Summer Inspiration: Part 2

Posted on 05/19/2011 by

InStyle is hands down my favorite fashion magazine.  The Instant Style section is the best feature that they run every month.  They really out did themselves with this year’s May issue.  I can easily recreate most of these outfits with pieces I have in my closet that I would have never thought to put together.  Your own takes on these outfits don’t have to be verbatim, but you can at least use them as a stepping stone towards your own interpretation.  Plus they give tips and reasoning with each outfit.

(This jumpsuit is my favorite look.  They make it look so easy!)

Their off-figure styling is phenomenal!  The layering, unexpected color combinations, and the mixing of patterns makes each of these outfits amazing.  I especially loved this month’s round of Instant Style outfits because they don’t feature heels (except for the last scan, but that’s from a different issue [those pattern wedges from Aldo. I DIED <3]).  As much as I want to rock them, and I still do, I just feel much more confident in flats.  The outfits are casual but they definitely don’t slack on style & effort.

I feel like my summer inspiration post had to be a two parter just because there are several different trends going on and I didn’t want to post so much excellent content all at once.  This way, it gave each trend a chance to be presented.  Plus, not everyone digs the nude look from yesterday’s post, and today’s tears are a bit more casual yet more complex than yesterday’s.  Today’s inspiration builds off of yesterday’s minimalism and just brings it to another level.  The ideas are more clear-cut and accessible in today’s scans and I hope they inspire you a bit more with your summer wardrobe.  I hung up the tears in my closet to help me on days where I am just at a loss for an outfit; they just make it so easy for you!  Enjoy!

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Summer Inspiration: Part 1

Posted on 05/18/2011 by

I remember reading some fashion advice a couple of years ago, I believe it was from Michael Kors, to rip out images and pieces of clothing that you’re drawn to in magazines.  When you’re done, compile them all together and you’ll be surprised to see clear trends throughout the tears that you might not have known you liked.  It is an excellent way to discover your personal style and fashion sense.  I also use digital images compiled from Tumblr to help me see which style/trend I am feeling for each season.  My favorite magazines for personal style are InStyle and Marie Claire.  I find them to be the most accessible but they still inspire and push the envelope.  They provide plenty of styled examples and they help me rework items I already have in my closet.  Plus, they always provide advice along with wallet friendly items.  Here are some tears that I’ve compiled over the past months for my summer wardrobe (click the images for larger views):

I was most surprised to discover my attraction to neutrals and nudes.  I never thought I could pull off such a minimalistic color palette because I am so pale, but they chose pieces that can easily work on a large audience of many different shapes & colors.  I posted a couple of weeks ago about my sudden interest in what is called Tomboy Style.  After looking at my tears, I can clearly see that look is something I am definitely drawn to.  I’m a lover of stripes as well, so I am relieved to have such a bold, graphic option to balance the neutrals with.  My love for structure and tailoring is also still present in a lot of these looks.  It is also helpful that several everyday outfit scenarios are covered within these spreads: work, casual, nights out, etc.  I can also just use this as inspiration for just one look or make it a vast style encompassing all of my summer wardrobe, which could also transition into the fall.  Either way, it’s fun to discover looks that I wouldn’t otherwise realize I like and to get my gears turning for future outfits!

Is there a certain look or looks you’re drooling over for the upcoming season?  Make sure to check back here tomorrow for another round of inspiration (especially if today’s neutrals aren’t your thing)!

P.S.  This dress is the epitome of this summer style and would be the perfect addition to any wardrobe.  I’m dying.


