The Hunger Games Character Inspiration: Effie Trinket

It's March and you know what that means!  First, it means PDR will be turning two! Can we get to 100 followers by our birthday next week?  We'll need your help on that one so please follow us and tell your friends.  

Second, and more importantly...

  It's Hunger Games month!  

We love this series and are super excited to see it come to the big screen.  With just about 3 weeks until the movie, we figured we'd give you a little inspiration for channeling everyone's favorite Capitol fashionista, Effie Trinket.  How can you dress like the proper and always ladylike Effie?  Go for matching colors literally from head to toe, hair included. Wear the puffiest sleeves possible, slip on a pair of metallic peep toe booties (she loves her McQueen inspired ones) with the highest heels, and find the biggest, most obnoxious, flower fascinator you can find.

1. Modcloth | 2. The Mad Cherry | 3. Bella Sugar | 4. My Wedding | 5. The Shoes Outlet | 6. Brides

May the odds be ever in your favor.

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Glee Character Inspiration: Emma Pillsbury

Stylish Emma Pillsbury, McKinley High's germaphobic guidance counselor, rounds out our Glee character inspiration series.  Easily the most polished dresser, she flawlessly coordinates colors, patterns, and styles that keep her looking fresh, bright, and cheerful.  A perfect blend of modern and vintage, Miss Pillsbury has a style perfectly suited to mimic her upbeat and quirky personality. 

Miss P may be afraid of germs, but she is certainly not afraid of color and prints.  Emma would shine in this teal and chartreuse Anthropologie frock with its fun polka dot print, pleats, and button details.  Pair it with your chartreuse cardigan for a totally coordinated look.

We are pretty sure Emma has every color cardigan imaginable but the allure of her style isn't just color, it's also the details!  What we love most about her tops is the fact that many of them have special embellishments on them that add a bit of vintage charm or romantic flair.  The above cardigan, with it's big romantic bow, would be welcome additions to what we imagine to be Emma's obsessive compulsive-ly organized closet.

A crisp white pussy bow front top is quite possibly the most important piece of clothing that you will need to add to your wardrobe if you want to dress like Miss Pillsbury.  Emma is seen over and over in tops like this (in all different colors and prints) that button all the way up and tie into a feminine bow.  This top is the perfect basic to go with your pencil skirt and matching cardigan!

What better to pair with your boy tie blouse than this sweet pencil skirt?  Not only is the color bright and bold but those bows are just too adorable!

   Emma has a wonderful, vintage style full of bright colors and bold prints. This sky blue and red cardigan is straight out of the 70s, and would look great with Emma's fiery red hair. As she's all about color coordinating, we can see her pairing this with a red pencil skirt and some sky blue jewelry.

Emma would also match her shoes to her colorful sweaters!  We particularly think she would love these red patent leather mary jane style pumps to with the above cardigan and some vintage blue baubles.  They are feminine and dainty and feature an adorable vintage inspired button detail on the side - simply charming!

 Emma looks delicious in peach, which is why she often wears it. This slim fit, trim cardigan from Forever 21 is straight out of Emma's closet, and would look great with a collared blouse peaking out underneath. We also recommend wearing this with a red or coral lip color... no dark purple (sorry random Forever 21 model!)

 Emma looks lovely head from toe, literally. She has flawless taste in footwear, and coordinates her outfit perfectly. This two-toned, low heel by Franco Sarto is perfectly Pillsbury, with the vintage style and dainty bow. She'll be stomping over Mr. Schue's heart with great style.





"A nooner is when you sneak out for desert in the middle of the day... right?" Oh, Emma!



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Glee Character Inspiration: Rachel Berry

With a style self described as "sexy school girl librarian chic", Rachel Berry surely has a look that is all her own.  Always trying her hardest to be stylish and well liked, Rachel never fails to look sweet and adorable. While she may not be a trendsetter at McKinley some of her style choices might look ok on their own, but there is just something about her ensembles that are slightly off.  If you want to dress like Rachel you'll need to pair your cute dresses with thick tights, wear plaid and knee socks, and then of course there are all the childish prints featuring hearts or animals.  Here are some ideas for channeling your inner diva.

 Every sexy school girl needs an equally sexy pleated skirt. We've had our eyes on this pleated skirt from American Appeal for a few years now, and although it's a bit pricey, it's definitely worth the investment.

Pair your pleated skirt with an equally as sweet top like this one that features some of Rachel's favorites like lace, puffy sleeves, and adorable little bows!  

We love Rachel Berry, but at times she looks like a very cute pilgrim. Keeping with her modest look, this crochet collar dress from Top Shop is right up Rachel's alley. The high neck and loose fit keeps it modest, but it's a bit on the short side, to show off Rachel's stems. We can see Rachel rocking this with a pair of bright red knee socks as she sings "Memories" while staring at a picture of Finn.

