Awkward

There's something about wearing full length skirts or dresses that always makes me feel a bit awkward, so pairing this skirt with the leather vest and studded boots was a great way to counteract that sensation. Maybe it's just that long skirts make me feel sort of hippie, even though they don't necessarily look that way. I always love the way this skirt looks in photos, but I still find it hard to get used to when I have it on.

Do you ever wear things that you know look great but make you feel a bit awkward or 'off' somehow?

Vest: Cotelac
Top: a gift from Sal
Skirt: Anthropologie
Boots: All Black
Bracelet: Betsey Johnson

{Style Panel} Peplum & Polka Dots...

Peplum can be one of the most flattering, feminine silhouettes out there, but it can also be one of the least. Worn well (hello, Kate Middleton much?), it can yield diminutive waistlines and elongated figures. Worn poorly, and it can lead to exaggerated hips and unnecessary bulk. So what's the secret to finding the right peplum? Consider proportion. A flowy, understated version is the most universally flattering because it won't accentuate the hips, while solid colours or basic prints (think polka dots or simple stripes) can keep unwanted bulk at bay. Play with different styles and try different variations of the trend � be it in shirt, skirt or coat form � and you'll find the perfect fit for you in no time!

To read more about mastering peplum, head over to Fashion Magazine... Happy weekending, lovelies! xx

Outfit details: polka dot peplum top- Forever 21; oxblood leggings- H&M; pumps- Zara; glitter clutch- Kate Spade; watch- Michael Kors; bracelet- House of Harlow; necklaces- Forever 21

Guilt by Association

This dress so perfectly fits my style, especially as it has evolved over the last couple of years. More and more I'm leaning towards outfits that have fewer items and less complexity, so a dress that has built-in visual interest and needs little accessorizing is perfect. I can throw it on in the morning, add a couple of foolproof pieces of jewelry, and go. The fact that it has some stretch to it and doesn't easily wrinkle makes it comfy and wearable all day.

I love how the shape of the panels at the hips hint at a peplum without actually being one. I love peplums on jackets and tops but I'm not generally a fan of them dresses or skirts except in rare cases. To my eye they often look like an afterthought, just stuck on there and interrupting the flow of the garment. Plus they just bring back way too many 80's flashbacks for me, like this purple number below. Not something I would've worn even in the 80's, but I suppose I feel a bit of guilt by association.




Dress: Helmut Lang
Necklace: Wendy Brandes
Bracelet, rings: Metal Pointu
Bag: Botkier
Boots: Brako

{Wardrobe Wednesday} In the Bag...

I've admired Olivia + Joy's stylish yet super affordable bags for some time now, so when they offered to send me a bag of my own, I was beyond excited. This Viper Top Handle bag caught my eye immediately with its bold pattern and hardware detailing, and I love how much you can fit inside �always a bonus when you tote your whole life around with you!

A big thank you to Olivia + Joy for the oh-so thoughtful gift, and as always, thank you guys for reading! xx

Outfit details: neon tank- H&M; jeans- Michael Kors; bag c/o Olivia + Joy; pumps- Zara; necklace & bracelets- Forever 21; watch & ring- Michael Kors

Low Key

This dress mainly gets worn on weekends because it's so casual, but this outfit was perfect for a low key Friday when not as many people are in the office and we rarely have meetings. I definitely wouldn't wear the dress to work without layering something over it, because it has spaghetti straps which I don't think are appropriate for any office environment, even one as casual as mine.

The shoes are the result of a months-long search for the perfect black wedges. I wanted something with little embellishment, a 1-2 inch height, and rounded toes. I must've ordered 5 or 6 pairs from Zappos, but only these fit the bill and all the rest went back. Gotta love Zappos for having free shipping both ways. 


Dress: Athleta
Cardigan: All Saints
Shoes: Cole Haan

Safari Chic...

Nothing says safari chic quite like a military vest and leopard print, but as stoked as I was to channel my inner Indiana Jones, I thought it best to neutralize things with a mint dress and girlie accessories... After all, we wouldn't want to over do anything, now would we?

And in other news, I'm seriously smitten with this Forever 21 necklace. I bought it for pretty much no money (gotta love that!) and instantly fell in love with its vintage vibe... Hey, sometimes a girl just needs a cheap repro to tide her over, am I right?

Happy Tuesday, lovebugs! xx

Outfit details: mint dress- H&M; military vest- Old Navy; leopard loafers- Forever 21; belt- thifted; watch- Michael Kors; bracelets- The Bay & Michael Kors; necklace- Forever 21

{Weekend Update} Stripes & Sweets...

My weekend kicked off with my most favourite of pastimes, catching up with friends over sweet treats. Now I know what you must be thinking � "What a glutton!" � to which I would simply shrug, nod my head and pass you a macaron... Now I'm drooling just thinking about them, but I digress.

