Style Inspiration: Annie Clark

For this edition of Style Inspiration (not that this feature has been happening with any kind of regularity) I decided to turn to Annie Clark, also known as her stage name, St. Vincent. This was a no-brainer for me - in fact, I've had this post waiting in the queue, titled and empty, for months. 

So what's so special about Annie Clark? Let me put it this way: she might just be the only person in the world who looks like a porcelain doll (see below) but could shred on the guitar just as well as any of the greats. And that is just one reason why she is so fascinating; she has an incredible ability to subvert expectations.

painting by Chris - this is sitting on my desk at work!

Though my own personal style often differs from hers - I lean more towards the girly, not-always-practical clothes - I always find myself admiring her outfits. She's feminine, but with a definite edge. Both in shows and photoshoots, she often sticks to basic black:

But this, I have to say, is my all-time favorite Annie outfit:

I may never have her perfectly messy dark curls (or her ability to both croon and shred) but I can at least try to emulate her edgy-with-pops-of-color style. Here are some cute pieces I put together that evoke Annie's style and persona:

1: Vintage sunglasses (VintageSilo @ Etsy)

2. Lacy black button-up (Forever 21)

3. Red pencil skirt (okiejo @ Etsy)

4. The One for V tights (ModCloth)

5. Turquoise cutout tank (Forever 21)

6. Black high-waist jean shorts (rosegoldaline @ Etsy)

7. Walk Star bootie (ModCloth)

8. Blue sleeveless blouse (thelovedone @ Etsy)

I don't know about you, but I think that last blue blouse is awfully tempting...

What about you? Is there anyone whose style you admire, even if it's not all that close to your own?

Annie Clark photos: Joe Saturday, Amanda M Hatfield

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Style inspiration: Rooney Mara

[ photo source ]

In the interest of full disclosure, I suppose I should admit that as of right now, I have no plans to see The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I have nothing against it - I just don't know anything about it, really. But despite my lack of knowledge, I have to say, I am developing quite the style crush on its star, Rooney Mara. Her hair is making me want to do things to my hair that it could not do. (I don't have the face for short, blunt bangs, no matter how tempted I get every time I see her picture.) She slips so effortlessly between, as Tom and Lorenzo so delightfully put it, "Audreybot" and "Blade Runner extra."

Well, as much as I love Blade Runner, I'm not sure I could pull off that style. I do, however, love Audrey Hepburn - who doesn't? - and I love, love Rooney's take on Audrey-inspired looks. I gasped aloud when I saw red carpet photos of her in this red lacy Valentino, and I was seized with a sudden desire to dye my hair black again and chop off my bangs. (Not happening.)

As should surprise absolutely no one, I could never afford such a gown in a million years, and I prefer vintage anyway. So here are some dresses from Etsy that evoke the vintage glamour of Rooney's Valentino - sans the exorbitant price tag.

 

1: stutterinmama @ Etsy | 2: melsvanity @ Etsy | 3: bfyvintage @ Etsy

4: OldFaithfulVintage @ Etsy | 5: RoadLessTraveled2 @ Etsy | 6. WayfaringMagnolia @ Etsy

Which one is your favorite? As I'm on a bit of a red kick at the moment, I'm not sure I can pick just one...but I'm especially partial to numbers 1, 2, and 5. Happy window shopping!

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The one that got away

 

For fishermen, it's that elusive catch - the one that will always nag at their mind, the one that got away. For lovers, it's that perfect girl they almost had. That same sting is felt by vintage lovers the world over upon seeing one little 4-letter word: "sold."

In case you couldn't tell, I recently experienced such a feeling. I've been on the search for the perfect vintage red dress - preferably velvet, possibly with some kind of sleeve, nipped-in waist and full skirt, but not so formal that I couldn't use it for everyday wear. It's a lot to ask, of course, but I did find this mythical dream dress on Etsy and naturally I quickly fell absolutely head over heels. It was my measurements exactly and the price was right - it was everything I had hoped and more. However, I did have a question, so on my break at work, I messaged the seller. She got back to me quickly, and (as I had used up my breaks already) I resolved to buy it as soon as I got home.

Alas, fate had other plans. Some lucky girl snatched it up in that hour, and this lovely frock and I are never to meet.

In the wake of this, I have spent an embarrassing amount of time searching for a similar dress. I've found several and filled my Etsy favorite list with dresses that, truthfully, are beautiful. But I can't resist comparing them to the dress: "Oh, it would be perfect if I just shortened the sleeves...or if the waist were lower..." And I'm hesitant to rush into a purchase, especially if I know I'll want to "fix" it. (Isn't it funny how much this sounds like love? As if I'm afraid of a rebound...)

 1 | 2 | 3

I'm sure I'll settle on one eventually...but I think this dress might be the one I remember - the one whose virtues I exaggerate - the one I brag about, like an old, grizzled fisherman or an unrequited lover.

Have you had a similar experience? What was your "one that got away," and what did you do?

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