Fashion Interview with Tessa from House of Wonderland

Hello, Lovelies

Hope everyone is enjoying their February. I’m excited that I will be rocking it this month with blogging three times a week. I’m also planning to feature small businesses that I really connect with. 🙂

Today, I’m featuring Tessa Shearer from the House of Wonderland who I found via on #TheGirlGang on Twitter. I’m so glad I found her and this group of amazing women to connect with. Below is our fashion interview. 🙂

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is so important to me as it’s what got me started in my job the first place! I was always inspired by designers, singers, and other famous icons.  It made me work extra hard to pursue a career in fashion.  My earliest memory is creating a pair of shoes made from paper! 😀 I drew around my foot, cut out a strip for the strap and scrunched up a bit of paper for the high heel! I think I looked completely daft but I was so proud of myself 😀

 

How does it make you feel?

One word… Freedom

Where do you go to buy your clothes or which websites do you buy from?

I make some of my clothing as well as buying plain items from cheap stores (same to the latter :-D). I do however love investing in key designer pieces, but a big splurge like that only comes once or twice a year due to my poor bank funds (I hear that!) 🙂

What is the most important thing you consider when you are shopping?

The thing I think about most is coordinating clothes! I hate to spend too long getting ready so I buy mostly plain black, white, and gray clothing so whatever I put on will match! *Style tip: Doing what Tessa does gives you a chance to show off your personality with your accessories whether it be a bold necklace, leggings, or other jewelry. It will help you stand out but not overdo it! 😉

If you could only wear clothing from one particular decade which one would it be and why?

It has to be the 1950’s! I adore the silhouettes, styles, and class!

What are your favorite accessories to wear, i.e brands, homemade, local, Etsy etc. ?

House Of Wonderland jewellery (I love her vintage-inspired pieces) of course! 😀 But I am a sucker for Tiffany & Co!  I love long simple necklaces although I also love rockabilly necklaces too!

Side note:  Below are my faves from HOW.

HOW-Hey Sailor Earrings.

HOW-super cool Betty Paige necklace.

How does makeup play into how you dress?  What is your favorite makeup looks and where do you buy your makeup products?

I’m so boring! I wear the same stuff every day! I usually wear foundation-liquid, powder, bronzer, blusher, 2-3 eyeshadows, eyeliner, eyebrows, eyeliner, and mascara! I love 1960’s eye makeup though! I couldn’t go anywhere without my eyebrows though! Obsessed about eyebrows! I’m weird like that!

Please describe one of your favorite outfits and if possible the links to where you got the items and or descriptions.

Hmm… My favourite outfit is one I got agggggggeeeeesss ago! I think the shop actually closed down now! But it’s a 3/4 length sleeve black top and a wrap around asymmetric black wiggle skirt? I’ll try and find a picture and enclose it 😀

Well, that’s a wrap on today’s post!  I can’t wait to chat with you guys in the comments, below.

 Cheers,

~Ruth

Make sure to stay in touch with me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!

New Year, New Beginnings/Liebster Award!

Hello Lovelies,

Hope you all are well this winter of 2016. I took a hiatus from blogging,  but I am gearing up to have an epic year! At least that’s what my planner says. 😉

If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen my post on my planner.  My goal this year is to bring my readership up and hopefully secure sponsorship!  Along, with this goal, as a reward for my hard work, I’m hoping to be able to go to BlogHer 16  in L.A. this summer. I’m super excited because Myiam Bialik will be there. I know she is now on the show Big Bang Theory, (which is awesome by the way) but I will always remember her as Blossom! I used to wear the style of hats she was famous for wearing in the ’90s.

A fellow blogger, #Lauretta nominated me for a Liebster award which made me happy to be recolonized!  For those who don’t know what a Liebster is, it is an award given to fellow bloggers who have a smaller following.  It’s also a great way to connect with bloggers and to discover great blogs.  The rules: you answer the 11 questions you are given. Next, you nominate around 5-11 blogs and let them know you nominated them. You can write your own questions 11 questions or keep them the same. Make sure to upload the Liebster logo and let the nominees know you nominated them. I hope to hear back from those I nominated, enjoy!

