Hideaway

Patterned dress, Shop Ruche (old) Black sweater coat, Pull & Bear. Madrid hat, Nasty Gal (similar). Black tights, Urban Outfitters. Black Chelsea boots, TBA. Leather purse, vintage from Liverpool (found at Ark).Vintage leather gloves. 

     Believe it or not, these pictures weren't taken in a remote location. In fact, this little grove of pine trees is more on the beaten path than off of it. Luckily though, despite this thicket being right behind the soccer field on campus, soccer isn't in season. I avoided being that weird girl taking pictures of herself, at least for these pictures anyways. 

     This is definitely one of my favorite outfits that I've put together since starting school and getting back from my adventures abroad. I purchased the purse and sweater while I was in the UK and trust me, they've both gotten a lot of wear since then. Some of my purchases were far less practical, as vacation buys can be on occasion. But let's be honest, I didn't spend three weeks overseas for the practicality of it. 

     While I'm glad that the weather is warming up (especially this week in Tennessee- it'll get up to 70!), my wardrobe largely consists of colors that are better suited for cooler temperatures. I especially love the rich combination of black with the color of leather on my gloves and bag. I know I'll be able to achieve a similar effect with fewer layers, but I'll be the first to admit that I will be a bit sad to put away my favorite sweaters once spring truly arrives. 

     I'm in the midst of the beginning stages of spring semester, including starting a new internship today! That being said, I can't wait to upload all of my snapshots from my travels, even if they will seem a bit out of season by the time I finally put them up. We all know that the first few days of spring are a tease anyways.

A Dozen Original Glazed

Red sweater, Target (similar here). Jeans, imogene + willie Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. Vintage Cole Haan loafers (similar here). Vintage scarf. Arrow necklace, Chibi Jewels.

     I have a theory that all of the problems in my life can be solved by buying a dozen hot donuts from Krispy Kreme and a Coke. The literal act of scarfing down three donuts that just got out of the frier doesn't actually solve anything. But taking that small break from life, that small pause just for myself, that's what allows me to gather myself and move on.

     I'm not sure when my obsession with donuts started. Now, I say obsession with donuts, but I must admit I'm a bit of a brand loyalist when it comes to my donuts of choice. I love small town shops like Richie Kreme in Maryville, but if I'm going for a chain, I will go to Krispy Kreme every time. After all, the chain started in the Southeast. The branding is also something to be admire: the classic red, white, and green boxes get me every time. 

     Since I got to college, one of my favorite ways to spend time with someone is to hop in my car, turn on some good music, and make the twenty minute drive to the closest Krispy Kreme. I buy us a dozen to share, kick back, and let the night unfold from there. This tradition is actually how I met Patrick, who I then dated for almost a year. I'm telling you, these donuts have magical powers. 

     Alright, so magical powers might be a bit of stretch. But there's something about being able to suspend any problems in time and just scarf down horribly unhealthy food while smelling the sweet aroma of new donuts being fried. I can't remember ever being sad while in my local Krispy Kreme. Buying a dozen allows me to share the treat with my friends, something that always brings a smile to my face as well. Next time you're feeling down or stressed out, give my method a try. Even if you have to go to Dunkin. 

Unseasonable

Open cardigan, Francesca's (similar available) BDG Hi Rise jeans in black, Urban Outfitters. "Alabama 12" over the knee boots, Lulu's (similar here). Bradley Hathaway tee shirt. Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse.

    A few weeks ago, the weather hadn't quite turned nasty. Although the night before I took these pictures was rainy, it was sunny and hovering around seventy the day I took these pictures. Weather goes back and forth so often in Tennessee that it doesn't really feel like winter until January. And I'm typing this from my parents' house in Texas, where it is supposed to be in the 60s all week. I'm not complaining. 

     This outfit represents where my style has been headed lately. I no longer think that in order to feel dressed up I have to be wearing well...a dress. I've felt that way for quite some time, but it's really starting to hit home. I like to think that it's my tomboy roots coming back out. A girl can only handle so many peter pan collars and floral prints until she just wants to get something dirty. I joked on a cross country trip that sometimes I just like to dress like a thirteen year old hipster boy- band tees, beanies, skinny jeans, and Converse. The zeitgeist seemed to fall this way after Cara Delevigne rose to superstar status, but I'm not complaining too much.

     The black and white preset from VSCO seemed to fit my mood for these pictures. I'll admit that I spent a lot longer than I should have playing around with my self timer remote to take some moody self portraits of myself, but I thought I'd spare you the extra selfies. Sometimes a girl just feels like she looks good....and possibly even better in black and white.

    

Black Magic

Black lace kimono, Nasty Gal. Imogene + Willie Imogene Slims  Necklace and tank top, American Eagle. Cowboy boots, vintage. Madewell bag. Nail color, FormulaX for Sephora in Obsessed. NARS satin lip pencil in Palais Royal.

     I haven't always embraced cold weather to the extent that I do now. After finding a few coats that I really like, I realize how a brisk walk in cold weather can make the senses come alive. It's almost as if Jack Frost is my muse once winter rolls around. However, on one of the last days over seventy that we will probably see this autumn, I was pleased to be able to break out this beautiful black kimono jacket as a light layer. 

