Feeling Uninspired By Your Closet?

Don't worry, it happens to everyone... er, everything.

The "Zillion Days of Jewelry" Instagram Project

It's been a while, huh?

Those of you who know me may not be surprised, but an FYI for those of you who don't, I take on a lot of "side projects." It's very possible it's an undiagnosed form of ADHD, but especially when it comes to writing projects, I have a lot of whims, and I like to follow all of them.

My blog was one of those whims, albeit one that took several years from "I want to start a blog," to fruition. It wasn't until I was laid off from my first full-time reporting gig that I realized I had spent the whole time working 60+ hour weeks and doing very well at my job, but very little for myself. I wanted a way to get back in touch with the fun I used to have with my clothes after having to attend so many city meetings, school board meetings and chamber of commerce functions where the majority of people were at least 10 years my senior. More importantly, I wanted to have fun with writing again.

Two years later, the mission of this blog has been accomplished--I have tapped back into Karlie's inner stylist, and don't need to remind myself to embrace my crazy, sartorial whims. I don't need to take photos anymore of outfits I aspire to wear; now I just wear them.

I thought for a while of disbanding this blog. I've been having a ton more fun with United States of Vintage--especially on Instagram--and I'm chewing on some ways to make the most of that project. It feels more in line with who I am style-wise, and what I want to be doing with a blog that serves the greater community--especially the promotion of other bloggers and independent shops! I'm also working on a fiction writing project, which is magical and wonderful and certainly falls within the pursuit of loving writing.

So for now, the majority of the blogging you'll see from me will likely be on USofV instead of here. We'll see where the muse takes me.

But that doesn't mean I'm slacking off with my personal style! After discovering the Belleville Flea Market a year and a half ago, I've now amassed a hoarder-level stockpile of jewelry... and as of this writing, probably only utilize 60 percent of it. Following the original intent of this blog, I'm using the hashtag #zilliondaysofjewelry on my personal Instagram account to inspire myself on ways to get use out of it all, no matter how crazy the combination. I think it's a project better served on Insta, since I won't be talking much about each photo.

So this isn't goodbye... I'll still be in Internet land, just in different corners of it.

OOTD: Embroidered Details

All items: thrifted

Fine Form: DIY Hat and Accessories Displays

Photo credit: Sassytrash

I have found my next DIY project, spotted on Pinterest a few weeks ago! 

A couple years ago I actually swiped an all-metal stand from my mom, because I like their sort of rustic feel (despite only owning about three hats). But throw the top portion onto a vintage lamp and you have magic! 

Are You Checking the Two-Piece Section At the Thrift Store?

Wide collars and lace wings. Sort of. This cape is one reason you should always check the 2-piece section at #thrift stores! ... #usofvintage #vintage #vintagefashion #vintagestyle #vintagegirl #vintagedress #vintageblogger #truevintageootd #truevintage #retro #retrostyle #retrofashion #retrodoll #1960s #ootdsocialclub #ootd #wiw #wiwt #thrifted #thriftstyle #findthefind #fashionbloger #StyleBloggers #lace #floral #fashion #instafashion #boho #bohemian

A photo posted by United States of Vintage (@usofvintage) on Aug 14, 2015 at 3:36pm PDT

Shirt: estate sale

Cape: thrifted

Jeans: Forever 21

I learned this about a year ago--always give the two-piece section at the thrift store a look-through! Yes, the rack with the post-9 to 5 feminine power suits and (mostly 90s) dress and short-sleeve jacket sets. It turns out some of those toppers are amazing. I've been able to find light blazers in fun prints, a lace and fringe shawl, and this dreamy 1960s cape. Paired with a blue floor-length dress at the store, it was probably worn to some girl's homecoming dance. But keeping with my resolution in 2015 to have all my vintage and layer it, too, I prefer to pair it with this waaaaaay retro floral blouse. 

An Open Letter to Target Stores: I'm a Grown-Ass Woman Who Loves Dinosaurs. Why Do I Have to Shop the Target Boys' Section for a Jurassic World T-Shirt?

Fine Form: Two Ways to Style Miniature Bust Forms As Accessory, Jewelry Displays

Bracelet: thrifted
Necklace: borrowed from my mom!

I snagged these miniature busts for $12 at The Green Shag Market (5733 Manchester Ave.) a couple months ago. At about six inches high, they make perfect little accessories holders. I keep one in my bedroom and one in my bathroom, each for different uses: one for vagrant hair ties, the other for jewelry I'm too lazy to put in its proper place. 

