Layering Flowers on Flowers

Floral blouse: thrifted, Value Village

Tank top: Forever 21 (old)

Bangles: thrifted

I think I'm starting to realize I have an obsession with layering florals...

My Very First Anthropologie Purchase, a.k.a. Sequins Galore

 

Sequined tank: Anthropologie (clearance)

Cardigan: thrited

Necklace: flea market find

Skirt: thrifted, Value Village

Confession: ever since high school, I've dreamed of a 'grown-up' life that involved a closet full of Anthropologie frocks. I've always been attracted to their aesthetic--like browsing a thrift store stocked only with cute clothing. The high quality and attention to detail exude an air of 'Hellooooooo adulthood, I'm sophisticated and fun.' It would be a signal that I was successful at ladyhood, or something. Unfortunately, I've always been super cheap. Even with a full-time job I can't bring myself to spend certain amounts on dresses--even when they're really, really, really, really cute.

It wasn't until this past fall that I purchased my first piece of clothing from the store. (It was on clearance.) Let me state now for clarification that I am not a sequin girl, but the little splashes of teal, periwinkle and deep pink in the zigzags make it more kooky and wearable. I've been having a hard time so far finding places to wear it. The sequins add that something 'extra' that, to me, doesn't feel appropriate for the office or going to a movie. These are my attempts to style the sequins for casual situations.

How do you style sequined tops?

St. Louis Thrift Finds: Silver Rings and Retro Beaded Necklaces From the Belleville Flea Market

 

I guess you could call my second excursion to the Belleville Flea Market a smashing success. I met one vendor who scours garage and estate sales for vintage jewelry and sells it dirt cheap. Not only did I leave with 14 necklaces (at $1 each!), but he was really helpful in pulling other pieces that complimented my style. He even spent a few minutes untangling necklaces for me! Most of my choices this time around ended up being in the green and blue families, and I really dig how they happen to match my Alchemy Ale.

But the pièce de résistance was this silver ring. Not only is it large enough to fit on fingers other than my pinky (a tall order, I've found), but the carving details is gorgeous. Over the past week I've been formulating legends in my head about this beautiful goddess, and how she became entrapped inside a ring.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for previews of upcoming thrift finds!



About "St. Louis Thrift Finds": While this blog is primarily dedicated to personal style and ways bust forms are used for decoration, I am an avid thrifter/antiquer/junk sifter. Sometimes, I scoop up the treasures I find. Other times, I simply want to share them with you!

(Stolen Off) My Boyfriend's Back: Dressing Up Ol' Dirty Bastard

T-shirt: stolen from my boyfriend

Cardigan: Old Navy (old)

Skirt: thrifted, Value Village

Bracelets: green flowers (gift), beaded bracelet and orange rope bracelet (Paisley on Main in Glen Ellyn, Ill.), floral bangle (Goodwill)

The colors on this Andy Warhol-inspired Ol' Dirty Bastard tee inspire endless outfit possibilities.

Fine Form: Retro Mannequin

I found this photo on Tumblr, and fell through an electronic rabbit hole attempting to find its source. One of my immediate goals to expand this blog is to find a full-form mannequin--one with legs and a head, so I can show off looks with tights and headscarves better. This one would probably be hard to dress, but it's so dreamy (the garters!)! I'd probably be compelled to dress her like Rosie the Riveter at all times.


Do you use a dress form or mannequin as a display? Share your photos with me, and I may feature them in an upcoming Fine Form post! E-mail photos to karlieabaker@gmail.com.

'Ravenswood' Cancelled, But Not Forgotten: My 6 Favorite Collared Shirt Fashions from Remy Beaumont

Earlier this week I shared my favorite looks from the  'Pretty Little Liars' noir-themed episode, "Shadow Play." When I woke up this morning to find its spin-off, Ravenswood, had been cancelled, I wanted to pay tribute by doing something similar.

I wouldn't rank the show as high as PLL on my guilty pleasure scale, though a paranormal show from I. Marlene King (writer of one of my absolute favorite childhood movies, "Now and Then") had the 8-year-old version of Karlie screaming in glee. But honestly, I watched it to see what Remy Beaumont (Britne Oldford) wore next.

