In The Thick Of It

The hair…

I’ve had so many requests and asks about my hair lately that I though I’d just do a quick write-up about it.

My hair is currently cut in a short pixie-ish style and dyed platinum.  I do a few shades of platinum depending on the season, but right now it’s a pretty basic shade (since I’m doing a few interviews and such). My hair is naturally blonde, but not nearly this light.

I absolutely love having a short cut.  It feels stylish and it’s fun to play with.  I have noticed that I have to pay more attention to it when it’s short though - it requires more maintenance to keep it looking not shaggy and you can’t just throw it in a ponytail (to be honest i’m not a fan of that look anyway).  I use headbands when i need to keep my hair out of my face, but that’s usually just a in-the-house look for me anyway.

My hair is styled by Patrick at Fringe Salon in Chicago.  He’s an amazing friend and a great stylist.  He’s one of those folks that will walk you through every step of what he’s doing.  I love it. Plus he’s obsessed with fashion and music and art like I am, so he’s also great to chat with on that level.

You really should make an appointment with him if you’re in the Chicago area.  Mention my name (Amanda or InTheThickofIt) so he knows I sent you!  

Patrick
Fringe Salon Chicago
1437 N Milwaukee Ave
773-862-1000

Industrial Corner and MYNT 1792 Brown Jacket

One of my favorite things about chicago is that it does have a gritty edge to it.  The rust juxtaposed with the geese and the blue sky make me smile. 

This lovely Nolita Moto Jacket was gifted to me by MYNT 1792. It’s such a great color and I love that the collar really looks good open or closed. I received so many compliments on this outfit.  I think it can easily be dressed up or down - pair with skinny jeans or a denim skirt for totally different looks.

Outfit details:
Nolita Moto Jacket - Sz 1X - MYNT 1792
Pale pink burnout shirt - H&M - XL
Burgundy tank - Target - XXL 
Premium skinny jeggings - Target - 16
Burgundy shoes - Target
Crystal bullet necklace - lovely musings etsy
Earrings - Nordstrom Rack
Arrow Bracelets - Nordstrom Rack
Sunglasses - SEE Eyewear

I’m a 215# queer fat femme

Thanks to MYNT 1792 for the nolita moto jacket. My review is not monetarily influenced!

Record Store Day & MYNT 1792 Collaboration

You all know how difficult it can be to find a perfect pair of skinny jeans. How thrilled was I when I was contacted by MYNT 1792 to try their Tribeca Skinny Jeans.  These jeans are premium denim.  They are not overly stretchy, they are not see-through thin - they ARE a perfect weight with a tiny bit of stretch and they simply fit well.  I want to own them in every color. 

I decided to wear the new skinnies while I was out shopping on Record Store Day.  I needed something that would feel comfortable wearing all day long.  Because the weather has still been cold and blustery in Chicago - I needed to pair it with a long sleeve top and then added my go-to jean jacket.  I love this look and you’ll be seeing these jeans in many upcoming looks.

Chicago folks will likely recognize these murals from Logan Square and thanks to Fleur (floral shop) for letting us shoot a few inside (it was SO cold/windy!)

Outfit Details
Blackberry Tribeca Skinny Jeans - Mynt 1792 (sz 14)
Leopard/Gray top - H&M Plus (sz 18)
Rose quartz necklace - lovelymusings etsy
Jean jacket - GAP
Gray wedges - Target (last spring)
Glasses - SEE Eyewear
Gray ‘Okinawa’ bag - Vahallah Brooklyn

I’m a 215# queer fat femme

Thanks to MYNT 1792 for the tribeca skinny jeans. My review is not monetarily influenced!

Springtime and Patterned Shorts

I am thrilled that it’s finally spring!  Well except that all my dogs are shedding - that isn’t so sweet.  But all the flowers and the warmer weather are just making me so happy right now.

My job has been so busy lately that I really haven’t had time to take some fun photos, but I really wanted to show you guys these amazing sweet shorts I recently purchased.  I think there’s nothing better than mixing patterns and when I came home and remembered I had this precious lace sweatshirt, I knew I had the perfect outfit.  I know this outfit is a little sweet for me - but there’s something about spring that just brings it out of me.

And what about these new creamy pearl glasses from SEE eyewear?  I am completely in love!

Outfit details
Navy/seafoam green patterned shorts - Target - Sz 18
Seafoam lace sweatshirt - Target - Sz XXL
Pale pink studded flats - Target
Rose quartz necklace - lovelymusings etsy
white ring - H&M
Rose ring - Fossil
Glasses - SEE eyewear

Cloak and Parks

I’m not a religious person by any means, but if I was going to do any worshipping on Easter sunday, it was going to be at the Art Institute and Millenium Park.  Nothing better than a little modern wing at the AIC. Seeing as how it was pretty much perfect weather, I was able to venture out in my new cloak and not have to worry about a giant puffy jacket.  

I love that this cloak can be worn open or closed - giving it a fully different look each way.  It was a great piece for going to the museum, because it could easily be slipped on and off as needed.

