On The Edge

Every once in a while, my dark side comes out to play. I know, I know, this is tame when it comes to true punk style, but it really something wonderful to let the dark lip fly. This dress can easily be very girlie or mature, but the delicate floral print shows it's thorns when teamed up with this red leather jacket and wine faux Docs (a steal from Target, and will have to tide me over until I get my feet in the real deal). Speaking of the dark side, I am still obsessed with the newest Star Wars addition and the, uh, troubled Kylo Ren is quite entertaining. Maybe I will take more style tips from this brooding Sith lord and incorporate more accessories into my look. Because we all know, accessories have no real use, they are just meant to look cool. (I really hope you see the movie and get my little tie in. That'd be great. Ok bye). 

Basically The Best

As I have mentioned time and time again, comfort is important to me. I ride the train for an hour to get to school, and am a human so I walk a good amount during the day. I take advantage of my 5 foot 8 inch frame and wear flat shoes 97 percent of the time because, *drum roll please* flat shoes are comfortable all freakin day. This outfit is a home run because it includes elastic, pants, a fluid dress, layers, stripes, knee-high-flat boots, layered jewelry, a dark lip, flowing locks, and my all time favorite military-style jacket. Ok, deep breath. I could sleep in this. Wait- did I? 

A Few Pictures

My last final...and main reason for my blogging absence 

Our Christmas card...almost 

Star Wars opening night! 

The last few weeks have been jam packed with finishing up the quarter, trying to get enough sleep and fitting in some family activities. I also have updated my Starbucks grande to alternating venti and trenti. You know, college life. Wrapping up the quarter also included contemplating ditching class and grabbing brunch weekly, if not daily. Yet my grading class always prevailed, but so did my grades. :) It was fun, but I'm glad it's over for a while. Back to the grind later. 

The Slouchy Suit!

Give me a tee! TEE! Give me some pants! PANTS! Give me some slouch! SLOUCH! Give me a blaze! BLAZE! What does that spell? Slouchy suit!!! I love this look because I can either curl up and go to sleep in it, or go rock a 12 hour day at school (I did the latter). These pants from Target have served me well, they are the closest socially acceptable thing to pajamas you can get. Though recently I wore actual pajamas out. More on that later. The jacket from Zara is so soft and has amazing pockets that I greatly appreciate. 
Fun Fact: Did you know that Zara is the pioneer of fast fashion? Super Fun Fact: fast fashion is trendy clothes that imitate the style of the high end designers and is produced in an alarmingly fast rate. The downside to these fabulously trendy and cheap finds is that they are, well, cheap. They are only meant to last a few months, or a year at most. Have I kept these kinds of items longer than that? Absolutely. I just will not be surprised if they turn into a pile a string while I'm walking around one of these days. Anyway. Super cute, super fast, done. 

What I Stole from A Princess

The night before I grabbed this skirt, I saw this year's Cinderella. Enough said. While I was a few months late, I can say that the film was on pointe with  all the praise. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it, and if you have already, then you probably look like you should grab some popcorn and watch it again. But that's just me. 
Because I wore this look out to lunch and to run errands in the real world, and not 18th century/fairytale France, I needed something to ground it. The classic stripes were strong and simple to hold down the fluffy, airy skirt. My favorite oxfords were sweeter than my Converse, but more casual than a ballet flat with the rest of the look. Little details, like tiny, eclectic pins, top it off. I think Cindy(ella) would be proud. 

Under the Lace

This Anthropologie top is the cheapest thing I have ever seen at said store, costing a whopping ten dollars! That is probably along the lines of one (just one) sock at the same place. Don't get me wrong, that would be one hell of a sock. Anyway. The outfit above is a bit of a risk for me. I don't usually show skin, even under a layer of lace. However, I love the opportunity to exercise my confidence and remind myself of who I am and that I believe that I am beautiful. Many people shy away from certain looks because they think they can't pull it off without trying it. More people don't wear what they really want because they fear what others will think and say. I have been there. Oh lord I have lived there! But the Lord has reminded me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, so I will present myself as such. This top makes me feel pretty and adventurous, and the best part of it all is that I love it. And that is what makes this ten dollar steal feel like a hundred dollar investment. 

What Never Goes Out Of Style

At the beginning of the summer, when I decided to give myself a bit of a makeover, I realized just how often I wear jeans and tee-shirts. I have tried to be more innovative, and it's been great! I met some cool looks, took them out a few times, and they've all been nice. I have really enjoyed all our time together, and I really have found something special in them. But I think my heart still yearns for my jeans and tee's. In the words of the famed poet, Taylor Swift, "we never go out of style." So I will keep trying to move on, but I know when I'm looking for that perfect fit, when I need something natural and effortless, I know he, I mean they - my jeans and tee-shirt, will always be there for me. 

Denim and Tomatoes (And Other Veggies)

Ok, $50 of organic gold was purchased that day and totally worth it! I love my local farmer's market, and I love the look that says, "I am casually healthy and super pulled together and flawless and I love strolling in the sun and not sweating" that so many bloggers emulate. I personally find that all a bit unattainable, but this is what I got. The main components of that style, is comfort, simplicity, and confidence. These are my favorite shorts I own, they are from American Eagle and they are a bit loose around the legs and have the perfect amount of distress. Confidence? Check. This chambray button-down, I scored at Buffalo Exchange and is so soft and has good proportions and slouch. Comfort? Check! I finished off the outfit with my pink Converse for a pop of color and comfort while I stroll with my veggies. Simple AND comfort. Double check!!! I am still trying to master the effortless, casual style, along with a healthier lifestyle. Eating more organic and locally grown foods has made it more exciting and encouraged me to stay on track...thus farmers markets rule, am I right? 

Books and Cold Shoulders

I have been loving the trend of the off the shoulder tops and dresses, so I decided to make my own! I saw this diy and tried it out on this vintage fabric I got at an estate sale. This was a very simple pattern with elastic and only took an afternoon to complete. Can I just say, books are amazing? And book stores. Where else can you go to a thousand different places and live so many lives just by living through a character in a book? I went to this charming book shop with some friends the other day wearing this outfit and it was just wonderful. What's on your reading list? 

Loving Your Look Is Always A Good Idea

Sometimes you just have to wear what makes you happy, and not what's proper or trendy. This skirt makes me feel like Queen Mary of Scots from Reign, and she's pretty badass so that's how I felt too! I pulled down the frilly factor with this Forever 21 tee, flat oxfords, and a casual tote bag. This tote bag not only has wisdom on the outside, but also home-popped pop corn, candy, and water bottles all hidden under a scarf. Unashamed. I felt girly and cool that day (and very full from my movie snacks); it makes me remember how much of an impact our clothing and how we choose to present ourselves has an effect on our mood and confidence. 

Not Actually Feeling Blue

Something I learned from my Style Muses (Miss Kayla, in this instance) is that you sometimes need to dress up to cheer your self up or dress to inspire yourself. Mariana (rocking a classy-cool striped dress above) took me to San Francisco for an early birthday celebration and to add to my excitement I wore this fluffy dress I scored at Buffalo Exchange. The silhouette is super flattering on me, because it emphasized my waist at it's smallest point, and gently falls over my middle to my knees. I went for a monochromatic color scheme to simplify the look, but the complimentary orange bag gives a nice pop. It was an incredible day, that included chicken n' waffles at Straw and learned a bunch at the Exploratorium. She knows me well!