The ConstantlyAlice Manifesto Revisted

Today, it struck me that it has been some time since I've done a Pin up Plan post.  I sort of left it off somewhere in the middle of the "Art of Seduction" series and haven't been able to motivate myself to finish the series.

This led me to think about the ConstantlyAlice Manifesto I wrote in January and all the plans I had for this year.  I decided to take another peek at it and track what I had accomplished thus far, and then tweak or revise the things that weren't working for me.

 

1.  30 Day Make Over challenge - I haven't started this just yet..I think because the fall is my favorite time of year, perhaps Sept. or Oct. will be a good month to tackle this project.

2.  Vision Boards and The Signature Style Project - The vision boards are ongoing!  You can check them out here on Pinterest. (The trick, however, is to DO something with them..more on that in future posts..I think I need to do something with them here for accountability ;)  The Signature Style Project is all wrapped up.  You can check out the series, if you haven't already, here.

3.  Home Ec Posts - These have slowed down a little..the most recent one being a paper necklace tutorial done over on the French Press Vintage blog.  I'm trying out a few new projects and plan to start adding a few more of these posts.

4.  Modeling/Pin up Plan - I have added an outfit post series and gotten in front of the camera a LOT more..however, I have revised my intentions for this particular goal.  Modelling for the shop itself seems a bit more than I can handle (especially since I'll require a photographer!)  I also prefer to be the "creative force" behind the camera.  SOO, I will continue to be the "head model" for the hats, etc., but the clothing will either be modeled on "Esmerelda" my dress form, OR, on my oldest daughter and her friends (depending on the outfit and the size.)  We'll see how that works out ;)  In regards to the Pin up Plan..I don't think my heart is in it right now.  I have so many other things to focus on (including my goals for the "Slim Down, Pin Up", project), that I don't feel I have the time to dedicate to really fleshing out this series..it's going on hold for a bit and I may revisit it later.

5.  Disney! - I went, I saw, I conquered ;-)  Here are some of the photos from our trip (and a lovely video of the "Bug Butts" song and dance).  I did not, however, manage to get around to making my wardrobe...I think this goal may shift to the fall.  I would like to make up a few new items for the cooler weather..more to come on this.

6.  Go Ask Alice - Finally, the "Go Ask Alice" feature, where I post responses to questions regarding, vintage, styling, sewing, and misc. "ConstantlyAlice" related features.  I'm working on the logistics of this and hope to launch it before the winter ;-)

Phew!  Not too shabby, considering that we still have another 5 months in the year!

Is there anything special YOU would like to see here on the blog?  Let me know by leaving your suggestions in the comments!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Oh the Possibilities..

As a self confessed self help addict, I subscribe to a plethora (< FUN word)  of excellent self improvement sites and blogs.  I simply can't control myself.  I LOVE possibilites.

Dream 1 - Start dancing again ( credit )

Today, I read this excellent post over at The Zen Mama's blog about becoming a "possibilitarian".

Dream 2 - Visit Paris (credit)

It came at a good time.  While I adore possibilities, I frequently lack direction.  I like to cram as many experiences in as possible, which can sometimes lead to burn out and a lot of half finished projects and ideas.  It can also cause me to get a bad case of the "can'ts".

Dream 3 - Build a wardrobe based on my Signature Style Project (Credit)

"I can't do that, I don't have time!"

"I can't do that, I have a family and responsibilities!"

"I can't do that, I have financial obligations!"

Dream 4 - Design a line of ConstantlyAlice Clothing and Accessories

The can'ts are just awful.  Besides being terribly irritating to The Man (he's a problem solver.  When I come at him with a "can't" he counters with a "do what makes you happy, I'll support you".  Kind of takes the wind out of my tantrum sails..) they frighten me into maintaining the status quo.

Status quo (<NOT a fun word).

Dream 5 - Open a physical location for ConstantlyAlice (credit)

I firmly believe the universe wants us to succeed.  That things are put in our paths when we need them to remind us to follow our hearts, dream big, fear less, act more.  The post about possibilitarians was like a road sign reminding me that life is short and I need to live it.  Stay tuned for some new adventures...

Dream 6 - Write a book (credit)

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 Signature Style Project - Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize..

There is no better (or more cost efficient!) way to change up a signature look than accessories.  Just consider the Jackie O sunglasses and head scarf or Audrey's ballet flats.  Accessories can make or break your look! 

Here are a few of my absolute favorites and how I like to wear them:

Sunglasses
Great for holding your hair back headband style, giving you a little mystery and protecting the delicate area around your eyes from damaging UV rays.  I'm partial to a large Jackie O style, or a retro cats eye, but there are so many other options to choose from.  Wayfarers, Aviators or those nifty little round John Lennon types.

