Sunday, November 4, 2012

A Sweet n' Chic Spin!

Today I took a delightful spin with the fiance through DC as a part of the DC Tweed Ride 2012.  The event is sponsored by the Dandies and Quaintrelles, a Washington DC social group that organizes and hosts vintage-styled events.  This was their 4th annual DC Tweed Ride and what an exciting event to be a part of.  DC's best dressed vintage lovers gathering with some sweet rides to take over the city streets for a couple hours.  We rode 10 miles around the city streets starting at Franklin Square, stopping at the National Arboretum for a water break, and ending at Logan Circle.  Afterward a vintage style bicycle was raffled off (we did not win...oh well...not sure how we would have gotten that one home) and THEN a jazz era style after party on U Street at the Brixton complete with music provided by Dandy Wellington and his band.  The day was an absolute delight and we couldn't have asked for more beautiful fall weather.  I will say that next year I will definitely be looking for some knickers to wear instead of a dress (those breezes don't mix too well with dresses), but we will DEFINITELY see everyone next year for the 5th annual DC Tweed Ride.

See below how we rocked it along with other stylish dandies and quaintrelles for the day.


A little vintage chic! Due to the way my hair was styled my hat wouldn't sit back properly, the next pic is better.




 
On Me:
Dress: Vintage 1950s purchased at Pretty People 
Tweed Blazer: Vintage purchased at Junction
Cloche Hat: Target (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Target (similar, similar, similar)
Broach: vintage I think...not sure where it came from
Necklace and earrings: College graduation gift from family
Sunglasses: Target

On My Man:
Shirt: JCPenney
Sweater: Old Navy
Suit Jacket: Thrift store ($1.00!!)
Pants: Target
Gloves: Nordstrom
Pocketwatch: Mall Kiosk
Bowtie: vintage (1950s)

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

A Sweet n' Chic Surprise of a Lifetime

LOTS has been going on in Lil' Miss SweetTea's world.  

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I'M ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am one incredibly blessed gal.  My new hubby-to-be planned the most dreamy surprise proposal ever!    He proposed on October 8, 2012...our two-year dating anniversary.  He told me we would be going on a picnic that day and I needed to dress cute and vintage-y.  (I swear that's all...we're just that good at being Sweet n' Chic.) It was more than I had ever dreamed of, and he even hired a photographer to secretly capture the whole surprise and then proceed with an entire engagement photo-shoot.

This woman was incredible!  She cleverly had her hubby and adorable sweet baby girl tag along as her "cover," and she had the photos ready for us in 2 days!  That is one efficient Momma!

Skip on over to Rebekah.Beasley.Photographs to see how she captured this incredibly Sweet n' Chic event.

He even had Snapple create a custom Snapple Cap Fact just for us!  We plan to send this one to Snapple!


Monday, October 1, 2012

Sweet n' Chic Cycling Style


Last year C bought an old Columbia Twosome off Craigslist with the vision of fixing it up for us to ride.  When he first told me about it and how much he paid for it I thought..."UGH!"

In it's original craigslist glory...
But C has always been quite the visionary.  In fact it's a quality I absolutely love about him and envy about him all at once.  He sees the potential in the beat up and ugly.  With his vision and creative genius...the bike was transformed into this...


I picked the color.  He and his mother tried to convince me to paint it a cream or off-white...but no...it HAD to be turquoise and I couldn't be happier with that decision.

This weekend we finally got to ride in style on this lovely gem on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.




Hope everyone had a sweet Sunday!

Shirt: Gap
Tank: Target
Pants: LOFT
Shoes: TOMS
Belt: Target
Sunglasses: Target




Sunday, September 9, 2012

First Week Fashions

Let's face it, the last two weeks have been crazy!  I moved to a new house, AND set up my classroom for the new school year...and this past week kicked off a brand new school year!  WHEW!  It has been busy but wonderful and I can happily say that I have had a wonderful first week with all my new little cherubs.  I'm also LOVING my new house and new roommates!  The blessings just keep on coming.  But enough about life, on to fashion now.

Given the craziness of the past two weeks, I only have outfits photographed for the first two days of school.  The keys to these outfits were comfort, professional, and of course sweet n' chic.

Day 1:


Featuring my amazing pink elephant top, a gift from my incredible boyfriend.  Pink elephants make me happy, and as you can see from the picture below, I collect vintage pink elephant glasses/barware...so now I love pink elephant everything! And this photo is from the early stages of my collection, I have much, MUCH more! 




