I Love the 90's

I Love the 90's by constantlyalice featuring high waisted jeans

Red Carpet Camoflage

I don't watch the Golden Globes (although I heard Tina Fey was marvelous).  I usually find them tedious and wait till the following day to catch up on the red carpet pictures.

When I think red carpet, I think creative, artists, expressive style..what I got was a huge yawn.  *YAWN*

There is such a fear of making a "worst dressed list" that celebrities are no longer willing to take a fashion risk...the result is this

Lovely women..Lovely dresses..BORING.  Variations on this theme were all over the red carpet..lots of black dresses, several "nude and lace" versions.  Where's the originality??

Even those who were considered "worst" dressed were pretty tame..Like this dress worn by Jessica Chastain

 Sure, it's not the best fit, but it's really not that remarkably different from the "best" dressed list..

What happened to the style innovators?  Where are the risk takers?!  Style has become so watered down that I despair for the "vintage" we're leaving for future generations.

If I had one wish for next year's red carpet, it would be that someone (anyone!) would throw caution to the wind and show up on something refreshingly different and fun.  Here are a few of my suggestions..

Credit

Schiaparelli Lobster Dress?  Bet nobody else would have one..

If lobster isn't your thing..how about this gorgeous 50's evening dress from Dior?

credit

With a tiara of course

Credit

..and why not make an entrance with a remarkable statement piece like this Chanel cape?

Credit

The gauntlet has been thrown, people..(Jennifer Lopez, are you reading this?)  Next year I want to see lobsters..

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Outfit Post that Wasn't..

I had an outfit post ready for today and I scrapped it.  Friends..I am having a crisis of style.  Growing pains, if you will.

Here's the situation.  I love whimsy, eccentricity, color.  The posts you see here are generally of me "toning myself down" a bit (believe it or not) because I work in an office environment.  I'm actually quite good with numbers.  I'm organized (in my own unique fashion), efficient and I am well suited to this kind of work...if you could lobotomize me and remove my personality.

My creative side balks at having to be restrained.  Professional suits make my skin crawl.  I do not own a pair of "practical" shoes.  THIS is my idea of conservative.

Timeless Vixen Vintage

In the past, I've taken a sort of "it is what it is" approach.  I take my style down a few notches during the week and express myself on the weekends, but as I enter my "late 30's", I feel like it's time for my style to grow up a bit (you know..so strangers stop referring to me as "sweetheart" and people actually take me a bit seriously).  The problem is, I'm not entirely sure how to do that.

There is such a lack of style inspiration for creative women once they pass 35.  It's like you fall off the map until you turn 70 and then you can start to be as eccentric as you please again.  In my opinion, many women appear to be either trying to look 20, trying to blend in with the men, or they simply stop caring and give up altogether.  There are a few exceptions.  I do love Cate Blanchett.  I think she does an amazing job of blending creativity and class.  She's slightly edgy, but always feminine.

Credit

And Ginnifer Goodwin (though not quite 35 yet) has a great sense of style.  (And I WISH I could pull off that haircut.  It's so fun!)

Credit

I think, perhaps, what these two women have in common is that they edit their style to one or two amazing statements per outfit.  A neat collar detail, a great accessory, really beautiful garment structure or a breathtaking color or print.  Perhaps that's the lesson I need to learn going forward.  Not that I need a total outfit overhaul, but maybe with a little editing, the "special" parts of my outfits can still stand out and be appreciated without looking too young or over the top eccentric.

I'm a work in progress friends.  I'm going to continue researching, finding out what feels right and when I feel I've struck upon the right combinations and feel comfortable in my skin again, the outfit posts shall return.

How about you?  Do you have any style inspiration suggestions for me?  Have you passed into "no mans land", and if so, how did you change your style (or not)?  I'd love to hear from you!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Creative Process

Happy New Year to you, friends!  Wishing you lots of good things in 2013 :)

Have you made resolutions?  I generally don't.  The thing is, January 1 is not only the start of a new year, it's my birthday, which means another whole year of my life has passed.  It seems like it should be marked by something momentous.  Like I should plan something big for the next year of my life..which has always felt bit grand and overwhelming, so I've previously chosen to avoid it..

