GFS Series: She's a Friend In My Head w/ The Tiny Closet

Thank goodness for social media! Thanks to following Prissy's Instagram feed, I found my next style muse!

Natalie from The Tiny Closet!

I literally clicked on her site on a Tuesday night and spent the rest of the evening reading all of her old posts!

But it was specifically her wedding dress/ hair/husband's ascot that turned me into a stan...(stalker/fan)

She blogs about how she makes her style work within her "tiny closet." She thrifts but also believes in splurging on items that will be worth the buck stylistically speaking.

Natalie's mixture of quirky meets chic meets classic style is everything!

I wish I could have been at her wedding.

I would've been nodding and ummm hmmmming the whole night!

Meet Natalie and her Tiny Closet!

1.  I love the theme of your blog which is basically to work your tiny closet! Has that concept in general changed your ideas about your own personal style?

Thank you!  Yes, it has actually.  I used to go shopping probably once a week in department stores and boutiques just because I loved shopping and buying new clothes.  Once I wasn't able to shop all the time, and realized I had to "make do" with all the items I already had, I found a new respect and hobby for styling and fashion as an art.  It has nothing to do with money!  Before, I was all about being 'in' and wearing the new thing.  Now, I'm all about wearing what I feel, regardless of what the industry is doing, and truly showing my passion and ideas of self-expression through my outfits.  I also fell in love with vintage and thrift stores.  Places I paid no attention to before!

2. Your friend wants to borrow your favorite dress…let’s say your fabulous white cocktail wedding dress! Do you let her borrow it??

HELL NO.  Hahaha, this question made me literally laugh out loud!  Even though my wedding dress can be worn to many different events, it's sacred and one of a kind so if anything happened to it, I couldn't get another one.  Plus Theo wouldn't really appreciate seeing it on someone else, LOL!  In general, I'm pretty petite and all my girlfriends are tall and busty so I actually think no one's ever thought to borrow clothes from me simply because of that.

Her groom killed it! KILLED IT! Ascot and the rest of the look from Zara, YES!)

3. Your wedding dress/photos were phenomenal. I swooned at your husband’s whole look and don’t even get me started on your dress! How would you describe your hubby’s style? Do/did you have a great influence on his overall look?

Thank you!!  I swooned at Theo's look too!  He said he wanted to wear skinny jeans at the wedding and I was like, whuuuttt? But I didn't debate it and he ended up looking amazing.    His style is very English and French with a pinch of hip hop.  Anything English though he adores.  He has a few tweed blazers, skinny slacks, lots of colorful socks, and scads of button ups.  His stores are Opening Ceremony, Shades of Grey, AllSaints and John Varvatos.  Truth is, his style is super fly and he dresses better than I do!  He used to dress me entirely and then I got the hang of it.  I am very much influenced by his innate style choices.  

4. Share a personal style or a natural hair secret that never fails you.

I have a large bag filled with scarves.  Friends and fam say scarves are a signature style of mine.  I guess scarves never fail since they keep me warm and look stylish the way I tie them.  Don't wear them much in my blog though.  For hair, it's wash n' go.  It's my only style and I like it :)

5. What piece of advice would you give someone who has a closet full of clothes but realizes that they aren’t wearing the majority of them?

Unwanted clothes in one's closet simply need to be donated or sold.  If you don't know why you're not utilizing your closet, you could start by asking yourself, "why aren't I wearing any of my clothes?"  And also, "why am I buying things I don't want to wear?"  The answers to those questions are very telling and may kill the habit of a wasted closet.  

My whole goal when first going through my closet was if I didn't swoon over it, it's gotta go.  Why shouldn't your wardrobe be filled with ONLY clothing and shoes that you love??  That way, every time you get dressed, you're always wearing something that makes you feel and look great.  Also, if you haven't worn it in a year, chances are you won't wear it next year so get rid of it.  You reallydon't need a ton of clothes to look great every day.

