What Are You Wearing?

After waking up 30 minutes late this morning, I threw on the first outfit I saw and ran to Atticus....and of course I didn't realize I had unintentionally paid homage to Nicole Richie. Today I'm wearing:

-Urban Outfitters black crow dress

-Filippa K Long Slip Tank

-Current/Elliott jean jacket

-black tights

-Frye Paige boots

-Ashley Watson brant bag

And if you're wondering, I totally wore this outfit before she did.

Notes On: Dressing for the Kill

Someone who has always walked a fine line between being an admirable mentor and ruining my life once instructed me to add deer hunting as an interest on my resume. Whether he really thought it would be an interesting talking point for an interview or was hoping that I would humiliate myself, I'll never know. Either way, hunting is definitely not an interest of mine. Sportsmanlike style, however, has always seemed to peak my interest. Not surprisingly, the first and only time I accompanied my dad on a deer-hunting trip, I was far more concerned with my outfit than the game. Choosing to forego the traditional orange attire, I wore my matching neon pink jacket and snow pants and carried an equally bright "handbag" filled with a thermos of hot cocoa, a rubix cube and a box of Girl Scout cookies. (editor's note: I was in the fourth grade.) Neon colors and Thin Mints aside, I've found traditional English hunting clothes quite inspiring lately. The vests at Rag&Bone and Boy by Band of Outsiders for Fall 2010 are incredible layering pieces, and who doesn't love plaid? In anticipation of the Fall trend, here are some hunting inspired pieces to start mixing into your wardrobe:

Acne Joy Chino in beige

Ashley Watson Cormorant Bag in olive

Charlotte Ronson High Waisted Leather Shorts

Current/Elliott Zip Bomber Vest

Trovata Solano Flannel in cloudburst

Introducing: Atticus Picks

The Justification: Bag Decisions

So it occurred to me the other day that I should purchase a new bag. I have the big totes and the small-ish everyday bag that I cram everything into. But with school starting again, I'd love to have something that can double as a school bag and an everyday bag without being too big.

Coincidentally, Atticus sells such a bag in the form of the Brant bag by Ashley Watson! Now I only have to decide which bag to purchase, so I'm justifying my final two choices. I know you're just as excited as I am.

Ashley Watson Brant in Black

Justification #1: Black goes with everything, including my entire wardrobe.

Justification #2: Not to mention that these bags are made from recycled leather jackets, so I can justify the price since I'm being eco-friendly!

Justification #3: The two front pockets are deep enough to put all of my keys, which are big enough to rival a janitor's, and my Blackberry (yes, I actually don't carry it in my hand 24/7).

Ashley Watson Brant Bag in Beige

Justification #1: This bag has the snap pockets, so I'll never have to worry about the random things I put in them falling out.

Justification #2: The beige is still a subtle color, but it won't blend into every single thing I wear.

Justification #3: I just realized the pockets on this bag resemble a scary face. If you know me, then this might remind you of a certain default face I have. I think I just made my decision...I have to have THIS bag.

What Are You Wearing?

Today's schedule required a versatile look. A day at Atticus, a networking Happy Hour and a long awaited dinner party with some friends were on tap. I needed a comfortable outfit to get me through a long day that was appropriate for a professional event, yet fun for tonight's get together and whatever might occur after. After trying on 23498578 looks and destroying my closet, this was the end result:

-Trovata Solano Flannel

-Charlotte Ronson High Waisted Leather Shorts

-Ashley Watson Belt

-Tights

-Knee Socks

-Frye Engineer Boots

Notes On: Getting Waisted

Fortunately for you, this post is not about last Thursday's antics which resulted in getting so wasted that certain members of my social group called in sick to work, fell asleep on the job or in one particular case, someone was asked to go home early. In case the homonym escaped you, this post is about belts and showing off your waist. I'm not sure if it's the consumption of many a holiday treat or the fact that I have no core (according to my trainer), but my collection of expensive jeans has been shoved to the back of my closet and replaced with leggings, skirts and dresses. (Editor's note: I'm not actually blaming my current refusal to squeeze into tight jeans on any sort of weight gain, but rather on a sartorial shift in the universe.) Anyway, my new clothing choices have given me the chance to rediscover one of my favorite accessories: the belt. I've started quite the collection, and these are my top picks:

-Filippa K Thin Belt

-Ashley Watson Skinny D-ring Belt

-Any belt from Madewell

Your Favorites: November [Designer Edition]

The scoop on Atticus designers.

In your own words...

Each month, we bring you pieces from interviews with our savviest customers in which they discuss their experience at Atticus and spill details about their current faves.

This month, we asked some of our favorite designers!

Atticus Journal: 11.13.09; Vol. 110

Steal a page from the Atticus Journal...

Your exclusive look at new arrivals, store events and industry news through the eyes of Atticus.

Shop now at atticusshop.com

Atticus

18 N Carroll St.

Madison, Wisconsin 53703

608.204.9001

atticusshop.com

Monday-Friday 11am-7pm

Saturday 10am-5pm

Sunday Closed

The Justification: Halloween Edition

The Hipster

This girl's the reason the Coastie Song is so huge.

Lna Deep V in Bone

Kova&T Pepper Leggings

Ashley Watson Hip Sack: Sold out...whoops!