However, I've decided to take a different approach this year.  Just one resolution (I prefer to think of it as a "goal"), so it's easy to keep.  I've decided this year, I will create something every day.

The creative process, for me, always seems to become more robust when I focus on it consistently.  I go through phases where I have so many ideas I fill notebooks full of them.  I sew, knit, write, draw and craft myself into a state of pure bliss.  Then something interrupts (let's call it "life" ;) and I end up stagnating for a while, unable to gain back my momentum.

My hope for this goal is that consistently creating on a daily basis will allow my ideas to flourish.  New products for the shop, an environment that is more consistent with my visions, and fresh new style ideas.

I plan to document the process here, to keep me honest, and since I'm beginning on the 3rd, I have a little catching up to do!  I already have a project in mind for today and I can't wait to get started.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

ConstantlyAlice Sale

ConstantlyAlice Sale by constantlyalice on Polyvore

SALE 1950's Blue Sequined Star Tilt Hat by ConstantlyAlice / SALE Lock and Key Cloud Pendant by ConstantlyAlice on Etsy / SALE Vintage 1950's/1960's Birdcage Veil with by ConstantlyAlice / SALE Vintage 1950's/1960's Chocolate Brown by ConstantlyAlice / SALE Vintage 1950s Hat Pillbox Petal Hat in by ConstantlyAlice

Clean out sale! Click on the photo or link to be taken to the ConstantlyAlice shop to purchase :) Hugs and Smooches, D

Fall Magic

How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days. ~John Burroughs 

Fall Magic by constantlyalice on Polyvore

Another Sneak Peek at some of the fall items coming to ConstantlyAlice!  A lovely camel colored corduroy jacket with suede elbow patches, a hand crocheted cowl in a pretty fall orange and a needle felted beret with fall leaves.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Little Red

"Once upon a time there was a dear little girl who was loved by everyone who looked at her..." ~Brothers Grimm~

Little Red by constantlyalice featuring platform sandals

A sneak peek at a few of the new items coming to the shop with the fall launch (and some style ideas.)..Pretty Black velvet and chiffon top with a tie at the neck and a zip up the back, and a lovely a-line wine colored skirt!

Also, in the shop right now..the Red Riding Hood Necklace.  A perfect accessory!


Hugs and Smooches, D

Try It On For Size - A Week of Signature Style

We've finally reached the point in the Signature Style Project where it's time to try our new style out!  So far we've:

• Gathered information about our Signature Style preferences.
• Identified what Signature Women's styles appeal to us
• Incorporated our passions into our Signature Style
• Gone on a shopping safari to inspire us
• Cleaned out our closets
• and Learned to Accessorize

Now it's time to put some of that research to work for you!  If you've been keeping a binder of ideas or a Pinterest board (like this one for the Signature Style Project) you'll want to have it handy as you plan out a weeks worth of signature style!

Now, there are a few different ways of doing this.  Now that your closet has been edited down to items that you love, you could just choose to pick your outfits each morning based on your mood for the day.  There shouldn't be any wrong choices!  However, if you (like me) prefer to get those extra few minutes of sleep in the morning, I recommend planning your outfit at least a day in advance.  Here are a few things to consider when putting your look together.

• Pick a top and a bottom or a dress - I tend to lean towards dresses because I think they are the easiest thing in the world to wear!  However, if you plan to go with a top and pants or a skirt, that works too.  Just make sure you are considering the colors and textures as you plan your outfit.  Are you doing a print?  Will you be wearing a bold color (in which case you may want to tone down your accessories or choose items from the same color family or a complementing color family.  For great tips on color theories, head on over to Charlotte's blog at Tuppence Ha'Penny.  She did some wonderful blog posts on it.  Begin with the introduction and work your way through the series!)