It may come as a surprise to you all, but many of Rachel's dresses come from Forever 21! This pink dress prefect for Rachel and would be easily Rachel-ized with a pair of opague white tights, a modest cardigan, and some Mary Janes.

You obviously can't get that Rachel Berry look without being able to rock a childish animal print shirt.  This shirt, covered with tiny black poodles, would be great paired with one of her many skirts, black cardigan, and red tights!

Dainty and pretty with a childish flair, these fancy little flats are meant for the spotlight.  Slip on a pair of these and we're sure they'll keep you dancing all the way 'til regionals.

Show your star power by wearing a star necklace, just like the one Finn gave Rachel. It's just a little bling for the tiniest of divas.



Defy Gravity.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Mad Men Character Inspiration Part 3: Joan Holloway (Harris)

Sexy, confident, and always sassy, office manager Joan Holloway (Harris) never fails to steal the show. Taking her style cues from her idol Marilyn Monroe, Joan shows off her curves proudly. Her striking red hair, delicate features, volumptuous shape and love for bold, rich colors prove Joan is a force to be reckoned with.

A fun loving girl who's also responsible (sometimes) needs a wardrobe that is sexy while still being completely office appropriate.  This dress, from  ModCloth, has all the features that remind us of Joan - buttons, bold red color, form fitting shape, cap sleeves, and a waist cinching belt!

A typical day at the office calls for a not so typical dress, like this one from Nordstrom.  This 3/4 sleeve dress features a bold blue color, fun retro looking collar, and thick black belt to help those of you who don't have Joanie's perfect hour glass shape.

A vision in emerald, Joan makes the other women in the office green with envy. Luckily, Joan always knows just what to say to keep everyone calm and productive.

Joan Holloway is a whole lotta woman and for fancier occassions she needs a dress that can do her justice.  Be a stunning lady in red and show off your figure in this this sexy dress from Macys.

But, Joan doesn't wear dresses all the time!  Sometimes there is a skirt and sweater combo mixed in there.  We love this dark green sweater and it's old fashion button details and think it would look perfectly Joan-y with a tweed pencil skirt and pointy toe heels!

Pencil skirts are a very well known staple of the Joan Holloway wardrobe.  We love them in all colors and styles and think they make every woman look sexy and shapely, enhancing (or creating!) curves.

Joan doesn't mess around with sky high heels.  Walking around the city and office all day means you'll need heels that are low and comfy, but still super sexy and pointy!  Pointy toe kitten heels or ones that are slightly higher, like these Nine West heels, would be just right. Here are some in plain black, but you could also find colors that coordinate with your outfits which we have also seen Joan do on occasion.

What would Joan be without her signature necklace?  This necklace, available at Amazon, is similar to Joan's vintage pen necklace. Jen has one of these and has gotten many compliments on it, plus, it really writes so you don't ever have to worry about not having a pen handy!

And, of course, you'll often see Joan wearing a gold brooch along with the necklace above.  Etsy has a variety of vintage style gold brooches, like this round floral shaped one by Archives Chicago.



Likes to laugh, lives to love.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Mad Men Character Inspiration Part 2: Betty Draper

Today we are excited to feature our second Mad Monday. We love vintage looks and, when it comes to feminine style , there is none more charming than model turned housewife, Betty Draper.  Betty is the epitome of how the modern 1950's wife and mother should look. Her style is a little bit of a mixed bag and goes from pretty and youthful (a la Grace Kelly) to respectable and sophisticated (think Jackie O) little by little.  But, regardless of her choices, she never fails to look fashionable and picture perfect with not a single hair out of place.

One of Birdie's favorite styles to wear is the sleeveless, button down dress.  Throughout the show you'll see her in a variety of these dresses, usually as her everyday kind of wear, and typically paired with a skinny belt.  We can certainly see her wearing something like this around the house, grocery shopping, or at one of her Junior League meetings.

Entertaining guests or just looking to impress?  Be the perfect hostess in a simple but stunning dress like this with it's modern colors and pattern and classic silhouette. Betty usually doesn't choose colors like these but she will for a festive occasion or for when she is looking to get a little attention.

Sure, there is another side of Betty (the pants wearing side) but that is one that we rarely see.  When you do you can bet they'll be some pretty unique and fashion forward pants like these plaid ones!

Charming business men isn't easy!  To wine and dine her hubby's coworkers at formal dinners and weddings, we think Betty would have loved this dress from Macy's.  This dress is modest and appropriate for an upper class woman of her time with it's full skirt and lovely pale pink color.

Being wealthy isn't easy and your bound to have more than a few social events to attend to. If your planning to attend a more modern and fun cocktail party, you could opt for this adorable little number.  All eyes will be on you in this gorgeous dress with feminine colors, a bit of sparkle, and Betty's signature full skirt that creates the perfect hourglass.  Don't forget your white gloves!