     There are some items in my wardrobe that truly do infuse my day with a sense of magic. I love how it seems impossible to have a bad day when you are wearing a favorite outfit, or even just a favorite pair of jeans. The way this particular outfit came together made me feel completely on top of the world the day I wore it. Despite not really being able to figure out what to pair my cowboy boots with up until this point, I was pleased with the slight Western vibe that they gave my outfit. I already know that my imogene + willie jeans are a go-to if I want to feel my best, but I have a feeling I'll be incorporating the lacy jacket and boots into outfits more often as well.

      I was even confident enough to take my pictures in a pretty open spot on campus. I just couldn't resist the beautiful autumn leaves. If I had waited much longer, the pretty yellow leaves on the tree would have joined their friends on the ground as we had a storm not long after I took these pictures. It was one of those days where everything just turned out how it should!

I Hang my Hat in Tennessee

Theodora hat, Jigsaw London. Moto zip crop jacket, Nasty Gal. Denim boyfriend shirt, New York and Company (old, similar here). Imogene + Willie Imogene slims  Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. Smoking loafers, Target (similar). 

     Only one of my exes lives in Texas, but I still hang my hat in Tennessee. There's certainly more parallels than just the George Strait song that I've noticed between the two states (Sam Houston and Davy Crockett anyone?). I really hold both of them dearly. After Mom and Jim and Carrie moved out to the most charming little town near Dallas, I knew I'd be sucked into the let's-love-Texas fest right along with them. I'll always be a mountain girl at heart, but the personality and values of my family just fit in Texas. The music, the hats, and the attitude just make me glad that even though that part of my family moved 900 miles away, that it was to the Lone Star state. I can't wait to go back for a while!

     This particular hat is quite a statement maker. I've been searching for a wide-brimmed, stiff black fedora and this little number will be perfect for the colder months. I snatched it up as soon as I saw Jigsaw London tweet about it and how much of a hit it was sure to be. They were right: at the time that I bought it, only two were left in stock. They've since restocked so be sure to snatch one up if you are looking for a cool alternative to traditional winter hats. 

You're Gonna Hear Me Roar

Leopard print coat, Forever 21 (similar: save, spend, splurge). 

Rolling Stones tee shirt, TJ Maxx (similar)  

J Brand midrise skinny jeans, local warehouse sale (similar)  

Vintage Spike Necklace, C. Wonder. Gold midi rings, Urban Outfitters. TBA Chelsea boots, Modcloth (sold out, similar). Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse.

 Pictures by Alysse.

     There's something about leopard print. Whenever I see the little spots peaking out at me in the racks of stores, I know it's something I'll at least take a glance at. Typically, I prefer subtlety when it comes to the print: ballet flats or a belt are usually how I incorporate the print into my outfits. But after seeing a few Pin-worthy outfits online with leopard coats as well as reading this great essay in Lucky Magazine, the idea of obtaining my own purr-fect jacket just wouldn't leave.

     I didn't have to wait long to make that purchase dream a reality. On a recent girls weekend out, my stepsister, stepmom, and I were on our way back from Atlanta when we decided to make a pit stop in Chattanooga. Normally, Forever 21 isn't exactly the first place on my mind when it comes to shopping, but we were all exhausted and frankly I only wanted to go into one store. I'm glad that Forever 21 was the first store I saw. 

      Not only was the sale section the most extensive I've seen, but everything was an additional fifty percent off. That put the price of this fuzzy, wonderful coat at a mere $13 or so. The minimalist in me was shrieking at my rebellious side that I didn't need something like this, especially considering the number of other jackets I've accumulated over the years. I ESPECIALLY didn't need a jacket that rendered me skeptical of its quality. But I tried it on a few times, double checked with the sales women that it was in fact on even deeper sale, and decided to hell with it- I'd buy the coat.

     You can't really be a shrinking violet in a leopard coat. It's my fashion philosophy that everyone is so worried about their own insecurities that they are too busy to judge you on your outfit. That may be so, but you don't spot a lot of leopards in a crowd. For my first outfit featuring the coat, I decided to go all out. Do I look like a rockstar? Because let me tell you. I felt like one.

Playing with Fire

Rolling stones tank top, TJ Maxx (similar) Sleeveless white button up (underneath), thrifted. Black circle skirt, American Apparel Camel cardigan, gift from my mother. Underground Groovin' Bootie, Modcloth.

     It is my opinion that buying tee shirts with classic rock band graphics on them from chain stores kind of defeats the purpose. I'm totally hardcore for having something that shows my enjoyment of the Rolling Stones, along with the thousands of other girls who probably own the same tee shirt. But hey, actual vintage band tee shirts cost a pretty penny and this is my favorite iteration of the famous lips logo that I've seen to date. 

      I love styling things that aren't necessarily classic with some more buttoned-up, proper pieces. Although my stompin' boots from Modcloth aren't exactly in my comfort zone, I thoroughly enjoyed pairing them with my full skirt and cardigan for an outfit which I was told is reminiscent of School of Rock. Hey, I'll take that as a compliment any day. 

      This particular tank top actually sparked my idea for my latest fashion column for my school newspaper. I will tell you that there's a bit of a giveaway in the article about my personal life, but that's definitely a story for another time. I promise you'll go "Awww...", so I think the status of my love life is a subject for a post of its own. However, aside from that, the article is about the influences behind how we get dressed. I don't just mean inspiration from movies or decades past, I explore the idea of how much impact our peers and people of the opposite gender actually affect the way we dress. I'd love for you to read the column and leave comments either here or on the website.