and stripes. These will perfectly complement your colored jeans. If you want to take it a little easier pair with solid colors and layers. Start with three colors in your outfit until you are an experienced tamer. Then go wild!  

What I’m Rockin:

Jeans – Celebrity Pink Jeans via Macy’s

Outfit 1

Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Beya

Watch: Bijoux Terner

Belt: Forever 21

Sunnies: D&G

Outfit 2

Safari jacket – Old Navy

Blue Blouse – Marshalls

Cocktail ring – Forever21

Nude pumps – Target

Necklace – Beya

Outfit 3

Floral Blouse – Forever21

Scarf – Bijoux Terner

Pastel pink pumps – Qupid

Cross bracelet – Charyli, Winter Park

Bracelets (assorted) –Forever21


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Fashion Love at First Sight

Love at first sight. That’s what happened when I saw this silky feminine dress. In fact, I put it on and the girls in the dressing room (who I didn’t know) quickly complimented me on the dress and told me it was “the one”. Not only did I have an instant love for this dress but everyone could see that we were meant to be together. It was in the perfect location for first loves. Breezy palm trees, Caribbean blue waters, and romantic colonial structures – it was Key West, FL. So, I quickly grabbed the last size small and took it home ready to begin our fashionable relationship. I waited several weeks before going on our first date. I knew it had to be magical.

Then, our special day arrived. On January 26 I went to the Charyli Grand Opening in Winter Park. It was the perfect outing. Surrounded by beautiful (and affordable) clothing, friendly people, and even some great appetizers! What more could I ask for? I can’t wait to go back and hopefully find some more “loves at first sight”! For now, I’m already planning my next outing with this beautiful dress…maybe Valentine’s Day?

Fashion Tip: Not sure what to pair with your brightly colored dress? Go for nude colored shoes or in my case a soft pink. It’ll always work and it’s a simple rule to follow! 

(Me and the amazing photographer Andi Mans @AndiMans  at the Charyli Grand Opening)

What I'm Rockin':

Dress - DejaVu

Shoes - Qupid

Purse - Marshalls

Bracelet - c/o BeautyTease

Tribal Princess

Obviously, the centerpiece of this outfit is the earrings/necklace combo jewelry, unique, strange, and beautiful, it’s a perfect combination for a statement piece! I found this bold combo at the Gateway shops in Salt Lake City, UT a few months ago and immediately adopted it. The silky texture, the glint of the gold - when I set my eyes on it I knew I had to have it. In fact, as soon as the feathers brushed against my skin, I was transported to a mossy place, assuming my rightful spot on a wooden throne, biting down on succulent grapes, wallowing in the breeze rising off the fanning palm fronds. My skin tingled from the heat of the bonfire and my thoughts were muted by the loud chants and piercing howls of the natives. These earrings - exotic, mysterious, and powerful - took me on a journey through time and back.

Back in the present day, I paired these bold feathers with a subdued but textured linen shirt, a leaf-carved cuff that recalls the outdoors, and dark denim wide leg jeans that add sleek lines and a clean finish. Here’s an outfit any modern day Pocahontas would be proud to rock, with or without John Smith at her side.

Fashion Tip: Don't be too shy to step out of your comfort zone (and into the forest) and try jewelry atypical of what you normally wear. Pick one piece and then let it tell the story by keeping the color and cut of the rest of your outfit simple.

What's the most unique jewelry you own?

What I'm Rockin':

Earrings - Gateway shops, Salt Lake City, UT

Blouse - Heavenly Couture (http://www.getheavenly.com/), San Clemente, CA

Cuff - Charlotte Russe 

Jeans - Marshalls ($12!)

Booties - Charles by Charles David via Marshalls

Purse - Gifted, Hand-Knitted by my cousin

Runaway in Midnight Blue

Hello, My name is Iris. And I am an unabashed and hopeless romantic. So much so that I love attending weddings, witnessing two madly-in-love people commit their lives to each other. It’s a true-life love story, exactly what this dress brings to mind, which is why I wore it to a family wedding this weekend.

Thrifty Thursday: Sweet Fashion

I realized that I really enjoy putting outfits together with my thrift store finds so I decided I will make a habit of it. This is the first official Thrifty Thursday post. Enjoy!

Thrifty Fashion

I've recently had an obsession with shopping at thrift stores. My husband was the one that introduced me to this new world. He loves it for the tools and gadgets he finds but I’m most intrigued by the fashion riches hidden away. I love the thrill of discovering some lost treasures and then imagining all the stories involved with that one ring, shirt, skirt, belt, or hat. Needless to say, I come up with some pretty elaborate stories for my bounty. Unfortunately, you can’t find the same treasure at all thrift stores but I hope these posts inspire you to also plunder your local thrift store to find great things. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you are helping the environment and your local economy! I got these great linen pants at Goodwill. Happy Thrifting!