Gone Fishin'

Fish print button up, vintage (similar here). Fishing basket, vintage (from my family's lake house). Vintage Cole Haan loafers, thrifted. Black Piqué circle skirt, American Apparel Wayfarer sunglasses, Ray-Ban. 

     

       I grew up with the privilege of having grandparents who own a lake house. This is not meant to gloat about what my family has; I'm actually intending quite the opposite. I am aware just how special the house and the land and the water is. Taking what we have for granted is not something I'm ever in danger of. The lake house is a place where I can go to be cut off from it all, technology included. It's a place where everyone is themselves and happy to be spending time together. I can't count the number of amazing memories I've made there at birthday parties, family gatherings, or just long, lazy weekends. 

      That being said, I haven't actually been able to fish in quite a few years. I've never made it over to get a proper fishing license, and yes, that kind of thing is actually taken seriously. I certainly don't mind pretending, though, especially if I'm wearing this shirt. It is one of the best vintage finds I've ever scored. At the second location of Nostalgia, my favorite local antique mall (although warehouse is a more accurate description), I saw this old mens button down peeking out from a rack of vintage clothing. When I saw that the tag only said "$4", I knew that I had to use the few dollar bills of actual cash in my wallet and buy it. I've never seen anything like it, although this mens shirt from Pac Sun comes close. I've worn it several times this summer and never fail to receive compliments from men and women alike when I do.

     Does your family have special place to gather? Also, I'd love to hear about any similarly odd but beautiful vintage finds!

On (Needle) Point

THML Clothing embroidered blouse, Groovy's in Rockwall.  American Apparel Chambray Full Woven Skirt  Vintage yellow patterned scarf. Red belt, Forever 21 (similar here). Minimal lace-up heel, Jeffrey Campbell + Free People. Timex brown leather watch. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

    I found it. The perfect embroidered shirt. I see them floating around in various fast-fashion stores this time of year, but I never gave too much thought to the summery item.However, this was another find from the adorable Groovy's. I decided to go ahead and purchase what is sure to be a go-to for the rest of the summer months because it is a great fit and lightweight fabric. The main colors in my wardrobe are shades of blue and red, so naturally this piece will fit in great. THML Clothing is another wholesale only brand, but there are plenty of options if you are looking for a similar piece: 1, 2, 3 (a bit different, but my personal favorite). 

     In other news, I've been feeling so me with the outfits that I have been choosing lately. There has been a long period now where I was really struggling with what I wanted my style to look like. However, instating regulations on the kind of items that I buy has provided me with the need to be more specific with my style. I've definitely outgrown the "romantic" style that I tried to pin myself in for so long. It would seem that the days of overly saccharine dresses and lacy items are long gone, but old habits die hard (old habits might come in the form of the dresses from Bonne Chance Collections- so cute!). I think the most important thing during a wardrobe transition isn't to get rid of everything that doesn't suit you anymore, but rather to find new ways of working old favorites into a new style. 

     Also, shout out to Chelsea over at Organized Mess for giving me the idea for the title of this post with her sweet comment on my last outfit post. Sometimes I have to keep myself from saying "on point" too much, but it's still nice to hear from others!

Backless in Black

Black low-back bodysuit, American Apparel   Black pique cotton circle skirt, American Apparel  Dooney & Bourke Happy Bag. Low-heeled sandals, TJ Maxx.

     Black. It hasn't always been my neutral of choice, but I'm finding myself lost in the perfect darkness of the absence of all color. Although I keep my tone on my blog rather positive, my humor and personality both have their fair share of darkness around the edges. Few shades have ever been dwelled upon for so long. While black represents both elegance and mourning, rebellion and urban camouflage, to me the feeling of wearing an all black ensemble is nearly indescribable. 

     As the section of my wardrobe dedicated to the dark shade expands, I'm finding myself more comfortable with the idea of all black outfits. Typically, I will break it up with a different neutral shade or a pattern, or in this case a pair of coral shoes, but the statement that a striking black ensemble makes is matched by few other things. As much as I appreciate black and white imagery, a greyscale wardrobe is a natural extension of that aesthetic. 

     What is your favorite color (or lack there of) to wear?

     

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.

Blossoming Lessons

Striped crop top, American Apparel. Orange circle skirt, boutique warehouse sale. Belt and vintage Cole Haan loafers, thrifted. Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. 

     This spring, I've learned quite a few lessons from the blooming trees. While they certainly are beautiful, the beauty is a frail and fleeting aspect of what makes the tree so wonderful. For instance, star magnolia trees, which I posed next to here, seem to only be full of petals for a few days before a strong wind or rain comes and knocks them all off. I've been trying to remember what the trees from this particular post are called, but even just a week after I snapped these shots, they are mainly leafy with most of the blooms fallen.

     Sometimes, I like to file photoshoot locations away, saving them for some mystical date when I'm dressed better or when I think they will be more magical. But this spring, as soon as I see a location I enjoy, I've been shooting there. Jumping the gun has allowed me to capture some of the most beautiful moments this spring. Shortly thereafter, I look at the trees and see them transformed into their green and leafy forms.

     I haven't regretted being able to capture such splendidness this spring, so I'm applying this lesson to other areas of life as well. Impulsiveness isn't always a bad thing. I'll be the first to admit that I have to think through every hypothetical situation before actually taking the jump and doing something. But usually, the risk is worth the reward. 

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!