Rad about Plaid

{Plaid}

Going to a middle and high school that included a uniform, the inclusion of plaid into my school-day wardrobe was quite familiar. However, after graduating last June, I was certain that it would be basically done away with. Well, folks, it's not. In my fashion class we have been working on our plaid button up shirts. With a great color scheme of reds, teals, and golds, I was certain that it would be beautiful. Let me tell you, though, plaids are a difficult task. Making sure that the horizontals line up at each step of the process, as well as the inclusion of a fitted long sleeve, make it the most daunting project thus far. So, in the celebration of all of those that have managed to make a great plaid, these are some of my favorite plaid pieces.

{1, 2, 3}

I love the unexpected coolness that a plaid can add to an outfit. When paired with something such as a sheer blouse and bright heels instead of a matching polo, or an oversized contrasting colored pull-over instead of a crested cardigan, plaid can make an outfit outstanding and nowhere near school attire.

Have a great weekend!

Charleston, SC

{Rocking chairs on the porch-- A Southern specialty}

In Spring of last year, my family went to South Carolina to look at the College of Charleston. With the temperatures as beautiful as they are right now here in Syracuse, it reminded me of the amazing weather that seems to be all year long in Charleston. Being from Texas and now living in the East Coast, I definitely sometimes miss the special things that make the South...the South. These pictures, and this trip from last year, remind me of all of the reasons why I love being from the South. Even if it's not South Carolina. 

{Some of the acres of the Bigelow Tea Garden}

Charleston is home to the Bigelow Tea Garden, America's only tea plantation. Southerners certainly care about our tea.

{Me, my mom, and my sister in front of Angel's Oak}

Angel's Oak is a live oak tree that is approximately 1,500 years old. Not only is this tree beautiful to look at and be in the presence of, but the little sanctuary surrounding it is peaceful, beautiful, and inspiring as well. 

{Just to get an idea of actually how big Angel's Oak is}

{Me and my sister}

We also made an excursion one day to go and visit a few of the beautiful plantation homes that Southern states like South Carolina are known for. Their white patios and lovely gardens made it such an amazing place to spend a warm weathered afternoon with the family. 

So, if you have never been to Charleston, never thought of visiting, or just feel like gettin' your Southern Sass into your daily lives, you should definitely pay Charleston, South Carolina a greeting. Full of friendly people, beautiful scenery, and good eats, what's not to love?

{Yup really folks, it's that charming}

Color Inspiration

I recently came across this dessert display on one of my Pinterest hunts, and absolutely adored everything about it. From the perfect pastel colors to the darling treats and sweet balloons, I knew that it just had that certain eye catching quality about it. Though the goodies and decorations are indeed eye catching, it is the certainly the colors of baby pink, mint green, and gold that hold it all together so perfectly.

These colors are just right so that they add the perfect amount of pizzaz to the display without overpowering it and the beautiful treats and decor surrounding it, as well. Mint green has definitely been one of the colors that I have been particularly attracted to lately. In anything from mint ice cream, to this H&M mint green sweater that Taylor Sterling and I both have, and even colored pencils. This color (as well as baby pink and gold) are surely shoe-ins for the spring season. 

Our Own Backyard

A few weeks ago, I went on an adventure around campus with my friend Sarah. In art history last semester, we had learned about Sol Lewitt after a field trip to Mass MoCA. We knew that there was one of his pieces, Six Curved Walls, on our campus, and through our adventure we had found it without realizing that this structure was actually his. It's funny how something can be in your own backyard (or on your campus) that you walk through daily, that could have so much importance without even realizing it. 

{Sweater: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Francesca's, Skirt: Forever 21, Tights: Unknown, Watch: Michael Kors, Boots: Nine West}

{Excuse the frozen hands}

It's always fun to go for a walk with friends or to just get lost somewhere and experience all of the unique and new places that you can find. It's a great mind reliever, and lets you appreciate the little (and larger) things around us--even in our own backyards. 

NYFW Fall 2012 RTW: BCBG Max Azria

It is finally that time of year again, and New York Fashion Week has begun yet another season to show off the collections for Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear. One of the collections that caught my eye,was that of BCBG Max Azria. With creamy tans, maroons, cobalt blues, oranges, and mustard yellows, the models worked the catwalk in loosely flowing and loosely fitted dresses, below the knee length pleated skirts, and trousers. There was a definite sense of geometric inspiration that was visible through the colored bars that adorned many of the pieces, as well as the sharp lines seen even on pieces as relaxed as an asymmetric mustard yellow and grey dress. Being a lover of dresses, the pleated numbers obviously stood out to me. However, Max Azria well exhibited the pants with a focus worthy top, as well.

These are some of my favorite from this morning's show:

As I finish up a knit shirt for class and pack to head into the city tomorrow morning, I can't help but begin to feel a bit antsy and childlike as I get more and more excited to be surrounded by all of the fashion that the city is known for. With BCBG Max Azria's show being as great and lust-worthy as it looked, I have no doubt that this season will bring amazing pieces from many designers, as it always does.

*photos from style.com*