(Image Above: Faux-Pas Image From http://www.popsugar.com/9009)

Most people can’t get away with wearing a sheer lace top, not even Kelly Clarkson for the stage. Instead, why not wear a lace top with a built-in lining, like the Net Worth Tank? And instead of sloppy pants, I dressed Kelly in the Zelda Skirt, which is totally pop-star worthy, with it’s amazing, built-in waistband detail. Much sleeker than Kelly’s slouchy pants! The cute Love Don’t Cost a Thing Booties add a bit of edge and aren’t too girly . I just adore the Party Snacks Necklace in Pretzel so I couldn’t help but add it as an accessory. Isn’t it totally random and awesome? I want it! And obviously Kelly won’t be using a purse on stage, but The Chesire Clutch is perfect for holding all the essentials off-stage. You’re probably asking why I didn’t accessorize with a glove, or gloves, like Kelly. Well, I think fingerless leather gloves are just too obvious an accoutrement for the stage. Had to go with the pretzel necklace instead. Sorry!

Do you think anything goes on the stage? What do you think Kelly Clarkson should wear?

• Not every scare is spooky! Remember this oldie-but-goodie? This baby panda startles its mother in the most adorable way.
• How are you feeling today? Share your emotions and see what others are feeling on the stunning interactive database project We Feel Fine.
• We know money is hard to come by these days, but these robbers really couldn’t do better than using markers for masks? Really?
• Need more vintage in your life? Check out Grain Edit, which focuses on design work from or inspired by the 1950s – 1970s. The site is packed with retro books, brochures, posters, advertisements, furniture– you name it. And while we’re not one to play favorites, we just can’t get enough of this vintage children’s book.
• Get breakfast done right with this note-writing toaster by Sasha Tseng. This too-cool toaster lets you write on a built-in message board, which then burns the missive onto your bread!

What would you do with a messenger toaster? We’d probably spend our mornings doodling images of Winston onto our bread, but what about you?

[Image originally from En magisk purt til en anan värd]

The Swedish blogger from En magisk purt til en anan värd is my current obbsession, despite the fact that her whole blog is in Swedish.  Her photos are beautiful, and  love can overcome language barriers, can’t it?  I picked this outfit as my style inspiration on this overcast, chilly Pittsburgh Friday to remind everyone that all you need to brighten even the dreariest day is a bright coat or bright accessories.  I always get compliments when I wear When Life Give You Lemon Coat on dark and rainy days.

Do you have a favorite cute find? Email it to cutefinds@modcloth.com, and it could be featured on an upcoming week!

Honestly, Diane, I didn’t know what my inspiration for this week’s Unisex-y post was going to be. All I knew is that I wanted to feature the Shaman Necklace, a piece of neckwear that I own, adore, and already personally wrote about in its description.  On the day of the shoot, though,  someone suggested that we take the photo outside, which is something I’ve never done with this series.  When I viewed the resulting photo, it looked very woodsy and saturated with warm colors. Then, like the code of a dream being broken, it hit me that Sarah and I, with our folksy ensembles and our beaded, Native American-inspired necklaces, look like we could be denizens of the fictional town in the mystical, early-1990s television show, Twin Peaks! Much like David Lynch (the creator of the show) does in his work,  I must have collaborated with my subconscious to create an installment of Unisex-y that simultaneously taps into the shared eeriness of the impending Halloween holiday and the TV series, and into my love for this particular filmmaker’s work.

After firewalking with me over to this small, sylvan patch in our office’s parking lot (is that a Douglas fir behind us?), Sarah struck a darn good pose in the outfit we put together for her. With the Shaman Necklace being our foundation, we laid first lumber with the snuggly, faux fur-lined, hooded, and taupe grey Polar Bear Hug Dress, then put her in some sturdy new shoes, the Zeitgeist Booties, which feature a treaded sole perfect for a walk under the sycamore trees. Her legs were kept warm in the cool, damp air by the Tights for Every Occasion in Ski Lodge (any relation to the White Lodge?), and our picnic of cherry pie and strong coffee was packed in her Amy Bag, which marvelously mimics, like a mynah bird, the various colors of beads in the necklace. For the finale, we tied the twisted Per-suede-sion Headband around her tresses.

For myself, I put together – what is now apparent to me  – my best Ed Hurley meets Tommy “Hawk” Hill outfit with my Shaman Necklace combined with my grey, pinstriped, button-up shirt, a black vest, slim blue trousers, and cowboy boots.

In closing, Diane, the owls may not always be what they seem when it comes to fashion, if you catch my meaning. That is to say, some ModCloth items that are meant for a woman can also be worn by a man. If  any further evidence comes in, please leave a comment below.

Be the Buyer Sample 6

The launch of our Be the Buyer feature has made this week very special for me. I have been so lucky to find a job where I get to do what I love – buy fashion! – and I’m incredibly excited to share that experience with all of you. So, this week, instead of picking a favorite new item, I’ve chosen my favorite sample which I really hope will become a new item soon. The final choice is up to you though, so don’t forget to vote!

What’s your favorite new item (or sample) this week?

(Image Above: MakeMyStay.com.au)

(Outfit Above: The Perth Dress, Butterfly Effect Necklace, Band on the Run Shades in Metallics, The Kidman Boots, The Outback Bag)

It’s time to bring some exposure to one of the most isolated cities on Earth – Perth, Western Australia. If you think that a metropolis whose nearest urban neighbor is over 1,000 miles away is bereft of vibrancy and vitality, guess again. Perth proffers plenty of pleasantries, so let’s dive in for a spin Down Under, and see what on Earth there is to do in Perth!

