(Image above: Faux-Pas image from http://rachelelaine.wordpress.com)

I think it’s great how these peace-loving hippies are expressing their own sense of style in this photo, but you can wear tie-dye without looking like a hippie. I like the Grey-Ful Dead Pants because, although they’re tie-dyed, they’re a bit understated with their muted gray and white colors. I’ve paired the pants with the Ooh-La-La Tunic, because the burnout pattern adds texture to the outfit. The Night on the Town Booties add a little edge to the look that is anything but hippie, and the Gelato Sunglasses and The Scarlet O’Handbag add a splash of color to the ensemble. The United by Nature Bracelet is the finishing touch. Do you wear tie-dye? How do you style it?

[The designers behind Dainty June are: Erica Daking, Jen Johnson, and Jennifer Daking]

Dainty June is a group of friends who have combined forces to create a new line, and we’re one of the few stores carrying their first season! It’s colorful, cheerful and perfect for summer.

Read about the girls’ inspirations from childhood and how Dainty June came to be: Read the rest of this entry »

This week’s fashion dictionary post goes out to our ModLovers in the southern hemisphere (and anyone else who is still enjoying crisp, cool nights)! A dressmaker coat is a relatively general term, but my closet is full of whimsical examples nonetheless. By definition, a dressmaker coat is is a woman’s coat designed with softer lines and “special” details not often found in standard outerwear; thus, it’s styled more like a dress. Our Carmen Trench features a beautiful bow at the back, full “skirt”, and 3/4 length sleeves, making it quite a bit more special than your average trench.

What do you look for in your perfect cool weather attire? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

(Image above: taken from the Flickr account of chrissylenguyen)

It’s summer, and chances are that we’re all a bit more active this time of year. But what are fashionistas supposed to sweat in? It’s not always easy to look good while working hard, so that’s why I’ve chosen this outfit from Flickr user chrissylenguyen. She’s done a great job here of maintaining on-trend style for her hike through the Hollywood Hills by wearing a tie-dye  tank top with her yoga pants and accessorizing with neon sunglasses. Not only does she have a sense of style, but she also shows a sense of environmental awareness by carrying an aluminum water bottle. If you’d like to achieve a look that’s both comfortable and current, try on some  Grey-ful Dead Pants with their elasticized waist and top them off with a Brick Wall Tank. To finish, protect your eyes with the retro-yet-futuristic Back to the Futuristic Sunglasses and sip your water from one of several eco-friendly bottles, such as the Talented Mr. Apple Bottle or the Fawn in the Forest Bottle.

Do you recall where you were June 20th at 5:30 A.M.?  Sleeping perhaps?  If you were myself, or one of the other 599 motivated outdoor/eco-enthusiasts registered for the full Rachel Carson Trail Challenge, you were about to embark on a 34 mile, one day hiking extravaganza!

Before there was an environmental movement, there was Rachel Carson, ecologist and author, best known for her book Silent Spring (1962).   Silent Spring warned the public of the dangers of pesticides and herbicides and other chemicals, in particular, DDT. (rachelcarsontrails.org/about) Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century, Carson was also an active hiker, bird watcher, and outdoors explorer.  Her legacy lives on through her nonprofit organization and a beautiful (challenging!) trail that runs through northeast Pittsburgh.

As seen in the photo above, hundreds are lined up before the crack of dawn to undertake the Carson Trail!  Over ten years ago, in 1997, 77 registered with only a total of 24 finishing by the cut-off time.  This year, 600 people registered to participate in the full 34-mile one day hiking challenge with a total of 425 who finished!  Its popularity has surely skyrocketed in recent years by both word of mouth and growing concern for the environment.  Proceeds from registering hikers go to the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy whose goals include raising awareness of the benefits of community trails, getting more people interested in physical activities, getting more people to experience the beauty of our region and the natural world, and helping people see our region as active and vibrant. (rachelcarsontrails.org/about)

If you’re not ready to take on a physical challenge of this nature, register to volunteer at your own local events!  This volunteer-based challenge wouldn’t run if people weren’t willing to donate their own time and effort for the greater good.  At ModCloth, we like to remain active in the environment and events that promote wellness for ourselves and the earth!  You can even find eco-goods on our site!  Check out our proactive book, Change The World for Ten Bucks, sip out of a stainless steel water bottle, or tote around a re-purposed leather bag, such as the New South or Perfect Palate Bag.   Are there any green feats or challenges that you have taken recently, or plan to participate in the future?