Modcloth.com

•  Select a layering piece - This could be a sweater, cardigan, jacket, scarf, wrap, or even your coat!  It adds some visual interest and color to your outfit.

igigigeneralstore.com

•  Consider your accessories - Shoes, handbags, brooch, hair accessories, hats, jewelry, gloves.  Make sure they add visual interest to your outfit, but do not distract.  You want to make sure YOU are the focal point of your outfit!

irregularchoice.com

•   Finally, be sure to plan your hair and make up to suit your outfit.  Whether you are going for a retro look or a modern one, paying attention to the little details like a hairstyle that suits your look or the right color lipstick will add polish to your Signature Style!

4.bp.blogspot.com

Above all, have FUN!  If you'd like to share your signature look, please feel free to post a photo on the ConstantlyAlice facebook page :)  I'd love to see your style.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The ConstantlyAlice Manifesto

"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"
- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables 

This is one of my all time favorite quotes and I think of it every time I'm looking at a brand new year stretching out in front of me.  Isn't it wonderful to think that we have a whole new year to expand our knowledge, push our boundaries and live to our fullest potential?  (Or, you know, even just another year we get to snuggle in on the couch with a good book and a cup of Chocolate Dream tea??)

I think it tends to have even more significance for me because I'm a January 1 baby.  That means when y'all are celebrating a new year, I get to celebrate another year of my life ;)  Pretty heady stuff, right?

With that in mind, I'd like to share with you some of the things I've been cooking up for the coming year!

1.  Who doesn't love a make over?  Or a whole LOT of make overs!  I'm planning for a 30 day challenge this year for both hair and make up.  I will test out a new hair style or make up look each day for a month and share the photos with you all as a part of my Signature Style Challenge (more on this to follow). {Picture Source}

2.  I will incorporate more vision boards and pinterest posts in an attempt to determine what styles I gravitate towards the most.  Some will be all about a specific decade, some will feature a particular shop or website, but hopefully all will help me to nail down the details that will help me to build my Signature Style. {Picture Source}

3.  The Home Ec posts will continue!  Some topics for this year;  Hat making, Repurposing worn or poorly constructed items to create new looks, Style on a budget (This will involve putting together an entire outfit at a local thrift store for $15 or under), Sew and Knit Alongs, Etiquette, Planning a Party and a few more I have to iron out the details on! {Picture by Gil Elvgren}

4.  *Gulp* Modelling.  That's right, I said it.  I am working on adding some more exercise to my routine so I can tone up a bit and maybe work up the gumption to model for the shop and for the "Style It" posts here on the site.  I'd like to have the shop pictures reminiscent of the pin up gals of the 40's.  I'll be sure to keep you in on the adventure as I dive into posing, photography and styling! {Picture by Vaughan Bass}

5.  My folks gifted us with a trip to Disney for Christmas this year (Thanks Mum and Dad!)  We're heading down for April vacation and I have plans to pick out several vintage dress/play suit and maybe even a bathing suit pattern to sew up and take along with me.  I will share the patterns with you, the progress and the end results.  (And of course, the pictures of Disney!)

6.  I also plan to add a "Go Ask Alice" feature.  This will be to cover any questions you all may have for me regarding vintage (how to date vintage items, what basics are needed for a wardrobe from each decade, etc.)  Feel free to start emailing me your ideas now! {Picture Source}

I can't wait to dive in and get started on these projects!  I'm so looking forward to a wonderfully productive 2012 :)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Mutton Dressed as Lamb..

Next month (on New Years Day, to be precise) I will turn 37, placing me solidly in my "late 30s".  This has gotten me thinking about my style and if I should be making some changes.

Now, as a general rule, I do not think much about my age.  This could be due in part to the fact that I identify more closely with my personality than with my age, and partly because, courtesy of genetics (thanks Mum and Dad!) and copious application of sunscreen, I have a baby face that never really changes that dramtically.