Outfit Details
Cloak - Charles Gray London, XL (via nordstrom rack)
Black shirt - Forever 21, 1X
Jeggings - Target, 16
Wedge boots - Topshop (last year)
Necklace - Forever 21 (new)
Wallet clutch - Kenneth Cole Reaction (via nordstrom rack)
Sun glasses - SEE

215# 5’9”

Graphic Print Skirt in the Neo Alley 

A day away from the office and I wanted to go out around the city.  I had just gone dancing at neo the night before and decided I had to do a photo-shoot in the weird painted alley.  Thursday nights at neo remind me of friday night at #’s  (“numbers” - it was named in an era when hashtags did not exist) in Houston, which is where I learned to dance in the late 90s/early 00’s.  I adore 80s dark synth, so a new wave night just takes me to the best places mentally.

I needed an outfit perfect for a cool, sunny day in Chicago - This elastic-waist skirt is heavy enough to not fly up at the slightest wind.  I love the slight touch of neon - just enough to break up the all-black.

Outfit Details
Print Skirt - Target, sz L (new/ mossimo/ runs big!) - available here
Sheer Neon Shirt - Forever 21+, sz 1X - available here
Faux Black Leather Jacket - Forever 21+, Sz XL
Black Tights - Target
Shoes - John Fluevog Selby
Triangle Necklace - Forever 21
Ring - H&M
Bag - Vince Camuto (via Nordstrom Rack)
Glasses - SEE

215# 5’9”

Hard shoes and lace tops

Oh a lace top…so much to say about something so dainty and yet so tough.  Ahem.

I found this sea-foam green lace sweatshirt at target last week and just knew it would work with some other pieces in my closet.  I love the mix of the pale color with a sweatshirt cut.  My only wish is that it was a true crew-neck so I could wear it with a button-up collar shirt and have it look just the way I want it to.

I’m JUST SURE y’all are sick of these black skinny jeans, but I swear it’s 12 degrees today and I just can’t be bothered with anything else at the moment. So just know that I’m going to show you what I’m really wearing here - not just outfits that are exclusive for the blog.  REALLY REAL here.

This scarf is one I found at dorothy perkins a few months ago and it looked so much like one I was obsessed over at topshop that was 3x the price, so of course I grabbed this one for myself.

Not too bad for a winter weekend look, eh?

Outfit Details
Teal Lace Sweatshirt - Target, XXL
Jacket - vintage
Pink Skull Scarf - Dorothy Perkins
Black Skinny Jeans - Rockstar Old Navy - Sz 16
Chain ‘Gene’ Booties - Jeffrey Campbell
Citrine Bullet Necklace - Lovely Musings (get 15% off using code 15OFF during the month of February)
Triangle Rings - Stone and honey
Earrings - Target
Glasses - SEE

I’m a 5’9” approx 215# femme!

BOYS ENTRANCE with my Leather satchel

Even if you’re not in school - a roomy bag is a really good accessory to have.  This white leather rucksack by Grafea England is perfect for carrying around on the daily. 

I used it for shopping this weekend.  S and I walked around on the icy/snowy streets running errands - record shopping and target and the usual stuff.  My shoes (despite being suede) were a good choice for walking on ice - I didn’t slip at all. I love this outfit for casual saturday shopping.  This chambray shirt is one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe right now.  I can’t recommend it enough.  Or just chambray in general - there’s a lot out there right now.  Great for that transition from winter to spring.

OUTFIT DETAILS
Chambray/denim shirt - Forever 21, 1X
Black skinny jeans - Rockstar cut, Old Navy, 16
Socks - H&M
Gray Suede Creepers - TUK
White Rucksack - Grafea England “Bianca” available for purchase here*
Necklace - Forever 21

I’m a 5’9” approx 215# femme!

*this bag was provided to me by Grafea England

InTheThickofIt Follower Appreciation GIVEAWAY!

My followers are the reason I have the energy to keep this blog up.  In honor of ALL OF YOU – I’ve decided to have a giveaway!

What’s in the bag?
1)   A beautiful Citrine bullet necklace from Lovely-Musings
2) Geometric body chain from LovMely
3) Sephora $25 gift certificate
4)   Essie nailstrips
5) Sally Hanson fishnet nailstrips
6) Gold star glitter/nail art
7) Andalou Naturals facial set
8) Vintage print scarf
9) New Wave Tarot major arcana, designed by me!
10)   Forever 21 $25 gift certificate (not shown)
11) Desert Decadence facial clay
12)   Styling session (online) with ME - InTheThickofIt

What are the details?
1)   Reblog this post to get 2 entries or like this post to get 1 entry
2)   Like the InTheThickofIt on Facebook to get an additional 1 entry
https://www.facebook.com/InTheThickOfItFashion
3)   Winners will be chosen with a randomizer on Feb 25th 2013
4)   You will need to provide a shipping address within 2 weeks (and yes, I will ship internationally!)
——————————————————————————————————

Give some love to my friend Lovely-Musings who provided the citrine bullet necklace.  This necklace has been a staple in my outfits for the past year – SO VERSATILE!

LovelyMusings on Esty:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LovelyMusings?ref=shop_sugg

LovelyMusings on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lovely-Musings/103796386349340

Readers can also use the coupon 15OFF at checkout in Lovely-Musing’s shop to receive 15% off all orders through the month of February.  There are some SERIOUSLY gorgeous pieces at her shop – lots of crystals and shiny things!

Also please check out LovMely who provided the geometric body chain.  This piece is so great for special occasions.

LovMely on Esty:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LovMely?ref=pr_shop_more

LovMely on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LovMely?fref=pb

Readers can also use the coupon inthethickofit at checkout in LovMely’s shop to receive 20% off all orders through the month of February.  Lots of body chains and cute necklaces that are great for special occasions!