Purple Haze

// Gypsy 05 top (via Marshalls!) // Vintage Levi's (via Urban Outfitters) // Cotton On purse // Banana Republic wedges (similar here) // Francesca's initial necklace // Anthopologie sunglasses //

Even though I'm not up to much during the day right now, getting dressed in something other than pajamas always makes me feel a little better. On days when I don't quite feel like wearing a dress, vintage cropped denim and the prettiest purple top feel just as put together but on the more casual side. I've always been a fan of Gypsy 05, but it wasn't until I spotted this top the other week that I knew it needed to come home with me. There are so many details I love from the ruffles on the sleeves, the tied front and the delicate bottom it is the perfect summer top. Also, how amazing is the greyish purple color?!

Dressy / Casual

/ Vintage Levi's (via Urban Outfitters) / Target booties (old) / Kate Spade top (via Nordstrom's Rack) / H&M coat (old, $15!) / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse / Michael Kors watch / 

In not posting for a while, I found a few photos that I had taken over the past few months that I didn't find the time to actually put up. But hey, how amazing is this coat? I had to share. 

Being the sort of coat hoarder that I am, I will find any reason to add a new coat to my collection. However, when I found this one a few years ago at H&M marked down to $15 I couldn't resist. The metallic sheen and cropped sleeves seemed like a fresh addition to my wardrobe, and the weight of it makes it perfect for transition weather. With the coat being the main statement, keeping the rest to classic neutrals like vintage cuffed denim, black ankle boots, and a grey shell with just the right amount of detail on the sleeves seemed like the perfect additions to pull the rest of the look together.

Uniform

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I've noticed that when I don't really need to dress a specific way, I have been more and more gravitating to a uniform that consists of black leather, white, and denim. It's funny how a few years ago, these pieces were not what I would reach for on most occasions, and now it is my go-to. I used to think of uniform dressing as boring, and sometimes still do, but it is definitely nice to know that when in doubt, running late, or just want to look put together without much effort, staying in these three colors and fabrications will have you looking classic regardless. I like to think of fashion as a daily puzzle or word problem if that makes sense--you have to keep trying on pieces to see which ones work together and which don't. In keeping in the color palette above, the challenge is more of finding fresh and alternative ways to switch up your look so that your uniform dressing doesn't become limiting.

What is your favorite combination of the pieces above? Lately I've been reaching for my faux leather pleated skirt, white slides, and a dark denim jacket.

Invaluable

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When it comes to watches, I have been dedicated to my gold Michael Kors since I got it in high school six years ago. Usually I am drawn to chunkier mens style watches, and I love feeling the weight of it on my arm and the finish that it brings to an outfit overall. Invaluable is the world's largest online auction marketplace for so many luxury items from fine jewelry to artwork. I styled three looks around a particular mens watch on their site and while a Rolex isn't typically anywhere in my budget, I appreciated this style for it's silver and black sleek appearance compared to my glaring gold Kors for a change. Far too often I find myself wandering the mens watch section in department stores (and my dad's arm) for these styles that I am particularly attracted to, and this was a fun opportunity to see how a change in a timepiece can change an overall outfit and attitude. Here I have put together three different looks with this beautiful watch that I felt enhanced and worked well together with such an elegant and timeless piece. 

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Which is your favorite look above? How would you style this watch?

Check out all of the other mens watches on Invaluable! 

Vintage Celebration

Vintage Dress via Shareen Vintage / GAP denim jacket / Vintage purse (my grandmother's!) / Christian Siriano heels c/o / Michael Kors watch / Sunglasses from Anthropologie

Do you build your outfits around a pair of shoes? With shoes as amazing as these Christian Siriano ones, you can't help but start with them first. I've never seen anything like them and it feels like you are wearing bracelets on your ankles in the best way possible. Aside from my obvious obsession with them, I knew that one of the first things I wanted to try them with was this vintage dress from Shareen Vintage that's actually my mom's. I loved the way that the skirt of the dress sort of mimicked the skirts of the heels and created such a feminine feel that was perfect for the first of my early birthday celebrations.

Dress Up

Image via

For today's Dress Up post, it's not necessarily a particular dress being featured, but a style and idea--sequins and glitter! When the holidays start to roll around, nearly every store has some sort of garment covered in glitz. Now that the holidays are in full-swing, it's almost as if the sparkling lights adorning the neighborhoods have found their way indoors and onto the clothes. When it comes to sequins, I'm not picky. Gold, matte gunmetal, pale pink or anywhere in between and I'm ready to throw it on and twirl. That can't be just me, right? With sparkly dresses specifically, I've found that I'm more a fan of simple silhouettes. The sequins say plenty enough and having a simple shape keeps the focus on the shine and allows you to appreciate the quality of the sparkle in itself without being distracted from the style of the dress. Although, I've got to admit, when anything is covered in sparkles I automatically pay attention. Have you all found any sparkly holiday dresses for Christmas or New Years yet? Surprisingly, I only own one. The dark navy sequins and open back keeps it exactly as I like it--simple but statement-making and reserved for special occasions.

