Guest Post by Threads and Buttons:The Inspired Kelley
Today’s Guest Blogger is Kelley from Threads and Buttons! I am so happy that she made her way onto my lil blog. Kelley is so cute, she has an incredible ability to thrift shop and tells hilarious stories! Her blog is so beautiful and the photography is fantastic, I couldn’t be more honored to have her here!
Hey there Fabric Strips and Ruby Lips readers. My name is Kelley, and if we haven’t met yet over at my blog Threads and Buttons, well then nice to meet cha (insert virtual handshake here)! Usually I’m over on my blog sharing outfit posts, thrifting tips, recipes, photographs (I’m actually a photographer), DIYs, and whatever else happens to be on my mind, but this morning Roxie was nice enough to invite me on over to spend the day with you guys while she is relaxing with family. So, I’m going to share an outfit post with you and then, as per Roxie’s request, give you some insight into what inspires me and my fashion.
On with the outfit!
Shoes: Target (Similar) – Jeans: Thrifted (Express) – Top: Thrifted – Belt: DIY shown HERE
Sweater: Thrifted – Necklace: Target then spray painted
When Roxie told be that my guest post should discuss what inspires me and my fashion, I was afraid. Is it just me, or does that sometimes seem like a question that is just begging for a cliché answer (although I KNOW that’s not the kind of answer Roxie was looking for)?
It kinda feels like that job interview question where they ask you your biggest flaws and you don’t know whether to be honest (“I tend to fall asleep at my desk around 3:30 out of boredom…”) or just totally make something up (“I push myself WAY too hard when it comes to filing paperwork and impressing big name clients.”).
For some reason I feel like I’m not fashionably inspired in the way I’m supposed to be. The runway isn’t very appealing to me, Vogue is not my Bible, and when I see a fashion blog with stiletto heels, flowing gowns, brand names that make my bank account cry, and an angry, hungry model starring me down, I tend to scream out of fear and never return to that site ever again (except perhaps in my nightmares). Instead, I turn back to the blogs that I enjoy.
I read blogs for lots of different reasons: Some of them are stinking HILARIOUS (Tales of an Ordinary House Wife, Feathers and Freckles, etc.); some of them are written by ladies that I would like to be friends with because they just seem too sweet to be real (Love Ramsey, Snappy Casual, The Daybook, Jen Loves Kev, etc.), some have beautiful photography (A Beautiful Mess,Girl and Closet, Ben Blood, etc.), and some put together outfits that are just too dang cute not to drool over (Kendi Everyday, Lucy Laucht, Sunday Crossbow, etc.)!
What I’ve found, is that in order for a blog to make it to my “daily reads” list, it usually has a balance of all of these qualities (silly, sweet author, appealing photography, beautiful outfits) while also possessing one more trait. The authors and their outfits are REAL. Not only do the ladies seem genuine, but their outfits look like something that normal people would wear in their everyday lives. Yes, we all like to get dressed up sometimes, and some of us live fancier lives than others (I would be one of the “others” in this situation), but are we really ALWAYS in high heels and silk dresses? If you are, awesome, say hello to the queen for me, but I’m not. So, while my list is EVER changing, these are the blogs (in no particular order) that I think fit me best and inspire me on a daily basis right now.
So yea, I know that was a LONG drawn out explanation, but that’s how I find fashion inspiration. Where do YOU look for inspiration?
It was great hanging out with you guys! Don’t be strangers, make sure to leave your inspiration location comments below and stop by my blog Threads and Buttons to say hello!
-The Inspired Kelley
The Trench
This is a true smile of pure happiness. The snow is gone! I can’t believe it. The sun came out the last two days and the snow melted so fast. I wore my flats outside today and it felt so good to be able to switch it up in the footwear department.
I have to say that even though most of the snow is gone it’s still quite chilly. So thankfully I have my trusty classic trench. It is the perfect transition piece, it’s way lighter than a winter coat but it’s still long enough to keep you covered and warm.