6. Your husband calls you and says you have ten minutes to get dressed for a surprise date. All he says is to dress nice. What do you wear?

He knows me too well to do that!  I love surprises but I would have to know at least the gist of what I was getting into - only because if I dressed in leather pants, stilettos and a black gaberdine poncho and we're going to the ballet, I would be ill-dressed for the occasion.  Same goes for if I dressed all formal and he took me to a new bar/restaurant that just opened... my Tiny Closet is very versatile so I need details!  Funny thing is, he would be same way :)

7. How would your friends describe your style?

My friends say I'm a chameleon.  But mainly, I wear oversize, drapey looks.

8. Your friend calls you and begs you to meet her at a restaurant to secretly check out her blind date. What do you put on?

Nothing that calls attention to myself.  Probably, leggings, low heels and a poncho or oversize sweater.  I don't want anyone hitting on me while I'm there and I don't want him to notice me.

9. What style trend do you wish you would go away?

Haha!  So many!  I've grown quite tired of platform peep toe heels.  I get that they look good on everybody so that's why everybody wears them but they're incredibly played out.  I also can't stand super short cutoffs with tights or stockings underneath.  Yuck! lookbook.nu is riddled with that style and I don't know why....

10. There is a fire. (You are required to be shallow for this question.) You have time to save only ONE article of clothing…what would it be?

My wedding dress.  I would be heart broken if I decided to take anything else.

Bonus: You see a lady looking fabulous. Do you go out of your way to tell her or just stare at her from afar? Would you ask her where she got something that she is wearing?

I see beautiful, fabulous girls all the time!  It warms my heart when a girl looks like she put effort into her ensemble so I usually give her a quick passing comment that her outfit/shoes/hair rocks.  I never ask where they got their clothes, it's not ladylike.  But I make sure they know that someone has noticed by telling them they look fab.  Compliments from strangers feel great to receive!

Are you in love with her yet?!?! 

P.S....I should get back to blogging regularly pretty soon...hopefully..:)

GFS Series: She's a Friend In My Head...Mimi G!

I can't wait for you guys to get to know my next "Friend In My Head!"

It's Mimi of Mimi G Style!

She's something like a genius.

Everyone remembers what they were doing when Michael Jackson died.

Or when President Obama was elected.

I remember when I first discovered Mimi...well really it was this yellow skirt!

It was on Pinterest!

I was all like "I want that!"

Then, I clicked the link and found out that she MADE the skirt herself!

And just like that...an obsession was born!

She doesn't sew everything that she wears...BUT SHE COULD!

(She made this dress)

 She's a wife, a mother (She has an 18 year old!) a shopper, but most of all she is a bad ass seamstress!

She makes clothes that rival the stuff that you see in stores!

And she does it for fun!

Not because she has to...because she wants to!

Because of her many tutorials she provides on her blogs, I will be purchasing my first sewing machine in June!

Meet and enjoy Mimi!

 (She made those pants)

(She made that skirt)

 1. How would your friends describe your style?

My friends think I’m nuts for dressing up everyday, Lol but they are always the first to tell me how effortlessly put together I look.

2. Your friend wants to borrow your favorite dress. But you KNOW she can't fit it. She's bigger than you? What do you do?

I don’t ever let anyone borrow my clothes except my daughter on rare occasions and that is because I know where she lives, lol. I would tell my friend that she knows I don’t lend clothing and shake my head.

3. We all know you can sew your butt off! Do you ever have to tell your friends no because they keep asking you to make something for them?

First, Thank you! and YES! I am a selfish seamstress and my #1 pet peeve is when someone asks me to hem some pants or make them that thing I wore a few days ago. I have said NO so many times they just don’t ask anymore ;-)

4. Share a style secret that never fails you.

I always put on way more accessories then I need and then start to take them off until I get the right combo. I also go to jeans and a loose fitting top when I am uninspired and dress it up with jewelry, it never fails to work and it’s usually the outfit most people will comment on, lol

(She made that dress)

 5. What piece of advice would you give someone who wants to start sewing or at least learn how to make simple alterations to their clothes? *coughs*(Me)

LOL, I would say that there will be moments of utter frustration and that sewing takes time to finesse but it is the most gratifying thing you can learn to do and if you start off with simple projects (like my vide tutorials) *shameless plug* you will gain confidence to keep going.

