Colour Crush: Mustard Yellow.

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I have to be honest. Mustard yellow is not a colour I ever expected to love. But here we are! Over the last few months I've developed a deep, abiding affection for this shade of yellow.
My favorite way to wear mustard is in a hat, specifically a cozy knit beanie. It's a fun way to brighten up your look while still keeping it fairly neutral.
I've found that mustard goes best with shades of blue, green, and brown. Shades of grey, white, and obviously black are safe bets as well. Black is a serious staple in my closet, for reasons that I'll probably have to make a separate post for!

Tell me:
What's your opinion on this colour?
What are your colour crushes this season?


Follow me on: Instagram // Pinterest // Polyvore 

Blogger Feature: The Moptop!

The lovely Tonya of The Moptop blog was kind enough to answer a few questions for my very first Blogger Feature post! I've been keeping up with her blog for over a year now, and she was the biggest inspiration I had when it came to starting my own site.


The Lace Fox: "What three items do you consider to be essentials for any closet?"

The Moptop: "A good hat! Hats are my favorite things to wear when I'm having a bad hair day or if I'm in a rush. I also suggest a pair of black pants or corduroys. And some vintage boots."

TLF: "Tell us your favorite things about living in Portland!"

TM: "I love how unique and inspiring it is! There are so many places that can only found in Portland. I love the Northwest feel the city has to it too."

TLF: "Where do you find inspiration for your outfits?"

TM: "I get a lot of inspiration from the 60s. I listen to a lot of older music such as The Beatles (which is why I'm called The Moptop!), Bob Dylan, Jimi, Led Zeppelin etc. and the style back then was so effortless and interesting. I also am always inspired by Alexa Chung, I love her boyish/girly approach to dressing." 

TLF: "What advice can you give to aspiring fashion & style bloggers?"

TM: "Be patient! It takes time to get your blog out there, but it's totally worth it! And of course, stay true to who you are and what you believe." 

A huge thanks to Tonya! You're so lovely and talented, you deserve every bit of the love from your readers! :)

Be sure to check out The Moptop blog, and while you're at it check out Tonya's Etsy shop. At the time of this post she's doing 50% off EVERYTHING in her store! Just enter the code "RAINYDAY" at checkout.

Dresses

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I have a love-hate relationship with dresses. They're pretty and girly and fun. But every time I put one on, I find myself feeling strange and uncomfortable and I just want to put my jeans or sweats back on.

It's weird.

But my weirdness doesn't stop me from admiring these beauties. I enjoy these four in particular because they are versatile and simple. They can all be worn in fall, winter or spring weather, and all four lend themselves easily to a variety of accessorizing options. 

On a different note, I think I'm finally working out what I want to do with this space. I thought I wanted it to be just a fashion blog, and that's probably what I'll focus on. But I don't see any reason why I can't incorporate all my interests. Limitations are unnecessary, especially since hardly anyone is actually reading my blog at this point! So we'll play it by ear and see how it goes. 

How do you feel about dresses? A daily staple, or a special occasion thing only? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Thanks for reading.

Winter Wish List!

Cardigan: Modcloth. Bag: Madewell. Boots: Sam Edelman. Wrap watch: Three Bird Nest. 

1. Ever since I dyed my hair red, I've been drawn to all shades of green! Emerald green is my favorite, but this muted forest green is gorgeous as well. This cardigan looks perfect for a cozy fall day.

2. This bag is perfect. Cognac leather, simple, roomy. I first saw it on Chelsea Lane's blog and I've been obsessed with it ever since.

3. I have literally been hunting for the perfect ankle boots for about three months now. I have one pair, featured in this outfit post, but the heel is just a little too high for me to be truly comfortable. I'm definitely a flats girl, but I think I could handle the one on these Sam Edelman boots. Sadly, I do not have $130 to spend on one pair of boots. Stupid bills and groceries.. 

4. I currently have two broken watches in my jewelry box. I don't know what my deal is, or rather what their deal is. I love wrap watches, and this one isn't too girly, which is nice. 

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Corinne

Trend: Military Style.

Lately, I have to stop and look at every military-style jacket I see.
Not because I need another jacket, but because for some reason I am utterly fascinated by the trend.
It's a foolproof way to add edge to any look, and there are endless outfit possibilities. Not to mention all the options for buckles, buttons, colors, and lengths!

From the Urban Outfitters Instagram.

I love the subtle leather detailing on this jacket, and how it toughens up even the girliest of floral dresses. 

From Pinterest. 

Another great version is this funky, button-adorned jacket! I think it adds a lot of character to this outfit, and the green-on-green palette is to die for. 

From Pinterest.

And lastly, if Beyonce is rocking it, you know it's good. Leave it to Queen B to take this style and make it even better. Not only is this a military-style jacket, it's pink leather military-style jacket. I bow. 

As you can tell, I'm a huge fan of this look and I hope it has a long shelf-life in the fashion world. How do you feel about this trend? Here to stay, or not so great? 

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Corinne.

Thrifting Tips & Tricks!

Hi ya'all! I haven't been active for a while. I keep doing that. My apologies.
I've been super busy at work, moving, working through life's little obstacles one at a time.
I've been wanting to make this post for a while, and since it's a rainy day (love it!) and I don't have any outfit posts at the ready, here it is!