1. In two words, how best could you describe your personality?  Fun and passionate.
2. What is the first thing you do before putting up a blog post?  Make sure I have my photos before I write my blog post.
3. How long have you been blogging?   I’ve been blogging since June 2015. I took a few months off. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and start blogging regularly again!
4. What are those two things people know you for/as?  I am known for my fun and quirky personality.  I consider myself a social butterfly.
5. If you are to have a company, what would it be?  My company would be either to have a fashion line or an affordable cruelty-free beauty brand.
6. How do you see today’s world?  I think we have made much progress but we still have some changes to make.
7. How do you see the blogging life and how has it helped you?  I love being able to share my fashion tips/tricks and prove that you don’t have to have a ton of money to be fashionable.
8. How do you do away with bad comments on your blog post or any post?Personally, I haven’t had to deal with bad comments. I find that being a blogger, that people have been supportive of my passion. If I do get bad comments, the best thing to do is to ignore it and not to feed into it.
9. If you are to open a Youtube channel what would it be and why do you choose it?  I would love to have a Youtube channel, but I’m extremely nervous on how my channel would come across.  There are so many talented people out there.  If I did, it would be a fashion and beauty channel.  I would also do street interviews with people about their fashion.  I would do it because fashion gives us a way to express ourselves!
10. What is your style signature?  My signature style is retro with a twist of modern, #retromodern.
11. What are those three things you love about yourself?  My creativity, my dedication to my passions, and treating others how they want to be treated.

My questions:

1. What are your goals for 2016?
2. What inspires you the most when blogging?
3. How long have you been blogging?
4. What is your favorite fashion decade or throwback fashion trend do like or still wear?
5. What is your favorite pastime/hobby?
6. If you could travel anywhere where would it be and why?
7. How would you describe your personality?
8. What is your signature style?
9. What people do you draw your creative inspiration from?
10. What is your top 3 favorite foods?
11. What is the best thing about blogging so far?

I nominate

lilfashionlover

Miss Pebblesgirl

Gluten Free Preppers

thebostonbargainista

Cheers! Here’s to an awesome year. 🙂

~Ruth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Falling in Love with Fall.

Hello Fashionistas,

I’m happy to report that fall is officially here!  It always takes me a couple weeks to let the cooler weather sink in.  Anyway, today we will be diving into one of my fall looks. In my next post, I will show you how I transform into my #retromodern self (I’m making this post short and sweet).  As always I love showing you how to be retro with a modern twist.  Without further ado, I give you my falling for the fall look.

Unique gray top by Vera Wang for Khols.

Fun floral leggings I scored at Target.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to get my fun and simple look!

Top: I this simple chic top on clearance at Khols (one of my favorite places to shop) The top is from Vera Wang’s Simply Vera Vera Collection. Here are a couple updated options to choose from: Gray Ruched Top and her Floral Applique Tee.

Skirt: I wore a navy blue linen skirt which is a must-have! With this outfit, I kept most of my outfit neutral but added some funky leggings with a bright necklace.  I found a super cute navy blue linen skirt on Etsy for $40. If you wanted a more bodycon shorter skirt, go with the one I found on Forever21!

Eco friendly navy blue skirt found on Etsy.

Leggings: There are so many fun prints to chose from when you wear neutral colors. I found some adorable floral leggings from Zulily. Need more inspo? Check out my modern style board on Pinterest.

Jacket: Okay, so I’m not wearing a jacket in my photos but I absolutely live in my denim jacket (this is a closet must-have!) in the fall.  I’ve had my current one for a while now, (I think got mine at Khols) I prefer a medium wash denim one but it’s up to you. American Eagle has an awesome selection.

Necklace: I found my retro bright pink pearl necklace on Etsy. I found a similar one here on Esty. Gorgeous darling!

Bracelet: My bracelet is an heirloom from my late Aunt.  You can either get one on eBay, Etsy, or NOVICA (associated with National Geographic) Below is my favorite one!

I love turquoise jewelry.  I found an amazing conversation piece turquoise ring on Etsty

Well, there you have it, a fun and simple fall look! I hope you got some inspiration for your fall wardrobe. Be sure to look for my post on how I achieved my hair and makeup for this look! Remember to have fun with your outfits and not to take yourself too seriously, which I’m totally guilty of.

Keep smiling, 🙂

~Ruth

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!

P.S. Stay in the fashion know on my Bloglovin’ page too.

End of Summer: Boho Street Style!

Hello Lovelies!