The adorable Jenna joined my little calorie fest, and together we caught up over caffeine and spiked blood sugar levels... It was lovely. I wore my new, sparkly loafers which were a thoughtful gift from Kastles, as well as this mullet skirt that I had long forgotten about; I guess that's what happens when you hoard clothes, am I right?

Hope you guys had lovely, sugar-filled weekends too... Happy Monday! xx

Outfit details: jacket- Zara; striped tank- H&M; mullet skirt- Forever 21; sparkle loafers- Target; necklaces- Forever 21; watch & ring- Michael Kors

Mushroom

This long cardigan is fun to wear when it's windy, since it's lightweight and blows around like a cape. The top is one that I bought before my last trip to France. It's tissue thin and was great by itself for the hot days in Aix-en-Provence, but it needs to be layered up for most days here. Now that we're into the heart of summer we're getting a lot of the cold, foggy days that San Francisco is known for, which means layers and boots.

The top is sort of a mushroom color, which frankly isn't very flattering to my skin tone, but pairing it with the cream-colored cardigan and accenting it with black brought in the necessary contrast to make it work.

Top: LA Made
Cardigan: Twelfth Street Cynthia Vincent
Pants: Club Monaco
Boots: Brako
Necklace: Metal Pointu
Bag: Boktier

Romping Around...

Outfit details: romper- Duchess; neon crossbody- Urban Outfitters; sandals- Michael Kors; sunnies- Karen Walker; necklace- Pamela Love (even better version here!); watch- Michael Kors; bracelet- The Bay

Back to School with West 49...

Back to school is one of the most wonderful times of the year � whether you're in school or not. The leaves turn red, new stationary is purchased (arguably the best part of all � at least if you're a total dork like me!) and we get a chance to refresh our wardrobes with lovely new layers... What's not to like?

So when West 49 asked me to style a back to school outfit from their new fall collection, I jumped at the chance. The brand isn't traditionally my style, but their latest offerings intrigued me, especially this sweater. I instantly knew I had to have it, and my mind raced with all the different ways I could wear it. Since the weather is still rather lovely, I threw on shorts, a bowler hat and my trusty satchel for a simple, school-inspired look. The best part? As the months get cooler, I can easily transition this sweater by pairing it with pants and boots or patterned tights and a great skirt... Oh the possibilities.

I had lots of fun picking out my new pieces (and was seriously tempted by this dress!), and was surprised by how affordable they were (always a bonus, no?). All in all it was an awesome experience, and I would recommend checking out their stuff for some fun, casual basics, especially if you've never thought to look there before... You might just be surprised.

Outfit details: sweater- Billabong c/o West 49; short- Billabong (similar and on sale here) c/o West 49; neon satchel- Cambridge Satchel Co; hat- H&M; loafers- Zara; necklace- Forever 21; ring- H&M; glasses- Gucci

{Life Log} Ode to the Little Things...

Life is beautiful, and taking the time to photograph little bits of my day through Instagram has really reminded me of that. Cheesy as it may sound, if it weren't for that little app I wouldn't have nearly as many (oh who am I kidding, I wouldn't have any!) fun memories of daily life. From food and drink, to accessories, activities and the world around me, I'm capturing, and in turn, documenting my life. It's real and it's honest (because let's face it, not every day is an outfit post kind-o-day), and I'm pretty stoked to have so many visual souvenirs.... So here's to all the little things that make life so lovely! xx

{Style Panel} Black-on-Black...

Embracing the coming season's black-on-black, leather-hungry sensibilities might not be for everyone, but the girlie girls (myself included) of the world can breathe a collective sigh of relief � The trend is as flexible as it is fun!

To achieve a look that feels feminine yet decisively on-trend, I opted for a faux leather mini and a black, peek-a-boo cutout sweater. By keeping silhouette, proportion and accessories in mind � think statement necklaces and fun bracelets � I was able to embrace the trend while still remaining true to myself. Fist pump.

Outfit details: sweater- Talulah (Aritzia); faux leather skirt- H&M; loafers- Zara; necklace & ring- Forever 21; watch- Michael Kors; bracelets- The Bay & Michael Kors

{Weekend Update} The Farmer's Market...

This weekend marked my official departure from shift work, because for the first time in a very long time, I had the entire weekend off! So what's a girl to do with all that extra time on her hands, you ask? Well, let me tell you: I visited the farmer's market and our local Fringe Festival, saw friends, cleaned house and � best of all � relaxed... What a concept! Top that off with HBO Sunday and some freshly manicured nails, and I'm one seriously happy girl.

Happy Monday, lovelies! Hope you all had fab weekends... xx

Outfit details: top & shorts- Forever 21; bag- Marc by Marc Jacobs; necklace- Zara; watch- Michael Kors; bracelets- House of Harlow & the Bay; leopard loafers- Forever 21