Fifteen Minutes

White tee shirt, Gap (similar here). BDG Twig High-rise jean in black, Urban Outfitters. The Essex Messenger in Bittersweet, Madewell. Vintage Cole Haan loafers and vintage scarf.

    It took me all of about fifteen minutes to put this entire look together. From getting ready to actually shooting these pictures, the whole process was rather simple. While I don't admonish anyone for taking the time to get ready and put themselves together, sometimes there's life to be lived. I don't want to be trapped in front of the mirror doing my hair when I could have just as much fun if I let it dry naturally. Getting dressed truly is half of the fun for me. But when I've had more days that included nearly an hour of tossing outfits on and off in frustration, a streamlined approach doesn't sound so bad. If your outfit is looking a bit too "blah" (as some may find a plain tee shirt and jeans to be), add a scarf around your neck as you dash out the door, fumbling with your keys and phone, and be on your merry way. 

Waxing and Waning

Title Unknown La Lune foiled muscle tee, Urban Outfitters (Made in the USA!). White shirtdress, TJ Maxx (similar). Red patent belt, Forever 21 (similar). Deena & Ozzy heels, Urban Outfitters (sold out).  Rounded tortoiseshell sunglasses, Target. Timex watch. Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. 

     If I had to choose one word to describe my fashion aesthetic, it would be "classic". While I despise complimentary or even self-depricating proclamations (I'm so weird! I'm such a nerd, OMG. I'd consider myself an intellectual.), I've found that I prefer basic pieces that will stand up to any fashion whims I may go through. But my favorite outfits are rarely a uniform of my classic pieces. Rather, they include some fun, trendier pieces to balance out my simpler tastes. 

     I first spotted this tee shirt at the Urban Outfitters in Atlanta over spring break. At the time, I really was focusing on rebuilding some classic aspects of my wardrobe, so I only left with my black high waisted jeans and a plain white oxford button up. I've worn both of those pieces countless times since then, but the thought of this moon emblazoned shirt never quite left my mind. When our local Urban Outfitters opened up on May 2nd, I went in looking for just one thing. I had seen online that it was supposedly an online exclusive, but I also saw the beautiful words "Made in the USA". Believe me, that label is hard to come by in large chain stores.

     Anyways, I left with both the shirt, which I wouldn't exactly call "classic", along with the most badass shoes in my wardrobe. Once again, you'd think something like half-boots/half-sandals wouldn't get the most wear, but I find them to be a perfect balance with my simple and minimal pieces. 

     All of these factors combined to make this one of my favorite outfits of all time. I definitely think the pictures show that. I get a bit sassy when I'm at my most confident (Ok. "A bit" is an understatement as anyone who is close to me will tell you), but it sure makes for a fun time taking pictures. 

     What outfit makes you feel like a million bucks?

Birdwatching

Urban Renewal jumper, found secondhand at Planet XChange. BDG Classic Oxford Button-down Shirt, Urban Outfitters. Ecote boots, secondhand. Bandana worn as headband, Urban Outfitters (similar here). Market tote, Herschel Supply Co. (love this polka dotted version!). Cardinal necklace, local artist.

     Although the biology class that I'm currently enrolled in is merely a core class that is required for graduation, I am genuinely excited by the subject matter. We started off pretty small- cells to be exact. But recently, we've been going birdwatching during our lab time and I have to say, I've been thrilled. I learned quickly how much of a hands-on learner I am. While we only went through the identification slides of birds once before going out "in the field" to see them, after spending time for two consecutive labs walking about and listing our winged friends that we spotted, I can identify many of the birds in our area.

      There's the whole cliche notion of "put a bird on it" popularized by Portlandia. It would be even worse of me to say "Oh, but I genuinely loved birds before that." I'm just going to go with the obnoxious hipster mentality here and say it's true! My mamaw has always kept bird feeders and houses all around her house and the lake house. In my own family home, we have a huge tree outside of our kitchen window that attracts several different species that we call "the bird tree". The tiny, flying creatures have always captivated me and I'm glad to be able to have a knowledge of them that extends beyond just wearing them on twee clothing.

    This is the actual outfit that I wore while going on one of our bird watching jaunts. While I definitely didn't whip out my camera and take these shots during class, Patrick and I revisited one of the best spots later on that day. While I love this jumper that I found regardless, I'm even more in love with this outfit because of the awesome experiences I had wearing it. It fits my current aesthetic ideals so well and I couldn't be happier.

Classiques Modernes

Jean jacket, gift from my mother. Striped crop top, American Apparel. BDG Twig High-Rise Jean, Urban Outfitters. Paris neighborhoods scarf, Madewell (found in store). Francine flat, Plenty by Tracy Reese (via Amazon). Vintage Dooney & Bourke bag and Calvin Klein belt. Glasses c/o Firmoo. Marchesa earrings, Stella & Dot. 

    A striped shirt, black jeans, and black flats: this is a truly classic combination. It's something that says chic in every language. The look has a particularly French vibe because of the timeless quality. Luckily, these classics have been updated in a fabulous way so that I no longer feel like a trite reproduction of the effortless basics. 

     American Apparel, love them or hate them, provides a great place to purchase high quality, American made items for prices that usually don't make me cringe. I love all their variations of basics and this tee is no exception. Paired with my new favorite jeans, these high waisted lovelies from Urban Outfitters, I felt classic and modern all at once. 

     I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is the type of outfit that I can wear, in some form, every day. While I have a collection of dresses that is somewhat shamefully large, I seriously appreciate some great denim. It's a pattern in my wardrobe that has taken me some time to notice; however, I love jeans more than most other items of clothing I own. The casual leg wear has a bad reputation in some parts of the fashion community for seeming just a little too easy. But when I'm wearing an outfit that incorporates a great pair of jeans (or a denim vest, jacket...the list goes on), I always feel like I'm representing myself best. 

     What is your opinion on updated classics? Do you wear jeans often or no? I'd love to hear what you think!

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 :).