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?

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?

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?

Lust Looks of [August]

With my birthday this week, the beginning of August in just a few days and another school year starting in about a month, I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want my style to be this fall. There are so many new pieces I'm lusting after in my favorite stores, but how can I create foolproof outfits from them? I turned to Polyvore to round up a few of my current fashion obsessions and combine them to make the perfect look for any occasion.

SURF PREPPY

(From left to right): Zuma Beach sweatshirt (in navy, HCo., $39.50, Epic Only), Beacon's Beach striped cotton skirt (HCo., $49.50), Classic Beach Flip Flops (in navy flower, HCo., $39.50), Classic Messenger Bag (in navy, HCo., $49.50), turquoise retro sunglasses, Victoria's Secret Eau de Toilette in Fresh and Clean ($15), OPI Nail Polish (in blue shatter)

RUGGED CHIC

(All items from American Eagle): AEO Desert Boot (in sand, $59.50), AEO Studded Concho Belt ($19.95), AEO Floral Scarf ($24.50), AE Distressed Denim Cutoff Shortie ($29.95), AE Off-Shoulder Dolman Sweater (in heather ice, $49.50)

PRETTY POLISH

Nina Vannah pink espadrille sandals (zappos.com, $90), Embellished Leather Belt (in navy, Abercrombie Kids, $34.50), hot pink plastic bangle, Summer Beach Totes (in navy ruffle, Abercrombie Kids, $29.50), Maddy lace tank (in white, Abercrombie Kids, $79.50), Gwyneth polka dot skirt (in navy, Abercrombie Kids, $29.70)


What are you lusting after for August?

Freshman Year...Take Two!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I just started my second semester of my freshman year of college yesterday and I'm already swamped with work! I guess second semester really is a lot harder than first. Hopefully, I'll still be able to keep up with blogging :)
Back-to-school for me means...new clothes! I got and bought plenty of new stuff over Christmas break and I'm using these first two weeks back to show them off. Most of the clothes are appropriate for winter, which is definitely great, since it snowed here today! I am already ready for spring...but the colder weather inspired me to do a post about making a good first impression during second semester. Most people have all new classes, and it's a great opportunity to start anew, make new friends and possibly redefine your style. This last one can be hard to do if you're used to comfort, especially in these wintery months.
I am still vowing not to wear sweats to class...no matter how cold it is or how tired I am. I'm waking up two hours before I have to go to class so I have time to put on a nice outfit, fix my hair and apply makeup. I've decided to plan my outfits a week in advance, so I don't spend an hour staring at my closet, wondering what to wear.
This is an outfit I would definitely wear to classes--it's comfortable and warm without looking like I just threw it on. I like how all the colors play off each other (the jacket even matches the blue flowers on the cardigan!), the fringe booties add a touch of boho and the pearl bracelet makes the outfit refined and girly.

What does the new year/second semester mean for you?

Teacher's Pet

A simple school-girl outfit for any age!

Think back to elementary school, when you actually enjoyed waking up and going to school everyday (or maybe not), recess was the highlight of your day and your hardest decision was deciding whether you'd trade your friend your pudding for her chocolate chip cookie. Oh, how I miss those times, especially now that I'm spending most of my weekends studying and catching up on homework from the week (that's college for ya). Even if you're way too old to pass for a grade-schooler, you can still reminisce about those simpler days with this all-grown-up "school-girl" outfit.

I love Hollister's Wheeler Point cardi ($39.50) in dark pink. It's one of my current "lust items", and hopefully I'll be buying it in a week or two. But it makes a perfect base for this outfit. It's just a cute, basic sweater in a very girly shade--perfect for an elementary-school girl. Pair it with a basic light pink tank (try El Matador, $11.89) and it's good to go.

Gilly Hicks' Scotland Island skirt ($39.50) in dark pink is also very school-girl. It's a fun, bold navy-and-magenta plaid that would make any prep school proud.
Now it's time for my favorite part--the accessories. Try some bright pink socks, such as GH's adorable knee-highs (no longer available). Or go for a simple pair of ballet flats in navy or pink (unless there's too much pink for your taste). Don't forget the quintessential glasses--American Eagle's Readers Glasses ($15.50) will instantly perk up your look and make you look smarter!

So the next time you wish you could go back to your fifth grade class, put on an outfit like this one and remember the good old days!

Summer's Not Over Yet!

As we get towards the end of August, many people have to head back to school (or like me, have already plunged head-first into the first week or so of classes) and it makes people reminisce back to the lazy days of summer, when there was nothing to do but go on a family vacation, or relax by the pool or picnic in the park. There may not be much time for that anymore, but the calendar (and the weather) still says it's summer--where I am, it's been pretty hot lately--so why not squeeze the last drop out of the season by wearing summery clothes?
I like Hollister's Seascape dress in pink floral ($44.50). The bright pattern just screams "summer" but it's still a great transition piece for fall layered with a denim jacket.
Shorts are a must for hot days, but many pairs don't look nice enough for school or a lunch with the girls. So get into the AE Trouser Denim Shorties ($34.50). They have all the polished details of your favorite trouser jeans, only they're better for summer days. Try pairing them with a nice oxford-style shirt with a colorful twist, such as the AE Striped Boyfriend Shirt ($39.50).
If you have a girly style, then Gilly Hicks' Hunter Park shirt ($34.50) is for you! With two floral patterns, two striped patterns and one solid pattern, you can mix and match these and have a different look each day with the same style of shirt. The smocked hem is a nice touch, and the shirt looks great with denim minis or even capris for cooler days.
A&F's Heritage Tote ($48) can transport all your books and essentials in style. The striped pattern (either navy or green) has a very nautical, beachy feel.
Instead of dreading back-to-school, make the most of it with clothes that remind you of your great summer!