editorial – The Young Eclectic

Fashion May 22, 2019

Refresh Your Wardrobe with Playful Spring Layering

Maybe you’re like me, and keep clothes like pets or beloved family members, making them impossible to let go (I’m working on it- okay?). Having the same clothes forever can lead to them feeling stale and uninspired, breeding feelings of apparel apathy. There are few things I hate more than wearing the same outfit over and over, so I have to innovate within my own wardrobe to keep things fresh. Otherwise, I’d want to spend way too much money buying new things to keep my ravenous desire for unique outfits slaked.

While it can be frustrating some mornings when I look into my closet, bursting with way too many clothes for one woman, and proclaim “I have nothing to wear!”, a blessing to come from my obsession with escaping wardrobe boredom is the birth of some outfits that are pretty dang cute. For this editorial, I put together some joyous little ensembles with some playful layering that I think emulates the liveliness of the spring season, incorporating plenty of floral-esque colors that are a landmark of spring style.

I hope these fun, little ‘fits can inspire you to try to reinvent your own wardrobe without having to buy anything new! Think of it as some kind of puzzle or game, and see what kinds of things you can come up with that you may not have thought of before. I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how many ways there are to wear one piece of clothing!

Check out my creations below:

Lovely Denim Doll

Anyone who knows me knows that denim is a major theme in my wardrobe, and there is pretty much nothing I can do to resist a cute, denim dress- especially one that’s good for layering. I paired this one with a sweet, pink shirt with puff sleeves and a round collar to give the whole outfit a vintage, doll-like, girlish feel, a look that I’m really into right now. The blouse even has a print of tiny hearts that contributes to the unique and quirky aesthetic.

pink blouse with hearts and denim dress spring style fun layering the young eclectic

Top & Dress: Thrifted from Goodwill. Shoes: Converse.

Green Gardener

In a pair of khaki shorts and a green shirt the color of newly-sprouted leaves, I felt like some kind of scout, ranger, or gardener that spends all day sowing new seeds for spring. I layered a loose-knit, sleeveless sweater over the oversized, green button up for an extra layer of detail to give the outfit some depth and texture. All I need now is a cute, little beret and I’ll be all set!

sleeveless white sweater over green blouse and khaki shorts. spring style with fun layering on the young eclectic

Green Shirt: H&M. White Sweater: Thrifted from Goodwill. Khaki Shorts: Uniqlo. Shoes: Converse.

Sheer Beauty

I’m going to be honest, I’ve had this sheer, long-sleeved shirt for a very long time and haven’t managed to wear it pretty much ever, and I was on the brink of giving up on it entirely before this outfit. I managed to find it a home paired with a light pink, cropped sweater that features a ton of shimmering embellishments like beading and sequins. I think the pink, floral embroidery layered over all of that snazzy beading has a cool effect, and the whole outfit gets a preppy treatment when paired with a voluminous skirt and some sneakers. This outfit almost makes me like a spring cheerleader, and I’m obsessed!

spring style outfit with fun layering the young eclectic sheer black shirt over beaded pink sweater with preppy skirt

Sheer Top: Forever 21. Beaded Sweater: Thrifted vintage. Skirt: Oak + Fort. Shoes: Converse.

More Pink, Please

Pairing a pink top with pink pants? A bold move- but why not? I totally embraced my clownish side with this fun, layered outfit that includes a tunic/mini dress (that I usually wear as pajamas, but who’s asking) with ruffled, bell sleeves layered over a sheer, white blouse with ruffled, bell sleeves. I think the double layer of ruffled sleeves is what makes this outfit truly special! And all of the pink- how could we forget that?

pink dress over white blouse with pink pants spring fashion style fun layering the young eclectic

Pink Dress: Zara. White Blouse: H&M. Pants: Banana Republic. Collar Necklace: Forever 21. Shoes: Converse.

Inspired yet? If not, stick around because I have another editorial coming soon!

Fashion April 9, 2019

Spring Blooms in Adorable Dresses

Day 9 of April is here and I’m still trying to cope with the fact that spring has somehow snuck up on us all. Instead of wallowing the death of winter, I decided to celebrate the coming of the warmer season by styling some adorable, spring-inspired dresses paired with some blooming, handmade flower crowns to really channel the spirit of this flowering season!

Since spring is a transitional season that still has its cool days, I added additional layers to each outfit that not only serve to add some extra warmth, but also add some fun details that make the looks truly precious and perfect for celebrating a season so full of life and youth!

Bring your soul back to life by checking out my outfits below:

Porcelain Pink

I really went for that porcelain doll look in this coral pink, linen dress layered over a sheer, blush pink shirt with long sleeves and a frilly, lacy collar that reminds me of a vintage doily (who says grandma chic isn’t a thing?). I added a bit of eclectic fun with a pair of glittery sock boots that are just so much fun to wear!

Pink Dress & Lace-Collared Shirt: Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Sparkly Boots: Asos.