6. Your husband calls you and says you have ten minutes to get dressed for a surprise date. All he says is to dress nice. (What does that even mean anyway!?!? I digress…)What do you wear?

I will pull on my LRD and some sky high heels, add some bling and off I go. “dress nice” doesn’t mean much to me because I dress up daily so my hubby would need to say “Glam it up baby” LOL

(She made that dress)

7. You have only $5 in your hand. Do you save it, buy a fashion magazine or buy your favorite junk food?

I can never hold on to money, EVER! Its like it starts to call on me to spend it so I would probably buy a new nail polish, lol

8. Your friend calls you and begs you to meet her at a restaurant to secretly check out her blind date. What do you put on?

 Black Leather Leggings, oversized sweater and boots just in case I gotta grab her and run!

9. Have you always been "style confident?" Do you even consider yourself "style confident?"

I don’t think I consider myself style confident or any other term like fashonista etc. I think that I just have always enjoyed dressing up and never feel overdressed so I know that when I put something on it’s because I love it and feel great it in and that is where the confidence comes from. When you feel like you look good you carry yourself that way ;-)

10. There is a fire. (You are required to be shallow for this question.) You have time to save only ONE article of clothing…what would it be?

OMG! first I would burst into tears that I have to leave all my clothes behind, lol then I would grab my DVF dress because it is my most favorite dress ever!

Bonus: You recently posted that you surprised your daughter with a new car. Can you surprise me with one? (You can see that sweet video here)

LOL, girl I think my bloggers paid for that car with the skirt orders ;-) THANK YA’LL

(She's referring to the yellow skirt in the first picture. She briefly opened up an Etsy shop to take orders for the skirt. I missed the boat)

Didn't I tell you!

Mimi, you are worthy! YOU ARE WORTHY!

After reading her answers, you KNOW she's now a friend in your head too!

(All photos are courtesy of Mimi G Style)

Click here to see previous "Friends in My Head!"

You might make a few new friends!

GFS Feature: She's A Friend In My Head (Addicted to Etsy)

I haven't done one of these features in a while huh!

It's about time.

For those who are new, every blue moon I become really obsessive about a blogger's style. I start to have conversations with them (in my head) and somehow we become friends.

Cynthia's blog, Addicted to Etsy, does that for me.

Whenever she does an outfit post, which is usually on Mondays, I know that I'm going to swoon.

It usually starts with her hair.

I will admit that we might have the same aesthetics...big hair, brown skin but I love her effortless look.

It's so easy and relaxed and chic every single time.

I thought maybe you would enjoy her too.

And of course, you know I don't take myself "hella" seriously so the questions fall right in line with that!

These are questions that I want to know...

Enjoy!

She is EVERYTHING!

 

1. How would your friends describe your style?

The word they use most often I guess is chic. I don’t know what else they think. They have told me they like that I can put a fab outfit together without spending a lot of money.

2. Your friend wants to borrow your favorite dress. But you KNOW she can't fit it. She's bigger than you? What do you do?

Haha- it depends on the friend, my true friends know I’ll speak the truth. It helps no one if she wears something that won’t fit, and if it’s my fav dress I don’t want her destroying it. It’s a little harder with new friends or people you’re not yet as close to. I hate to hurt people’s feelings and I’m quite the people pleaser. I hope I’ll find a nice way to be honest…I’ll try to help her find something that would make her look her best.

3. You have a coworker who appreciates your style but their personal fashion choices are...let's say "unfortunate." They keep announcing when they’ve just bought something new because they want you to acknowledge their efforts…what do you do? Do you give them an empty compliment? Ignore them? Or finally scream “I hate your clothes the most!”

