Penny for Your Thoughts

Printed men's button-down, J. Crew Factory (sold out online, but 50% off everything sale going on now!). Destroyed skinny jeans, American Eagle. Red square framed glasses, c/o Firmoo. Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. Burgundy Wayfarer loafers, G.H. Bass. 

     Rebellion doesn't suit me. If my shorts are too short, I feel uncomfortable. A bad attitude scrunches up my face into something unrecognizable. Smoking a cigarette seems as foreign to me as a sudden interest in unicycling. To be honest, I even have a hard time entering a building through a door marked "exit".

     But that doesn't stop me from idolizing the rebels of old or questioning the status quo in my own way. Wearing penny loafers instantly reminds me of James Dean, a personal style icon of mine. I love that such a classic piece of footwear can be turned subversive just as easily as it can be worn with a school girl skirt. That being said, though, even the girls who wore their scrunched up white socks and loafers with their full skirts have a certain aplomb about them. 

     To seem like such a staple in the iconic American style, Weejuns actually were inspired by a shoe in Norway. Only then did the G.H. Bass shoe company introduce the style in the 1936. Perhaps I find the shoe so remarkable because it coincides with a very inspiring era in fashion, but regardless, the classic loafer has stood the test of time.

     So with both the classic and the disorderly in mind, I came up with this combination. I never again thought I'd be yearning for a pair of destroyed jeans after about seventh grade. Practicality and perhaps good taste aside, this pair from American Eagle was the perfect solution. The rebel within me enjoys traipsing about in hole-covered jeans...but that doesn't stop me from wanting to cover up the holes on my upper thigh. 

The Girl in the Printed Dress

Linen button-front dress in Roller Girl, J. Crew (now only available in solid colors online). Denim button down, Jessica Simpson Denim (old). The Essex Messenger in bittersweet, Madewell. Scout Leather Chevron Necklace in black, c/o Danani. La Mer Wrap watch. Mossimo Supply Co. Strappy Flat Sandals, Target (seriously the best deal ever).

     While I didn't make it past the first book in the series, one particular sentiment from Sophie Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic novel (and later movie) has always stuck with me. Rebecca Bloomwood, the main character, justifies buying a high-priced green scarf despite a mountain of debt because she fantasizes about how the scarf will impact her life. It will make people think of her as "the girl in the green scarf" and she will become that much more elegant because of the accessory. 

     Thankfully, I have no debt to impact my shopping decisions. But I still find myself justifying purchases in this way. I love imagining the kind of days I will spend in newly acquired items. Often, that's where the charm of a garment lies: what does this say about my personality? What will people think when they see it? How will my life change because of it?

     This line of thinking has the potential of seeming overly dramatic to those outside of the fashion community, but it's those stop-and-stare worthy items that end up meaning the most to us all. This printed dress from J. Crew is one such item for me. Upon seeing the dress in the window right around the time that the store was supposed to be closing, all I had time to do the first time I spotted it was run in and feel the fabric in awe. It's a heavy linen that felt perfectly luscious for summertime and that print. I couldn't get the dress out of my mind.

     A few days later, I decided I should just go for it. Sale or no sale (although at J. Crew there's always that handy 15% student discount), I knew that this dress was going to be mine. I'm glad I pounced when I did; both this dress and the shorts in the same print quickly went out of stock online. I found the dress before it was even introduced to the online store and was fearful that I'd never be able to find it again in my size if I didn't purchase it then and there.

     In the end, I know there are more important things to worry about than the perfect dress or what I'm going to wear. The little "Made in China" on the tag didn't make taking the plunge any easier when it came to this dress. But I'll wear this dress so often- this summer and seasons beyond- that you might as well call me "the girl in the printed dress". 

It's a Tulle World

Going Tulle Be Lovely Skirt in Gold, Modcloth. Emerald vintage cotton tee, J. Crew. Sash Samba Belt in Black (sold out, here it is in grey), Modcloth. Black shawl, thrifted. Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. Triple strap Francine flat, Plenty by Tracy Reese (via Amazon). Vintage necklace.

     It's funny to me how even in various style phases, I still gravitate towards the same things. Although I am definitely straying from overly formal or girly pieces lately, I couldn't help but snatch up this lovely tulle skirt from Modcloth. Ever since I saw this skirt from Alexandra Grecco, I knew I had to have a long, swishy number in my wardrobe. I'm excited for the day when I save enough to buy the made in the USA version from Alexandra Grecco, but until then I am perfectly pleased with this golden colored piece.

    While I might have purchased a tulle skirt, I'm excited to see how it will mix in with my less fussy pieces that I've been gravitating towards lately. I usually prefer to stick with very simple tops if I'm wearing a more glamorous skirt. While I will definitely reserve breaking out the tulle for my most girly days, I think I stumbled across a beautiful staple that I'll wear again and again.

