Birthday Musings

With it being my birthday, one year older and all that jazz, I’ve been thinking a lot about this blog and what being in the world of fashion and blogging means to me and to others. So this post will generally be my musings and goals for this year.

I’m constantly excited to learn new information, tips and tricks and interact with other bloggers while sharing my sense of personal style. I have so many things I want to research and learn about, and so little time in the day. I’m just discovering sites like Chictopia and Lookbook.nu. Pair that with an Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and the glorious blog in itself and it’s a LOT of work. I’m learning about photography, different senses of style and new makeup tips and tricks galore. I’ve been working and learning for almost a year now and I voraciously attack any article or message board I can get my hands teaching how to improve while building readership. (Any advice on this end would be taken into thoughtful account and greatly appreciated!) I obsess over new magazines and trends, and especially (my weakness) what bag is that actress or super accomplished blogger sporting?  One day I want to share all of the advice I’ve garnered into a well-written, helpful blog post for new bloggers. But I’m just so excited about all of this that I wanted to share it with my readers.

I’m trying to find new, creative ways to incorporate history into my posts, though I’m not one to half-do anything so those are typically the most difficult posts because I put in legitimate research. I’m thinking perhaps of sharing a fun history fact related to the clothing or style I’m wearing in each post. I’m also incredibly interested in different designers, and coming from a very small town I never had the opportunity to learn about brands like Moschino or Tatanaka. I plan to research established and new designers, give my honest opinion of their lines, and try to incorporate either one of their pieces in the post or model after their style.

Ultimately, this started because I’ve always loved clothes and style and makeup and hair and I wanted to find some way to incorporate that love in my life more fully and I wanted to share it with others. Yes, of course it’s nice to get the hype and it can be an ego boost or a negative addiction for some, but that truly isn’t what blogging is about. It’s about pursuing your passion, whatever type of blogger you may be. Now one year older, I’m realizing that if you love something then why hold yourself back and not try to do/get involved with what you have passion for? People always stay at an arm’s length because they are scared of rejection, or getting told that’s a stupid idea, being judged, or that it’s just a pipe dream. But it isn’t, and you shouldn’t let what anyone else thinks affect how you conduct yourself. Be you, and go after what you love. That’s all for now, but have a great one!

| Top- Thrifted @ Buffalo Exchange | Shoes- Kathy Van Zeeland (out of stock)  Similar | Shorts- Loft (Just sold out!) Similar | Watch- Michael Kors | Bag- Kate Spade (similar) |

 

Nautical Maxi

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend my first event as a new member of the Junior League of Washington. They told us the attire was to be “summer casual” and I always stick with the thought process that it is better to be a bit over-dressed than to walk in and feel like an idiot because you are visibly too casual (unless that is your MO, then go ahead and rock that). So this is the look I came up with, and it fit in quite smashingly.

| Dress- Thrifted @ Buffalo Exchange | Sandals- Kathy Van Zeeland (out of stock)  Similar | Watch- Michael Kors  | Belt- Francesca’s |

Bohemian Spring

Now that the weather is so nice, I’m making an effort to spend every moment outside. Spending time near the Capitol was a great way to do that, and in between lots of LSAT studying we managed to take photos in some really beautiful locations!
Top-Nordstrom Rack | Shorts-Thrifted | Necklaces -Swarovski (heart) Tiffany & Co. (Green circle) | Shoes– Platos | Belt– Francesca’s Collection | Bracelet– Thrifted, Century 21 | Bag– Madewell

Loafing around

Let’s talk about loafers, the fabulously comfortable (always important for me as a permanently-injured-of-foot human) yet simultaneously stylish foot covers that are quite the trend currently.

It’s funny, though it appears in this sketch of crazy Henry VIII, famous for his ability to murder wives, that he is sporting loafers, according to good old Wikipiedia they were not officially fashioned in England until 1847 (Crazy Henry was around at the turn of the 16th century)

I found this nifty print at a local bookstore while I was perusing for information about loafers. Also spotted these beautiful books that probably have a reference to loafers in them somewhere.

