Collegiate Issue: Color Me Spring

 

 

E here, I don't know about you but I'm excited for spring. Now that the weather is warming up, there are so many fun, playful ensemble combinations that you can put together. Today's shots were taken in "the Quad" at the beautiful University of Washington campus where I attended college. The Quad is an especially popular place to take photos this time of year because of the famous Sakura blossoms that bloom every spring.

 

 

 

I was feeling extra preppy today so I pulled my tweed jacket out of the closet. I think that tweed is a classic style staple for any fashionista. What I love about tweed is that it is so timeless, and effortlessly chic. If paired with the right pieces, it can look very modern and even cutting edge.

 

 

 For instance, the pleather detailing and the cross body zipper put a twist on the classic tweed archetype. I picked up this lovely Gap jacket at Crossroads Trading Co. during a trade. That's what I love about thrifting/consigning, you never know what sort of hidden gems you might discover!

 

Thrifted items; tweed jacket: Gap $20 (Crossroads Trading Co,) grey skirt: JCrew $5.99 (Goodwill,) boots: Deena & Ozzy $7.99 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items; sunglasses: Sperry Top Sider $30 (Nordstrom Rack,) monogram necklace: $4.97 (Nordstrom Rack.) *Polka dot blouse: gifted.

 

Yes, I went for a preppy school girl inspired look! Rather ironically, I did attend private Catholic school from 5th-12th grade, but I never had to wear a uniform! Perhaps that's why I've always had an inclination to create my own version of the look. While the centerpiece of this look was the tweed jacket, I thought that mixing it with the flirty polka dot print would make the outfit seem more fun and youthful. To polish off the look, I paired black tights and heeled lace up boots with charming accessories to add a more grown up, sexy flair to the outfit. That's it for today's edition.

-E

Viva Las Vegas - Day Four: An LBD Is Always In Style [Pt. 2]

 

 

[Me and my handsome hubby at the "One" Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil show]

 

 

E here, we've reached the final segment of my vacation fashion series. I hope you've enjoyed the journey with me, its been a lot of fun. I don't know about you, but I like to play dress up once and a while. I have so many great dresses that never see the light of day, so it was exonerating to finally get to wear them. I realize that it might not be a big deal to dress up for most people, but it is for me. I've always felt that I was born in the wrong era. People simply don't dress up like they used to anymore. I mean its perfectly acceptable to just walk around in pajamas and yoga pants these days. Don't get me wrong, I own several pairs of yoga pants, its just that I only see those as fit for wearing when you are exercising. Call me old fashioned I guess!

 

 

Well one thing that will definitely never go out of style is a little black dress. A LBD is perfect for any occasion, and looks great on virtually every body type. Besides looking a little more regal, the good ole LBD is a great go-to option when you just can't make up your mind. Black is so easy to wear, and is an easy, effortless way to look put together. [Which is why I always pack one or two when I go on vacation just in case.]

 

 

Thrifted items; blazer: Express $6.99 (Value Village,) black wedges: Aldo $12.99 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items; black dress: London Style $20 (Fred Meyer.)

 

 

These iconic loafers once belonged to the king of pop himself; Michael Jackson. Amazing right? I mean who would have thought to bedazzle socks with rhinestones? I have to say though, my favorite MJ look is that badass red leather jacket that he wore in the thriller music video. After all, who wouldn't feel BAD in a jacket like that? As for the show, it was out of this world! I won't give away any spoilers, but the show was incredible and I highly recommend it. Well that's it for my trip, thanks for coming along for the ride. I think that everyone needs an escape from their life once and a while! Until next time.

-E

Viva Las Vegas - Day Three: Parisian [Pt.1]

 

 

E here, the inspiration for my day three vacation outfit was Parisian. [All I needed was a beret.] On this day we ate lunch at the spectacular Paris hotel and casino. Personally, it's one of my favorite hotels. I love everything about Paris; the atmosphere, the décor, the feeling that you're walking down a cobbled street in Paris. The piѐce de résistance? Why, the food of course!  Let me tell you, the deserts did not disappoint. My eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets when I saw the macaroons and crème brûlée. J'adore macaroons! It's ok to indulge yourself once and a while right? 

 

 

[ Even the décor at the buffet was exquisite!]

 

 

[Macaroon Eiffel Tower]

 

 

[Macaroons, crème brûlée, fruit tart. Mouth watering isn't it?]

 

 

What I love about wearing stripes is that they go with just about anything. This black and white top was such a great find because it looks classy with anything. The cut and fabric of the top reminds me of the sort of fashion that you would see a style icon like Audrey Hepburn wearing back in the day. 

 

Thrifted items; stripe tank: Cyrus $4.99 (Goodwill,) cardigan: Banana Republic $7.99 (Goodwill,) flats: Tahari $9.99 (Goodwill.) Non-thrifted items; skirt: Joe B $10 (Fred Meyer,) necklace: Fred Meyer $7.99.

 

 

Mixing prints and textures is a fun way to create a personal style statement. Here, the black and white stripes tie in very well with the monochromatic floral print skirt, creating a cohesive look. Furthermore, by wearing black tights, you can really dress up an outfit and make it look more sophisticated.

 

For a pop of color, I wore a chunky, colorful necklace to play against the rich black and white tones of the outfit. When you mix prints you don't want to overwhelm the outfit with too much jewelry and accessories. By wearing a piece of statement jewelry, I'm able to tie the outfit together as well as add a splash of color. That's it for this portion. Check back soon for photos of my evening outfits, and tips for how to pack for special events.

 -E