Loving Now: Kingdom of Style Blog

I have been obsessing recently over ways to restructure some of the clothing that I already own. I definitely have enough clothing that I don't really wear to make a lot of clothing that I might actually wear. So, I have been looking at sites that help you do that.

I just recently came across this Brit blog: Kingdom of Style. I love that the author loves to restyle "charity shop" finds (Brit-speak for thrift stores) and she shares her how-tos with her readers. Plus, she has such an eclectic, mature sense of style. American style bloggers have a proclivity toward the "cutesy" - which I like, as well - at least in some moods. I always love to look at poofy skirts and dresses . . . but, for years, my going out uniform has been muscle shirts and jeans. I like that this blog's style is edgy and a little outrageous. She has done so much just by changing how things are buttoned. It's really brilliant. Here are some of her more recent restyled looks.

I Wish I Knew How to Quit You, Hot Shower

I try to live as "green" a life as possible. I do. And I try to talk about it a lot here. But, you know what, I am just like most people - there are things that I know that I should do differently, or not do at all . . . but there are just some things I can't get myself to quit doing:

• Taking a nice, long, hot shower. I know I should conserve water, but my Moen Rain Showerhead feels too damn good first thing in the morning.
  
  
  
• Keeping my laptop on overnight. So, yes, its in "sleep" mode, but it still uses significantly more energy than if it was OFF. But, it takes too long to boot up after being turned off (or, maybe, I am just too impatient).
  
  
• Planting pretty flowers that need a lot of water. Although we have maintained a fairly colorful garden in our front yard with minimal watering this summer, my backyard pot garden (since, um, my backyard is CONCRETE!! so I have to have everything in pots) needs water every day. I know it isn't a lot of water, but it irks me anyway.
  
  
• Buying Sparkling Poland Spring water in big, plastic bottles. I love that stuff! I like to make faux mimosas with it - just pour over ice and juice. Yummy!
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Washing my clothes in hot water. Look, my high efficiency washer kind of sucks. There. I said it. It may be Energy Star compliant, but, it does not get my whites white and it takes a lot of effort and pre-treating to get the simplest stains out. I swear, I should just buy everything in black from now on.
  
  
• Leaving a window open while the air conditioning is on. Yes, that sounds sorta crazy, but I really like the fresh air. Even a bit of DC's version of "fresh air" is better than being stuck in a house of recycled, stale (yet cool) air.
  
  
• Using too much water to hand-wash pots and pans and stemware. I go camping. I know how to wash things with the smallest amount of water possible. But, it's just too easy to use too much in the kitchen.
  

Sigh. That is my eco-sin list. I know there are probably more things that I am not thinking of. My point is that everyone has things that they can do better. We just all need to keep trying.

Dancing Dancing Dancing in the Streets (with Listopad)!

The Listopad ladies are up to their tricks again - doing a sidewalk sale (and DANCE PARTEEE!) on the streets of Adams Morgan (okay, so, mostly just in front of Red Onion Records). Come out for drinks, vintage pretties, fun folks and the DJ sounds of DJ Baby Donut (aka Allison Wolfe).

Speaking of DJs, I was at a music festival this weekend (much more on that later) and saw DJ Bassnectar perform. Holy Cow! As the kids say, son, that sh*t was off da chain (or sumthin').

Beating the DC Heat: Style will Save You.

Oh, the DC heat! Building a city on top of a swamp was never really a good idea - and we all are paying for it. (I won't even start on the mosquitoes . . .)

But, do not despair. There are many ways to beat the heat without overdoing the air-conditioning (well, okay, you need a little air conditioning).

Watch what you wear. Wear less - leave the long sleeves and long pants in the closet. Wear lighter fabrics that allow the very limited DC breezes to get in and opt for lighter colors. And my favorite thing for summer months: backless tops. I realized the other night, as I watched Caddyshack (which, if you haven't watched it recently, really is the hipster fashion bible), backless tops are so amazing. Here are a few eco-friendly versions that I found (with links to where you can get them):

Go as bare as you dare! Indie designer NaMoDa's custom-made shorty jumpsuit (soy/cotton blend). At Stars and Infinite Darkness. $130.

Larsen organic cotton dress. At Shopbop. $216

Bamboo jersey dress by Ryann. Avail. at Fashion Ethic. On sale for $215.

Organic Cotton Tee by Inhabit. At Revolve Clothing. $154

High-waisted Vintage Dress. Ebay. Bidding currently at $.99.

Cute! Vintage Backless Dress. Ebay. Bid currently at $88.00

I have always loved open-backed tops and dresses, but I never knew what kind of bra to wear with it. I just don't like going bra-less anymore and those adhesive bras never seem to work for me. But, I just came across this "revolutionary" backless bra from Maidenform. It looks like it could actually be comfortable.

More tips to come . . . stay cool . . .

Some Red, White and Blue . . .

Happy Independence Day, y'all! Here are some red, white and blue vintage lovelies for your viewing (or buying - click on description to be taken to Etsy) pleasure.

Sexy, higher-waist skirt. $40.

CUTE! white romper (check out the romper worn by Rachel of Project Beltway in the new issue of DC Magazine.) $34.

A little cha-cha dress for an evening dancing. $72.

Enjoy the 4th! Stay safe!

This is How I Roll . . . I Mean, Bike.

Biking as your main form of transportation often involves dressing for your particular event in a way that allows you to also bike in it. Unfortunately, in my case, my bike precludes my wearing anything "skirty". (Sigh. I need one of these restored Bull Dog Bikes with the girl-bar, like the Zebra, for the really girly outfits.) In any case, here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to be comfortable and stylish, while riding your bike.

1. ALWAYS wear a helmet. Seriously. DC drivers are not the smartest bunch - esp. when you add into the mix all the tourists, many of whom have not had the fine experience of sharing a busy, narrow, city street with a bike. It has been a bummer to see all the new bikers around town not wearing a helmet. Seriously, your hair will not be that messed up. And if it does get a little mussed, you can always be cool and say that you are sacrificing your hair for the sake of the environment. You might get a date or two for being so chivalrous.
2. Wear comfortable bottoms. "Comfort" is in the eye of the beholder, I guess. I have definitely ridden my bike in tight jeans, faux leather pants, etc. But, I find that the best, most comfortable bottoms to wear are those that have a bit of stretch. They are often the kind of pants that also look good on your bottom. Also, since you will have to roll them up on the right hand side (to avoid getting fabric stuck in the chain - like many of us have experienced . . . even Marissa) choose pants that will not wrinkle too much from the fold. This is exceptionally easier in the summer since most of us wear shorts or cropped pants.
3. Choose the right shoes. This is definitely an area of personal preference. I have ridden my bike in high heels, in boots, etc. I would just wear shoes that you feel comfortable with peddling in and comfortable in stopping at a red light. And I suggest avoiding shoes that are slip-ons - unless they are very sturdy. For instance, flip-flops are sort of dangerous to bike in.
   
4. Choose a purse that will not slip off your shoulder as you ride. I have several bags that have long straps and that I wear messenger style. This is very comfortable. Or, if I want to take a small bag, I have sometimes been known to clip it to my top with a binder clip (see pic below).

Well, that's about it. Here is a pic (with a fun Photoshop effect I have been playing with) of me going out to meet a friend from London a few nights ago. And a pic of my binder clipped bag. Whatever it takes, man.

Maybe Having Hell Freeze Over Will Help Climate Change?

Check out these ads from the We Campaign.