Flora and Fauna...

...but mostly Fauna.

Today's post is dedicated to one of my absolute favorite villagers in the Animal Crossing series! With a "normal" personality, Fauna is kind and easy to befriend, and I love her style. I was looking forward to playing around with items that I think reflect her kind spirit and warm style.

• Shirt (Flower and Alice): This deer shirt is feminine and casual, and it seemed like a great place to start for this outfit. 
• Pants (J Brand): I liked these light wash jeans because they also keep the vibe of the outfit casual and cute.
• Coat (Country Attire): Fauna wears a shearling coat, but I instead chose to use a navy duffle coat with similar closures on the front. It's really just for aesthetic reasons, but I loved the way this navy coat looked with the yellow accessories I'll be mentioning soon.
• Shoes (Firth): Tan suede booties seemed appropriate for this outfit as well. They are warm and make me think of autumn, and I wanted to make sure to choose at least one item that'd be brown or tan in order to give a nod to the color of Fauna's fur.
• Belt (Sunway Wholesale): I liked the idea of yellow accessories because Fauna's hands and feet (or hooves?) are yellow too. It's this fun pop of color that I wanted to make sure the outfit had too.
• Purse (Loewe Lapin): Again I chose yellow for this purse in order to reference the yellow on Fauna's hooves
• Wallet (Kate Spade): This polka dot wallet fits in with Fauna's look because in her house in New Leaf, the carpet in her home starts out as a pastel dot rug.
• Headband (eBay): The floral headband was again an easy choice because it was cute and yellow, and also just because I feel it fits well with the hipster-y autumn vibe of the rest of the outfit.
• Earrings (MYJS Jewellery): Pink earrings match with the pink in Fauna's ears.
• Ring (Blue Lion Jewels): I really just love this doe ring so I couldn't skip out on the opportunity to use it here!
• Hair (Shutterstock): Finally, I think a high bun fits with the overall look too. It keeps with the autumn/cool weather vibe, it will look cute with the floral headband, and it allows the pink earrings to be easily visible.

Thanks so much for reading!

Talk to you all soon!

pthhhpth

Yay, we did it! We finally made it to the first regular villager from the Animal Crossing series! I have enjoyed making outfits based on NPCs so far, but I'm excited to get into villagers now because it's going to be a different kind of challenge.

 

First up is Bob, who is a fan-favorite for a lot of players out there. And I mean, what's not to like? He's a purple cat wearing a pink flower shirt, and his personality type is "lazy," which means he is laid back, easy to get along with, and loves food and relaxing.

 

So here's the outfit I put together based on Bob

 

 

• Romper (Glamzelle): A romper seemed like a great place to start for this outfit because it is both comfy and cute. Because of Bob's lazy personality, it was important for me to choose things that could be easy to be lazy in! I selected a pink romper with a white floral pattern to reference Bob's blossom tee.
• Shoes (Nell): Purple was an obvious choice for some of the accessories in this look because Bob is a purple cat. I wanted to use flat sandals for this outfit with the comfort of the wearer in mind.
• Earrings (Etsy - BecauseofAnnie): These pink rose earrings are again referencing the flowers on Bob's shirt.
• Ring (Tiffany & Co): A purple statement ring was another way for me to bring in the purple color of Bob's fur.
• Bracelet (Etsy - ModernFlowerChild): I chose this bracelet for two reasons -- again to keep with the flower motifs I have mentioned above, and also to bring a pop of yellow to the whole outfit to reference Bob's yellowish eyes.
• Bag (Etsy - unicraftbag): The purple for this bag is bright and fun, and a messenger bag seems appropriate for someone who is as easygoing as Bob.
• Pins (Sparkle Collective): These enamel pins are SO cute, so I couldn't pick just one or two. They are all cat pins to keep the connection to Bob clear, and they will look super adorable on the purple messenger bag!
• Book (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle): According to his bio, Bob's goal is to someday be a detective. I figured The Complete Sherlock Holmes would be something that he'd keep nearby.
• Yo-Yo (aliexpress): Finally, and also mentioned in his bio, Bob is skilled at yo-yoing! I think a yellow and pink flower yo-yo would be another nice thing to keep in that messenger bag too.

 

Thanks so much for reading!

 

Talk to you all soon!

 

I Prefer the Term "Storage Impaired" - Lottie

Lottie is the third and final otter character in the Animal Crossing series (as of now, anyway). She was introduced in Happy Home Designer and then brought into New Leaf in the Welcome Amiibo update. Her expertise is in the design and decoration of homes.

She is Lyle's niece and also works for the Happy Home Academy. For that reason, her outfit is the same uniform we see Digby and Lyle wear in the game. Lottie is cute and has a youthful spirit, so I wanted the outfit inspired by her to reflect that.

• Shirt (Warehouse): Instead of a white shirts with a yellow bow, I chose a yellow shirt with a peter pan collar. To be honest, it's mostly just because I love this top. ;)
• Skirt (Preen Line): This blue skirt has more volume than the office skirt that Lottie wears, but I think it fits this outfit better and keeps the overall look young and fun.
• Coat (Pixie Cove): A double breasted wool is a nice switch from the blazer that Lottie has. In Happy Home Designer, the player scouts out locations where they'd like to build houses. I like to imagine that this has been Lottie's job before too, so a warm coat to protect from the cold and wind (while still looking cute!) would be ideal.
• Shoes (Chloe): Oxfords keep the vibe of this outfit professional, but the chunky heel on these keeps the look cool and young. 
• Purse (Michael Kors): A yellow purse gives a nod back to the yellow bow tie that Lottie wears.
• Wallet (Michael Kors): I knew I needed at least one accessory to have blue and white polka dots like Lottie's bow, and this wallet is perfect!
• Earrings (Overstock): Pink earrings make reference to the fact that Lottie is a pink otter.
• Necklace (Desires by Mikolay): I wanted to find a turquoise blue necklace to match Lottie's bow and shoes. 
• Rings (Top: Etsy - artemer / Bottom: Antique Jewellery Company): I chose these turquoise and gold rings for the same reason as the necklace listed above. 
• Eyelashes (Velour Lashes): On the days Lottie chooses to wear makeup, she has thick eyelashes that really stand out, so I picked some full false lashes to go with this outfit too.
• Hair (unknown): Unfortunately, I was unable to find the original source for this image, but if anyone knows, please reach out to me so I can give credit. A high bun was essential for this outfit to be modeled after Lottie! I liked this image because the hairstyle is full and sleek. 

