Victorian Barn Dance {ClassyGarb}

 

Hey ladies! I apologize for the lack of posts lately on my part. Thank goodness for Bethany holding the fort down with her reviews! I have been entirely too busy for blogging in general, at this phase of my life. I started college! I'm getting certified as a fitness trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association. Also, I've been teaching piano, nannying, and continuing to study at the Ocala Piano Conservatory. Oh and trying to write. Way too much on my plate! But it's all been fabulous, nonetheless. God is ever good. ♥

 

 

I love cold weather (cold being anything less than 70 degrees - hey, it's FL.) because it gives me a chance to bring out the scarves, boots and cute sweaters. Oh, and hats! Winter accessories are just so classy!

This was my church outfit today. I just found the skirt at Goodwill yesterday. I love it! It makes me think of barn dances and prairie-girl chic.

My boyfriend's mom gave me the scarf for Christmas. It is my favorite color and sparkly so naturally I've been wearing that a lot lately.

And the Victorian boots - those I bought from Recollections a few years ago. I hadn't really been wearing them much recently but as I was cleaning my closet out last night I found them and sorta fell in love all over again.

 

Haha! I don't know what I was doing here with my face.

 

Photo creds to my little brother who's actually taller than me.

 

 

// There ought to be more dancing. There really should. //

 

Sweater: Thrifted

Skirt: Goodwill

Boots: Recollections

Scarf: Gift

Earrings: Hattie Olivia Designs

 

Bohemian Lace {classygarb}

 

Hey ladies! How is your Sunday faring? I thought I'd share my church outfit today - trying to get some more outfit posts up since I haven't really posted many of those this year and, well, APOC is supposed to be a fashion blog. With actual outfit posts. Haha.

 

 

So, I saw this quote on Pinterest which I really loved.

 

"Always be kinder than you feel."

 

Last week after church, my parents informed me that I didn't smile very much during the time I was playing piano in the service. They said I looked like I didn't want to be there.

Yes, it hurt to hear that, because during that time I was playing I wasn't thinking that at all. I was just focusing on the music; and sometimes I tend to look somber when I'm playing my instruments, if I don't watch.

 

Nonetheless, when I saw that quote, it made me think about the act of smiling. My argument has always been, "well, if I put on a big cheesy grin while I'm playing it'll look super fake!"

 

Well, maybe yes and maybe no. It's only going to feel that way if you decide so. Ever since then, I've been making an effort to smile whenever I can. Smiles are wonderful things, people! And they're free gifts you can give to any human being on the planet that you choose.

 

Act the way you want to feel, and soon how you feel will follow suite.

 

 

"Be cheerful: it's contagious!"

 

 

// what i wore //

 

Lace tunic: Charlotte Russe

Skinny jeans: Sears or Belk, I can't remember

Ankle boots: American Eagle

Earrings: Charlotte Russe

Belt: (came with a shirt from Sears or Belk...)

 

 

Pearls, Denim & Floral Leggings {classygarb + review}

"Well blow me away, is this an actual outfit post on APOC? *insert gasp*"

 Yes, I'm fully aware of the fact I haven't done any classygarb posts for quite a while now. *sigh* To be honest, half the time when I put together an outfit I like I'm just not in the mood to want to take any pictures. I know, I know, I'm a despicable human being.

Hopefully you can forgive me?

I hope so, because I have some cool stuff to show you ladies today.

I have the pleasure of getting to introduce to y'all two awesome businesses - ShinyGirlDesigns and Apostolic Clothing! One's a high-quality hand crafted jewelry shop, and the other is a modest, feminine clothing line! Both are reputable businesses with a lot to offer. And both sent me cool items to review!

 

 

From Apostolic Clothing, a-line knee-length denim skirt.

 
 

And from ShinyGirlDesigns, a lovely lavender pearl infinity wrap necklace.
 

 

 

So this is my first attempt at incorporating leggings into an outfit modestly. I've actually never even owned any until just a week ago when I bought three pairs from Forever 21. I had this thought that floral leggings would look really fun and quirky with a mid-length skirt, especially if the skirt were denim. I mean it's like combining two things that don't really match but....they kinda do?? I mean, maybe I just have a weird sense of style, but I feel like they match.