Aren’t these pups the cutest?!
Trench- Joe Fresh (similar)
Dress- Suzy Shier
Earrings- RF Designs (similar)
Shoes- Blowfish (similar)
Purse- Thrifted
Who else is loving the neon and neutrals trend? I am. It brings me back to when I was a little girl in the 80’s. It’s so bright and fun.
I hope everyone is having a super week.
much love.
Heart Swoon
I am in love with this dress, since the moment I saw it I knew we were going to be best friends. The color, the cut, the crinoline all come together to become my dream dress. It makes me feel like a pretty little 1950’s housewife, even if I did have to go to work today. 
Dress- Suzy Shier
Shoes- The Gap
Cardigan- Old Navy
Accessories- Gifted and Thrifted
I am loving this print; the pink and orange make my heart swoon.
I hope everyone is having a fantastic week.
much love.
Menswear Monday
As promised the weather is on our side now so I am back doing menswear Mondays! Which is all thanks to my lovely Hubster who makes the best model in my opinion and is very patient to do this for me.
Jeans-Old Navy
Sweater- Mark’s Work Wearhouse
T-shirt- Haines
Leather Jacket- For Him U.K.
Sunnies- H&M
What I love about this outfit is that it’s got a bit of edge due to the leather jacket and aviators, but the jeans and scarf make a little softer, more casual. And the hat completes the look. It just seems so effortlessly cool to me, like a little bit James Dean.
Well, I hope you guys all enjoy the return of menswear Monday!
much love.
Wishful Dressing
This is my I-Wish-It-Was-Spring outfit. Even though I love where I am living right now, like I love it. This place is so magical. However, the last couple of days I have been longing for warmer days. So, it has been a little bit warmer (-8 degrees) the last couple of days so I have been wishful dressing like it was a lot warmer. I should probably cut it out before I get sick…
Dress H&M, Boots Gifted, Leather Jacket Thrifted, Bag Aldo, Sunglasses Old Navy, Belt Vintage, Infinity Scarf Joe Fresh (for $2!!)
Before I go I must gush about how much I love this scarf. Seriously, it’s so big and plushy, it keeps me so warm and makes an excellent hood too.
And I should mention how much fun Minigo and I had outside in the snow.
Hope y’all had an excellent day.
much love.
Long Lost Friend
The other day when I thought my luggage was lost and gone forever I was moaning because I thought I had lost this vintage cardigan. In honor of it be returned to be I thought I would throw it on. Sadly, the photos don’t do it justice; it has beautiful tiny seed bead flower embroidery and pearl buttons. I paired it with this lilac pink lace dress; the whole outfit is very light and soft which is not normally something that attracts me. But I am loving feeling like a lady in this ensemble.
…And yes I am standing on my bed which is sadly just a mattress on the floor, please just ignore it.
Cardigan Vintage, Dress Modcloth, Ring H&M, Necklace Gift
This necklace has so many baubles, but it is so light weight. Plus it makes a slight jingle when I walk, which I really love. for some odd reason.
much love.
A Rare Opportunity
I was lucky today because it was an unseasonably warm out today only -17 degrees Celsius, compared to the typical -35 it has been lately. So I hopped at this chance and took some photos outside, which we all know look a hundred times better than inside photos. Sadly, most of my photos from here on out will be unflattering inside photos.
This outfit was brought to you by: Dress Suzy Shier, Boots Gift, Sunnies Old Navy, Coat Majora and Seal Skin Gloves by a local woman.
This is not my usual winter coat because frankly it is not warm enough, but on these sunny days I do enjoy taking it out for a spin. It has the most versatile and unusual collar/hood thing. Plus, I am really loving the all black in winter time because I feel it shows off my alabaster skin (yes alabaster, not pasty pale).
much love.
P.S. Later this week the Hubster has agreed to do an outfit post with his classy but warm outdoor gear.
