WESTERVIN Wear

Brian’s Got A Brand New Bag

For a year or so, I’ve been carrying a simple tote bag to and from work and on just about any occasion when I need to bring something along with me. Before the tote bags, I had a simple waxed canvas bag that I had throughout college (the same waxed canvas bag that Jim Halpert has been seen sporting on The Office), however I eventually wore a hole in it, so it had to be retired.

When I finally decided to start looking for a bag, I first thought maybe a classy leather messenger would be the way to go. However, I couldn’t really find one that I liked at a price point that worked. Luckily I wasn’t tied to leather, and Archival Clothing has a great waxed canvas messenger.

For those of you who dont know, Archival Clothing is an Oregon based blog and online retailer who makes and stocks some great bags and apparel. I was particularly drawn to their smaller messenger bag, and I am very happy with it. It’s made from a heavy waxed twill, which feels really sturdy, especially compared to the last bag I had. The leather details come from Horween leather which happens to be made just down the road from us!

If you happen to be in the market for a bag, I’d definitely check out Archival.

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WESTERVIN Wear

Jazzy Casual

Sarah West Ervin in spring blazer fashion

I have no delusions of grandeur. I know I’m not a fashionista. But like many people, I happen to like my own style. And every once in a while, an outfit will put a pep in my step! It’s been a while since I’ve had such a day, but the sun has been shining, I’ve got a new pair of kicks, and I thought, “What the hey! Let’s do another Westervin Wear.”

Sarah West Ervin spring style

Blazer: secondhand

T-shirt: Target

Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Le Bunny Bleu

Necklace: handmade by Hollie Martin

Watch: Swatch

Shades: Vintage

Sarah West Ervin in Le Bunny Bleu turquoise loafers

WESTERVIN Wear

Westervin Wear: Pierrepont Hicks

I might have already found my tie for the wedding, but it was a difficult decision, and along the way I found a lot of really great ties and tie shops that I had never heard of before. Case in point: Pierrepont Hicks. Not only do they have a great selection of ties and reversible bowties, but they also have some vintage tie clips. Here are a few of our favorites (pictured above):  { Sprinter Necktie }  { Bus Clip }  { Bucktail Bow }

WESTERVIN Wear

Westervin Wear: Maxi-mazing!

My maxi dress arrived! All the way from the UK, via Joy. Sure, it makes a pretty bold statement, but I think it’s still pretty versatile. I wanna wear it everyday! Above, I’ve paired it with my suede high-heeled boots (from Farm & Fleet, no lie), my mustard yellow pashmina (scored at the Salvation Army), and a vintage gold bracelet (I think it was my grandmother’s).

Going for something a little more classy here, with simple accessories: black & gold heels from Pay Less (at least 4 years old and still rockin’) and these gorgeous geometric earrings from To The Metal (thank you, Marina! they’ve gotten so many compliments).

Putting on my crazy-cheap white leaf earrings from Forever 21. The yoke of the dress is washed out in the other pics, but here you can see how the geometric pattern continues to the neckline. Can you tell how much I lurv it?

Another dressed up variation here, with a secondhand maroon jacket and matching vintage slingbacks (from the Salvation Army and Goodwill, respectively).

For something a little more casual, I threw on my old Target sandals (wish I had these instead), my favorite faux leather jacket (on sale from Zara), and the giant seashell ring I got in Bloomington (from Cactus Flower). So what do you think? Still too crazy? Or bold and beautiful?

A Fine Design, WESTERVIN Wear

Everyday Wear

Every Day Carry
{Submitted by camp nowhere}
Today I’d like to bring your attention to Everyday Carry, a website with photos of all the stuff that people carry with them everyday. Now, similar websites exist for computer desktops, iphone homescreens, office setups, etc. and I always find it interesting to see how people are going about their lives—what they are using, how they are organizing—essentially what’s important enough to make it onto their desktop (virtual or otherwise), iphone, or, in the case of Everyday Carry, their pocket or bag. Now in theory this is great, but I find EDC a bit unnerving and now I can’t help but look around me on the train or bus and wonder if all of these people have 5 pocket knives and a hand gun. I mean one pocket knife is great, but do you really need 5 on you every any day. These people must really hate it when they have to fly.

If you can get past all the weird stuff that people seem to carry with them, you might just find something useful. I, for one, was in the market for a wallet and found one photo featuring a really barebones wallet that fit the bill perfectly (plus it was on sale for $9). So, if you are on the lookout for a better notebook, wallet, keychain, flashlight, or a pocket knife, you might check it out.

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WESTERVIN Wear

Westervin Wear: Ties That Bind

One of the many wedding related things I’ve been searching for lately has been a nice tie. It’ proven a bit more challenging than I would like, but I have found a few tie shops of note. First on the list: General Knot & Co. They trade in ties made of deadstock fabrics, which means they have fairly limited supplies. If you happen to be in the market for a snazzy tie, you should check them out. Right now they are donating at least 20% of their proceeds (30% on select products) to the Japanese Red Cross.

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WESTERVIN Wear

Westervin Wear: Abridged

Westervin Wear: abridged

I take a lot of pictures and write a lot of posts throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean they all make the initial cut. We believe in editing here at Westervin. However, when your record company needs a new track, and you just haven’t put anything new on tape, it’s time to flip the disc and crank up the b-side. Here’s a Westervin Wear post from fall (how I miss those crunchy leaves and light jackets) which no one has seen, until today!

{ Vintage sweater & boots, necklace from Tree & Kimball, jeans from Urban Outfitters, handmade cowl }

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WESTERVIN Wear

Westervin Wear: Grayscale

The weather last week was shockingly warm, so I skipped merrily around without the constraints of a heavy winter coat. I’ve actually been wearing my newly acquired Navajo print tunic nonstop… kinda like a six-year-old who refuses to take off his spider man costume. I just couldn’t help myself! It’s so comfy and soft on the inside like pajamas, and lord knows I love me some pajamas. I keep some sock monkey print footy pj’s at Brian’s parent’s house! But instead of wholeheartedly embracing the Saturday-morning-Netflix-marathon-not-gonna-bother-with-a-glass-to-drink-my-milk look, I dressed my tunic up with a show-stopping Tree & Kimball necklace and my Fancy (that’s right, with a capital “f”) leather boots. { After the jump: Urban Outfitters tunic, Target tights & socks, vintage boots, necklace from Tree & Kimball }

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WESTERVIN Wear

Westervin Wear: Seashells & Foam

Weastervin Wear: Crochet Stone Necklace from MissPompadour.etsy.com

My beautiful necklace from Miss Pompadour deserved a special outfit!  { After the jump: Vintage Dress, Secondhand Raincoat, Watch from Target, Shoes from Yes Style }

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WESTERVIN Wear

Westervin Wear: Lakeside

Westervin Wear: Chicago Lakeside

As Brian mentioned last week, I’ve been sporting some fancy fall duds, and boy howdy has the weather been nice. I hate to admit it, but for the first time in my life I think I’m truly appreciating fall. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still a summer girl, but the past few weeks have been beautiful… and just perfect for some layered fall fashions!

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