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..

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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?

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With a tiara of course

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

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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.

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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!)

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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

Name the ConstantlyAlice Newsletter!

I have recently embarked on a new adventure..a newsletter!  It will be a monthly compilation of the best of ConstantlyAlice blog posts, shop updates and sales, style suggestions, gift ideas, tutorials, reviews and a "Go Ask Alice" feature where YOU can write in and ask me anything :)

I'm planning the first holiday issue to be released next month..However...I am stuck on a name!  I want it to be cohesive with the shop and the ConstantlyAlice brand, but something fun and catchy..so I'm asking you, my darling readers, to offer up your suggestions!  The winner will be announced in the first newsletter and will receive a ConstantlyAlice brooch as a thank you.  Just leave your suggestion in the comments below, on our facebook page, or tweet it to @ConstantlyAlice!

To sign up for the newsletter, just take a peek at the top of this page, right underneath the ConstantlyAlice header and add your email address to the list!

Looking forward to your suggestions <3
 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

Signature Style Wrap Up - Style Evolution

We've reached the end of the Signature Style Project!  I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have :)  If you'd like to brush up on the series, you can find the links to all of the posts below:

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• Signature Style preferences.
• Identify what Signature Women's styles appeal
• Incorporate your passions into your Signature Style
• Go on a shopping safari for inspiration
• Clean out your closets 
• Accessorize
• Try out your Signature Style for a Week

Your signature style should grow and change with you.  Periodically revisit the signature style preferences you identified in this post .  Do they still appeal?  Have you discovered a new love that you'd like to incorporate into your signature style?  If so, try adding it in to your wardrobe for a week.

Creating a signature look does not mean you are locked into it forever.  As you evolve, your style should evolve with you.  Above all, be yourself and have fun with it!

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!)

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•  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.

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•  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!

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•   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!

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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 Link Love List

Happy Monday, y'all :)  (I'm pretending if I'm nice to Monday, it will be nice back...shhhhhh...)

Anywho, I thought perhaps a good start to the week would be to share some of my favorite blogs with you.  This is by no means a comprehensive list, and it is one I will most likely update every week or so.  There are so many fantastic blogs out there!  But some of my favorite posts this week are:

A Beautiful Mess

Elsie is just too darn cute.  I know you'll love her.  I just know it.

Elsie at A Beautiful Mess

The Vintage Traveler

Some really amazing vintage posts..including this one.  How perfect is that coat??

Image courtesy of the Vintage Traveler

Vixen Vintage
Solanah gives me closet envy with just about every post...see what I mean?

Elegant Musings Casey does some really fab tutorials.  Right now she's doing a circle skirt sew along. So fun!

Image courtesy of Elegant Musings

Baubles, Accoutrements and Garb
Brianna shares some great outfit ideas and tips!  (That yellow skirt is calling my name..)

Image courtesy of Baubles, Accoutrements and Garb

VaVoom Vintage
Brittany has a really informative blog, and she shares some great links to vintage resources on her site.

Image Courtesy of VaVoom Vintage

I hope you all have a wonderful day!  (And don't tell Monday, but it's almost outta here ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D