Style Mosaic: Putting it All Together for an Artful Ensemble

Ah, the age old axiom: Life imitates art, imitating life. Today's outfit was inspired by a collage I recently made, which was inspired by my love of street art (I took a photo on my iphone of a beautiful mosaic on display at a local park,) and my favorite Karina Dress. 

The Girl in the Mosaic: Original Digital Collage by Bella Q

The Vixen. The Palace. The Lady. They ALL do it. Do YOU?

Vix, Krista and Sara all took the pledge this year, to SHOP SECONDHAND FIRST. And you need to look no farther than their blogs to see the beauty and variety of a first rate, secondhand wardrobe. You can do it too. Shop your local Goodwill, charity, consignment and thrift stores, and don't forget you can also shop online, day or night, 24-7. The internet connects you to all sorts of great secondhand finds from all over the world.

For those of you who are not aware, there's a new vintage shop in town, and by town, I mean online. Which means, no matter where YOU live, you can shop there. Reasonably priced, and full of wonderful finds, handpicked by non other than our glorious goddess of bad-assery, Vix, the Vintage Vixen. Her rails can be found HERE at Kinky Melon's Retro Boutique. If you want to see how fine, shopping secondhand first can be, take a peek at just one of Kinky's many happy customers, Swedish glamour puss, Ulle Marie will take your breath away in her Kinky Melon cotton-candy colored vintage slip of deliciousness.

Are YOU a Citizen Rosebud?

Perhaps it's too early to draw conclusions, but I've noticed a pattern about the people who've been buying Citizen Rosebud vintage. Without exception, they are creatives. A number of these citizens also happen to be writers. Original, individual, these folks are uber stylish, and have a strong  penchant for quality. 

Preen Queen: Bella Struts Her Stuff

"For man, as for flower and beast and bird, the supreme triumph is to be most vividly, most perfectly alive." -David Hubert Lawrence

There's something about the color combination of deep blues and greens that sings to me. There's a quiet pride to these colors, especially when accented with a bit of red. Not loud, but in heard across the room sort of way. I'm wearing my favorite plaid blazer ever, AGAIN, which is a good thing. Come official signs of summer, this tailored wool gem gets stowed away until Fall. The plaid peacock  (I've christened the blazer) made its debut blog appearance HERE, which is quite a style shift from the look below. That look was more "street," or downtown; this one is um, midtown? It's not uptown, or poshy, but it is a city look, and great to wear for mobility. It's a look that I'm proud of.

THIS IS 40: Julie the Bruce (Photo Credit: Valle Tiberti)

Name: Julie the Bruce
Age: 40

Describe your style in less than 140 characters: 

Julie the Bruce: A dumpster diving, boot wearin' punk rock executive gypsy. A broad with Brass, Sass, Class, and Crass!

Who inspires you?

Julie the Bruce: I'm inspired by anyone who can focus on pulling off their creative visions in this complicated tedious world we've created to live in.

I'm inspired by whatever it is in myself, that creates this drive that I have, whose purpose eludes me, but it demands I pursue my creativity.  If I'm not able to do so, I feel like I'm out of step, so it must be something important -to follow the inspiration to create, and follow through.

I'm also inspired by my Grandmother, who at one time looked just like me.

We Fucking LOVE Colors

"Hello?"
"Yeah hi, the 1990s called. They want their socks back." 

See Me. Bee Me. Maybe I've been lingering over the pages of Desiree's blog too much- but when I got my new vertical striped socks from We Love Colors, all I could think of was how I needed to show them off. My dress was a bit short, so I pulled on some striped shorts underneath, ya know, for modesty, and then I thought: What Would Desiree Do? WTF, WWDD? 

Fashion Frocks from History: 1840s, 1960s, 1960s as 1930s, 1950s, 1980s. It's Black and White. All Over.