Little Forest Scout

The preppy, scout look has always deeply appealed to my girlish sense of style, so I really went for that vibe with this sage green dress layered over an oversized, long-sleeved blouse with a charming neck bow. For finishing touches I added beige knee socks, white platforms for some sass, and an absolutely adorable My Neighbor Totoro watering can that I’m currently obsessed with and happened to perfectly match my getup.

Green Dress: H&M. Blouse With Neck Bow: Thrifted from Goodwill. Derek Lam Platforms: Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange.

Light and Airy Pleats

For extra warm and sunny days, a light-as-air dress with all-over micropleats will do just the trick! I love the soft blue color that pairs so well with the off white of the platform sneakers and lovely, lace collar that peeks out the top and adds a bit of fancy detail. And this flower crown is one of my all time favorites that I’ve ever made! Little leaf ears- so cute!

Pleated Dress: Oak & Fort. Sheer Shirt with High Collar: Forever21. Platform Sneakers: Converse.

Spring Sailor

Again, my little, preppy heart skipped a beat when I saw this chambray, sailor-inspired dress. I love the square bib and the drop-waist skirt, which both add to the playful, girly vibe of the dress, which is so swishy and light, that it’s perfect for a spring day! I layered it over a sheer, collared shirt with a cute heart pattern just for a bit more detail, and finished the look off with some black sock boots for a modern, stylish touch.

Sailor Dress: Urban Outfitters. Sheer Heart Shirt with Collar & Sock Boots: Forever21.

I’m telling you guys, spring is definitely dress season, so it’s time to pack your wardrobe full of a bunch of super cute options! And if they work well as layering pieces, that’s even better!

Also, making flower crowns is one of my favorite hobbies, so if you like what you see and think you would like to buy one, let me know and I’ll think of putting some up for sale! Until next time~~

Fashion March 27, 2019

What Is Camp? An Educational Editorial

If you’re a follower of fashion, then you’ve probably already heard that the theme of this year’s Met Gala (fashion’s biggest event) and subsequent Met costume exhibit is “Camp: Notes On Fashion,” which will explore the concept of “camp” sensibility in fashion and culture through the lens of Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes On ‘Camp'”. If you’re like me, then you might be scratching your head and wondering “what is camp anyways?” Because, while I have heard the term before, I’ve never had a firm grasp on what it actually means. So, let’s break it down.

The origin of camp sensibility can be traced all the way back to the time of King Louis XVI, who lived in the overly-extravagant Versailles and was constantly surrounded by Parisian nobility dressed in highly-decorated, over-the-top garb that was almost funny in how insanely indulgent it was. Here, in the insanely extravagant, is where the impetus of camp sensibility lies. It’s all about pose and performance, creating a character and accentuating artifice. In the words of Susan Sontag:

The essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration.
Susan Sontag, “Notes On ‘Camp'” (1964)

Balenciaga Crocs, which took the fashion world by storm with equal parts fascination and revulsion, are the perfect example of “camp” style. (Photo: Harper’s Bazaar UK)

In other words, fashion that exemplifies camp is outlandish, exaggerated, fantastic, passionate and naive. It is “art that proposes itself seriously, but cannot be taken altogether seriously because it is ‘too much.'” Imagine a pair of Balenciaga platform Crocs, or Lady Gaga in a meat dress. These are both delightful examples of campy fashion that are presented with seriousness, but fail to be taken seriously. In the words of Sontag, camp style is good because it is awful (in a fun way).

Camp taste turns its back on the good-bad axis of ordinary aesthetic judgment. Camp doesn’t reverse things. It doesn’t argue that the good is bad, or the bad is good. What it does is to offer for art (and life) a different — a supplementary — set of standards.
Susan Sontag, “Notes On ‘Camp'” (1964)

To live a life dedicated to camp, is to live a life of theater- which is why Lady Gaga, a fabricated pop persona, being one of the co-chairs of the Met Gala seems entirely appropriate and expected. Other co-chairs include Alessandro Michele, the creative director of a delightfully-campy Gucci, Serena Williams, who often wears over-the-top outfits for her tennis matches, and Harry Styles. If you’re curious to see how all of your favorite stars will interpret this theme, the Met Gala will take place on May 6.

In a delightfully camp Gucci collection by Alessandro Michele, a model cradles a realistic dragon as an accessory to their fantastic, medieval-inspired outfit. (Photo by Pietro D’aprano/Getty Images)

I absolutely adore camp sensibility, because I’m all about creating fantasy with fashion, which goes hand-in-hand with the idea of artifice and exaggeration that is the hallmark of camp. I’ve put together a few fun, over-the-top outfits that I thought were good examples of camp. Check them out below:

Happy Death Day

While wearing this outfit, I imagined myself a spurned widow at the funeral of her stupidly-rich husband that has left her everything- she’s happy, yet must pretend to be sad. The fake, purple roses only serve to add an artificially vivid touch to this mournful ensemble.