1. If you like it, grab it. Put it in your cart, hold it, whatever you need to do. If you decide you don't want it, you can always put it back. I have seen way too many disappointed women because they went back to grab something and someone else had already taken it. The beauty of thrift stores is also the downside: many things are one-of-a-kind, and you will likely never find the same thing twice. 
2. Don't trust the size that's on the label! The sizing for women's clothing is anything but consistent, and this is even more true of vintage clothing. If you can't try it on, keep in mind that clothing that is too big can be taken in by yourself or a tailor--it's much harder to work with too-small clothing. 
3. See the potential in things. That vase is kinda ugly now, but what about with a fresh coat of paint, or even just a good cleaning? Love the pattern on that dress but the shoulder pads and calf-length skirt are throwing you off? Shoulder pads are easily dealt with, and all you need to know in order to shorten a skirt is how to sew a decent hem! Up-cycling is all the rage these days, and it's fun to create new purpose for pre-loved items. 
4. That being said, avoid buying things that you don't absolutely love. If you're anything like me, you may never find time to hem that dress or paint that vase, and it will just become useless clutter around your home. Commit to making the project work, or leave it for someone else to find and love!
5. Always, always, always wash clothing before you wear it. Same goes for dishes, bedding, etc etc etc. Even if you have to hand-wash and line-dry that sucker, DO IT. Seriously. You do not want other people's germs all up on you. 
6. If you don't like the price on something, ask. Many small thrift stores are more than willing to entertain reasonable offers on their merchandise. Obviously at places like Goodwill and Value Village, this won't work, but if those are the only places you go, consider looking around your town for smaller, locally-owned places! 

These are things I've picked up after almost a year of working at a thrift store! If you have any tips of your own, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Thanks for reading.

xoxo,
Corinne

Classic Summer

(Top: thrifted. Shorts: Levis. Shoes: Converse. Belt: thrifted. Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters.)

It has been HOT this week. In Washington, reaching the high 90s is not a common occurrence, even in the middle of summer. So when it does happen, everyone tends to act as if the world is ending. 

A high bun is my standard hairdo in the summer. My locks are pretty darn thick and heavy, so having them touch my neck or shoulders in any way is just unpleasant in the bright sunshine! 

I feel so classic in these high-waisted Levi cutoffs and plaid top! This outfit is a good example of the things I score at my thrift shop. The shirt and belt each cost me about a dollar, and the jeans (before they were shorts) were about $4.

I might be posting a Fourth of July outfit tomorrow, I haven't decided yet! Thanks for reading, stay cool ;)

-Corinne

Travel.

(Joie tank / Yves Saint Laurent long boho skirt / The Little Bra Company sheer lingerie / Charlotte Russe ankle strap flat sandals / Madewell 100 leather handbag / La Mer bracelet watch / Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses | MR PORTER)

I am in love with this skirt! (Too bad it's RIDICULOUSLY expensive!!) The pattern is subtle but still makes a statement, which is why I kept the accessories and top simple and clean. 

My dream is to own this bag, inspired by Chelsea at zipped! She's one of my style blogging icons and she incorporates this beautiful tote effortlessly into any outfit. I'm a sucker for brown leather, as you'll probably see in future posts!

Follow me on Polyvore for more sets like this, if you want! 

Thanks for reading!

-Corinne

Burgundy & Lace.

(Top: H&M. Shorts: BeBop. Boots: "City Classified". Necklace: Vintage.)

I finally got a better camera! I am now the proud owner of a Canon Rebel EOS Digital XTi. Photographer credit goes to my wonderful fiance who is very patient and helpful.

These lace shorts may be my new favorite piece for this 'summer'. I say 'summer' because today it's supposed to be 90 degrees and sunny and instead it's been thunder, lightning and rain.

ANYWAY. The shorts are super comfortable, flattering, and they're just the right mix of sweet and sassy! I could also go on for pages about my tan ankle booties. They have a chunky heel that, for a flats/sneakers girl like me, was a little hard to get used to. But ultimately, they're perfect. 

You may notice that I've watermarked all my pictures! I highly recommend doing so to anyone who runs a fashion blog. Some people are determined to not give credit where it is due, and this is just one little way of deterring them.

Thank you for reading, please feel free to leave feedback in the comments, and don't be afraid to ask me to check out your blog! I'm just getting started here at Corinne's-Closet and I'd love to see your work! 

-Corinne

Velvet.

(Shirt: thrifted. Hat: Forever 21. Jeans: A&F. Shoes: Payless.)

I felt so cool in this get-up. The shirt is ridiculously soft (and huge!), so I was very cozy, and I love the dark green color. 

I am a huge fan of tucking in your shirt. It is the easiest way to add polish and definition to any outfit, and defines your waist, which for me is really important. I love my baggy clothes, but if I don't accentuate my shape somehow I just look like a beanbag chair...or something else lumpy and shapeless: similes are not my strong suite. I like belting things above my stomach too, but it tends to just make me look even more pear-shaped than I already am. Go figure. 

I realize no one will actually read this for a long time after I've posted it, but I'm just going to pretend I have hundreds of enthusiastic readers! 

Maybe someday I will :)

-Corinne