"Fashion is about something that comes from within you." ~Ralph Lauren

Fall Fashion! (Among Other Things)

      Well guys, it's me. I'm back. I know, I know -- you all probably thought I died. That is, if there is anyone out there who actually reads my blog (I'd like to think so!).
      I can't actually describe my excitement over the fact that it's autumn, and October is finally here. I can't even tell you how much time I've spent on Pinterest, browsing through fall foliage pictures and dreaming of pumpkin spice and everything nice (hehe). BUT, along with the wonderful smell of campfires, burning leaves, the changing colors and nature's last "hoorah" before the chill and gloominess of winter, comes fall fashion...and I LIVE for fall fashion.
     What do you do, though, when the days are still on the warmer side? When it's muggy yet somewhat chilly; when it's cool half the day and warm the other half? It's so infuriating to wake up, plan the perfect outfit, walk outside, and then three hours later, you're hot to the point of misery. Time to change, right?
     Wrong.
I'm here to tell you that with just a little extra planning (I like to plan all of my outfits according to the weather for each day of the week every Sunday night), you probably don't have to change multiple times per day.
    Layers are definitely your friend. Layer, layer, layer everything in your closet. This is the time for coat vests, which allow for warmth but not overheating, skinny jeans/leggings paired with flats or pumps (which allow you to skip out on the heaviness of boots) and/or skirts paired with sheer tights (nothing too heavy-duty). 

Note that these outfits are both great for that confusing weather-rut that we may experience for a few more weeks until the cold weather kicks in.

Enjoy the thrill of fall outfits!  I don't know about you, but I can't wait for sweaters, knee-high boots, and infinity scarves.

~The Fashion Freak~

'Merica

So...I have to ask...why is it necessary to dress down in order to be "cool" in American culture? God forbid I walk outside wearing a black, Audrey Hepburn-style sunhat on campus and everyone stares at me like I'm some rare specimen.
        Seriously though -- what makes it okay for guys to walk around with their jeans below their asses/beat-up t-shirts on, but if one of them happens to wear a tie or sport suspenders just because, they're labeled "the weird guy." Luckily, it is "acceptable" for girls to wear dresses just because, but either way, I'm a firm believer that you should dress to impress, because the world is a runway and every day, you dress to represent yourself.
        I'm not saying you'd want to walk outside in a ball gown or a huge mink coat in the winter (PETA would have a field day with you, anyway), but there are subtle ways to dress up, look classy, and still "blend" if that is a concern for you. 

-Look #1: 

-Black peplum blazer (long back)

Black sequin tank (layered under blazer)

Black studded ankle boot 

Gold stud earrings

Black envelope clutch

Dark skinny jeans

Gold boyfriend watch

   

     

One of the things I love about this look is how easily it can be transformed from business-casual chic to night. The gold accents are the perfect touch to an all-black outfit, and the sequins give the outfit that little pop that hints you have a playful, fun side and aren't just all business. You can finally wear that sequin top to more than just an overrated party off campus on Friday night! 

-Look #2:

I love this look for so many reasons. When the weather finally starts to get warm after a seemingly endless winter, the first thing you want to do is whip out an awesome outfit that will allow you to show a little skin and will make you feel ultra feminine and fashion-forward -- this allows you to do all of those things in a unique way without having to walk around in a Taylor Swift inspired sundress (although I'm actually a big fan of those). The main perks of this outfit are: a). If the weather turns windy/chilly, you at least have your legs covered and you don't look as ridiculous as you would in a miniskirt or cutoffs; b) the shirt is flirty and fun, but the pants fashionably imply that you're on a mission/dressed for success; c) who doesn't love fabulous accessories? The gold accent on the model's wrist, along with a cute pair of wedges and boho-inspired bag, all complement the outfit so nicely (and each other)! For an even less structured look, ditch the belt and un-tuck the shirt -- I personally love these touches, but I'm just trying to communicate how versatile this outfit is. Love. Need. 

-Look #3:

 I'm in love with the double-breasted look, so naturally the style of this gorgeous navy coat, I'm in love with. Layer a white sparkly tank underneath with a cute pair of jeans and bright, fun accessories, and voila -- you're dressy-casual. The slouchy bag juxtaposes the structure of the pumps and coat so perfectly, while the bracelet and earrings finish off the look with a nod to spring. 


Dying for these looks? Definitely check out H&M, White House Black Market, Ann Taylor (Loft), DSW Shoes, Forever 21, Express, and Guess. These stores all carry fun and bright pieces as well as structured, preppy clothes/accessories to balance out the two looks. Color is a must for warmer weather, so don't forget to experiment with some different tones and styles! 

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak." ~Rachel Zoe 

Happy Hump Day!

Yeah...I actually just said that. But seriously, the weekend is only two days away! Get pumped!
         I recently got accepted to a summer academic program in Paris this July and I am SUPER excited about it...all I've been doing is looking at pictures of the city, planning what famous landmarks I'm going to visit, and of course looking up where to do the best vintage shopping! It is Paris after all -- fashion capital of the world -- so I am so pumped to show off my style when I'm visiting and do some serious shopping for some French designer labels. My biggest problem, however, has been and remains to be packing. Seriously. One suitcase is never big enough for me. I know I have, like, over two months to plan this out (and could probably figure out over the course of a few days prior to traveling what I'll need abroad), but it's not like me to leave things up in the air. I've been all over Pinterest trying to find the best packing lists for summers in Paris. I originally thought July there would be as hot and humid as July in the States tends to be, but actually the weather tends to fall between 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with the norm being around 69, typically. ...What the hell? So it'll basically be like spring. Also, it tends to rain a lot; like, it can be as rainy as London gets (which I also hope to visit while I'm abroad)! So that means I'll be needing not quite as many shorts as I originally thought and even a trench coat/some rain boots. Here's the best packing list I found so far:

Seems like enough stuff to mix and match for a little under a month, right? Well, I'm certainly going to make it my packing goal to keep it to just four items per category (four shorts, four dresses, etc.). It probably won't happen, but it would definitely make the suitcase-lugging much easier at the end of the day!

Stay warm on this chilly day, everyone! Thanks for reading! 

Lindsey (aka the Fashion Freak)