Modern Romanticism

I was skeptical that the vine would hold me...

...but, as you can see, it did!

Striped super soft long sleeved tee, Gap (similar). Denim vest and sweater tights, American Eagle. Wool printed skirt, leather belt, and leather gloves, all vintage. Boots, DV Dolce Vita (similar). Green camping backpack, J. Crew. 

     While I've always felt a certain connection to the natural world, going to college surrounded by one hundred fifty acres of woods has really brought out the Romantic in me. I don't mean roses and hearts kind of romance, but rather the ideals that poets like William Wordsworth wrote about. Wordsworth reflects on the fact that the world seems to be in too much of a hurry to go out and appreciate nature. He might have been writing in the 19th century, those themes are still all too common today. 

     My love for walking in the woods or in the expansive open fields in this area has definitely been influencing my style. I've been tending towards a lot of natural colors in my wardrobe lately as well as picking out items that look stylish but also suited for a hike. My backpack, something I purchased with a gift card I received for Christmas, is both waterproof and beautiful. I've been wanting less prissy, dainty clothing, although I still have a soft spot for prim and delicate items as well. 

     These particular pictures were taken on a brutally cold day. However, when I get stir crazy and out of sorts, a picture taking session in the woods is just what I need. Not only did I feel serenity after literally hanging from a vine (a spot I would love to revisit in an ethereal dress), but I also spotted this little fella on the way back to the car. 

Wishful Wednesday: Dots on Dots

Mr. Boddington's Penguin Classics, Pride and Prejudice

Betsey Johnson Pretty Polka Dot ball drop earrings

Kate Spade Paisley Park Ring

Fossil Key-Per wristlet

Penny Lane Collard Blouse, Ruche

See You Round Skirt, Modcloth

Converse Specialty leather All Stars

     As someone who has a fair amount of polka dots already in my wardrobe, I find myself wanting to mix them with everything: plaid, florals, stripes, but especially dots of different sizes. I've found that trying to keep a simple color scheme works best when mixing two sets of polka dots, but I'm sure it could work with even more vibrant colors. What patterns do you like mixing the best?

Not Fade Away

Black boyfriend cardigan, J. Crew. Lace overlay dress, Urban Outfitters (old). Ombre tights, American Eagle. Blue t-strap flats, Gap outlet. Lace clutch, Jason Wu for Target. Cobalt and metal statement necklace, Bar III. Black wrap watch, La Mer Wanderlust Collection.

      My style is a constant pendulum swing between very casual, "effortless" style and much more put together outfits. I've learned that being well dressed doesn't mean being overdressed, but the part of me that just wants to wear extremely feminine dresses and accessories is definitely not gone yet. However, I've noticed that I am beginning to feel more uncomfortable when I'm "dressed up". But that's what I love about fashion: it is a trial and error process. It is an art form that you can always refine and have fun doing so. I am trying to have less of a revolving wardrobe mentality, but my style definitely goes through certain shifts. I have to say that I'm glad it has largely been captured on this blog.

     In other news, I literally just finished my final registration for spring classes. I don't talk too much about school on my blog, but where I live and what I study highly impacts the way I dress. Originally, I intended to double major in Fine Arts with a concentration in Photography and Writing/Communications. However, I am now pursuing another concentration in Design, which is a separate major at my school. Before I graduate, depending on what career path/ master's degree that I want to pursue, I get to decide what will put on my degree (design or fine art).

      I could never fully give up my pursuit of a writing degree, though, and that's why I've decided to declare a minor. I write for the school's paper and completely love it, but I didn't want the emphasis on literature that our Writing/Communications major has for several classes. The minor was the perfect solution!

      I'm seeing a trend that indicates that your specific degree is rarely an issue when it really comes down to getting hired; it's all about experience. I'm trying my hardest to get the experiences I need and I'm loving every second of it :).

Splurge vs. Save: Metal "boyfriend" watch

Michael Kors Parker watch, $225

Silver boyfriend watch from The Trendy Boutique, $30

     If you have an internet connection, chances are you know what a "big deal" Michael Kors watches are. I'm not going to lie, I have fallen under the spell of the metal beauties after walking by a giant display of them in my local Dillard's. However, as someone who has depended on the same thirty dollar Timex watch for a year (before I received this one for Christmas), I would have a hard time shelling out the money for such a current and trendy item. While it is true that the materials and shapes of the watches make them true classics, I can never tell if I'm being overly influenced by what Tumblr dictates as popular at the moment. That being said, I'm also a sucker for instant gratification, meaning that I wouldn't blink and eye at getting a similar look for a lot less. 

