classy & classic

classy & classic by coreysue featuring quilted purses

L K Bennett poppy dress
$185 - johnlewis.com

Christian Louboutin black patent pumps
$665 - net-a-porter.com

Chanel quilted purse
1stdibs.com

Gorjana bracelet
shopbop.com

Kendra Scott drop earrings
cusp.com

Dressing for Everyday - Double Breasted Coat with Brocade Pants

I love love love clothes. I love them so much that I have been wearing them for most of my life! Hehe :)

But for reals, clothes are great. I mean I was a costume designer for years. I spent most of my adult life (and even before that) studying, making, researching, designing, and styling clothes. I would love to do more blogging about fashion. I want to be able to offer a look into dressing for real life.

As I have said before my sister, Annie, is pretty much the coolest person I know. For reals. She is beautiful and has a great wardrobe. She has a wonderful eye for classic fashion. So, I asked her to work with me to do some fashion posts.

We want to show how we work fashion into our different lifestyles on a budget. Annie is a college student who is a major free-spirit. She spends her days going to class, studying, hanging out with friends, drinking coffee and making art. I am a mom. I spend my days doing laundry, feeding a constantly hungry two year old, juggling an infant, and changing diapers. I think we cover a good amount of lifestyles.

We are both pretty classic dressers. Annie is a little more trendy than I am. But we both tend lean vintage whenever we can. We believe that dressing for your body and in items that make you feel great is the key to endless style. And endless style is the goal! (Or not looking bad in photos 15 years from now is the goal.)

Annie an I truly believe that clothes can change your life. So, we are going to start posting some really great outfits to be inspired by. We want to show how putting together a great wardrobe can be easy, fun and if you are smart, it won't break the bank! The first look Annie put together is a mix of thrifted, vintage, sale and designer pieces. Its perfect! Exactly the way we like to dress.

Its a classic look with a few modern elements thrown in for some sass. The coat (ZARA) is the most expensive part of this look and it was a gift. Aren't those gold buttons and zippers to die for? The pants have a great subtle brocade pattern to them which is so classic and the shape of the pants shows off Annie's figure and her cute red ballet flats. Under her ZARA coat she is wearing a little cream lace shell she found in a hole-in-the-wall vintage shop in Ireland for about the same amount as an Irish pint. And her blazer is a thrifted H&M, it brings the whole thing together with a slight sheen and a button right at the waist to highlight her smallest area. Oh, and her gloves are from Cracker Barrel, my mom said that I had to make sure you all knew that fun fact.

I love this look for everyday, running around town, picking up groceries, getting coffee, taking the kids to soccer, etc... Its a great look, but its also easy. And easy is good for busy lives.

Top ........ Cream Lace Shell ........ Vintage (here's a similar one at Express)
Blazer ........ Denim Blazer ........ Thrifted H&M (old, but here's a similar one at J. Crew)
Pants ........ Black Brocade Cigarette ........ Target (old, but here's a similar one from Sanctuary at Zappos)
Shoes ........ Red Flats ........ Thrifted (here's a similar pair from Tory Burch at Farfetch)
Coat ........ Black with Gold Buttons ........ ZARA (here's a similar one from ZARA)
Gloves ........ Black ........ Cracker Barrel (*smile*)

Stocking stuffers for the Kids

We are going out of town for Christmas this year. So, to keep things simple we have decided to just do stockings. No big presents. If it doesn't fit in a stocking its out.

I actually really love this idea. Its a challenge, and its fun. I am being creative with what I stuff into our little stockings. And its a great reminder to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and not on the amount or size of the gifts.

I did a post yesterday about homemade stocking stuffers, stocking stuffers for everyone, for him, for her, and the babies. Check them out!

So, without farther ado, here is my running list of great stocking stuffers for everyone on your list! 

Please feel free to add on in the comments!

