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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Fashion, Armor

Surviving the Everyday. Feeling Fabulous

There's a dress shop in my neighborhood that puts a sandwich board on the sidewalk in front that quotes Bill Cunningham: "Fashion is the armor to survive everyday life."  Inside the shop, some pretty tasty "armor."

Inside me, full agreement.

The Art of War(drobe): Style Samaurai. Ninja Dandy. Personal Style Gives You Strength to Take on the World.

I mean, I could've put on any T-shirt, but I picked THIS T-shirt (a primo vintage Cure concert T) another amazing steal from the boyfriend's closet. And while I needed some sunglasses to protect my eyes from UV rays, the ones chosen were deliberately picked to reference fashion. They're my homage to the inimitable Iris Apfel, "geriatric starlet," and all ages fashion icon. The jacket, a recent score and immediate wardrobe favorite: a blue/green vintage men's wool plaid blazer (with the most incredible hand tailoring details and paisley lining!) along with my trusty everyday handbag, a thrifted Keds plaid tote, because wearing plaid makes me feel like "me." When I feel like me, I feel confident. I like to come off in my way of dress, as an original, a little off center, with an edge of street cred, and a smidge of cool. With my Bob Dylan hair, signature punky/beaded cuffs, vintage "flair" and sneaker wedges, I felt all of the above, and very "me," ready to take on the world. 

 Sassy. Armored. Fashion-able.

 What fashions do you put on to face the world?

 
#SHOPSECONDHANDFIRST 100% Thrifted.
Now Wearing:
  • retro sunnies, Cuffs
  • vintage plaid blazer, thrifted
  • vintage Cure T-shirt c/o boyfriend
  • vintage cuffs, thrifted
  • jeggings, Labels Consignment
  • Keds plaid handbag, Goodwill
  • Rocket Dog sneaker wedges, Value Village

45 comments:

  1. JenniferApril 11, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    Great concept. Dressing authentically is such a confidence boost!! I put on "pulled together" and "accessorized". When I don't put in the effort...I regret it.

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  2. UnknownApril 11, 2013 at 7:23 AM

    You brighten my day! Love those kicks!!!
    hugs,
    Reva

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  3. The Dainty Dolls HouseApril 11, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    Super.. love the quote & The Cure :)) x

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  4. thorne garnetApril 11, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    I wear "too much" jewelry and stick something on my head. Makes me less nervous when I go do something new. I'm kind of socially uncomfortable and if I'm wearing something odd, I'll have something to talk about.

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  5. The CrankyApril 11, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    I'm lusting after the tee! What makes me feel like me? Hmmm, having one fun, colourful or dramatic piece that makes a statement.

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  6. citizen rosebudApril 11, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    @Reva I LOVE you, Reeves!
    @Dainty Doll- I know I should sell the shirt, but I got greedy!
    @Thorne I am so right there with you. Believe it or not, I'm a total dork (well, that is believable) and am social awkward so anything to get a convo going that is not about me, is a good thing.

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  7. Ulla-MarieApril 11, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    Best sources of inspiration! I like it when you dress a little influenced by rock (and of Iris Apfel, of course).

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  8. JillApril 11, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    I love that Bill Cunningham quote. And I love YOU in that T-shirt featuring The Cure! In the immortal words of Robert Smith, Why can't I be you? I am going to listen to them right now, in honor of you. XO, Jill

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  9. VixApril 11, 2013 at 8:21 AM

    Excellent advice to live by! I always feel me in lots of jewellery, eyeliner, bright colours and heels. I'm not bothered if anyone sees me without them but I'm definitely more awake and able to face the world once I'm armed with them! x

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  10. Pam @ over50feeling40April 11, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    Fun Quote...I put on confidence every day to face the world and that confidence is communicated in a variety of ways through my clothing choices. It sounds like a fun boutique!

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  11. SuzanneApril 11, 2013 at 9:00 AM

    I totally want to see that film now and I am in love with that blazer!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  12. UnknownApril 11, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    Love your shoes! I didn't know Rocket dog has such cut sneaker wedges :-)

    Monica
    www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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  13. Susan BApril 11, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    That plaid is so You. This strikes me as a very Seattle outfit, which means that conditions are right for you to bloom!

    When I need armor, I head straight for the boots. And perhaps something black and minimalist.

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  14. Crystal Hammon, ABC, MLSApril 11, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    Love the outfit and the quote. I'm sort of in love with Bill C. But I guess who isn't? I want to be edgier than I am! I guess my nod to that is extremely short hair. Armor for me? A blazer. I've felt that way since I was a little girl in my first one--a floral cotton one I had in kindergarten.

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  15. Becky April 11, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    You look like 'you' and you look totally cool. I feel best when I look like 'me', too (even if that means wearing what is not typically considered my 'best' clothes). Love the tee to pieces. Great video!!
    Becky :)

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  16. GeeGeeApril 11, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    You look like a teenager. My daughter in age 13 adores this look, too.

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  17. No Fear of FashionApril 11, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    Great slogan. I saw another good one in a kitchen shop:
    the pain of an expensive and great kitchen you will feel only once. The pain of a bad inexpensive kitchen you will experience every day.
    I had to laugh and thought: if I approach every purchase like that, I would be without any money in no time.