The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), volunteer-based organization dedicated to the development, protection, and promotion of hiking, biking, and walking trails throughout western Pennsylvania. (rachel carsontrails.org)

(Image Above: Banksy’s “Maid” www.banksy.co.uk.  Photo Courtesy of Noirstudios.com )

Plenty of “street art” is unappealing.  Almost all of it is controversial.  And, pretty much none of it is conventional.  Though the term street art may bring to mind images of scrawling graffiti,  the installations featured in this week’s Top Ten are works of talent, wit and eye-pleasing aesthetics.  A small taste of the finer side of open air art, please put your hands together for the Top Ten Pieces of Street Art.  Feel free to comment with street art photos of your own to add to the list.

1.  “Tesco Pledge of Allegiance” by Banksy. “I pledge allegiance to the grocery store of The United Kingdom of Consumerism…” by London’s leading graffiti artist.

2.  “Acrobatics” by Nemo. The infamous Parisian trench coat-and-fedora-silhouette-of-a-man goes circus.

3.  “Little Helmet Man” by Space Invader. Aw, so cute.  I want one, but sadly he’s cemented to the streets of Paris.

4.  Batman and Robin by Julian Beever. Holy optical illusions!  This guy is amazing.

5.  “Butte Aux Cailles Woman” by Misstic. Translation: “Ethic is the aesthetic of the inside.”

6.  Pisa Mural by Keith Haring. No street art post would be complete without a Haring.  Color, movement, classic Haring.  I wish I could dance like these dudes.

7.  “London Graffiti Tunnel Eskimo” by Unknown. There’s an amazing legalized graffiti tunnel in London.  This Eskimo-like kid in the tunnel always impressed me.

8.  Street Gym by Robin Rhode. Rhodes chalks his work out on the pavement and interacts with it as though it were reality.  Pretty neat stuff, if I do say so myself!

9.  “Untitled In Stockholm” by Unknown. Found on a random signpost in Stockholm, this purely random piece of street art always makes me laugh.

10.  Neuquén by Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada. I’m always a sucker for great portraiture.

Now that you’re feeling inspired, check out these street art-inspired items: Painting With Light Hi-Tops, New York Style Wallet, Jungle Jane Tee, Have A Nice Shoe, I Spy Dress, and Bike A Pose Dress

Image taken from the Flickr account of I’ve Stolen a Garden.

Black and blue have always been my two favorite colors, and together they make a great team. I love how she’s coupled them here in a punky princess kind of way, with the dainty ruffles of her mini skirt softening the edge of her black and white striped tank top and fiery hair color. To complete her en vogue ensemble, she’s added a touch of glam with shiny black heels and belt. If you’re looking for a femininely funky look like this one, try tucking the lacy Lacer-Back Tank into the studded I Heart Rock ‘n Roll Skirt and accessorizing with the Lita Clutch In Fender and the Wonderland Headband. Or, if floral prints are more your thing, you can achieve the same balanced effect with the one-piece Frassy Dress!

Did anyone see this little owl on Cute Overload this week?
She’s an original, handmade creation from Melissa’s Bears in Canada. Oh, the cuteness!

We loved the entries in the Chictopia Vintage Inspiration Contest so much, we couldn’t resist posting the contest runner-ups as the Style Inspiration for today. Too cute! If you have looks to share, remember to participate in our Wear in the World Contest, which ends July 6!

You may not be able to travel to Oz, but you CAN go to the Emerald City, also known as Seattle.  This moniker may make you think of wizards and soaring palaces, but Seattle is not home to these fantastic things – at least not in a literal sense.  Rather, Seattle has other near-magical claims to fame – Microsoft, Jimi Hendrix, the Space Needle,  Starbucks and Costco.  With so many famous progeny, Seattle must have a lot to offer.

Read on to see what’s in store.

Read the rest of this entry »