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!