I'm getting an itch to spray paint them a funky color. What do you think?

Tales of a Hand-Me-Down: An Obnoxious Owl Necklace

Blouse: thrifted, Value Village

Necklace: hand-me-down

It isn't often you see a plain old top on this blog, so I had to dress it up with a statement piece.

The necklace once belonged to my grandmother, giver of great hand-me-downs such as this quilted vintage jacket. When I miss her, I wear her jewelry. We were very close, though our stubborn, all-too-similar personalities often put us at odds. My mom dubbed it a 'tickle, slap' relationship, because we could go from hugging to fighting and back again in the span of minutes. But the truth is, I am indebted to her because she is the person who first helped me realize how empowering personal style is. She introduced me to thrift shopping. She never criticized my get-up (to my face) or looked at a purchase with disgust. Once when my mom was pointing out the more geriatric-inclined aspects of my wardrobe, my grandma said it was weird but it suited me, and it's probably one of the greatest compliments I will ever receive. Wordlessly, she taught me not to apologize for portraying who I am. That weird isn't bad. She supported every strange, sartorial growing pain I experienced, and I never feel fear about what I'm wearing or what I like because of it. It's really amazing how the power of the love from people who believe in you carries on.

It's funny because as long as I knew her, she had a uniform of polyester slacks and crewneck sweatshirts. She wore jewelry on occasion, but it was of the department store, semi-precious stones variety. But when I put on a piece of hers like this, I sense her kooky spirit and feel the piece of her who enjoyed such small touches of whimsy.

Books, The Perfect Accessory

Vest: thrifted

With all the time I waste trying to coordinate new outfits, it's no surprise that the same thing happens with my reading material...

Layering Tattoo Tights

Skirt: thrifted

Yellow tights: Forever 21 (old)

Tattoo garter tights: Amazon

As a staunch supporter of the patterned sock movement, allow me to further spread the gospel: layer up on your tights!

Simple accessories like scarves and tights are great for those running late days, or when you want the rest of your look to be basic. I think tights give you a little more variety--Imagine all the ways you can now jazz up your little black dress!--with the added bonus of keeping your legs warm. An obvious go-to is to put fishnets over a pair of bright, solid tights. I've been on the fence about the tattoo tights trend. Many of the popular garter styles are so boring to me. I found this imitation lace garter on Amazon, and every time I put them on over another pair it feels like I'm wearing something customized. My favorite part is the polka dots give it that ‘stocking’ look. 

My next tattoo tights goal: snag a pair similar to these hanging man tights from This Is Why I’m Broke. 

Fine Form: Mannequin Bust Jewelry Display

Image credit: Bryce Covey Photography, as featured on Style Me Pretty

File this one under further proof that a miniature bust can serve functional and aesthetic purposes. I think trays are a great way to keep accessories sorted, and the addition of the mannequin bust gives the display some dimension. It also lends some personality to the decor. Not that gray is boring, but the natural wood pops against the gray and white. 

Outfit Inspiration: Mixing Polka Dots and Floral Prints

All items thrifted

Breathing New Life Into My Most Obnoxious Vintage Vest (and Small Acts of Retail Worker Rebellion)

Vintage blouse and vest: thrifted

Y'all, I have a weakness for vintage vests (as evidenced here, here and here).

A few of them can only be called statement vests, because they evoke awe (good or bad, at the very least, awe). I found this one shopping with one of my roommates at a Unique Thrift Store in Chicago, and just said, "Wow. It's horrifying and awesome, and I love the colors!" So it became mine.

I used to wear it with surprising frequency, and got a sick satisfaction out of finding ways to style it for work at Forever 21 (I was a sales associate during college). It was my own silent but rebellious way of protesting some of the styles we sold that I thought were garish; it was my ugly. My managers couldn't say boo because paired with the right modern pieces I owned the look--and even managed some compliments from customers. It was the best!

I really don't bust it out as often as I should anymore, so this was my attempt to bring it into my post-graduate life. White was always a solid combination for this vest, because it allows the many, many, many embellishments on it to stand out. I happen to love how the laser-cut collar plays off the navy. Accessories not even needed!

