post-hibernation

It has been an incredibly long dreary winter-- filled with way too much leggings and layered fleece jackets for my comfort. I apologize for the blogging hiatus... the snow takes a toll on my style. Hopefully this time I'll be back for good. Jennifer and I took some photos on an amazing (& rare) sunny day last week. Also I redecorated my room for spring. (inspired by Prada SS2011) I will post some before & after photos soon!

meet my baby...from Saddleback Leather Co.

impatiently waiting for my eggplant parm sandwich...

this is where we go for the best outdoor daydrinking/ sangria in town

{inspired by} the inevitable SAD?

As winter closes in for good in Michigan, my body begins to get incredibly confused. No sunlight and it has to be awake and active? Total darkness at 5pm and it can't stop moving and go to sleep? What's a girl's body supposed to do?! Here is the solution, the men's button that I literally lived in all summer to give me a little bit of hope. I almost put this turquoise gingham button-down away when I took out my winter clothes because I thought the color was too "summery", but decided against it at the end. Boy am I glad, I plan on layering this baby under every sweater I own for the next two months, until I can wear it by itself and a mini skirt and sandals in 70 degrees sunny weather again.

P.S., today we had a high of 31 degrees. And it snowed. UGH!

Express men's button down, VS yoga leggings, h&m necklaces, Frye boots

a close up of the Frye Bethanies that I'm trying incredibly hard to break in

inspired by {rainy day & british girls}

theory velvet blazer, old navy checkered shirt
american eagle skirt, hunter rainboots

Today was one of those days that rained all. day. long. It poured, it drizzled, it stopped, and it poured again. Good thing I had my trusty Hunters to carry me through the muddy/wet sidewalks and keep my feet dry and warm. I decided to make the best of it by pretending to be a cool British girl- in a chiffon polka-dotted skirt, checkered button down and velvet blazer. Speaking of cool British girls, I actually like Kate Middleton's boring classic style. I think it's so crazy funny that every online blog/magazine ever has been speculating her wedding gown designer non-stop since the engagement was announced. I guess we will forever be obsessed with anything related to British Royalty.

this is my winter song to you

I am officially ready for winter, with Thanksgiving in a week and Christmas right around the corner. 

Okay that's not entirely true... but I am glad that it's finally weather-appropriate to take out my chunky-knits. There is nothing that says hot chocolate by the fireplace better than a great chunky-knit sweater. The funny thing is that none of my chunky-knits were store-bought, they were all thrifted. Maybe it is exactly the classic 90s scratchy wool and the boxy shapes found in thrift store sweaters that draw me to them. I got this cardigan for $5 last year for an "ugly sweater" party. Obviously I got made fun of for my lack of "ugliness" because this cardigan is really quite normal. This year though I swore to myself (and my friends) that I will actually wear an ugly holiday sweater- which means I should begin the hunt soon.

Thrifted sweater, urban outfitters red henley, f21 skirt, frye riding boots

{inspired by} the modern vassar girl

I have always been in love with everything old school and classic. Navy blazers, crisp blue button-downs, anything leather- these are just a few examples. So understandably I would own the book Take Ivy and obsess over the Ivy League asthetic. This book is such a great snapshot of life in 60s collegiate America. I am particularly impressed with the Vassar Girl- popularizing menswear way before our era of everything "boyfriend". Though their boxy jackets, straight-legged khakis and Brooks Brothers oxfords look infinitely cool, I could never pull off the look unless I stopped eating and lost twenty pounds. (which will never happen, no worries) So here I am, trading the boxy jacket for a soft cardigan, an ironed oxford for a fitted polo, bermuda shorts for a wool mini, and leopard print flats instead of loafers. 

If the original Vassar girls are cringing at the sight of my liberal rendition, then they can probably rest in peace after checking out the book I'm reading. And while we're on this topic, I could borrow a little bit of those Vassar smarts tonight for my 10-pager. Thanks in advance. 

{inspired by} fashion shows & rachel zoe

Urban Outfitters jacket, f21 tank, American Apparel leggings, Sam Edelman boots

Okay, whether you hate her or love her, Rachel Zoe is kind of major. She went from a college sociology degree to a celebrity stylist designer in a decade. Also she's been happily married to the nicest guy ever Roger Berman (you would agree if you watched the Rachel Zoe Project) for over a decade. I mean, she gets to dress people celebrities for a living- that is like, playing Barbie to the extreme, and getting paid for it. I die.

I recently started working with the arts & cultures magazine Shei at my school. We're hosting a Lululemon fashion show this weekend- so we spent a few hours in the showroom putting together some looks yesterday. This is my first experience with styling a fashion show so I am incredibly excited. And you know what they say, if you want to rock the part, you've got to dress the part. So here I am channeling a little bit of Rachel Zoe with my faux fur, venti Starbucks and oversized sunglasses in her infamous "boho-chic" style, with a dash of 70s groupie a la Kate Hudson in Almost Famous.

