Three Ways to Wear: Vintage-Inspired Brocade

May 19, 2016 Abby HathornLeave a comment

If there is one thing I absolutely love (other than my Giant Schnauzer), it’s vintage-inspired patterns. They carry such a sweet history that makes me feel like a walking history book *wink*

From sequins to polyester, I have always been a little obsessed with the origin of my clothes…Hm…what about brocade? This fabulous blouse has a brocade-inspired look–I wonder what its story is?…

Brief VIP Fashion History Lesson:

Coming to style in the Middle Ages, brocade was a popular fabric all over the world. The rich and powerful, who lived everywhere from China and Greece to Byzantium and Africa, sported brocade to showcase their nobility and power. During the Italian Renaissance, brocade took the wealthy by storm by embracing renaissance values with a strong and elegant complexity. Moving its way to Europe, brocade’s popularity grew even more, and to this day, it is still (obviously) very popular. For more history click here.

NOW….let’s get down to business.

Ahh..don’t you just love learning about what you’re wearing?! It makes sporting around town EVEN MORE fun! Or…maybe I am just that much of a fashion nerd *wink* BUT that’s beside the point. Let’s take a look at this week’s totally lovely Three Ways to Wear Vintage-Inspired Brocade.

Look 1:

Blouse: Charming Charlie

Skirt: Forever 21

Heels: Kork-Ease, Belk

Bracelet: Reclaimed-Inspired Goods, Johnson City TN

Look 2:

Blouse: Charming Charlie

Skirt: Style Boutique, Bristol TN

Necklace: BluKatDesign, Etsy

Leather cuff: Luke & Lyla Designs

Tassel Bracelet: Reclaimed-Inspire Goods, Johnson City TN

Heels: Kork-Ease, Belk

Look 3:

WOO! Look 3 is on the VIP Instagram. Click here to take a looksy!

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

3 Ways to Wear Thrifted Sweatshirts

January 21, 2016 Abby Hathorn1 Comment

There is (almost) nothing better than oversized sweatshirts when the weather outside is frightfully chilly, and one of my favorite places to find unique sweatshirts is thrift and consignment shops. *gasp* SAY WHAT?! Yes–that’s right! You wouldn’t believe how many awesome sweatshirts I have found at various thrift stores in my life. In fact, MY FAVORITE sweatshirt ever came from a thrift store in Starkville, Mississippi for $1…ONE DOLLAR!

Now, to celebrate the dreadfully crazy winter storm that is headed this way, let’s warm up with three ways to wear thrifted sweatshirts + some epic throwbacks *wink*

New Outfit:

Sweatshirt: Thrifted

Skirt: Serendipity

Socks: vintage, Ralph Lauren

Heels: Michael Kors, Belk

Necklace: BluKatDesign

Wristlet: Luke & Lyla Designs

Bracelets: BlueGrits

Throwback | 2013

(Click here to see full outfit + details)

Throwback | 2012

(Click here to see full outfit + details)

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Three Ways to Wear Thursday: Ain’t Nothing But an Arm Party

March 5, 2015 Abby HathornLeave a comment

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Happy Thursday, y’all! I hope all of you are warm and cuddled up with fuzzy blankets. Looking outside and at the forecast, I cannot help but think yuck! Will this winter weather ever stop? No? Okay–that’s cool….literally “cool” *wink* Corny jokes are my specialty.

Abby Hathorn

Freelance Writer, Fashion Stylist, Blogger, & Corny Joke-Teller

Now, I know y’all aren’t here for my terrible jokes and winter-weather rants….*wink* So, for this week’s TWTWT, I am freshening up my wardrobe with some new arm candy! Oooo….! It ain’t nothing but an arm party! *cue Houseparty by the J. Geils Band*

Arm party for two! These two fabulous bracelets are from Polka Dot Drawer on Etsy! Check her out and fall in love!

Baby, it's cold outside--so, there will be lots of cuddling with Z the Giant Schnauzer, reading of magazines, and wearing of dotted GAP socks. — Baby, it’s cold outside–so, there will be lots of cuddling with Z the Giant Schnauzer, reading of magazines, and wearing of dotted GAP socks.

