THE CITIZEN INDEX

Friday, October 12, 2012

Outfit Post: Polyester Plaid + Polka Dots


Only in America, folks. Here you can wear the good ol' red, white and blue and represent the glory of the stars and stripes with a Scottish Tam, a dress from Canada, and handbag made by a Californian designer using vintage British souvenir linen, and slingback shoes from Paris, France. 


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"Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma.  Fashion is something that comes after style." -John Fairchild

And yet again, most of the items of the outfit are thrifted. Meet my newest hat crush: a new-to-me Scottish wool vintage Tam, a topper that is warm, wooly and set me back a mere $2. The shirt, a red/white/blue polyester gem, also a two dollar score, is circa 1970's and is something I would have LOVED back in 1976 when I was a kid obsessed with the Bi-centennial and all things red, white and blue. I also had a love of 3/4 sleeves (still do I suppose) because my arms were so long and gangly, that everything ran short on me anyways. The polyester is thick, the kind my grandma used to collect, and I'm thinking that maybe in my new rainy abode, that polyester is my friend too. I don't have to worry about getting wet in in- as it repels water like a duck. Quack! 

The dress is also made from a synthetic fabric- you may recall a summer time wearing of it
HERE. It's from Jacob, a Canadian clothing company best known for making classic basics for a woman's wardrobe. The handbag- a favorite of mine, was a gift from designer Kris Laskey, a Sacramento designer with a devoted cult following. Her label, Butt Ugly, uses vintage fabrics and patterns and creates innovative and highly wearable clothing designed for real women. Read: NOT A SIZE ZERO. Her pieces are one of a kind, and they are often sold out before the end of a trunk show. As you can guess, I am a HUGE fan of the line, and of the designer herself. 


Can you guess what a major find these slingbacks are? From
JB Martin Paris, the shoes are made in France and have a long history. Since 1921, in fact. You can shop their Fall Collection HERE. My poppy red suede/white patent slingbacks look so very retro to me, and are terribly comfortable. Not sure how practical they are for Seattle, so I'm considering putting them on the auction block on eBay. What do you think, should I sell them, or are they keepers? 

Speaking of keepers, did anybody watch the debates last night? I was working- but I could overhead folks discussing it. I know I'm going to try to catch some recaps before I head off for work tonight. The election is coming up and its going to be a heated one. Whatever your opinion may be, I hope you're registered and plan to vote


35 comments:

theequinebovine said...

Oh ye ol red white and blue look so grooovy on you! You're making Seattle look damn fine!

citizen rosebud said...

Thankyou pumpkin!

Anonymous said...

Too cute in your polka dot & plaid! It's a keeper!

Anonymous said...

Very cute! Love your description of "Only in America." So true! You make polka dots look vogue!

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

I enjoyed scrolling down this post, loving it from head to toe. The tam is such a beautiful classic and the shoes are very 60's inspired! I remember my sisters wearing shoes like that back in the day. Yours are really nice. You might want to keep them for the rare occasions you don't need rain boots, especially if they're comfortable.

Hope all's well!! XOO

Sheila said...

I love the shoes! Keepers! Seattle's not too bad for rain (says the woman just across the water), so as long as you don't go for a long hike in them...

I often look for Jacob clothing when I thrift - I like that a lot of their clothing is actually made in Canada instead of China!

Melanie said...

But if you get rid of the shoes, what will you wear on your feet to celebrate good weather? These are gorgeous shoes. I love the whole look you have going. United nations of pattern and colour.

Jenmarie said...

We've talked polka dots before. You can never have too many! I saw polka dots everywhere while I was out today. So much fun!

NATALiJA WANTS YOU! ♥ said...

super sweet ^_^

- ♥♥♥ -

de|constructed said...

Super cute shoes! Have a nice weekend Bella!

CityScape Skybaby said...

Ooh I love this outfit, it has so many things I like in it and it looks effortless and not try to hard, while being very stylish. I'm with you on the three quarter sleeves and long gangly arms, I still have that problem. xx

Curtise said...

Oh do keep the shoes, I can't be wet ALL the time in Seattle!
Love the tartan/polka dot blend, and you have reminded me to find my tam o'shanter. Now where did I put it...?
Have a great weekend. xxxx

Unknown said...

You know I LOOOVE red white and blue so this outfit is a fave for me. Those shoes are super duper cute - if you're not sure about keeping them, just apply Vix's Law - do you feel fabulous in them? Happy weekend, Bella! Sarah xxx

Claire Justine said...

Great look :) love your hat and anything with polka dots on is amazing ...

mispapelicos said...

Always fabulous my friend. You clash pattens like noone.
Have a great weekend!!!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Franca said...

love your international outfit!

Kaffesoester said...

Your shoes are gorgeous, please don't sell! On the first sunny day of spring you'll want to wear them again, and then in summer. There'll always be plenty of occasions to wear cute, red suede shoes!

The hat is lovely on you. I've never heard the name 'tam' before, nice to learn something new. Great bag too!

thorne garnet said...

See, you can mix patterns, just keep the same colors. Not a fan of those shoes, but it's up to you

Of course, I watched the debate( and the next 2) Register and vote, It's our right as Americans.

Qué Acierto! said...

What an original outfit! I love print mix

Heather Fonseca said...

I love all the colors and your thrifted aesthetic! Love the hat.

propriatress said...

so cute...it's the colors of the season!! the voting season. and that hat. I want it. ;-)

Sara Kristiina said...

Lovely! That dress looks fab on you :)) You totally rock polkadots

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

OMFG you are incredible - EVERYTHING. IS. GORGEOUS!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox

Vix said...

An identical Tam was part of my all-girls' school uniform in 1977 (I chucked mine in a bin on the walk home when I was 11 and told Mum I'd had it pinched!). You're the first person ever to look good in one, I swear! xxx

Miss Simmonds Says said...

i love your handbag!! the whole outfit is pretty cute though

Shybiker said...

Colorful and appealing. The tam caps it off, aesthetically and literally.

Lisa said...

What a fun hat!!!!

Jane W. said...

Love that tam!!!! I had one that I wore constantly in H/S...this post makes me wish I'd kept it!

FASHION TALES said...

What a worldly outfit! I love that bag, and the high contrast photos! xo Happy Monday Bella.

Unknown said...

Love that outfit, especially the tam.
http://followmarla.blogspot.com/

Amber of Butane Anvil said...

Looking fab, Bella! The hat is gorgeous on you, and I love your pattern mix in both colour and B+W. Great story of how all of the elements made their way to you.

Kitty said...

Isn't 'butt ugly' such an awesome name?! I love it. Fab outfit as always Bella, but where is the floral bunting? LOL!

ZalinaW said...

This is an adorable look!

Monsterchen said...

fabulousness from head to toe!!! i absolutely love your look! as i adore since ever plaids and polka dots!
kiss,mary

Angie said...

I haven't been around for a while but I see you 've found your true style.An excellent mix of vintage and second hand an your own sweet crazyness.So unique!!!