Coastie Song

Atticus Army Man

Saving

good style since May of 2008

Relwen Bivouac Bag

Relwen Cargo Pant in Khaki available in-store only

Trovata Fulton Tee

Nicole Richie

All that's missing are little Harlow and Sparrow. If you want a child accessory, see Angelina Jolie.

M by Margaret Barber Floral Patio Dress: Available in-store only

Assorted House of Harlow jewelry: Available in-store only, Ashley Watson Recycled Leather Belt

Angelina Jolie

Sunglasses and little Shiloh sold seperately.

Filippa K Soft Viscose Long Dress

Nerd

I've never seen a more geek chic man in all my life.

only he had a pocket protector...

Trovata Santorini Shirt

Simon Miller LA's

Lady Gaga

Top off the look with a handcrafted twine hair bow. Because really, who actually has the hair to do that?

Charlotte Ronson Resort Bodysuit

Kova&T Pepper Leggings

Lumberjack

Please don't walk into the bars carrying an ax and a giant saw as props. And if you do, please don't tell them I suggested it. I'm too cute for jail.

Simon Miller Park Views

Relwen Double Flannel Workshirt

Ax and saw available at J. Taylor's

Word on the Street

Our obsession with bags isn't exactly breaking news, so we're always thrilled to find others who share our passion. Billed as a destination for handbag nirvana, handbago.com is a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge indulging our needs with the latest news, styles, events, reviews and more.

Check out what they had to say about Atticus and our perrenial favorite, Ashley Watson.

The Justification: What We've Been Waiting For

My beloved Malin+Goetz candles

They're here they're here they're here!!!

Justification #1: The extensive

waiting list has already been notified

that they're in

Justification #2: R. Smith (aka my former Rooms) has already made her mark on our inventory ands snatched up her fair share of Otto, Dark Run and Cannabis. So if you want some of shipment, you better hurry!

Ashley Watson Hip Sack

Justification #1: It's an updated version of the fanny pack, with better pockets and material. And a way cooler name.

Justification #2: If you buy it, you'll be as happy/excited as this girl

Not available to purchase online yet. Hold your horses.

Your Favorites: September 2009

Deep Thoughts: Swearing Off

After crying into my millionth shot of whiskey last week, I proudly proclaimed to a friend that I was swearing off. Never again will I tangle with any of the following: bartenders, artists and/or boys who have ever or are currently in a band. This led to a painstaking trip down memory lane, but as I recalled my many, many mistakes, I remembered one thing fondly. No, not the boy who didn't speak English, although talking IS overrated in my book...it was the clothes. The clothes, the clothes, the clothes! So while I'm quitting my beloved downtown boys cold turkey, I figured, I'm still allowed to dress the part, right?

Obviously a great leather jacket is key. Unfortunately, finding the perfectly distressed piece is almost as hard as finding one of these boys willing to pick up the tab. If you can’t wear one conventionally, the next best thing is to have one on your arm. Made from recycled leather jackets, Ashley Watson’s buttery soft bags, only look better when knocked around.

Hands down, no one does downtown disheveled like T Alexander Wang. The tops epitomize careless cool to perfection. Add dark denim or ACNE skinnies and you’re almost out the door. LNA leggings are another perennial favorite, not only because they look cool but they're also comfortable as hell. Dancing up a storm is a very serious task, anything comfortable is key.

Even though I’ve severely limited my pool of future victims, I like to think I'm keeping the best part. And after all, Alexander Wang is one boy that never lets me down.

The Justification: Back to School Outfits

Presenting my perfect 1st day of school outfit...unfortunately, it doesn't include my Barbie and the Rockers lunchbox and backpack.

Justification #1: I'm in love.

Justification #2: I think the outfit, not the books, makes me look studious.

Sorry it's a spontaneous photo shoot picture of me, but you get the idea of how amazing this outfit is together. Not all of the merchandise has been photographed yet but it will be up on the site by early next week for your enjoyment! (And yes, I know I already did an Ode to Wang, but this piece is new, cool and I'm obsessed)

Kova&T London Tank in White

T byWang One Shoulder Tank in Black

Current/Elliott Cropped Skinny in Night Wash

Assortment of Ashley Watson Bags

Since I'm dreading going back to school this week, I might as well present the couple things that are keeping me from slipping into depression.

Justification #1: Ashley Watson bags are made from leather jackets and are big enough to fit my millions of books for school.

Justification #2: We also carry bags that the guys will love. They're so unisexy.

Right now, I'm having an internal conflict deciding between the Brant in Butter and the Teal in Olive.

So, my suggestion is that someone buys one of those two and make my mind up for me!

LNA Zipper Leggings

Justification #1: They're comfortable, versatile, and the zipper makes them flattering since people look at that and not your thighs.

Prepare to see me in leggings pretty much everyday, fellow Edgewoodies.

Kova&T Monks Dress

Justification #1: Since this dress is just a little too short on it's own, my new favorite idea is making leggings into biker shorts! It makes not wearing pants a little less risque. (Probably not with a pair from Atticus though...they're way too good to destroy!)

Atticus Journal 8.18.09, Vol. 107

Atticus Journal: 6.11.09, Vol. 106

Atticus Journal: 4.16.09, Vol. 104