Combining My Loves of Vintage and Fossils With Antiquarian Couture

Antique watch with ancient fossil and wing necklace: c/o Antiquarian Couture

Dress: Ross Dress for Less
Vest: thrifted

Shirt: The Field Museum in Chicago
Vest: thrifted

 

Dress: Ross Dress for Less

Blouse: thrifted

Sweater: thrifted

Wooden necklace: purchased at Belleville Flea Market

Most of you who've followed my blog or know me in person know my interests lie within a few categories, aptly described several years ago by my one of my best friends as "words and dinosaurs and my little sister." Having grown up wandering among the sandstone canyons of Starved Rock State Park and its surroundings, my love for dinosaurs also extends to fossils. A geology professor I had would make us meet at different state parks in the area for field trips where he would explain the origins of the rocks we were walking on, and show us how we could identify the passage of time by changes in the rock layers. Those lessons piqued a new curiosity in the natural world and stuck with me more than any other non-writing classes I had in college. I still find myself observing and collecting and hypothesizing on hiking jaunts, often driving home with a checklist of questions for further research. It's also just helpful, in times of first-world, white girl crisis, to think of these places and remember that the world has a larger purpose than serving my needs, and that I should enjoy my time here rather than fretting.

I've tried to incorporate my love of fossils into my wardrobe, mostly through dinosaur t-shirts. For a few years I had a miniature T-rex fossil head necklace. Despite being asked several times if it was a fossilized rat, I wore the thing until it crumbled. So I felt very fortunate when Antiquarian Couture's John Bauer recently sent me this beautiful necklace that manages to capture Karlie the vintage jewelry hoarder and Karlie the fossil nerd into one piece.

The local jewelry designer's creations combine antique watch parts with steampunk and fantasy elements. The effects are one-of-a-kind and brand new, hinting at deeper histories you can create your own hypotheses about.

"The older the watch part, the more of a chance that some part of it was done by hand. Using parts and materials that a skilled worker created 100-150 years ago is great. Having myself embellish those same pieces and turn those watches into necklaces is such a thrill for me. It is as if there is a connection through time. This is why I love to make these pieces into jewelry," Bauer explained.

In addition to watch parts and fossils, he uses beads, dog tags, shells, jewels and metal pendants.

"The shape of a piece is determined by the materials I wish to include with it. I try to make everything move in a natural way.... When I use natural pieces like shells or insect parts, I like to mix them with the industrial pieces,"  he said. "I like the juxtaposition of the natural and mechanical pieces together and try to make the natural pieces the center of what I do, whenever possible."

Bauer said the fossil included in this piece was a gift from his brother-in-law.

"I wanted to do something fun, because the natural circular shape of the fossil was one that seemed to mimic the circular shape of a watch movement or watch gears. The 1920's watch movement just seemed to look nice in the middle of the circular area," he said. "I love the pairing of a material that could be millions of years old, with one that is probably only 90 years old."

What inspired the use of the wing? "The metal angel wings happen to be close to the shape and design that artists during the Renaissance time used to use whenever they drew or painted wings. It is also similar to the style and look that artists used in Victorian times as well. I strive to make my jewelry stay within the look and feel of that time and that style."

I love the addition of the wing because it reminds me of the Golden Mean spiral and sacred geometry associated with the nautilus shell. Plus, Bauer's creations are coated in resin for easy cleaning and insurance against clothing snags.

This necklace's mix of metal and natural elements has made it a pretty versatile piece for everyday wear. I'm having a ton of fun working it into my wardrobe, and staring at it in general. Check out that detail!

Photo courtesy: Antiquarian Couture

Check out Bauer's work at antiquariancouture.com or e-mail him at antiquariancouture@gmail.com for jewelry inquiries. His pieces are also available at TRXtattoo in St. Louis, and Rabbits and Rags in Columbia, Ill.

Fine Form: Hands Away

Vintage Vinyl: Portugal. The Man + Avalon Exchange Floral Dress

Inspired by:
Portugal. The Man, In the Mountain In the Cloud (2011)

Favorite tracks: 

"Everything You See (Kids Count Hallelujahs)"  "All Your Light (Times Like These)"  "Once Was One" 

Outfit details:
Dress (Avalon Exchange, St. Louis), necklace (Goodwill), rings purchased at Belleville Flea Market

I inherited my record player at the beginning of high school. Amassing my vinyl collection has become a treasured hobby; just like my continual quest for vintage clothes, I relish in the hunt for cheap deals. (Aside from the records family members passed down, my best bargain to date was $2 for an album of Elton John's greatest hits.) My collection feels very personal to me, because each album has at least one song I could never live without. Some of those first vinyls remain my all-time favorite albums. Listening to them feels restorative. I like being able to unplug from all the external commotion, enjoy the music, and force the gears of my brain to turn in a different direction.