I love mixing patterns, and I love layering shirts with an interesting collar underneath. This character wears the hell out of both at once, and thus was my favorite character (her side job at the local newspaper and general resourcefulness also helped). Watching 'Ravenswood' inspired me to stop investing in all cardigans, and keep an eye out for opportunities to look this casually put together.

(Okay, this one's a hoodie and not a collared shirt)

Were you a 'Ravenswood' fan? What were your favorite looks?

Off the Bust: Valentine's Day Date Outfit Details

Dress: Ross Dress for Less

Zigzag tights: Forever 21

Striped socks: Target

Boots: Zappos

Coat: hand-me-down

My boyfriend and I keep our Valentine's Day celebrations pretty low-key. We actually had our 'date' a little early this year, with a Saturday morning showing of "It Happened One Night" at the Hi-Pointe Theatre (with some Strange Donuts snuck in for breakfast!) and dinner at Happy China in Creve Coeur. I wear dresses whenever I go to the buffet so I have room to expand!




About "Off the Bust": While I'm more than happy to have my dress forms model the looks for this blog, occasionally I share outfits I wear, too!

Style I Envy: My 5 Favorite Noir-Themed Fashions from Pretty Little Liars' "Shadow Play"

While most people are happy to look forward to the Superbowl or a new season of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," I wait with baited breath for "Pretty Little Liars" on Tuesday nights. It's my ultra-guilty pleasure, the show I watch when I don't want to think (but also want to attempt to solve a really complex, senseless mystery about high school girls).

Since this is a style blog, I won't digress into the complicated relationship that has become my love for the show. I will, however, share some superb vintage looks from this week's noir episode, "Shadow Play." The girls travel back in time during Spencer's (Troian Bellisario) speed-induced hallucination where she attempts to... you know what? You can just view the looks.

These are my favorites, in no particular order.


1. Emily's (Shay Mitchell) hair

I think this show just gave me a reason to learn how to style my hair!

2. Likewise, Emily's sparkly dress and bold necklace combo

The cheetah print also brings out her sauciness.


3. Spencer's nightgown

Since this is a theme episode I'll look past the fact that no 17-year-old has need for such a sultry night look, but this gown is the bee's knees. It's easily the most glamorous look in the whole episode, and one that makes this 25-year-old question why she doesn't own any big girl nightgowns.


4. Hanna's polka-dot blouse (in color!)

From the footage of the show, I would have guessed the dots were red! I think it's a great color combination that would transcend just fine to the 2010's.

5. Embroidered details on Paige's dress

I didn't care much for this look when I saw it on camera (something about the movement, I guess), but it's one of my favorites now that I've seen a still of it. The scalloping on the sleeves is just adorable!

Are you a PLL fan? Tell me which "Shadow Play" look you liked best! Or check out my favorite looks from Remy Beaumont of 'Ravenswood.'

St. Louis Thrift Finds: Raptor Claw Bangle at Avalon Exchange

claw bracelet: Avalon Exchange

I don't always remember to check the jewelry selection at Avalon Exchange, but when I do, I find pieces I've been wanting for ages. I had seen claw details on bangles and even backs of boot heels on Pinterest, but it wasn't until a few months ago I spotted this during a weekend trip to the store. The hinge is a little loose, but my blind love for anything dinosaur-related ignores that.


About "St. Louis Thrift Finds": While this blog is primarily dedicated to personal style and ways bust forms are used for decoration, I am an avid thrifter/antiquer/junk sifter. Sometimes, I scoop up the treasures I find. Other times, I simply want to share them with you!

Date Night Outfits: Taking a Summer Dress Into Winter for Valentine's Day

Dress: Francesca's
Red turtleneck: Zara
Boots: T.J. Maxx

During her last visit to St. Louis, my best friend Aly dared me to start wearing this dress on everyday occasions. I bought it a year and a half ago during a BOGO sale at Francesca's. The tribal print is just enchanting.

It's a perfectly feminine and casual dress to wear during the summer. It also looks sassy with a black blazer (I have one with a cheetah print lining I like to pair with it). The keyhole made it problematic for any work functions, but I think this strikes a compromise. I think it would also work well for a low-key Valentine's Day dinner. I'm still undecided whether I like the combination of pink and red together in an outfit, but the other colors here (particularly the purple) help keep it all in balance.

Bonus: while light, this Zara turtleneck is super warm.