Thanks so much for reading!

Talk to you all soon!

"Your new name is Buster"

"Chops Buster. Ms. Chops Buster." - Lyle

Lyle is the second otter character I've referenced for these outfit inspirations. He is in charge of the Happy Home Academy, which has the primary job of rating the player's home based on the decor or theme of each room. Every morning the HHA "crew" will evaluate and tabulate the player's score, which they can try to improve by changing out furniture, completing sets, or following feng shui guidelines. Oh, and Lyle also says "Bang" a lot.

Photo credit: Jennifer from sosotris.com

I wanted an outfit inspired by Lyle to be the most professional-looking out of the Happy Home Academy employees. Since he is in charge of the HHA, I wanted this outfit to be ready for business and fit for the office.

• Shirt (Hotouch): I chose to start things off simple with a white button-down shirt.
• Sweater (Maison Margiela): I decided to use a cardigan in this outfit instead of a heavier blazer like the one Lyle wears in order to keep the outfit softer. Plus, I don't think I could pull off a red blazer in the without it making me look like Ronald McDonald's wife (especially paired with the yellow bow I'll be mentioning soon), so my reasons for picking a cardigan are somewhat selfish as well. 
• Pants (Winser London): I liked these pants because I think they keep the outfit from getting too stuffy. Even though this is an office look, I still wanted it to feel kind of fun, and I think that trousers with a wide leg accomplishes that.
• Socks (Hue): Some argyle socks are a cute pairing with this outfit just because it keeps with the idea that this is a "business" look from head to toe, but it still isn't too serious. 
• Shoes (Sebago): I wanted to use boat shoes in this outfit instead of oxfords or a high heel because I think it fits more with Lyle's personality - simple but effective.
• Glasses (Eyebuydirect): These glasses are pretty big, but not quite as large or squared off as Lyle's. 
• Bow (eBay): I really liked the idea of using a bow tie instead of a standard necktie in this outfit. It's another thing that keeps the overall look lighthearted. Even if it makes me sound dorky, I love Japanese school uniform bows. They are definitely more suited for actual students than for cases like this, but I wanted to give it a shot here anyway!
• Watch (Fitbit): A smart watch paired with an iPad makes a lot of sense for a guy like Lyle. He needs to keep track of his appointments and all the scores the HHA has compiled for him. A smart watch means that it'd be easier to keep tabs on things even if the wearer is away for their tablet. 
• Earrings (Bling Jewelry): These simple stud earrings are meant to mimic the buttons on Lyle's jacket.
• Bag (Rapport London): A briefcase or messenger bag could work with this outfit, but it needs to stay on the professional side. This bag looks sleek, professional, and expensive, and I think fits Lyle's personality well. 
• Tablet (Apple): As I mentioned with the smart watch, this iPad is going to be useful in keeping track of any kind of HHA or other business data that the wearer could possibly need!

Bang.


Talk to you all soon!

"Hey There, Whippersnappers!" - Tortimer

After retiring from his mayoral position, Tortimer is finally getting some much-needed rest. He spends his days relaxing on Tortimer island, but he still makes room for fun too -- in the form of hosting competitions for the players to enjoy.


So for this outfit, I wanted to focus on things that would be comfortable to wear outdoors in the summer.

Bicycle (Huffy): Maybe it seems strange, but I decided to include a bike in this look. A beach cruiser would be nice for getting around on some parts of the island, and it is my replacement for Tortimer's cane that he uses to get around with.
Shirt (Bernard Lafond): This is a more feminine take on Tortimer's Hawaiian-style shirt.
Shorts (New Look): These Bermuda shorts will be comfortable to wear outside, especially while riding a bike.
Sandals (Billabong): I made sure that the sandals I included wouldn't fall off or be uncomfortable while bike-riding as well.
Hat (Prada): This straw boater is identical to the one Tortimer wears, and I think it looks really cute with this outfit as a whole!
Glasses: These round glasses are also the same style as Tortimer's.
Earrings (Two in the Sun): Shell earrings can draw attention to the tropical island where Tortimer spends his time. Along the beaches, the player can find and pick up shells, including cowrie shells like the ones used for these earrings.
Watch/Necklace (British Museum Shop): Because Tortimer is the guide who times all the competitions on the island, I liked the idea of there being a pocket watch-style necklace as an accessory.
Bag (PB Teen): I think a backpack is more practical than a shoulder bag or handbag for the outfit, and the nautical stripes also keep with the beach theme.


Thanks so much for reading!


Talk to you all soon!

"One...Sheep...Two...Sheep...Three..."

"Welcome to the world of dreams..." - Luna

Luna is a tapir who runs the Dream Suite, a place where players can visit Dream Addresses of other players around the world. I'll admit that I didn't utilize this feature in New Leaf as much as I could have. I have visited a few Dream Towns and it was pretty fun, but I guess I have always been too self-conscious of my own town to share it with others.

Luna's character being a tapir is notable because in Japanese (and Chinese) folklore, tapirs are known to eat people's dreams. In Japan, this creature is called a baku. If a person wakes up from a nightmare, they can call out to the baku and ask that it eat their bad dream, allowing them to go back to sleep peacefully. However, a person should also use caution when calling upon the baku, because the legends state that if the baku finishes eating a nightmare and is still hungry, it will then eat the person's hopes and desires too.

However, I know that Luna has no malicious intentions in Animal Crossing. I did find it very interesting and fitting to use a tapir as the animal to represent the Dream Suite though.

Anyway, I wanted an outfit inspired by Luna to be light, effortless, and well...dreamy.

