Styling School Uniforms

Clockwise from top left: Orchid Grey  •  Need source  •  Urban Outfitters  •  To Be Adored  •  Need source  •  Refinery 29

A few weeks ago a blog reader contacted me with styling question regarding school uniforms. She's starting at a new school this year and wanted my advice on how to look cute despite being tied down to the same oxford blouses, polos, slacks, and kilts all year long. I thought it was a fun challenge and decided to turn it into a Sync article (pg 12-13). I went around town borrowing pieces from local shops and put together a fun back to school look, which my little sister ended up modeling.

But before I knew it would be a Sync article, I put together these collages for the blog. I found so many great ways to dress up a classic button up, be it with a lace collar, a brooch, an oversized bow, or even a pocket full of posies. I also styled a couple of looks with pieces from some of my favorite online shops.

I never had to wear uniforms when I was in school, but I think it would be fun. Everyday you start with the same simple canvas and get to build it into something exciting. I'm sure it does get old after a while, but take it from Sheena of The Uniform Project, it's definitely possible––just watch this if you need inspiration!

I always enjoy doing this sort of thing, so if you're ever feeling fashionably stumped, feel free to shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do to help––starrcrow@live.com. Until then, happy styling to you!

Because I put this article together two weeks ago and didn't compile a list of links at the time, I need a little help with sourcing! If you know the owner of the unsourced photos, please let me know who they belong to so I can issue proper credit.

Topshop Cardigan  •  French Toast Blouse  •  American Apparel Pants  •  Urban Outfitters Bag  •  Etsy Horse Brooch

French Toast Blouse  •  Old Navy Pants  •  Forage Bow Tie  •  Urban Outfitters Oxfords

ETSY OPENING! Week1: Nautical

Pheeew! As I wipe beads of sweat off my forehead and pat myself on the back for finally pulling this Etsy opening together I'm also discovering a new found respect for all you girls who sell vintage on the regular. I've done large updates before, but I had completely forgotten how much work it is getting everything in it's right place.

I'm gonna go ahead and apologize for the extremely orange photos because that was definitely not they way I intended them to be. We tried to go to a sandy beach to really grasp the nautical theme, but the wind was ferocious and the girls were freezing their little tooshes off. I couldn't bare to keep them out in the cold like that so we came back to my house and rearranged my entire living room to get a clear brick wall. It was the first time using my studio lights, and it's obvious I had no idea what I'm doing with them. We'll just consider this round practice!

My new shop name is called Action Is The Fruit which is actually a continuation of my blog name that I took from an Emerson quote. It goes like this:
“Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it”

I liked this name because a blog is kind of where your thoughts originate (the blossom) which eventually leads to the connection with you guys (the language) and then to the selling of clothes (the action and the fruit). I know that's really silly and sort of confusing, but I thought long and hard to make sure I got the right name from the beginning!

Unfortunately a lot of the skirts and accessories are not for sale (some are though), I just had to use them for the styling. Hopefully I'll be able to round up a lot more skirts next time, but for the most part I've got blazers, blouses, shoes, overalls and swimwear this time. I won't be able to go full force with the shop until school is over next month, but after that I'll be a selling machine.

For vintage I'm selling here.
For modern I'm selling here.

ENJOY!