look-a-likes, Chloe

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Chloe Ankle Strap Ballerina Flat

Eeee!! I'm so excited about my new ankle bracelet flats... I picked them up at Gap today for $15! They were the last pair in my size- miracle. I'll probably be wearing these all day tomorrow while I finish up errands before the weekend. 

Happy last minute Christmas shopping! 

what I'm wearing, study day

Appropriate for coffee runs, library lock ins, and the silent treatment.

Finals week and the final weekend of my final fall semester, before finally going home.

Thankful I didn't work today. I spent too long in bed this morning; warm blankets stole all the inspirations I had for my 8 page paper that's due on Monday. 

Minimalist Mockneck- I was convinced that a long shift and 2 final exams would have had to earn me something.

Although it's hanger appeal is less redeeming, this sweater has the perfect neckline and is made from 100% Merino Wool. 

Pixie Pants- Leggings don't stand a chance. Structured with exposed seams and a back zipper- makes all the difference

Nixon Time Teller Watch- Numbers/hours don't really mean anything to me right now. This gift from my grandpa last xmas is proving timeless. 

Supergas- On my Christmas list, Im sporting my black Keds x Gap right now

Ribbed Glovettes-  I'm in love with my arm sleeves. Type away...

Clic Here: 

copycatz 2

DIY- Fashion Mag//Holiday Ornaments

WAIT- It's already mid december and the lit, charlie brown tree in the apartment living room is looking pretty lifeless. Yes, its fake.. but we have yet to adorn the pretty stub with a single ornament. Madewell posted a Holiday How-To: "Amazing D.I.Y Ornaments by YES Gallery" that included a handmade wooden garland and stellated octahedron ornaments (fancy terms for 8-pointed star) SUPER crafty, but what's a DIY with no instruction? A few google searches later on the art of origami, I found myself HERE.

Brought to you by my night off and the 2010's on my bookshelf

What You Need: 

Old stack of magazines

Scissors

Patience

A few tips: 

These instructions educate you assuming you have an infinite knowledge of origami lingo… so you might want to educate yourself on some of the basic folds and bases before you begin. 

Make sure to cut the magazine pages into EVEN squares.

Be Patient- I folded about 2 practice pieces before completing my first star. The pages of a magazine are prone to tear more easily than traditional origami paper

The CHICest origami ever crafted

uniform

Rachel's Rockin Uniform- neutral sweater, wayfarers, messenger bag- hair tied TO GO

It's important to develop your own set of go-to pieces and silhouettes that work well together, for you. The same piece can't flatter every figure and not every personality can flatter the same piece; I already know wide leg jeans and trousers are not in my 5 foot 3 inch cards.  So, peace to the apples, pears, giants, hobbits, rebels and princesses... 

Half of developing style is, after all, consistency. 

CLIChere: J.CREW cable-stitch sweater, rayban wayfarers, zara suede and leather tote 

silk skirts

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: JESSICA SIMPSON DANY SHOES, ASOS CAT EYE SUNGLASSES, J.CREW EDIE TOTE

Inspired by this look, I bore bare legs and a silk skirt today. High was in the 40's. Thats okay- Mama always said, "pain is beauty and beauty is pain."

clic HERE for full length chiffon skirt. 

.

layers

Day

Night 

Weekend

MAISON SCOTCH

LA FEMME SELON MARIE

What I should be doing

What I should be doing now instead of what I'm doing…

1. looking up words on dictionary.com, words I've circled for later dates

better yet continuing the book I started but haven't finished- highlighting words that make me feel inspired or at peace with my surroundings. Making memos of those quotes that made me forget where I'm sitting, who's looking at me and who's not; forget that its cold in the room or that I cut my finger on the edge of the last page or that my coffee cup is almost empty and I have a finance assignment due at 9 tomorrow morning...

AND then for a short second believe that the most important thing in the universe is that I woke up with eyes, able to filter color and trace marks on a page

2. the 20 sketches for my graphic design class

to sketch an adjective is not a fatal task, although some would disagree. It's a freeing exercise to illustrate characteristics and personify words. Creating shapes for conditioners like whimsical, jealous, impulsive, vain, secluded, anxious- Perhaps if we know what they look like, we become armed to more readily identify them on a daily basis. This could give us the power to flee or embrace

3. Calling my best friend

soaking up the rich details of her own mundane life and experiencing them with her. Learning that she got a job cleaning out a yoga studio in exchange for unlimited class, or that she scored the second goal in the field hockey game her team won in Cleveland, or that she spent 12 dollars eating lunch alone at the WholeFoods in Milwaukee but left with company for lunch next week. Maybe it's to reaffirm her that she's the same girl she was in 6th grade- with the same values, innocence, humor- only with longer hair, better judgement, and her own apartment.