Top: GAP (out of stock sorry, but it was $50)
Skirt: J Crew Factory Store (SIMILAR)
Shoes: TOMS Ballet Flats (SIMILAR)
Necklaces: Pearls = family gift, pink = bought at some antique store

Day 2:
This was accompanied by leopard print flats from Target.
The rest of the week I wore the following (sorry no pictures):
Thursday - red jeans from LOFT and and a white LOFT top in honor of the Nationals Game I had tickets for that night.
Friday- LOFT jeans and a blue striped LOFT blouse with same belt pictured here...Fridays are casual days at our school.

Alright teachers, share with us what you wore for your first day!








Top: Banana Republic Outlet (no longer available)
Pants: LOFT (SIMILAR)
Belt: old, unknown



Sunday, August 12, 2012

Sweet n' Chic Style Sesh

I am so stoked to share with you the spoils from my shopping trip last month that I mentioned in a previous post.  A fellow teacher at my school who I LOVE, Bonnie, would stop me in the copy room to ask if we could go shopping together. She wanted to be a style project for my blog.  Now, I have always thought of Bonnie as quite stylish, so when she asked to be a style project for my blog I was beyond excited. I was also pretty nervous to be honest...what if I didn't live up to her expectations...I mean I can dress myself...but what if she didn't like what I picked or put together for her?  We finally got together in July and had a great day of shopping, with a YUMMY lunch included!

I was finally able to catch up with Bonnie this weekend to take some photos of all she bought on our shopping excursion, and style some outfits for her using what she bought and what was already in her closet.  We had such a great afternoon, and I am so appreciative of her family for letting me borrow her all afternoon, and for letting me pull out almost every piece of clothing in her closet!  I could have stayed there all day and played with outfits, she seriously has a GREAT wardrobe.

 

 

These are most of the items Bonnie purchased.
Denim Shirt: GAP (similar)
Belt: GAP
Blouse: LOFT
Chambray Dress: GAP
Chevron Dress: 3 Sisters Boutique
Cropped Pants: LOFT
Bracelets: (Chevron) The Lucky Knot (similar, similar), (Yellow Leather) GAP (similar), (Blue stone) ?
Earrings: Francesca's Collections
Necklace: FOREVER 21 (similar)

NOT PICTURED ABOVE (But pictured below):
Infinity scarf: GAP (similar)
Pink Cropped Pants: LOFT (similar)

Now let's get down to the styling part!  This is where it gets MORE fun!

 

I showed Bonnie how just by changing the cardigan color, or switching out a necklace for a scarf, or changing up which accessories you pair an outfit with...you can essentially use the same pieces and yet get an entirely different look!

 
 

Here's the denim skirt she bought!

 

 

 

We created a total of 13 looks today!  That's basically two week's worth of outfits, and trust me...I could have stayed and played and created tons more!  I would love to know if you have a favorite!

While styling, Bonnie asked some great questions!  She asked how do you know where to wear your belt?  Honestly...it's a matter of taste, what works with your outfit and with your body...it could be different on different days.  Some outfits the belt will look best just on top of the hips (this looks great when wearing a pencil skirt), and sometimes it's more fitting to wear it at your natural waistline just under the ribcage (this is the typical place to wear it for MOST outfits), and still sometimes the belt looks best a little higher up (think empire dresses).  Belt around or under cardigan? ... Depends how you feel that day...either way is stylish.  What about mixing colors?...Typically I'll stick with a color family and then throw in a pop of something complimentary.

Based on our discussions today, here's what we're loving these days:
-Anything with a chevron pattern!
-Polka dots (yup, we jumped on that bandwagon too)
-Bold colors
-Statement jewelry

What trends are you loving?

Thanks again Bonnie for being such a wonderful friend and for being such a fun "project," and thanks again to your family for letting me borrow you for shopping and styling!  (Oh, and sidetrack...her fam also donated SEVERAL boxes and packing supplies to me for my upcoming move!  They are truly AWESOME!) 

If you live in the NOVA area and would like some shopping/style tips, I would LOVE to do this again, just get in touch with me either by commenting here, or messaging me on my new Facebook page (don't forget to "Like" the page too so you get all the updates)!




