Back To School + HELLO, NEW FOLLOWERS!

Currently Listening to:
"With You" by Jessica Simpson

(Sunglasses from PacSun, vintage fur collar, vintage 60s blazer, Nollie top from PacSun, cutoff high-waist shorts from Heritage1981, convertible polka-dot clutch/purse from White House | Black Market,
wedge platform shoes from Nine West)

So I had to be up super early for a mandatory orientation for one of my classes and...I wasn't thrilled to say the least. Mainly because of my stomach, which is prone to flareups most in the mornings. Luckily, its an online class, so I won't have to be on-campus much. It didn't make sense (to me, anyway) for an online class to have an in-person orientation, ESPECIALLY on the weekend, but aaaanywaaay...

Unfortunately today was one of THE hottest days of the summer in Sacramento, so I had no choice but to opt for shorts, but couldn't resist wearing my fur or my blazer. I wore my favorite shorts from Heritage1981 that used to be a really great pair of flared jeans, but unfortunately were ruined; and I cut them up and converted them into shorts instead. I was so bummed, because they were literally THE perfect pair of bell-bottoms. Now I'm on a search this Fall for a new pair of flares/wide-legs to replace them. I hate shopping them vintage though, because I can never find any in my size. It seems like the only proper surviving bell-bottoms these days were worn by girls with 24" waists!

I was pretty simple, just tucking in a nice Nollie v-neck that I picked up when I used to work at PacSun. I think its safe to say that they make some of the most comfortable tees there are... I got a bit dressy by throwing on my blazer (a vintage piece that the costumer and home-ed teacher let me keep after our high school production of Pillow Talk a few years back) and some great wedge-style platforms from Nine West that I've had for what seems like forever. I don't know why I don't wear them anymore, because they are wonderfully comfortable as they are stylish. I also broke out my White House | Black Market clutch that's been in hibernation since I got my newer, faux-snake skin one a few months ago. I love the polka-dot ruffles and I love that it's convertible; it can be used as a clutch or a purse by tucking and un-tucking the chain shoulder strap.

Since it was for a business class, they asked us to dress for something of an ideal job we had in mind. Myself, wanting to work in some division of fashion, tried to keep it relaxed, but still stylish. I also couldn't resist the chance to sport another blazer, which as you all know; I'm completely crazy over at the moment. I've been window-shopping like crazy on Romwe (check out the Romwe Blog too!); they have an EXCELLENT selection of trendy suit and boyfriend-style blazers HERE. I pretty much want each and every one!

Also! I wanted to take this time to say hello to my newest followers: Stephanie Matti, a very talented up and coming photographer from the U.K. (I wish I lived closer so I could work with you, Stephanie!!!), equally talented aspiring photographer Emelia Taveras (your work is absolutely beautiful); fierce fashion-lover and blogger Joanna S. (one of my favorites!) from South Poland; and David-Martin of Sick By Trend, a blog that absolutely lives up to its name, with the dish on some seriously sick styles and tasty trends! Thanks so much for following, guys! I love what you do <3

So let me know what you guys thought of my Back to School Ensemble. Would you hire me? Haha! Also, as I'm finishing up the Summer Style Special (there's still a chance to submit your outfit/photos and blog link!), I'm preparing for a Back To School Special as well and would love to see you guys' in your back to school gear! If you'd like to see yourself on MTB, then send a full outfit shot and one detail (up-close) shot, as well as your name, age, and url to your blog link; to cocol@muffintopbaby.com and be a part of the fashion fun!

xoxo Coco

You Oughta Know #2: Andrea Kett, Artist

As we all know, inspiration for fashion can come in many different shapes and forms, and for me, personally, that can be no truer than it is with art. I gather a lot of inspiration, fashion-wise, from visual imagery like hand-drawings, cartoons, pictorials, classic renderings, etc... From royalty in 18th century paintings to Art Deco pinups of the 1930s, art provides many a muse for this muffin top! And thanks to one artist in particular, I find myself feeling ever the femme fatale of fashion!

(Right: "OOh Fancy" by Andrea Kett)

Meet Andrea Kett. Currently based in the UK, she is an Irish artist who specializes in "Superior Smut" that is sure to knock your seam-line stockings off! Her artwork is girl power epitomized, inspired by 18th century dauphins and 30s and 40s pinup girls, and is a whimsical mixture of vintage glamor and witty pop art that transports you back to a time when men were men and women were women; and all that separated them was a bullet bra and fishnets!

(Left: "Newly Webs" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Viva Las Vegas" by Andrea Kett)

("Johnny Cake & Pavlova" by Andrea Kett)

(Left: "Arctic Fox" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Portia Pine" by Andrea Kett)

(Left: "Jelly Skelly" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Agatha Crispie" by Andrea Kett)

Andrea has been creating her whimsical greeting cards, prints, and even paper dolls for a number of years, depicting all manner of fabulously outrageous characters such as pretty pinups, posh pirates, zombie burlesqueteers, mischevious mermaids and devilish brutes. Each one of her characters has its own signature personality, which makes her work all the more charming as she infuses classic metaphors and analogies in the most playful of ways, breathing new life into the buxom beauties throughout history.

