Nonfiction Tees

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

     As the midnight oil burns, you'll usually find me furiously reading a book or shamelessly browsing my favorite online retailers. Etsy is at the top of the list for a number of reasons. I always find something unique. Last night was no exception. I stumbled across the shop Nonfiction Tees and I have to say that I'm smitten with almost every design. There's everything from scientific illustrations to art history references (Bauhuas movement anyone?) to the Declaration of Independence printed proudly for all to see. Personally, I'm leaning towards buying the tee with the minerals; but at $15 a piece, I could add more than one to my collection AND get gifts for my friends. 

Wishful Wednesday: To the Mountains

Women's stand collar 3/4 sleeve dress, Uniqulo

Fisheye One Lomography camera in Woodgrain

Outback hat

Sierra scarf, Las Collectionistas via etsy

Small leather tote, Lotuff Leather

Antique print, We Sell Used Goods via etsy

Vintage boots, A La Plage Vintage via etsy

Hiking Trails of the Smokies

     While I know that I couldn't wear this outfit for a serious day of hiking, I'd love to show it off for a day of picture taking in Cade's Cove. I'll be honest, this summer it will probably be much too hot to wear all of these accessories while I'm exploring the area. However, I'm willing to suffer a bit in the heat if it means I get to wear the things I want (and avoid getting a sunburn on my scalp!).

Wishful Wednesday: The Shift

Station Workshirt, Madewell

Indy Hat, Pendleton

Black Arrowhead Ring, Heather Benjamin

Brewer jeans, Scotch & Soda

Waxed Envelope Messenger, BKLYN Dry Goods

Fisherman Heeled Boot, Jeffrey Campbell

    I know I've probably hammered this point home, but I'm quite enjoying shifting my style subtly to a more tomboy aesthetic. While I do spend quite a bit of time in a downtown environment because of my job, I need a day to day wardrobe that is more suited to walking on trails than sidewalks. I'm not going full granola on you, don't worry. I'll always love oversized necklaces and sequins will be a stand by in the holiday months. But summer brings out my most adventurous self and I can't wait to wear the outfits to match.

Wishful Wednesday: Cisthene Silk Scarves

 Pyrite, Agate, Crystal Quartz, Turquoise

     Until I was in eighth grade, my biggest ambition was to become a geologist. From a very young age, I was always digging in my backyard, trying to find whatever treasures in the form of rocks or minerals awaited me. My reputation for collecting rocks was pretty wide spread. Pockets were full of rocks of all sizes. Hard earned allowance money was spent at those mineral souvenir shops. We even went on a vacation specifically to go "gem mining" and I still have the sapphire ring that was made form the stone that I found. 

      With that history in mind, it's no surprise how crazy I am about these scarves from Cisthene. The online retailer, owned and operated by photographer Jen Altman, is a curated collection of goods inspired by natural beauty. I'm crazy about everything on the website, from the jewelry to the leather goods. But the geologist in me will always crave a beautiful photo print scarve of a mineral to drape around my shoulders.

Wishful Wednesday: On Location

Studded military vest, Mango

Seamed high-low tee, Anthropologie

"Briar" wool fedora, Nordstrom

Aidan mid-rise boyfriend jean, J Brand

Braided Embers belt, Madewell

Dashing to Bootie, Modcloth

Honeydew Intimates + Madewell lace bralette, Madewell

Roberu leather camera strap, Kaufmann Mercantile Store

     Even after the hundreds of outfit posts that I've posed for, I still prefer to be behind the camera. There's a certain magic that happens when the location and vibe for a photoshoot is just right. However, I do know from experience that sometimes the best backdrops for pictures require a little bit of work to find. Whether it is driving through the countryside for hours looking for that perfect spot or walking through briars and brambles to get exactly what you want, an outfit for a day of photography has to be comfortable and functional. But who says it can't be stylish too? A utility vest is perfect for storing film and lens caps while also being on trend for spring. Those little booties from Modcloth are a photographer's dream: they are flat and light, but cover the foot fully so that sticks or grass won't stab  into your feet. While this is definitely my idea of a perfect ensemble for a day of shooting, I'd be happy to wear this any day. 

Vintage Threads: Babes on Bikes

Ninjette

 Anke Eve Goldman- fascinating

Progress and Procrastination

Tumblr (couldn't find the actual source)

 Bell'dora Fashions

Bell'dora Fashions

 American Motorcyclist

 Tumblr

The Old Photo Album

     Maybe it's just a reaction to all of the pastel colored garb that is in stores right now, but I can't get enough of these vintage pictures of women riding motorcycles. When I searched that on Google, I was kind of skeptical as to what exactly I'd find: I envisioned all sorts of less than appropriate pin up type images. Instead, I was happy to see hundreds of images of fully clothed, fully awesome women motorcyclists. I always appreciate a little bit of toughness when it comes to my outfits, but even more so, I love finding new women to inspire confidence in myself and others. If you're having a rough day, channel one of these awesome women and I'm sure everything will turn around. 

Wishful Wednesday: La Luna

Moon pot mat, Fine Little Day
Title Unknown La Lune tee, Urban Outfitters
Moon phase bag, Lotfi
Moon wooden collar clips, Lady Bird Likes on Etsy
Moon phase stud earrings, Erica Bradbury via Cisthene
La Luna print, JSGD on Etsy

     Whether the big beauty shows up in the sky, on prints, or on clothing, I have a great deal of love for the moon. The main motivation for waking up in the wee hours of the morning to run (whether because I'm forced to in season or to avoid the heat in the summer months) is to see the moon at its brightest. It's worth the 5:00 AM wake up time just to see how wonderfully illuminated the dawn sky is by the moon. I'm fascinated by most natural cycles, so seeing the various phases of the moon also holds great appeal. I'm definitely going to incorporate my love of this celestial body into my wardrobe and decor this spring.

