Sunday, September 25, 2011

OOTD: [Forest] Green With Envy




Forest green cropped cardi (AE, fall 2006); dark brown lacy cami (A&F Kids, winter 2008); khaki twill shorts (HCo., summer 2011)



Waves created by Revlon Double-BarrelTourmaline Hair Waver




"My Lifesaver" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, mint green); "Fuchsia Shock" crackle overcoat (Sally Hansen, hot pink)



Brown woven bling bracelet (AE, fall 2009)




Life's a blur :)



I love this time of year! The first day of fall was on Friday, but it hasn't quite started to feel chilly yet. There is definitely a different feeling in the air than summer, so mixing sweaters with shorts is the perfect compromise.

The color palette of my outfit is pretty simple and neutral: forest green, dark brown and tan. But forest green isn't your typical neutral--that's why this outfit isn't blah and basic. I've had this sweater since I was a freshman in high school (!) and I still love it. I haven't found anything quite like it since. Forest green is a somewhat unusual fall shade, but it works. I jazzed it up with some blingy accessories and kept the footwear simple by donning my beloved tan moccasins (unpictured).

Once the cold weather hits, I'll be pairing this sweater and cami combo with dark brown twill shorts and brown tights, or a camel corduroy mini skirt and brown tights with boots.

What is your favorite "neutral" fall shade?



Friday, September 23, 2011

Then & Now [Hollister Floral Skirt]




THEN [August 14, 2009]: cropped burgundy cardi (HCo., fall 2008); dark grey lace cami (Pac Sun, summer 2008); burgundy/navy abstract floral skirt (HCo., fall 2009); brown faux leather stilettos (Famous Footwear, summer 2009)




NOW [September 20, 2011]: grey lace-front tee (HCo., fall 2011); owl pendant necklace (AE, fall 2011); burgundy/navy abstract floral skirt (HCo., fall 2009); navy sparkle tights (AE, Christmas 2010)
 Isn't it crazy how things change so much in just 2 years? Looking back, I can't believe that I was a senior in high school only 2 years ago--time really does fly. I feel so much more mature now, having a whole year (and 5 weeks!) of college under my belt.

One thing that hasn't changed quite as much is my wardrobe. In both of the OOTD photos above, I'm wearing a skirt that I love! It's awesome for fall, because it's in muted shades, and layers well over tights. As you can probably guess, it's gotten a lot of wear in the 2 years I've owned it. It may seem a little strange that a very young adult like me would still have a piece I had 2 years ago, but I actually have a few other pieces that I've owned since I was a freshman in high school!

Honestly, my style has changed somewhat. I'm trying to dress more sophisticatedly, while still having fun with my clothes. I think I'm more of a rule-breaker now, and I'm not as afraid to take fashion risks. 2 years ago, I doubt I would have bought a lace tee or an owl pendant, but now I own both and I love 'em. I still like the colorblocking that I did in the picture from 2 years ago, but I'm doing it in new ways and working towards being comfortable with mixing patterns.

Some things change, but others stay them same, and that's just how I like it! Hopefully, I'll be able to hold onto this skirt for another 2 years!


Do you have any pieces in your closet that you've had for awhile?

Monday, September 19, 2011

Fall Must-Haves



Grey knit duster cardi (A&F, winter 2011); burgundy plaid tunic (A&F Kids, hand-me-down); navy culotte shorts (A&F, summer 2011); navy sparkle tights (AE, Christmas 2010)

Duster cardigans. Capelet jackets. Moccasin booties. Tights. Loop scarves. Slouchy skinnies. Tall boots. What do these have in common? They're my fall must-haves!

This past weekend, I rediscovered the joy that is layering. I missed it over the summer, when temps were rarely cooler than 85. But Saturday was a nice relief from the heat, and made me crave fall. Though it felt a little weird at first to be wearing such a thick sweater when it's still technically summer, I love how cute and cozy it looked with my tunic, culottes and tights. And it inspired me to hunt down more duster cardis. I think they look really cute over skirts or shorts with tights.