While reading an article from the Christian Science Monitor from the 1980s I happened upon this quote that I love from “Preppy is trendy”author Phyllis Feldkamp:

“With its Fair Isle sweaters, cable-stitch cardigans, its penny loafers, oxford cloth button-downs, reversible wrap skirts, and Lacoste shirts, the prep-school look — or what designer Ralph Lauren calls “Brooksy Ivy” — has been doing just fine, thank you.”- Feldkamp

This isn’t the first time loafers are cool again guys. Fashion is on the mad repeat. She also references duck boots, down vests and monogrammed bags (though she refers to them as “button-on covers,” not sure what that means). Who are we trying to kid; we just aren’t that original… Nevertheless, this demonstrates the loafer look is a timeless classic. To give ourselves some credit, we have updated and modernized to the extreme. And added tassels. Tassels on everything is my motto right now.

This photo demonstrates a modern, updated twist on a pair of loafers I recently purchased from Madewell on super sale. I absolutely love the tassels and the easy ability to dress them up or down. Loafers have manifested in all sorts of styles these days, another popular style includes the slipper with prints on them (see below).

This photo is from the men’s Prada collection as displayed by @savvyslippers (check out their IG for some fantastic shoe posts, mostly menswear)

Loafers are so styling right now, one of my best blogger friends IGer @loafersoflondon’s entire premise is dedicated to them. (Check out her blog at londonloafers.com for edgy meets preppy meets fallinlovewithherstyle) This photo is from a recent post.

Whether you are powering out at the office, vigorously taking notes in class 😉 or just lounging in your slippers at home, loafers are one of those constantly recycling trends that are here to stay.

Brunch in the Big Apple

This weekend I took a mini vacation with one of my best friends (and Phi Mu little sister) and Brett to New York City. After a *very* chilly first day, we were able to have a fantastic day on Saturday beginning with a delicious brunch at The Kimberly Hotel Rooftop.

If you’re acclimated to the lifestyle of NYC (or DC for that matter) you understand brunch is a big deal to all of these northern city folk, and it’s quite a fun time. I highly recommend The Kimberly as a brunch spot if you’re in the city. As some of you may have seen in my excited Instagram post, it was fantastic to be offered french fries alongside eggs, french toast and waffles. We had a reservation for noon and the rooftop wasn’t nearly as crowded as a vast majority of the brunch spots in NYC. Also, as you can see from the photos, the hotel offered a beautiful view, and had a gorgeous salt water fish tank. We honestly spent a good ten minutes just treasure hunting through all the beautiful fish and anemones.

Look out soon for more posts from our New York trip, and the upcoming history post of the week. It’s a bit different than what you may normally see on the blog, featuring a former high-fashion model (who will remain anonymous) and her experiences in the industry.

Found Nemo!

A Focused Blog is Born

Yesterday as I sat ruminating in the *beautiful* sunshine, I had the greatest itch to write a blog post. Surely that’s a good sign. In creating this blog, I’ve received a lot of intrinsic gratification. I’m improving my web design abilities, I’m meeting and networking with like-minded people who also love fashion, I’m researching a topic that I love, I’m learning about new designers and styles, I’ve found an outlet to consistently write, and finally, I have become even more fashionable in my daily life as I am more conscious of the latest styles and trends, and sharing my looks to my followers. It’s been a great thing. However, I have struggled with finding a particular focus that I want to convey. I enjoy looking at other blogs that are generally strictly outfit posts, but personally I would like to write something with a bit more substance and research, mostly because I enjoy doing the behind the scenes work. I’ve found some incredibly cerebral blogs, with thought provoking posts, but most are not necessarily as focused on fashion as they are on current events or news. I also have stumbled across lots of wonderful photos of food, but I know I don’t cook nearly enough to justify a food blog. Maybe a random post once in a while when I’m feeling particularly proud.

But, after thinking it over, I’ve decided I am going to create a model for weekly posts to keep myself consistent and allow readers the opportunity to follow a regularly updated, focused blog. So, by combining my passions I am going to write as follows:

1- On Mondays, I will post an “outfit post,” consisting of one or more of my favorite looks from the previous week, or if I go somewhere special the looks I incorporated there.

