Fashionable Face: Diane Birch

 

From now on, I will periodically be focusing on a fashionable face from the music, film, and street scenes...or simply anyone whose style inspires me. Watch out, it could be you!

Starting off with this fun new category, it makes sense to talk about the fabulous Diane Birch, who has been a fave singer of mine since Bible Belt debuted last June. She has the thick, blunt bangs with the straight, long hair, and her clothing choices typically have a 60s or 70s feel. Often spotted wearing a black hat, classic trench, or mini dress, Diane makes a statement wherever she goes by mixing modern details with vintage loveliness. Plus, her unique singing voice makes her an instant standout in the sea of the same.  

Check out her newest music video to her hit song Valentino:

You know you are inspired too, so snag Diane's album on iTunes or Amazon!

xoxo,

Sarah

Easter Dress

All the cool bloggers post what they wear, so it is about time I join the group. Besides, my LOOKBOOK profile has been abandoned for far too long.

So the title is pretty self-explanatory. The picture shows what I wore today for Easter Sunday. I am especially in love with the boxy wrap-around purse. It looks sort of vintage, camera case-inspired to me. I swiped it while thrifting with my sister yesterday, and it ended up being a great accent with today's look.

Okay, now go give me some love on Lookbook & Chictopia please! <3

xoxo,
Sarah

P.S. In other news, I want to purchase a really nice camera. Any suggestions?

Another N.E.E.T. Surprise!

What can I say? Writing for the March issue of N.E.E.T. was such a blast that I jumped on the opportunity to be a permanent contributor for the magazine's blog. Joining forces with N.E.E.T. is super exciting because it is an amazing magazine based in the United Kingdom, and the blog will be nothing less than fantastic. It is also a huge honor to be in the company of five other bloggers from across the world, each bringing a unique perspective to grassroots creativity. 

As the eco-friendly blogger, I will be interviewing designers focused on sustainability and social responsibility and providing an in-depth look into their design stories. By the way, N.E.E.T.'s editor-in-chief Stephanie J has already given me a sneak peak into some possible labels to feature, and every single one is incredible. Stay tuned for my debut article with N.E.E.T. in the next week or so!

Read more about the lovely ladies of N.E.E.T.'s Blog Team here!

xoxo,
Sarah

Musical Inspiration from My March

As mentioned in previous convos, fashion and music go hand-in-hand. Whether it is hip, indie bands bringing skinny back or fashionistas styling the up-and-coming for shoots, both groups are essential in making our world lovely.

Being a musician and fashionista, it seems only fitting to share my musical inspirations, which always spill over into the aesthetic of my style anyway. So at the end of each month (or early into the following), I will provide a quick rundown of music that has won my attention and numerous listens, complete with a playlist!

During my March, the following songs were playing on repeat:

1 ) Harold T. Wilkins, or How to Wait for a Very Long Time by Fanfarlo
2 ) Acorn Factory by The Dodos
3 ) Rebellion (Lies) by The Arcade Fire
4 ) Fools by Diane Birch
5 ) She's Got Something by Greg Holden
6 ) Telephone by Pomplamoose
7 ) Maneater by The Bird and the Bee
8 ) Bicycle by Memory Tapes
9 )  Eet by Regina Spektor
10 ) The Hat by Ingrid Michaelson
11 ) Vagabond by Wolfmother
12 ) This is the New Year by Ian Axel
13 ) Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Bublé

Download my playlist on iTunes!

xoxo,
Sarah

P.S. Ian Axel has been a favorite for the last couple weeks, ever since discovering his youtube channel. Currently in the touring company of Greg Holden (another fave and featured artist above), Ian's music is filled with honest lyrics and fun melodies, which mixes great with his unique voice, so definitely check him out. His very cool video of "This Is The New Year" (below) features several New Yorkers from the music scene up east. Such a blast!

Follow the fashionable conversation!

I just joined Bloglovin, which means that following my blog is now easier than ever! Yes, I sound like a commercial, but I am a marketing grad after all...

Anyway, I cannot wait to get to know more of you!

Click here to respond to my "commercial" and follow my blog with bloglovin! <3

xoxo,

Sarah
@itsalovelylife

Almost a year older...!

1) Set of Professional Makeup Brushes - $60 - Sephora; 2) Cuckoo For You-oo Necklace - £11.50 - Eclectic Eccentricity; 3) Vintage Floral Dress - $31.50 - The Wooden Spool; 4) Peter Pan Collar Blouse - $38 - Urban Outfitters; 5) Ultra Chi Pink Straightener - $129.95 - Ulta; 6) High Pigment Eyeshadow Palette (66 colors) - $24 - Urban Outfitters; 7) Vintage Granny Ankle Boots by Gucci - $115 - James Rowland Shop; 8) Black Bow Headband - $20 - Jennifer Birge; 9) Quilted Detailing Bag - $228 - Kate Spade

The last several months have been so busy that I almost forgot that my birthday is coming up next month! While I figure out with whom and how to celebrate it, let me direct you to some fabulous items that have been on my radar for quite a bit, all perfect gifts for me by the way...