• Dress (Lulus): I liked this dress first because it is white like Luna's own dress, but I especially liked it for this outfit because it is light and flowy. I also think the sheer long sleeves with shoulder cutouts make it feel even dreamier. 
• Shoes (Steve Madden): I chose this pale pink color because it matches well to Luna's eyeshadow and dress details. I liked these shoes specifically for this outfit because the stitched detailing reminds me of a quilted blanket to snuggle up under and go to sleep.
• Purse (Kate Spade): The light blue color for this purse was meant to match the color of the dots on Luna's cheeks (would you call them freckles?). 
• Sunglasses (Meller): Sunglasses fit with this outfit because it brings attention to covering the wearer's eyes, like a sleep mask would do. And I chose light blue lenses here again to match the dots on Luna's cheeks. 
• Earrings (L: Michael Kors / R: Bloomingdale's): The rose quartz earrings match the light pink color of Luna's eyeshadow and dress detail, and the crescent moon earrings simply point to nighttime and going to sleep.
• Hair (unknown): I couldn't find the source for this image, so if someone knows where it is from, please let me know so I can credit it. Luna wears her hair in a high bun, so I knew I'd want a high bun for this outfit too. I wanted a slightly messier bun here though, like the wearer had bedhead. 
• Headband (Artbox Jewel): This turquoise beaded headband takes the place of Luna's white and blue floral one.
• Necklace (Lance James): A dreamcatcher necklace is also appropriate for this look for obvious reasons.
• Bracelets (L: Michael Kors / R: Kohls): These were mostly just final accessories that I liked with the outfit, and they are also in the same rose quartz color as the earrings and shoes. 
• Ring (Michael Kors): Haha, no real reason for this ring. I just liked how it looked with the full outfit.

"Oh my...Are you ready to wake up?"

Talk to you all soon!

"I am Called Saharah,"

"for that is my name. I come from faraway land." - Saharah


Just as she says, Saharah comes from a faraway land, and she makes her living by selling exotic wallpapers and carpets. Here's a fun fact: In the Japanese games, Saharah is actually male. In all the Western versions she is described as female though. Maybe it's because of the eyelashes? But Saharah isn't the only character whose gender got flipped from one version to the other. Gracie the giraffe is actually male in the Japanese games too.

I was looking forward to putting this outfit together because it was an excuse for me to have fun putting lots of colors and patterns together. Since Saharah gives the player a variety of wallpapers and carpets with all kinds of designs and themes, I was excited to try something similar here too.

• Shirt (Inspyre Boutique): I chose to start this outfit with a light blue flowy top. It matches the color of the one piece of clothing Saharah wears, her vest. But more than that, it is a fairly basic top, and that allows all the bold colors and patterns coming up not seem too crazy.
• Bralette (Zimmermann Jasper): I thought this bralette added another interesting color to the look, and because it features a lace pattern, it will look cool next to the plain blue shirt.
• Pants (Style & Co): These bold patterned pants are comfortable and light. They are flowy and can be worn even in hot weather (like the faraway lands Saharah comes from).
• Shoes (Azbro): I loved the beaded ankle strap for these wedges. It stands out but matches surprisingly well with the scarf I will mention next.
• Scarf (Amara): The addition of a silk scarf after the cotton shirt, lacey bralette, and beaded shoes adds another texture and pattern to the overall look. 
• Ear Cuffs (BenittaMoko): I wanted to include some earrings with this look as well, and these ear cuffs are interesting and delicate at the same time.
• Earrings (Egan Rittenhouse): Peacock feather-inspired earrings made me think of how these types of feathers are referenced a great deal in art and decorating -- and that's just the kind of thing Saharah could appreciate.
• Head Chain (Knighthood): I also thought some more gold jewelry would look nice with this outfit, but there's not much room left for a necklace! Instead, a turquoise and gold head chain is cool and a little exotic.
• Backpack (Cooleather): An outfit inspired by Saharah wouldn't be complete without a backpack, because that is how she carries all her wallpapers and carpets! A canvas and leather bag brings another different material to go along with the many others in this look.
• Henna (unknown): I am unsure of the source for this image. I found it from favim.com user loren@, so I'm not sure if she is the original source or not. If anyone knows, please let me know and I will give credit where it is due. White henna is something else that makes this look feel exotic and interesting, and I think it's very beautiful. 

"It is done! Done like the past! Tomorrow is here!"


Talk to you all soon!

"Oh boy! Cousin!"

"When was the last time you were here? Well, I'm rather pleased to see ya back again!" - Redd

I know I said that otters were one of my favorite animals just a couple posts ago, but foxes are probably my FAVORITE animal. So Redd, even being a shady art dealer, has a place deep in my heart.

I'll try and keep the history lesson short here, but I think it's important to point out that the Japanese name for a fox is kitsune. Kitsune are mentioned in a lot of Japanese stories as mythical creatures that have the ability to shapeshift, and they often use their intelligence and cunning to trick others. For this reason, Redd's character being a kitsune makes a lot of sense. He is flattering yet sneaky, and enjoys tricking people out of their money.

I don't know about other people, but I enjoy going to Redd's Gallery in New Leaf when it is open. I like that the developers wanted players to pay close attention to some famous pieces of artwork, and thus learn a little more about those paintings and sculptures in the process.

So for this outfit, I wanted to focus on Redd's personality and how he doesn't care if a product is real or fake.

• Dress (Taiycyxgan): A dress featuring the image of a famous painting (Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh) seemed like an easy place to start for this outfit. Even if Redd is willing to sell paintings that aren't authentic, he must have some appreciation for the arts.
• Shoes (Christian Louboutin): I liked the idea of using some well-known designer brands in this look. A pair of Louboutins are recognizable and make a statement, but for someone with a personality like Redd's, these could very well be knock-offs.
• Purse (Hermes): Like the shoes, I used a luxe bag with the idea that this may be a real Hermes purse, but it could also be a fake.  
• Wallet (AliExpress): The fox detailing on this wallet was too cute to pass up! But this is also one of the few outfits where you'll see me list AliExpress as a resource. It's commonly accepted knowledge that websites like these send out misleading and poor quality products (I won't get into the ethics of what they do here, it's just not the place), but it interested me to think that the person who wore this outfit might shrug that off in exchange for a tiny price tag. 
• Phone Case (Foxercases): As with the dress, I liked the idea of using another famous piece of artwork within the outfit itself. This phone case features The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. 
• Ring (Amazon): This gold ring looks like a gingko leaf, which is the same type of leaf Redd has on his apron. 
• Earrings (AliExpress): These earrings are also from AliExpress for the same reasons as the wallet mentioned above. But I also liked these earrings because of their starburst design. During the Fireworks Festival in summer, Redd runs a cookie stand, so I wanted to reference the summer fireworks in this outfit too.
• Necklace (Freida Rothman): The necklace has a different starburst design, also in reference to the Fireworks Festival. 