I will try to be straight with her. I will tell her it’s nice but not my style. I would suggest that she try different things e.g. I would love to see you in this kind of dress, I’m sure it would look great on you. It’s hard though, people are sensitive about these things.

4. Share a style secret that never fails you.

Well fitting jeans and converse.

5. You come across a person that has style blog…and well…you think that they shouldn’t have one. Do you try to find something positive to say about the post or do you leave anonymous “I can’t believe you took a picture of that” comments? (Just curious:)

Honesty might be the best policy but there’s no reason to be hurtful. I don’t have a monopoly on what is good taste or what deserves to be a style blog. It may not be my cup of tea, but it very well could be great for others. As a blogger, I understand how hard it can be at times, so I would leave a positive comment, I like to be encouraging. Blogging is a process, people grow, change, get better, change their point of view, but I think it’s like free speech, everyone should get to share their POV.

6. Your bf/hubby calls you and says you have ten minutes to get dressed for a surprise date. All he says is to dress nice. (What does that even mean anyway!?!? I digress…)What do you wear?

10 minutes??? Yeah, that’s gonna happen. Dress nice in 10 minutes would probably have to be a dressy blouse over skinny jeans and some kinda heels. I won’t do a dress if I have only 10minutes, cos I’ll take too long trying to figure out what dress with what shoes and jewelry- we’ll never make it out the house.

7. You see an attractive man in the car next to you in a store parking lot. He gets out of the car and notices that he is wearing black socks with SANDALS. Do you snicker to yourself or laugh out loud?

Well, I’ve seen some dudes rocking that look proper. But if it’s the kind I think you mean, then I might not be able to help a teeny snicker…it can look really funny.

8. Your friend calls you and begs you to meet her at a restaurant to secretly check out her blind date. What do you put on?

Sounds like an undercover mission, all black everything and a hoodie…that’s a lie, I don’t even own a single hoodie.

9. Have you always been "style confident?" Do you even consider yourself "style confident?"

I don’t consider myself style confident. I started my blog for ulterior motives and then I shared one pic, then two, then my friends encouraged me to share more. My style is just me and somedays I like what I put together so I share. Some days, I feel like a complete bum and that’s OK.

10. There is a fire. (You are required to be shallow for this question.) You have to choose between your favorite article of clothing or your IPOD…which one would you choose?

Don’t have an Ipod, but I will grab my Iphone and Ipad before anything else. Scratch that, forget the phone, just the Ipad. Good thing about never spending crazy money on clothing is while I love many of my things, I won’t run into a burning house for them. I would make a quick dash for the Ipad, cos I have so much stuff on it that I love and for some crazy reason, I haven’t backed up. Gonna go back up now.

Bonus/Random question: What makes you give a person the “side eye” in terms of style pet peeves?

I don’t give the side eye but I’m so tortured by it, b/c I don’t know how to handle it. I really want to stop these women and say something. It’s when a lady wears the wrong underwear and you see tight panty lines, or they didn’t realize it was see through. It completely ruins an outfit and I feel a tinge of embarrassment for them. I wonder why their friends or family didn’t let them know before they left the house.

I told you, right! You can't help but love her. Check out her blog because she is apparently addicted to ETSY and finds the stuff that you never knew you were looking for! Tell her I sent ya!

Here are previous features of "She's a Friend in My Head." Fun questions...fun answers!

 (Click the titles.)

Love Maegan

Blue Collar Kyla

Atlantic Pacific

Zarna's Runway

GFS Series: She's A Friend in My Head

Do you know someone that just gets it right every time? You see them and literally want to skin them alive because you want every single piece of clothing they are wearing? (Maybe that's just me)

Blair from Atlantic-Pacific is that chick. Her style is inspiring to say the least. You know what I love about her? It's that she doesn't look like  she is trying too hard. It all looks natural. Enjoy the latest in the GFS series "She's A Friend In My Head." She is worth it. And her style is to be worshipped. Period. The End. Amen.