     I'll probably hold off on snagging a metal "boyfriend" watch until I'm more firm in my decision, but I'd love to know what you would do: splurge or save?

Weekend Wear

Army jacket, American Eagle (similar). L.L. Bean sweater, thrifted (but you can buy it here). Black skinny jeans, American Eagle (same). Wayfarer sunglasses, Ray-Ban (same). Leather riding boots, DV Dolce Vita (similar). Leather purse, mom's from Argentina. 

     Despite this being one of the more simple outfits that I've worn lately, it is one of my favorites. It was a fairly blustery day, but this L.L. Bean sweater that I found at Goodwill and a light jacket kept me warm. I'm convinced the sweater is magic; however, more than likely, it is just because it was made by an excellent brand with high quality materials. What I really love is that I found the exact sweater online,despite it probably being about fifteen years old. There's something to be said about the classics.

    Although I've always kind of rolled my eyes at the category of "weekend" clothes that magazines want to shove down our throats, I kind of get what they are saying now. I find myself relying on the same basic pieces to get me through some of my more hectic errand running days. If I can be comfortable but still put together, I'm a happy girl.

     I've found that they key to looking my best even when driving/walking all over Knoxville to get things done is layering. I love the look of the sweater with my favorite black skinny jeans, but the army jacket makes it look more on trend and less like I put no thought into getting dressed. Add the boots, and there you have it- my perfect weekend outfit. What's yours?

Mixed Media

Faux leather bomber jacket, Target. Denim shirt, Jessica Simpson. Sequined skirt, J Crew (sale). Leather belt, thrifted. Black leather bag, H&M. Leather riding boots, DV Dolce Vita (similar). Black wrap watch, La Mer Wanderlust Collection. 

     Because I tend towards plain clothing much more often than anything printed, I have quite the fondness for different materials. Denim, leather, and sequins certainly are some of the fabrics that catch my eye. And typically, I love the combination of my favorite materials even more than when they are separate. As long as I don't look like a total fashion victim, I'm all for pairing together different textures and fabrics, even if they are somewhat untraditional.

     As you can tell from the pictures, it actually snowed recently in good ole East Tennessee. While we usually get a few flurries every winter, hardly anything ever sticks. The mania over snow is pretty ridiculous, too: sometimes, if there is a warning for even an inch of accumulation, people rush to their nearest grocery store. It's all for the best, though, because the roads here tend to be both rural and hilly,meaning that they aren't exactly the best to venture out in during winter weather. It's been quite cold since this small snow day happened, but it wouldn't be East Tennessee if it were going to stay this way. I'm looking forward to the 68 degree high that is forecasted for next week!

Wishful Wednesday: Vintage and Sweet

Banana Republic Bloom necklace

J Crew Tippi Cardigan

Shop Ruche Sweet as Cream top

Modcloth Back in Session skirt

Modcloth Believe it or Not purse

Steven turquoise flats

     When I'm going through a shake up in my style, I can always count on looks like this one to get me through. The shapes themselves could be seen as fairly quaint and old fashioned; however, I really enjoyed playing around with color to bring the outfit into this century. What styles are you liking as of late?

Some Thoughts on "Sexy"

     When I think of the way I would describe myself, one of the last words I would use (or even want to use) is "sexy". I find anything to do with being hot, sexy, or any other stereotypical lust inducing adjective just plain awkward. It's been this way since everyone else got boobs and I got nothin'. I'm an Audrey, not a Marilyn; a Mary Anne, not a Ginger. I realize that indicating that these two types of personas can't exist in one woman is a common, misguided trope. Even though she might wear short skirts and you might wear tee shirts (hey T. Swift), there's no reason why we can't all have our very own unique brand of appeal. That appeal, in fact, can have very little to do with sex, which when you get right down to it, is what the word sexy is all about.
     That being said, although I'm a firm believer that I should own up to my specific cute vibe instead of feeling silly in more va-va-voom duds, I've always had a soft spot for beautiful bustiers. When choosing  my piece from the "Sensuale" line of Vedette Shape Wear, my eyes were delighted by the feminine shape and color of the Floriana bustier. Once again, I've styled the piece in two looks, using the shape wear as a base.

Day

Lace shirt with peter pan collar, gift from my mother. Floriana bustier, c/o Vedette. Mustard pleated skirt, Gap. Velvet ballet flats, American Eagle (old). 

     For my day time look, I was inspired by my love of all things relating to the school girl aesthetic. Of course, an outfit wouldn't be my own if there weren't slight tweaks to that idea, like the vibrant color of my pleated skirt and the sheer lace shirt. Coupled with some more modest elements, the Floriana made the absolute perfect base for my otherwise see through top. Also, little did I know, I have many items that match the bustier perfectly, including the two pairs of shoes that I've worn it with.