Thanks again so much for reading.

Talk to you all soon!

"Hi There, Sugar!"

"If you want a makeover, sit down in that chair in front of my machine." - Harriet


When building my towns in New Leaf, I try to make sure Shampoodle gets up and running as soon as possible. The salon is run by Harriet, a pink poodle. She gives the player new hairstyles, makeovers, or color contacts. Even though I've tried all kinds of hairstyles and colors in my hours playing the game, the one I always seem to default to is this:

Ooh la la!

So without further ado, today's outfit is inspired by Harriet, the poodle who loves to make my characters look their best.

• Shirt (Valentino): I have to say, this is one of my favorite outfits I've put together. Everything about it is so feminine and cute. Although I can't say that it'd be practical for someone while working at a salon, I could definitely imagine someone like Harriet wearing this outside of work while going on a date or to a party. I'm starting off with a soft pink blouse, about the same color as Harriet.
• Skirt (ChicWish): Harriet wears a purple dress while working at Shampoodle, and this purple lace skirt looks lovely against the colors of the blouse and accessories.
• Shoes (Jimmy Choo): Already obsessed with hairstyles and makeovers, I'm sure someone like Harriet loves other aspects of fashion and beauty too! These Jimmy Choo heels are bold and girly, and will stand out in the crowd. 
• Purse (Prada): A designer purse also follows the idea of loving all things beauty-related. I chose white as the color for this Prada handbag in order to reference her white hands and feet. 
• Bracelet (Like Buy Enjoy): I think that a delicate bracelet with scissors on it is a perfect accessory for a hairstylist.
• Nails (philglamournails): Freshly manicured nails also seem like an obvious choice when referencing someone who works in a salon. These almond-shaped nails match well with the rest of the look, and I love the slight edge they give to an otherwise very soft and feminine outfit.
• Makeup (Lorac): It is also no surprise that I wanted to include an eyeshadow palette with this look since Harriet loves to experiment with all kinds of beautiful styles.
• Brushes (Ularma): Lastly, I wanted the makeup brushes this individual uses to be just as girly and cute as the rest of the outfit!

"Ta-daaaa! Yep, you both look fabulous and totally different!"


Talk to you all soon!

"Today is Totally Righteous"

"We're all like snowflakes if you think about it. I mean, maaan, we're all different but we all still melt in lava." - Pascal

Otters are adorable. For me, they are one of the cutest animals. Oshawott is one of the cutest Pokémon. And Pascal is one of the cutest Animal Crossing characters.

Pascal is a laid-back hippie who loves to share his philosophies. Yeah, the ideas he shares are usually odd, but he's definitely an endearing part of the Animal Crossing franchise.

• Shirt (Alexander Wang): I wanted the shirt for this outfit to be as basic as possible since Pascal doesn't wear a shirt at all, so I chose a plain white v-neck t-shirt (it's on the bottom left in the picture...I'm realizing now how hard it is to see).
• Skirt (Thanth): I used this skater shirt because it is a feminine take on Pascal's blue jean shorts, and the waviness of it helps to show the beach wave vibes.
• Suspenders (Suspender Store): Simple enough, I added these suspenders because Pascal wears them too. I really like what they do for this outfit as a whole though!
• Shoes (Urban Country): Some strappy leather sandals keep with the hippie attitude that Pascal gives off.
• Hat (Coal): A slouchy beanie also goes with the laid-back style of this look.
• Bag (Seabags): The theme stays nautical with this starfish tote and I like that it has a rope handle. I imagine the person who wears this outfit will quickly fill it up with shells from the beach...and probably hold some snacks in there too.
• Necklace (Macy's): This scallop shell necklace was essential because it's the focal point of Pascal's character -- scallops are his favorite thing in the world!
• Rings (L: Bling Jewelry / R: Effy): The rings on the left are midi rings featuring a shell, seahorse, and palm tree, and the ring on the right has crystal-covered starfish. Overall I liked how they kept this outfit looking nautical and feminine.
• Bracelets (L: Tom Ford / R: Chan Luu): I liked how the bracelet on the left looks like rope, and the gold clasp even reminded me a tiny bit of an anchor, again keeping things ocean-related. The shell bracelet on the right is a perfect accessory because of Pascal's love of scallops. I'm sure he has quite the collection of shells!
• Bronzer (Beauty Treats): Lastly, I wanted the wearer of this outfit to have a bronzed, beachy glow. I think some shimmering bronzer while out in the sun completes the whole look.

"...Consider yourself truthed."

Talk to you all soon!

"My Sister Has Told Me About You!"

"Your secretary, Isabelle, is actually my twin sister!" - Digby

 

Isabelle's twin brother Digby was introduced to the Animal Crossing franchise in New Leaf, and he is in charge of the Happy Home Showcase.

 

Digby works for Nook's Homes in Happy Home Designer, and notably wears the same uniform as his co-workers Lyle and Lottie. I will talk about those other two characters in future posts, and will show the differences I came up with for each outfit based on their individual personalities.

 

As a laid back and friendly character, I wanted an outfit inspired by Digby to have a relaxed vibe.

