Carny

This isn't exactly how I wore this outfit to work; I went hatless during the work day and put the hat on later to meet Laura and her father-in-law for a couple of drinks after work. I felt the hat was a little too showy for the office, but it was great fun for an evening out.

I made this hat several months ago and finished trimming it only last weekend. Sometimes hats have to sit around a little while before they're quite ready to be trimmed; each has its own personality that doesn't always reveal itself right away. The idea of a bowler style for women is something I've been playing with since I first started making hats, and I even have a couple in the shop, but this is the first I've done where I added a hat pin. I also made the hat pin myself; this is a new craft I've taken up recently that I'm having a lot of fun with. I like the way the pin and the feathers give an elegant touch to what is otherwise a casual, daytime men's style. The band is made from a vintage necktie.

This is the first time I've worn this vest and skirt combo, though I bought them together with the intention of wearing them this way. The length of the vest is just right for the high-waisted skirt, and the two of them together certainly have the steampunk aesthetic that I've been drawn to lately. The whole outfit with the hat has sort of a carny vibe, most likely inspired by my recent addiction to the now-defunct HBO series Carnivàle. Mark got me hooked on it and we've spent the last few weeks devouring the entire series via Netflix.

Top: H&M
Vest: Heathen
Skirt: Skin Graft
Shoes: John Fluevog

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Carny

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Corset Top

I hope all my friends in the US had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. If you'd like to see a little of what I was up to, take a peek in the Etsy shop. Some more of Mark's amazing creations will be posted soon; he's been very busy as well, and has crafted some real masterpieces.

I originally bought this top specifically to wear underneath my Dark Garden corset, but since I have yet to wear the corset (which I don't even have a good excuse for), the top has hung in the closet unworn as well. It wasn't until I pulled it out to use for modeling some of Mark's belts for the shop that I was inspired to wear it to work. Putting it over this ecru dress seemed like a perfect way to downplay all the lace and make it more office-appropriate. The skirt added just the right amount of length to the hemline, while I offset all the girlieness of the lace and pink by adding plenty of skulls.

Top: Dark Garden
Dress: Lady Language
Skull scarf: Duke et Duchess
Belt: Audra Jean
Skirt: Lemon Twist
Socks: Sock Dreams
Boots: Bata
Skull bracelet: Betsy Johnson

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Corset Top

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Harness

This beautiful harness belt is one that Mark created recently for the Etsy shop. As soon as I tried it on I proclaimed that whomever tried to buy it would have to pry it from my cold, dead hands, until Mark assured me that he could simply make another one. Determined not to be foiled, I figured I'd better wear it straight away, just in case. Having secured my copy, I can assure you that this belt is in fact for sale, and you need not fear for your safety should you decide to order it.

The buckles on this belt are the same sort used in making halters for horses. By pairing the belt with the denim dress and boots, I played on the equestrian angle rather than taking this in a bondage-y direction, which might be crossing the line even in my anything-goes work environment. The belt is a deep chocolate brown, which pairs nicely with my well-worn riding boots. As a side note, the belt can also be made in black leather, with either nickel or antique brass hardware, and sized to order.

Ecru dress: Lady Language
Denim dress: thrifted
Pendant: Ice.com
Belt: Audra Jean
Boots: Bata

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Morning Inspiration

I intended to wear this outfit as shown here on the left. I had it all put together and hanging in my closet, and had even photographed it in advance. But in the morning as I sipped my coffee and flipped through an interior design magazine, I happened to come upon some unexpected inspiration:

I was immediately struck by how beautiful the silver and light blue looked together, and vowed to make use of that combo as soon as possible. Thinking over the contents of my wardrobe, I realized that one of the only light blue items I own is the very dress I was intending to wear that day. As it turned out, I also happened to have a silver obi belt lying around, an item I made a few weeks ago for the Etsy shop but haven't yet posted. What would be the harm in giving it a test run before putting it up for sale? And so, the modified outfit was born:

Rather than wrap the belt around and tie it in the front, I thought it was better to tie it in a big bow in the back. The belt is actually reversible, with a silver and black floral pattern on the other side. It has some stretch to it and is quite comfortable to wear, I'm happy to report. Look for it in the shop soon!

Dress: Red Dress Shoppe
Silver Belt: Audra Jean
Black Belt: Red Dress Shoppe
Nude fishnets: Sock Dreams
Silver Shoes: Born
Black Shoes: BCBGirls

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