2- On Wednesdays, I will post a “history” post, where I reach back to different eras and pull from the styles they followed and demonstrate how it is/can be incorporated into the present.

3- On… the weekend in general because I can’t promise a Friday/Saturday/Sunday specific post as I enjoy adventuring on those days… I will post a “high fashion” post that pulls research from the runways or shoots of the hottest current designers and incorporate it into normal daily style.

Below you can see some of my favorite looks I wore last week. Tune in for Wednesday, I’m thinking something Medieval may be in store…

It was a rainy day, but it was finally starting to get warm!

Shoes{Gap} Coat {Cotton On} Bag {Kate Spade} Sidewalk {Wet}

I really enjoy the double necklace layering lately. This was my Valentine’s Day ensemble I wore to dinner ❤

Skirt {J.Crew} Watch {Michael Kors} Sweater {Nordstrom Rack} Statement Necklace {Francesca’s} Silver Necklace {Tiffany’s}

And finally, I went with the ultra-feminine pink paired with some trendy wide-legged white trousers.

Pants {Vintage Thrifted} Belt {Francesca’s} Shirt {Gap} Statement Necklace {Pink Pineapple Collection}

Big Day in the City

 
Brunch at The Spotted Pig

You can find amazing deals on statement pieces in the city at little shops. This was less than $15!

                                       Prada Jacket ❤                                   

Fig and Olive, a wonderful dining experience!

The skyline at night, beautiful

Fashion Avenue, arguably the best street in the city.

It’s been about a hundred years since I posted a blog post. I blame this on work and LSAT studying, vacations, etc. Basically things have been pretty crazy. However, I wanted to give this glance of my first trip to NYC! The city was amazing, and I definitely fell in love. This is almost sure to be my future home. Everyone knows that New York is known for high fashion, and with this last week of NYFW taking place, based on all of the amazing videos and photos I have seen, fashion packed a pretty strong punch. It was so exciting to see the lines that are being put off, some of my personal favorites include the jewel-encrusted designs by Tory Burch and the fun and crazy Steve Madden line partnered with The Blonde Salad (one of my personal favorite bloggers!) I will be going back in just a few weeks and will be sure to have lots more fun and beautiful fashion to share.

Glam it up!

Sporting the glam look while waiting on the metro. Leather skirt (similar)-H&M or H&M, Shirt (similar)- J. Crew Necklace (similar)- Loft (50% off sale on everything right now!)

Love this black friday Loft find!

When trying to decide how I wanted to do my nails for this outfit I stopped in my local CVS and found this amazing polish. It is so chic, and comes in several colors. Polish- Maybelline

I’m in love with these gloves, and definitely purchasing them. You can style them as glam, or even as an everyday item.- People

Although black is typically associated with the “glam” style, glam style can include other colors, including this white jacket with sparkles. It is chic, and makes a statement.- People

With this quilted Michael Kors leather jacket you can glam up a brightly colored dress- (Similar) Michael Kors

This clutch is definitely not in my collection of items, but it’s definitely glam and I found it rather amusing. My coworker suggested if we purchased them we could use them as weapons as well as accessories.

This clutch, on the other hand, is much more in line with my fashion sense. I love the tassels!

I’m kind of in love with these Calvin Klein boots.

My coworker Jenna helped model this spectacular necklace for me. We both fell in love with it. Gold is definitely my preference over silver, and this cool ombre effect is phenomenal.

This bracelet has enough bling to glam up any outfit, and could add a great pop of color to a darker ensemble.

A glam style is incredibly popular right now, and I love it. Leather (or pleather) was pretty popular circa 5th grade, and I’m glad it’s back! You can buy leather tops or skirts or accessories in almost any store right now for a very reasonable price. You can throw a large jeweled accessory on, like the bracelet above or even a cool pin to add an interesting piece to your outfit. Hopefully some of the examples above are helpful, and give me a shoutout as to what your favorite glam pieces are, or tag me in a photo on Instagram! I’m a pretty avid Instagrammer so I would love to see your photos :).