 

 

• Shirt (Ralph Lauren): I thought a polo would be a nice place to start. Instead of something as formal as the yellow tie he wears in the game, I liked the idea of a comfortable yet nice-looking shirt in the same color.
• Jacket (Toggi): A windbreaker is a great substitute to represent Digby's suit coat. In New Leaf, Digby works outside all the time, so a jacket that will keep the wearer safe from the elements is a perfect way to imitate him.
• Pants (Daisy): I wanted to keep with the relaxed personality of Digby here too, and a pair of cuffed jeans seemed to fit his personality a lot more than professional slacks.
• Belt (Jil Sander): At this point in the outfit, I knew I wanted to include more brown accessories because well, Digby is a brown dog. A brown belt starts it off.
• Shoes (Miss Dora): Next, going with Digby's brown feet, I chose some light brown suede oxford wedges.
• Earrings (Kate Spade): These pink earrings were inspired by the pink freckles on Digby's cheeks, and I thought they were a nice extra pop of color for the look.
• Bag (ClaireChase): A bag for someone who is outside all the time will probably be at least a little worn out, so I liked this distressed laptop backpack that is both casual and functional.
• Hair (bella_tlf): And last, as a nod to his dog ears, these pigtail braids finish off the look.

 Thanks again so much for reading!

Talk to you all soon!

 

"Whaddaya Buyin'?"

ohwaitwronggame


Timmy and Tommy Nook are the adorable nephew characters from the Animal Crossing series. In New Leaf, Tom Nook has shifted the responsibility of managing his retail store to Timmy and Tommy.


The inspiration for today's outfit comes from the twins' long-term goal of having a nice superstore (T&T Emporium!). This look is fairly professional for a retail space and I think it reflects the excellent customer service that the brothers always strive to provide.

• Shirt (LE3NO): A white button-up shirt is a staple in many uniforms, so I figured it'd be a good starting point for this outfit too.
• Sweater (American Eagle): This blue cardigan jacket mimics the color of Timmy's apron, which is the original uniform he wears in the New Leaf game.
• Pants (Dickies): Non-denim pants are another requirement in many uniforms, so I wanted to include them here as well. I think these khaki-colored pants are appropriate for this type of look but they are still youthful and not too drab.
• Belt (Ralph Lauren): I chose a black belt with a gold buckle for this outfit to match well with the shoes.
• Shoes (Salvatore Ferragamo): I liked these shoes for this look because they don't have a high heel, so hopefully they will be comfortable for a person who is on their feet a lot. Working in a retail space means a lot of standing and walking, so I hoped that these shoes would be ones that the wearer could enjoy having on all day.
• Purse (Etsy - LaLisette): Like Tom Nook, Timmy and Tommy are technically tanuki in the original Japanese games, but they are described as raccoons in the western versions. Because of that, I thought a raccoon purse would be really cute!
• Earrings (Infinity & Co): I am conflicted as to whether or not I actually like double-sided earrings like this. I think we can all admit that at the very least they look sort of weird. Regardless of that, I wore a pair like these to the office once and they seemed to be pretty unpractical for that type of job. I couldn't hold my desk phone to my ear without it sliding all over the place and I definitely dropped the handset entirely while on the phone with a customer. Holding a telephone at your shoulder while trying to type just doesn't work out when some huge balls are sticking out of each side of your earlobe.........Anyway, I liked the way they looked with this outfit, so they are staying! 
• Hair Clip (With Chic): I knew a gold leaf-shaped  hair clip would be perfect for this outfit. The final upgrade for the store Timmy and Tommy run, T&T Emporium, has a sign featuring gold leaves in the same style as the New Leaf logo. A gold hair clip to reference that was too cute to skip. 
• Watch (Tory Burch): Working in retail means keeping an eye on the clock and knowing exactly when it's time to open shop and close down for the night. This gold and navy watch ties in with the rest of the outfit and is a perfect accessory to finish the look off.

Thanks again so much for reading!


Talk to you all soon!

Investing in the Stalk Market

"I've been selling turnips here on Sunday morns for 'bout 60 years now. Maybe even more!" - Joan

 

Joan the boar is one of the characters in Animal Crossing who truly embodies uncomplicated country life. She is happy with her routine and I find her character to be very sweet. I'll be honest, I've never spent much time trading turnips at the "stalk market" in the game, but I know a lot of people do and I still think it's a really cute concept.

 

For this outfit I wanted to show a simple country look that someone like Joan would be happy in. I needed the outfit to be comfortable and durable, but still cute.

 

 

 

• Shirt (Royal Robbins): A lightweight shirt with cuffed sleeves is perfect for someone like Joan. The rolled sleeves will make it easier when working in the garden, and the lightweight fabric of the shirt will keep the wearer cool while also protecting them from the sun. I chose a blue shirt and shorts for this outfit to match the color of Joan's own clothes.
• Shorts (Tokyo Laundry): These long denim shorts are appropriate and functional for someone who enjoys the outdoors like Joan. 
• Shoes (Steve Madden): I think if someone is going to be spending day after day working in a garden or trekking in and out of town, some long-lasting shoes are going to be necessary. These boots can be laced to the top in order to protect the wearer's ankles from getting scraped, or they can be laced lower in order to free up the their shins from getting too warm or uncomfortable when walking.
• Socks (H&M): Because I was still thinking about this person being active outdoors, some heavy-duty socks seemed like an obvious choice for both comfort and further foot protection during long walks.
• Hat (Columbia): A hat to protect from the sun was an important component for me. Joan seems like the kind of character to understand that while the outdoors is wonderful, the sun is still damaging. A hat with a neck strap makes it easy to take on and off and keeps the sun off of the wearer's head and neck.
• Necklace (Bling Jewelry): I chose a dragonfly necklace for this outfit for a couple reasons. For one, I don't see someone like Joan wearing a lot of jewelry -- she is too active and it would most likely get in the way. But a dragonfly pendant could be important symbolically. In Japan, dragonflies can be seen as a symbol of victory, strength, and more importantly, good luck and a good harvest. As someone like Joan who relies on her crops to grow strong, a little pendant for good luck seemed like a nice extra touch.
• Watch (Minilujia): Besides the obvious reasons for me liking this watch, like how it matches well with the shoes and brings the whole outfit together, clocks are important for characters like Joan and the for Animal Crossing series in general. In the games, turnips purchased from Joan do in fact go bad. If a player waits too long to sell them or "time travels" by changing the clock in-game, they may just lose their chance to sell their turnips. For that reason, a watch seemed very fitting.
• Backpack (Kaufmann Mercantile): This backpack is really a fruit-picking basket, and it looks very similar to the one Joan herself carries.
• Sunblock (Sun Bum): Finally, as with the hat mentioned above, sunblock is something that is extremely important for someone who spends so much time outdoors. I couldn't imagine an outfit like this without keeping in mind the dangers of excessive sun exposure. Sorry if I sound like your mom, but it's very important!