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Modern Grunge

Posted on 05/17/2011 by

Outfit Details: tunic- H&M | shorts- DIY cutoffs | belt, tights, and necklace- Forever 21 | boots- Guess

This past week has been a whirlwind!  My sister got married on Saturday (it was beautiful!  I’ll do an update on it later) and the days leading up to it were filled with lots of things to do and nerves to be had.  I was a complete wreck!  I am sad that it’s over but I’m super happy to have Charles in the family.  They’re in Vegas now and I can’t help but be jealous, especially since our forecast looks like this:

I busted out the tights again but I refuse to give up the shorts!  I actually had to turn the heat on in the house this morning.  This outfit is surprisingly warm and super comfortable.  I definitely do not gravitate towards brighter colors and tighter clothes on days like today.  I can’t help but be affected mood-wise by the weather when it comes to getting up and getting dressed in the morning.  Hopefully you guys are experiencing better weather (and more colorful outfits!) than I am.  Cortney and Charles better bring back some of that Vegas sunshine with them!

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Daily Outfit 5.11.11

Posted on 05/11/2011 by

Outfit Details: top- Roxy from Enclave | skirt- H&M | cardigan- Urban Outfitters | tights- Target | boots- Salvation Army | jewelry- Forever 21, gifts, or Tiffany’s

I’ve become obsessed with these tights.  I bought them in nude to wear to my sister’s shower (I also wore them with this springy outfit) and have been lusting after the black pair since.  I finally caved (even though it is already spring) and purchased them the other day.  They’re just so lovely and interesting.  I wish I had gotten them sooner, although it seems like it is going to pour any minute now & they worked well with my outfit for a nice grey day.

I met with Holly from Enclave yesterday about my guest spot blogging for them.  While I was there I got a bit stir crazy catching glimpses of their new items out of my peripheral vision.  Once we were done talking (we made some awesome plans btw!  I will share more later) I ran to grab this Roxy top that was calling my name.  They had the same shirt with a skull on it, but Holly kindly pointed out that I seem to have a lot of skull clothing already, so I went with the more solid basic.  I’m dying over the hemline and color.  They had it in a couple more colors so I might just have to take a trip over next week!

Posted in Clothes, Daily Outfit, Life, Me | 2 Comments

Day Off

Posted on 05/10/2011 by

I just wanted to share quickly that even though there is no outfit post today, Motown is not forgotten!  My day is consisting of getting my nails done for the wedding, getting my roots touched up, and then racing to Enclave to meet with Holly about my guest blog spot!  Days off are the best.

I popped in to the boutique on Sunday with Chris because that gift card was burning a hole in my pocket.  I didn’t want to to just take from them and not support the store at all, so I bought myself and Chris each a pair of shoes.  Chris gave in and got some TOMs and they haven’t left his feet yet.  I surprised myself and got a cute pair of Vans that are perfect for summer adventures.  They are on my feet right now actually:

Ballet flats and sandals aren’t cutting it at work anymore.  I need some support and these are the cutest option, that are also dress code appropriate, I have found yet.  I’m going to play around with them and see if I can make a nice outfit with sneakers.  These are probably considered the antichrist to some fashion bloggers but there is something to be said about comfort (and I’m not talking sweatpants.  There’s no excuse for sweatpants.)  Anyway, I just wanted to share a bit about what’s going on here with my day.  I’m off to be pampered:)  I hope you all are enjoying this gorgeousss weather!

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The Happenings

Posted on 05/09/2011 by
Today is just a usual day, working 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, with only a 30 min break to get from one job to the next.  No biggie.  My life has been scheduled and run like this for over six years and it is starting to get old.  I was offered full-time at the salon but I’m nervous to commit to a set schedule for the first time in my entire life.  I’m used to the lifestyle of a retail worker where my schedule changes every week.  My schedule is pretty structured now but I still have some wiggle room.  I’m scared because I don’t want to get sucked into a routine and end up waking up 5 years later doing the exact same thing.  To avoid doing so, I’m looking into taking more professional studies courses at FIT, brainstorming new ideas for this blog, and trying to pick up a hobby.  As lame as it sounds, besides this blog, all I do is work, hang out with Chris and friends, or read and go online.  I’m not doing anything proactive towards bettering myself and my career/future.  
All of these thoughts have just been swimming around in my head for the past couple of weeks (hence being light on the posting) and I just had to share.  My vision for this blog is two parts: personal and style.  I’ve been banging out outfit posts like a machine and have been lacking on my content (the personal).  I’m in the brainstorming phase, so if you have any thoughts or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.  cagoulet1@yahoo.com is the best email to reach me on.  Things are going to be up in the air on here for the next couple of weeks because I’m slammed (Sister’s wedding, my birthday, Chris’ graduation, etc.) so sorry in advance for any hits that this may cause Motown. 