Monday, July 30, 2012

Denim 'n' Dots

Let's face it, iiiiiiiit's been a while since I last posted.  My ambitious goals of regular posts for the summer clearly went out the window as I was enjoying my various beach trips, pool days, and just plain lazy days.  Not to mention the fact that taking full pictures of myself is difficult when I have no tripod and no one to do it for me (until the weekends when I get to see my man).

Lucky for everyone, this weekend was a triple header!  A trip + time with my man + great clothes = a new blog post! YAY!!!

Here's what I wore for the Friday road trip that kicked off our weekend visit to see my parents.


I've been inspired by J. Crew's polka dots push. 


 
I'm also still obsessed with denim/chambray tops.  I just bought the one I'm wearing in the picture from GAP.  This was purchased on a fun shopping outing with the woman responsible for the start of this blog.  She had been asking me all year if we could take a shopping trip and I would share tips and tricks.  She wanted to be my "project."  I happily obliged and will hopefully do a post on that trip at some point.  Need to take some photos first.  She and I bought the same denim top though from the GAP, both agreeing it's a top that can be worn and will be worn with much of our wardrobes.  I don't own a cropped denim jacket, so here I used the shirt as I would a denim jacket.  I have to say, I am loving this purchase.  It's my new go-to.  What's your go-to fashion item?

Sunglasses: Target $16.99
Necklace: Random mall jewelry store, Similar
Shirt: The GAP $49.95
Camisole: LOFT $12 (50% off sale)
Skirt: J Crew Factory Outlet (old), Similar
Sandals: Target $15
Earrings: Boutique purchase on a NJ vacation, Similar, Similar
Watch: Citizen (graduation gift from family)
Ring right hand: JMU Class Ring
Ring left hand: Sterling Claddagh  C purchased for me at a random Irish Festival we stumbled upon one weekend.


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Cowgirl Chic

What do you get when you mix:
THIS:                                                                                                   WITH THIS?:
 













MY NEW HAIRCUT!
+ Cute outfit = New Fashion Post! = BONUS!

This weekend was one of much celebration.  Friday was my last day with students for the year, and C learned that he has been accepted into an apprenticeship program he applied to.  To celebrate, we attended the Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival at National Harbor.  It was a total blast, with tons of good eats and drinks.  Here's what I decided to rock to the event.  Ever since I pulled out that chambray shirt for this post, I've been waiting for a chance to pair it with other pieces.  This festival provided the perfect opportunity to whip it out for a cowgirl chic look.  This dress is a favorite of mine from one of my favorite boutiques in Old Town, Alexandria called the 3 Sisters Boutique.  I love the A-line cut, and all the ruffle details around the skirt and the color is amazing as well!  I got so many compliments on this dress at the festival.  Don't you just love it when you're out and women come up to you left and right to tell you how much they love your outfit and ask where you shop?!  The shirt was a great touch I think, it was a lighter version of doing a denim jacket; comfortable and easy!  Plus...it had the added effect of making the dress look like it was a skirt and top outfit, so when people asked about the skirt and I told them it was a dress the "oohs" and "aaahs" continued.  

The only thing I would change about this for next time would be the shoes.  As darling as my brown leather heels were...they were a horrible choice for all the walking at the festival.  I would go with a brown sandal next time (currently don't have...they're on my shopping list).  I almost wore cow boots but decided it was too hot for those.  Any other shoe thoughts for this ensemble?


Shirt: LOFT (no longer available), Ann Taylor Similar, J Crew Factory Similar
Dress: Ryu Brand purchased 3 Sister's Boutique, was also available on ModCloth - no longer available
Bracelet: Birthday gift from a friend
Watch: Citizen; high school graduation gift
Purse: Target Similar
Shoes: INC (purchased from a consignment store); similar
Sunglasses: 3 Sister's Boutique, Charming Charlie Similar
Necklace: Bought from an artist at an antique store ($10)
Nail Polish: Tart Deco by Essie ($8), purchased at Target (I think this might be my favorite color of the season!)


Monday, June 11, 2012

A Beautiful Love Affair

OK, so I am in LOVE!  I never thought it would happen for me, but alas my time has arrived.

Have I got a love story for you!

I have been waiting for a line of beauty products to knock my socks off.  I've always kind of hopped around using various cleansers, lotions, potions etc.  Things that essentially "worked-ish" I mean, they'd get my face clean, or leave my skin feeling moist temporarily, but no product has ever truly blown me away in terms of how my skin feels after using it.  That all changed about a week ago. 

