plaid jumpers and navy military jackets

Some of my favorite chilly weather layering pieces from Closet Case Vintage.. I wanted to share. I can't get over the coolness of that blue military style jacket with the silver buttons, or that rose printed tank top.

Giveaway winner announcement tomorrow!

PREP IT UP WITH SMART TURNOUT WATCH STRAPS

Are you looking for a way to add a little bit of personalization to your prep look this Fall?  How about if you convert your old boring watch strap to a Smart Turnout strap.  They have been outfitting the very best British and American military and higher learning schools for a long while and now you have access to these unique accessories at Blackbird.  You not only get a great looking accessory but each product if in the colors of a particular school or military organization that will give you a story to tell when people pay you a compliment.

Here's what Smart Turnout has to say for themselves:

For years, the name Smart Turnout has only rarely been heard outside Oxford, Ampleforth, the Royal Artillery, and similar strongholds of tradition. To universities, schools and regiments like these, we were the specialist label with the odd name, the one turning their celebrated colours into handcrafted essentials – bespoke cricket sweaters, slip-stitched ties, and hallmarked silver cufflinks.

None of this has changed. What has, however, are the places our grosgrain watchstraps and regimental socks are beginning to turn up. We have it on good authority that some are even calling our collection a vital discovery for the modern gentleman. A discovery? He’s preferred our sort of attire for 300 years.

Smart Turnout stands for what is timeless about British style: vibrant colours, bold patterns and exacting craftsmanship. Maintaining and subtly updating this classic tradition is what makes Smart Turnout distinctive. After all, silk ties and striped socks have been the choice of gentlemen for centuries. We happen to think they look particularly fine in this one.

And our name? A favourite regimental term. It means looking your absolute best.

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urban outfitters fall 2010 preview

My sister Rhiannon was sweet enough to share these Urban Outfitters preview photos with me last weekend during her visit, so I thought I'd share them with you all. Their Fall 2010 is very back-to-school 1980's preppy, and I like it.. especially the shoes. Two toned brown oxfords and lots more wooden platforms. Nice to see more thigh highs and faux fur scarves, as well.

And when I look at these photos, I can't stop thinking about Ferris Bueller. I think there's a little Revenge of the Nerds mixed in there, too.. but that may be simply because I watched it today.

My favorites? The velvet jacket, the thermal pants (they remind me of AA's riding pants), and the white striped dress. I really like the little pink dress with the rabbit/squirrel pattern, too.

And the more I see sheer black tights, the more I love them.

Catching the bus early in the morning to make it in time for work downtown.. which means it is officially past my bedtime.