Posts Tagged“handbags”

{Review} Charm School with Vendula London

{Review} Charm School with Vendula London - The Dressed Aesthetic

I think we’re all trying to get more versatility out of our wardrobe – to figure out new ways to mix and match what we have and make it look new again. This isn’t always the easiest task when you’re as into bright colors, bold prints, and novelty handbags as I am – it’s kind of obvious when you wear those things several times. But enter the latest range of handbags from Vendula London…

Sun More Time

Sun More Time - The Dressed Aesthetic

Well, day we have all been dreading is nearly upon us: the End of Summer. I know for many of you you’re staring at your screen in disbelief. “Ummm, Kara? You know it’s only mid August, right? We’ve got weeks of summer left!” Sigh. If only. Tomorrow officially marks the first day of school. It’s back to writing lectures, proctoring exams, and seeing far less of my comfy bed than I’ve grown accustomed too these past few months…

Mad About You

Mad About You - The Dressed Aesthetic

Although I realize I am embarrassingly late to the party, I never managed to watch the Emmy winning show Mad Men when it was on (I know! don’t judge). While we lived in Australia, we were very much out of the loop with regards to when new shows were airing, because most things were many months behind, and got into a general habit of streaming old favorites and not really paying a lot of attention to shows that were au courant. 

Never Say Never

Never Say Never - The Dressed Aesthetic

These days I do the bulk of my shopping online. I think this is partly due to the natural progression of technology – there is a veritable ambrosia of options with the few clicks of a button. And when I lived in Australia, I struggled to find shops that had the kind of clothing I loved, so I would naturally venture cyber-ward more and more. After so many years of being used to online shopping, I developed a practiced eye for the way something might fit me – a model or blogger shot could usually reveal whether the cut would…

Time at Sea

Vitamin Sea - The Dressed Aesthetic

It’s impossible to be stressed when you’re staring out to sea. For some reason, it always gives me perspective, the feeling that I’m just a tiny boat on an enormous sea, bobbing in the waves. It reminds me to surrender to the forces that pull me forward, and let go of the things that are being pulled away. And when I’m a headless chicken and can’t find my way to the coastline, a 1950’s seaside print dress will do just fine…

The Magical Shrinking World

Flock It To Me - The Dressed Aesthetic

One of the hardest parts about living overseas was definitely being so far from family. Missing the big moments and the little moments. Knowing that a hug would take 36 hours of exhausting travel time. Now that we’re home, the hardest part about not living overseas are the friends we had to leave behind. The world can feel very big when there are so many people scattered to the far ends of it to miss.

Here Comes the Sunflower

Here Comes the Sunflower - The Dressed Aesthetic

Some days are about practicality (if we’re being honest here, most days). Although it’s pretty obvious my day-to-day style veers towards most people’s fancy, my version of “practical” is a cotton sundress, some sort of sparkly belt, and 40’s inspired heels (which tend to be a bit easier to race around in). But every now and then, I’m in the mood to dress up like a frothy, floral cupcake fantasy. And I’m not sorry….

Putting Down Roots

Putting Down Roots - The Dressed Aesthetic

It’s safe to say I’ve moved around a lot in my life. And I’m not talking about the within-city moves (though we’ve racked up a fair few of those too). I’m talking about the uprooting your life, move to another country, then four years later do it again (cause it was so fun and stress-free the first time!) Truthfully, I wouldn’t change those experiences for anything in the world. Living in other countries has given me perspectives I never would have gained otherwise and afforded me insights into new places and new cultures. I know I wouldn’t be who I…

Traveling Through Time

Traveling Through Time - The Dressed Aesthetic

Time is such a funny thing in summer. The first half for me is always gloriously endless. Weeks of sun drenched months stretch before you, with any thoughts of autumn and all of its responsibility feeling safely tucked away in The Future. Time moves lazily forward, days blending into the next, with travel and sunset strolls and late night cocktails. Then, I crossed the invisible threshold that is July 4th. Every year, without fail, I awake after a night of BBQ and fireworks to that quiet feeling of dread. Within the span of a single night’s sleep, the fall semester suddenly…

{Review} Boats, Boats, Boats! Unique Vintage Sailboat Print Darienne Swing Dress

{Review} Boats, Boats, Boats! Unique Vintage Sailboat Print Darienne Swing Dress - The Dressed Aesthetic

If there’s one thing to love about summer, it’s sundresses! Bugs and sweltering heat aside, there’s nothing like being able to throw on a single item and feeling instantly put together. I’ve definitely been reaching for my spaghetti strap dresses more and more now that we’re in the official throws of summer – with a pair of sandals and bit of extra SPF on my burn-happy shoulders, I’m good to go!