First up, a few essential items that I need for my daily getting-ready routine:
* Makeup Brushes - Since last Christmas, I have been looking for a really nice set of professional makeup brushes, and I am just about sold on the ones above from Sephora. With ten assorted brushes bundled in a lovely pink pouch, this set is just the thing for budget fashionistas (like myself) with expensive taste.
* High Pigment Eyeshadow Palette - While we are talking about makeup, I must say that I am ready to take the advice of all the fabulous web makeup artists (as made famous by youtube) and invest in a high pigment eyeshadow palette.
* CHI Straightener - Investing in a quality product is definitely worth it when it comes to hair and makeup. Over the years, I have probably purchased and worn out three cheap straighteners (all rough on my hair). In college, I was spoiled by my roommate's CHI, and I have been wanting one ever since. The one above from ULTA is even on sale right now! 

The other items included are versions of things that I really love right now:
* Unexpected Charms on Jewelry - Since I have an obsession with Germany, it fits that this cuckoo clock necklace strikes my fancy. Matryoshka dolls (or Russian nesting dolls) as charms are also looking great on necklaces. Leave it to me to love anything foreign-inspired. Even when I am not traveling to other countries, my clothing and accessories possess hints of other places. 
* Floral Dresses - While we were working through our spring trend series on DFOF, I wrote up a piece on floral dresses. I am especially fond of bright floral prints, preferably with exposed zippers.
* Peter Pan Collar Blouses - This design is so cute. A little childish with a hint of sophisticated, any fitted blouse with a Peter Pan collar grabs my attention. They look best in some kind of print, either in muted or bright colors.  
* Quilted Detailing on Anything - Whether it is spicing up a leather jacket, cotton bag, or printed skirt, quilting is one of my favorite details right now. I am especially digging this chic Kate Spade bag with simple square quilting.
* Bow Headbands - I love this headband by Jennifer Birge! Even though I have seen and loved this designer's work before on Etsy, I was reminded of how gorgeous her pieces are after she was featured in the last issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine along with Kelsi and me (aka, the Dedicated girls).
* Prairie Girl Boots - Also called Granny boots, I have pretty much been obsessed with these boots for six or more months. I always loved the style when I was a kid, but I need a new "grown-up" pair for my current fashionising.

Now that you know what to get me, how should I celebrate? Ideas please!

xoxo,

Sarah
@itsalovelylife

Featured in N.E.E.T. Magazine!!

Earlier this year, Dedicated Follower of Fashion was contacted by Stephanie J, N.E.E.T Magazine's editor-in-chief. She asked us if we were interested in being guest writers for the March issue of the magazine, and we could not have been more delighted or excited to be a part of it!

The March issue of N.E.E.T. was focused on sustainable, eco-friendly fashion, so the Dedicated girls helped paint a picture of four amazing brands devoted to these standards in design. Our spread in its entirety is called Green Piece.

My first article in the spread starts on page 92. I wrote about Suno, which is a unique new brand based in New York and produced in Kenya. Definitely read the article on your own to learn more about the label's creative director Max Osterweis and what led him to create Suno in the first place. It is quite an interesting story!

By the way, Suno just showed its first collection at New York Fashion Week this season, which pretty much means this brand has ARRIVED in the fashion industry. It was an absolute pleasure corresponding with them and having the opportunity to write this article!

My second article begins on page 128. I interviewed the lovely trio behind Jackson, Johnston & Roe. Based in Brooklyn, this brand encourages its fans/wearers to create sustainable wardrobes through staple pieces. As noted in the article, the label succeeds in this effort by focusing on classic shapes and simple lines. And as a bonus, all designs are produced locally. Three cheers for social responsibility!

Wow, it was such an amazing experience to work with N.E.E.T. for this issue. There is something so wonderful about seeing your name in print!

When you go over to read the issue (because I know you will!!), I am featured on pages 92-107 & 128-138.

March 2010 issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine:
neetmagazine.com

xoxo,
Sarah
@itsalovelylife

P.S. Kelsi (aka, DFOF's editor) also wrote some wonderful articles on behalf of Dedicated Follower of Fashion. Check out her features over Lu Flux & Adhesif on pages 108-127.