Girl Friday: Sarah P

This is my friend, Sarah!

A talented makeup artist and photographer, Sarah has long inspired me with her fashion choices and daring makeup experimentation. She sees the connection between fashion & makeup and other artistic mediums so clearly, and uses her wardrobe and talent as a way to share her passion for art. I've often seen her wearing (and pulling off brilliantly) things that I would only dream of trying.

I'm so excited to share her interview with you all -- and even more excited to inform you that Sarah will be guest posting on The Twenty Ninth in the next couple weeks, sharing makeup tips & tricks and answering frequently asked questions about makeup. Stay tuned for that soon! But for now -- here's Sarah's interview.

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The Twenty Ninth: Tell us a little bit about what you're currently doing.

Sarah: I just recently moved to NYC to attend makeup school at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy. I'm in the full program, covering beauty & fashion, television & film, and stage & artistic make up. It's been awesome to learn from such talented instructors and alongside people who share my passion for this craft!

TN: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase:

S: A fusion of classic/preppy with with a little bit of indie/bohemian. Theoretically, I like to draw inspiration from all fashion genres, but those are the ones that make it into my closet most often. I'm trying to really stretch my fashion sensibilities as I've recently moved to NYC and you can get away with a lot here!

TN: How has your style evolved over the years?

S: A short style history: 

• Age 5: Received clothes as a gift for Christmas. Wailed in disappointment.  
• Age 10: Received more clothes for Christmas: my first pair of bell-bottoms (in the peak of the bell-bottoms resurgence) and a 70's inspired shirt from my grandpa.  Couldn't be more thrilled!
• Age 15: Entire closet dictated by the aesthetic of American Eagle and Abercrombie & Fitch
• Age 20-now: A hodgepodge of lots of different styles, stores, and inspirations! I really appreciate the rich experience that results from drawing from a diverse multitude of resources and inspirations.  

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you want to share?

S: Ummm, my whole childhood? I was pretty much a dweeb. Glasses, braces, big headbands & scrunchies, etc… I had a long geek phase.

TN: Who are your style influences?

S: As far as an inspirational person, mostly Mary-Kate Olsen. (Don't judge.) Beyond that, I'm inspired by fashion ads & magazines! W magazine, J.Crew ads, Vogue, Free People ads, musicians, etc. Also, I've recently been very inspired by NYC street fashion.

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?

S: I love getting things for less than you're supposed to pay for them. So for me that means shopping at thrift & consignment shops (Unique Thrift, Salvation Army & Current Boutique in DC, plus a whole host of new places in NYC!), off-price stores (TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Loehmann's, Off The Rack), and hitting the sale racks at stores with great style & higher prices (Club Monaco, Banana Republic, Free People, etc). I end up enjoying the clothes I got for a bargain the most! (i.e., a pair of leather oxfords I got for $3 at a thrift store.)

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?

S: I generally start out with either the mood of the outfit I want to wear, or think about where I'm going and what I'm doing that day, then just build from those starting points. Sometimes I'll look for one piece that inspires me, and build around that.

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear, and why?

S: Probably anything that's perfectly tailored. It just feels so RIGHT when you wear it! :-)

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share?

S: A few things:

1. Try to challenge yourself to make different silhouettes and combos with your outfits! It's easy to get stuck in a rut of buying the same type of pieces all the time. I am the first person that's guilty of wearing the jeans-and-shirt combo too often. My most fashionable friends wear the jeans & shirt combo only on occasion, not as the foundation for every outfit. Check out The Sartorialist blog for inspiration!  
   
2. Get a fashionable friend to go shopping with you! Ask them to pick out an outfit for you, try it on and see if it's something you want to try. You can also just run your fashion experiments by your friends whose style you admire.   
3. HAVE FUN!  Fashion should feel enjoyable, not obligatory. Take risks on the things that interest you. Don't try something provocative or risky just because you think you should, wear the things you like! But don't let yourself get lazy and stop caring, either. Beauty makes life much richer!

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Can't wait to share more of Sarah's tips and photos with you all in her upcoming makeup series!

Girl Friday: Courtney

This is Courtney!

My friend Erin nominated Courtney for Girl Friday, and it's not hard to see why! Get to know Courtney better via her interview below!

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The Twenty Ninth: Tell us a little bit about what you're currently doing.

