Friday, May 10, 2013

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. 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Found: The Perfect Sunglasses

I found them, you guys!
The new sunglasses, the Spanish Steps in DC, and the handsome guy I married.
THE sunglasses. I told you I'd follow up when they came into my life -- I didn't expect it to happen this soon, but I'm glad it did!

They're rounded, so they complement my square jaw. They're not too dark in the lenses, and they're tortoise shell, which I was looking for specifically. (My love for tortoise shell was handed down to me by my mom -- she's made the pretty brown & gold pattern look good for as long as I can remember.)

David said that because the shape of the lenses curves inward around the outside, they draw the eye down to my chin, flattering my squarish jawline rather than adding width or weight to it. They're comfortable, the right width and size, and a $14 price tag didn't hurt either.

The ironic thing is, these were actually one of the pairs I had tried on at Urban Outfitters previously and almost bought before I posted about my search. But in the end, I'm glad I stopped and did the research first -- now I know for sure that not only do I truly like them, they're also flattering. 

Happy all around!

Friday, May 3, 2013

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?

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

A Very Special Girl Friday

I'm so excited to introduce you to the littlest, cutest, sweetest Girl Friday we've ever had on the blog:


Beatrice Severn was born last Friday evening, a few weeks early! We're all doing very well and enjoying sweet time as a family, loving on our new little baby.

Things will be a little quieter on The Twenty Ninth for a bit as a result, but we'll be back in a week or two with a new series about finding the perfect tee shirt... stay tuned!

Friday, April 26, 2013

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. 

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Wearing Black & Brown Together

via Pinterest

Eleanore asks: 
"Can you wear black and brown together? Lately I've been told "no." I always do and never thought it looked bad at all but my friend who actually is a stylist said it's a "no-no." I don't agree."

Fashion rules are being broken all over the place these days (i.e. no wearing white after Labor Day? Who listens to that one anymore?). In fact, part of what makes revolutionary, unique, up-and-coming, and fashionable clothing stand out is the idea that fashion rules have been broken or altered by trendsetters and the fashion-savvy. I've mentioned it before, but my favorite example of this is The Sartorialist -- the street fashion movement has taken off since the beginning of this blog & photography experiement, and is now heavily influencing major runway shows and collections with its rule-breaking, quirky ideas.
via Small Shop Studio
That being said, I do think there are outfit combinations that look better than others and let's face it, are more acceptable in normal society than others. So my simple rule (which you can feel free to break -- this is just my preference) is that black and light browns (tan, cognac, camel, etc.) work best together. Chocolate browns and black are little more dicey. I mean, you can go for it, but it always looks a little off to me, personally. I think it has something to do with the fact that black is so absolute. So to throw a medium, lifeless, nondescript brown against it makes for a muddled idea that can't fully decide what it wants to be.

If I sound like I'm anti-chocolate brown, it's probably because I OD'ed on it in highschool. Convinced that I couldn't wear black, I settled for brown, and now I tend to hold it at arms length. But I digress. Bottom line is, if you're craving dark colors to wear with chocolate brown, I recommend trying a dark navy blue or a gray.

What do you all think? Is wearing black & brown a fashion "no-no" or a fashion "go for it"?

Also, I managed to use "no-no" in this post like three times, so that's pretty great.
via Pinterest

Monday, April 22, 2013

People Watching: College Campus, Michigan

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.

Friday, April 19, 2013

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. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I'm Guest Posting...

via Fogarty Photography
...on my friend Liz's photography blog today! Liz is an up-and-coming photographer, and kindly asked if I'd be willing to share some tips for dressing for an engagement shoot.

Click here for the post! (And to see more of Liz's amazing photography skills!)

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

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.