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! 

I Stepped Out of A Grecian Exhibit

One of my favorite Disney movies is Hercules, for it's witty humor, epic songs, and fantastic references to Greek myths (even though they are dramatically incorrect...oh well). That era and location rocks the draped chitons and gowns. So I felt like an extra in that movie when I first tried this dress on. Naturally, I loved it. Aside from it's historic inspiration, it's made of jersey so it's smooth and soft, and the drapes creatively cover my not-favorite parts of my body. Win!  

Every Room Needs Flowers

When I wore this dress that evening, my uncle took one look and said, "Well, I could look at that dress for three hours and still find something new to see!" I've had this one for a little over a year and I still wear it all the time. It's so comfortable, which I confirmed with my Style Muses, that is super important.  

Fun Fact: The first time I wore this number, at my high school graduation party, I wore the straps criss-crossed in the front...across my chest. I was like, "Ohhhhhh what a cool detail!!!! Hmmmmm why is it pulling all weird...strange." It wasn't until I went out with my friends and I slipped it on really quick and thing just sort of fell into place. Awkward. 

LBD - Little Blue (Velvet) Dress

 

Friends are so encouraging. Upon trying on this number and coming out of the dressing room, Rose and Sabrina were instantly saying, "Oh my god! So cute! It's so flattering!!!" And the sales gal was like, "You can wear it now in the summer and then in the winter with boots!!!" But then Rose said, "And it totally works with your makeover, because it's really sophisticated!" Sold. Aside from the fluffy chatter, I really do love this dress. It's structured and fully lined so it keeps all the extra tummy-lovin' in check, which is nice because I usually don't go near this slim-fitting silhouette. 

Aside from fit, what makes this dress stand out is the color. This blue compliments my olive hues in my skin and dark hair. When you're shopping, recognize what colors look the best on you and stock up. Neon and pastels are fun, but don't work on everyone. Jewel tones, like this rich blue velvet, look amazing on pretty much everybody. 

Friends are really encouraging, not only in the dressing room.  The reason I was M.I.A. the last week was because I went on a outreach mission trip to the Navajo Reservation in Sweetwater, Arizona. The ankle bracelets I am wearing in the pictures above were made for me by some friends I made during the trip. It was incredible to see the beautiful desert with it's mesas and red dirt. Our team hosted a basketball camp for children at a local grade school, and went to different families' homes to do yard work and house repairs. I received so much spiritual and life encouragement from everyone around me; it was an incredible blessing and experience. 

A Purrrr-ty Dress

Meow! I found this Loft dress at the Buffalo Exchange thrift store near Haight and Ashbury. While the loose cut and sweet sleeves make it a great throw and go option, it was the purrr-fect print that drew me to it. One I've learned from my Style Muses, is that a cute, easy dress is often the way to go. Oh and bonus - it's got pockets! This frock captures my love of whimsy, and looks appropriately  fanciful both dressed up and down. I wore it loose and with my favorite blue, leather sandals from Therapy to go run errands. To take it to church or a gals night out, I imagined it with my sparkly belt from Target and nude, platforms from Ross. So far I have worn this dress a bunch, and I've found that it's true: the cat's the only cat, who knows where it's at. (That's the Aristocats, in case you were wondering.)