OOTD/A Crafter's Wet Dream

Today I took myself on a date to Mahmoudpaşa, a tangle of streets wedged between the Grand and Egyptian Bazaars that are packed to the gills with street vendors selling scarves, football jerseys, tea sets, and, most wonderfully, craft supplies. Imagine all the sequins in the whole world crammed into tiny basement shops and strings of semiprecious stones hanging from the walls.

I nearly had to take out my smelling salts, y'all.

(Outfit: Dress, Yargıcı, also seen here; muscle tank, Zara; flats, Benetton; sweater, street stall; cuff, Mango)

 

 (Just a few of my purchases: druzy, fang, and evil eye charms for about $10 USD!)

I've been having a lot of fun layering less delicate pieces with this dress, and although I try to avoid muscle tanks that scream "KATE MOSS WOULD TOTALLY WEAR THIS!!!" I was really won over by the flattering cut and the textured linen-cotton blend.

I bought the sweater for about 10USD from a street stall. It's acrylic but has the softness and warmth of cashmere. Half-sleeved sweaters are one of those things that make no real sense but are actually incredibly handy...

Hope you're all having a fabulous week!

-B

DIY Embellished Shades

 DIY embellished sunglasses are everywhere right now, folks. Inspired by runway looks such as Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana, sloughs of fashion bloggers have been posting creative tutorials on how to spruce up your sunnies for cheap!

It goes a little something like this:

Steps 1-3: Hot glue a ton of sparkly shit to your sunglasses.

Step 4: Wear them and be fabulous.

(Top left to right, click for tutorial: Glitter n' Glue, Refinery 29, Studs and Pearls, A Matter of Style)

(The ladies at Nissa Jewelry added some chains to their sunnies- expect to see more of these)

The beauty of this project is that you can be as subtle or outrageous ad you'd like. Pictured above are seed beads, cabochons, nail decals, and even repurposed earrings! Istanbul has a sad lack of craft stores... but it does have a CRAFT DISTRICT. And you can bet that I'll be there this weekend with a keen eye for anything that might look great on a pair of shades. I have a feeling it will be sparkly.

What do you think of these DIY eye candies? Would you rather stick with your unadorned wayfarers?

Etsy Roundup Part Deux

Ladies and Gents, we present to you another Etsy Roundup, curated with love! Leave a comment and tell us what your favorite pick is!

(From left to right: Unicorn ring, Rorschach Ink Blot print, Booksi for iPod/iPhone, Butterfly collar, Nightmare Before Christmas Converse, Lolita skull earrings)

-Claire & Berit

Fall Style Tips II: Right on Time

I've never been much of a watch person. Maybe it's because I've grown up in the digital age, always using my cell to check the time, or because watches have always felt more like an adult necessity rather than another accessory. 

 For reasons unknown even to me, I brought my watch to Istanbul and haven't stopped wearing it since I arrived. I've also noticed that Turkish people are really into watches -my Turkish friends own as many stylish watches as they do bags, and they're sold everywhere by street hawkers. 

If ever there was a right time to invest in a timepiece it's Fall, when we all have to start checking the clock again and act like grown-ups. Watches are practical, versatile, and sophisticated (outshone only by the monacle). Plus, you're guaranteed to find one that suits your style and purpose. 

Fall Style Tips II: Right on Time by raincitystylistas2 featuring asos

Rubber watch, $64 / Watch / ASOS / Geneva wrap watch / ASOS , $35

(Via LookBook)

I'm beginning to appreciate watches as both a practicality and an opportunity to make a statement. What's your verdict?

-B 

Style Profile: Florence Welch

Can we all just stop for a minute and recognize how amazing Florence Welch is?

(If you don't know, she is the Florence from Florence + the Machine.
If you don't know, Florence + the Machine makes great music)

Her voice is both powerful and tender, her hair is fiery and fabulous, and her style is superb.

Plus she is british so she speaks english in a far more attractive way that I do. 

She effortlessly blends romantic and dreamy with edgy and punky 

and tosses in some eccentricity and weirdness to boot. 

I love her penchant for evocative bohemian prints and floaty fabric. 

And man can she bring the DRAMA.  

It's astonishing how hard she rocks her look, this sugar is taking no prisoners.   

Let her be an inspiration to us all.  Oh, I love you Flo.

Any celebrities/artists that you think have inspiring style?