*girl scream* No words can express just how lovely I think this Luke & Lula cuff is! It reminds me of New Orleans, and it has me wishing I was there to enjoy killer food and jazz music. *photo in frame was taken by my father in New Orleans* — *girl scream* No words can express just how lovely I think this Luke & Lyla cuff is! It reminds me of New Orleans, and it has me wishing I were there to enjoy killer food and jazz music.
*photo in frame was taken by my father in New Orleans*

313673_2257795577917_26535882_n — THROWBACK: Photo taken four years ago in NOLA while shopping for Mardi Gras masks.

Was wearing Aztec before it was cool Maybe....*wink* Another throwback from NOLA at the aquarium in 2011. — Wearing Aztec + DIYed shorts before they were cool *wink* Another throwback to NOLA.

Arm party for one and a dog? This dotted, denim-inspired cuff is from Polka Dot Drawer. I love navy and polka dots--so it was love at first sight :) — Arm party for one and a dog? This dotted, denim-inspired cuff is from Polka Dot Drawer. I love navy and polka dots–so it was love at first sight :)

Ziva says that y'all VIP readers should shop Polka Dot Drawer and Luke and Lyla Designs in your pajamas *wink* — Ziva says that y’all VIP readers should shop Polka Dot Drawer and Luke and Lyla Designs in your pajamas *wink*

SHOP Polka Dot Drawer | SHOP Luke & Lyla Designs

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Beauty Tues: VIP Lip Color of the Month featuring Butter London “Primrose Hill Picnic”

February 3, 2015 Abby Hathorn2 Comments

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to Beauty Tues.

Woo hoo! What better way to ring in February than with a new lip color?

Bracelet handmade by Luke & Lyla Designs (visit shop here)

For this month’s VIP lip color of the month, I went into Ulta looking for something a bit electric and eclectic. After sampling several colors and brands, I stumbled upon the most fabulous color from Butter London–“Primrose Hill Picnic”–Not only does this Butter London lipstick give kissy pouts a HUGE pop of color, but it is also Butter soft with a moisturizing, matte finish.

Even though this Butter London shade is matte, it is moisturizing! No more worrying with your lips drying out while wearing matte lipstick! Ah–it’s a miracle! *wink*

Although glossy lips are extremely popular, I am a huge fan of matte hues. I feel like they wear better for longer, which is so important with my crazy schedule! One application of matte lipstick can take me through the entire day without worrying about an ugly lip-shade fade *phew* One less thing to worry about *wink*

Needless to say, I am head-over-heels for matte lips, and I have fallen for “Primrose Hill Picnic” *wink* So, shall we take a closer look at why this snazzy hue was chosen to be the VIP lip color of the month for February? Well, of course, we should *wink*

In LOVE with this shade? SHOP IT HERE or EXPLORE other Butter London lipsticks here.

Earrings handmade by Heather O'Cain of BluKatDesign (visit shop here) — Earrings handmade by Heather O’Cain of BluKatDesign (visit shop here)

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Three Ways to Wear Thursday: Puffy Vest Made Cute & Comfy with Ease

January 15, 2015 Abby Hathorn1 Comment

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

With the weather still wild and wintry outside, I broke down and purchased a puffy vest from Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Johnson City Mall. When I first tried on this fabulous North Face vest, I assumed that it would simply become a casual, warm piece; however, when I got home I challenged myself to see just how cute I could dress it up. AH! Who knew a bulky vest could be so cute?!

VIP Tip: When styling YOUR puffy vest, keep in mind the weather in your area. For bitter cold, I recommend pairing your puffy vest with a thicker sweater or pullover. For warmer cold (is that even a thing? *wink*), I recommend pairing your puffy vest with a lightweight turtleneck or even a thick chambray button up. For bottoms– dark jeans, corduroys, or skirts with ribbed leggings are great options to consider when styling a puffy jacket to the next level *wink*