World Traveler

Sleeveless denim button up, American Apparel.

On a Barrell Roll skirt, Modcloth. 

         Vintage Cole Haan loafers, thrifted. 

Dooney & Bourke Happy bag. La Mer wrap watch. 

     While I am holding a globe in these pictures, I am quite proud to say that both my shirt and skirt were made stateside. You might have noticed the tiny American flag next to both items. This is going to be my little symbol for products that were made in the USA. While secondhand shopping is just as big a part of my shopping manifesto, I wanted to make the American-made items stand out in particular so that US citizens or international readers could purchase items that they can truly feel great about. I am happy to also include items that were made in other countries with similar fair wage policies; however, I really do love supporting my home.

     The contradictions with my little prop don't end there. I've never actually been outside of the country, but I do happen to travel around with a car full of photo props should I ever need them. In this case, the globe was the perfect addition to my already travel themed outfit. I might not have travelled outside of the country yet, but guess what?

     I'm going to be traveling abroad in Ireland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland for January 2014. 

     I found out during spring semester, but wanted to wait until the perfect time to make the announcement. I can't wait for such an exciting experience and you bet I'll be blogging my heart out the entire time. The trip requires an application process and students have to be hand-selected to travel with the group. It is truly a blessing that I am being given this opportunity. I bet the next half-year until my trip is going to fly past me in a hurry. You can read all about the purpose of my trip and the class I'll be taking on the Maryville College website.

     As I gear up for this marvelous adventure, I'd love to hear travel tips of any sort. My schedule is largely spoken for with loads of great tours, but I'll have free time as well and can't wait to do some exploring of my own. To say that I'm excited is an understatement.

Festival Season

Ceramics It Up Dress, Modcloth (no longer available). Shrunken denim vest, American Eagle (similar here). The Essex Messenger in bittersweet, Madewell. Secondhand Ecote boots. Light as a Feather necklace, c/o Katie Dean Jewelry. Cardinal necklace, handmade locally. Floral crown, DIY. 

     The closest thing to a music festival that I've ever been to is Vollapolooza, a concert put on by UT Knoxville annually for their students. The acts used to be pretty great: it is, after all, where I got a chance to rock out to Flogging Molly for only ten dollars. However, nowadays, I never seem to have the time or willingness to find a good festival to go to. I've got several in mind for over the summer, but until then I will simply pretend and dress as if I am going to hang out and listen to music for a week.

     I wanted to mix in a bit of country charm with my festival themed outfit. I thought that the denim vest and the bird themed necklaces were a perfect touch. While the dress is certainly a stand out beauty on its own (and made in the USA!) as it is reminiscent of blue and white ceramic dishes, I enjoyed creating a layered look around it. Boots and a good satchel are a must for me when I'm on my feet or walking around, so that combination is also perfectly suited for a day of concerts. Typically, professional cameras aren't allowed, but I've found it is fun to bring along my 35mm camera, which I'm posing with in these pictures. I actually snapped a few film shots from this day which you can see here.

     I might be stuck on campus at the moment, but that doesn't prevent me from taking fashion cues from the festivals that are launching soon.

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.

On a Barrel Roll

On A Barrel Roll skirt, Modcloth (sold out). BDG Classic Oxford Button-Down Shirt, Urban Outfitters. Wanted Babe Brogue Oxford, Urban Outfitters. Leather bow belt, Gap (similar here). The Essex Messenger in bittersweet, Madewell. 

     As I pointed out recently in this post, Amelia Earhart is a personal role model for me. After reading her mini biography (it was an illustrated version geared towards children which I read for my Children's Literature class), I have kept her strong will and diverse skill set in mind. That being said, I completely swooned for this skirt from Modcloth. I'm sad to report that it has sold out since I purchased it, but if it is restocked it is a purchase that I would highly recommend. Not only is it made in the US, but the shape and length are absolutely spot on. Personally, I prefer fuller, longer length skirts to anything mini length and this skirt is flouncy perfection with an adorable print to boot. 

     The rest of the items in this outfit are some of my more understated, classic pieces. The skirt itself is the perfect template for a masculine/feminine mix because the shape is girly and retro while the illustrative print balances that out. I loved pairing the full skirt with a boyfriend oxford and menswear inspired shoes and cinching the whole look together with a bow belt. I'm all about hitting the right mix and I was so pleased with how this outfit came about.

     Another thing that seemed to fall perfectly into place was the lighting and timing of these pictures. Usually, I fit photo sessions in when I can. Whether that's in the midst of the harshest light of the day (like these were, for instance) or as the sun is going down (which is when I tend to visit fields like this), I try to make do with the light that I have. However, these pictures were taken earlier in the morning, around 10AM and while the stark sunlight would have been too much, the lighting in the shade of the beautiful Bradford pear trees was perfect. I'll definitely keep that in mind this summer when I don't have classes!

    When is your favorite time to take pictures?

The Study of Love

Herringbone blazer, oxford button up, thrifted. High waisted wool trousers, Madewell (previous season). Glittery belt,Target. Bike clock necklace, c/o Frock Stock. Lace up heeled boots, ModCloth (sold out). Great Gatsby tote, Out of Print Clothing. Black wrap watch, La Mer Wanderlust Collection. 

     There are few things in life that I love more than being a student. In one of my freshman orientation classes, the teacher discussed the types of people who are life-long learners, those who would love to paid just to be a student. School and classwork stresses me out much less than stereotypical college social situations. Naturally, that means that spending time among dusty books and ink staining my hands from annotating textbooks is something that yes, I actually enjoy. While my degree path isn't the most academic of choices, there's something to be said about delving into difficult texts or staying up late to write a paper. 

     That being said, as much of an academic as I like to think of myself as, I know that I can't deduce everything down to a science. One of the most popular classes taught at Maryville College is called Intimate Relationships. It's a social science class that delves into the ins and outs of the reasons behind why people are attracted to one another. A lot of attraction comes down to being a good genetic match with someone, but (and this isn't just because it is Valentine's Day) I refuse to believe that's all there is to it. Where's the fun in diminishing the awe behind romance?

     Whether or not I'm a student, I think I'll always have a soft spot for academic outfits, though. Something about this little boys' blazer that I picked up from Goodwill mixed with my high waisted trousers made me feel professorial in the very best of ways. 

Folk Tunes

Zig zag dress, Modcloth. Pea coat, Old Navy. Brown tights, Target. Vintage leather Dooney & Bourke purse. Red ankle boots, O'Neill. 

     This little bell sleeved number is only wanting for a tambourine. Although it is completely against my nature, one unfulfilled dream of mine is to sing in a folk or acoustic duo. I quite enjoy public speaking, but my shyness gets the best of me when it comes to any type of performance art. That may have something to do with the fact that no, I was not blessed with a wonderful singing voice. But, nonetheless, my affinity for that type of music still has me wanting to perform in some capacity.

     Appropriately enough, I wore this dress to watch a few friends perform at a local venue. It was one of the occasions where my friends from high school and my friends from college combined perfectly because someone from both places was performing. I don't really believe in "going out clothes" because of my tendency to well, stay in. But in this instance, the outfit I wore fit the mood of the outing perfectly. Although I was definitely procrastinating on some things that I needed to get done, I had a great day of ignoring responsibilities and just enjoying myself for a while. Laid back days are hard to come by while classes are in full swing, so I took advantage of it while I could.