Well Dressed Explorer

Red peter pan collar floral dress, American Eagle. Navy utility jacket, Converse One Star via Target. Nude fishnets, lace up boots, F21. Fossil camera bag purse.

     "Girly tough". "Edgy and sweet". "Feminine and menswear". While all of these combinations are trite, two word descriptions that are overused by magazines to describe contrasting elements of an outfit, contradiction is certainly a fast way to look stylish. Dressing in head to toe ruffles and pastels and bows might look more like a costume than a "girly" ensemble. I'm amazed at those who can pull these looks off without hesitation, but I prefer to mix the facets of both my style and my personality into my outfits. I have to be able to roam far and wide in boots, but dresses are still my favorite items of clothing. I'm not sure what my "two word combination" would be, but I'm fine with incorporating as many elements of myself as I can into one outfit, no labels needed.

Ducks in a Row

Wool tartan skirt, J. Crew. Ruffle front blouse, French Connection. Camel cashmere cardigan, gift from my mom. Fossil camera bag purse. Black loafers, Target. Leather belt, thrifted. Wide brim felt fedora, Gap. 

     These pictures were taken on one of those occasions when nature just cooperates. While my legs were quite cold in the swimming hole, the temperature was pleasant enough for me to go sans tights. The temperatures haven't gotten too much colder since these were taken, but in either case I'm in constant appreciation for the natural beauty around my campus. We have to drive a few minutes to get to these spots, but it gives me an excuse to break out my explorer hat and new, perfect purse. I always aim to dress with a sense of adventure.

Walkin' for You

     One pattern that I've noticed (and you might have, too) is that any time Patrick and I get together for taking pictures, we tend to snap a few of our feet together. It's an awesome way to document our relationship without a ton of set up or stress. We don't need to lug a tripod anywhere to get a picture of both of us or depend on the kindness of strangers to snap a shot for us. Instead, we have a series of memories captured by simply the shoes and location of each photograph. Funnily enough, I happen to be wearing a different pair of shoes in each picture while Patrick switches between two pair.

     I definitely hope that this serves as inspiration for a way to document fun events with a couple or just a group of friends. It will make such a good series of images to display somewhere once I have them printed out!

Harvesting Gold

Faux leather bomber jacket, black loafers, Target. Artist Blouse, Frock Stock. Bra, Aerie. Black skinny jeans, American Eagle. Oversized plaid scarf, Forever 21. Leather belt, thrifted. Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse.

     The curvy back roads of Maryville are full of gems like this field. Although I hardly ever ventured past the downtown area to take pictures last year, having Patrick to direct me to some of these places is my favorite part about this school year by far. When we started taking these pictures, the lighting was overly bright and harsh. But as we snapped away, the landscape turned even more beautiful than we began. The field was painted in the most beautiful golden color and the sky became an even richer blue. Natural scenery and capturing moments are such huge part of what I love about photography. In this case, I'm really at a loss for words simply because the experience in this spot was so surreal.

     I hope everyone in the US who reads this has a fantastic Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I know I have a ton to be thankful for!

The Perfect Pair

Camel cardigan, gift from my mother. Red jeans, vintage Ralph Lauren. Denim shirt, Jessica Simpson denim. Shoes, Bear Traps (thrifted). Great Gatsby tote, Out of Print clothing. Necklace, American Eagle. Headband, J. Crew.

     About six months ago, something happened. I found the perfect pair of shoes. I had just recently seen the Lauren Moffatt Fall 2012 presentation and I wanted instantly to replicate the school girl chic look. While I had the shoes from the presentation filed away in the back of my mind, these Bear Traps shoes jumped out at me at a thrift store. I have worn through the soles I have worn them so much.

     About three months ago, something happened. I happened across the perfect pair of eyes. I stood in the doorframe of a room that I was intruding on that belonged to one of the few students on campus that I didn't know anything about. We had met before, but only briefly. But this time, when I looked straight into Patrick's eyes, something had changed. 

     About three weeks ago, I found Patrick the perfect pair of men's shoes. There's a local thrift store where all shoes and apparel are only a dollar, and I spotted a beautiful pair of brogues among the other worn out loafers. I didn't know if they would fit him or not, but as soon as he came over and tried them on, we knew they were perfect. Now they are his favorite pair of shoes (pictured below).

     About a minute ago, I was looking through these pictures and realized again how lucky I am. Our outfits compliment each other just as well as our personalities. It hasn't been long, but I'm so excited for all the adventures in our relationship. Here's to many more. 

Striped shirt and brown straight leg pants, H&M. Plaid tie, blue blazer, and (the perfect) brown dress shoes, all thrifted. 

Cable Knit Heart

Cable knit sweater, Gap. Emerald sweater tights, Kate Spade. McAlister desert boots, J. Crew. Vintage wallet. Button down shirt, plaid Tommy Hilfiger skirt, oversized Navy bow, and leather belt, all thrifted. 

      As the trees are losing their leaves, I'm turning over a new one. I used to think that there was nothing better than throwing on a dress and flats and walking out the door. I've probably repeated that several times this fall. But I have a new addiction. Layers, and lots of them. While at first this obsession was out of necessity (in all the wardrobe shifting I did last year, I seem to have misplaced my winter coats...all of them), I picked up a new coat and I still prefer piling on collars under sweaters under scarves. It makes my chilly walks to class so much cozier. 

       I also enjoy the juxtaposition of my unapologetically girly bow with my menswear inspired shoes and collared shirt (actually from the little boys' department...my secret weapon). That pretty much sums up my wardrobe in a nutshell. I will always have a special place in my heart for tomboy inspired styles, but I'm also crazy about sequins. As long as I can work them in together, I know I'll always have a style that I enjoy and can call my own. 

   

      

      Plus, as the above picture shows, I might wear bows in my hair, but I will ALWAYS be down for a pick up game of soccer. Always. 

Rockin' Vintage Pieces now on Etsy!

Thanks to my good friend Meagan for modeling this look for me! She literally has the perfect body for it.

     Although I would love to incorporate these two vintage finds into my fall wardrobe, I had to finally admit that they were just overwhelming on my petite frame. However, I definitely wanted to give other vintage enthusiasts the chance to wear the beautiful items. So, I styled an outfit for Meagan, had a little photo shoot, and here are the results!

     Brocade is such a huge trend this fall and I can definitely see why. It is one of my personal favorites because no matter what, you will look decadent in this vintage pattern. This particular jacket was found in the men's section at my local Goodwill, but I couldn't just leave it there. Several of my guy friends have tried it on and, despite the fact that many of them are skinny runners, it didn't fit any of them. 

     I came across the leather pants-now-shorts in a similar fashion. The label inside says size 11/12, but they make the perfect high waisted shorts for a size 2-4. Paired with tights and a knit sweater, I think these shorts are such an amazing staple for the colder months. I had originally intended to keep them for myself, but I think they would be much better suited for someone a wee bit taller. 

     To purchase these things (or some prints of my photography!), check out my Etsy shop. The listing for the jacket is here and the shorts are here.