Courtney: I taught seventh grade social studies for five years in New England. This past summer I made a quick and unexpected career change to work on the Romney campaign. Best experience ever, but due to the way things turned out in November and the sequestration on the Hill, things did not turn out as planned. I am now managing a clothing store at the regional mall in the DC area. We'll see what the future holds!

TN: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase:

C: Preppy with a bit of a modern edge.

TN: How has your style evolved over the years?

C: I have become more comfortable with myself and have learned to accept that there are certain styles that can not be done with my 5'11'' height and DDD chest. Also, I've learned to shop my size! No one else is going to know what the tag says on the inside of your clothing, but they will notice if you are trying to pour yourself into something that is just too small. Plus, you end up looking bigger when you wear something too small for you than if you just wore your true size.

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you want to share?

C: I mean pretty much all of my fashion choices from the age of 9 to 14 shouldn't be allowed to see the light of day... And that's all we need to say about that.

TN: Who are your style influences?

C: Honestly I love looking at how 'normal' people dress. Celebrities are great, but they often have stylists and unlimited budgets -- not reality for us peasants. My best friend has amazing style -- a little bit more glam than I am -- and we definitely push each other to be more stylish, but also to take risks (she's in the pictures with me when I'm wearing the gold dress and the one with the pink dress). Also, I have a cousin (the one next to me in the picture where we are sitting on a rock ledge) who accessories her outfits beautifully and inspired me to collect a huge jewelry collection. Putting on a gorg necklace is the easiest way to elevate a jeans and T-shirt outfit into something fabulous.

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?

C: Nordstrom Rack is my favorite place. I've learned that it's better to buy quality over quantity (especially with shoes!). The Rack allows me to do that on a teacher/ campaign worker budget. For fun pieces that may go out of style in a season or two, I always head to Forever 21 or Old Navy. Also, I can't forget about Ann Taylor! It is my go-to for suiting and dresses.

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?

C: This sounds really obvious, but I usually pick an outfit based on the weather. Don't be the stupid looking girl in a mini-skirt in the winter. Once the weather factor is out of the way, I shop based on the occasion (another duh!). It's important to take into account what you are doing during the day. When I was on the campaign, I was often up at 6 AM and not in bed until 12 AM. My outfits had to be functional, modest, easy to move in during the day, but also be able to transport easily to a dressy event at night. It takes some thought, but if you have a few key outfits to 'run to', you can not fail (and keep a pair of heels in your tote bag!). Don't forget your own comfort! The days you feel 'fat' are when you break out the empire waist dresses, and some days you feel hot, which is the time to try things you're normally afraid to wear. Don't forget that if you act like you own your outfit, people will generally accept that it's fabulous.

TN: Which part of your look have you experimented with recently?

C: My hair -- I usually keep it shorter than shoulder length, but recently I've been growing it out. And secretly I've always wanted a pixie cut. #conflicted

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear, and why?

C: Leggings and maxi dresses. I have a pair of black leggings with back pockets and seaming, and they look like ponte pants = people think I'm wearing pants and I feel like I'm wearing pajamas. Winning. I have been stopped several times while wearing a maxi dress and been told I "look so glam." Meanwhile I feel like I'm wearing yoga pants and a hoodie. Another huge win in my book.

TN: Is there an article of clothing or type of shoes you wouldn't be caught dead in?

C: CROCS. Never, ever, ever acceptable in any circumstance. Also, a Vera Bradley purse. I used to love them, but now realize that a quilt is best left on the bed.

TN: Do you have a favorite skincare or makeup product, or a favorite perfume?

C: Flowerbomb by Viktor Rolf is an amazing perfume! False eyelashes for events are a must. I am a make-up junky. The ladies at my local Sephora know me well... #shame

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share?

C: Dress for your body/ size! Most women cannot wear everything -- don't try to. Buy quality when shopping for long-term items, splurge on handbags -- they really are an investment. More ideas can be found on my Pinterest!

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I love your confidence and advice, Courtney! (Also, your description of Vera Bradley bags was brilliant...) Thanks for interviewing.

Know someone who should be featured on The 29th? Interested in being interviewed yourself? Drop me a line: casey [at] thetwentyninth [dot] com. 

Girl Friday: Angie

This adorable pregnant lady is Angie:

My friend Kristen sent me Angie's info, and let me know about her awesome maternity style (she's expecting in July!) and a great fashion sense overall. Get to know her better in her interview, below! Her clothing mishap in particular is not to be missed, and she also shares some great advice near the end. Enjoy!