1. Get in touch with your inner animal at Perth’s Caversham Wildlife Park. Whether you’re more of a kangaroo or a potoroo, you’ll have a blast whiling away time with the wildlife at this delightful destination. Feed some ‘roos, become acquainted with the koalas, take a walk in the bush – you can sate all your nature necessities at Caversham. Don’t forget to brown bag a lunch so you can picnic in the surrounding Whiteman Park.

2. Seeing the Quokkas is reason enough to go to Rottnest Island. As one of the sole homes to this odd little critter, Rottnest is only a short boat ride away from Perth. There, you can marvel at the stunning blue of the Indian ocean, or, better yet, go diving in these waters with an eye to spot one of the many shipwrecks scattered on the island’s reefs!

3. How about an eatery where you set the cost of your meal? Hard to believe, but Annalakshmi is such a place. This scrumptious, buffet-style restaurant, with its curries, pilafs, teas, coffees, and more is good for the body and for the soul. Proceeds from this largely volunteer-run restaurant go to a non-profit which aids Asian charities.

4. Dappled with old charm, Fremantle is only a short hop from Perth’s city center. Still a working port, Fremantle boasts plenty of attractions. Spend the morning on one of the lovely beaches. When the sun gets too hot to handle, poke into the Fremantle markets, located in an old Victorian building. Or become acquainted with the area’s history by following one of the many walking trail maps available on Fremantle’s Visitor Center site!

5. Ostensibly, an event for kids and their families, you too will be captivated by the AWESOME festival. Just the name of it makes it sound good. Taking place at the end of November, this arts festival features everything from the nonsensical installation world of Llamaland to performances of Parkour.

So, all you Aussies and Oz-lovers, put in your two cents. Tell us what there is of worth in Perth!

Autumn is in full swing here in Pittsburgh, so that means the weather usually consists of overcast mornings, grey afternoons, and rainy evenings. Although I’m initially smitten with fall weather, my admiration for changing leaves, crisp air, and mulled apple cider usually subsides after a few weeks. I inevitably start longing for warmer weather, sandy beaches, and an evening that doesn’t get dark until after 10 PM.

With these daydreams in mind, I decided to center my OOTW around one of my favorite ModCloth items, The Great Barrier Reef Skirt. This pencil skirt’s abstract pastel print is downright charming – I love the swirls of lilac, navy blue, olive green, heather grey, and pink, which come together in a chic, chaotic print that says to me, “spring fever!” To coordinate with the hues of pink in my skirt, I chose to accessorize with the adorable In the Bow Heels in Raspberry and the dainty Pretty Pretty Princess Headband.

With a warm breeze in mind, I tucked The Nep-Tunic’s sleeveless silhouette into the high-waist of The Great Barrier Reef Skirt. I love the subtle details of Gentle Fawn’s Persian indigo tank, from the chain detail at the V-shaped cutaway to the satiny, warm charcoal bib.

Next, it was time to get serious and realize that Pittsburgh may unfortunately be a bit cold over the next few months. I immediately wanted to bundle up in the Eloise Coat! A classic navy blue coat is a must for outerwear this winter, and this sophisticated wool peacoat is sure to keep me both warm and stylish. I also threw on the A Leg Up Socks in Stone to keep my gams toasty and texturized!

At this point, my outfit just needed a little extra something. I immediately thought of the Semi-Precious Belt, a black stretchy belt I’ve been eyeing since it went on the site. I love the oversized buckle and the glistening gemstones. I also can’t deny my penchant for vintage-inspired anything, and the Wood You Cry For Me Necklace reminded me of a large pendant necklace my Mom gave to me as one of her high school keepsakes. Last, but certainly not least, I slung The Unbe-weave-able Grey Purse over my shoulder. The warm grey color of this cute woven bag is so versatile, I’d like to think it can go with just about anything!

What’s the verdict, ModReaders? Do you think these items work well together? What would you change?

(photo courtesy: http://www.christmascentral.com)

I’m not talking about dressing up as the Wicked Witch or sliming your neighbor’s yard. With its foray of candy wrappers, Halloween is not usually a time when we think about conservation – but here at ModCloth, we think it’s time to change that! Here are a few tips for keeping All Hallow’s Eve, all natural!

• Reinvent the Wheel! If you’re a smart ModClother (and we know there are so many of you!), you reinvented your outfit from your already existing wardrobe, thus saving money, waste, and the trouble of figuring out what to do with a giant bingo card the next day.
• Electric Boo-galoo! Cut down on electricity for the night by breaking out candles! Not only does it help out Mother Earth and your electricity bill, but what’s more spooky that shadows cast in candlelight? If you’ve got an elaborate light display in your yard, consider switching to LED lights, which are about 80% more efficient than regular holiday strands. Also, be cognizant of how long they are turned on each day.
• Pumpkin-ify Your Life! Instead of getting rid of all that gunk inside your carved pumpkin – use it! Roast pumpkin seeds or save them to be planted in your garden next year! If you don’t plan on carving them, try your hand at baking a pie or bread with the fresh ingredients – you’re friends will be super impressed!
• Pass it On! If you’re a mom, help pass green traits onto the next generation. Read the rest of this entry »

The weather is getting brisker, the leaves are changing and it seems to be dark most of the day.  Looks like Fall is finally here!  So, grab your hot cider and warm blanket and snuggle up with this this Fall ModCloth Mixtape.

Note:  To hear full versions of every song click the “open in new window” box in the upper right corner of the mix below!

Free Fall In