Posts Tagged“novelty bag”

After Midnight

After Midnight - The Dressed Aesthetic

We all know the timeless story of Cinderella. And whenever I think of it, it always conjures up images of the fairy tale. The gorgeous gown, the jeweled slippers, dancing with the handsome prince in a grand ballroom. But, I’m just as interested in the time after the clock chimes midnight. Where the coach turns back into a pumpkin. Where Cinderella goes home, kicks off her glass slipper and rubs her aching feet, takes off her bra and becomes the vulnerable, fresh-faced version of herself again.

White After Labor Day

White After Labor Day - The Dressed Aesthetic

I think the first fashion rule I ever remember learning was “Don’t wear white after Labor Day.” Bearing in mind, this was in the 80’s/early 90’s, where anything went. Multi-layers of neon push socks, side ponytails, tight rolled jeans. And as I sloshed the electric blue eyeshadow on my lids and searched for my brightest barbie-pink lipstick, I could hear the rule clanging around in my brain. And even my pre-teen self questioned it: why the heck not?

Forever Summer

Forever Summer - The Dressed Aesthetic

There is something amazing about living in a place where you can find a day that breathes a hint of summer’s past in the middle of November. I spent the last several days in DC, shivering to my bones as I scurried between wind swept streets. And a short flight south back to NC, and I found myself in the middle of a quasi-summer. Sure, the autumnal crispness still remains, but it just takes a bit of sun to peak through for me to toss off the cardigan and dash outside, hoping to catch a few rays.

Mom & Me

Mom & Me - The Dressed Aesthetic

My family has been a huge fan of the blog ever since its inception. In addition to generally being supportive of my latest endeavor (I swear I could say I wanted to start collecting lampshades and they would cheer and start sending me cool lampshades). But, I think it was also important because they got to see a glimpse into my daily life. Particularly when I was living abroad, we would keep up with the Big Stuff: promotions, milestones, heartbreak. But, it’s the little minutiae of our days that would get lost in the miles. The blog let them see my…

{Review} The Big Top:
Vendula London Circus Box Bag

{Review} Run Away With the Circus: The Vendula London Circus Box Bag - The Dressed Aesthetic

You are all very well aware of my love for novelty handbags. The cuter and more ornate the better. So, it’s no surprise that I instantly fell in love with Vendula London when I reviewed their Chocolatier Grab Bag last year. I get more excited every season to see their latest releases, as they are definitely a company with no shortage of ideas. The instant this Circus Box Bag came across my retinas, I was ready to run away with the circus…

It’s Organic

It's Organic - The Dressed Aesthetic

I have a bit of an affinity for anything organic. And I don’t mean the label on our produce that’s become trendy these days; but rather the way nature manifests itself in fashion. A floral print, a leaf embroidery, a fruit-speckled handbag. So when this adorable necklace appeared under my Christmas tree from my best friend in Aus – a wearable planter (!) – I immediately started brimming with styling possibilities.

Wardrobe Staples with LuLaRoe

Wardrobe Staples with LuLaRoe - The Dressed Aesthetic

We all love to have those special pieces – the ones waiting patiently in the back of our wardrobe, ready for a flick of tulle and a twinkle in your eye that promises a special occasion. But let’s be honest – more often than not, we find ourselves reaching for things in our closet for the every day. For our hectic workweek, our busy weekends. And that’s where these beauties come in: Our wardrobe staples.

Cat Got Your Tongue?

Cat Got Your Tongue? - The Dressed Aesthetic

We are successfully transitioning into our lives here in the US. In truth, we still feel a bit as though we’re on vacation, as we’re visiting family in San Diego for the week and are in the all-too-familiar whirlwind of dinners out, meeting up with long-lost friends, and tripping over our many suitcases. All the makings of a good holiday.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Down the Rabbit Hole - The Dressed Aesthetic

I’ve been known to chase my fair share of rabbits into Vintage Wonderland. Despite the resolutions every so often that I’m cutting back on vintage purchases or enforcing a spending ban (I swear I mean them at the time), pieces like these will swan across my retinas and suddenly I’m completely powerless. I mean, the perfect border print dress? A vintage wicker novelty handbag shaped like a BUNNY? Show me the rabbit hole and wish me luck – I fall every time.

The Straight & Narrow

The Straight & Narrow - The Dressed Aesthetic

I have a confession to make – this is what my hair looks like when I wake up. Straight as an arrow. Though those with unruly hair surely want to kill me right now, I spent much of my younger years trying to beat my hair into submission. Trying to convince it to be something that it’s not. But, alas, this is how my hair likes to be: Shiny and straight. It refuses to hold a substantial curl. Rejects bobby pins over time (literally spits them out like projectiles). I’ve gone to many a pinup hair-tutorial, to try a pin curl or…