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The Twenty Ninth: Tell us a little bit about what you're currently doing.

Angie: I am currently a full-time LCPC (licensed clinical professional counselor) for the state of Maryland. I am married to the raddest dude I have ever met and we’re expecting our first baby this July. 

TN: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase:

A: "Eclectic-licious." Haha.

TN: How has your style evolved over the years?

A: Back in the day I used to play it safe with the ever-classic black and white top with black pants, or the black and white skirt with a purple or red top. My jewelry was seriously limited to a silver watch, boring earrings, a couple silver rings, and a random “not to be desired” necklace. I’m not really sure what came over me but one day I decided that my world needed to be rocked. Since I’m not rich and always made my bills first priority, I would get one “more interesting” item here and there as I could afford it. I even started changing up my make-up, moving into MAC’s cosmic world of eye color.

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you want to share?

A: Am I allowed to even share this in “public”? One morning when I was a junior in highschool I was rushing to get ready for school so I could make it to my chemistry test review before school started. I drove myself to school and needed to get across town quick, fast, and in a hurry. I guess I suffer from “10 minutes late everywhere I go” disorder. I got ready as fast as I could, jumped in my car, probably flew across town like only a crazed highschool driver does (yikes), pulled into the student parking, grabbed my bag and literally ran toward the science building. Halfway thru my sprint I noticed something didn’t feel right -- like something was missing but not entirely. I seriously remember stopping in my tracks and realizing the reason I felt naked was because I had gotten dressed so fast that day that I may or may not have forgotten to put my bra on. I’m no hippie and do have standards, and I was shamelessly sporting a lonesome shirt that morning on school grounds on a chilly spring morning. But maybe shameless isn’t the right word, because I turned right back around and ran to my car as fast as I could and drove home to retrieve this important and necessary article. And it goes without saying that I did NOT make it to my chemistry review that day.

TN: Who are your style influences?

A: I guess my biggest style influences would be the cutely dressed mannequins in the department stores combined with whatever’s on the sale rack, haha. I tend to make up outfits as I go.

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?

A: I have a few places I like to hit around town that I stay loyal to: Burlington Coat Factory, Ross, and Target. Some people are deterred by the fact that Burlington and Ross require you to dig through the mess to find the jewels, but I like a good treasure hunt. I typically find pieces from these 2 stores that can be used in multiple outfits and paired with various embellishments. And as for Target, I usually head straight to the sale rack, which is hit or miss, but sometimes I splurge if I see something begging me to give it a home. However, with my growing belly and need for maternity/larger clothes, I find I’m having to spend more than I typically would if I weren’t prego.

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?

A: I typically pick out an outfit based primarily on my mood. And if I were honest -- I usually have the same mood on Friday… tired. However, the days leading up to Friday, as well as Sunday for church, I try to look “desirable,” haha.

TN: Which part of your look have you experimented with recently?

A: Honestly, being pregnant I feel like I’ve experimented with everything. Right now certain pants just aren’t comfortable with a belly band. My feet are swollen so certain shoes are no longer in the mix. And with my newly found “sausage fingers,” most of my rings are on sabbatical until further notice. So basically I’m having to get creative with limited resources but also keep my eyes peeled for bargains as I’m able to when I’m out.

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear, and why?

A: I have a couple favorites up in my closet: I seriously luhhhhv my infinity scarves. Mine are brightly colored and add an awesome pop of color to my day. I also stinkin' love all my bracelets. They all come from different places and many of them even have a neato short story behind why I own and love them…well -- maybe neato to me.

TN: Is there an article of clothing or type of shoes you wouldn't be caught dead in?

A: Yes. One that doesn’t compliment my body style and require me to be unwise with my cash-flow in order to get it. Rule #1 for me: my clothes do not in any way define who I am and therefore do not give me my worth. This frees me up to wear whatever I find, wherever I find it.

TN: Do you have a favorite skincare or makeup product, or a favorite perfume?

A: I heart my MAC and Mary Kay eyeshadows… I used to go buckwild with all different colors a few years ago. However, the closer I inched to 30, the more I moved away from the louder colors and toward the ones that draw less attention to my face. I was… an attention hog? Perhaps.

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share?