(Yes, I know this is a fashion blog, but what's fashion without beauty?) 

I made a trip to the mall last week to return a pair of sandals I bought (they were SUPER CUTE, but when I got them home I realized the stones on the straps were falling off and whatever had held them in place was broken). {This was fate, I later realized}.  Now typically when I visit this mall I park on the third floor where all my favorite stores are, however on this fateful day, since I was only going to be running in for a moment, I parked in a parking lot across the street that allowed patrons one hour free of parking (no sense in paying for the mall garage if I'm just running in and out).  {This too was fate}. Due to where I parked, I had to enter and exit the mall through the lower level/food court area.  As I was exiting I noticed a unique store near the food court that I had never seen before.  The store, LUSH, was neatly organized with beautiful displays of handmade soaps, perfumes, and beauty products.  The products on display all had intriguing names and the store had an overall urban/hipster vibe.  I think it was the colorful soaps and bath bombs that drew me in, but needless to say I was enticed to come in and have a closer look. {FATE} As I made my way around the shop I was greeted by a young man who offered to help me and show me any products I was interested in. I asked him how long the store had been in the mall and he said they had been there since around Christmas time...WHAT?  How did I miss that?  Anyway, he proceeded to show me various soaps, asked what kind of scents I liked or products I was interested in, and helped me sample a number of products.  I learned that LUSH is a company passionate about great products, and the environment.  All LUSH products are hand made from all natural ingredients, and they are strictly against testing their products on animals.  LUSH also supports a number of charitable causes with the proceeds from some of their sales such as their "Charity Pot". After his help I was sold on a "Buffy" and a "Sex-bomb" bath bomb.  The rest of the staff were incredibly energetic and helpful, and I left with two products I was totally excited about and a catalog of ALL their current products.



When I got home, I was eager to try my new buffy, so I jumped in the shower.  The Buffy, made with cocoa and shea butters, and filled with ground rice and almond exfoliates while leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth and moisturized.  The sales associate recommended using it after shaving and then there would be no need for lotion after getting out of the shower.  I quickly shaved my legs and sloughed the Buffy all over.  After patting dry at the end of my shower, I couldn't believe the results.  My skin had NEVER been so smooth in my life!  It was a whole new experience!  I didn't even know my skin could feel like that.  This little dream bar had me hooked.
Buffy- $11.95-$22.95


This past weekend I used the bath bomb.  Now I know, the name sounds...interesting...but seriously, it was pink and purple, it had a rose in the middle of it and it smelled DIVINE!  I couldn't resist!  I dropped it in the bath, and there was an explosion of pink in my tub.  Yes, every girl's dream, a pink bubble bath!  Yes ladies, it will literally turn your bath water HOT PINK!  The scent is divine and the essential oils made my skin feel so soft after my soak.  I would definitely invest in another sometime.
Sex Bomb - $6.45
After these first delightful experiences, I perused through the catalog and immediately circled all the products I wanted to try on my next visit.  I was extremely interested in their skin care products (cleansers, face masks, moisturizers).

Today I had the chance to pop in again, and again was greeted and served by the most helpful sales associate.  This gal was incredibly knowledgeable about every product, and what showed even more was her genuine passion for their products.  She kindly provided demonstrations of the products I was interested in by applying products to my hands, and telling me about how she uses the products in her own beauty regimen and what she loves about each product, and no, she was not just trying to get the sale.  About an hour later I emerged with about $120 worth of product, and free soap samples.  Here's what I bought.

Angels on Bare Skin (lavender facial scrub) - $10.95- $26.95
Eau Roma Water (toner) - $8.95-$19.95
Gorgeous (moisturizer) - $89.95 (yes, this was a major splurge, but SO worth it)
Brazened Honey (fresh face mask) - $6.95 (this is made with fresh ingredients and must be refrigerated, thus it is not available online)

My free soap samples were:
Honey I Washed the Kids - $7.95 (I LOVE the way this one smells)
Demon in the Dark - $7.95 (this one I thought C would love and so the sales associate was like, well then I'm giving you a sample for your boyfriend to try! It's a minty/clove-y, every man should smell like this scent)

Did I mention their eco-friendly practices?  Besides not testing their products on animals, using vegetarian friendly ingredients, and sponsoring a variety of grassroots charities...Bring back any 5 empty black pots (what most of their cream products come in) to the store, they will recycle/reuse them, and YOU get a FREE fresh face mask!