Reporters Can Be Ladies, Too!: Why I Don't Think Robyn Doolittle Deserves Angry E-mails In Response to Flare Magazine Shoot

[Writer's note: While I intend to keep this blog light 'n' frothy for the most part, sometimes I get a bee in my bonnet.]

Style I Envy: I'd Travel to Suburgatory and Back for This Dress

Image credit: Farfetch

I went bananas after watching last week's Suburgatory, "Open Door Policy," and seeing Tessa Altman's pleated number from Erotokritos. (Here's a shot of her wearing it during the episode.)

Tessa Altman is the girl who convinced me that a green army jacket could be functional and versatile. I'm not a military boot gal, but otherwise, I don't mind taking the occasional style cue from this fictional high schooler. Her dress choices are always impeccably on point, and the girl knows how to layer.

• Exhibit B: this striped sundress 
• Exhibit C: teal cardigan over a cream dress
• Exhibit D: green sundress
• Exhibit E: layering with a white button-down
• Exhibit F: layering with a striped tank

Sometimes, a Shirt Is Meant to Be Worn Backwards

Blouse: thrifted, Value Village

Wrap skirt: thrifted (???)

Purse: Nine West (old)

Beaded bracelet: purchased the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago, Ill.

Silver bangle: hand-me-down

Yellow bracelets: Paisley on Main in Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Wedges: Target

Confession: this shirt is styled backwards. When I picked it out of the rack during my goodbye jaunt to the Shrewsbury Value Village, it appeared to be a white button-down with an embellishment on the back. It even has detailing on the elbows. Sweet, I thought, somehow different that the other five white button-downs I own. When I got in the dressing room it became apparent I was wrong about front versus back. Still, I much prefer the buttons in the front. I think this is a great shirt for days you're slumming it hairstyle-wise. Who will care if your messy bun goes unwashed when they are distracted by the embroidery?

Here's a close-up of the embroidery detail:

Fine Form: Rock Star Planters For Your Garden

Image credit: Stoneface Creations

Apparently winter is going to last for another six weeks, so this edition of Fine Form hearkens to a warmer time of year. 

I do not have a green thumb, but if I were a gardener, I would plant almost all of my ferns and succulents in head planters like these, from Stoneface Creations. They lend a whimsical touch to the typical flower pot by daring to answer, "How would humans look if our hair were made of cascading, flowered plants?" (That answer is obviously 'awesome.') In my mind, they're all members of the same botanical hair band--though a punny band name alludes me. 

I love how their faces are mossy and a little rustic, but part of me would love to buy a few and paint them up like famous rock stars. How cool would Ziggy Stardust look with spiky green leaves atop his head?

Do you use a dress form or mannequin as a display? Share your photos with me, and I may feature them in an upcoming Fine Form post! E-mail photos to bringingupbustform@gmail.com.

Oldies But Goodies: Tulips Galore

I don't remember where I found this blouse, but it was in constant rotation during my community college days. There was a definite feeling of continuing high school. I spent most of those two years buried in activity (editing the student paper, working in the PR department, hiking, my restaurant jobs), attempting to speed time before I could jet off to "real college." I also distracted myself by wearing the most vibrant things I could find.

It was a strange, awkward time. Not that I'm sour about it. Being stuck at home was a drag, though it afforded me free time I'll probably never have again. I had the opportunity to learn how to 'hang out,' something I seldom experienced as your typical high school over-achiever. You see, I had never partied before. I liked to have activities in mind when socializing. Sitting around for several hours in the same room doing, well, nothing, terrified me a little. It took a good year to learn to embrace the relaxation, and maybe part of that was accepting that I was in a transitional phase in my life--that I should just be and enjoy the moment before I lost it. I learned to like parties, and this shirt always seemed perfect for them.

One of my best friends used to shake his head and chuckle every time I wore it because it's one of my most obviously retro pieces, and one of the most "me," as he put it. In addition to the psychedelic tulip print, the sleeves are shortened and bell out at the ends. I always paired it with a gold gilded conch shell necklace, and always with gray jeans. He was right. It had a definite Karlie essence.

Daring to shake it up: I styled it here with a mixed print and a necklace that doesn't scream "70s cocktail party" quite so loudly.

Polka-dot button-down: thrifted, Value Village

Stone necklace: thrifted, Salvation Army

Watch: hand-me-down

Bracelet: flea market find