The Bird Catchers

So today we are inspired by the painting "The Birdcatchers" by Francois Boucher (1748). I knew that I wanted to do an art inspiration, but I wanted to find a painting that was new to me. When I found this painting, I just fell in love with the colors and the way the people are all just lounged and gor-g-ous.

Casie's look:

I loved the pillowy volume of the dresses in the painting and so I paid a tribute to that with my full skirt. The rose pattern on the skirt and shirt mimics the garden setting. I actually really like this shirt with this skirt and have never worn them together before. It is an attempt at pattern mixing (cotton floral with metallic jacquard- gasp!). The jabot on the shirt pays homage to the ruffled shirts on the men. The red shoes are a nod to the pop of red in the painting. Also, one of my daughters and one of my doggies are making their blog debut today.

skirt- thrifted (this was a Guess tunic shirt that I cut the top off of, let out the hem and turned into a skirt. The grosgrain ribbon at the waist is sewn in just as it was in the original shirt I basically have to pull it over my head and down to my waist to get it on.)
shirt- Anna Sui for Target
shoes- Kenneth Cole Reaction, Ebay
bracelets- the bangle is my great-grandmother's and the other one is Ebay.

Ali's look:

Ali was mainly inspired by the colors in the painting. She continues to feel challenged by the bun in her oven, but she perseveres in spite of her growing belly (or is it a shrinking wardrobe?). Today she is dressed for "movement" aka choreography at her rehearsal (which of course added another layer of challenge to her day).

Flowy teal shirt, bright orange scarf...the colors of the painting.

Leggings: maternity
Shoes: nordstrom rack
Shirt: Lucy & laurel
Scarf: NYC street vendor
Jewelry: chantilly lace cuff and earrings, stelladot.com/ali

***We both agree that one of the best things about the challenge is the lack of that "I don't know what the heck to wear" feeling. I mean, it takes a lot more brain power to pick out the outfits, but there is always a direction.

Monday's challenge: jailhouse rock

Flight Attendant

Time to fly the friendly skies of fashion. Flight attendants (in the imaginary sense) seem like these always put together, beautiful and perfect ladies that are eternally smiling, helpful and gracious. The reality is often different, but I will keep to my idea of perfection for today. On a side note, I am very excited about the upcoming new t.v. show, Pan Am. Are you?

Ali's look:

Ali was inspired by elements of Flight Attendant style. Her printed dress is a nod to the kerchiefs (aka flair) that most flight attendants wear jauntily tied about their neck or ascot style. She is also sporting a circle pin in lieu of her wings and a sensible shoe (any girl serving coffee, tea or milk all day should have a pair of sensible shoes).

So not "classic" flight attendant. INSPIRED BY. ELEMENTS OF. and so forth.

Cropped sweater- Target
Dress- TJ Maxx I think
Jeans - DKNY
Shoes - 9 West
Jewelry- paradise brooch, sloane bangle, renegade cluster necklace- all Stella & Dot

Casie's look:

Well, the two things that stick out for me when I think of a flight attendant are the neck kerchief and the smart, knee length skirt. I realized that I own nary a neck kerchief, so I had to improvise. Luckily I remembered this blouse with the neck tie, and although and I am an incessant closet cleaner and she rarely comes out, I have hung onto her for many years. The thing is, when this shirt works, she really works. I am also sporting my basic black skirt. I heart this skirt, particularly because the back of the waistband is elastic, so I can eat if I feel the hunger.

skirt- thrifted
shirt- Studio M
shoes- Kenneth Cole Reaction, Ebay
earrings- Ebay

Tomorrow's challenge: Art inspiration- The Bird Catchers by Francois Boucher (1748)

*click here to see the painting in more detail

Preacher's Wife

So today we are working the preacher's wife look- a challenge given by my sister (who is herself a preacher's wife). We all came at it from different angles and I say all, because we have our first guest player today. Woo Hoo!

Casie's look:

I decided to be inspired by my sweet sister, Lisa dawn. She always always looks so put together and has matching accessories for every outfit. She likes to wear cheery colors, and as you can see from this photo, she likes her family to all match. I heart her a lot. So I decided to go with a cheerful floral skirt and nice blouse. I think it looks very ladylike (which is what I think of when I think of a Southern preacher's wife- which is mostly what I know).

skirt- thrifted
blouse- ABS and thrifted
belt- given to me by Ali
shoes, necklace-Ebay
bracelet- Stella & Dot
earrings- Target

Ali's look:

Ali decided to pay homage to conservative religious ladies across the board. Her look is particularly reminiscent of orthodox jewish and pentecostal ladies- both of whom believe in the liberal application of long skirts and denim in their wardrobes. Plus she is working a bible-esque gladiator sandal. Nice!

skirt- Nordstrom
t-shirt- Target
vest- Old Navy
sandles- payless
jewelry- renegade Drop earrings, infinity and signature clove necklaces- all Stella & Dot http://stelladot.com/sites/ali

Our guest, Hannah:

Hannah (along with my husband- they both thought of it, so I guess it was destined to be) thought of tomorrow's challenge theme. She, being modern and with-it, decided to go lady preacher. She doesn't need a man to spread the gospel of fashion. Her jacket and ruffled blouse are very reminiscent of a woman of the pulpit. Thanks, Hannah, for playing along!

all clothing- Forever 21
shoes- Soda
watch- Fossil
necklace- Dogeared

Tomorrow's challenge: flight attendant

Subtle Patriotism

Who says you have to save the patriotic wear for July? Not us! We love our country every day. However, we are also sneaky, so we show our love with subtlety.

Some people are not sneaky.

Ali's look:

Subtle americana! A nautical stripe! Jeans! Red shoes! Plus, Apple pie gum courtesy of new fellow cast member Ben.

clothes: ????
jewelry: renegade layering necklace and bracelet, after midnight & on the mark necklaces, heiress hoops in gold, Bardot spiral bangle, harmony band rings, Devi bangles. Stelladot.com/ali

Casie's look:

*house is messy. please disregard all areas around wrist.

skirt: thrifted
tank: thrifted
belt: ??
shoes: Old Navy
bracelet and headband: Target

I will use almost any excuse to sport hair flair! I love this headband. It has giant, white, leather flowers on it for Pete's sake! What could be bad? I think this outfit is both subtly patriotic and sporty/crisp. Get me a sailboat to sit on (because of course my lack of upper body strength will prevent me from participating in actually sailing the boat).

Tomorrow's challenge: preacher's wife

Disney's Pop Century Resort

Aaaah, the memories... Maybe you don't know what the Pop Century Resort is? Well when you stay "in the magic" as we refer to when you stay on property at a Disney Resort, one of your options is the Pop Century Resort. This is a hotel that pays tribute to the decades of the 20th century, 50's- the millennium. Me, Ali, and Jilli (Ali's sister who issued this challenge), along with our respective better halves, spent a week at this resort in May of 2005. Oh the good times. You just can't even imagine.

Casie's look-

(what is that look on my face in the full body shot? I guess I am in a dreamy 50's moment)

I opted for the 50's. The Pop Century tends to represent the most kitchsy/campy versions of the decades and this is one of my most kitchsy/campy outfits. I did not just slop this together for the chall-ahnge. This is an outfit I wear on a fairly regular basis. I love this apron and I just don't see any reason why an apron can't be a lovely accessory!

dress and tank- thrifted

apron- vintage and a gift
shoes- Old Navy
earrings- Stella & Dot

Ali's Look:

Ali ended up unexpectedly staying out of town for an extra day and did not pack for the chall-ahnge. Hopefully she will be back in the mix tomorrow.

Tomorrow's challenge: subtle patriotism