A: It’s important to first accept what your body type is and shop to flatter it, not manipulate it. By that I mean too many females wear skin-tight clothing hoping it makes them look thinner, when in reality, it does the opposite. If you’re unhappy with your body type, your clothing is not where you want to attempt to change it. Always shop for your body type, regardless what you’re seeing in magazines or on TV. Not everything is made for everyone. Also, get creative and try something new: a new color, a few fun embellishments, a ridiculously awesome shoe, or colored pants, and seriously wear it like you mean it.

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Thanks for sharing, Angie! And congratulations on your little one!

Know someone who should be featured on The 29th? Interested in being interviewed yourself? Drop me a line: casey [at] thetwentyninth [dot] com. 

Clothes for Cheap: J.Crew Multistripe Boatneck Tee

Another exact J.Crew replica from Old Navy, with a $30 price difference:

Old Navy   //   J.Crew

At first, I wasn't sold on the pattern of this shirt, but when I saw how Kendi from Kendi Everyday styled it, I was kind of won over:

via Kendi Everyday

What do you think?

Girl Friday: Melanie

Meet Melanie!

Many thanks to my friend Kelley for introducing us... I'm really loving Melanie's punk-rock'n'roll vintage style -- I think you will too!

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The Twenty Ninth: Tell us a little bit about what you're currently doing.

Melanie: I currently work at a non-profit in Nashville, Tennessee called “Rocketown." The best way to describe what Rocketown is would be a YMCA meets Warp Tour and the X-games. We have 3 music venues. A garage where kids can learn how to work on cars and ride go-carts. An indoor skatepark. A music lab. A computer lab. An art lab. And a coffee bar that’s open 7 days a week for kids to come and just hang out. I work with teens and bands, but the highlight of my week is hosting a weekly “potluck” dinner. We have about 50 kids that come out for this each week. We all bring food, we all eat together, and then we sit around and have a discussion on life, faith, relationships, struggles, issues, and bottom line...sharing in life together! Loving them, encouraging them, and empowering them to live lives of destiny through faith, is the most incredible job ever! It just pays to give back to the next generation!

TN: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase:

M: My style depends on the day! I love vintage class, pin-up girl curls, with a twist of rock n’ roll in there! Some days it’s Converse Chuck Taylor’s, other days it’s cowboy boots, and some nights it’s wearing my favorite pair of Bordello’s! But bottom line: FUN!

TN: How has your style evolved over the years?

M: I started off more into the punk scene. Short bleached hair. Neon 80’s colors. Band t-shirts, thrift-store finds, and JNCO’s. (Yup! We all have our pictures we DON’T hang on our wall, and belong in the shoe box for a reason.) Today, I feel most comfortable in jeans and a tank top, and a bandana.

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you want to share?

M:  One time in high school I was at the beach with my best friend. My bathing suit didn’t have any padding in it, so I used clear packing tape to “cover the girls." Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that tape doesn’t hold up well in the ocean, and before long the 2 pieces of clear tape were floating in the water beside me. One of the guys we were with (who also happened to be my long time middle and high school crush) picked one of the pieces of tape up and said, “What is this?!” I pretended it was some form of ocean trash, but internally was mortified! He picked up my bathing suit, make-shift padding/tape!

TN: Who are your style influences?

M: Hmmm...I’d have to say women from the 1950’s. They are classy. Modest. And have such feminie allure. I also like to change it up some days and do the 1980’s rock n’ roll leggings, cut up t-shirts, etc... I love aspects of Kat Von D’s wardrobe and shoe collection!

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?

M:  I love J.Crew, Forever 21, H&M, Black Milk Clothing, and honestly any store that grabs my attention.

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?

M:  I honestly just look at what others are wearing and adapt aspects of it for myself. I’ll copy this... change that... and just try and make it my own. I’m not a fashion trendsetter. I just like to copy and modify!

TN: Which part of your look have you experimented with recently?

M:  I bought this gorgeous mint green, pleated, oversized halter top. It’s so flowy and elegant and it’s the first time I’ve ever worn that color. I’m in LOVE!

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear, and why?

M: I have a mini black leather jacket that I’ve had for years. Hands down my favorite jacket.

TN: Is there an article of clothing or type of shoes you wouldn't be caught dead in?

M:  YES! Ugg boots and sweatpants with words on the butt! I don’t know where that trend came from but it’s gotta stop!

TN: Do you have a favorite skincare or makeup product, or a favorite perfume?