Stay lovely!

♥ 

Claire

Trippy Business: Prabal Gurung's Orchid Rorschach Collection & OOTD

I've always been really taken with the use of symmetrical inkblot-style imagery, especially Rorschach patterns, in fashion. I think it began with Alexander McQueen (doesn't everything begin with McQueen?), but at any rate, it's a technique that has surfaced here and there on the runways but rarely in places where non-millionares can purchase them. 

The most recent appearance of of these acid trip-evoking textiles in couture was executed most elegantly by Prabal Gurung, a newer kid on the fashion block who has lived, worked, and studied all throughout Southern Asia. Here's a few pieces from his Spring 2012 collection:

Botany + Psychology: Prabal Gurung's Orchid Rorschach Collection by raincitystylistas2 featuring a floral blazer

Prabal Gurung floral print dress, $1,120 / Prabal Gurung floral top, $670 / Prabal Gurung floral blazer, $1,485

Imagine my delight when I found this floral shift on a sale rack in Turkey for under $20 USD! Though the pattern is much less subtle than Gurung's, sometimes you just have to wear the plainest shoes you can find and let the garment do it's thing.

 (Plus the *subtle* presence of flora on my pelvis is totally a metaphor for my feminine mystique!)

Do these kind of prints whet your whistles whatsoever? Alliteration. 

-B 

P.S. Happy September! 

UPDATE:  
Guess what Kate Middleton wore this week during her Royal tour of Asia with the Duke?

NEW SERIES: Etsy Roundup!

We are pleased to announce a new series here at RCS! As some of you may know, we're pretty big fans of Etsy around here (and also the satire site Regretsy, which skewers the stranger items on the site). Not only is it a venue for purchasing unique items you can't find anywhere else, but your money directly supports small-scale crafters, designers, and vintage curators (Just watch out for those resellers though, a.k.a. avoid owl pendants).  

So, from time to time we'll feature some Etsy listings we've picked out of the fray, because they're stylish, intriguing, or simply amusing. We're always doin' it for the lulz.

Without further ado:

(From left to right: Finger Print Embroidery Hoop, Gem Brooch Set, Batman Pendant, Lionel Ritchie Tea Mug, Mermaid Fins, Crochet Viking Hat)

What do y'all think of our picks?

-Berit & Claire

P.S. If you have a moment, check out Berit's Etsy shop! Because what's a post without some shameless self-promotion?

OOTD: Floaty Fabrics

Today I did that thing where I combine two pieces that don't match at all, but somehow work because they share the same texture. This dress was a gift to me for Bayram from a Turkish-designed label called Yargıcı (Yar-guh-juh) that specializes in soft, feminine pieces nautical-inspired gear.

(Dress, Yargıcı; scarf, Grand Bazaar; boots, GeeWaWa; earrings, Mom's; bangles, Pull & Bear; necklace, Istanbul boutique)

-B

Fall Style Tips: Metal Capped-Toe Shoes

As Fall quickly approaches, many of us will reluctantly bid farewell to our sandals in lieu of more weather-appropriate footwear. In the fashion world, Autumn is synonymous with chicness and polish because of the melding of summer and winter styles, plus consistently mild weather that lends to layering for the purpose of style rather than utility.

Enter the metal capped-toe shoe. In a myriad of styles and colors, this trend offers polished intrigue without sacrificing versatility. It looks expensive without trying too hard and is a great building block for accessorizing.

Valentino kitten heel shoes / Yves Saint Laurent cap toe shoes, $710 / Rachel Roy slip on shoes / ASOS high heel pumps / Wallis flat shoes / Oasis cap toe shoes, $60

Blessedly, this smart-looking trend has descended from the upper echelons of the fashion heavens to more affordable locations, including, not surprisingly, your local Forever21.

 I don't know about you guys, but I'll be snatching up a decently priced pair of these shit-kickers ASAP. Thoughts?

-B

Clarks Desert Boot: Not Just for the Dudes

Y'all know I'm a huge proponent for gender equality, and that conviction extends to even to -especıally to- style. Clothing and how it is worn/who wears it has played a historic role in the women's movement (Just a few decades ago women were being kicked out of court for wearing slacks) and is also an important tool for validating self-identity in many spheres of society, gender and ethnicity being just a few.