 

Thanks so much for reading!

 

Talk to you all soon!

 

"Hey! Excuse Me!"

"I'm from the Reset Surveillance Center, and I need a few minutes of your time." - Mr. Resetti


GamesTM, a UK-based gaming magazine, had the following to say about the Animal Crossing character Mr. Resetti:
"Mr. Resetti is so meticulously designed with the express purpose of annoying that it's hard not to respect the thought that went into him."
I completely agree. Resetti is the guy people love to hate or hate to love. This cranky mole is one of the most recognizable characters in the series, and I couldn't imagine an Animal Crossing game without him.


For this collage, I wanted to play around with the miner outfit that Mr. Resetti wears.

• Overalls (Hollister): I preferred the look of black overall shorts for this outfit instead of the standard blue denim ones that Mr. Resetti wears.
• Shirt (SheIn): A tattered shirt seemed like one that would be appropriate for this outfit. Mr. Resetti is a hard worker and he has a dirty job, it makes sense that a look inspired by him would be at least a little worn or distressed.
• Shoes (Converse): These blue Converse sneakers were how I brought the blue color from Resetti's overalls into the outfit.
• Hat (Patagonia): To take inspiration from Mr. Resetti's yellow mining headlamp, I chose to include a yellow Patagonia trucker hat. I think it fits with the casual look of the outfit and will look nice with other accessories I will be mentioning next.
• Sunglasses (LMNT): I thought these reflective sunglasses looked super cool, and they are a fun way to mimic the silver front of Resetti's headlamp.
• Necklace (Amazon): This shovel and pickaxe necklace is a perfect accessory for a character like Mr. Resetti, and I like that it's a fairly discreet piece of jewelry. It isn't too bulky or flashy, and seems like the kind of necklace a casual look like this would need.
• Earrings (Etsy - UniqueCreations1111): Gear earrings fit well with the mining theme of this outfit. Adding an element of steampunk or metalwork looks cool against the rest of the components in this collage.  
• Backpack (Mansur Gavriel): Finally, I chose a small red backpack instead of a handbag or other type of purse. A person who is active in a similar way as Mr. Resetti doesn't have time or patience for handbags, and this backpack will hold all the tools and gadgets the wearer could possibly need.

Thanks again for reading!

Talk to you all soon! 

Yar har!

"Don't cry about dreams that don't come true today. Sometimes ya needs ta try another way!" - Kapp'n

Kapp'n looks a lot like a turtle, but he is in fact a kappa, which is a Japanese water yokai/imp. He is a boat driver in New Leaf, and he takes the player to the island where they can participate in tours, go fishing, and catch bugs, to name a few things. During the trip to the island, Kapp'n will sing cute sea shanties like the one referenced in the quote above. The player can skip the song by hitting 'A' or 'B' repeatedly, but it always makes me feel guilty doing that, so I'll sit through the song every time.

I wanted an outfit based on Kapp'n to be beachy and laid back, so I hope you like what I came up with!

• Shirt (Topshop): This blue floral top gives a feminine twist to the Hawaiian shirt that Kapp'n wears in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. I think it looks a bit like a swimsuit top, and I liked the idea of pairing a tighter fitting shirt with a flowy skirt.
• Skirt (Miguelina): This white skirt would be great to wear on a hot day around the beach. It is light and flowy, and it will look beautiful in contrast to the blue ocean and sky.
• Shoes (Soda): Some brown strappy sandals keep the outfit beach-appropriate, and a wedge heel keeps the look extra feminine too.
• Hat (Boardwalk Style): According to Japanese myths, each kappa (the water deity that Kapp'n is based on) has a "plate" (sara - 皿) on the top of its head which is filled with water. This is why the top of Kapp'n's head seems flat. Anyway, since there is quite an emphasis on the kappa's head, I thought something on the wearer's head like a beach hat would be an important component to this outfit.  
• Sunglasses (Amazon): Kapp'n has aviator-style sunglasses with red frames in New Leaf, but I decided to switch that around and use red lenses for my outfit instead.
• Coral Ring (Ippolita): Keeping with beach and ocean vibes, a ring that looks like coral is a pretty addition.
• Pearl Ring (Etsy - arosha): I thought this pearl ring with coral detailing was beautiful, so I had to add it as an accessory too.
• Necklace (Etsy - SeaAndCake): This necklace features sea glass instead of gemstones or precious metals. These are pieces of glass that have been smoothed after being tossed and weathered in the ocean. I think they're beautiful and they make another great ocean-related accessory for this outfit.  
• Purse (Dooney & Bourke): This beach bag with a banana print keeps with the tropical/island theme. Plus it's a nice wink to New Leaf as well because one tree you can grow on the island is a banana tree.
• Water Bottle (Tervis): Finally, a water bottle is always a good thing to have at the beach. A sip of cold water to quench your thirst while laying out in the sun or after playing games in the sand has got to be one of the most refreshing feelings out there. This Tervis cup has sea turtles on it, which again goes with the ocean theme and it points to the fact that the American version of Animal Crossing refers to Kapp'n as being a turtle.

I hope you liked this collage. Since it's a cold winter where I live right now, this outfit has me aching to spend some time at the beach!

Talk to you all soon!

"......" - Sable

Out of the hundreds of Animal Crossing characters out there, I'd say that Sable Able ranks near the top as being my spirit animal. She is introverted, shy, and has fairly low self-confidence, but she is also creative, dedicated to her work, and dearly loves the people (animals?) closest to her in life. But I must say, I am nowhere near as much of a workaholic as her.


With that being said, today's outfit is based on the talented hedgehog seamstress, Sable Able. I wanted a look based on her to be cute yet reserved, and also reflect her passion for sewing.

