The Shopping Sherpa: Bundled Beauty

Clockwise from top: { A Cold Day for a Drive Limited Edition Print from Elizabeth Bauman }  { Vintage 40′s Oxford Heels from Ginger Root Vintage }  { Bubble Beret in Charcoal Grey from softspoken }  { Upcycled Fur Cowl from zaama }

We’ve been blessed with a few new readers as of late (hello, new readers!), and I realized that they may not know the Shopping Sherpa yet! It’s been a while since he’s come to visit, so I figured this the perfect time to reintroduce him.

So who is this Shopping Sherpa? Well, he’s mysterious and a little hard to nail down. I think he’s really a little part of all of us, like a little shopping conscience.

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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?

Millinery 101: Not Your Mama’s Straw Hat

Time for another hat making update! Next Tuesday is our final class period–the critique. I will have 6 finished hats to show (2 felt, 2 straw, 2 cocktail hats), and I couldn’t be happier with all of them. You’ve already seen my two felt hats–the cloche and the fedora. Now, say hello to my straw hat numero uno! I chose a black, finely woven straw and an eye-catching, geometric jacquard for the trim. I actually formed this hat rather quickly–I just grabbed the closest hat blocks (a flat top for the crown and a short, gently sloped brim) and steamed the straw material on the blocks in the few minutes I had before class was over. Turned out to be one of my favorites. It’s sleek and somewhat androgynous, perfect for everyday!

The Shopping Sherpa: Don’t Make Me Blush

Clockwise from top left: { Pink Wallet Pouch from Rennes }  { Cat Made Of Airport Print from Corduroy }  { Icicle No. 17 Brooch from Super Duper Things }  { Vintage Metallic Flats from Marie’s Vintage }

Millinery: Week One Million

And now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for! After what felt like one million weeks, I finally finished my very first hat. Feast your eyes upon my little pretty, complete with faux buffalo nickles for buttons! You can even have a peek at my next creation…

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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: 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: Seashells & Foam

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: 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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The Shopping Sherpa: Black & White and Awesome All Over

{ Mobile Homes from Jikits }  { Patterned Eggs 1 Original Ink Illustration from The Blackbird Sings }

{ The Black Queen and her Tower from Intres }  { Counting Sheep Coin Purse from EmenGee Designs }

{ Porcelain Nesting Bowls from New Mood Studio }  { City Blossom Headband from Broken Hallelujah }

{ Sterling Silver Worm Ring from Heron Adornment }  { Grey Heart Crocheted Necklace from Craftaria }