So when a neat pair of Clarks "Desert Boots" caught my eye and a male friend informed me they're "more of a guy's shoe" I thought to myself: yeah, fuck that. I see this style of shoe frequently worn by men in Seattle but rarely by women. Why should dudes have all the fun when it comes to these delightful kicks? 

 Plus you know I'm a sucker for boots.

Clarks boots, $155 / Clarks boots / Clarks boots

And here's some ladies showing us how it's done!

(Photos via Lookbook)

New Year's Nails (On a Budget!)

As New Year's Eve draws closer, I thought I'd give myself a spiffy at-home manicure for the event. Personally, I find the holiday to be a little disappointing when it comes down to it, but at least I'll have pretty nails when I'm sitting on the couch contemplating which celebrities will divorce in the new year. 

I borrowed this colored french tip tutorial from Studs & Pearls, who does awesome DIY projects. So check it!

(What I used: Paper reinforcing stickers, Revlon in Minted, OPI Nail Envy topcoat, and Hard Candy in Trailer Trash.)

(Apply basecoat and bottom coat of polish. Allow it to dry WELL, if you apply the tip color too soon the stickers will ruin it.)

(Place stickers so that you've got a couple centimeters to paint. You can cut the stickers in half or use the whole thing if you're lazy, like me. Apply your tip color and remove the sticker once it's dried a little bit.)

(Sorry, Instagram made my hand look gnarly.)

Apply topcoat and ta-da! You'll look real classy when the ball drops, and hopefully thereafter... lawl. Be safe and have fun!

-B

P.S. The best colors for the tips of your nails are better if they're darker than your base polish or metallic. It'll show up better.

A Day in San Francisco

Today I got to spend the day in San Francisco with my mom and older brother. We did some major exploring and got to enjoy the beautiful weather.

An intricate arch at the Legion of Honor museum in San Francisco- it's modeled after the Legion Hall of Honor in Paris. 

A late lunch at B-Star Bar in Inner Richmond, an incredible spot with a unique Asian fusion menu. Chicken and shrimp biryani and butternut squash soup. 

LEOPARD PRINT LOAFERS!!!! ARE BELONG TO ME!!!!

What have you all been up to with your post-holiday free time?

-B

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: Chunky, Loose-Fitting Sweaters

Today I'm going to talk about something very near and dear to my heart: the sweater. It's been a wardrobe staple of mine for as long as Seattle has been a miserable place to live, and there's a few reasons why I love them: They come in every color, shape, style, material, etc. etc. etc. Furthermore, they're incredible easy to find for cheap- the 20 or so thrifted sweaters in my closet are a testament to that. 

One particular style begs for digression, however. Chunky or loose-fitting sweaters are incredibly versatile and often offer a chicness and comfort that only your grandpa's cable-knit can achieve. There are more ways, however, to wear them other than with jeans and unwashed hair (okay, maybe that's more of a personal anecdote), and here's how!

Untitled #3 by raincitystylistas2 featuring striped pants

                              

(From left to right: Thakoon P/F 2012, Rag & Bone P/F 2012)

                                                            
                                                              

(Sweater: J Crew, thrifted; silk wrap skirt: vintage, bag: knockoff, Ebay)

And there you have it, folks. The frumpy sweater isn't actually so frumpy, is it?

-B

Pre-Holiday Outfit Post (With a special guest!)

Hey everyone! I've once again neglected posting for which I have no excuse (besides having marvelous adventures in LA), so I won't make any... besides the one in parentheses. Lots o' shit has happened in the past few months.*

Living in LA was educational and transformational in a lot of a ways. I ended up doing some serious people-watching, and picked up a few tips regarding urban style, one being the ease and casuality of Angeleno fashion. I saw some ladies and gents rock casual shapes and styles while maintaining a fresh, chic, and edgy air. Second, they really know how to wear neutrals in terms of color, cut, and outfit palette.

While my first impulse is to wear teal, brights and lightweight fabrics, I've been really digging a more androgynous style as of late, mixing muted colors and more structured shapes that just make me feel... snazzy.

Claire came to visit the past few days, which was totally kickass. Reuniting always gets out creative juices flowing, so expect more from us in the coming weeks! Here's what I wore on an adventure day to Santa Cruz:

(Top: Gap, thrifted; blazer: vintage, thrifted; scarf: Eugene, OR; pants: BDG, thrifted; belt: thrifted; SHUZ: Plenty by Tracy Reece, sample sale)

(If you didn't notice, these shoes are UNGODLY AWESOME. I snagged 'em for $30 bucks at a sample sale in San Francisco over Thanksgiving. They feel like a dream after a whole day of walking and can we talk about how crushed velvet and menswear shoes are a match made in heaven?)

