Sugar and Sports

Coral and creme striped dress, c/o eShakti (sold out). Denim vest, American Eagle (similar). Organic baseball hat, Madewell. The Essex messenger in bittersweet, Madewell. Nude leather wedges by SixtySeven, from Style of Civilization. Gold boyfriend watch, Target (similar). 

    When I look at my sea of cap sleeve, fit and flare dresses, the last thing on my mind is usually a baseball cap. Although I had quite the collection of caps as a tomboyish young girl and am still heavily inspired by menswear, they aren't necessarily my accessory of choice today. However, I've been bombarded with the trend of late and decided to put my own spin on things while being inspired by my childhood style. As I was putting together this outfit based around the dress from eShakti's spring line, my hat became the cherry on top.

     My penchant for little red dresses was only multiplied by this lovely number from eShakti. I customized it to the mini length it is at (although my modesty usually requires above the knee length- those are my bike shorts that you see poking out on the jumping shots) as well as adding the sleeves. It fits like a dream and reminds me of circus tents- a theme I'm excited to create a post around. 

     I'm glad that this semi-random mix of items came together in a pleasing way. Experimenting with items that remind me of childhood or things that aren't traditionally aligned with my style always makes me happy. Patrick and I have shared custody of this baseball hat and it suits us both quite well. I hope to figure out more ways to wear it this summer for practical and sartorial purposes.

Modern Romanticism

I was skeptical that the vine would hold me...

...but, as you can see, it did!

Striped super soft long sleeved tee, Gap (similar). Denim vest and sweater tights, American Eagle. Wool printed skirt, leather belt, and leather gloves, all vintage. Boots, DV Dolce Vita (similar). Green camping backpack, J. Crew. 

     While I've always felt a certain connection to the natural world, going to college surrounded by one hundred fifty acres of woods has really brought out the Romantic in me. I don't mean roses and hearts kind of romance, but rather the ideals that poets like William Wordsworth wrote about. Wordsworth reflects on the fact that the world seems to be in too much of a hurry to go out and appreciate nature. He might have been writing in the 19th century, those themes are still all too common today. 

     My love for walking in the woods or in the expansive open fields in this area has definitely been influencing my style. I've been tending towards a lot of natural colors in my wardrobe lately as well as picking out items that look stylish but also suited for a hike. My backpack, something I purchased with a gift card I received for Christmas, is both waterproof and beautiful. I've been wanting less prissy, dainty clothing, although I still have a soft spot for prim and delicate items as well. 

     These particular pictures were taken on a brutally cold day. However, when I get stir crazy and out of sorts, a picture taking session in the woods is just what I need. Not only did I feel serenity after literally hanging from a vine (a spot I would love to revisit in an ethereal dress), but I also spotted this little fella on the way back to the car.