{inspired by} tucker by gaby basora

I am kind of a late bloomer when it comes to adopting fashion trends into my own wardrobe- from skinny jeans to ankle boots- it just takes me time to grow fond of things. So when Tucker for Target hit the stores, I wasn't particularly excited about it like everyone else in the fashion world. Well now I'm really kicking myself in the shins because I am kind of in love with the part poet/park Ukrainian dancer asthetic of Gaby Basora's silk printed blouses and dresses.

Luckily, my closet is a black hole and just when I'm pining after all those sold out Tucker pieces on Gilt Groupe... I remembered this blouse. Albeit it's from h&m and doesn't have the signature prints, but it will do with its vintage sillouette and sheer drapeyness. 

I just love how Gaby Barosa describes the inspiration behind her line- "a wistful feeling, like nostalgia, a yearning for something intimate and yet somehow inaccessible". It is incredibly romantic to think of clothes as resurfacing memories that you never want to forget.

tucker h&m blouse, arden b skirt, thrifted belt, tory burch flats

{closing time for} my first 30 for 30 remix challenge

 

Favorites? Day 15 and 27. What can I say, I am just sucker for pretty girly looks in pastel colors!

Picasa was a little strange with the way it makes collages- so feel free to use the sidebar on the right and click on the "30 for 30" tag if you want to see larger pictures of the outfits!

Leave me a comment to let me know which days are you favorites! :)

Things I learned:

1) September in the midwest is absolutely insane! The weather seriously fluctuates from 80 to 40. No joke!

2) Dresses are incredibly versatile- as they can be used as shirts, skirts or dresses! (imagine that)

3) It is possible to look really fat in photos. Angles are everything.

4) Getting dressed would be impossibly difficult without belts and tights. They're the brick & mortar to polished and comfortable looks.

5) It's time for me to get a haircut- my hair looked so much better in the earlier stage of the 30 days!

Good luck to everyone who is starting a new 30 for 30 over at Kendi Everyday! I am so excited to see all the fabulous fall outfits!

{wishing for} an anthropologie sort of world

There is something about black lace that makes me feel instantly cool- as if I lived in the twenties, just about to smoke a cigar in my mink fur coat in a completely nonchalant sort of elegance. I got this lace overlay last year in the hopes of recreating this look from the Anthropologie November 2009 catalog. I never got around to finding the perfect white strapless dress, but I did find this black lace overlay to stash away. Funny thing is I was so stuck on that perfect combination that I never even tried to wear this black lace top in other ways. Today is the first time I've worn it since I got it approximately a year ago.

I am still looking for that white dress... and wishing I lived in the Anthropologie catalog.

heritage 1981 top, isaac mizrahii for target skirt, juicy couture argyle tights

{getting into} a little bit of holiday spirit

Oh hello!

these boots are pretty close to perfection

gap sweater, ali ro belt, frye jane braid boots, victoria's secret leggings

Since it has already been a week into November, we are officially allowed to get excited for the holidays. We spent this Friday baking these amazing cupcakes and watching Love Actually- so ready for thanksgiving! The smell of roasted turkey, cranberry relish, stuffing, pumpkin/apple pies, sweet potato anything... I just love it all! I decided to channel a little bit of holiday spirit of my own with this red oversized sweater from the Gap. That and I wanted to be as comfortable as possible for my long day of studying. If I had to wear the same outfit everyday for the Michigan winter, I would live in oversized sweaters, black leggings, a variety of scarves and belts, and killer boots. Speaking of killer boots, I really want another pair this winter that's similar to these Fryes, but not cowboy and in a classic caramel brown color. I've seen some lovely Michael Kors but they are all from past seasons, which're impossible to find! Gosh, life, you're just so difficult. :)

{mixing up} stripes & florals

Welcome to winter in Michigan. That's what I woke up to today when I crawled out of my covers and felt the freezing air wafting through the house. A high of 40 degrees? Yeah that's what we get the first week of November. Instead of tights I had to wear my leggings- which didn't look as bad as I expected with this outfit- to keep me warm. 

Stripes are definitly one of my weaknesses. Along with Pain au Chocolats and Anthropologie and anything Rachel Bilson. Hence I have quite the variety of stripes in my wardrobe- from thin to wide, gray to blue, shirts to dresses... If you have enough of them, they pratically become a neutral, right? So it's cool to pair them with another pattern, such as florals, right? Anyhow, that's what happened today when I had 10 minutes to dress myself for the freezing weather.

old navy tee, arden b. skirt, frye paige riding boots

{inspired by} michael kors spring 2011

Remember those little boys sweatshirts? The gray ones with the crewneck that are always too small to fit your head into them? With puffy sleeves that stick out at your upper arms but are banded at your wrists? And the fabric- so starched and stiff! Well, this little boys wardrobe stable is what inspired today's outfit.