Night

Floriana bustier, c/o Vedette. Metallic brocade skirt, Francesca's. Black cardigan, J. Crew. Gretta magenta platform heels, Steve Madden (past season). 

     This night time look was definitely a little bit out of my comfort zone- at first. I love hassle free clothing for events which is precisely why I don't think I'll ever own another strapless dress. But the hyper feminine shape that the outfit gave me was something I had to get used to. Of course, I did have my security cardigan so all that was really showing was some nice décolletage and lots of leg. However  great this outfit might have been for a club, it's still a little awkward to be in an outfit like this when your mom is taking pictures of you (hi mom!). 

     I'm completely satisfied with both of my picks from Vedette, but the Floriana is really above and beyond most items of this type. I wore it comfortably all day,even to a delicious dinner, and it didn't feel snug or out of place the whole time. I obviously have an affinity for that particular shade of purple so I was glad to be able to mix some rich tones together to create some truly one of a kind looks. But the greatest thing I got out of styling this piece was reaffirming the notion of finding your own notion of sexy. And whether or not you think that's wearing a bustier top or rocking boyfriend jeans and oversized sweaters, that is totally your call.

Sneak Attack

White shirt dress, TJ Maxx. Grey vest, Target. Denim Champion high tops, Keds. Red satchel, Steve Madden. Spike earrings, Wal Mart clearance. 

     These sneakers add a certain "cool" factor to pretty much anything that I wear them with. Although lately I haven't wanted to wear them through all the slush and snow that's accumulated since these pictures were taken (East Tennessee: where's it's sunny and seventy during the weekend then snowy and miserable the next week), I look at them longingly every time I get dressed. I'm reminded of the phase I went through in middle school where I thought Pac Sun was the coolest store ever and my biggest aspirations included becoming a drummer in a Punk/Pop band and learning to skateboard. Did anyone else go through that or was it just my friends and me? 

     Of course, this just goes to show you that style phases you go through earlier in life can stick around long after you thought you moved on. Although I've left behind fitted logo tees and jeans with way too obvious butt stitching behind for good, I do find myself tending towards some old habits lately. Whether it's being inspired by grungier brands or heading to the boys' and mens' department for shirts and sweaters, I can't seem to shake some parts of the middle school me. 

     What I think are new directions in my style usually just turn out to be things that I've always loved in one form or another, and I think little-kid-me would be proud.

Splurge vs. Save: White Camp Shirt

J. Crew Blythe blouse, $110

Old Navy button front blouse, $30

     I am definitely of the belief that if pieces make you happy, not only should you buy them in multiple colors, but you should also invest in high quality versions to make sure they last. My recent obsession with camp shirts stems from the 100% silk blouse that I found at a thrift store, shown here. Ideally, I could hunt down similar shirts in a plethora of colors while thrifting. However, upon searching for a shirt of the same style in white, I've decided it's probably time to face the facts and just go retail. For something that I will wear so often, I'd love to invest in the higher quality material; but as a person who enjoys the "just see how much will fit into a single load" philosophy of laundry, I don't realistically see myself getting the Blythe blouse dry cleaned. 

     If I end up taking the plunge and actually buying a similar blouse, I'll let you know what I've decided. But for now, I want to know what you'd do: splurge or save?

Ed: Thanks to the anonymous reader who pointed out that Equipment blouses refer to the brand which has blouses of a similar style!

In the Blink of an Eye: Instagram Round-up

Ducks on a particularly temperate day.

My favorite record and one of the first vinyl albums I bought.

 I live in a truly magnificent place.

From a wonderful day trip to Nashville.

Making my bedroom feel like home again over winter break. 

Jammin' with my honey.

We've had some yucky days recently.

And some pretty great ones.

     Perhaps the speed that time seems to have flown by is due to being at home for three weeks because of winter break, but I'm a bit shocked at how long it has been since my last Instagram post. I love commemorating the little moments of my daily life through Instagram and cultivating them into posts allows me to relive all the good memories. 

     Even if my life is painted as picture- or novel- esque in the majority of my photographs, I just want to take this opportunity to share what's not pictured: hours on end of watching Parks and Rec in my pajamas (but hey, at least they were a matching set from J. Crew), three hour naps in the middle of the day, getting soaking wet from the rain and/or snow, how badly my fingers started peeling after picking up the banjo again, and eating spaghetti noodles with alfredo sauce for dinner the majority of the time since I've been back in school.

     But hey, it's the little things, good or bad, that make life so interesting and rich. I don't want to take any of it for granted.