Seattle Style: How to Dress for Spring

I'm adjusting my style for spring in Seattle. It's quite different from what I'm used to, from my former life in sunny California.  If I were still kicking it in the Golden State, I'd already be bare legged and in cut-off shorts paired with a light cotton top by now. Here in Seattle, there are no shorts, no bare legs, and no light cotton anything. It's still chilly, even during those sunny moments, and most often, grey, overcast and rainy. Why, just a few days ago, I enjoyed a mid-day lightning/thunder/hail storm. Spring is a bit different here. So Spring dressing calls for a different tact as well. 

How to dress for Spring in Seattle: 

• Say hello to layers. Layer your look with lightweight jackets and sweaters.
• Get Rain Ready. Wearing water resistant fabrics are key to staying dry + stylish.
• Go sheer, not naked. Sheer legs add warmth yet avoid a dowdy wintery look.

A Child's Wish that Deserves to Come True. Martin Richard age 8

No more hurting people. Peace. 

This is the wish of Martin Richard, age 8, a young boy and sadly, one of the victims of the explosions that rocked the Boston Marathon. Condolences to the families and individuals tragically affected by this recent act of violence.

“There is no 'way to peace,' there is only 'peace.” - Mahatma Gandhi

I have been LOVING Spy Girl's sketch series of +40 fashion bloggers. She has included many personal favorites, Vix, Desiree, Heather, Helga, Judith, Jan, Amber,  Melanie, Pao, ok, ok, the list goes on and on- but basically Anne is capturing the moment's rush of the confident, personal style that is blossoming in the bloggersphere today. So imagine my squeals of delight to see that Anne has added a (flattering) version of me. Anne, I'm honored, and delighted to be milling about among so many wonderful (and stylish) ladies. 

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.

I literally get my shine on whenever I slip on this pair of 4 inch nude heels with a gold glitter toe cap. They're from Modcloth, I scored them on clearance. I love the pale, almost naked skin color of the  "vegan suede" and the timeless style of them. Not sure what the style is called but I do know that I feel like a super star when I wear them, and I plan to wear them a lot.

Dream it. Creams and Green make for a Spring Time Fling.

I've been having a lot of colorful dreams lately. In the dream, it feels like real life, but there will come a moment, when I as dreamer, will note that a large bird nesting in the bush on the lawn or a house drinking up rainbows, is NOT something that is normal in one's waking life. Therefore a dream. Pity really, as I love the technicolor aspect of a glorious dream. Dreams unite ideas, real life problems and fancy. Real life inspiration is often the outcome. 

The weekend before last, a predicted sunny weekend made headline news- the top story for the Seattle Times. Good times indeed, came with the blue skies and warm sun, and it did feel like the best news ever. Lately, I've been enjoying the ups and downs of starting a small business, and have decided to keep at the forefront of my  thoughts, all the good things that have been happening to me. I am touched by all of you who have shown your support- the kind words, the positive comments and those who put their money where their (fashionable) mouths are, and shopped the shops! Thank you, thank you ever so much. I literally, can not succeed in this endeavor without you.

I'm so grateful for my marvelous friends from around the world, rooting for me, and that is my sun and blue sky. Thank you!

Special thanks goes to: 
Karina Dresses
Funkoma Vintage
L'affaire Cashmere
Sunglasses Shop
Tooth Soap
Clever Girls Collective
  
And, a very grateful shout-out to the lovelies behind these blogs:
Crystal, Dressed Her Days Vintage
Lynee, The Goodwill Hunting Paralegal
Terri, Rags Against the Machine
Meg, Megs Ragged Edge
Judith, The Style Crone
Heidi, Frantic but Fabulous
Adrienne, The Rich Life on A Budget
Shelly, The Forest City Fashionista
Serene, The Elegant Bohemian
Gabriala, Style Higher
Patti, Not Yet Dead Style
Franca, Oranges + Apples
Helga, Helga Von Trollop
Ari, Advanced Style
Diedre, Lucy's Lounge
Ariane, Style Sud'est
Alicia,  The Spashionista Report 
Kristen, BonBon Rose Girls

The people above, and quite a number of others have made my foray into the business of being a business a possible one. I am cheered, and touched by the support by so many, and what a high caliber of folks I seem to attract.! Thank you, each and every one of you, for your words of wisdom and support, and especially to those who have literally shown their support by their actions. Your kindness is felt around the world, well, at least in MY world. I blossom against a blue sky, and have you to thank for that.                                                             -Bella Q

Before I get started, let me mention that I've been included today in a What I Wore: Fabulous Over 40 round-up of personal style. So check me out, mingling with other fab + 40 ladies over at Fabulous Over 40. 

