a cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition

It has been said that patience is virtue. I have also learned that patience can save you big bucks on, say, a beautiful pair of shoes. For example, I had been drooling over these brown booties since the beginning of spring but was hesitant about spending $40 on them. I almost bought them several times, but always resisted because of the price. Then, last weekend, my boyfriend and I ventured to the mall. We wandered into Charlotte Russe and to my joy (and disbelief) these shoes were on sale for $10 - and they even had one pair left in my size!


I don't know if this happened to any of you, but when I was small, my mother dressed me in socks with frills at the top. At the time, I hated them (they were so uncool!). But lately, I've been finding myself wishing I had some of those very socks in grown up sizes. Of course, no one caters these kinds of socks to adults, so I had to make my own. They were very easy to make, and turned out just the way I imagined them.


I recently read an article about how to get more wear out of your clothes. One tip it did not include - wear something inside out. It's a great way to change up the color and style of a piece. I'm wearing this dress inside out. I wanted the style of the dress, but not all of the color. This was a great way to keep the silhouette and mute the palette.

dress (worn as a skirt) - H&M
blouse - vintage
hat -vintage Middleton
shoes - Charlotte Russe
belt - vintage
clutch - vintage
socks - my own design
sunglasses - vintage

Thanks ever so much to my talented boyfriend, the snapper of these photos.

Just a reminder - July 31st is the last day to use code fabulosityfactor123 to get 10% off your entire order at eShakti.

it's a natural situation for a man to be free

I kind of (accidentally, of course) had an thrifting excursion today. I wound up with some terrific pieces, one of which is right here!

I wish I'd had this dress during the spring because it's the loveliest print for the beginning of the season. I added my special bubble effect with pins (prior to that it was ankle length) and cinched the waist with a belt and voila!



I am in love with dresses that have pockets - it's soooo handy!

dress - vintage
shoes - vintage Naturalizer
belt - vintage
headband - my own design

I wish I had more pictures of this outfit, but I was fiercely attacked by mosquitoes as soon as I stepped out of the car with my tripod. I braved the biting for a few minutes, but then I had to run, arms flailing and tripod in tow, back to the safety of my car.

I am so in love with this floral crown that on my trip today I stopped at the craft store for supplies to make one for fall...and now I am soooo inspired for fall-ness. I might make a DIY video for the headband...would that be cool?

Also, I'm glad to offer a 15% discount for my readers at the new boutique Spotted Moth (just enter the code FACTOR at checkout).


I just perused their site and am now officially in love with this coat...yes yes yes updated little Morton Salt Girl! Love it!

this is the story of a girl

I love wearing hats. I love the feeling of being somewhat disguised and yet standing out from the crowd at the same time. Hats can change the whole look of an outfit, completely transform it from one look to another. I opened the coat closet today and, "Daaaaaaaaad?!! Where's your fedora?" He had moved it, but luckily to somewhere that was easily accessible, because this outfit called for it.

I bought these earrings because they remind me of the dress that Mammy makes Scarlett out of the curtains in Gone With the Wind.

dress - thrifted Forever 21
vest - thrifted Miley Cyrus / Max Azaria
knee highs - Walgreens
hat - vintage
ring - Wet Seal
necklace - thrifted
purse - vintage
shoes - Mossimo

It has been staggeringly hot and muggy lately, so it has been hard to even think about getting dressed or even going out of the house, but it has been fun putting together light outfits with unique additions such like hats, hair accessories, and funky footwear.

your love grows as your heart chose

I felt like a giant cupcake wearing this outfit - the bow is perfect "frosting" on top of all the pretty soft colors.

This necklace could have been crafted by elves of Middle Earth - it's so delicate and beautiful. I love nature motifs in accessories, especially necklaces.

dress - H&M
cardigan - Chanel
necklace - Claire's
bracelet - Fashion Bug
earrings - vintage
bow - thrifted
purse - vintage
shoes - Mossimo

I felt like a fairy in this outfit...what a wonderful feeling!

and I'll meet her there 'mid that fragrance rare

I found these cute shorts at a thrift store the other day and I am in love with them! The silhouette and the classic polka-dot print are so charming. (Haha, prints charming.) Ahem, anyways.

shorts - vintage My Michelle
shirt - Miley Cyrus / Max Azaria
hat - vintage
shoes - thrifted Charlotte Russe
clutch - vintage

I took these pictures by a little hidden bridge, but as I was taking them, an unmarked police car turned onto it! I thought he was going to yell at me for being on the bridge, so I quickly picked up my tripod and teetered back over to my bike and got out of there!

a throne is only a bench covered in velvet

It was a hot and muggy day. It was also gray and rainy. I thought, what a good day for my eShakti dress (pretty much any day is a good day for this dress).

I have been dreaming of this dress/shoe combination for a couple of days. It's perfect. These are pretty much my favorite pair of shoes. It's not enough that they're red velvet. No, they have huge bows on the toes, too! Perfection in shoe form.

dress - courtesy of eShakti

cardigan - Wet Seal
shoes - Fashion Bug
socks - H&M
clutch - vintage

I am pleased to announce that eShakti is offering a special discount for Fab Factor readers! Use the code fabulosityfactor123 when placing your order to receive 10% off your purchases made before July 31st.

Here are my current eShakti favorites...

This one would be lovely in the summer, especially on cooler nights with the longer sleeves. It would transition smoothly to fall, begging to be paired with brown tights and wedges.

I was only going to post the other dress, but when I went to the site to get the image, I happened upon this beauty. What a wonderful whimsical idea for a dress! I adore the bird cages at the bottom, and the pleating and lace detailing at the top.

you haven't heard it yet so don't try to sing along

The boyfriend and I went out driving today...and we came upon this pretty water fountain. It was filled with temptingly cool water, especially tantalizing as it was about 90 degrees (f) and humid.


Wow, please ignore that huge hole in my tights...I accidentally stumbled over myself last time I wore them and the heel from my shoe ripped them!


I know, I know...I'm wearing these wedges with this dress again, but they are just made for each other!

dress - H&M
vest - J C Penny
shoes - Mossimo
tights - Target
necklace - vintage
bangle - vintage
purse - vintage
headband - H&M

I finally stopped wishing for my Revlon Va Va Violet lipstick to turn up, so I gave in and just bought another one...it is such a great alternative to red or other dark wine and cherry colors.