1. army men or ballet girls
2. small balls
3. small instruments (kazoo, tambourine, jingle bells, maracas) 
4. travel-size board games
5. crayons
6. markers
7. stickers
8. paint and  brushes
9. stencils
10. match book cars
11. small figurines/bobble heads
12. shoes (for little feet!)
13. temporary tattoos
14. jewelry
15. walkie talkies (do they still make these?)
16. cool band-aids
17. crazy straws
18. glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars
19. small piggy bank (and some money to start the collection!)
20. Legos
21. trains
22. whoopee cushion
23. Jacobs ladder
24. hacky sack
25. Rubik's Cube
26. action figure
27. doll
28. magic towel (the just-add-water kind)
29. friendship bracelet kit
30. treasures bag (pretty much any nice bag or small purse for tiny treasures)
31. magnifying glass
32. balloons
33. scrunchies
34. bean bags
35. alphabet magnets 
36. crazy scissors
37. nail decals
38. matching memory game 
39. night light
40. flash cards
41. silly putty
42. sippy cup
43. water bottle
44. plastic flatware 
45. character washcloth buddy
46. bath crayons
47. bath toys
48. blocks
49. spinning tops
50. jacks
51. bouncy balls
52. water gun
53. paper airplane kit (roll up some paper and call it a kit. then show them how to make airplanes and spend the afternoon flying them around)
54. finger puppets
55. magic wands
56. sidewalk chalk
57. magic tricks
58. fancy shoe laces
59. paper punches in cool shapes
60. stamps and ink pads
61. henna
62. roll of silver dollars
63. bandana
64. doll clothes

Stocking Stuffers for Her

We are going out of town for Christmas this year. So, to keep things simple we have decided to just do stockings. No big presents. If it doesn't fit in a stocking its out.

I actually really love this idea. Its a challenge, and its fun. I am being creative with what I stuff into our little stockings. And its a great reminder to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and not on the amount or size of the gifts.

I did a post yesterday about homemade stocking stuffers, stocking stuffers for everyone, for him, the kids, and the babies. Check them out!

So, without farther ado, here is my running list of great stocking stuffers for everyone on your list! 

Please feel free to add on in the comments!

1. fat quarters
2. beautiful buttons
3. vintage notions (ribbon, lace, patches, etc...)
4. beads
5. yarn
6. crochet hook/knitting needles
7. pattern for sewing, crocheting, or knitting
8. nice xacto knife (Martha Stweart has a really nice one)
9. nice sewing scissors or snips (Gingher makes the best) 
10. washi tape
11. garden seeds
12. belt
13. watch
14. jewelry (that goes without saying)
15. jewelry holder (a ring bowl is great!)
16. nail grooming kit
17. nail polish
18. makeup (lip gloss is always a winner!)
19. perfume
20. wallet/change purse/wristlet
21. pocket mirror
22. hair chalk
23. tights
24. fold-up ballet flats
25. fancy tweezers
26. Matryoshka Russian nesting dolls

Stocking Stuffers for Everyone

We are going out of town for Christmas this year. So, to keep things simple we have decided to just do stockings. No big presents. If it doesn't fit in a stocking its out.

I actually really love this idea. Its a challenge, and its fun. I am being creative with what I stuff into our little stockings. And its a great reminder to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and not on the amount or size of the gifts.

I did a post yesterday about homemade stocking stuffers, stocking stuffers for him, her, the kids, and the babies. Check them out!

So, without farther ado, here is my running list of great stocking stuffers for everyone on your list! 

Please feel free to add on in the comments!

1. camera strap
2. coffee cozy
3. stationary
4. beautiful pen
5. notebook/journal
6. small books (board books for kids are great!)
7. gourmet spices/salts
8. gourmet food items (fancy peanut butter, local honey, chocolate, beef jerky, hot sauce, marshmallows, macarons, squeeze pouches, etc...)
9. coffee/tea/hot chocolate
10. keys to a new car (haha! had to throw that one in there!)
11. airplane tickets (*smile*)
12. tickets to the theatre, the ballet, the opera, or the symphony
13. handmade soaps
14. body scrubs 
15. lotion
16. chap stick 
17. facial mud (for an at home spa day)
18. comb/hair brush
19. electric toothbrush
20. gift cards 
21. socks
22. underwear (keep it classy folks)
23. gloves/mittens
24. scarves
25. hats
26. flip flops
27. flashlights (and batteries)
28. sunglasses
29. glasses case
30. passport cover
31. key ring
32. ear buds
33. cell phone case
34. cell phone charger
35. cell phone speaker
36. cedar shoe sachets
37. lavender sachets (for the sock drawer)
38. pocket callendar
39. small bible
40. post-it notes 
41. push pins
42. deck of cards
43. Uno
44. magic 8 ball (!!!)
45. duct tape
46. book mark

Stocking Stuffers for Baby

We are going out of town for Christmas this year. So, to keep things simple we have decided to just do stockings. No big presents. If it doesn't fit in a stocking its out.

I actually really love this idea. Its a challenge, and its fun. I am being creative with what I stuff into our little stockings. And its a great reminder to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and not on the amount or size of the gifts.

