Look of the Day: Green & More Glasses

Heeey guyz. This week has been rough. Well, last week, too. I'm having a pretty hard time (health-wise), and I'm still not sure if it's something serious. Probably not, but, little fact, I'm a huuuuge hypochondriac, which is why I'm having such a hard time. I've been trying to distract myself with work and blogging, especially since I've been neglecting the outfit posts. So here's the second one of the week! It's that Oasap blouse again. I just love it! The green sweater is also care of Oasap, but I'm not crazy about the fit. Seams that hit at the mid arm are never flattering on me. I keep hoping, though! On the plus side, the sweater is really soft and a fabulous color!

That's all for now.

Hope you're all doing well xxxx

Blouse & crop sweater c/o Oasap - Old Navy cinched pants - vintage Michael Green - Tocca Tourmaline necklace (similar) - vintage sunglasses - Watch c/o Timex

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Redbook's Real Women Style Awards

 You know that trip I took to New York in June? Well, it was kind of a huge deal. I thought I was gonna explode, because they wouldn't let me announce it, but I got to be part of Redbook's first ever Real Women Style Awards!

The team at Redbook chose nine other winners. All terribly stylish and well-deserving of the award. Really, they couldn't have picked a better group. I had such a wonderful time getting to know them all. It was a good thing we got along so well, since we had to spend nearly 9 straight hours together for the photo shoot!

We packed a lot into 3 days. On our first day, we had fittings and a cocktail party to meet the Redbook team & each other. I spent a good portion of the cocktail party staring out windows of Hearst Tower at this view. I also got the chance to have an in-depth conversation about thrift shopping, short hair, and shoes with Jayne Jamison, the VP, and Heidi Edelstein the associate publisher of Redbook.

We spent our second day in the West Village at Industria Studios. That's where we had the photo shoot (duh), and hours of make-up. It was fully catered (my favorite part) and air-conditioned. Outside, it was 92 degrees and completely gross. The make-up team came with us for the outside shots because, well, our faces melted instantly.

On the third day, we got up extra early to meet the team at JCPenney in Manhattan. There was more make-up, a lovely breakfast, an introduction the Fall line, and shopping!

The free food and professional make-up alone were worth the trip. If I learned anything, it's that I want to have my own make-up team.

Ok, I learned some other things, too. Like "modeling" tips! If you have to look in the direction of the sun or anything really bright, close your eyes and stare directly at the sun 10 seconds before you take the picture. It'll help you avoid squinty eyes. If you're taking close up photos of your hands, hold your hands above your heart before taking the photos. It'll prevent big veins from forming.

Let me introduce to the other winners!

Karla Reed
So tall, so gorgeous, so nice and has the sweetest baby girl.

Maria McNamara of The Style Letters
If you're petite, this lovely lady is your style icon. Also, she's really awesome in person.

Caroline of House of Harper
A blogging powerhouse and another style inspiration for anyone with a small frame.

Victoria of It's A Versayce
Funny, nice, and amazingly disciplined. She hasn't bought anything new in almost a year!

Brittany of The Brilliance of B
She's so easy to talk to and just exudes confidence. I was so nervous at the cocktail party until I talked to her.

Kimberly of Penny Pincher Fashion
So proud another PNW native made it on the list! She is drop-dead gorgeous, but you can tell that from her pics.

Kendi of Kendi Everyday
It was cool actually recognizing her from the blogs I peruse! She's so well-spoken and always impeccably dressed.

Georgette of Grown & Curvy Woman
An amazing woman with a sense of style to match. And so much fun to talk to!

Marisa of A Lovely Living
Charming and so well dressed. Always. Plus, she has two adorable kids!

I'm wearing a Land's End top (of course) and the Audrey skirt from Imbue (made in the USA!). Maria's dress is by Alice & Trixie. For more info and coupon codes, you'll just have to go get yourself a copy of the magazine!

Some 'thank yous' are in order:

All the wonderful people at Redbook. Thanks for doing such a fabulous job finding clothes that both fit my style and my figure. Thanks for organizing this whole thing and making us all feel so welcome!

The on-set tailor. How does anyone learn to sew that fast? Thanks for blowing my mind and making stuff fit me.

The amazing make-up team, especially Nicole Elle, for opening my eyes to concealer and pro make-up tools (I've since bought a bunch at the Sephora in JCPenney). 

#flawless

Nick Onken, our photographer and a Seattle native. It's hard to get me to relax in front of someone else's camera and he managed to do it.

This next one makes me sound so fancy, but a big thanks to the drivers. I was so impressed that we didn't get into any accidents. New York is crazy.

Thank you to JCPenney, the sponsors. Another group of welcoming, kind, generous people!

Thank you to my readers and everyone who voted for me!
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Look of the Day: Apricot Leopard

A couple weeks ago I asked for help in choosing between leopard print dresses. The resounding opinion was "Get the apricot!" It came yesterday and was certainly the right choice! It fits perfectly and looks adorable with a denim jacket. Layered under a cropped sweater should work out pretty well, too.