M:  I LOOOOVE the “Diptyque” line of lotion, candles and perfume. It smells like heaven! The perfume “Eau Duelle” is my favorite! Also, DIOR’s mascara “Diorshow-Extase” is the most incredible mascara ever!

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share?

M:  Working at a non-profit means you work there because you’re passionate about the work...but not because of the paycheck. I live on a very tight budget. I look through catalogs, online, Instagram, you name it and just try to modify the expensive look... and make it work with my income. I can’t afford to shop at J.Crew every couple months... but I can look elsewhere, and try and duplicate the look for less.

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Thanks for interviewing, Melanie, and for sharing your inspiring style and life with us!

Know someone who should be featured on The 29th? Interested in being interviewed yourself? Drop me a line: casey [at] thetwentyninth [dot] com. 

People Watching: College Campus, Michigan

Over the weekend, I was in Michigan -- freezing, snowy Michigan -- visiting my brother Alex, who's at school up there and was directing his first play, Shakespeare's The Tempest. At the show on Saturday I spotted a girl walking in wearing this outfit, and I immediately knew I had to share it here!

Her cotton trousers were patterned & ombre, from a deep red at the top, down to a light blue around the ankles. (They looked like a really well done DIY, but based on some research, it looks like she got them at H&M.) To ward off the cold, she was wearing a cream, chunky knit sweater. The outfit was finished off with neutral snake skin flats and a big cognac crossbody bag. It was spring-meets-winter, college-meets-high fashion, Saturday-brunch-wonderful, and each piece worked together to create this artistic, unique, and comfortable look. I loved it.

Girl Friday: Jenny

This is Jenny!

Jenny's style is a great mix of vintagey pieces, sweet patterns, and unique accessories. She always looks comfortable and able to relax/run around in her clothing (key when you have two little kids like she does!), while at the same time, put together and pretty. She's an amazing photographer, a musician, and an all-around creative, cool person. Hope you enjoy her interview!

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The Twenty Ninth: Tell us a little bit about what you're currently doing.

Jenny: I am a mom to two wonderful and crazy kiddos. Edson is 2 1/2 and Clara is 10 months. I also write music with my husband and play my autoharp a lot. You can take a listen at motherchief.com.

TN: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase:

J: My style has changed a lot over the last 10 years. I was home-schooled so I was a late bloomer. But I would like to think I am a mix of vintage inspired and classic utilitarian mom.

TN: How has your style evolved over the years?

J: My husband has been my most harsh and loving critic. I was a total mess of styles when we met. I was living in California and honestly had very few influences. I just hadn't seen much of the world. I had no direction. He has helped me see that I can dress for my own comfort, but still dress in a way that flatters me and brings me joy. Plus he showed me sites like The Sartorialist, and a trip to Europe also helped. A woman we saw in Paris still haunts my dreams. 

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you want to share?

J: I was home-schooled. So my whole life.

TN: Who are your style influences?

J: My friends, sisters and whatever I find on Pinterest.

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?

J: Urban, Zara, Madewell, Forever21, thrift stores, and Gap.

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?

J: I just start with a favorite piece or something I just want to wear and go from there.

TN: Which part of your look have you experimented with recently?

J: I have been wearing a lot of skirts and I love them. I also have been trying pattern mixing. I love mixing it up with stripes and florals a lot. 

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear, and why?

J: I just got a pair of Madewell stack-heeled sandals, and I must say they are amazing. I also love basic tees; they just go with anything! 

TN: Is there an article of clothing or type of shoes you wouldn't be caught dead in?

J: Flip-flops (my husband hates them).

TN: Do you have a favorite skincare or makeup product, or a favorite perfume?

J: I love Benefit and always will.

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share?

J: I would say hone your taste, get inspired, and fill your closet with pieces you love. Sometimes cheap is fine, but save and invest in good basics to mix with more trendy stuff.

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Thanks for taking the time to interview, Jenny! I love how you credit and feed off of your husband's input for your style. It's always great to have an ally in a close friend or spouse who enjoys the creativity and art of style as much as you do.


Know someone who should be featured on The 29th? Interested in being interviewed yourself? Drop me a line: casey [at] thetwentyninth [dot] com. 

Clothes for Cheap: Urban Outfitters Glitter Sandals

Let's keep this week rolling with moooore GLITTER!!