Case in point..  Here is a picture of me 11 years ago with my eldest child.

..and here I am earlier this year with same child (on the left) AND my youngest child.

Kind of creepy in a "Picture of Dorian Gray" sort of way, right?

However, because my face never really got in my way, I've always dressed to suit my whims.  Part of what I love best about dressing vintage is that I have a veritable buffet of style to choose from.  Some days I wake up and feel inspired by the 20's, and other days I'm all about the 50's.  I like the casual looks of the 90's on occasion and sometimes I'm moved by the 60's.  Headbands, bows, Mary Jane shoes, it's all good.  I wear what feels right, with no consideration for age at all.

Which brings me to my point (and what has been weighing on my mind of late).  Should I change my style to suit my actual age?  Or should I dress to suit the age I appear to be?  Or, should I simply be brave enough to dress to suit my personality and to heck with propriety?

Some of the style icons I am fondest of have thrown propriety to the wind and chosen to stick to their "look".  Betsey Johnson, for example, looks just as spectacular and flamboyant at 70 as she did in her 20's:

Credit

Or, another one of my favorite style mavens, Iris Apfel (90!), distinctly her own person with her fondness for bright colors, her signature glasses and no consideration for "age appropriate-ness", only for what suits her:

Credit

Or even someone closer to my own age, Milla Jovovich (36), who has stayed true to her fun, vintage/indie style and even designs her own line:

Credit

These women have all built a "look" that was uniquely them and then stuck with it over the years.  They paid no attention to their age or the trends, they were simply themselves...and maybe this is where the lesson I need is hiding.  Perhaps I don't need to concern myself so much with what is right for my age as I do with discovering my "signature" and incorporating it into what I wear.  My current style can be frenetic and all over the place and perhaps what would make me more comfortable as I get older is to refine, to clean out the things in my closet that don't really "match" my aesthetic, to get rid of the items I purchased because I thought they were fun at the time, but that never seem quite right when I wear them.

With that in mind, I plan to dedicate the coming year to discovering and defining my own style.  I will shop, sew, research and track down inspiration to help me become even more "Me".  I'll share each step with you all!  Lessons learned, techniques discovered and tips and tricks that help me along the way.  I hope you're as excited as I am :)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Style It - Chessie the Cat Scarf

Today's style it features a great gift idea, The Chessie the Cat Scarf. It comes with an adorable story (Chessie was part of a promotion by the Chesapeake Railway) and it's so versatile!  Here is a great link on multiple different ways to tie a scarf (I've shared it on my facebook page as well, but it's so great, I'll share it twice!)



The first look is so cute for a weekend shopping trip! Tie the scarf around your head headband style with a messy bun, or in a bow around your neck.

Chessie Scarf - Weekend Shopping Trip by constantlyalice featuring a bangle bracelet

The second look would be adorable for a family holiday party!  Just tie the scarf around your ponytail 50's style and wear a pretty full skirted dress :)

Chessie the Cat - Party Dress by constantlyalice featuring puffy dresses

How would you style the Chessie the Cat scarf?

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Style It - The Lock and Key Heart Necklace

I recently decided to add a new line of necklaces designed and created by myself to the ConstantlyAlice shop...of course I can't take all the credit.  My inspiration came from my big brother, Len.  Len is brilliant, sometimes funny (usually unintentionally..he loves a corny joke ;) and a great uncle to my two girls.  He also happens to have Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism.

There is a common misconception that Aspergians don't have feelings or intense emotions.  If you've ever seen my brother teaching his nieces something about sharks, or sharing a new book or movie with them, you would understand that this is simply not the case.  He feels just as much, if not more, than anyone else I know..he just has a harder time expressing it or verbalizing.  Which is where the idea for the "Unlocked" series came from.  Each necklace will showcase an emotion, a feeling, a whimsical concept that features a lock and a key.  A representation both of "locked up emotions" and the potential to set them free.  10% of the proceeds from this series will go to the Autism Society.

