Give Thanks

As every year passes, I grow more and more aware of how thankful I really am. I am incredibly blessed to have a family that loves me and supports me in all of my attempts and failures, the opportunity to attend an incredible university to study and make what I love, wonderful friends who make me laugh until my stomach aches and embarrass me in the best ways, and so much more. 

I hope that all of you enjoy your Thanksgiving with your favorite people and loved ones and make sure to thank all of those who have made such incredible daily impacts without even realizing. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Odd Pairings

{Delia's skirt (old), Forever 21 blouse + belt, Target shoes, Michael Kors watch and Essie's "Mojito Madness" polish}

Since oxbloods and burgundies have become this seasons everything, every fashion lover has thought of how to make the fashion worlds latest color obsession work in their wardrobes. Upon seeing this photograph of a favorite, Elisa Nalin, at first, choosing to pair a deep burgundy with a lighter lilac seemed odd and contradictory. However, I found myself consistently returning to the image for reference. In my interpretation of this burgundy/lilac blend, I added a bit of subtle pattern mixing, as well. With a delicate floral blouse and a skirt with a stitched circle arrangement, I attempted to unify the light and deeper colors by adding a level of textures and prints to the mix, too. 

Would you ever try an odd pairing? Burgundy and lilac? Light pink and burnt orange?

Scalloped with an Edge

{Madewell dress, Topshop vest, Forever 21 purse, Target boots, Michael Kors watch, Unknown necklace, and Essie's "Mojito Maddness" polish}

As much as I love scalloped edges for their delicate and feminine quality, sometimes they can be the perfect girlier aspect of an outfit to juxtapose with more typically edgy pieces like leopard and (faux) leather. I love this dress for it's amazing ability to take layers well. In starting with the dress and then adding from there, a simple and pretty dress turns into a stylish look that appears quite put-together, but is easy to wear, as well. 

Feeling Batty

{H&M Sweater, Forever 21 Skirt, Vintage Bag, Steve Madden Shoes, Essie's "Mojito Madness" Polish}

While novelty sweaters often featuring animals have been popular lately, I wasn't really a fan of the ones with cats, rabbits, or deer. However, this sweater featuring an upside-down bat, was one that had a personality to it that was quirky and unique without being cutesy. And, when paired with a pleather pleated skirt and vintage carpet bag, this festive novelty sweater doesn't have to just be reserved for Halloween, as it brings an unexpected twist to any outfit. 

Dress Up

As much as a sucker I am for a really feminine fit-and-flare, waist-accented silhouette for a dress, there is a strong place in my heart for a great boxy dress. This week's dress is one that fills many classifications of things that go into making a favorite style boxy dress to me. I love how while the sleeves are short, they are longer than usual, and how as a whole, the dress can appear almost as if it is a top and skirt as separates. Although my university's colors are orange and blue, surprisingly, that is not the reason that the colors work well for me. The combination of a dark navy and almost rusty/metallic orange, are great colors for fall and winter and can work as a great base for coats or tights and the metallic quality would look great with one of my favorite additions--gold jewelry.

Have a great weekend, everyone! I'm headed home for Thanksgiving Break. 

Home Improvement

Seeing as I am extremely excited to be heading home for Thanksgiving Break this weekend, today's Home Improvement post is about one of my favorite rooms at home--my closet. Like many girls, I had always dreamed of a closet as more of a "dressing room" than just a storage space for clothes. When my sister and I grew out of using our playroom from when we were younger, we decided it would be more useful to use the space and divide the room in half to make up new closets.
I am very particular in the arrangement of this room. There is a section for everything, and everything within the section is organized by either color, style, or print. Not only does this make looking for a certain piece easier, but to me, I also feel that it is more eye-candy inducing. Seeing similar colors and textures together makes my closet feel almost boutique-like. Also, there are certain pieces that I showcase either for the fact that they were a special wear, or that their display always excites me--such as the vintage 1950's lavender prom dress on the left. While I know that when I someday move to NYC, my apartment will probably be the same size as my closet, for now, it's a space that I really do enjoy.

Do you have a dream closet idea? If you do, how would you have it ideally organized?

Person of Interest: Elisa Nalin

I have been watching stylist and design consultant Elisa Nalin's style for a while now, and I have to say, that I am currently smitten. Her style is sort of quirky and unique with a tomboyish flair and platinum pixie cut, but at the same time feminine and definitely colorful. I am particularly fond of how she can make prints that would otherwise be too symbolic, such as palm trees or leaves, be toned down with a blazer or pleated skirt and still come off with a sort of charm and interest to them. From the collage above, Elisa is also a master at combining interesting color and pattern palettes to create instant trends and overall appeal.

What do you think of Elisa Nalin's style? Are you as in love as I am?

 1, 2, 3, 4