 

As to shoes, I would've worn my grey bohemian moccasins but it's not really the season for wintry boots yet. And then I saw my handy-dandy cowboy boots - voila!

 

So I feel like this outfit is a mish-mash of sorts, but I have to say I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. It's like a quasi-western, quasi-boho, almost-a-teensy-bit-of-formal-trying-to-sneak-in collage.

 

It's colorful. And it feels very me.

 

Ugh, blurry photos ftw. This is what happens when you try to get pictures in FL humidity.

 

 

I really like this skirt. It's a fantastic length, and the A-line design provides a lot of freedom movement-wise. I don't know about y'all, but trying to find a decent skirt that isn't wayyyy too short is always a struggle for me. Especially since I'm tall. What might fit a friend who's average height comes up being disastrously short on me. So, when I find a skirt that actually fits me right it's almost euphoric. *cue happy dance*

 

I also really like the stitching. It's got a little pizazz. And yes, the pockets are actually functional.
The denim material is well-constructed and sturdy.

My only complaint? The waist is too big on me. Blame it on my figure, maybe. But it fits everywhere except my waist. I'd prefer for it to sit on my natural waist, but it ends up resting on my hips and even there it's a bit loose. I wouldn't want to size down, though, because then it might not fit anywhere but the waist.

Belts to the rescue!

 

 I have no idea what kind of pose this was supposed to be. Or what was up with the facial expression. Haha I'm such a model.....notttttt.

 Oh, hi there!

"I've got enough caffeine in me to last for years! Whoooo!"

 

As to the necklace, it's quite charming. A simplistic, yet very elegant design. Then again, pearls are always classy. Or, so they say down in the South, anyways.

 

Nah, it's not just a southern thing. Pearls are timeless class. 

 

 

This is a piece of minimalistic grace. It's light and dainty, so you almost forget you're wearing it.

Mysti, one of the creators and artisans of ShinyGirlDesigns, actually took the time to handwrite an informative note about the design aspects of this necklace, also including background information on the business which she and her mother run together. (How neat is that, a mother/daughter jewelry business?)

 

A quote from Mysti's letter: "Finally, the technical aspects of this piece. The pearls are dyed, freshwater pearls. The chain and wire are both sterling silver. And of course, the piece is handmade."

 

I think it's a lovely piece. Professional-level quality, feminine and classic.

 

 

Top: Coldwater Creek
Belt: hand-me-down
Skirt: Apostolic Clothing (find it here)
Leggings: Forever 21
Necklace: ShinyGirlDesigns (find it here)

////

What do you think of this look? Is this leggings/cowboy boots/skirt combination a yay or nay?

Note: I was provided these items from Apostolic Clothing and ShinyGirlDesigns in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

Fall Weather {Classy Garb}

Well I was supposed to post yesterday, but God has blessed up with the visit of very close friends that we haven't seen in several years. I think I was about to have a heart-attack all day and drove everyone crazy until we got to see them. It's just so nice to be around friends who are like minded. I think that was the first time in ages not having to explain why I was wearing a skirt. Anyhow, I managed to get pictures of what I wore yesterday. It's more of a fall outfit, but the weather has been beautiful.

In the background you can tell there's a thin layer of ice on the creek....and I almost fell in...twice.

This skirt is probably my favorite part this outfit. It's such a fun pattern with all the different greens and browns.

And sorry this isn't an in-depth post, but now I'm off to go spend more time with out friends!

Turtleneck: A hand-me-down.
Skirt: Another hand-me-down.
Jacket: Another, another hand-me-down.
Boots: Payless.

 

The Last Rose of Summer {ClassyGarb & reviews}

 

Hello ladies!

Sorry I am so late to bring you a post.

My day Tuesday went a bit differently than I planned, (life tends to do that doesn't it?) and I ended up spending the afternoon at my best friend's planning music for upcoming events and hanging out gabbing about the Shindig.

 

And I didn't get to work on this post until the evening...eesh. I do apologize!

So what I do have here for y'all is a collaboration of sorts. It's partially a makeshift outfit post, and partially a bunch of product reviews! Fun stuff!