Can you believe summer is coming to an end?? I can’t.  I wanted to blog about the first fashion interview that I’ve been holding onto. I’ve been superstitious about it since I didn’t know how successful writing a fashion blog would be. I know that I still have a lot to learn on how to have a successful blog I am just happy that I have made it this far and will continue to develop my skills.  Two months ago, I met a wonderful woman named Sharon at my local Starbucks, who is a hospice nurse (I think nurses are the best!) and she was gracious enough to let me interview her on the spot.  I love these types of interviews that are spontaneous and are tons of fun!  Enjoy. 🙂

One of my favorite hangouts!

It was a nice summery June day and I decided to get some work done at my local Starbucks. I usually get distracted working at home. I have to admit there are not many coffee shops that I go to that give me the feeling that I should sit and stay awhile. I usually go to the local coffee stand and not even bother with going into a coffee shop to sit down.  But on this particular day, I decided that I wanted to give it another go. I went armed with my laptop and iPhone. The Starbucks I chose has a lot of regulars and is known for holding many business meetings there.  It was particularly crowded and I found a single table with an outlet nearby of course! I started working on changing my Twitter/IG handles to signify my new career venture.  As a sidebar, I have always loved fashion since I was young.  I have fond memories of reading Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Teen.

I happened to start chatting with a nice older couple and mentioned that I was a fashion blogger who wanted to interview people about their fashion, they said stick around here because there are plenty of fashionable people who frequent here.  I eventually met Sharon, a hospice nurse, a fun-loving and glamorous fashionista.  She graciously let me interview her and share her fashion tips! Below is her chic summery boho outfit.

My favorite Starbucks even has trivia. Bonus!

Sharon’s Boho Chic look.

Sharon’s Boho Summer Chic Lowdown.

Pink Parisian Shirt: Walmart, clearance $1. Unfortunately, this shirt was out of stock online, I had trouble finding a pink Parisian shirt, but I managed to find one on Zazzle (I like that you can customize the color of your shirt) for $28 or a darker pink Love Amour t-shirt on Etsy for $21.

Paris Amour Shirt-Zazzle.

Love Amour Shirt-Etsy.

Leopard Print Tank Top: Walmart, $2.88 I found a similar one on Polyvore for $7.67.

Black Leopard Cami.

.

Black striped shorts: Old Navy, $20

Sharon’s white sleeveless fringe vest was found in a local tourist town in Levenworth, WA.

Sharon’s Boho vest.

I found an adorable crocheted white fringe vest on Esty for $35!

Such a cute fringe vest.

Straw fedora hat with black band: Old Navy.

I found a similar one at LLBean for $15.

Bracelets-Old Navy, $8.99 I found some on Polyvore for $16.

Pink wrap bracelet with heart charm.

Last but not least is Sharon’s Mossimo Purse: Target, $19.99.

Target Boho cross body purse.

Sharon’s Fashion Tips:

•Make a list before you shop.

• Buy basics that will coordinate with all of your outfits.

Sharon’s basics list:

•Black jeans.

•Different colored tank tops.

•White blouse.

•Classic jacket, including a black, navy, or brown Wilson leather jacket.

•Multiple scarfs in different patterns and colors.  Yearly Sharon buys a new scarf (I found some adorable ones on Modcloth!) and looks for pieces that go with it.

Thanks for all the love I have received on social media, I really appreciate it. 🙂

You can follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!

Keep smiling, 🙂

~Ruth

P.S. Stay in the fashion know on my Bloglovin’ page too.

Local Beauty and Bees and Grease Fashion, Oh My!

Happy Sunday!  I have been falling behind on my blog posts since I had been fighting a nasty virus and sore throat, boo! Anyway, today’s post is going to dive into bee awareness, what we can do to support this cause and natural beauty products you can buy. As always, I like to bring fashion into my posts, I will also show you how to rock the Sandra Dee look for the modern woman #retromodern.

My yellow Sandra Dee Grease dress!

via Instagram http://ift.tt/1ICKem1

Bee Awareness

First off, bees are very important to our ecosystem, it basically boils down to no bees no food!  Bees help make our food by distributing pollen. Technically, we could live without bees to pollinate our food but there wouldn’t be as much variety.  The problems that bees face today are single crop farming, removing what we call “weeds”, and the increased use of pesticides.  This, unfortunately, causes bees to get diseases and pests.  The good news is, there are things we can do to help the bees.  You can plant meadows instead of grass. If this doesn’t work for you, you can plant a 3′ X 3′ area with flowers that bees can pollinate spring, summer, and fall.  You can download the app Bee Smart to help you choose plants that are bee friendly! Another app you can use is Grow Smart to help you limit pests safely in your garden. 