Maybe it's to reaffirm myself that genuine spirits still exist or just to ramble on without filter; like pouring secrets into beautiful, glass bottles with big ears and non judgmental hearts. 

OK, break

funny face

Saint Louis Fashion Week starts this Tuesday and goes through Saturday. Five days of shows in St. Louis- it's not Paris or New York but props to STL for having designer Rebecca Taylor in the city on Thursday! I'm really excited to be working this year although I've been warned on the potential side effects (I may not have a problem with them)- increased caffeine consumption, weight loss... mild insanity. 

Anyways the office discussed our uniform look on Friday, which is all black. There are definitely a number of approaches I could take to dressing myself this week but I'm planning on understated; observer not observed. I'll take my cue from Funny Face- Paris, Fashion Week, 1950's... all the stars align. I'm convinced Audrey wouldn't have been able to nail her dance sequence in another color. 


If you want to buy tickets for Fashion Week clic HERE. You will be missing out if you do not.  

christina ricci, now and then

Christina Ricci, NYLON 2011

Ricci's doll face is glossed on the cover of September's Nylon. The star of my favorite childhood movie (and probably some of yours)- I haven't followed her much since then but the retro prints and dazed attitude she sported in her spread had me doing double takes

 A favorite, filmed in 1995. Coolest movie I'd seen at 10.

Deyrolle Pour Opening Ceremony

Alexa Chung at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

wearing Deyrolle Pour Opening Ceremony

a collection inspired by wild, little creatures

foxes, cats and beetles

makes me want to visit the Historic Taxidermy Shop in Paris

missoni X target

  FOR TARGET 9.13.11

Italy's bella ragaza, Margherita Missoni, is the face of Missoni x Target which officially hits stores tomorrow. Target's collaboration with Missoni yields just over 400 products that have been carefully developed for the line.The collection is an expansive one; targeting the young, fashionable masses while still incarnating Missoni's rich heritage and iconic patterns.  

The concept of sporting high fashion, inspired pieces from Target has become seemingly acceptable. Featured GO designers and revered names, (Zac Posen, Cynthia Vincent and Richard Chai) have graced the bodies of those who appreciate the beauty in design but also encounter satisfaction in mutually, affordable prices.  

I am in love with the confidence and eclectic spirit of the Missoni women- They truly exude beauty, health, and balance.

9.6.11

hailee steinfeld X miu miu

Obsessed with the ad campaign- but why so serious? 

 An element of artistic beauty exists in the expanse that's left for creative interpretation. Orphan child? I know some rich ones. Vagabond? Suffocated Princess?

Her look reminds me of Lolita in Vladimir Nabokov's novel- which partially remains on my reading list since last spring. It proved an interactive read when I needed a french and english dictionary to get through the first few chapters, but it's worth it. 

Oh, to be fourteen again... and the face of miu miu

petty things

Sam Edelman Petty Boot

The combination of leather and suede marks a proud footprint for fall. I tried these on yesterday just to treat my feet for putting up with my mind's wanderings.  

My thoughts are as follows: The fit toward the top of the toes is surprisingly comfortable (for being a narrow boot) AND there is just enough room to plan for a mix up of patterned tights or comforting, camp socks. They would pair great with shorts and a soft blend sweater; justifying this expenditure as a two season purchase...

Please donate spare change here. Thanks

hot reds

    

 I need a red skirt.    

 found, $20, on a go back rack

Each look shares the same secret- pair with a basic knit and minimal accessories

small scale- opt for a leather clutch, lipstick, or manicure in the hot hue  

clic

1> topshop- bright red maxi 

2> poppy king for j.crew- lipstick

3> american apparel- medium carry all pouch, red

4> essie- too too hot nail polish

Neiman Marcus/Keds

 Neiman Marcus x Keds debuted at stores on August 10th, in a spotted leopard print for a flat $100.  When did Keds get that cool? I thought the same thing last year with the alice+olivia collaboration when they introduced sequined sneakers. Last month I bought a fun pair of Gap x Keds, (they're great for dog walking.) But really. 