Featured in todays Style It is the "Love" version of the necklace.  The first option shows a playful, light outfit and the second a more edgy, dramatic style.

Unlocked - Whimsy by constantlyalice featuring platform heels

Unlocked - Dramatic by constantlyalice


Hugs and Smooches,
D

ConstantlyAlice is off to Brimfield!

Ever since discovering the Brimfield Market a couple of years ago, I anxiously look forward to it's return each year.  Honestly.  It's Ah-MAY-zing.

That's right..those are all antique vendors.

This year I will be going in September with my wee Mum, my best pal and my sister-in-law (can you imagine a better group of gals to travel with??  No you can't!)  We decided we could not possibly see everything we needed to in just one day, so we are treating ourselves to a stay in a lovely local inn as well.

Stay tuned for some photos of our adventures and finds!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Meet the ConstantlyAlice Models!

I have debated (and if I'm being honest am still on the fence about) using live models for my pictures.  You may in fact see a few of myself in the hat or hair accessory shots if I feel that they look better on a full head of hair (as opposed to my gal Lola who goes for a more close cropped look.)

Personally, I feel like I am often distracted from the item being sold by the person wearing it.  Especially if I feel like they don't seem suited to the garment, or if the styling doesn't feel right to me.  I'd be delighted to know your thoughts on the matter..however, for now, these two lovely ladies will be my models.  Since it's likely I'll refer to them by name at some point or another, I thought it best to introduce them..

Esmerelda (aka "the body")

Measurements:

Bust - 33 1/2 (34 with her supportive undergarment that evens out her lopsided left breast..)
Waist - 24
Hips - 36

Likes - Vintage clothes, The Headless Horseman (she thinks he's a hottie..)

Dislikes - Hats, The cat, needles.

Favorite Quote - "The body never lies." ~Martha Graham

Lola (aka "The Face")

Likes - Hats, Einstein

Dislikes - Long walks on the beach...

Favorite Quote - "If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty." - Marilyn Monroe

Hugs and Smooches.
D

Style It - The Buckle Dress

I've decided I'd like to start a regular blog post that takes an item of vintage clothing and shows different ways of styling it.  What do you think?

There are several great reasons to wear vintage, but if I had to pick my favorites, they would be the versatility of vintage items and their uniqueness.  However, I've found that some people shy away from vintage clothing because they are afraid of looking dated or costumey.

Whether you style the item in a manner consistent with it's time period, or make it current is up to your taste and style preferences, but either way, it's easy to look fantastic in your one of a kind garment!

Here are two ways of styling the 1970's buckle dress I currently have in my shop. 

The first version has a 70's feel without going too over the top.  (I would suggest skipping the feathered hair and frosted lipstick if you want to avoid looking like an extra on "That 70's Show" ;)  Loose layered waves and natural makeup would be a great compliment to this look.

Seventies by constantlyalice featuring leather sunglasses

Chloé high heels
£795 - harveynichols.com

Big buddha handbag
$110 - nordstrom.com

Star by Julien Macdonald gold hoop earrings
£15 - debenhams.com

Chloé leather sunglasses
$379 - mytheresa.com

The second look is perfect for the office or lunch with the girls. I would suggest styling it with a low chignon and pretty feminine make up.  (Love how the little horseshoe charm gives it a bit of an equestrian touch!)

Office Equestrian by constantlyalice featuring platform high heels

Lucien Pellat Finet orange cardigan
$705 - stylebop.com

Bacio 61 platform high heels
$130 - heels.com

Minor Obsessions gold chain jewelry
$450 - barneys.com

Bracelet
$7.99 - papayaclothing.com



I hope that was helpful and informative! Be sure to weigh in and let me know if you'd like to see more "Style It" posts in the future.

Hugs and Smooches,
D