If you are new to GFS...please know that I am nosey a person. I want to know the things you REALLY want to know. You've been warned:)

P.S...note her use of accessories...It is NOT a game.

1. How would your friends describe your style?

I would say my outfits vary on my mood, but I always try to have a touch of femininity and sophistication in every look!

2. Your friend wants to borrow your favorite dress. But you KNOW she can't fit it. She's bigger than you? What do you do?

I let her borrow it. A dress is far easier to replace than a friendship. Plus I have ruined plenty of my best friend’s belongings and so they deserve to ruin a few of mine!

3. You have a coworker who appreciates your style but their personal fashion choices are unfortunate. They keep announcing when they’ve just bought something new because they want you to acknowledge their efforts…what do you do? Do you give them an empty compliment? Ignore them? Or finally scream “I hate your clothes the most!”

I think fashion is all about expressing yourself and taking a risk- so I appreciate anyone who embraces fashion and expresses their point of view, even if it is not my favorite. I am sure there are plenty of people who don’t appreciate my style- and to be honest I would rather not hear about it, so I would pay that same respect anyone else.

4. Share a style secret that never fails you.

Be yourself. I, like many others, can get caught up in a trend or look that is totally not me. That is when I fail. In order to have a true and unique sense of style you have to stick to what makes your style yours, and try not to dabble in every new trend. My other secret would be accessorize every look .

5. What style trend do you wish would go away forever? (For me, it would be distressed leggings complete with strategic holes up the thighs)

I personally never got into clogs. I would say while it looks really adorable on many bloggers, I would not be sad to never see them again!

6. Your bf/hubby calls you and says you have ten minutes to get dressed for a surprise date. All he says is to wear heels. What do you wear?

Something girly! I would most likely put on a DVF or Tibi dress with some heels that pop and a chunky necklace. I love prints and I have a number of printed, mod shaped dresses I love. They are easy to throw on, flattering and perfect for a date.

7. You see an attractive man in the car next to you in a store parking lot. He gets out of the car and notices that he is wearing black socks with SANDALS. Do you snicker to yourself or laugh out loud?

Well my dad rocks that look all the time, so I would have to say that I wouldn’t laugh out loud, but it would for sure put a smile on my face. Men can be so lost sometimes…I love this question!

8. What style/fashion item would you never leave home without wearing? (I put on my earrings before I even get out of bed)

I always wear a watch- which pulls double duty. It is both fashionable as well as useful. I have a lot of meetings during the day and feel completely naked if I don’t wear one! I also have a couple staple pieces of jewelry I throw on, but I do tend to rotate these.

9. Have you always been "style confident?" Do you even consider yourself "style confident?"

I have always had ‘my own sense of style’and I have always tended to take fashion risks…which has resulted in the good, the bad and the ugly. I have made a lot of mistakes along the way, but that is partially what is about. If I didn’t take risks to see what worked and what didn’t I would not be on the path I am on now to find my own sense of style!

10. There is a fire. You have two minutes to grab three favorite items out of your closet. What do you grab?

My black Chanel bag, My YSL bag and my Zara Leopard Jacket. What can I say? I love my purses!

Bonus question: This should prove that I worship your blog. How do you achieve that perfect looking bun as a hairstyle? My friend and I have stared at the pics and we are convinced that you comb the hair forward instead of backward. Are we right?

You are too funny! I put my hair into a very tight pony tail, tease the pony tail and then fold it backwards and pin it. It essentially is not actually a true bun. I have thought about putting together a you tube video, but to be honest I am extremely technology challenged and would not have the slightest idea of where to even begin!

(All photos courtesy of Atlantic-Pacific)

It's working for your Blair! Thank you so much. I'm not sure how you have mastered the art of rocking pearls and looking chic. I look like Harriet Tubman when I do it. Not that Harriet Tubman wore pearls ...or even owned any...awww forget it! You do it well!

Visit Blair and tell her GFS sent you!