(Left: "Jelly Curls" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Shrimp Cocktail" by Andrea Kett)

(Left: "Polly Grip the Sweet Tooth Fairy" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Scentaur" by Andrea Kett)

(Left: "Under-werewolf" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Tarzipan" by Andrea Kett)

(Left: "Seasons Bleatings" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Diamonds Are a Ghoul's Best Friend" by Andrea Kett)

Andrea's inspiration comes from many different sources: the 1920s-1950s, glam rock, the music of The Cramps and The Tigerlillies, vintage pinup girls, Burlesque, John Waters films, Kenny Everett, The Moomins, Cake Decorating books, horror films, fairy tales, afternoon tea, Fellini films, Jan Svankmajer, Beatrix Potter, P.G. Wodehouse, Mapp and Lucia, Seaside tat, Woody Allen, Naughty Victoriana, Agatha Christie and Lashings of Enid Blyon.

(Left: "Fish & Chips" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Dirty Beach" by Andrea Kett)

(Left: "A Jolly Good Roger" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Saucy By Sea" by Andrea Kett)

(Left: "Hot Hair Balloon" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Trifle Towers" by Andrea Kett)

(Left: "Romeo & Ghouliet" by Andrea Kett, Right: "Blue Rinse" by Andrea Kett)

Miss Kett studied animation at Dun Laoighaire College of Art & Design in Dublin before finishing her studies at Bristol University and since then she has designed for a number of amazing clients! Her commissioned credits include UK shoe retailer, Kurt Geiger, leading British accessories designer, Lulu Guinness, and exotique interior designer and boutique, Sera of London and there is no doubt in my mind that we'll be seeing much more from her in the future!

Andrea's confections are tasty to say the least, and they make me want to throw on some red lipstick and lounge around in nothing but a silk dressing robe as I daintily snack on tea and petit-fours on an early Summer afternoon! There is something distinctly delicious about each and every piece that Andrea dreams up and I can't wait to order some prints of my own to decorate my girlish art gallery (a.k.a. my bedroom wall) - I just wish I had the money enough to order them all! There's a good chance that one of these may end up tattooed on my person, eventually anyway, but only when I've overcome my fear of needles of course! (Which one of these delightful dishes is your favorite?)

To view more of Andrea's work, be sure to check out her Official Website. Her prints are available in several outlets throughout the UK, Ireland and the US, and online at her Etsy shop, which is currently closed, but never fear! It will re-open on January 26th, 2011! Until then, feel free to message her on Etsy (she will be checking her inbox regularly) or contact her through her website for custom commissions...

Hope you feel as inspired as I do!

xoxo coco


Editor's Note: Information and photos taken from Andrea Kett's Official Website and Etsy.
All photos are copyright Andrea Kett. I do not claim ownership. A BIG thanks to Andrea for her permission to use them!

Etsy Outfit #1: "Tweet Tweet"

I'm a big supporter for shopping vintage and indie fashion as some of you know, and one of my all-time favorite places to do my shopping isn't actually at the mall or even local to me here in Sacramento; no, when it comes down to it, I never find treasures better anywhere else than I do on Etsy. Words can't describe just how much I love the online buy and sell post. I spend countless late-night hours digging for the prettiest of vintage and homemade clothes and accessories, and needless to say my wishlist seems to be as never-ending as the story itself. (I just wish I had the wallet to back it up!)

I'm a firm believer that Etsy is possibly the most under-estimated place to buy vintage and indie fashion. Where other online boutiques may charge you double what they paid for, for a bell-sleeved mini at the thrift store or second-hand boutique they originally found it; you can usually find something just like it for cheaper on Etsy, which is always such a wonderful feeling when you do! Plus, it feels good to support small businesses in this otherwise crazy economy... So that being said, in honor of my undying love and devotion to Etsy, I've decided to start posting "Etsy Outfits" to share my favorite finds of the week, where to find them, and my personal take on how to wear them!

1. Powder Blue Floral Chiffon Butterfly Wing Mini (sz 0-10) from River of Romansk, $32.80

2. Vintage Reversible Winter White & Shell Pink Faux Fur Coat (sz M) from Sweet Moonlight Shop, $40.00

3. Whimsical Birdhead Ring from Sea of Bees, $12.50

4. "Follow Me" Twitter Thigh-high Tattoo Socks (sz L-XL) from post, $13.00

5. Vintage Teal Cutout Ankle-strap Platform Shoes (sz 6) from FASHIONRERUN, $24.00


This vintage and very girly look was inspired by the Whimsical Birdhead ring by Sea of Bees and I call it "Tweet Tweet". The "Follow Me" Twitter tights by post only seemed fitting for the outfit - post makes tons of brutally cool 'tattoo' tights and stockings. I was recently introduced to Sea of Bees jewelry by Coury of  FancyTreehouse (one of my favorite blogs), who was rocking the very same ring on her latest outfit post, and needless to say I swooned when I saw it! So, I checked out the rest of what Sea of Bees had to offer and let me tell you... Their jewelry is the bees knees. I'm in love with their "Woodland Fantasy Collection" (especially the Whimsical Deerhead ring) and can't wait to make some of their pieces my own!

Now, another neat treasure I came across several months ago is River of Romansk, a shop that specializes in one-of-a-kind tops and dresses, but the real kicker is that all of their pieces are ONE-SIZE FITS ALL. With smocked designs, sizes vary from 0-8, 0-10 and 0-14 (and even some 0-16), making River of Romansk a near godsend to us life-size and plus-size girls who want to look feminine and stylish for a decent price. So if you love lace, chiffon, pastels and pretty floral prints, and if you call Marie Antoinette one of your fashion icons - (cough) I do! - then you're sure to love River Romansk! Be sure to check them out!

So what do all of you think of my "inspired" outfit? Yay, nay? Let me know your thoughts! :}

xoxo coco