 These rhinestone earrings are a little bit more glam than I usually opt for, but they go so perfectly with the pink hues of the leopard print. The drop style is simple enough, too, so the look doesn't get too gaudy.

Oasap leopard print dress - GAP denim jacket - Vintage Coach bag - Romwomen rhinestone earrings - J.Crew tights - Cooperative wedges

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6 Un-boring Coats for Fall

Summer is almost over and, as always, I'm a little bummed. The colder months can seem so monotonous. The picnics are over, the warm weather is gone, and everyone gets back to the grind. Your wardrobe doesn't have to be that way, though, and you shouldn't ever feel like you're having to cover up your outfit just to stay warm. Your coat should be a part of the look! If you're tired of your cold weather outerwear, it's time to freshen things up. Here are six great pieces that will keep you both warm and chic.

1. Sleek & Minimalist

Photo: Elizabeth Lippman for New York Times

A collarless coat looks crisp and grown-up when paired with a preppy oxford. Think how much simpler wrapping a scarf will be as well! This wool coat from H&M is a steal at $79.95

2. Fall Colored

Photo: Candice Lake

On those dark days when you're just tired of the dreary weather, or your dreary outerwear, brighten up your outfit with a coat in orange, burgundy, or even mustard yellow. Try this orange blazer.

3. Oversized & Textured

Photo: Stockholm Street Style

Probably my favorite look for Fall is the oversized coat, especially in marled textures. It's subtly ridiculous and looks so good with other black and white patterns! The one shown above is available at Oasap.

4. Quirky & Detailed

Photos: Candice Lake and Vanessa Jackman

If your outerwear boredom hasn't been solved, then experiment with crazy patterns and interesting details. A motojacket with contrasting sleeves might be the fix, or try one in banana print from Top Shop. If the banana pattern is a little too wild, go for something more abstract in black and white. It will be easier to coordinate. Zara has a gorgeous jaquard print coat for $119.

5. Relaxed in a cinch

Photo: Happy, Honey & Lark

If you live in a climate similar to Seattle's, you probably won't need a heavy coat till November or so. Until then, a curve-accentuating anorak will do just fine. This one has the cutest little polka dots both inside and out! It's only $53 at Romwomen!

6. Cape Flattery

I've been wanting a cape for years. I had trouble finding the right fit, though. They always make me look huge or like I'm drowning (I'm not exactly that tall). One trick is to find the right length, or you can try a cape, like this sleek little number from Oasap, that has long lines and angles. Coupled with the gathered waist, these features mean you won't lose your shape.

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Look of the Day: black+blue+fur

What day is it?? Where am I? I feel so out of it! I guess it always like this after the holidays, but I think it's even worse because I've been gone so much. I spent Christmas in California with my husband and our friends. We stayed in San Jose for the most part and then Napa Valley for one night. I ate so much good food and got to spend so much time with some of my favorite people. I wish I could have had my whole family around for Christmas, but there's always next year. I'll post photos from the trip in the next couple days.

How was your  Christmas? Wonderful and magical, I hope!

Rabbit fur hat (similar) - H&M blazer (similar) - vintage sweatshirt - Uniqlo HeatTech shirt - BDG pants - H&M bag - thrifted flats

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crewneck chic: how to style a sweatshirt

You can't deny it, crewneck sweatshirts are the epitome of relaxed casual. It might seem like they would be the farthest from fashionable, but their simplicity makes them the perfect edition to any outfit on any day. With the right styling, they're even appropriate for the office.

Here are 4 tips on how to style this classic piece:

1. For work, layer a sweatshirt over a collared shirt for a preppy look.

2. Stick to a size that fits similarly to the way a crewneck sweater would. 
Not too baggy, but not skin tight.

3. Look for sweatshirts in the kid's department!

If you're 5'6" or under, or particularly slender, buy your sweatshirt from the kid's department. The length will be a little shorter and the sleeves will be a little more flattering. They're usually cheaper, too. Land's End carries a classic sweatshirt for only $20 which comes in 3 different fits and 21 different sizes! According to the sizing chart, the regular XL will fit up to 174 lbs!

4. Treat a simple grey sweatshirt like a blank canvas.

Pile on those glitzy necklaces and bracelets, don some bright lipstick, and layer on as many layers as the weather permits. The sweatshirt will remain a subtle anchor no matter what direction your styling goes.

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Friday Fashion Facts:

"Schrank" is a German word for a grey crewneck sweatshirt. 

This word is still in use in some German neighborhoods in the North East U.S. (Source: Wikipedia)

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Thrifted sweatshirt (similar) - vintage gingham blouse (similar) - Forever21 trousers (similar) - Steve Madden wedges (similar) - GAP denim jacket - vintage necklaces (here's a neat one!) - Forever21 midi skirt (similar) - vintage stachel

cinnamon and sheer

This is one of my favorite outfits. I try not to wear it too often because 1. I want to keep the skirt in good condition (I got married in it!) and 2. I am not in middle school anymore and have learned to not wear the same outfit everyday.


I think the colors, contrast, and textures are perfectly balanced. Plus, it also features my favorite hat and top.



