The Farmer's Market

Striped top, French Connection for Sears (old). Secondhand pinafore from Planet XChange. Scarf, so old I'm not sure. Jessica Simpson Cranaby boots. The Essex Messenger in bittersweet, Madewell (sold out online- check your local store & take a peek at the rest of Madewell's beautiful bags).

     This past Saturday was one of the most picturesque days I've spent in Texas. The whole family got up to go eat at an old school diner and to the Rockwall town square and shop the local farmer's market. There were veggies and fruits as far as the eye could see as well as a pet adoption booth. It was already just about too hot to walk around outside, but at least it isn't as humid as East Tennessee gets. After dropping Patrick and Jim, my stepdad, off back at the house, the girls went back to the square to look at the local shops. Everyone was unbelievably friendly and the stores were perfectly cute,making it so easy to shop locally. Unfortunately, we didn't get many pictures in the square, but my parent's lovely wooden fence made the perfect backdrop for the detail shots of my outfit later in the day. (And yes, that corn on the cob was delicious).

The American Apparel nail polish in "Army Jacket" that I got as a free gift in the store matched my pinafore perfectly!

A Casual Evening

Red cardigan, striped shirt, and black/tan sandals, Target. Boyfriend jeans, Gap. Vintage handkerchief used as headband. Army surplus bag. 

     There is something comforting about dressing down. Aside from the fact that a fit and flair waistline constricts my genetically large ribcage (thanks Mom), I think stripping an ensemble down to basic components can give the wearer other liberties. Getting dressed will always be a favorite form of expression for me; but getting dressed doesn't have to entail dressing up. When all of the bells and whistles have been taken away, it's nice to realize that there are people who still pay attention. It's a nice reminder that there are admirable aspects to my character aside from a style that, admittedly, I spend a significant amount of time cultivating. Sometimes, the outfits that seem to lack personality cause me to appreciate myself beyond just appearance. I just needed to throw on a striped tee shirt and a favorite pair of jeans to remember that. 

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.

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!

Stripes in the City

Dress, Manteau (Marshall's). Cardigan, Issi (TJ Maxx). Red patent belt, Forever 21. Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. Black wrap watch, La Mer Wanderlust collection. Black buckle flats, Coach. 

     The serenity of nature always brings me peace; but there is nothing compared to the energy of a city. Even a smaller city like Knoxville feels electric to me. There's something about urban sights and amenities that makes me imagine my future life, strolling downtown somewhere fabulous. Before classes for spring semester started (we have one class during the month of January; it's called a "J-Term"), Patrick and I spent a particularly warm day exploring downtown Knoxville. I went into several stores that I discovered that day, saw a sign that both an Urban Outfitters AND an Anthropologie are opening soon, ate in one of my all time favorite restaurants, and generally just enjoyed the vibe. 

     My outfit was essentially just a functional, warmer weather uniform. Flats, a dress, and a cardigan is a pretty basic combination, but I enjoyed playing with patterns and textures nonetheless. I find it doesn't really matter how simple an outfit seems as long as there are standout details that make even basic pieces feel special. That is the philosophy I've been employing in my purchases and ensembles lately and I can't wait to see where it leads me.

     Another great philosophy that I totally abide by was displayed outside of one of my favorite stores downtown, räla. I love going in this art based store for great tees as well as art prints and postcards. To see more of the stores I visited that day, stay tuned for my post on some shops in Knoxville later today!

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.