Amazon - 12.99

Mad4ModVintage Pucci Sunglasses - Etsy - $195

Handbags
If you're anything like me, you LIVE out of your handbag.  My preference tends towards larger bags.  Boho sling bags, messenger bags and totes tend to be my preference.  I do, however, tend to travel with a smaller clutch inside the larger bag in case I want to travel light ;)  My bags also tend to be where I add a little whimsy to my outfit.

triliogie bucket bag - etsy - $36

HappyFamily Octopus Messenger Bag - Etsy - $28

Scarves
Scarves are the wunderkind of the accessory world.  You can use them to tie back your hair, dress up your bag, tie them around your neck to add some color to your outfit, belt your skirt or pants with them.  They are hands down my favorite!

Hensfeathers Art Deco Echo Scarf - Etsy - $10

AzimuthVintage Yellow and Red Poppy Scarf - Etsy - $14.95

And here, I will share again my favorite scarf tying video with you all..
 
Jewelry
So many options here!  I'm not usually one for bracelets (I type and sew  a lot and don't like things banging against my work surface) but I LOVE a cute pair of earrings or a necklace and I will pin a brooch to just about anything.  Again, this is a good place to inject a little creativity or whimsy into your outfit.

TipToeThirty - Bird Cage Necklace Charm - Etsy - $17

Pretty Round Art Locket - Hidenseek - Etsy - $35

Vintage Bike Brooch - grandmasjewelry777 - Etsy - $5.50

Shoes
..need I say more??

Modcloth - $35.99

Modcloth - $203.99

Modcloth - $374.99

Hats
Last but never least, hats!  Hats add a great retro look to any signature style (sadly, they are not worn as frequently today!)  I myself prefer a headband or tilt-style hat for the most part (because I have a ginormous head!) but there are so many beautiful styles to choose from, I would encourage you to play with them all!

MsTips - 40s/50s tilt hat - Etsy - $48

PearTreeVintage - Fur Headband Hat - Etsy - $40

ConstantlyAlice - 40s/50s tilt hat - Etsy - $29

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Signature Style Project - The Closet Clean Out

Now that we've covered the portion of the Signature style project that addresses discovering your signature style, I'd like to move on to how to implement it.  (If you missed the previous posts you can find them here, here, here, here and here).

First let's discuss your closet...ready?

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How many of you have clothing in your closet that you never wear?  (No need for a show of hands..I have a pretty good idea ;)  We all have that shirt we love, but can't seem to find anything to go with it, or those "skinny" or "fat" clothes we keep, just in case.  Today, I'd like to talk about cleaning house.  Those garments are weighing you down!  You don't need them!

Begin by grabbing a notebook, a pen and a box of large trash bags.  Grab 3 pieces of paper and some safety pins.  Write one word on each sheet.  "Donate", "Trash", and "Storage".  Pin each sheet to a trash bag.

Now empty out your closet, your drawers, anywhere you keep clothing, shoes and accessories!  Put your hands on each item, and be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it fit my signature style requirements (is it the right color, texture, shape?  Does it evoke the feeling you are looking for with your signature style?)
• Is it in good shape, or can it be repaired? (if it can be repaired, but you know you won't do it, put it in the donate pile!)
• Does it fit me properly?
• Is it an item I won't wear anymore, but would like to store for future generations?

Be VERY honest with yourself.  It doesn't matter how much those jeans cost, if they don't fit you, they aren't worth it!

Sort your items this way:

• "Trash" Bag - Anything beyond repair
• "Donate" Bag - Anything that is in good shape or can be repaired, but doesn't fit (you or your signature styel!)  You can also do some research on local consignment shops if you prefer to sell your items and make a little extra cash to buy new items that fit your style.
• "Storage" Bag - Anything you would like to keep for future generations.  Be sure to NOT actually store the items in this trash bag.  If you want to keep them nice, invest in a vaccum sealed storage bag to keep them clean and mildew free!

Now take that notebook and pen that I mentioned earlier and jot down notes on what you have left.  Do you need to fill in key pieces?  Are you without a pencil skirt?  Do you need more tops?  Now is the time to make a note of it so you have a reference next time you're out shopping!

Also, be sure to put the items you are keeping back neatly (I like to organize mine by dresses, skirts, jackets, tops in my closet to make them easier to find.)  It will make it SO much easier to put an outfit together!

Hope this was helpful!  Next up...Accessorizing your signature style!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Signature Style Project- Shopping Safari!

The advent of the camera phone is a beautiful thing.  I am a very visual person and I LOVE being able to snap a picture of something that inspires me so I can refer back to it later!

This especially comes in handy when you are trying to build a signature look (and it's a fun way to spend an afternoon without spending a lot of money!) 