The newest addition to the outfit are these lovely leaf earrings from Felicee.com. They are punched from metal and add delicate glitz without being gaudy. The size helps with this and, despite my short hair, aren't too long. I'm not sure what kind of metal they are, but my sensitive ears haven't reacted to them yet. Good sign!


In this look:
Vintage hat
J.Crew cotton cardigan
Chico Design top
American Apparel sheer maxi skirt
Vintage Coach purse
Felicee earrings

polka dot capacity

You know how sometimes you're like "I really like ______, I should buy more of it," and then eventually you realize you have rain boots, an ipad case, three skirts, two umbrellas,a sweatshirt, and a pair of pants in _______? Well, this is what has happened with me and polka dots. I was totally convinced I needed more polka dots in my life (I blame Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney), until I realized I was at polka dot capacity. If it rains I will either have to go without an umbrella or without rain boots,for fear of looking crazy. I will be the polka dot version of Crazy Cat Lady or Crazy Purple Lady.

However, I would not give up my newest polka dot item for the World.

Ta-da!! Polka dot pants!

Out of all the great stuff I ordered from Felicee, these were what I was looking forward to the most! I was not disappointed. They fit great, despite my "generous" calves, and the fabric is oh-so-soft. And like everything else on Felicee, they're super affordable and cost me just under $22.


Something else I noticed, they actually do the opposite of what I thought they would do and provide a bit of camouflage for my rounder parts, haha.

They are the perfect addition to my wardrobe. Neutral color, classic pattern, and a ton of fun!

Buy them here

In these photos:

H&M coat

Thrifted oxford shirt

Felicee polka dot trousers

American Apparel leather pouch

Fall Brights

Yesss, new clothes! I love getting new clothes, but who doesn't??
I ordered a few things from www.felicee.com and can't wait to style them all! It took a whole 5 days for my package to get here. That's incredibly fast, considering it was shipped internationally.

Isn't this sheer skirt lovely? It's a little see-through, but nothing some spanks won't fix. Other than that, it's perfect! It fits really nicely. I was afraid it would be that really itchy tulle they use under prom dresses and such, but it's not. It's comfortable and light, and is quite nice to wear. Plus, it was under $16!! You can find it here along with a lot of other awesomely affordable things. For instance, the leopard-print belt I'm wearing! It set me back a whole $4.46. Pretty great deal, huh?


The magenta jacket is new too, but it was a lucky find at a thrift store. It's 100% wool! I wish I could have taken more pictures, especially better ones of the detailing, but my feet were killing me, so I had to cut the photo shoot short.


Look at the pin-tucking on that jacket, though. Definitely a quality piece!



In these photos:
Skirt and belt from Felicee.com
GAP merino turtleneck
Chloe flats
Vintage wool jacket

The blogger's tool kit

My blog posts have gotten all out of order. I'm pretty behind, too. I post pictures on Chictopia and Lookbook the next day, if not the same day I take them. It takes a little longer for the picture to end up on my blog, though. I should probably prioritize a little better, but a blog post takes a little more thought! This post was actually started long ago, but got interrupted. Many of you have probably even seen these pictures already on Lookbook, etc.

Back to prioritizing... I'm not convinced the blog is the most important place for someone to share their musings and outfits. Sure it is more personalized and presents a broader perspective of you as a stylist (chef, crafter, etc.), but it's also harder for company and fashion reps to find, unless you have a huge, well-established fan base.

Which brings me to another topic, how do you establish that fan base? Do you just wait around and hope a persons random Google search leads them here? Or even more reliable, wait for them to Stumble your blog; that could take a 100 years! That's why sites like Chictopia, Lookbook, and even Hypeed (my least favorite, read why) are such important tools! I've been contacted for features and events through Lookbook more often than any of the other websites or services I use, even my own blog! I think one reason is that these sites, or communities, are almost like having a built-in fan base. The readers are right at your finger tips. They only have to search for "stripes" or "American Apparel" as opposed to entire sentences that magically have something to do with your blog. It still takes some work, but you are definitely more visible within these communities. Think of the internet as the ocean, and fashion communities as a smaller inlet or harbor connected to the ocean. It's much easier for the big fish (clothing companies, magazines, etc.) to catch the little fish in a smaller body of water, instead of trying to track them down in the ocean. Ok, so that's not a perfect metaphor. Unless we're talking about Anna Wintour, these bigger fish I speak of aren't actually gonna eat you, but you are part of the fashion food chain now!

The next thing to do is attract the fans you've gained in fashion communities to your blog, which is where you are going to show people that you have the brains, style, and charisma to make it in a sea of other fashion blogs. This is something I'm still working on; my writing skills are not as strong as I'd like them to be, I run out of topics, and I need to find a photographer I'm comfortable with, but I am 100% dedicated to this blog and drive can make all the difference. If you work hard at something you are passionate about, you will at least enjoy the ride, even if it doesn't get you exactly where you wanna be.Check out my latest feature on STYLEPANTRY.COM!!!

In this outfit:

Thrifted United Colors of Benetton sweater

Forever21 skirt

Chloe Prince Calf flats

Vintage purse