Rompers

I never expected rompers to last more than a couple of seasons, but they seem to be sticking around. Maybe it is the ease of a complete outfit ready to be thrown on or the allure of clothes worn in youth, but rompers seem to be increasing in popularity as every mass marketer rushes to produce several styles. I have not tried out this trend yet due to my fear of looking 12 years old or being mistaken for a streetwalker or worse, both. However, Urban Outfitters offers a bunch of rompers in varying styles and colors that make me want to try this trend out. I'm envisioning a sweater, opaque tights and ballet flats for a comfy back to school look. What do you think?

Urban Renewal Silky Print Jumper

Silence & Noise Ruffle Front Jumper

Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet Jumper

Kimchi Blue Polka Dot Ruffle Jumper

Kimchi Blue Strapless Tie Front Jumper

Posh Girl Vintage

I have always been interested in fashion history, but wearing vintage fashions is something new to me. Lately, I've been visiting local vintage stores perusing the racks of confections; however, I spend most of my time itching and sneezing and crying out against the moth balls and dust bunnies that usually accompany such stores. Then I found Posh Girl Vintage, a fantastic online boutique that stocks gorgeous clothes from the 1920's through the 1980's. No tissues required.

1950's Blue Velvet Beaded Dress

1950's Red & White Party Dress

1950's Lavender Pink Lace & Tulle Formal Dress

Just for fun

Gofita's Pages is hosting a challenge and giveaway in celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day ( Sept. 19th). Make your way to her page for more details. Me thinks I hear Jack Sparrow callin' me...

Guide to Ann Arbor

Bob Seger grew up here. Madonna went to school here. Welcome to Ann Arbor. Since this is back to school week, I decided to highlight a college town that has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike.

Shopping

• The Bead Gallery - Jewelry makers heaven with beads galore
• Aunt Agatha's New & Used Mysteries, Detection & True Crime Books
• Middle Earth - Magical world of gifts, gags, and more
• The Dawn Treader Book Shop - Used and rare books
• The Get Up - Vintage clothing
• Star Vintage - Vintage clothing and collectibles

Eats

• Oasis Grill - Love the falafel and hommous
• Gourmet Garden - Order the Triple Delight with a spring role and fried rice with a side of the Crab Rangoon and you wont leave hungry
• B.D.'s Mongolian Barbeque - Put together a bowl of raw ingredients and watch it cook on a huge frying table
• Washtenaw Dairy - Ice Cream!
• Ashley's - Bar and grill

Entertainment

• Michigan Theatre - Independent and classic films play here
• The State Theatre - If it's not showing at the Michigan Theatre, it's showing here
• Fairy Doors of Urban Fairies in Ann Arbor - Miniature doors are hidden around town
• Gallup Park - Offers walking trails and canoeing
• University of Michigan Museum of Art - One of my favorite pieces in Esther before Ahasuerus
• William L. Clement's Library - American history and culture

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

Style Within Means

Edited by Debutante Clothing

As the summer winds down and I start planning my Fall wardrobe, I’m overwhelmed by thoughts of how to create a wardrobe on a budget. This week, we have a ton of posts on how to find great style within a budget. Fashion Pulse Daily gives us the top denim looks under $50 and The Recessionista is reporting Anna Wintour is heading to Macy’s for Fashion Night Out. Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : Sepetember 3rd

• 39th and Broadway – - The horrific treatment of young girls working behind the scenes in the fashion industry!


• A typical Atypical - – a summary of vintage eras and style history


• Bonne Vie - – Bamboo: Eco-friendly, or Green Disaster?


• Confessions of a Fashion Editor - – Interview with alternative model, Khrist!


• Debutante Clothing – Q&A with Fashion Scholar and Historian Heather Vaughan


• Decline Designs - – Can you go a week without wearing any black?


• Fabulous Finds and Co. – - Lily Cole is ready for her close-up


• Fade to c5c5c5 – - fashion, art and interpretation


• Fashion For Writers - – feel good fashion from the Clothes Closet


• Fashion Pulse Daily - – Need jeans for fall? Check out Fashion Pulse Daily’s top picks, all under


• Fasshonaburu – - ponders exactly why September is the most important month in fashion


• fête à fête - – Givenchy’s romantic Les Poetiques Fall Le Makeup Collection


• Friend in fashion – A Sydney Story: a bridge climb, shopping and a proposal!


• Grechen's Closet – Why I support independent designers


• Idiosyncratic Style - – A Fit of Inspiration: John Bender – Stealing style from the Breakfast Club’s resident bad ass


• Jewelrywhore – - Reviews Anna Sheffield for Target


• Retro Chick - – DIY Jersey Spaghetti Scarf Necklace


• Style Margarine - – 9 Reasons why we need to over dress


• Stylist Diva - – Unique, Modern Plus Size line with an Edge – Carmakoma.


• The Coveted: – - Review & Makeup Lesson Video of Guerlain Fall Collection


• The Recessionista – - Anna Wintour a Recessionista? She’s Heading to Macy’s Queens for Fashion’s Night out Sept. 10

Things i LOVE Thursday

This post from Go Fug Yourself

MopShots: Love the cut, Love the color

Smashbox Modern Cat Eye Tutorial

Watching movies I've never seen before:

New York Minute and Drop Dead Gorgeous

Fashion Meets Film: Gattica

The craziness of five people living in the house

Going back to school

Community

School started this week, and it has been crazy. I've been adding and dropping classes all the while saying to myself, "Why am I doing this? I already have a degree!" However, my degree is of the non-paying nature, and while I would love to get my masters, what I want to study doesn't pay either. So, now, I'm going to a community college, and am picking random classes that sound interesting. A few weeks ago, I saw a trailer for NBC's new show, Community, and it reminded me of my life. The preview looks funny, although the school is much nicer and cleaner than any community college I've ever seen. If only reality looked like TV Land.