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?

I know this seems like a cruel comment to make toward my mother (whom I love very much, by the way). It’s something you’d expect those horrible teenage girls who are guests on The Jerry Springer Show to say during a striptease in front of a live studio audience. But there’s a small pearl of resentment that’s been building in me for years that I feel I must unleash. Growing up, my mother refused to buy me a white coat – no matter how much I wanted one. She always proclaimed, “It will get dirty,” and if I had a filthy coat, no one would want to be my friend (okay, that part I probably inferred). So it is that mild offense that inspired me to style my Outfit of the Week around The Ivory Tower Coat by Steve Madden. This beautiful belted coat, with its oversized collar and gold-rimmed buttons, makes up for all those disappointing shopping trips with mom.

I’ve never volunteered to create an Outfit of the Week, given the obvious limitations of ModCloth items I can assemble to put together a look for myself. But then, someone said to me, “Why don’t you just style someone else?” What a brilliant idea! At that point, images of ModCloth items popping up next to each other like a Polyvore style board began to saturate my mind, and I couldn’t help but notice that the key garment in all of these hypothetical combinations was the Albuquerque Coat. Then, knowing how much she covets this coat and how amazing she would look in it, I asked for the assistance of one of ModCloth’s Vendor Relations Specialists, Bobbi, in modeling my outfit.

Considering my fanaticism for the wild west, and the fact that it’s named after a city in the  state of New Mexico, the Albuquerque Coat only seemed the natural pedestal upon which to build a beautiful, folksy, boho-western ensemble. To start off, I selected The Sandy Romper for its solid blue-chambray color that I knew would provide a cool contrast to both the warmth and the busy design of the coat. I then accessorized with a collection of cowgirl-inspired pieces like the Buffalo Jill Belt that lassos Bobbi’s waist in for a sensational shape, the Pocket Cassidy Necklace that holds her gold, the Stagecoach Purse that stows her loot and other essentials, and the Spread Your Wings Headband that helps keep her tresses from getting tangled in the desert winds. Finishing the look is the odd piece out – the Miami-Date Wedges. While not western, per se, their sea green color accents the green in the coat, and their striped heel reminds me of a striated mesa.

By ModCloth Writer: Jen Luebbers

There is something hopelessly romantic about the changing of the seasons: the cooler temperatures, the turning of leaves, the scent of woodsmoke in the air. As a brand-new Pittsburgher, I find exploring the city, meeting quality people, and working a new job exhilarating. At the same time, I take immeasurable comfort in the familiar, age-old rhythm of an autumn in the Midwest.

This desire to embrace fresh takes on old favorites inspires my outfit this week, too. I was instantly drawn to the King’s Cross Station Dress, with its flattering knife pleats and double row of black buttons, and the Well-Heeled Black Heels for their classic shape and simple, clean lines. These pieces are fraught with timeless vintage appeal and set the stage for some fun accessories!

When it boiled down to details, I wanted pieces that would pop against the outfit’s so-far neutral palette. The Licorice Headband, with its charming double braid, and the Bedknobs and Broomsticks Bag, a velveteen kisslock, inject just enough color to keep the ensemble from being blasé. The Victorian-inspired Time for Romance Necklace lends the look an air of feminine formality.

What about you? Do you think there is something to be said for revisiting a purely retro aesthetic, or is it just plain boring? Does this outfit take enough risks?

Greetings ModLovers! After a several month hiatus, I’m back in the OOTW saddle, and I’m taking no prisoners! As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, fall is hands-down my favorite time of the year. Layers, coats, boots – what’s not to love?

For this edition, I wanted to style up the Just Fur Fun Vest. It’s far more versatile than anything made entirely of faux fur should be, not to mention cozy. The Ranchess Blouse’s warm fall hues were a given, as plaid was meant to be worn in the fall! The First Day Skirt in Study Hall is perfectly matchable without skimping on style, and the two-toned, button-up goodness of the Muir Woods Booties should speak for themselves.

I tied the look together with the How The West Was Cute Belt, the Finishing School Headband in Amethyst, and the Grammar School Knee Highs for added warmth. I can’t wait to wear this look to late-night bonfires or to pick out a pumpkin for our Pumpkin Carving Contest.

So what do you think? Can my outfit stand out even when the leaves are falling? Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

I have a penchant for all the zippers I’ve been seeing this season! From exposed zippers to zippers used as trim, I can’t get enough of them. They add an unexpected edge to almost any outfit, without the obvious use of studs or other embellishments. If you look closely at my outfit photo, you can see that both The Dazzle Belt and the Zipper Foot Heels are trimmed with – what else? – zippers! The belt also has an amazing bundle of rainbow-colored rhinestones in the center of its bow. (It’s color week here at Modcloth!)

Because I based my outfit off of fun accessories, I paired them with the simple In-Vest Dress. I loved the cozy winter-weight fabric and the purple flecks that added a bit of color. Plus, the built-in vest is adorable. To bring out the purple of the dress, and because it’s the last day of color week, I wore the Ultraviolet Tights. The finishing touches? The Teela Bangle and the Lita Clutch in Fender.