These days I mostly listen to my records when I'm writing. I've gotten into this habit where if I'm suffering a bout of writer's block, I get entranced by the album art and start matching my jewelry to it. As far as exercises in expanding my sartorial limits, it's pretty effective. When I'm getting dressed I often base an outfit around a particular piece of clothing or jewelry; this method challenges me to think in terms of a combination of color, mood, and theme. I've had so much fun with it, I want to try and make it a regular feature on the blog.

The 'Vintage Vinyl' challenge will be to combine my older records with new pieces of clothing, and new records with vintage clothing or jewelry.

In high school, purchasing a Postal Service album on vinyl was the height of luxury. Being employed full-time has allowed me to fill out my record collection with newer artists (although I guess 1990s and newer isn't that 'new' anymore!) that I wouldn't necessarily find rummaging at Goodwill. I've been a casual fan of Portugal. The Man since the release of American Ghetto, but it wasn't until I saw them perform this past summer at Red Rocks that I really appreciated the harmony in their instrumentals. I also enjoy them because a lot of their lyrics deal with growing up and coming to terms with ugly things in the world while trying to stay true to your own ideals (aka, the average millenial's quarter-life crisis). In the Mountain... is trippy but fierce. It includes the kind of tracks that you shout along to in your car pumping your fist because you live on your own weird terms and you're awesome!, emphasis on that exclamation point. I find myself gravitating toward this album when I need a shot of courage.

A fan of pink and purple, I think the album art makes the accent colors on this vintage dress from Avalon Exchange pop. I wanted the jewelry to feel bright and eclectic, with a slight bohemian vibe. 

'Vintage Vinyl' meshes my vinyl collection and personal style. 

St. Louis Thrift Finds: Why You Should Always Check the Discard Rack at Thrift Stores

In keeping with my style resolution to be unafraid of going overboard with my vintage pieces, I give you this obnoxious, colorful mess of floral, beads and embroidery (and I'm not just talking about the vest). 

Isn't the vest a doozy, though? Last year I waxed philosophical about how my thrifting style has evolved, especially in regards to 'so ugly they're beautiful' vests. Well, I'm not always the model of retail restraint I think I am. This blue monstrosity struck my eye during a half-off sale at Value Village, which brings me to the nugget of wisdom that is the point of this post: If you're thrifting, always check the discard rack!

The percentage of items I've purchased that were spotted on my way into the fitting room is staggering. Think of it this way: one woman's ill-fitting garment is another woman's treasure. The discard rack is full of items that other customers have already curated out of the rows of bland so-so's, and for whatever reason they said 'no.' You're lucky enough to get the next first crack at them. When I first spotted this vest, it was still in another girl's hand. She was debating with her friend whether to buy it, and in a moment of doubt that it was too loud, set it on the discard rack. I snatched it within 10 seconds, then silently watched her amble back a few minutes later hoping to reclaim it. I'm not ashamed. Thrifting victories are awarded to the bold.

At $2.50, there was little question of return on investment. The worst case scenario is that I wear it out once or twice, get a few good chuckles, then sell it. So far, I'm having a lot of fun with it. My 18-year-old self would be really proud.

Dress and vest: Value Village (O'Fallon and Fenton, respectively)

See how I paired the vest with a tribal print dress on my Instagram!

The Evolving Style of "Pretty Little Liars": Spencer Hastings

And just because I love it so much...

The Evolving Style of "Pretty Little Liars": Hanna Marin

A Renaissance-Style Top Makes the Perfect Vest Pairing for Cold Weather

Shirt, vest, necklace: thrifted

Jeans: Target

Shoes: Macy's

Here's a peek at one of the outfits I'm wearing to the office this week. How are the rest of you keeping it warm but cute?

Pinterest Favorite: Manikin Hand Jewelry Display With Vintage Silver Rings

Manikin hand, Michaels

Did you know "Bringing Up Bust Form" is on Pinterest? Since I launched the blog in late 2013, this photo of my manikin hand has been a follower favorite. It's one of my favorite jewelry displays because I can stack each finger full to the brim with rings, or opt for a sassier pose (like above). I can even fashion the fingers into a "cup" for necklaces. 