Accessorizing is key for fall--that's where the scarves, jackets, tights and boots come in! I have a few pairs of tights (the sparkly navy ones above, light grey sweater tights, brown, brown striped leggings and cream pointelle ones) but a girl can always use a few more pairs, right? I love how they look with boots, which is why I'm lusting after a pair of tall, non-Ugg-style boots. They look totally polished but still casual. Scarves make me feel cozy, and they're a great alternative to necklaces. And capelet-type jackets are great for slightly chilly fall days.


Fall Must-Haves


 

What's on your fall must-have list?





Wednesday, September 14, 2011

OOTD: Sparkle & Shine




Royal blue/pink plaid flanner button-down (HCo., fall 2011); navy cami (unpictured, HCo., fall 2008); navy culotte shorts (A&F, summer 2011); navy sparkly tights (AE, Christmas 2010)


Owl pendant (AE, fall 2011)






Sparkly stacked rings (AE, winter 2011)


Silver sparkly sequin ballet flats (AE, winter 2011)



Even on a dreary, cold, rainy day (like it was here today!) I still like to stand out and look cute and cheery. Today's outfit is fairly simple, mostly blue, with pops of color (royal blue and pink) and also a lot of sparkle and shine.

These tights have been my fave since I got them for Christmas last year. They have a nice subtle sparkle to them that makes them stand out but not be obnoxious. They pair very well with my sparkly ballet flats. The only downside is that the shoes aren't the best in the rain--they end up getting very wet in the toe area! Oh, the things we do for fashion ;)

How do you like to sparkle and shine on a cloudy, cool day?




Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Sock It To Me!

Socks used to be the forgotten accessory. Who really cares that much about socks, anyway? No one will see them (probably), so does it really matter if they're cute (or match, for that matter)?

This season, a lot of my favorite stores are selling socks. Not just any old socks, but cute socks. All kinds of patterns and colors. Knee-high and slouchy, they're perfect for a bold school girl look with a mini skirt and cardi. Or if you're feeling shy, you can let just a little sock peek out from cropped boyfriend jeans. Socks are totally versatile, and are great for cooler days when you want to stay warm but still want to look good.


Sock It To Me!

What is your favorite way to rock socks?

Thursday, September 8, 2011

OOTD: Pretty in Pink



Light peach ruffled tank (A&F, summer 2011); dark brown cuffed twill shorts (A&F, summer 2011)




Light pink sweater (A&F, Christmas 2010)

Brown woven bling bracelet (AE, fall 2009)

"Love" 2 finger ring (Forever 21, summer 2011)

Owl pendant (AE, *NEW*)





It's no secret that my favorite color is pink. I can't believe that ten years ago, I used to shun it in favor of "less girly" colors. I remember those tomboy days. Luckily, now I'm embracing my girliness and having a closet full of pink is one of those perks.

Honestly, though, I don't really have that much pink. But I love wearing what I do have often because the color is just so happy and inviting. It also goes great with many colors, especially brown and burgundy.

Today, I decided to wear one of my favorite cardigans with a new Abercrombie tank top and dark brown twill shorts I bought a month or so ago. The sweater is long and lightweight; the perfect length to wear with shorts and great for chillier almost-fall mornings.

I think I'll be relying a lot on layers this fall. I have morning classes (9 am!) and when I leave for them, it's a little cold but by the afternoon it's nice and sunny. This way, I'll always be prepared...not to mention cute!

Are you as obsessed with pink as I am? Do you like layering?


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Spice It Up



Cropped orange hoodie (HCo., summer 2011); dark brown lacy cami (A&F Kids, winter 2009); khaki twill shorts (HCo., summer 2011); mixed bracelets








spice shades
[spahys] [sheyds]
      noun
1. fall-like colors, including orange, gold, copper, saffron and cranberry
2. color trend for fall 2011

I used to think spice shades were blah, boring, etc. I mean, yeah, I like orange and red, but not in muted tones. I have to admit that they're perfect for fall: bold without being obnoxious, mix well with neutrals and universally-flattering. What's not to like?

I got in this trend by pairing a new buy (orange cropped hoodie) with basic shades for a poppin' colorblock look. It's a simple style, but great for this transition period between summer and fall. When cooler weather hits, I'll switch out the shorts for skinny khaki cargos and dark brown fringe moccasin boots.

What's your favorite spice shade?