OOTD: Prepalicious



Cream knit wool cardi (HCo., *NEW*); burgundy plaid tunic (A&F Kids, hand-me-down); navy culottes (A&F, summer 2011); navy sparkle tights (AE, Christmas 2010); silver satin bow headband (Target, fall 2010)




"It Starts With Me" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, bronzy-pink); "Give Me the 1st Dance" nail polish [on index finger] (Nicole by OPI, silver)




Silver jewel-studded braided ring (AE, fall 2010)





Royal blue/pink glasses (summer 2011)


Haven't you heard--nerds are in! Sometimes, you just gotta let your inner geek shine through. Today I did just that with this outfit. Okay, I think it's pretty cute and preppy, but it's kinda school-girl ish, which makes me feel like I'm a "nerdy" straight-A student. But who says straight-A can't be chic? I added in plenty of accessories, from my favorite headband to a wrist full of bangles, and the sparkly tights are always a good addition. The glasses add to the whole "school girl cool" look that I was going for with this outfit. It was so cold today (which I loved, btw) so I paired the tunic and shorts/tights with my brand new sweater I got on Sunday. It's simple but cute, and I've been needing something warm and in this shade for quite some time. It pairs nicely with the whole outfit and makes me feel okay with being a preppy "nerd"!

Do you like the geek chic or school girl cool trend?

OOTD: [Fall] in Love



Orange off-shoulder sweatshirt (HCo., from sister); owl pendant (AE, fall 2011); brown twill shorts (A&F, fall 2011); brown opaque tights (winter 2010)




"Love" two-finger ring (Forever 21, summer 2011)




Emma 10" Sheepskin Boots in chocolate (Bearpaw, Christmas 2009)





"It Starts With Me" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, bronzy-pink); "Give Me the 1st Dance" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, silver)



Fall is finally here, I can feel it in the air and see it in the 10-day weather forecast! Today was the first day in quite awhile that it was below 70 degrees and it felt perfect!

I was able to wear my brown tights for the first time since spring...and also my neglected Bearpaw boots. Once you start wearing those, you know it's fall. I kept my outfit mostly neutral (brown) but added in a pop of color with my slouchy sweatshirt and beloved owl pendant. I love spice shades in autumn, and pairing them with neutrals (especially shades of brown) always looks put together.


What is one thing that always says "fall" to you?

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?

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?

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?

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?

OOTD: Cast Away



Royal blue striped wideneck tee (HCo., summer 2011); navy blue culotte shorts (A&F, summer 2011); charm bracelets (AE)





Fireball necklace (AE, winter 2009)





Bracelets from top to bottom: pearl-and-chain charm bracelet (AE, summer 2010), fireball charm bracelet (AE, spring 2010), heart charm bracelet (AE, spring 2010)




3-D glasses from Toy Story 3 (lenses removed)



I never used to be into stripes. I used to hate them, actually, and avoid them like I avoid eggs. I thought they weren't flattering, but now I have a few striped pieces that I love and that look great on me. This tee is one of them. The color is very bold, but pairs very nicely with a pair of navy culottes. I felt totally nautical wearing it! The addition of the glasses was just a fun touch, as was all the different photo effects. I love playing around with the color of photos to give them a completely different feel.

Do you like the nautical trend?

The Boho Beat

Being back on campus, I've been able to get more outfit inspiration from all the students around me. Naturally, most of them are very underdressed (compared to me), but there are a select few that have stood out.

I've mentioned before that my style is a mix of preppy and girly with a little dash of hippie mixed in there. This year, I think the boho trend is still going strong (the 70s are back!) and I'd love to include more hippie-inspired pieces in my closet.

A few of my favorite trends right now are flashy pendants (such as this one--I actually bought this online and I can't wait to wear it!), fringe booties (I'm deciding between pewter and chestnut), oversize poncho-style sweaters and leather jackets (faux, of course).

I can't wait to show off my newly hippie-esque wardrobe on the streets of my campus this fall!

Lust Looks of [September]

As much as I dread leaving summer behind for classrooms, long treks to and from lectures and homework, I love fall. It certainly doesn't quite feel like fall here yet--it's still in the low-to-mid 90s--but I know yellow leaves and cooler temps are just around the corner. Here are three looks perfect for fall and all that it brings!

SCHOOL-GIRL COOL

(From left to right): Bay Shore lace tee (in navy, HCO., $34.50), Rolling Hills polka dot skirt (in blue, HCo., $39.50), Classic SoCal socks (in navy dot, HCo., $10.85), ALDO Cwik oxford (in grey, zappos.com, $50)


BRIGHT & SPORTY

Classic Beach Flip Flops (in light green, GH, $10), Banded Sweatpants (in pink, GH, $25), Yoga Bra (in blue, GH, $19.50 or 2 for $25), Potts Point tank (in green, GH, $10)

PREPPY PRINCESS

Bass Reid leather heeled oxfords (in oxblood leather, zappos.com, $78.95), Sarah cardi (in blue, A&F, $98, Flagship Exclusive), Kylie dress (in navy, A&F, $128, Flagship Exclusive)


What are you lusting after for this September?