For those of you that don’t care about my life and just want some outfit pics, here they are:

Outfit Details: chambray top and tank- H&M | black skinnies- Gap | cardigan, belt, and jewelry- Forever 21 | metallic gladiator sandals- consignment at Plato’s Closet

Thanks for checking this out.  Enjoy your day!

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Mannequin Mayhem

Posted on 05/04/2011 by

 A couple of weeks ago I participated in a mannequin styling contest at a local shop, The Enclave Boutique.  Enclave is a local skate shop that also features an awesome girls boutique in the back.  Holly, the buyer/manager & all around awesome lady, has a really good eye and carries stylish unique pieces (I’d kill to have all of them in my wardrobe).  The shop features items from popular brands such as Toms Shoes, Free People, and Roxy (just to name a few).  I knew this going into the contest, so I psyched myself out a bit in advance.  I didn’t know what to choose!

Over a dozen people participated and it was a great experience.  I was able to network a bit with some locals, I got to talk about this blog a ton, and overall, it was a really cool evening and I’m glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and participated.  I’m super happy to say that I won second place!  There were three finalists total and it was so interesting getting to see everyone’s different styles.

(the finalists: 1st Place- Karissa and her awesome shoes, 3rd place- Casey, and 2nd place-me!)

Karissa’s mannequin was perfect for casual work or for a productive day of running errands.  She styled the outfit perfectly.  I loved her use of layering and mixing of textures.  She used the best summer pieces and it left me dreaming of warmer weather and sunshine!

Casey’s mannequin was perfect for a day at the beach.  It’s totally not my style but I absolutely loved it!  I imagine a cool, laid back chick, just waiting to catch a good wave rocking this outfit.  I’ve been thinking about that red bathing suit since the contest, and I think my winnings might have to be put towards it!

I used mostly Free People items on my girl.  I featured the Intimately FP Marvel Seamed Slip in grey and their Water Color Tube Dress in Ballet.  The dress features my favorite structure of the season, a hi-low hem line.  I can’t remember the brand of the cardi but it’s the most perfect mauve color and is a really comfy yet structured knit.  I could easily see myself throwing it on over everything. I pulled it all together with a pale yellow Roxy belt to define her waist and finished it off with some nude Toms wedges.  It’s a romantic outfit, definitely something Ginger would wear out on a date or to grab some lunch.

I’m really proud of myself for doing this contest.  Normally, I’d be my own worst enemy and discourage myself from participating.  But I forced myself and I’m glad I did.  I met some amazing people, I was able to promote Motown, I have a new experience to add to my resumé, and most importantly: I supported local.  The employees are amazing and the store is fantastic and it deserves attention and support from the community.  Holly just asked me this week if I’d be interested in doing a monthly blogging guest spot for them!  I’m so excited to continue working with them and that we’ll both be supporting each other in doing so.  Exciting stuff over here at Motown Cinderella!  Make sure to book mark Enclave Boutique’s blog and check back for my posts.  Until then, if you’re in the greater New Haven area, you have to check them out!  Become a fan of them on facebook and keep an eye out for all the deals/coupons that they often post.

Through this competition I learned the value of pushing yourself outside of your comfort level, the importance of supporting local, and that I still have what it takes to dress a mean mannequin! Haha!

Posted in Clothes, Life, Me | 4 Comments