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.

Full Length Lace Tee {Product Review}

A couple of weeks ago I bought the Full Length Lace Tee from Deborah and Co.  I absolutely love it!  The length is really long, which is great since most shirts tend to be short on me.  There is broad lace around the hem adding a feminine touch to it.  The neckline isn't quite as high as I imagined it would be, but it's still pretty high up.  One thing I don't necessarily care for is how wide the neckline scoops out.  I have fairly broad, square shoulders, so I don't know if that makes it scoop out more or if it's supposed to fit that way.

I ordered in the size I normally wear and it ended up fitting like a tank top (pretty form fitting).  I knew I wanted to use it as an undershirt only, so that wasn't a problem.  If you want to wear it by itself, I'd recommend ordering a size or two larger.

Overall, I really like the shirt.  I plan on ordering a white one sometime in the near future. =)

 

Disclaimer: I bought this shirt on my own and am under no obligation to review it (good or bad).

FairieSpun {Product Review}

Hey, readers!

Last Saturday FairieSpun allowed me to pick an item from their shop to review.  So, I picked a pink skirt with flowers.  They sent it out on Monday.  It arrived on Wednesday.

 

But guess what.  They added two things!

A little purse.

And a headband!

I really like the pattern of this skirt.  The fabric is firm, like all handmade clothes you will buy, but after a few washes it will be more flexible.

And the lacy hem.

I love how this skirt covers.  It isn't too light, so it doesn't fly up in the wind, and it's not too heavy, so I don't bake in the sun.  The band is elastic, which kind of annoyed me at first.  But I figured out how to adjust it to keep it from squeezing on my waist.
I got it in the largest size, so if you would like to order one, make sure to check if they have it in your size.
Thank you, FairieSpun, for sending me this product to review.  If you want to check out their site, you can find it here.

They have many skirts, a couple dresses, more headbands and purses, and some other things just for fun!  All their products are handmade.

They have great products, and I hope you liked the post!

Flared Shirts {Closet Highlights}

So, flared shirts are totally in style now.  The compliment your waist, and hips.  I've never been one for flared shirts, but I have to admit they look really great on some people.

Another, black, flared shirt.

 

A belt really accents a flared shirt, making it even more flattering.

I actually do like that shirt.

 

The three pictures above are all actually flared shirts, even though they aren't the same kind as the ones before.  They aren't sewn right above the hips, but they're still considered flared shirts.  Those ones I would actually wear.

Picture #1: Google images

Picture #2: clothes-fashion.com

Picture #3: Pinterest

Picture #4: Amazon

Picture #5: Pinterest

Picture #6: Bluefly.com

Picture #7: Thatspoint.com

Well, I hope you liked it!