Friday, September 30, 2011

textured layers

I've been experimenting with adding texture to my fall layers this year. This weekend's layers are going to be comfy and cozy. 


Thursday, September 29, 2011

60's knits

I have been so busy lately I haven't been able to post anything for some time now. Though yesterday I made time in between breaks at work to take some quick pictures and show you what I do a couple times a week.

One of my clear obsessions this season is inspiration from the 60's classic silhouettes. These cropped pants have that feeling to them and by adding a simple thick, over-sized knit on top I felt transformed back to a Mad Men set. Leopard flats, pink lips and a poof on top finished this look off with a little interest. 







(sweater: Thrifted / t-shirt: Gap / pants: Gap / shoes: Target / jewelry: DIY, gifted, vintage, Forever21 ring / Lipstick: Bare Minerals) 

I make caramel apples! Yumm. Right? 

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

how to simply thrift

One of the ways I stay in a simple budget is by thrifting. If you haven't noticed yet I own a lot of thrifted and vintage items. Most of the time I find great things under $6.00! When paying such a small price for some great items I am able to take some risks with on trend pieces. 
Though this can be tricky and overwhelming at times, I came up with some of my top tips for your thrifting adventure.

1. Allow yourself time to look through a lot of clothes: The majority of thrift stores like a local GoodWill or Salvation Army have more rough than diamonds. So give yourself some time and patience to find the gems. 
2. Look for quality fabrics: Cotton is a great resource for any wardrobe, but sometimes it wears down easily. Look for pieces that were made and taken care of with love. Silks, and other rich fabrics are hiding away waiting to be found by YOU!
3. Try on. Try on. And try on again: It's important to try on the many shapes and cuts you will find in the store. Be daring and try on a lot of shapes you wouldn't otherwise. I promise, it won't hurt. 
4. Brainstorm new outfits: While I'm trying things on in the fitting rooms I try to think of my closet at home and what I have to pair with the find. If I can't think of more than three items to pair it with I won't get it (There have been few exceptions to the rule if it is a FABULOUS find). 
5. Have FUN: This shouldn't be a stressful experience. Have fun, bring a friend, make an afternoon out of it. Try on pieces that are goofy, maybe you'll love them.

p.s. Don't forget the hand sanitizer to be extra safe after the shopping.

image via: The Glitter Guide 

Sunday, September 25, 2011

fall's simple reminders

Everything around me is clearly pointing out the official beginning to fall. My favorite season, not only for the multiple layers it demands but for the hot cider, multicolored landscapes, cool sunny afternoons, cinnamon and pumpkin scented candles, pumpkin spiced chai and Sunday nights spent catching up on work with friends while listening to french music. 
For me, fall directs my attention to the many simple things in life I can easily take for granted. It's all about taking the time to remember the simple things in your life right now that put a smile on your face. 


image via: bhg.com

Thursday, September 22, 2011

old layers

It's finally time to start piling on the layers and experimenting with textures. 
Today I decided to mix up the textures with silks, knits and waxed cotton (a pair I never thought of until today). I found so many "new" things from my closet clean out from last year. It's so fun to be able to go back to the wardrobe I had last fall and recycle different items. 
Keep things simple by recycling old sweaters and jackets from last year and re-ware them differently by mixing them with new pieces from the summer. 
In this outfit I paired a newer thrifted silk shirt, sun glasses, and wedges with a sweater and jacket from last year. It's all in the details and accessories here. 





(shirt: thrifted / sweater: Old Navy / jacket: J.Crew / jeans: Gap / wedges: Target / bag: Express / glasses: Foster Grant / jewelry: vintage, J.Crew, gifted from Guatemala) 


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

closet clean out

Okay, so it's time to be honest with you all as to why I have not published any posts recently. I tried an at-home waxing kit and all went wrong. I followed every direction and took all the precautions, but I some how found a way to burn my face. So I thought I'd spare you the graphic images and wait to heal up. 

So here is a glimpse into my limited-spaced closet and my preparation for fall. 


I like to organize by category and then color coordinate. 

Time to move out summer rompers, dresses and skirts and move in chunky knits, vests and jackets. 

It's a lot of work, I tried hard not to get buried in my own room. 
Almost done. 

Friday, September 16, 2011

yellow and leopard

Keeping it simple as always with a t-shirt, skinnies scarf, flats and a ponytail. This time I mixed it up with a punch of leopard and yellow silk. I like to mix a little unexpected color into my fall wardrobe with all of the neutrals. 
Leopard and yellow is my first step...
Oh and one can never forget the "arm party



(t-shirt: thrifted / pants: AE / scarf: Forever 21 / shoes: Gap / jewelry: J.Crew, DIY, thrifted) 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

alley cat

Summer to fall transition is still happening. Somehow it's no longer summer but it's not yet fall either. This calls for some experimental layers and the use of summer and fall pieces put together. Like I've said before a leather jacket is perfect for the transition. This one is cropped and most importantly easy to throw on and off as the temperatures and activities change.
Throw on a flowy maxi and a day outfit is put together with two simple pieces. Don't forget to accessorize. 



(dress: Gap / jacket: Zara / shoes: Target / accessories: vintage, DIY, Aldo, J.Crew, Erica Weiner)

Sunday, September 11, 2011

addicted to stripes

It's the weekend, and I'm trying to find some alternatives to my jeans. Don't get me wrong, I love a great all American pair of blue denim, but sometimes it's good to mix it up. I've found slim khakis to be a comfy put together look that go with just about everything a great pair of jeans would compliment. Add stripes and a full proof weekend outfit is ready.
Here's my take: 










(top: Michael Kors / tank: F21 / pants: Zara / shoes: Gap / accessories: vintage, DIY, Aldo, J.Crew, Erica Weiner / glasses: Foster Grant)

Thursday, September 8, 2011

back to school, back to basics

This week I went back to school for my senior year! I'm almost done and actually excited to start classes. I think I've finally gotten over the "first day of school jitters" after sixteen years of school. 

This red bag is my new school bag I got in a little gift shop on the east side of the state. It's perfect with all the right pockets for my laptop, paper, pens and accessories to get me through the day. 
I kept the overall look very basic; black pants (my go-to fall comfy pant) a leather jacket (perfect over any top) and a flowy silk shirt underneath to soften the leather layer. I added the python flats (seen here) for a comfortable all day shoe. It's nice to add patterns/textures even in the smallest way to every look. 
Basic neutrals with texture. 




(jacket: Zara / shirt: thrifted / pants: AE / shoes: Gap / watch: Geneva / Bag: Unknown) 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Shop Zara

We can now shop Zara on line! How exciting. 
Just in time for the perfect change to cooler temps calling for multiple layer pairings. How can I resist their simple, chic, and affordable styles? I can't. The use of the rich textures, colors and simple elegance exudes effortless chicness. I can't wait to go shopping in my bed. This event almost makes going back to school a little more exciting. 

 Here are a few of my favorites and future fall inspirations - 











Don't you love it?