And now onto today's OOTD: the Texas Tux.

DON'T. MESS. WITH. TEXAS. I've been planning a Texas Tuxedo outfit for years. Seriously, ever since I paraded my (at the time) 44 year-old butt in a pair of short shorts with my version of the Canadian Tuxedo. You can revisit it HERE

A Texas tuxedo is another variation of denim on denim, but usually denotes a dolled up cowboy. You get your best jean jacket and pair of jeans and pair it with a nice western shirt (the kind with the snap pearl buttons) or tuxedo shirt, and wear with a bow tie (better yet, a bolo tie) and trade out the cumberbund with a Texas worthy  carved leather belt with a buckle the size of a dinner plate. And this folks, is the glory of the Lone Star State.

SHOP SECONDHAND FIRST: Lucy's Lounge in Dublin Ireland

Starting this month, there's going to be a new regular feature here at the Citizen Rosebud. I intend to introduce you to people, places and things from secondhand shops. No one + no place would make a better premiere, then the marvelous + magical Diedre of Lucy's Lounge in Dublin. 

Hello Rosebuds! I'm going to be turning the spotlight on YOU! 

Instead of posting pictures of MY feet every week, I'd rather host a community event once a month highlighting your favorite shoes.

Starting next Wednesday, April 10th, the Citizen Rosebud will host its first community event using  InLinkz, so all you have to do is link up your favorite shoe post or picture (you just need a url link to your photo, you don't need to be a blogger) and we can check you out. 

I'm calling it Shoe Shine, 'cuz you know I like overly clever and pun-filled phrases. I hope to see you (and your stellar shoes) next week!                                                             -Bella Q

Can't stock the racks fast enough!

Florals. Polka Dots. Stripes. Vintage Tees. Summer Frocks. Blazing Blazers. 

Get yours at Atlas. Look for the  Citizens of Rosebud  label. 

Atlas Clothing
3419 Fremont Place N
Seattle, Washington

in the Fremont district, Center of the Universe.

Short on Cash, but Long on Style. Taking Style Inspiration from Pippi Longstocking.

I took my style inspiration from a lovable figure of my childhood, Pippi Longstocking, can you tell? I've had the socks for nearly ten years, so while they were purchased new (actually it was 3 exact pairs, on sale, J Crew, online) I've had them so long, and have worn them so much, they don't really count as "new" do they?

Aside from the long stockings, EVERYTHING you see was purchased secondhand. The knit cap (a handmade version of a red head in braids) was a no brainer for me to grab at the Goodwill last week. I'm nearly an official red-head aficionado, and all around lover of all things ginger, so now I can play red-head anytime my head feels cold. The sweater, is a bit brow beaten but precious, being the perfect shade of baby blue for my complexion, and has the cutest pink rosebuds blooming up the arms. I got it at Trove, a new vintage shop in Ballard, and soon to be a dangerous addiction. The polka dot silk dress and rayon shorts were gained by trading some stuff in at a Buffalo Exchange, different visits but both instant favorites.  And these tall boots were scored at a great local consignment shop near my home. You might remember their first outing in this outfit post.

I LOVED wearing this outfit, it was a happy day. I felt I got to express myself, which feels like a challenge here in the Emerald city, and feel cute and quirky, comfy and warm. It was an outfit fit to be seen, and I feel gloriously visible in my tribute to Pippi and her longstockings.