GFS Series: She's A Friend In My Head

I haven't done a GFS interview in a while. I think I got bored....but along came ZARNA! ZARNA! ZARNA!

Zarna single handedly revived the need for another "She's a Friend In My Head" interview. Zarna's Runway is giving me what I need in the best way! The shoes...the hair...the edge.  I love it all!

She was brave kind enough to answer a few questions for me and I am so glad to share her style with you. For the newcomers of GFS, if you haven't figure it out...I'm a little "left" in my thinking so take no offense to my questions. I think some people take style/fashion/blogs too seriously and I am so not that person.

Enjoy and visit Zarna's Runway for more inspiration!

1. How would your friends describe your style?

My friends would say my style is crazy and over-the-top - they always laugh at me because I wear six-inch heels to the grocery store or a tutu to the park. I like to be different and have fun with fashion!

2. Your friend wants to borrow your favorite dress. But you KNOW she can't fit it. She's bigger than you? What do you do?

Just because it looks like a dress doesn't mean she can't wear it as a tunic with her favorite pair of jeans! If that doesn't fit I'd just offer her something else from my closet - no big deal :)

3. If you like something on a stranger...let's say her shoes or blouse....Do you go to her and ask where she got it from? Or do you just roll your eyes at them?

I always ask people where they get their clothes from! I love learning about different boutiques/websites and it's also a good way to strike up a conversation with a fabulously dressed person!

4. I obviously covet your style. I went into your archives and noticed that you once rocked long hair. Do you think your new haircut changed your "style game" so to speak?

 Short hair makes everything look slightly edgier (in my opinion) - and it also saves soooooo much time in the morning. In regards to my "style game", I think it's definitely made me more bold in my dressing and I also make a point to incorporate feminine pieces to my outfits.

5. What style trend do you absolutely REFUSE to support? (For me, it would be any Juicy Couture item with words spelled across my bottom. Never!)

I totally agree with you! The style trend I hate most - Juicy Couture tracksuits with Uggs. I think it's the worst look ever! Why not just wear a pair of trousers, a tee, and some oxfords? It's just as comfortable!

6. Your friend calls and begs you to come spy on her "blind date"...and by spy, I mean take a camera phone pic of the guy and write down his license plate number. You have ten minutes to throw on something...what do you wear?

Dark denim skinny jeans, a white tee, leather jacket, and a bold shoe. It's my go-to outfit!

7. Share one of your style secrets.

 Just because a piece is supposed to be worn a certain way doesn't mean you have to wear it that way! For example if a V-neck shirt is too low, I wear it backwards and let there be a plunging back and a conservative front. Also, if a skirt is too long why not make it a tube dress? It's all about having fun and being creative with your clothing!

8. You have a dear friend whose style clearly sucks. You die every single time you and the friend go out together because of her fashion/style choices. How do you handle that situation? Do you tell her? Do you offer advice or do you ride it out and just limit your hang out spots to dark alleys and movies?

I usually get ready with my friends at my house, so I'd just offer her some tips - but only if she was interested!!

9. Have you always been "style confident?" Do you even consider yourself "style confident?"

I'm proud to say I'm "style confident" - the only thing that makes a fabulous outfit look lackluster is if you don't have the confidence to pull it off! I would say I've always been "style confident", even when I was younger and wore strange things.

10. There is a fire. You have two minutes to grab three favorite items out of your closet. What do you grab?
My vintage raybans (they were my grandfathers), my grandmother's ring, and my favorite pair of heels :)

Bonus question:
 How likely will it be for you to send me those Jessica Simpson "Gusla" wedges to me? As a "Hi, I don't know you but I feel sorry that you don't own these shoes and can't find these shoes or even knew they even existed before reading my blog" kind of gift? It doesn't matter what size shoe you wear? I can fit them:)

Hahaha I wish I had an extra pair! I totally would!

(all photos courtesy of Zarna's Runway)

Zarna...you're selfish!
But I would be too. I wouldn't part with those babies either!

Thank you for being the first GFS interview of 2011!