Yesterday I was having a casual night out, wearing a pair of leather thong sandals. Before we even made it to the patio, the strap on my left sandal snapped. My best friend's fault- so there was no awkward anger or embarrassment involved when my body made it further than my feet. Now, had I been wearing ^those bad guys A) People would have been too scared to even step on my feet and B) I could have possibly ended the night with shoes on AND a compliment, "hey- uh, cool kicks."

guilty

pensive on guilty pleasures today

Celebs, pro athletes, ten year olds, mothers, models, businessmen, ME- we all have them. Everyone enjoys little luxes, guilty pleasures and satisfying them secretly. Here's a list of the top ten, tiny things that make me ohso happy

1. fireworks- on the fourth of July or any other day of the year. they are not overrated

2. 49cent vanilla cones from McDonalds

3. taking 20 minutes to choose a new OPI shade

4. the Taylor Swift speak now album (story of us)

5. sidewalk chalk- the driveway is the biggest canvas I'll ever get my hands on

6. WebMD- symptomchecker

7. House Hunters international, Selling NY

8. eating in the grocery store while I shop- I always feel like im getting away with something, even if I pay for it after

9. the free, weekly iTunes pick at sbux

10. analyzing people's thought process for how they decided what to wear that day

secrets unleashed, feel free to indulge shamelessly

ode to sofia coppola

minimal this week-

Spending the spare hours of my week with Sofia's films and in Sofia's clothes. I live daily, juggling belongings on my fingertips and considering time as finite. I need minutes to remove, recollect and restore. There is enough time to gift a restless body with an appropriate bed time and to give hot, humid skin the light fabric it deserves. Everything else can wait. 

Our life is frittered away by detail. simplify simplify simplify HDT

on my netflix queue: marie antoinette, somewhere, lost in translation

on my favorite hangers: black maxi skirt, black linen shorts, THIS striped tee, perfect white blouse and no frills 

rain prays for color

Summer is the most appropriate time to both buy and sport storm-proof shoes. Aside from claiming music festivals as stomping ground, the multi-functional Welly provides us with no excuse to skip class during late August rainstorms or January snowstorms. 

Lately I've been surprised by Orange- showing up in crazy places. I'm all for it, especially as accents on these boots. The dosage is up to you. No pressure. 

 left to right: Tretorn Sofiero- (now 29.99 here) Aigle Equibelle/J.crew- (169.00 here) Isle Jacobsen- (as seen on madewell.com and urbanoutfitters)

featured pick: Steve Madden Tsunamii in olive

chloe/llbean

   
Chloe's L.L.BEAN canvas tote made it on to the running 'hit-list' in my journal. Sturdy enough to withstand grass stains and sand, classic enough to remain timeless. For $20 this fair weather friend is a keeper (her mate can stay too)

I'm going to settle on the dark green- maybe a little blocmonogram? CLIChere

brightbeats

2011, summer playlist

Sound and memory are best friends you know

summer playlists- you only need one to get you out of bed in the morning, through mke traffic jams, sweating poolside, and roadtripping to friendly cities

1. "crazy for you" - best coast

2. "pumped up kicks" - foster the people

3. "fitz and the dizzyspells" - andrew bird

4. "second chance" - Peter Bjorn and John

5. "georgia"- yuck

5. "im good im gone" - lykke li

6. "battery kinzie" - fleet foxes

7. "i got" -young and the giant

8. "red light love"- those darlins

9. "swimming pools"- thao

10. "up up up"- givers

11. "this charming man" - the smiths

I like having a set of songs to get me through each season- it's a teleport to past experience

Helpful hint: Burn 2 back up discs (in case the nano dies on you) leave one in the car and one on the night stand

stylemint

what's a perfect T anyway

Elizabeth and James. The Row. Now something relev$nt to my closet.
And if you haven't been awaiting the July 1st launch- Clic HERE to register for access

MKA, personal style icons since 2001- Yes, I owned half the Walmart line and entire movie collection. 

I remember hosting a party in honor of MKAs 14th birthday. 2 people attended to enjoy a 25 dollar, pre ordered cake with their names in purple frosting. Cool- who wants to split a bottle of pinot gris and watch passport to paris? 10 years later and still faithful...

kate bosworth/isabel marant

Cool Kicks Kate

ACNE, resort2012

ACNE RESORT 2012

Resort 2012 collections have been out- ACNEs was exceptionally eye catching for reasons inexplicable. OH WAIT, I do recall a VM from Jonny Johansson in March asking for access to my labdesign for 'personal reasons'     very mysterious

Painted Gouache on Bristol, scanned and composed (photoshop/illustrator) March 2011

I really like the geometric silhouettes in this collection- especially the clash of fabrics and competing layers. The color and organic textures seem effortless and spot on, a relaxed but ladylike 50's vibe

ACNE RESORT 2012