I apologize for the unintentional hiatus. Hopefully you all still enjoy our inconsistent yet enthusiastic tirades. Much love to you and yours this holiday season! May your eating binges taste like holiday cheer!

Love,

B

*I spent the fall semester living in inner-city Los Angeles, my parents relocated from Seattle to San Jose, and I've been trying to figure out where I'll spend five months abroad beginning in June.

Outfit Post, Los Angeles Style

This is my third week living in Los Angeles- I'm here for the semester as part of an urban studies program for my major. I'm living in Koreatown, taking classes nearby and interning with a non-profit for the next few months. Check out my personal blog if you'd like to read about my experiences and transformation!

It's starting to cool down a bit, especially since there's about a ten degree difference in temperature in LA proper from Azusa. Here's what I wore to the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival in Chinatown. Forgive my ridiculous posture and facial expression, as always:

(Top, Tulle (bought at this random wholesale weird shop in Santa Monica); jeans, Urban Outfitters; brogues, Forever21; bag, Ebay; scarf, Mother's; hummus, delicious)

(Tying a scarf to the handle of your bag is an easy way to add some chicness to an outfit and maximizing the use of your layers- plus I've got to admit my secret love for cheetah print :3)

(My favorite accessories lately. From left: vintage, Mother's; etched PVC pipe, gifted; enamel butterfly, vintage)

I've been digging blouses so hard lately, I guess it's just a new season in my style!

Also, I've added quite a few new items to my Etsy shop lately- take a look! Tell a friend!

Love you all

-B

Berit's Jewelry Giveaway On The Emerald Closet!

Hello everyone!

So as I'm sure you're all well aware, I've been making jewelry from vintage buttons and selling them in my Etsy shop. Well, I've got some exciting news...

The Emerald Closet, one of my favorite Seattle-based style blogs, is conducting a giveaway for my shop! The talented team over at TEC not only captures what is happening in the fashion world 'round the world, but beautifully represents the uniqueness of Seattle street style as well.

Beginning Monday, August 8th (tomorrow, lulz) through Monday of next week, you can enter to win one of three rings from my shop that we'll be giving away!

Keep your eyes peeled for the giveway at The Emerald Closet, and good luck!

-B

A Stylista's Guide to Thrifting

My mother started dragging me into thrift shops and antique stores when I was just a wee one. I remember hating these excursions- dusty, smelly, no sparkly jewelery display cases for me to leave nose smudges on!

(Thrifter-in-training)

As I grew older, though, I began to love thrifting, the majority of my wardrobe having been dug out of a Goodwill or Salvation Army. Among some of my favorite finds were a brand-new pair of puple plaid shiny vans, a Moschino Cheap & Chic blazer (real talk!), and countless flannels.

Not everyone loves thrifting. Or if one does, it can get overwhelming and frustrating... but not anymore!

Here's a few tricks for a successful thrift adventure:

1) Dress appropriately. If you wear things that make trying on clothes easier you'll be a much happier camper. I recommend:

-Slip-on shoes or flats, which make trying on bottoms and thrifted kicks less of a headache

-A cami, which will help you visualize a low-cut dress or sheer blouse better. Plus, it's nice to have a barrier against your skin.

-Limit the jewelery you wear, as it'll just get caught as you try on clothes.

2) Prioritize. What do you want to check out first? Are you looking for anything in particular? If you don't need any more jeans, skip the jeans.

4) Use a critical eye- but not a cynical one! If you

feel as if something doesn't fit or you just might not be able to get the stain out, don't risk it. On the other hand, thrifted clothing is a great way to try out a new style or look without blowing tons of cash on it. Be adventurous!

3) Set a budget and use cash only. You'll be less likely to buy things needlessly if you bring cash and leave your card at home.

Here's some gems we found on a recent excursion:

(Keepin' it Seattle hipster)

(L. struck gold- LITERALLY. It was $15!)

(I'm starting to wish I had actually bought this)

What are your thrifting tricks? What's the best thing you've ever found? Or better yet, what's the worst?!

-B