I'll Fly Away

Cotton utility jacket, Target. Blue oxford shirt and scarf, thrifted. Boyfriend jeans, Gap. Vintage oxfords, thrifted. Nothing Too Fancy tote, free with purchase in store.

     My favorite thing about outfits is getting inspiration from unique sources. Lately, I've been feeling inspired by strong women in history. This particular ensemble was inspired by Amelia Earhart. Instead of making it feel like a costume by wearing an aviator jacket and boots, I modernized the idea with boyfriend jeans, a monochromatic color scheme, and of course, her signature scarf. One of my favorite things about chronicling my outfits on this blog is being able to keep track of the unique inspirations that strike. I actually co wrote an article about fashion inspiration from unique sources for my school newspaper which you can read here.

     What are your unique source for inspiration?

Vintage Threads: Overalls

Life Magazine, Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1944

Library of Congress

circa 1890

Jewish Women's Archive

State Library of New South Wales

J.E. Stimson

The Smithsonian

     If I had to choose between having an overall job and having a suit job, I'd choose the overall job any day. While the utilitarian uniform has a lot more than fashion at its roots, I appreciate the message that the jumper sends to the world. Today's audience will more likely interpret a pair of overalls as a nonchalant outfit choice that says to the world "I'm cool" whereas, in the past, they are a favorite of farmhands and factory workers alike. The dungaree is of such great interest to me personally not because of the modern interpretation. Using such a utilitarian garment for only appearances sake runs the risk of belittling such a rich history. But that's why I'm so drawn to overalls: the history and workers that they represent.

     Would you rock a pair of overalls?

Wishful Wednesday: Hello, Sunshine!

American Apparel leather bow clip

Warby Parker Edgeworth sunglasses

Retrospect High-Low polka dot dress

Pretty in Link belt in orange

The Journal of Awesome

Juicy Couture rhinestone fringe earrings

Fossil Zoey tote in light orange

Chance Greeting flats

Beci Orpin Geo Patchwork quilt

     Now that the temperature is on the rise, I'm all about cheery items. As long as the colorful things are accents as opposed to an overwhelming feature of the ensemble, I think that brighter colors can be used quite successfully. For this spring, I'm loving citrus tones paired with teals and pinks. There's nothing better than lounging on a beautiful quilt, the sun warming your skin as your write in a journal or read a new novel. What's making you smile this spring?

Wishful Wednesday: A Lovely Mix

Zoe Karssen LOVE sweatshirt

Modcloth Glad Romance skirt

Mania Mania ear cuff

Forever 21 Galaxy bib necklace

Chloe ankle strap ballet flats

Topshop satchel

The Book of Love

     For me, spring is all about mixing up items in new ways. I love the idea of a graphic sweatshirt over a breezy, floral skirt. A mix of statement accessories with some more classic pieces like the satchel from Topshop makes this outfit completely ideal for spring. And in mixing up this ensemble, I happened to find two things with the word "love" boldly printing on them. I guess I'm getting spring fever a little early!

Wishful Wednesday: Updated Uniform

Kate Spade Ta Da earrings

Citrine by the Stones necklace, Shopbop

Pointelle Me All About It Dress, Modcloth

Leopard print pointed toe flats, Gap

Faux leather tassel clutch, ASOS

Essie nail polish in Bobbing for Baubles

     When I'm feeling uncreative, I essentially live in fit and flare dresses, cute flats, and a statement necklace. It's a safe, no fail formula that gets me through in droughts of inspiration. But there is nothing wrong with bringing a few unique updates to an old stand by. I chose this combination of textures and colors because it isn't something that I've thought to put together before, but all of the pieces still compliment each other wonderfully. What's your failsafe fashion uniform?

Wishful Wednesday: Highs and Lows

The Life We Live top in Rust, August Wrinkle

Just Access Match earrings, ASOS

Midnight Song purse, August Wrinkle

Timex leopard print watch, Target

Merona hi/lo hem maxi skirt, Target

Cranberry Candy flat, Modcloth

     I know that the whole "hi/lo" trend has been around for quite some time, but I think I'm just now warming up to it. I hardly dress for drama in my outfits, so subtlety in this trend is key for the looks that I'd like to create. To play up the cool, casual feeling of the skirt, I chose some classic accessories with quirky details. As with most of my Wishful Wednesday posts, I would definitely like to recreate this look soon!

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?

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?

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?

Team USA!

     As the Olympics roll around, I am delighted to see people around the world showing love for their countries. Personally, I love red, white, and blue and all of the countries that the color combo has come to represent. Any excuse to break out this patriotic combination is an excuse that I will happily make. Now, I'm aware that sometimes it seems as though the only way to don this particular triumvirate of shades is to wear that awful Old Navy tee shirt that they sell for 4th of July every year. But, as you can see from my snazzy collage above, there are so many ways to be cute AND country proud. Shop this look below!

Wise Words Wednesday

(via)

     Whether that's a hair dresser, a mother, a blogger, or a friend. This is a little quip that my mother has been saying a lot recently. I am so glad to have a mom who supports me in all of my endeavors, but then again I'm glad to have a mother who also understands all of my endeavors.