In later seasons you're more likely to see Betty is something like this.  As her life changes (no spoilers!) she starts dressing a bit more conservative and respectable, showing that she is growing up and changing. While dressing more mature, she is still as classy and beautiful as ever.

When Betty needs some time to herself she hits the stables for some riding and is, of course, dressed appropriately. This would be the perfect chic and modern equestrian outfit, complete with boots,  riding pants, and a conservative sweater and turtleneck all in neutral classy colors.

Now, let's not forget accessories.  Betty's accessories are classic and feminine and very simple.  Need to add a pop of color to an outfit or make yourself look more respectable and presentable?  Just add a chic silk scarf and you're ready to go!

And, of course, Betty is never without the blue blood staple, pearls!  She is often seen wearing big, oversized pearl stud earrings or a delicate necklace.  Slip on a pair of these and your double strand pearl necklace and you'll feel instantly glamorous. 

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Mad Men Character Inspiration Part 1: Peggy Olson

It's been a while since we've done a character inspiration for you all to enjoy and as Jen recently has become obsessed with Mad Men we've decided to feature some 1960's fashion.  The 1960's have never been so sexy and Mad Men's three main female characters all have such unique style that we figured it best to do them as three seperate posts.  So, for your viewing pleasure, the next few Mondays will be Mad Mondays here at PDR.

Don't let looks fool you, Peggy Olson is not quite as old fashioned as she seems.  Although she might look innocent and proper, she is quite the independent women and is not afraid to go after what she wants.  Peggy's style is very modest, a little bit kiddish, and definitely the most interesting in terms of silhouettes, patterns, and colors.  While the other leading ladies tend to be a bit more feminine and provocative, Peggy is modest and her work attire says she is polished, professional, and ready to take on anyone who stands in her way.

This conservative top, from Top Shop, is modest, yet the bold color (one Peggy seems to really like) is striking and perfect for any ladder climbing lady.  

That glass ceiling won't stop you in this fitted pencil skirt from ZARA. This is a skirt that says sexy, but professional, and is one you might see on Peggy in the later seasons as she starts to become more powerful and assertive.

For something a little more girlish and flirty, try this skirt from Urban Outfitters.  The pleating makes this knee length skirt look young and adorable. We also love how this skirt looks with those shoes - a very vintage combination!

Peggy usually is a little more covered up than the other girls, so, this dress, from ModCloth, would surely be a hit with its higher neckline and old fashioned pattern and buttons. 

Miss Olson also can been seen in unflattering browns and shades of yellow.  We wouldn't dare put some of those things on here, but this dress, by Mango, does browns in a way that we, and Peggy, would approve of. 

Being an "Ad Girl" isn't easy, but you can at least make it easy on your feet.  Hopping trains from Brooklyn to Madison avenue requires a sensible heel.  These heels from DSW are perfectly retro with their tassel and hounds tooth print. 

And, finally, a Peggy staple -- the tie neck top.  This conservative top is still very feminine and playful, something Peggy would be sure to have in her wardrobe, maybe even in multiple colors and patterns.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Perfectly Potter

At the risk of exposing ourselves as the total nerds that we are, we've decided to dedicate a post to the wonderful world of Harry Potter.  As people across the globe prepare for Part 1 of The Deathly Hallows movie (This FRIDAY!) we have decided to prepare in our own way and put together some Potter inspired things for your viewing pleasure. There are many ways to show your Harry Potter pride and we've found a few items that we think really embody the magical world that we are so very fond of.

We know it can get chilly at those Quidditch games, so don't leave home without your Rugby style scarf.  Of course this is not the official Harry Potter scarf, but this scarf makes it easy to add a little Hogwarts to your life.

Ready for a little light reading? Hermione would be pleased to wear a necklace full of her favorite things, books!

And, speaking of books, you half-blood princesses had better be ready to jot down those potions notes.  And,what better place to write them than in some lovely and durable notebooks.   Wouldn't want anything going wrong with your poly juice potion now would we!?

Did nargles eat away at your robe again? Stay warm, even in the face of a dementor, in a school spirited, Gryffindor colored, cardigan by BDG.

 Not everyone belongs in Gryffindor. If you're a Slytherin type of gal, wear your house pride with this brass snake bracelet. Who said being bad didn't mean looking good?

Messenger owls aren't so necessary when you have text messaging, but they're just so cute! Bundle up with your own little Hedwig in the cute owl beanie.

So you don't have a lightning bolt on your  forehead, big deal! Wear this sweet necklace from Gypsy Warrior, and you'll be known as The Girl Who Lived Stylishly.



Mischief Managed.



XOXO

Jen & Saira