The idea is to head out to some of your local shops, the mall, even craft stores and collect inspiration!  If you see an outfit that's been put together in a shop display, take a picture.  If a fabric speaks to you, take a picture.  If you see something that seems totally unrelated to fashion ( a book cover, a color, a piece of furniture) but something about it appeals to you, take a picture!  You can decipher the information you gather later ;)

Here are a few of the photographs I collected on my last shopping excursion:

Cute addition to a cardigan, especially with a grouping of other "like" items.

I liked the detail of the metal, but not the plastic "jewels".  I plan to pop them out and cover them in different fabrics, then replace them in the bracelet so you can see the fabric through the pattern.

This is an old victrola horn, but I love the colors and shape..  Might be fun to do a trumpet skirt along these lines.

Colors!

I like the concept of these scarves.  Would be cute to do a valentine scarf with heart shapes..

This was a fun quilted mini dress with big pockets..of course I bought it ;)

Loved the texture of this vintage cardigan.  Might weave a burgundy velvet ribbon through it as a trim and change the buttons.

I buy vintage lingerie every time I come across it..

..and then I dye it ;)

Not a fan of the hat, but love the decoration.

Like the idea of a cluster of these like a "corsage" on a dress

Would make a pretty addition to a hat.

Love this trim..maybe as a headband?

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Signature Style Project - Incorporating Your Passions

I hope you're enjoying the Signature Style series so far!  If you're just joining in now, you can find the previous posts here, here and here.

Ok!  On to todays topic, Incorporating Your Passion. 

I believe the things we are passionate about influence everything we do, from our fashion choices, to the car we drive, to the way we present ourselves to the world.  Do you have a favorite book?  Chances are some situation or character in it speaks to you.  Favorite animal?  Consider the qualities associated with it and see if they don't match up with your personality.  Favorite color?  Color choices can mean all sorts of things, from cheerful yellow, to passionate red, to calm, cool blue.

So how do these things influence your style?

First, I suggest making a list (or listing pictures here, like I have done) and then brainstorming your associations with each one to find out what appeals to you.  Then, take those characteristics and create a definition of your style.  Here's what I came up with:

Favorite Flower - Poppy - Cheerful, bright, showy

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Favorite Bird - Peacock - Flashy, colorful, proud, flamboyant

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Favorite Book - Chocolat - French, Whimsical, Magical, Individual, Self Confident

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Favorite Color - Red - Passion, Fire, Attention grabbing, Sensual, Love

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Favorite Movie(s) - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Humor, Bombshells, Old Hollywood Style

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..and Practical Magic - Whimsy, Eccentricity, Magic

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Favorite Song(s) - Stella The Artist (David Gray) - Creativity, Fire, Passion, Charisma


La Vie En Rose (Edith Piaf) - Life through rose colored glasses <3


I could list all day, but even from this sample, you can see the direction I lean towards.  I'm a bit of an old soul, I like the old hollywood bombshell silhouette, prefer to play up my french half (though I wouldn't have my blue eyes without my irish side ;) I love the whimsical, magical, colorful and attention getting.  I love to love and *try* to always look on the "rosy" side of life.  My style is bright, creative and playful, but distinctly feminine, and I prefer to stand out in a crowd.

Now it's your turn!  What do your passions say about you?

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Signature Style Project - Join in the fun!

I hope you're all having fun so far with The Signature Style Project (I know I am!)  If you'd like to join in the fun and blog about your own signature style discovery along with me, feel free to use the badge below on your site!

Just download the picture and then add it to your blog along with this link back to the original Signature Style Post.

..and keep an eye out for the next post in the series, Incorporating Your Passions, where we'll list the things you love an learn how to incorporate them into your style!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Signature Style Project - Signature Women

I have to confess..this may end up being my favorite post of the Signature Style series.  I SO admire the style of the women who have come before me!

I believe signature style falls into two categories.  The first category encompasses a signature "look".  A little black dress, a trademark accessory, a specific color, a unique hairstyle.  The second category includes women who don't have a specific trademark item, but who have an overall feel to their wardrobe.  Bombshell, boho, flirty, quirky, retro.

I'll show you what I mean..

These women embody a signature "look" for me:

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AUDREY HEPBURN - Pixie bangs, heavy brows, cigarette pants and winged eyeliner

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JACKIE KENNEDY - Hair flip, Pillbox hat, Tailored suits and gloves

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GOLDIE HAWN - ..those bangs ;)

..and the following evoke a certain style "feeling" that is unique to them:

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MARILYN MONROE - Bombshell

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STEVIE NICKS - Boho Romantic

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TWIGGY - Ethereal, Whimsical

If you have an affinity for the style of one of the women listed above (or another style icon), take the time to examine what it is about their style that appeals to you so you can make it your own!

What category do you fall into?  Are you a signature "look" gal, or are you more of a signature "feel" kinda girl?

Hugs and Smooches,
D