 

I'll give you fair warning though. I took all these photos last minute and it was very wet and rainy outside. So. They're not the best quality...plus, I forgot and got the pictures totally barefoot...which is how I am 99% of my life anyway so I guess it's inevitable that one of these posts a barefoot picture should sneak in...but anyhoo. *le sigh*

 

 

 

 

 

Top: Coldwater Creek

Skirt: "Venus" c/o of Apostalic Clothing

Scarf: c/co of S & A Scarves

Hair flower: c/o of  Fantasy Garden

 

Soo. Now for the reviews!

First we'll start with the lovely chevron skirt.

 

 

I really like this skirt. The tag says it was made in the USA, it's a very comfy, semi-stretchy material and of course the print is super fun!

 

I've always been a fan of the chevron print fad. Most trends that come and go I won't bat an eye at, but this trend? I actually like it quite a bit.

 

 

Love the color scheme of this skirt. Overall, it's a favorite in my wardrobe. I can pair it with dressier things and wear it to church, or I can throw a t-shirt on and make it a semi-casual look. Gotta love variability!

 

The skirt's fabric is very soft and comfortable. The length is perfect on me. (I'm 5'8".)  The waistband can be rolled/folded over to make the skirt shorter, or it can be extended. I prefer it folded, personally.

 

My final say on this skirt is that's it's a fabulous find! I would definitely recommend AC as a store to find modest, classy clothing items.

 

Next up, the feminine hair flower.

 

 

This flower was handcrafted, and I always love handcrafted things!

 

The flower features a spray of light, delicate silk pieces and mesh paired with several small crystals and beads to highlight the piece.

 

The pearl and crystal beads really add a nice feminine, princess-y touch.

 

The back consists of a soft felt piece affixed to a metal clasp which is slightly difficult to use initially, due to the large size of the flower, but over time it becomes easier.

 

The felt piece is extremely soft to the touch.

 

Overall, I think this is a beautiful hair piece! You should check out the Fantasy Garden shop for yourself  if you liked it as well as I do - there are many other lovely flowers to be found therein!

 

And while we're on the topic of hair flowers....

I wanted to give a special reference to this one.

 

I was sent an incredibly darling little hair flower from the shop Florentes on Etsy.

It is handmade as well, and so gorgeous! The silk like petals have been pieced together very intricately and professionally, and the backing lace piece is equally chic.

 

It's considerably smaller than the other flower. I like this size for tucking into a bun or more formal updo.

 

The only complaint I have about this lovely little piece is the means for a clasp. It is basically a pin with a fixture on the end to cover the sharp part of the pin.

Seeing that it's a hair piece, I wonder at the effectiveness of this design. Maybe it was created this way so that it could also be used as a brooch or something?

Anyway, not too big of a deal, but it was something that struck me right away when I tried to use it.

 

I still think it's a delightful accessory, and did you know it came all the way from Lithuania? Isn't that so neat? (Florentes definitely has some very elegant accessories.)

 

Now. Last but not least, one of my favorite parts of this post!

 

The scarf.

 

Can I just say that I love scarves? Whether they serve as functional or just simply a fashion accessory, I really enjoy using them. They add instant class to just about any outfit!

 

To be honest, one of the big things I'm looking forward to this winter is getting to use my scarves more.

 

The nice thing about this scarf I'm featuring today? It's not one of those real heavy winter scarves. You could wear it in the summer even, if you wanted, it's that lightweight and delicate!

 

I absolutely love the lacy, frilly vintage look this scarf has. It's white, so it matches with anything!

 

Another really neat thing about it is where it came from.

 

Turkey!!

 I saved this piece of the envelope just because I thought it was so neat to see such an address.

 

Overall, I would definitely recommend S & A Scarves. They make beautiful work and I am thrilled with the lovely scarf they sent me!

 

I hope y'all enjoyed this post, and make sure to check out each of these fabulous shops for yourself!

 

On a side note: if you're curious as to the title, "The Last Rose of Summer"? I know it's kinda corny. But I had no idea what to call this, as I was writing it up hastily, and I thought, hey, I'm featuring two hair flowers here, and summer is coming to an end, so....yeah. There ya go! Title problem solved!

 

Blessings!