Monday, January 31, 2011

Fresh Perspective

First, I want to thank the new followers I've gained since I last posted. I can't believe how many people follow my little style musings. Thanks everyone and welcome!

On to some unpleasant news, some life events have been holding a monopoly over my time and I didn't feel up to blogging. Last week my family had to make the choice to put down our dog, Luke (he's made it in my blog here and here, since he used to sneak into every photoshoot). I'm pretty devastated since, as those who have been through it know, losing pets just rips out your heart. Between the loss of a family friend and our dog in the past few weeks, my family's 2011 is not off to a great start. I'm soldiering on for the time being, trying to use my styling as a creative outlet to keep my mind off everything else.

I decided to tackle a trend that frankly I have found unappealing. The open, asymmetrical cardigan is something that I have seen and thought could never be cute. I had completely written it off until I was trying to style certain dresses in my closet. For pieces as fantastical as the Lolland Sweater Dress, which is just begging to be worn by a Scandinavian princess, a regular cardigan looked far too structured and modern. Suddenly the thought of one of those draped cardigans drifted by and I couldn't get it out. Luckily one was on its second price cut at Anthropologie allowing me to try it on and see if perhaps the right outfit would sell me on the look.

Fresh Perspective;
Hair: Urban Outfitters gold leaf hairband
Dress: Anthropologie Lolland Sweater Dress
Cardigan: Anthropologie Fresh Perspective cardi
Legwear: Hue opaque black tights
Shoes: Steve Madden heaven flats
Accessories: Topshop golden swallow and flower necklace
Urban Outfitters metal filigree stretch belt

I'm still not completely sure this style of cardigan is at all flattering to my shape, but I am a bit in love with how well it goes with this dress. I expect I will be trying it with a few more while the weather stays cool.

8 comments:

  1. Oh Alissa, I am SO sorry for the loss of your dog, Luke. I know just how painful it is to lose a pet, and I'm deeply sorry. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
    On a happier note, I think you tackled the trend perfectly! You look lovely :)

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  2. I agree that the Lolland is so hard to style with a sweater! (And lol, I call it my Scandinavian Princess dress too :)) I think you did a great job though, the color and drape of the cardigan you wore really works well with it, especially with the belt...everything looks harmonious together.

    And I'm so sorry to hear about Luke Alissa, that must be so so devastating. Sending you a huge virtual hug.

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  3. I'm so sorry about the loss of your dog, Alissa. Pets are like family members and I know what you are going through. You do look beautiful in that dress...hang in there. :)

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  4. So sorry to hear about Luke. You and your family are in my thoughts.

    Your outfit is very pretty and I agree with Kim that you tackled the trend perfectly. I really like the look you created with the cardigan! It's the right color/shape/etc.

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  5. I'm so sorry for your loss. : ( I feel like my pets are my children.

    P.S. You look adorable in the dress.

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  6. Thank you all so much for the kind thoughts both about my dog and my styling! It's so sweet.

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  7. Alissa,

    I'm in love with your necklace but haven't been able to find it anywhere! Is it only available online? Any help is appreciated!

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  8. Hi Meghan!
    The necklace was a Christmas gift from a friend living in the UK. It might not have made it to their website since my experience with Topshop is their jewelry selection is much larger in store.

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