I found this sweatshirt at a cool hipster boutique named Brooklyn Industries when I was in Chicago a few weeks back. This version of the little boy's sweatshirt reminds me nothing of the original classic- a rounded scoop neck that not only easily slips over your head but also shows off your collarbones, incredibly soft and lined with a thin layer of fleece on the inside... so much more flattering. I've been looking for the perfect "little boys sweatshirt" forever, so I just had to get it! (Though I was at hesitant at the time- yes this was one of those "try on, take off, try on again, take off again, leave store, come back to store, try on, purchase, walk out of the store with it on" numbers)

Here's the Michael Kors inspiration.

Being comfortable is so important to me so these looks are right up my alley. I'd definitely recommond perusing Kors' entire SS 2011 collection if you haven't ready. He does the American classic looks so well- soft creams, heathered grays, caramel browns with pops of color- what's not to love?

{happy happy} last day of 30 for 30

Today is the last day of 30 for 30. I want to say that I am sad that it's over (mainly because that's just what we have to pretend to be when we say goodbye to things), but I'm just REALLY really excited to wear things from the rest of my closet!! The past 30 days were much easier than I anticipated, mainly as a result of my extensive collection of belts, scarves, necklaces and shoes. While I have always understood the importance of accessories, this experience re-enfored that for me, more than ever. I would definitely be interested in doing 30 for 30 again in the future, but not for a while- it just makes no sense when I have so many other clothes waiting to be worn. Voila, here comes the last day. Goodbye 30 for 30. 

And hello, shopping and new clothes! :)

h&m dress and belt, frye paige buckle riding boots

{inspired by} feeling knotty... (day 29)

People are drawn to choices. When they see words like the 7-way cardigan and the 100-way bra, they think they're getting an amazing bargain- it is as if they paid for one item, but got so many more! However, very rarely do we actually wear these items in all of the 7 ways or the 100 ways after we purchase them. These items, just like the rest of those "bargain" purchases, lay in our closet collecting dust. For me personally, I am not a big fan of the multi-way style that has been so prevalent lately. Although, I did borrow the Victoria's Secret's 7-way wrap idea for my wrap/cardigan today. Isn't the knot/twist kind of cool? I decided that the cardigan twist was a little lonely, and found it a knotty buddy of its own.

f21 lace wrap, f21 dress, sam edelman moccasin boots

{a fairytale} la boheme and le prep (day 28)

Ralph Lauren shirt/dress, Sam Edelman boots

{currently wishing for} the windy city

brown sugar brioche french toast, with pear compote
aka, the most amazing brunch I've ever had at the Bongo Room

Chicago is one of the greatest cities in America, hands down. It has the big city glamour without the pretentious stilettos, and a beachfront to boot. What's not to love? Okay I know, the only reason preventing me from packing up and moving there is well....the wind. November though March is not fun in the Midwestern winter of foot-deep snows and negative windchills. But if I did live here, Wicker Park/Bucktown would be where it's at with its urban hipster residents, inventive restaurants, quaint coffeeshops and endless shopping options from thrift stores to upscale boutiques.

hanging out at the most adorable espresso bar on Halsted. it's called Kickstand.
h&m sweater, banana republic chinos, 9 west mocccasins

just enjoying a sunny afternoon on the magnificent mile... legos are the theme this year!
martin+osa sweater, f21 necklace, banana republic belt, cassette jeans

{inspired by} girly girl (day 27)

ann taylor ruffle tee, f21 cardigan, arden b skirt, liz claiborne flats

Ruffles, pink, chiffon, & rosettes. I am truly a girly girl at heart.

Sorry I am so behind on posting- this outfit was actually from last Thursday! I've had the good luck of being on vacation in chicago the last few days- but I'll get back to more posts as soon as I survive my two midterms tomorrow.

{happy birthday to} a girl stylish inside & out! (day 26)

Today is my good friend Chelsey's birthday. We went out last night for delicious Cuban food & drinks to celebrate! She is truly one of my favorite people- not only because we both love good food & good clothes- but also because she is so genuinely kind. If you're reading this, Chels, I hope you have a wonderful time this year! Happy birthday!

wet seal jacket, j crew tee, cassette jeans, wet seal heels

Okay, you know how every single magazine has a "Day to Night" section, in which they use the exact same day-time outfit, but just add on heels, jewelry, make up, and call it the going out outfit? And you think to yourself, really, you guys sure put a lot of thought into that one. Well, that is exactly what I did today. I took a t-shirt and a pair of jeans, added heels, big earrings and make up, and called it good! I know I wore the leather jacket yesterday- but I don't know how I ever lived without it! It is an absolutely essential wardrobe item. In fact I plan on making it my go-to going out jacket!

This is the delicious arepas Chels and I shared. I've never had them before, but after reading this description: griddled cornmeal cakes with herbed goat cheese, avocado, molajete sauce, sauteed spinach & boniato- I was definitely sold! It was so yummy- we just might have to recreate that at home soon!

Me and the birthday girl! Excuse me for the one-eye look.... I have a bang-trim appointment tonight so no worries I will be able to see with two eyes soon!