Folks, each and every single one of these products was worth every penny.  They're all natural, hand made, they delight the senses, and best of all--they REALLY WORK!  With such a friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate staff, eco friendly products and practices, and products that blow every other brand on the market out of the water, LUSH has stolen my heart.

LUSH my love, I shall someday return and purchase the following:
Charity Pot - $21.95
T for Toes - $9.95 (foot powder...yeah...I need it...)
...And so many more!...

I'm no expert, and I don't work for LUSH, but I do know what I like, and I'm telling you, these products will not disappoint!  Curious to know more?  Check out their website or find your nearest LUSH store and ask any sales associate to sample some products for you, give you a facial or product demonstration. They will be more than happy to share the products they love with you and I know they will make a believer out of you.  Has anyone else used LUSH products?  Do you have a favorite?

~SweetTea




Sunday, June 3, 2012

Sunshine and Summertime

Hello fashion blog world!  As promised, I have arrived with something better than "under construction."  

Some things to know about me, and this blog.  
1. I am an elementary school teacher, so the fashions you see here will be conservative and definitely budget friendly.  
2. I'm not a full time blogger, and fellow teachers can relate when I say it can be hard to find time to blog so the posts may not be on a consistent schedule for a while, but Hallelujah, summer is on its way which means more time to shop, play with outfits, and blog!  
3. I had been contemplating starting this up for a while, and a little over a month ago I went to a math conference with some coworkers, and one night over dinner two of them started telling me they love the way I dress, and suggested that I start a fashion blog.  One of the two pointed me to J's Everyday, where I was further inspired and motivated to finally create this blog. 
4. I'm a yard-saler, flea marketer, consignment/thrift store shopper, antique shopper and my favorite chain stores are LOFT, J. Crew (outlets), Banana Republic (outlets), Francesca's, Three Sister's Boutique, and Target (pronounced the French way).  
5. I'm a Pinterest junkie!
6. Yes, I want your honest feedback!  Leave respectful comments.  If you like something, GREAT, say so!  If you wouldn't wear it, you can say that too.  If you don't think a color goes fine, you're welcome to tell me that too, but please no insults or personal attacks on myself or other readers/commenters.  Oh and yes, please leave links to your blogs too (that's how I find a lot that I follow).

It is my hope that you will find the fashion's here inspiring, chic, and affordable.




What better way to kick off the summer and this blog than with this fun summer number?  I got an e-mail from J Crew today with some "denim inspirations," and this photo appeared.  I wasn't a huge fan of the pants or the heavy denim up top, but something about the colors and the denim paired with a pattern struck me.  Fortunately, while staring at this photo I realized I have a pair of shorts that very closely resemble the pattern and color scheme on the pants.  I also realized I had a chambray shirt hanging in my closet that I probably haven't worn since the fall that would be the PERFECT substitute for the denim top.  I prefer to wear chambray up top rather than denim, especially during the summer because it's lighter and softer, and it gets HOT here so I try to wear light/breathable fabrics. Rather than button up, I decided to maintain the light feel by leaving the shirt open over a plain J Crew tank, and as you'll notice if you continue to come back, I am an avid believer in the "just throw a belt around it," policy. (I throw belts around a majority of my outfits).  I decided to pair the whole combo with these babies to add another contrasting denim shade:
Katia Chambray Ballet Flats


Where did I wear this oh so fabulous summer look?  A brunch date in Old Town with my girl Sara.  I couldn't think of a better outfit for this GORGEOUS day!  How would you wear denim for summer? I'm really feeling the denim with patterns, and I'm curious to see what other fun patterns I could pair this shirt with for summer, thoughts?

Shirt: LOFT (no longer available), Ann Taylor Similar, J Crew Factory Similar
Tank: J. Crew ($14.50), (color no longer available)
Shorts: LOFT ($44.50)
Shoes: TOMS ($79) {I got lucky and Mom bought them for me when she came to visit}
Belt: I have no idea where I got this from or how much it cost, I've had it for THAT long.
Watch: Citizen; high school graduation gift
Bracelet: Birthday gift from a friend
Necklace: Bought from an artist at an antique store ($10)
Nail Polish: Tart Deco by Essie ($8), purchased at Target (I think this might be my favorite color of the season!)