Okay -- so while we probably can't 100% sanction all-glitter-all-the-time when it comes to work attire, wearing a dash of glitter on an everyday casual basis gets a resounding Absolutely Yes (from me at least).

Remember when I confessed to you all that I have a bad habit of buying sandals when it's still 30 degrees out? This year, I think I actually might have broken the curse when I bought these babies:

via Target

I wore them this past weekend and with every sparkly step, it was confirmed in my heart that my possibly foolish winter sandal purchase was indeed not foolish, but in fact a very good idea.

And, because I love a deal, I relished finding my sandals' more expensive twins at Urban Outfitters recently:

via Urban Outfitters

Have you found a pair of sandals that you just can't wait to wear? Did you break out any particular pair this weekend? Share! We like shoes around here.

People Watching: Biking on 6th

Out for a walk around the neighborhood Thursday morning, a girl on a bike rode past in this summery outfit: a bright yellow tee, swingy navy blue cotton skirt, and chambray espadrilles. Easy, comfy, pretty. I like to think she was wearing some gold or leather jewelry, or maybe even a dashing little patterned scarf to complete the look.

Clothes for Cheap: Urban Outfitters Maxi Dresses

Urban has a great selection of maxi dresses for this spring/summer... but so does Forever 21! Luckily, they're carrying some similar styles. Granted, Urban Outfitters' offerings are more detailed and slightly more unique (in general, Forever 21 is a great place to find basic maxi dresses in basic colors). But whether you want to splurge or save, you can find something that works between the two stores right now. Plus if you style the more basic garments from Forever 21 well, they can end up just as unique as the dresses from Urban.

This first one isn't a price comparison, but more a "Look what I found!" I've seen the dress below (on the left) pinned and repinned on Pinterest many times. Unfortunately, the original is no longer available... but this dress from Urban might fill that lace chevron maxi hole in your life.

via Pinterest // via Urban Outfitters

These other three are Urban Outfitters vs. Forever 21 pieces, all with a $50-$60 price difference.

Urban // F21

Urban // F21

Urban // F21

Happy shopping!

Tennies: Inspiration

They may be as old as walking itself, but tennis shoes have still got it.

I grabbed a pair of basic white canvas sneakers for $10 at Old Navy last year, curious about how much I'd end up wearing them but excited at the prospect... Believe me, these easy throw-on kicks have earned their keep in my closet a hundred times over. They go with anything! I love the girl-next-door vibe that they lend to an outfit.

Because I'm in love with these little shoes, I thought I'd share some inspiration for warm-weather sneaker wearing...

via Madewell

via They All Hate Us

via Pinterest (J.Crew // Summer 2012)

via Remain Simple

Have a favorite pair of tennis shoes? What's your favorite way to wear them?

Girl Friday: Erin

This is my dear friend Erin (she's the blonde, not the furry one), and she is boss:

Erin strikes an impressive balance between fun-loving and mature in not only her style, but her life in general. She's an amazing prankster with a very caring heart -- the perfect combination, I think! Erin's enjoyment of life shines through in her clothing & accessory choices, but at the same time, she's able to maintain an air of poise and class as she dresses for her job as a school teacher. Read more about Erin's style below!

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The Twenty Ninth: Tell us a little bit about what you're currently doing.

Erin: I teach English and History and coach cross country and cheer-leading at an amazing private school, and I am working on my M.A. in English.

TN: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase:

E: Classic and feminine with a dash of the vintage and whimsical. Students have described several of my outfits as "country chic," and I think that fits in there somewhere as well.

TN: How has your style evolved over the years?

E: I remember when I first became interested in clothes as a teenager, I looked to whatever my friends were wearing to define style. At that point our lives this was mostly sporty and athletic (shout out to Adidas sandals and American Eagle t-shirts!). It wasn't until college that I started to discover more of my own personal taste in clothing, which was primarily pastel and extremely girlie. That general idea has has evolved and matured over the years, and became even more defined when I was doing graduate work in the UK. It's taken me far too long to realize that my style has to come from within, and no one else can define it except me.

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you want to share?

E: The whole of middle school I consider to be a clothing mishap. Thanks for bringing it up.

TN: Who are your style influences?

E: Zooey Deschanel, Kate and Pippa Middleton,  and a little classic Doris Day.

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?

E: Modcloth, H&M, Delia's, and some local independent stores.

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?