• Dress (Emily and Fin): I think Sable's purple gingham apron is adorable, and I wanted to find an equally adorable dress for this outfit. A sleeveless gingham dress is comfortable and conservative, and seems like just the kind of thing Sable herself would want to wear.
• Cardigan (Chloé): This short-sleeved cardigan with puffed sleeves keeps the overall look of the outfit cute and playful.
• Belt (Dolce & Gabbana): I felt like a white belt around the waist of the purple dress would split it up nicely and show off the wearer's figure.
• Shoes (Ajvani): Shoes with extra details like buttons or cut-outs seem like something Sable would like. As a seamstress, I am sure she appreciates all the smallest details in an article of clothing, so an extra touch like cut-out hearts would draw her attention right away.
• Earrings (Unexpected Boutique): Continuing to think about her love of clothing, flower-shaped button earrings are another cute component to this outfit.
• Necklace (Vintage Fashion Jewellery): I imagine a seamstress like Sable working diligently at a mannequin, draping and pinning fabric to make her designs come to life. So I liked the idea of a pair of scissors on a necklace that she could use to trim fabric. These small antique-looking ones are super cute and I think look nice with the outfit as a whole.
• Bracelet (Rue La La): I wanted a bracelet to keep the femininity of this outfit high, and I thought a pearl bracelet would be a great choice because it won't jingle around or be bothersome while performing activities like sewing.
• Makeup (Maybelline): With Sable's half-closed eyes, it's easy to see a pretty terracotta color on her eyelids. I wanted to keep this collage soft and light, so these pinkish nude eyeshadows will look lovely and effortless on the person who wears them.
• Bag (Nordstrom): I loved the idea of pairing this look with a wicker sewing/picnic basket.  I imagine the bag being full of thread, yarn, knitting needles, and a collection of buttons.

Thanks again for reading, I hope you enjoyed this look!


Talk to you all soon!

"You comin' to my show, daddy-o?"

"Come see me in action tonight. I'll lay down the face-meltin' beats." - DJ KK


Seeing K.K. Slider's acoustic performance on Saturdays in Animal Crossing: New Leaf is fun because the player can request songs for this cute dog musician to play. "KK Bossa" has always been one of my favorites, but there are a lot of other great songs in his catalogue too! And players get to know another side of K.K. Slider in New Leaf. DJ KK performs at Club LOL from Sunday through Friday starting at 8:00 p.m. The player can hear samples or remixes of K.K. Slider songs and dance along in-game with the D-pad. It's a pretty cute feature.

So today's outfit is based on the cool dog DJ with face-meltin' beats.

• Shirt (CHOiSE): DJ KK is a cool guy, so I wanted an outfit based on him to be pretty cool too. A black and white long sleeved crop top seemed like a great place to start.
• Pants (Marcelo Burlon): Distressed jeans were a must for this look, and the skinny fit keeps with the cool-without-a-care vibe that I wanted.
• Belt (Hot Topic): This style of belt was an instinctual selection for me. I'm probably showing my age here, but my emo/goth alarms were going full blast in my head when I was thinking about this outfit as a whole. 15-year old me would be proud.
• Shoes (Converse): Who else had a worn out pair of Chuck Taylors in high school? The ones for this outfit are still looking fairly new, but I'm sure they will be scuffed up and scribbled on soon enough.
• Hat (Neff): I chose a beanie to go with this outfit instead of DJ KK's pageboy-style cap. I think it fits the style of the overall look, and it's a great pop of color too. 
• Glasses (Linda Farrow): Instead of KK's large black glasses, I decided to pair some tortoiseshell frames with this outfit. I like the orange-ish brown tone next to the orange beanie. But some other thick-framed or black specs would have worked well here too! 
• Ring (Monroe Yorke): DJ KK doesn't have a lot of color besides his orange hat, so I didn't want there to be too many different colors in this outfit either. A silver ring with a black gemstone fits well into the limited palette, and I think it will go great with the manicure I'll be mentioning soon. 
• Necklace (Sandy Steven Engravers): Giving a nod to K.K.'s day-job, a silver guitar pick necklace is another accessory that keeps this outfit true to style.
• Headphones (LSTN Sound): To be honest, I just thought these headphones were dope. There are a ton of different brands and styles out there, and pretty much any of them would look cool sitting on the neck of the person wearing this outfit. So if these wood headphones aren't your cup of tea (or Brewster's coffee), that's totally fine too!  
• Thermos (RedBubble): Another one of my favorite characters in the Animal Crossing series is Brewster. When playing New Leaf, I love visiting The Roost Café to get a hot cup of coffee or to lend a hand as a barista. And since the player can occasionally see DJ KK spending some downtime at The Roost, I figured a nice to-go thermos of his favorite brew (a blend with no milk and no sugar) would be a perfect extra touch. 
• Manicure*: The silver dots on this black almond-shaped manicure are a nice touch that match the jewelry. *I was unable to find the source for this image, and the closest I got was from a list of manicures from thetrendspotter.net. So if anyone knows the original owner of this picture, let me know and I will give credit where credit is due.

Thanks again so much for reading!

Talk to you all soon!

"GL-L-L-KSK! KEH-KEEH!♫ FST! FST! RrrrrrrrrrrrKLAGH!♪ CH-CH-ch-ch-mmmMMMmmm!♫"

"Oh, well, it is very old and in the language of my ancestors, which happens to be Raccoonish, yes, yes.” - Tom Nook


Today I want to show off an outfit I put together based on my favorite money-hungry tanuki (not actually a raccoon), Tom Nook. He is described as a raccoon in the western versions of Animal Crossing probably because we don't have an animal quite like them here in the US. But Tom's name does allude to the fact that he is a tanuki. Okay, education lesson is over now.


In Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Tom Nook has moved on from his career in retail and is now a real estate agent. I wanted an outfit centered around him to be fairly professional, and with one or two expensive accessories. You gotta spend those home-expansion bells somewhere, right?

