Category Archives: Bloggers

Vintage Coats Make Me Giddy

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Target Sunnies// Vintage coat// Charlotte Russe heels

One of my favorite aspects of Winter are all the fun accessories. Scarves, mittens, hats, socks, boots and of course: coats!

This coat is one of my all time favorite pieces I own; my aunt found it in her mother in law’s attic and asked if I would want it.  well der! It’s super heavy and quite fancy so I don’t get to wear it very often, but I had to pull it out this year and do a little shoot, it’s just too darling not to show to the world : )

This coat is a great example of why I love fashion, why I do what I do with this blog. There’s a story behind this coat, of how my aunt’s mother in law bought it and never wore it yet somehow it ended up in her attic and my aunt found it and thought of me. I love the story behind an outfit or a particular piece of clothing; what you were thinking when you bought it, what occasion did you buy it for, how you feel when you wear it, where were you when you bought it. If you take the time to invest in pieces like this coat, you have a walking memory, a great conversation starter.

I also love the transformation that happens with fashion. For me, outfits are very emotion-based. How I’m feeling that particular day or what I’m being influenced by will present itself through my clothing; whether it’s a song, a movie, a color, or an emotion. I love that I have that option, that something as simple as my clothing can become a medium for my creativity.

Does anyone else understand what I’m saying? What is fashion to you?

 

Red.

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Pacsun beanie, Old Navy jacket, Target Scarf, {old.v old.} jean jacket, Urban Outfitters merci beau coup tee, Pac Sun pants, Charlotte Russe rainboots.

These pictures were taken the day after we were supposed to get nine inches of Christmas Day snow. #weathermanfail. However it’s now snowing again as I type, so they might be able to swing this one and say they meant nine inches over a week?

I love the snow. I love the look, how everything is bright and white and clean. I love how excited everyone gets when they see snow, even adults. Snow causes everyone to pause, to look, to become a child for just a while.

2013 is almost here and I can’t help but use these last few days of ’12 to look back and reminisce. It’s been one crazy year, and 2013 will be even crazier! I’m excited to set new goals for myself, both in my personal life and here on this blog. Thank you to all of the sweet readers who keep coming back and reading this crazy little spot on the ‘net I call my own. It’s been a huge learning experience! I want to continue to learn all I can from this crazy Blogworld. I can’t wait to see what 2013 will hold!

See you guys next year!

12 Favorites from 2012

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my first photo in 2012 compared to my last in 2012.
I got this idea from Shanna and I just loved it so much I thought I’d recreate it, Rambler style : ) But Shanna rocks and did 20 things and I’m not that cool so we’re just doing 12.
12 of my favorite things in 2012!
1. Shoes: this one is a toughy, but I’ll go with these heels and these boots. I wore the CRAP out of those heels and those boots are the comfiest thing EVER.
2. Jewelry: my gold watch. I wear it almost every day, and it’s in almost every picture on this here blog. Here here and here are examples.
3. Accessory: I’d have to go with Shanna and say scarves. I LOVE my fur snood! I got it for Christmas last year and oh my word look how much I’ve changed! How crazy.
4. Clothing Item: I’d have to say my coated black pants from Pacsun. They are featured on this here blog at least once a week. And I’m quit proud of the fact that I fanagled a discount out of the Pacsun guy when I bought them. Woot!
5. Fashion Trend I absolutely adore Chelsea boots! I think they’re so quirky, I just love them. Least favorite? Sheer maxi skirts with solid mini skirts underneath. Um what?
6. Home Decor Trend: Fur rugs. Ya I’m kind of obsessed with fur. Least favorite? Chevron. I’m over it.
7. Place to shop: Forever 21, ASOS and Target.
8. Album: I have to agree with Shanna again, I adore Florence and the Machine. I’m also quite partial to Taylor Swift: Red (judge me all you want)
9. Trip: OF COURSE our engagement trip to San Francisco!
10. Social Media: I’m kind of obsessed with Instagram! I’m so glad they’re NOT going to go cray cray and steal my photos for their own selfish gain.

11. Blog Outfit: This one, this one, and this one. It’s also interesting that this one has gotten the most pins on pinterest! So random!
12. Blog Post: When I decided to take this blog to the next level (still working on that one!) and when I ranted about sweatpants. 
You can also read my most embarrassing moments in 2012 (and a tiny bit of 2011, I was such a baby!)
YAY! if you decide to do a 12 in ’12 (or a 20 in ’12!), Shoot me an email! I’d love to see your list!

