Independent Fashion Bloggers Network

So I finally cleaned up my IFB profile. I think there's a lot of potential with this site. Though there are already  sites like Chictopia, Weardrobe, Lookbook, etc, this is unique in that it focuses on the writer herself, not just the outfit she is wearing. I think it could be a great networking site if you've got the time to really explore all the features and groups.

If there are any other members, please feel free to add me! http://heartifb.com/members/pg/profile/lafilleatomique

Warm It Up

Hey guys, this is going to be a quickie post. Ray's been sick the past couple days and my efforts have been focused around getting him back to 100%. As such, this look is neither adventurous nor runway chic, but it's effortless, it's comfortable, and it's fit for the sudden heatwave we've been experiencing this week.

As soon as I saw this tanktop, I fell in love. I'm a sucker for a super long top, but it's even got pockets guys! Pockets!! I've often thought about wearing this as a dress, but I think it'd be likely to get me featured on Daddy Likey's Don't Show-cha Your Chocha. Instead of losing my family-friendly credibility, I paired the tank with one of my countless pairs of cutoffs. Every fall I buy jeans that I think fit right. Every winter I realize that, once again, I'm too short for normal people pants, and relegate them to the bottom of my dresser drawer. Every spring I chide myself for being so wasteful. And every summer, I chop up the unwanted pants into cutoffs. And thus, the circle of clothes life continues.

On a sad note, I'm afraid this will probably be the last season of wear for my beloved zebra skimmers. In the past four years, I've worn these shoes so much that I literally wore holes in the back of the heel all the way through. I can literally stick a finger from one side to the other, but I love these so much that I've ignored the call to throw them out. I've been searching for comparable pairs, but no luck so far. Either the print is tacky or the cut is more of a ballet flat than a traditional skimmer. I remain hopeful, but know that come summer, they must be thrown out.

Top: Forever 21

Shorts: H&M

Shoes: Delia's

Sunglasses: Forever 21

The Wind and More

I won't write a whole rant against the elements, so let me just leave it at this: Mother Nature and I are not getting along today. I've got a bone to pick with you, disastrous wind, but I won't use this forum to do so. I'll be seeing you tomorrow on the roof. Let's see if we can act like grown-ups this time, k?

It's funny, when I was a kid, I thought UO was so glamorous and adult. When I grew up, I just thought that they were over priced and too focused at being the hipster store of choice (tied with American Apparel). But lately, the percentage of Urban in my closet has been on the rise. This dress is a perfect example, the result of a random shopping day last summer. Plain and simple, yet chic and perfect for both a dinner date or just sunbathing outside of a local cafe.

On the topic of shoes- what's up with kitten heels not getting nearly enough love in the fashion world? Granted, a short girl like myself should probably covet stilettos but I was hit by a car a couple years ago and my ankle never healed correctly. I'm slowly learning how to walk in heels again, but flats and small heels will always be preferable. And how irresistibly retro and sultry do these look? Go Jane is a great resource with dozens of styles and colors, all super cheap!

At the risk of sounding like a crazy cat lady (too late!), I can't get over how refreshing it is to have my cats back in the apartment again. They even supervise my photoshoots!

Dress: Kimchi Blue, via Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Splash, via Go Jane

Sunglasses: Forever 21

What a Wumpus

Please excuse my increasingly sporadic posts. My time lately has been occupied by this guy

Teenage Heart

This warm streak of weather we've been having lately has absolutely lifted my spirits. Can you tell?

 Eek, I think you can see my stomach tattoos in this one. Sorry dad!

Today's outfit was inspired by watching Cass last night. In addition to the heart-wrenching story and killer soundtrack, the wardrobe was spot on and made me nostalgic for my punk/skinhead* teenage years. It may be too warm for a bomber jacket in April and my Doc Martins are long gone after years of (ab)use, but skinny jeans, a polo, and boots will never stop looking slick.

This is my play on the basics of a skinbyrd look, but with an "adult" spin on it. Instead of a Fred Perry or Merc polo, I opted for a swallow print polo from Italian designer Energie. Standard  Levi shrink-to-fit jeans were replaced with skinny side zippered jeans. And the traditional 14 hole Doc Martin or Oxblood steel toed boots made way for classic riding boots instead. While I don't have the guts to shave my head to a traditional Chelsea cut, I've had bangs and Chelsea-esque fringe for almost ten years now.

*To any readers not in the know: skinheads are not synonymous with racism. Though the movement has attracted a small white supremacy following, it originated in the 1960s as a working-class faction with no racists overtones. You can read up more on Wikipedia.

Polo: Energie

Jeans: Forever 21

Boots: Ariat

Belt + Buckle: Thrifted (Sweet Jane Vintage- Philadelphia, PA)

Sunglasses: Thrifted (Buffalo Exchange- Philadelphia, PA)

Guns on the Roof

Spring has officially sprung, and it appears that I picked the perfect time to move to an apartment with a "roof deck". By this, I mean a 6x4 stucco area above what I presume is my neighbors' bedroom. I'm not 100% sure that this area is meant to hold my weight, but as you can tell, my legs are absurdly pasty and in need of some sun.

The bonus to shooting on my roof is that a) it's convenient b) natural light is always preferable c) I get killer wind-swept hair. The downside is that I'm terrified of plummeting three floors to gory death. To make it worse, there's so many pipes and satellite dishes causing unfortunate shadows that to get a decent shot, I need to get as close to the edge as possible. Please bear in mind that the way I "posed" my legs has nothing to do with trying to appear model-esque, and more trying to keep my balance in 4" heels while shaking uncontrollably.

As grueling and terrifying as it is, I absolutely love the shots I get. Not many out-of-towners know about South Philly's row home charm, but I think there's something adorably quaint about it all. This warm weather is bringing out the neighborhood and I can't wait to indulge in one of my favorite summer indulgences: waterice, a cool treat comparable to a snowcone, but smoother and with better flavors. New Yorkers call it "Italian Ice", but anyone in Philadelphia will tell you it's water ice (pronounced "wooder ice", should you ever be in the area).

Tank top: Urban Outfiters

Skirt: Bebe (thrifted from Buffalo Exchange- Austin, TX)

Shoes: Thrifted (Philly AIDS Thrift- Philadelphia, PA)

Sunglasses: Forever 21 

Maybe We're Not Strangers After All

After days of cold, rain, and other general unpleasantries, the sun has kindly bestowed itself upon Philadelphia. With temperatures creeping towards the high 70s this weekend, it seemed appropriate to dig out the bright colors and floral prints.

This skirt is another treasure from the Buffalo Exchange in Austin. Without realizing what I was doing, I paired it with my snakeskin heels from the Buffalo Exchange in Philadelphia. It's like thrifting cross-pollination! 

Between the different fabrics, exposed front zipper, and mess of various colors, there's certainly a lot going on with this outfit, but I think it all comes together rather nicely. Ray has a PR meet and greet for work later tonight, so I think with the addition of a cardigan, I can pull off a cocktail party.

Top (actually a dress): Forever 21

Skirt: GAP (thrifted from Buffalo Exchange- Ausin TX)

Tights: Walgreens

Heels: Unknown (thrifted from Buffalo Exchange- Philadelphia, PA)