• Blouse (Cichic): I think this chiffon blouse is an extra feminine counterpart to Tom Nook's shirt and sweater vest, with this minty green top having a Peter Pan collar and a lot of lace detail. 
• Pants (Anne Klein): I believe Tom Nook's pants are actually black, but I thought a medium to light gray would look nice and keep the full outfit a little brighter. 
• Shoes (Lafayette 148 NY): I chose red flats to accent this outfit in a similar way to Tom's red necktie.
• Earrings (YOKO London): The real estate game can be brutal, but in my New Leaf towns I always enjoyed expanding my house so that I could decorate my rooms more, and that meant a lot of home loans to pay back to Tom Nook. After full house upgrades, a player will spend over 7.5 million bells, so I decided that this outfit would show off a couple of the finer things. These YOKO London earrings sell at Saks Fifth Avenue for something like $900. Yeahhhhh, I didn't say all the items in these fashion collages would be affordable. 
• Rings (Joanna Laura Constantine): Like the earrings, I wanted to have gold rings to keep with the "rich" vibe. But unlike the earrings, these rings retail for only ~$275. 
• Necklace (Etsy - soulboundnyc): This necklace is simply amazing. It's a handmade brass pendant of Timmy and Tommy Nook, and I think that this is the type of accessory someone like Tom Nook should have. Timmy and Tommy are Tom's nephews who, in New Leaf, take over managing his store, so this necklace is a cute way to emphasize love for family! To be honest, I'm not sure how kindhearted or family-oriented Tom Nook is, but for now I'm just going to assume he loves his nephews, so a necklace showing them off will be perfect. 
• Purse (Dolce & Gabbana): A red purse balances the red shoes, and again it is an accent similar to Tom's red tie. Not to mention Dolce & Gabbana bags ain't cheap. 

Thanks again for reading. I really enjoy making these so I hope you enjoy looking at them!

Talk to you all soon!

“Oh my! Has my clock gotten out of whack?”

So while my motivation and inspiration to bake or do crafts has been on holiday (or hiatus), I've occasionally been embracing another interest of mine.

I'll start with some backstory. When Pinterest was still fairly new, I would spend hours on my laptop adding craft projects and recipes to my boards. But while scrolling through the main feed, I found myself drawn to something else too -- clothing collages. I wasn't very familiar with them before, but these style boards showed creative ways to give the full effect of an outfit, and I quickly started collecting those images to my Pinterest boards as well.

Fast-forward to a seemingly unrelated hobby I picked up more recently -- collecting Animal Crossing amiibo cards. I love them. There are groups and forums dedicated to trading these cards, and I have sent protected sleeves across the world in order to fulfill some of my trades. And I don't even want to talk about how much money I've spent finishing my collection...Well, it's finished except for two particularly rare and expensive cards from Japan, but I'm coming to terms with the fact that I'll most likely never have them.

*sigh* Oh well...

While working on my collection, I often saw people in the card-trading community who were super creative. I'd see posts showing off paintings, plush toys, stickers, and all kinds of things that fans had made inspired by the game series. So during my madness to collect cards and use them in my Animal Crossing games, I also found the idea of outfit collages popping back up in my mind.

And thus begins the journey into my absolute nerdiest (and possibly cringiest) hobby ever: creating outfits based on Animal Crossing characters. I'm talking villagers and NPCs. I'm talking head-to-toe outfits. I'm talking hours of my life that I'll never get back. But hey, I've had fun putting them together, so maybe you can enjoy what I've come up with too.

So without further ado, here is my first Animal Crossing-inspired fashion collage.

I'm not sure if it's necessary for me to go over each item in detail, but what the hell, I'm going to anyway.

In Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Isabelle is the amazing secretary who helps the player become the best mayor they can be. For this reason, I wanted an outfit inspired by her to be organized and cute, with a few details that reflect on her personality.

• Blouse: (Bernard Lafond): I knew I wanted a white tie-front blouse for this outfit to complement the cute ribbon on Isabelle's shirt. Plus, the ruched front and rounded collar gave the professional yet youthful aesthetic I wanted.
• Sweater (Bernard Lafond): Rather than copy Isabelle's green checkered vest entirely, I thought an unbuttoned chunky cardigan with pockets would look nice over the white blouse. Not to mention the fact that a knit sweater would be nice to wear in an office that always seems to be chilly (you office workers know what I'm talking about, right?).
• Pants (True Religion): I thought some cobalt blue jeans would pair well with the blouse and sweater in contrast to Isabelle's navy skirt, and I feel that it brings some more playfulness to the vibe the outfit gives off.
• Shoes (Milesline): Again I though that this part of the outfit could reflect both the professional and cute theme I wanted. Some brown oxford heels go nicely with the full outfit, and they complement the purse I'll be mentioning shortly.
• Headband (Motique Accessories): Pretty basic, but a red headband gives a wink to the bow on Isabelle's shirt along with the ribbon on her head.  
• Earrings (Kate Spade): These bow earrings are tying in (no pun intended) with the bow on Isabelle's shirt.
• Necklace (Sydney Evan): I loved this necklace for an Isabelle-inspired outfit as soon as I saw it. I mean, it's a bell and whistle, it's perfect. 1) Isabelle "is a bell," if you didn't already know (look at the shape of her head -- it looks exactly like a bag of bells from Animal Crossing). 2) The whistle looks kind of like a dog whistle to me and Isabelle is, like, a dog.
• Purse (Hadaki): I thought a messenger bag would be ideal for an Isabelle-type of outfit. As a secretary, Isabelle needs to stay organized and on top of things. So what better way to carry around her planner and notebook (or iPad...) than in a messenger bag?
• Bag Charm (Valentino): This leaf-shaped purse charm will look super cute on the messenger bag, and on top of that, it totally fits with Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Ahem. I don't think I need to explain that further.
• iPad (Apple, obvi): If Isabelle were real, I think she would have advanced from carrying a clipboard around town and moved to a tablet of some kind. She would be much better able to keep track of Public Work Projects, holiday festivities, and the town mayor's schedule. And it will fit perfectly in her brown messenger bag.

If you were able to make it all the way through this post, thank you! I appreciate you indulging me and my cringe-inducing hobby, and I hope you'll allow me to make more posts like this in the future.

Talk to you all soon!