WOW (what Olivia wore): Moschino? I dunno

 

 Jacket: TJ Maxx

T-shirt: Ross

Jeans: Target

Bag: Moschino, thrifted

Wedges: Dolce Vita via Nordstrom Rack

I found this Moschino bag (pronounced Moe-ski-no) at a thrift store along with a Louis Vuitton pencil case. And although I've done a bit of research, I can't tell if this bag (or the LV) is real or not...Do any of you ladies know? Either way, you know I'm always down for animal prints.

As for these wedges, you can get the Dolce Vita for Target version here. And don't hate, but mine cost only a third of that.

Finally, for those who asked, I'm moving back to Montana's largest city: Billings, a.k.a. the Magic (tragic) City. I left hastily after finishing college three years ago. But it turns out, the grass really isn't necessarily greener...

WOW (what Olivia wore): Old shoes & big news

 

 

 Anorak: Old Navy, thrifted

Blouse: vintage, thrifted

Jeans: Element, thrifted

Sweater: TJ Maxx ($1 people!)

Bag: thrifted

Necklace: Dollar Plus store

Shoes: Nine West, supah old

About these shoes: I haven't worn them much as they're not really me. I bought them a few years back, believing I needed to wear sensible shoes in order to advance my career. Long story short, I neglected wearing the shoes and the career advancement stalled....until now.

Remember when I promised exciting news? I've accepted a fantastic position in my hometown. While it's 8 hours and worlds apart from this little slice of heaven known as the Flathead Valley, it's where I grew up, and I'm thrilled to be returning. My job will be rewarding, both financially and professionally, and offers room for growth and development while utilizing the skills I already possess. And yes, my kids ARE coming with me-- where they belong!

Yippee for me, but what does this mean for you? Well once I start working, I'll be dressing myself no fewer than 5 days a week. There oughtta be some WOWs in there somewhere. Additionally, I'll be learning all sorts of online marketing skills, so I imagine I'll test 'em out right here. 

In the meantime, there are LOTS of loose ends to tie up (packing and purging, finding a new house, getting divorced...ugh).  Thanks for your continued patience. You guys really are the best!

 

DIY manicure: Newsprint nails

In the year that I've been blogging, I've never done a beauty post before. Despite my love of fashion, I'm not much for primping and preening--too boring. In fact, I don't think I painted my nails even one time in all of 2010. But when I saw this, I knew I had to try it and share it:

 Just B

Simply paint your nails in a light shade (I used French mani white) and let dry. Take torn pieces of newspaper and soak them in vodka. Then press firmly onto nails for 10-20 seconds (longer equals darker transfer). Finish with a topcoat for added protection. 

And voila!

I'm surprised how taken I am with this look, since I usually despise novelty manicures. Perhaps it's the irony of a sometimes-journalist sporting newsprint on her nails. Or maybe it's because my pops was a career newsman. But it's probably just because it looks plain awesome.

So...will you experiment with novelty newsprint nails? Discuss...

WOW (what Olivia wore)...black, white & red all over

Shirt: thrifted

Skirt: Forever 21, thrifted (with tags!)

Shoes: Steve Madden

Jacket: Copper Key (juniors brand at Dillards)

Bag: no-name from Ross

Tights & earrings: old as the hills

O. M. G. It has been forever...looks like my last WOW was back in February. Thank you to those still with me and welcome to those just tuning in. Things are about to get crazy.

Remember back when I was a real sad sack and went all mellon collie and the infinite sadness on you? A lot has changed since then and I plan to share as soon as it's appropriate (very soon, I promise!). Not to be too cryptic, but there's a good chance of puppies and rainbows for everybody, so stick around!

I will say that I put the kibosh on my kids moving out-of-state and have never doubted the decision for a second since. Isn't it funny how we can get caught up in others' desires even though we know it's wrong for us? It sort of reminds me of that time I wore hammer pants...only the hammer pants were worse.

But seriously, I am happy to be back. I missed you guys like crazy.

WOW (what Olivia wore): Chevron/ Zig Zag/ Missoni & meth

 

 

 

  Jacket, necklace, jeans: Thrifted

Dress: some cheesy off-brand at Ross

Booties: Steve Madden

I had such high hopes for this post...I planned to include prose (my own) and photographs (ripped off) celebrating the merits of the chevron stripe. In that post there was home decor, high fashion and architecture. There were puns and humor and possibly even alliteration...That post was awesome. Clearly, this is not that post.

This post is me slapping a few pictures up, thanking all of you for being here--especially you newbies--and feeling guilty for neglecting my blog. (I've abandoned my blog like a meth-mom abandons her babies.) 

Lucky for all of us, the ladies over at Pretty Pleased are not meth-mom-bloggers like I am. So go check out their post on chevron stripes and pretend you saw it here.

What to wear...on a winter outing

Recently a friend posed this question to me. She's going on a first date to our local Winter Carnival and wants to look hot while staying warm. Here's what I suggest:

winter carnival look by 406olivia featuring knit sweaters

Pretty panties will make her feel hot. Covering 'em up with all those layers will keep her warm. Thoughts?

WOW (what Olivia wore)...Da Bomb-er

Bomber: Army Navy Surplus

Sweater: J Crew, brothered

Flannel: Thrifted

Skirt: Thrifted

Leggings: TJ Maxx?

Boots: Target

It turns out the bomber hat is really polarizing--people either love it or hate it--there is no in-between. My 21-year-old stepdaughter? Hates it. I embarrassed her to no end by wearing mine to lunch one day. Random older dude at the coffee shop? Loves it, even offering to buy it right off my head. 

In spite of many celebrities embracing the recent return of the bomber, this look hasn't necessarily reached the mainstream. And mine, adorable as it may be, is more about function than fashion. Seriously, ladies, I bought it at Army-Navy and it makes my hair follicles sweat even on sub-zero days.

Celebs dropping the bomb-er:

Vanessa Hudgens

Rihanna

Which camp do you belong to? Pro-bomber? Or unequivocally anti-bomber? Discuss...