Christmas with The Rambler

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This year Christmas was a little strange but still very sweet. My sister and brother in law stopped in OK on their way to Missouri for Christmas, and Mr. Darcy left right before Christmas to go to England, so we actually celebrated with a big family dinner last week. Christmas Day was spent with just my siblings and parents, watching Christmas movies, grilling steaks in the snowy backyard, and opening our stockings. A very quiet Christmas compared to the past couple of years, but sweet nonetheless. Here’s a few pictures from the past week.

Merry Christmas! xx

Hey We’re Still Alive!

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Target Hat// Old Navy coat// Forever 21 Top// Pacsun pants// Forever 21 chelsea boots

Welp it’s Friday the 21st and we’re all still alive! I guess the Mayans got it wrong. Or maybe they just ran out of rock, who knows.

The point is that the world didn’t end which means I can now truly enjoy the good things in life. Like these boots. Have I told you of my deep love for Chelsea boots? I absolutely adore boots and these slightly ugly yet equally quirky Chelsea boots are just darling. ( Chelseas are tight fitting ankle boots distinguished by the elastic band on the sides rather than a zipper.  For those that are confused. Come on guys, get with the program).

These are on sale, these have a darling color block effect to them, and these are currently starring in my wildest dreams.

Are you in love now as well? Yes. I knew you would be.

Merry {early} Christmas! I won’t be back until after the Big Guy visits, so have a wonderful holiday, hug your loved ones extra tight, and remember what this season is really about.


“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

- I Heard the  Bells


Layer UP!

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Nordstrom scarf (gift)//Target sweater// French Connection dress worn as a skirt (old, previously worn here where I look like a 12 year old)// Target boots (old)

For those of you who watch How I Met Your Mother, my post title is an attempt at a joke inspired from Barney. I know. It was a pathetic attempt.

But the point still remains: I LOVE layers. In the Fall and Winter it is my number 1 tip for anyone trying to make a closet stretch to cover all seasons. You save money by utilizing items you already have (like a dress for a skirt) and it helps keep you warm. A Win Win for everyone.

Is my sweater sacreligious?

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Target sunnies// Seams to be snood// Max & Olivia’s cross cutout sweater// Target leggings// Target flats// 7th & West bangles

I wasn’t too sure of this sweater when I got it in the mail. I mean, hi hello, there’s a huge cross on my back. Does that seem a bit strange to anyone else?
But then I realized how utterly comfy and cozy the sweater was, and how it was just the right length to wear with leggings. I also decided the cross kind of made the sweater a bit quirky so I just went with it. And ended up wearing it like, 3 days in a row. I know. Judge me all you want.
I’m having a hard time concentrating on writing out this post because my sister is on her way! YAY! My sister and brother in law will be with us for a week and a half and I am SUPER excited. I miss my sister more than anyone could have told me I would have. If someone could go back and tell my 15 year old self that my big sister would some day end up being my best friend, I probably would have laughed right in their face. But apparently miracles do happen. Girls can get along. Sisters can stop fighting long enough to realize that they’re best friend has been sleeping in the room (or bed) next to them all their life.
And now she’s finally here! EEEK!
 

It’s Friday, Friday…

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Forever 21 jacket and Scarf// Target Dress// Primark Tights (thanks Carls!)// Shoe Carnival boots

Oh hey, look it’s that leather jacket that I wear every single day. Don’t believe me? How about 1/2/3/4 and oh ya 5.

Yay it’s Friday!!! This weekend I plan on COMPLETING my Christmas shopping. I think this is the first year that I’ve ever come close to finishing this early. It helps that my siblings and I decided to just draw one name each for gift giving this year. Does anyone else do that? It makes it so much easier, you have so much more time to hunt around for that perfect gift. And since we’re all broke, it’s kind of nice not to be worrying that everyone will notice their gifts are from the dollar bins at Target. (you know you do it too. That stuff is just so cute, it’s irresistible!)

And I know I have been remiss in announcing the Shabby Loves Chic winner. I apologize. Click HERE to see if you won!

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

 

 

Back to Black

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old hat// Warby Parker glasses// Forever 21 jacket// Lucca sweater// Pacsun pants// Shoe Carnival buckle boots// 7th & West bangles

Good morning friends! Today is Thursday, which means it’s the Coast to Coast Challenge day! This is my first time to participate, if you haven’t checked it out yourself you can do so here. It’s a pretty fun idea!

Wearing all black makes me think of two things: one of my best friends,Lauren, who frequently rocks the all black look; and Amy Winehouse. Hence the title of this post.