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  18. Please may I?April 11, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    Firstly you rock that outfit... Never give him his Tshirt back.. Ever!

    x x

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  19. Hollie Black-RamseyApril 11, 2013 at 11:15 AM

    Oh my gosh you look so COOL!

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  20. MonsterchenApril 11, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    i loooove that quote, i will put it on my moldboard now! and i love the cure, so what else can i say that you made my day with your post ;) also i can´t never get enough of plaids and checks! you look gorgeous!
    kiss,mary

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  21. Anupriya DGApril 11, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    I'm totally digging them yellow sunnies!!! <3 <3 <3
    And yes, you are always well-armour-ed, gorgeous!!! :)

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  22. KathleenApril 11, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    Loved that Cunningham movie. My armor is a hat, of course.

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  23. CurtiseApril 11, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    Great look, Bella. I'm not sure I think of my clothes as armour... But a great dress always makes me feel good, confident and like me. xxx

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  24. PattiApril 11, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    You are so you! Love this mix, esp The Cure. I am on a hunt for rock tees lately.

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  25. Señora AllnutApril 11, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    how much I'm loving that pretty fabulous trailer, that piece of fashion wisdom!, and how much I'm also loving your plaid jacket, so You, you're really ready to take the world but you're just now rocking my world!!
    besos & plaid

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  26. KristyApril 11, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    You totally rock that outfit! Love your hair too! I'm usually in work out type clothing and running shoes so I guess that's my armor. And I always wear makeup no matter what!

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  27. TriciaApril 11, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    I love that quote!

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  28. Lucys LoungeApril 11, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    great outfit, bella.

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  29. Lucys LoungeApril 11, 2013 at 2:48 PM

    i was so sorry to hear of your dishes getting stolen. love lucyx

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  30. Meghan EdgeApril 11, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    Love it!! :-) That tee and blazer ROCK

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  31. LisaApril 11, 2013 at 5:28 PM

    Oh so cute, you edgy, little bit bad, girl.
    Love that polka dot iPhone case too....I have one and I don't ever want to part with it.

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  32. AnonymousApril 11, 2013 at 7:27 PM

    That's such a classic outfit! I love the two blue plaids together. I think my armor is fairly similar to yours - a tailored but casual blazer or jacket, jeans, comfy shirt, a few accessories. Dammit, I want to look cool, too, even in my 50s!

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  33. SaraApril 11, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    YES! Love this; the shirt and coat are amazing, and the sunnies are just the best. I love your hair, too! :)

    I'd have to say that tremendous amounts of gaudy jewelry, particularly turquoise, definitely make me feel like me. Ready to face the world. :D

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  34. UnknownApril 12, 2013 at 1:11 AM

    Smiling over here. I just did a homage for Vivienne Westwood and your the very first blog I clicked on when I finished. And if you ain't livin the Vivienne I don't know who is!

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  35. Flora CruftApril 12, 2013 at 6:22 AM

    You look so very you, and so very cool and gorgeous in that brilliant outfit! Love that blazer!

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  36. AnonymousApril 12, 2013 at 7:47 AM

    Ah.. the Cure!!!
    Love the outfit and yes it's YOU!!
    My armour is bright colors!
    You are making me NEED more plaid in my life

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  37. UnknownApril 12, 2013 at 9:28 AM

    I knew I commented ;) Have a faboo weekend and LOVE the tee!
    huggs
    Reeves

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  38. paoApril 12, 2013 at 10:26 AM

    How awesome you got spy girled in your most you ensemble. Uncanny how she does that...

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  39. AnonymousApril 13, 2013 at 2:07 AM

    OMG, I lived in a cure concert tee when I was in high school....to think that now it would be considered "vintage" totally cracks me up.

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  40. KristaApril 13, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    I love Bill as much as I do you! Fashion is my armor but its also my disarmer because I think the way I dress makes people either talk to me or about me. I love this look on ya girl. You look cozy tough and still like hot funky chick. Enjoy the weekend honey!
    Xxoo

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  41. Tamera BeardsleyApril 13, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    What a perfect and fun post to open up on a Saturday morning! That is one of my favorite fashion quotes!
    Loved the movie, but it did leave me a little sad for Bill.. as he appeared lonely.

    You my dear, are so beautifully cool in your outfit! You make me excited to choose my armor for the day!

    I just adore you Bella!

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  42. Boheme.FilleApril 13, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    This is one cool look! :)

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  43. AnonymousApril 13, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    Definitely an outfit post after my own heart! My uniform has been a rock t-shirt with everything, and I love love LOVE your Cure shirt! Even more perfect with the plaid.

    Fashion is definitely my armor, but more like a superhero, you know?

    Rock on Bella!

    xoxo
    Cyrillynn

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  44. Miss Simmonds SaysApril 14, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    really love this look! LOVE your Cure t shirt, it looks awesome with the yellow sunnies and jeans. xxxx

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  45. OfeliaApril 14, 2013 at 7:55 PM

    You look so cool; like a mix of Chrissie Hynde and Debbie Harry!
    I adore Iris Apfel and I read and watched his New York Times fashion/photography column for years.

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You are rad. Thanks for your comment!