The people who made me aware of this cause was my local coffee shop NPCC.  I just happened to go for their yummy lavender latte and the event happened to be going on.  I love supporting local as much as a can.  I really enjoyed this event and I enjoyed being a part of this important cause.

While I was there I got to meet a lot of inspiring people, James a local beekeeper, Patricia Newton a local artist/photographer, and the woman (I forgot her name) who put on the event.

Patricia Newton: Local Artist/Photographer

Patrica is a local artist and photographer who loves to create paintings that incorporate nature and whimsy.  She goes to local art shows to sell her paintings. Patricia also takes beautiful pictures and has won photography contests.  She has a travel companion Peaches who is her rescue service dog that helps her with her disability.  I love that she doesn’t let her disability get in her way.

Patricia in her element painting flowers with faces! Notice her outfit, she designed it herself.

Happy Flowers by Patricia Newton

More happy flowers. A Patricia Newton original.

Post cards by Patricia. She also makes one of a kind homemade cards.

Local Beauty Products: Bee Friendly.

There were local products from LemonBuzzz (you can buy their products online) made with local honey or beeswax.  They offer homemade soaps, baths bombs, and lip balm (my favorite). Their products are made with local raw honey without artificial dyes, fragrances, or chemicals. Lemonbuzzz boasts eco-friendly packaging as well.  I highly recommend them!

Peppermint lip balm with local beeswax.

They gave out free samples with each purchase. Love the packaging!

James the Beekeeper

James is a local beekeeper that is passionate about raising bees and raising awareness of the problems bees are facing.  He suggested that we buy local raw honey.  He graciously handed out clover honey sticks, yum! He also handed out Burpee’s Bee Garden seed packets which encourage pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds.  See above for more ways to encourage pollinators.

James talking about his honey bees.

A beautiful shot of one of James’ bees.

James’ bees honey! So good. 🙂

Fashion the “Grease” Way!

Interestingly enough, I happened to wear my vintage yellow Sandy dress to the bee event that day, which was an awesome coincidence. I don’t know about you, but I love the movie Grease. It’s a classic that everyone should watch.  A year ago, after watching Grease for the 20th time, I wanted to find the dress like Frenchy wore during the beauty school dropout scene. I did find it here but it wasn’t my size, oh well.

Frenchy’s look alike Beauty School Dropout Dress.

Love her bubblegum pink hair!

Frenchy’s beauty school dropout scene.

Luckily, I did find a beautiful yellow cotton dress like the one Olivia Newton-John famously wore. I found both dresses on Esty from an awesome seller Karen.  Below is my mini fashion shoot, enjoy. 🙂

My vintage cat pin from my childhood.

Get the look.  To update “sweet” Sandy’s 1950s look, I found two yellow dresses.  The first dress is a higher end vintage dress on Etsy, or for $35 a golden yellow dress on Modcloth, so cute!

Sweet Sandy : Yellow vintage dress on Etsy. $294.

Sweet Sandy: Golden yellow dress by Modcloth. $35.

Sunglasses: I found some cute navy cat eye sunglasses on sale on Topshop for $12.  I love a good bargain.

Leggings: I wore black leggings with a lace pattern to modernized the look. You can wear different patterns and colors. Here are my top choices!

                     

American Eagle :Black Lace Leggings. $15.

Target: Blue Knit Star Leggings. $12.

Jewelry:  Again I couldn’t find my exact jewelry, but I did find a beautiful silver cameo locket on Etsy to recreate my sweet Sandy look.  I also found a similar wooden bangle in a pack via Newlook.

Silver Cameo Necklace. $22.

Wooden Bangle Pack-$11.

Pinup Hair Style:  I decided not to follow Sandy’s ponytail hairstyle but opted for a quick pinup hairstyle via Vintagious on Youtube. I don’t know about you but I’m always pressed for time when I’m getting ready.

Hope you enjoyed this post! I love being able to find cute #retromodern outfits. Remember to tag me on Instagram, and Twitter your favorite outfits. Don’t forget to like me on Facebook or join my professional network on Linkedin.

Keep smiling, 🙂

~Ruth

P.S. Stay in the fashion know on my Bloglovin’ page.