Random things about this outfit:

I’ve had this hat since the dawn of time. I have no clue where it’s from, but I keep it because it’s just so stinkin comfy.

Also, my sweater has gone in and out of the giveaway pile for about the last 5 years, no joke. I always get to a place where I don’t like it anymore and I’m going to give it away, and then I find one more way to wear it and I keep it. I guess I just need to give in and keep the stupid thing for forever.

I wear these pants at least twice a week. No joke. I frequently get asked where I shop (working on that post!) and how often I shop, since it looks where I’m wearing different things in all of my posts. Au contraire my friend. I’m flattered that you think these same pants look different every time I wear them, but believe me it’s the same pair every time. I bet I have a smaller closet than a lot of folks out there!

Yay for Thursdays! Thursdays mean Friday is almost here and Fridays mean a short day at work, which means the weekend is here which means SLEEP! and Christmas shopping! And having a social life past 8pm! YAY!

 

 

 

 

How the Rambler Poses for Pictures

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After getting some encouragement from you guys, I decided to go ahead and post my tips on posing for pictures. This is just things I’ve picked up along the way that have worked for me. EVERYTHING about fashion blogging is relative. You have to find what works for you! So try out a few of my tips and let me know how it goes!

Here are 11 poses that work for me

Step back a few feet and then slowly walk forward again. Let your arms hang loose, and be mindful of what your face is doing. This can make a really nice, natural photo, or you can look like an idiot. Good luck. Cute jewelry! But this isn’t QVC, so steer away from your typical jewelry poses. Instead, tuck a hand into your pocket and shoot your bracelet that way, or pull you hand up to your face. Tie your shoe laces, play with your hair. Whatever you can do that will look more natural than just sticking your hand out in front of yourself. This can feel super weird sometimes, but I’ve found that taking a really wide stance can make a really nice picture. You look more confident. Try putting your weight on one leg to avoid looking like Superman.Got a cute skirt, a funky sash, or a cute tassel? Show it off! Twirl your skit in your hands, or play with the sash. Don’t be afraid to try something stupid. I would never stand like this in real life, unless I was being silly, which was the case in this picture. But it actually turned out kind of cute, regardless of my weird arms (right?)Not one of my favorite stances, since it feels extremely posed to me, but it is effective for breaking up all of those standing poses. I will frequently burst out laughing or tell someone to make me laugh so I can get a pose like this. They look fun and relaxed and natural, even though it’s 100% FAKE. Flirt with the camera, dahling! But really, try it. Turn away from the camera, look over your shoulder, look down at the ground. Just try different angles instead of straight on. Have you some cute pockets you want to show off? Shove your hands in them! It gives you something to do with your arms other than sticking them on your hips like Barbie. Try doing one hand, both hands, put your hands in your back pockets, front pockets, doesn’t matter! Find some stairs, a ledge, the street curb, whatever, and sit DOWN. Too many pictures standing up can get really boring to look at. Break up those images by trying different levels.

This might not feel natural to you and that’s ok; do what feels natural. For me, I’m constantly swooshing my hair, scrunching it up, flipping it around. So why not take pictures like that? If there’s something that you are constantly doing in real life (playing with your glasses, biting your lip, clasping your hands, tying your shoes, etc.) take pictures of it! It might seem awkward at first, but the pictures will prove that it’s not awkward at all.

Further Tips:

- PRACTICE. that’s right. Stand in front of a mirror and practice. You’ll never know what something looks like until you try it. When I’m shooting an outfit, we usually have about a 5-10 minute window to do so. I don’t have the time to try some crazy pose, look at the picture, try it again, look again, etc etc. To save time, practice poses in the mirror.

- Only use 3-5 images in your post. No matter how great the poses are, they all start to get boring after about 5. Try loading all the images you think are post worthy and then previewing the post. You’ll quickly see the ones that can be deleted.

- Don’t be afraid to SMILE. Let’s face it. We’re not professional models, nor are we ducks. We’re slightly crazy women taking pictures of their outfits for complete strangers to look at. So smile! and don’t take yourself too seriously.

- Be conscious of your surroundings. This is one my mother is ALWAYS trying to drill into my head. I find a cute space to take pictures but I completely disregard the huge pile of trash in the corner. (or the disgusting drain pipe in picture #3)  Before taking any pictures, look at your space through your camera lens. Be observant of what is going on and what you are wearing. Do they work together? Is it too busy? Will you stand out or fade into the background?

If you have any further questions let me know in the comments! Have a great day!

 

Linking up with Rolled Up Pretty today!