Happy Friday and happy hunting!

What are you all up to this weekend? I'm heading to Austin, TX for a road trip with the family for some much needed outdoor trails and killer vintage. This girl needs a new pair of cowboy boots!

Embellished Americana

/ J.Crew button down (sample sale) / Vintage Levi's from LF / Zara heels / H&M clutch / Illamasqua polish / 

When I would think of classic American dressing, jeans and a white t-shirt would come to mind. As much as I love a good basic, I wouldn't really call them my go-to. Still inspired by the denim and white combination, and the concept of easy dressing in mind, I pulled out pieces that much more suited my sense of style to update the classic pairing. Both the button down and the vintage Levi's are updated versions of classics in themselves. A white button-down can easily seem quite stiff and conservative, and ill-fitted denim can come across as borrowed from your parents--and not in the chic oversized way. However, with a bit of embellished beads and rhinestones and a fitted shape for the top, and a distressed appearance and lace inserts for the shorts, these pieces are still classics, but for a girl who likes her basics--a little less basic. 

PS: Happy Birthday, daddy! I hope it's full of everything you wanted. xo

Vintage Blues

/ Vintage Dress / H&M Clutch / Zara Heels /

One of my favorite parts about vintage pieces is that they are so one-of-a-kind. As much as I love my fast fashion stores, there really is something special about having a piece in your wardrobe that no one else shares with you. When it comes to vintage, I am quite particular about what I like, and it is usually in the form of devastatingly feminine pieces. This dress is no exception, and is probably one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. I knew when I saw it last summer at the since closed Zachary's Smile in New York City's West Village that it was a piece that really got to me. Hard to appreciate the details in photographs, everything from the delicate zipper to the inner construction shows the time put in to make this dress that you just don't find in your fast fashion pieces today. In styling this dress, I tried to complement the silvery blues of the bows that adorned the skirt and shoulders with my latest favorite metallic heels, snakeskin print clutch, and skipping on the jewelry-it clearly isn't needed.

Do you have a favorite vintage piece? One of my other favorites is a 1950's lilac prom dress that I keep hanging in my closet as a daily source of inspiration.

4th of July

Bebe top / Topshop pinafore (on sale!)  / Vintage heels / Michael Kors watch / Francesca's necklace / Brandy Melville Ring / Sunglasses from SoHo street vender / Target purse

You can't help but love the fourth of July. From the theme-dressing, fireworks and all out American birthday festivities, this is the perfect mid-summer holiday. While donning the American flag isn't so much my style, the classic colors of red, white, and blue certainly are. By layering a pretty white top over a cobalt pinafore and my favorite vintage heels borrowed from my mom for a little red, I came up with a look that is not only celebratory of the day, but fun to wear, as well.

Hope you all had an amazing fourth of July!

School Boy

//Necklace, Blouse, and Jacket: Forever 21// Shorts: Zara//Heels: Vintage (gift from mom)//Ring: H&M//

I used to not really give much thought to white button-downs. I found them to be stuffy, difficult to keep clean, and boring. However, when I went to re-create a stylized version of a school uniform with my favorite varsity jacket, leather shorts, and short heels, this button down from Forever 21 proves to be that crisp white button-down that I'll be reaching for more often. With it's unfinished seams and slightly deconstructed and frayed edges, it has every bit of that uniform and polished look that I was looking for, but with the stylized qualities to keep it updated and current, as well.

//How amazing are these vintage heart heels? I'm absolutely head over heels in love--ha//

Black Basics

//Tank: Topshop//Shorts: Zara//Ankle Boots: Target//Bag: Vintage//Necklace: Forever 21//Ring: H&M//Watch: Michael Kors//

When it comes to jeans and a t-shirt, I was never really that kind of girl. As much as I appreciate a crisp white shirt and perfectly worn-in denim, I have never really felt comfortable when I wear them together. When it comes to the denim and a t-shirt idea, throwing on these faux leather Zara shorts and my favorite worn-in tank is the closest I got to. Basics to me are about simplicity and with an all black palette, gold accessories, and full-on comfort, this felt just as basic as an easy jeans and a t-shirt look, but with a little more interest and style instead.

What is one of your favorite basics in your wardrobe?

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. 

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?

Vintage Confection

{Topshop vest, Necessary Clothing top, Vintage skirt from Shareen, Steve Madden shoes, Forever 21 necklace, and Michael Kors watch}

I fell in love with this vintage skirt about a month or so ago when I saw it at Shareen Vintage's New York location. I am always drawn to vintage prom dresses and skirts, especially those in palettes that resemble that of pastel confections and with lovely full skirts. I knew that I wanted to wear this skirt for a special occasion, as it feels special when worn, and my last day in New York this summer definitely felt like one of those occasions.