Best Friends in Burgundy

J Brand Zoey jeans in Lava. White tee shirt, JCPenney. Black cardigan, J. Crew (similar). Studded flats, Go Fish Clothing & Jewelry. Leather bag, H&M. Leopard belt, Target. 

      My favorite clothing items are a lot like my best friends. They are dependable, I never get sick of them, and they always make me feel great. These skinny jeans from J Brand are quickly moving into "best friend" territory. The regular price tag is extremely steep- I know. Although I'm all about investment pieces, I didn't pay full retail price for them. Rather, I swooped in and bought a pair at a local boutique blowout sale for a cool $35. How lucky is that?

      If I had to compare these jeans to one of my best friends, it would be Alysse. In fact, when we met up in downtown Knoxville to walk around and take pictures together, we were both wearing similar outfits. Alysse has been in my life for quite a bit longer than these skinny jeans have, but I am lucky to have both of them.

Western print cardigan, Forever 21. Polka dotted jeans and white sweater, JCPenney. Black boots, Belk. 

     I get along with Alysse better than anyone else that I know. We have a completely open and honest relationship which means that we hardly ever "fight" like a lot of friends that are girls do. As introverted as I am, I wouldn't mind spending pretty much all of my time with this lady. She's one of the sweetest people in my life, but that doesn't stop us from laughing at some pretty ridiculous things. When we are together in a group, we don't even have to speak to know what the other is thinking. Obviously, thinking alike even transfers to outfit choices. I love how each of us put our unique spin on the same basic elements. 

     It was even more fortuitous that Alysse and I stumbled across this parking lot to take pictures in. Both of us are avid readers of John Green. In fact, in high school we would usually read the books together, laughing and crying our way through them at a voracious pace. Much to our delight, the wall behind this parking lot had some very literary graffiti (and some other architectural photos for your viewing pleasure). 

      My burgundy jeans are pretty great, but I'd trade every clothing item I own just to make sure Alysse and I stay "friends forever". That old BFF schtick seems pretty juvenile, but when I think of everything that Alysse and I have helped each other for, forever doesn't seem so hard. 

The Upside

Cobalt school boy blazer, J. Crew. Sheer hi/lo hem dress, Forever 21. Studded belt, thrifted. Black tights, Target. Riding boots, DV Dolce Vita (similar). Leather wallet, vintage. Black leather wrap watch, La Mer Wanderlust Collection.

     I've learned that it takes an effort to be positive. Changes in the right direction don't just happen because you lay your head down to go to sleep and you start to think they should. Changes happen because of loads of dedication, persistence, and an extraordinary vision. I'm at a point in my life where things are going well. Sometimes I think that everything is spiraling so fast that I won't have time to catch my breath. But as a distance runner, I don't mind the feeling.

     While you could say that it is a stretch to connect those thoughts to today's outfit pictures, I'd like to prove that wrong. If I had to choose one word to describe how I felt in the above ensemble it would be powerful. Just looking back at these pictures reminds me of how confident and in charge I felt the day I wore this. Those feelings have been in abundance for me lately and I wouldn't have it any other way. (Yes, I'm patting myself on the back.) 

     I'm refining my vision and in the process of doing so I'm doing what countless cliche advertisements tell me to do. Just Do It? You got it Nike. Grab Life By the Horns? Dodge, you know me so well. I'm in a put your nose down and go kind of mentality lately and I'm seeing the best results. 

American Girl

Black boyfriend cardigan, J. Crew (similar).  White tee shirt, JCPenney. Sexy boyfriend jeans, Gap (similar). Jessica Simpson Cranaby boots. Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. Black wrap watch, La Mer Wanderlust Collection. 

     Whenever I feel too fussy or done up, I return to iconic and simple outfits. Sometimes I'd rather be a rebel without a cause in a worn in white tee and jeans than wearing one of my many fit and flare dresses. I like to take care of myself and I love perfume and lipstick just as much as the next gal, but I'd say at the heart of it all I'm no girly girl. My outfit pictures always seem to go better when a little elbow grease and sweat are involved; that is, I like to put forth some physical effort and work to accomplish things. 

     That being said, I've saved, liked, or cut out more pictures that are Americana themed than I can count. The flag motif seemed to have had a huge year in 2012, but that doesn't mean I won't play around with it in the coming months. The actual flag itself makes the perfect backdrop while exhibiting quite a bit of patriotism because yes, I love living in this country. I'm excited to travel and expand my horizons, but I'll always been thankful for the opportunities I've been given. There's always going to be problems, in the country and in the world, but as Panic at the Disco says, "I know the world's a broken bone, but melt your headaches, call it home." 

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 :).