I did a post yesterday about homemade stocking stuffers, stocking stuffers for him, her, the kids, and for everyone. Check them out!

So, without farther ado, here is my running list of great stocking stuffers for everyone on your list!

1. teething ring
2. pacifiers and clip
3. plastic keys
4. bibs
5. headbands/hair clips
6. stuffed animals
7. rattles
8. freeze dried fruit
9. puffs
10. taggie blanket

Stocking Stuffers for Him

We are going out of town for Christmas this year. So, to keep things simple we have decided to just do stockings. No big presents. If it doesn't fit in a stocking its out.

I actually really love this idea. Its a challenge, and its fun. I am being creative with what I stuff into our little stockings. And its a great reminder to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and not on the amount or size of the gifts.

I did a post yesterday about homemade stocking stuffers, stocking stuffers for everyone,  for her, for the kids and the babies. Check them out!

So, without farther ado, here is my running list of great stocking stuffers for the men on your list! 

Please feel free to add on in the comments!

1. guitar picks
2. guitar pick punch
3. hip flask
4. golf balls
5. golf club covers
6. golf/baseball/football gloves
7. ammo (if he's into that kind of thing)
8. tools (screw driver/hammer)
9. fishing lure 
10. pocket knife
11. shoe shine kit
12. necktie/bow tie
13. tie clip
14. lapel pin
15. pocket square
16. cuff links
17. money clip
18. watch
19. wallet
20. belt
21. belt buckle
22. after shave
23. mustache wax/beard oil
24. shaving kit (the old fashioned kind, with a brush and all!)
25. matches (waterproof and in a container for those outdoor adventures)
26. compass  
27. cologne
28. cigar
29. cigar cutter

Dressing for the job you WANT, not the job you HAVE.

This is a re-post from my old blog True Story. I posted it while in college, it was originally intended to help my fellow theatre students prepare for South Eastern Theatre Conference. SETC is a four day conference for theatre people, including interviews for designers and technicians and auditions for actors and dancers. Our university took a group of students every year so that we would have the opportunities to get summer jobs and make connections.

One of the things that drove me crazy about SETC was that almost no one knew how to dress well. The actors always looked nice, but the technicians and "behind the scenes" folks were always sloppy. This is generally the case with theatre. Sorry to say, but its true. I believe that EVERYONE should dress for the job they want and not the job they have (thank you Stacy and Clinton!)

Whether you like it or not, what you wear speaks volumes. You are judged by what you wear, and first impressions count! Especially in the job-seeking community.

I have a few notes about this post. a) it was before Pinterest, so if you want some really great inspiration check out Pinterest. b) it was written specifically for my fellow theatre students, but that doesn't mean that it isn't applicable for other young professionals. c) I do not have the rights to that info-graphic, not sure where it is from.

I think this is great information. Hopefully its helpful!

XOXO,
Coco


Here is my original post:

Dressing for the Job


Many of people have been asking me what to wear for SETC and USITT and Portfolio Review Day. I thought I would post something about the research and expediencies I have had on this subject.

First of all, I would just say go for something professional. Colors and styles are up to you. You want to express your personality, but a refined version of you.You want to look like you are taking this opportunity seriously and therefore you should dress as such.

Also, with SETC and events like it, where you will be there for a few days and need to be professional the whole time, it is better to pick things that are interchangeable and items that you can mix-and-match well. Pick either black, brown, or navy and that's your base color. Then pick your other colors and pieces to match the base. Then you can bring one pair of shoes (very comfortable shoes, because you will be walking a lot) and one bag, only a few accessories that will match everything. You should bring one casual outfit, like jeans and a nice blouse, so that if we go out you will have something to wear, but even this should be nice. The city will be full of SETC people and you will run into them everywhere you go.

If you are working on building your professional wardrobe (which everyone should have), you should look for items that are built well, fit you well and that are timeless (not trendy). You don't want to hide behind your clothes and you don't want your clothes to speak for you. You want something that will not be distracting to what you have to say.

Basics for women:

• Pencil skirt/A-line skirt
• Dress pants
• Oxford blouse (white is good) or dress blouse of sorts
• Blazer
• Vest (everyone knows how much I love vests!)
• Cardigan sweater
• Fashion scarf (not intended to keep you warm)
• LBD (people says not to wear a dress to an interview, but I don't agree. If the dress is professional, no party dresses PLEASE)
• Sensible (and comfortable) heels
• Sensible (and comfortable) flats

Basics for men:

• Suit (you can break it up, wearing the pieces separately)
• Tie (they are not that hard to tie, get over it)
• V-neck sweater
• Trousers
• Dress shoes/loafers (though, I do love a good suit and a pair of Chuck Taylors!)