E: During the week, I have to plan and pack the outfit for each day the night before because I try to hit the gym before work. (Emphasis on try... don't fact check this with my roommates.) As I'm looking ahead to what the next day holds, I'll shop my closet until I find something that feels fresh and inspiring. If I wore something businesslike the day before, I might plan something more whimsical for the next or vice-versa. From there I'll try to add accessories that polish the look and give it a little more personality.

TN: Which part of your look have you experimented with recently?

E: I've tried to experiment with color and contrast. Particularly in these winter months, we all need an unexpected splash of color in our lives.

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear, and why?

E: Fun dresses are my favorite, hands down.

TN: Is there an article of clothing or type of shoes you wouldn't be caught dead in?

E: High-waisted pleated pants. Some people have tried to pull it off recently, but for me it'll always be a big "no please."

TN: Do you have a favorite skincare or makeup product, or a favorite perfume?

E: Dream Angels: "Love is Heavenly" perfume

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share?

E: Keep your eyes open. Inspiration can come from anywhere, so keep mental notes on what strikes your eye and file those away for wardrobe inspiration.

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Thanks for sharing your perspective on fashion with us, Erin!

Know someone who should be featured on The 29th? Interested in being interviewed yourself? Drop me a line: casey [at] thetwentyninth [dot] com. 

People Watching: Senpai + Kohai

If you're a fan of beautiful, one-of-a-kind, Free People-esque style, you must check out the designs offered by fashion label Senpai + Kohai!

Created by designers Melissa Choi (a very old friend of mine!) and Pia Panaligan, this line is unique in both its textiles and its purpose.

About their designs, quoted from their site:

Artistic approaches to fashion characterize our line. For our first collection, we were inspired by traditional embroideries and embellishments gathered from Melissa's travels to India. Our first collection used mainly natural based fabrics, many of which were hand dyed or painted. All the pieces are one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn party dresses, reworked found jackets, recycled fur and some hand painted hosiery, along with some silk scarves.

And about their purpose, which personally, makes me love their line even more:

The fashion industry being a fast paced business has been taken over by “disposable fashion”. We want to create a line of great quality-made pieces that don’t necessarily follow fashion trends and instead focus on traditional craftsmanship. With our world travels and multi-cultural heritage, we will incorporate these influences into our collections... Because we are from Philadelphia, a city that is a minority in the fashion world, we will stand out among our peers and help bring attention to the creative minds that dwell here.

I appreciate their desire to encourage fashion and the arts in their city, as well as their goal to produce clothing that is beautiful enough to transcend trends. I can't wait to see where Senpai + Kohai ends up in the fashion world -- I'm sure it's going to be amazing!

Finding the Perfect Sunglasses

via Pinterest

Much like my treacherous relationship with sandals in February, my relationship with sunglasses also seems to be cursed.

If I find a pair I kind of love, I dive into the ocean with them propped on my head in a moment of fashion forgetfulness. If I try a pair on at the store and they look amazing, when I bring them home, I look like a bug. If I try to be spontaneous and buy an obnoxious pair on a fashion-crazed whim, I ultimately regret it all summer and push the silly glasses further into the glove compartment in an attempt to forget my idiocy.

While waiting very patiently for me the other day as I tried pair after pair of sunglasses at Urban Outfitters, David asked if there were style rules behind picking ones that work for your face shape and size. I'd always heard that you should look for lenses over which you can still see part of your eyebrows. But it was time to do some research. What was I missing?

According to this article found on Glamour's website, the key is to "Choose sunglasses with features opposite to your own face!" I also found this article on You Beauty to be really helpful (and a tad more specific). But in general, if your face is...  

 Round: Go for something more angular/square and avoid circular frames.

via Pinterest

Square or Rectangular: Look for sunglasses that are more rounded, and 

steer clear of sharp angular frames.

via Style Bistro

 






Heart-Shaped: Try to find frames that balance your narrower chin and broader forehead -- Glamour suggests wire frames or bottom-heavy shades.

Oval or Oblong: You can rock pretty much any type of frame. Slightly wider frames are recommended in order to balance out the length of your face.

So based on this info, it looks like I need to try a more rounded frame, since I have a rectangular face. I can tell you right now I will NOT be rocking Lennon shades, but I'm going to look for something with more rounded curves rather than something boxy and square, and see what I can find. (Apparently cat-eye frames work well on rectangular faces? Yikes. Not sure about that one.)

I'll let you know if I land on a pair or style that finally ends up working!