What fall trends inspire you this season? I want to hear about them!

If you are anything like me, you are super exited for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.  Although it is not set for release intil 2010, it inspired my outfit this week.  This ensemble  is what I’d wear to one of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties  (should I ever stumble through a looking glass, end up in Wonderland, and get invited to one).  Of course,  if that never happens I’ll have to settle for wearing this fun outfit to a less mad party somewhere in the real world!  In this outfit:  Seraphine Dress, The Bedknobs and Broomsticks Bag, Finishing School Headband in Amethyst,  My So Called Brogues,  and the Pop-lar Pendant.

I never got a tattoo, forgot to pierce some unusual part of my face, and always got along with my parents, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t always had a little rebel in my heart: a wee James Dean riding around on a motorcycle. A miniature Bonnie Parker (of the non violent variety) showing the Wild West that she’s no gal to be reckoned with. So, for this installment of Outfit of the Week, I decided to give this edgy iconoclast a voice, or, rather, an outfit. I set out to build a look that was both sweet and tough, like salt water taffy, or a baby Rottweiler, or, perhaps, me.

I was inspired, first and foremost, by the Mod Goldenrod Glovelettes. I just can’t get enough of these fabulous, gutsy fingerless gloves. They gave just the perfect amount of punch to the girlish Raspberry Twist Cocktail Dress, a sweet number with a sexy button up back. Hence, the canvas for my “beautiful with bite” outfit was composed, ready for its final touches.

Keeping with the colorblock look the dress and gloves created, I grabbed the bold Never Bashful Bag, a mix of pretty colors and metallic faux snakeskin that’s both funky and fun. Then, to ensure the outfit didn’t become too overdone, I completed the ensemble with the polished Olive And Twist Pumps and refined Twiggy Earrings.

And so, the outfit came to being. All that was missing was a vintage sports car convertible for me to hop into and drive away with the peel of tires on pavement.

Is this outfit tough-girl enough, or would you take it to even more daring heights? What’s your favorite way to show off your spunky side?

From ModCloth Writing Team Intern, Amy Cockcroft:

This week I felt like mixing my styles, and why the heck not? I wanted to do rock chick. I wanted to do 1940s. I wanted to do dinner date. I wanted to do girl next door too. A selfish approach to fashion I know, but that’s how I roll! When I saw the Tempest Dress, the smoldering stormy color palate cast a whirlwind of desire over me – I had to have this dress. This piece inspired me–the super silky material, the cap sleeves and roll collar; it’s all I ever wanted, yet nothing I’ve ever known to desire. It was a massive change from my standard floral prints, but I thought “Hey, why not try for a smoky style that would shock and surprise my friends?“ I left my girl-next-door comfort zone and attempted a sophisticated, sexy look. Oh the pressure!

Then I had to add to the aesthetic with accessories. I love the Modern Fascinator. This vintage-inspired headpiece is flirty and fun, yet injects class and charisma into any outfit. It made me feel like I was living in a different decade, while still being totally on the fashion pulse. Next, I chose the Straw-bow-y fields Bag. It’s the perfect size for the dinner date I envisaged wearing my outfit to, and totally relaxed my anxiety of the approaching autumn, by giving my outfit a summer boost. It’s charming and classic, yay, Straw-bow-y Fields forever! For the feet I went for the All the Cage Heels, a bit more me in style and a sublime companion to my frock. These pumps are the perfect height for those who struggle with stilettos yet love the silhouette heels can give. They’re versatile and modest, cute and comfortable. For the jewelry, I wanted to keep it minimal, maintaining the focus on the perfectly executed dress and fascinator. The Abay Bangle is the ideal adornment with it’s delicate design and enticing blue and crimson coloring. Hurrah, my ensemble is complete!

What do you think of my new look? Do you think I should return to my floral roots? Any advice on getting the smoldering look?!

This happens to me every year – it’s the middle of the summer, and I start wishing away the hot days, eager for the crisp fall air. I daydream about the burnt reds and oranges, the muted yellows and browns of Autumn, and I start dressing in that palate! I can’t help it – I just miss the fall so much! That’s why the Gazpacho Dress is my new favorite thing ever. Its deep orange-red color recalls Oktoberfests, pumpkin-picking, and cider-sipping, but its lightweight material and deep V-neckline is perfect for the summer heat.

I’m also completely infatuated with the Crossing Brooklyn Sandals. They, too, have that summer-into-fall vibe, with their peep-toe strap to keep it sandaly and their architectural ankle buckles that evoke colder, bootier weather. To match the caramel hue of the heels, I’ve chosen the New South Bag to carry all of my crisp apples from the farmer’s market. I love how well it mirrors the shoes!

Gold is another color that reminds me of fall, but it also looks amazing while sparkling in the summer sun. So, I accessorized with the golden Close to My Heart Locket and the Meadowlark Jacket, which has this great, bronze-gold colored stitching.  To top it off, I picked the Roller Disco Earrings. What can I say? The colors are fall-tastic, but the knitted zig-zag pattern screams super summer fun.