Follow me on Pinterest for more style inspiration! 

Outfit Inspiration: Flight of the Conchords and a Psychedelic Vintage Skirt

Flight of the Conchords t-shirt: gifted
The rest: thrifted

Do you ever lose a piece of clothing or jewelry for several months? Between shuttling stuff back and forth from my boyfriend's house, and my one to two trips home to Illinois each month, I feel like I'm always trying to find something.

Most of the time I'm able to keep my patience intact until the lost item presents itself, because it has to be somewhere, right? However I wasn't so cool-headed when my Flight of the Conchords t-shirt went missing. It's one of the first gifts my boyfriend ever gave me (6 years ago!) and one of the few neutral-colored items in my whole wardrobe. I'd easily rank it in my top 10 pieces of favorite clothing. So I went straight-up crazy when it was lost--tearing apart my dirty laundry piles; checking over, under and behind every piece of furniture; I even spent a good few hours online trying to find a replacement. Nothing! Similar searches at my boyfriend and mom's homes were just as fruitless.

Further proving lost items are always the last place you'd imagine them being, I finally found it two visits to Illinois later, stuffed at the bottom of a laundry basket covered by bags of cake mixes. (Thanks, mom.) I screamed I was so happy to find it.

I think I was so anxious to have it back, not just because I love it so much, but because I needed it to be the perfect match for some of my new pieces. I knew when I spotted this psychedelic-printed maxi skirt that it would be a great companion with my retro baby blue jewelry... but Jemaine Clement's face really sets off the whole look, don't you think? 

St. Louis Thrift Finds: Did I Mention I Love the Belleville Flea Market?

It's the only place I can find a ring that makes me laugh out loud for just one dollar (!!!), that also happens to match one of my new favorite dresses. 

I've gotten a ton of great, cheap items from jewelry vendors at Belleville Flea. Check out some of my other goodies:

• St. Louis Thrift Finds: Wes Anderson-Style Brooch From Belleville Flea Market
• Tribal Shirt With Vintage Brooches, Gold Accents
• Delicate Gold Chains
• Oldies But Goodies: A Good Sweater Never Goes Out of Style
• A Very Floral 90s Sweater
• Oldies But Goodies: Vintage Cocktail Blouse with Gold and Baroque Touches
• Showing Off Latch Details On a Retro Necklace
• Breaking My Style Rules: Mixing Gold and Silver Jewelry
• St. Louis Thrift Finds: Silver Rings and Retro Beaded Necklaces From the Belleville Flea Market

Personal Style Experiment: Full-On Vintage

Dress: Avalon Exchange in St. Louis
Belt: New York & Company
Ring: Belleville Flea Market

Happy 2015, friends! Thanks for staying tuned following my holiday hiatus. I had cookies to consume, a sister to snuggle and a gaggle of animals to hang out with over the past month and it's felt good. But I'm recharged, and excited to dive back in on here!

I also started a new blog/Instagram project that's expanding how I style my clothes. Around Thanksgiving I launched United States of Vintage on Instagram as a way for people who love vintage clothing and home decor to find like-minded bloggers and shops. It's already introduced me to so many great gals around the world, and I'm having tons of fun sharing how they rock their retro looks on Instagram.

My favorite part is that each one has a signature for styling their pieces. We've all developed our own personal style guidelines, right? Mine for wearing vintage clothing is that I always try to blend them with at least one new piece. Not that I'm against full retro looks--those babes are some of my favorites to follow--but a mix of the two feels most me. (I have a suspicion it has a lot to do with my mom's accusations over the past decade that I am morphing into a full-fledged old lady.) The Avalon Exchange dress pictured above is a perfect example. Even though I tend to accessorize it with silver vintage pieces, the belt or sweater that goes with it always has to be new.

I didn't bother with making New Year's Resolutions, but I did make a promise to myself to take better advantage of my vintage pieces, but keep them wearable for me. Here's my first attempt:

Coat: thrifted
AC/DC button: hand-me-down

I found this coat last year and I'm in love with the white floral embroidery. I thought the coat would pull out the blue and white details of the dress. The pin is one of my mom's old pieces of jewelry, and I think it lends some edge to all the girliness. It's hard to tell in the photo, but the neckline of the dress is ruffled. Weren't the 1970s a beautiful time for dresses?

Have any of you made any personal style resolutions for the year? I'd love to hear them!