If you want more search the web! There aren't a lot of search results for "What to wear to a theatre interview" so instead look for "What to wear to an arts interview," or "What to wear to a fashion interview," Check out these sites:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2184627_dress-interview-art-gallery.html
http://www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/how-to-dress-for-a-job-interview/
http://www.fashionunder100.net/2009/09/savvy-stylist-casual-job-interview.html
http://www.durham.edu.on.ca/s_links/schools/dce/Images/dresscode.gif
http://blog.modcloth.com/2009-10-22-closet-confidential-putting-it-all-together

Tribal Vest - Super Easy DIY

A few months ago I did the costume designs for a new version of The Jungle Book at Synetic Theater. I had a really great time working on this show and imagining what the characters should be wearing. We wanted to go with something pretty edgy and not too animalistic. In other words, we needed to find a way to portray the animal characters in a new, modern, and essentially human way.

A lot of this came from the costumes, I used animal prints and tribal influences. I was really inspired by all the awesome tribal art out there and especially how it is influencing fashion. Tribal fabric is so beautiful and unique. I'm sure the patterns and colors have some deep meaning in the cultures that they come from, but for me and, I would guess, most American's they are just beautiful expressions of a cultures art.

Tribal Vest

One of the costumes I was most excited about was a simple denim vest I designed and painted for one of the wolf pack characters. I loved it so much that I had to make another one that I knew wouldn't just sit in costume storage collecting dust until the next performance. The only problem was that I can't wear motorcycle vests, they just don't do my figure any favors. So, I made one for my sister!

Tribal Vest in Fashion Action!

Here is the thing with this project, its SUPER EASY! Seriously, this is one of those projects that you can do in an afternoon with a good cup of coffee and some reruns of The Office. There are no rules when it comes to tribal patterns, graphic is good, and monochromatic makes the pattern really stand out, but there is nothing saying that you have to make your vest look anything like mine.

Tribal Vest - front

Tribal Vest - back

I purchased the vest from Forever 21, and used a black fabric marker for the first vest I made (the costume). The only problem with using a fabric marker is that I got a little lightheaded working on the vest. I used fabric paint on the vest I made for my sister, and that worked just as well. It just depends on what you are more comfortable using.

Tribal Vest - Super Easy DIY
Materials:

• Denim vest (you could use pretty much any light-wash vest. Check out a thrift store! I got mine from Forever 21.)
• Black fabric marker or fabric paint and brush (I used black, but feel free to try out other color combos!)

Process:

Find some inspiration for tribal patterns, decide what you want your vest to look like. I painted only a few sections, the front panels and the bottom band.  I thought about painting a tribal elephant on the back, but that didn't end up happening. 

Plain old vest - needs something awesome!

Tribal Vest - painting 

After you have decided what you are doing, just get to it! Paint or draw on your pattern. If you are painting, make sure you put down newspaper or something to protect your surface. Don't be hindered, just go for it! Like I said, there really isn't a way to mess this up. If you have an area that you don't like, just fill it in. 

Tribal Vest - painting progress

See? Super EASY!

Here is the pattern that I used (I don't have any rights to this photo, check out http://www.fubiz.net/galleries/set/kate-moross/photo/5445704182/ for the original source):

Kate Moross - Multicolour Tribal

Here are a few other tribal inspirational ideas (again, I don't have the rights to these photos):

Pattern by Sandra Dieckmann

Tribal Crayon by Vasare Nar

Tribal Henna Elephant

Tribal Elephant Sweatshirt

Indian Woman by AnastasiaMarie

Tribal Feather

T-Shirt Scarf - Quick and Easy DIY

Here is another one of my homemade Christmas gifts.

Its a...

T-SHIRT SCARF

woohoo!

This project literally took me about 30 mins to make.  I think it turned out super cute and my sister-in-law (well they aren't married, but I consider her my SIL) loved it. She is a really cute little college student who is studying dance and has a great and easy style about her.

I had a feeling this would be perfect for her. T-shirt scarves are so easy to throw on and go out the door to class. It livens up an outfit without trying too hard or having to think too much before having coffee.

I used a scrap of leftover jersey fabric that I stitched into a tube and then cut into strips, but there is a really great tutorial for using an existing t-shirt on Tiny Anchors. Check it out and make your own or one for a friend, its so EASY!