“Happy” Shirt: Forever21. Dress: H&M. Belt: Urban Outfitters. Shoes: DSW.

Loving Something Sweet

The goal of this outfit was to create something that was both sweet and also edgy, which is why I layered a sheer, tulle dress over a pair of overalls and finished it all off with a pair of neon green “ugly” sneakers and a gaudy, pink cowboy hat adorned with flowers. My stuffed alpaca, Sherbet, was the perfect, overly-sweet accessory to bring the whole look together.

Tulle Dress and Grey Shirt: Forever21. Overalls: Thrifted from a friend. Sneakers: New Balance. Hat: LadyGaga.com. Flower Crown (embellishing hat): Made by me.

50 Shades of Denim

I am a connoisseur of denim and own just about any garment you can get in this magical material. For this outfit, I decided to create a look entirely of denim (except shoes) that featured a denim shirt layered under an oversized denim dress, denim culottes and a denim jacket. The platform clogs and headscarf were just details to add a bit more fun to this entirely impractical, but equally enjoyable look.

Shirt: Thrifted from Goodwill. Dress: Urban Outfitters. Culottes: Oak + Fort. Jacket: Levis. Platforms: Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Scarf: Thrifted from an antique shop.

I hope you learned a bit about camp and also had some fun along the way! I honestly can’t wait to see what crazy outfits everyone puts together at the Met Gala this year. Stay tuned for my article!

What should my next shoot be? Leave a comment if you have any ideas!

Fashion February 14, 2019

Unique, Unexpected Outfits for an Unforgettable Date with Your Valentine

You know what time it is, y’all! That magical day that comes smack in the middle of February to brighten our bleak winters with the prospects of love and romance (or cheap consumer goods, if you’re a cynic). It’s Valentine’s Day, if you haven’t already caught on, which means plenty of us are planning on going on some sort of date to take advantage of the increased levels of hopeless romance. Are you wondering what you should wear on such a date? Well, that’s why I’m here, isn’t it?

If you’re like me, then you treat every outing as an opportunity to debut a new outfit creation, so I was inspired to create some dazzling outfits with unique vibes that I’ve never worn before. They all have touches of some sweet pinks as an ode to the holiday that has us all swooning for our sweeties.

Check out my outfits below:

Bee Sweet, Bee Kind, Bee Mine

I really wanted to channel a fun, childish spirit with this look. I paired a pink, glittery sweater that features a bee embellishment with a whimsical, full mini skirt for a super fun and playful look. I finished it all off with some slides that feature rhinestone stars over a backdrop of gold and purple bugs, making it the perfect pairing with the bee sweater. And this purse is shaped like a camera- can you get much cuter than that?

Gray Mock Neck Top (Under Sweater) & Heart Choker- Forever21. Glittery Sweater- H&M, Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Skirt- Oak & Fort. Shoes- Circus by Sam Edelman. Purse- Betsey Johnson.

Black Is the New Pink

If you’re not really the pretty in pink type, and don’t own many looks that are the frilly, romantic type that Valentine’s Day demands, don’t worry! There are still plenty of cute options that fit perfectly with the spirit of ~love!~ like this little black dress with a trompe l’oeil pink collar and pink and purple cuffs. There is just enough sweetness for it to be the perfect date night look. I paired it with an oversized flower hair clip for a little extra special touch of romance.

Dress- ModCloth. Hair Clip & Boots- Forever21.

Bohemian Glam, Thank You Ma’am

I had so much fun putting this outfit together because I was just like “what else can I add to this to make it just a little more interesting?” First of all, this shimmery, frilly, pink top is such a dream that it makes any outfit a ~look~ and I paired it with some ’70s-inspired wide leg jeans and some platform clogs (both of which are also show-stopping pieces on their own). I accessorized with a crystal headband, a pearly fanny pack and a zig-zaggy Twin Peak’s necklace that my boyfriend gifted to me, making it the perfect accessory for a Valentine’s Day date outfit! All of these over-the-top elements really came together to create a look that totally fits with the fantasy aspects of this lovely, little holiday!

Top- Zara. Wide-Legged Pants- Forever21. Platform Clogs- Derek Lam, Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Fanny Pack- Forever21, Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Necklace & Headband- ????

I hope these few outfits inspired you to think outside of the box for your next date outfit, whether or not it’s for Valentine’s Day. Have a great holiday and don’t forget to shop all of the sale candy on the day after! And, as always, keep your eyes peeled for my next editorial~~~

Enjoy this funny, candid bonus pic from the shoot:

valentine's day cute quirky unique pink date outfit ideas editorial style fashion the young eclectic

Fashion February 5, 2019

Styling My Newest Zara Haul

I have a problem with clothes. I have a huge closet full of them, plus a chest of drawers, plus two more drawers, plus a box of clothes I never wear but am holding onto “just in case.” It’s safe to say I probably don’t need any more, and if I do get anything new, I should probably part with some of my older stuff (I’m looking at you, giant box of clothes I might still maybe need someday for some reason). But I don’t, so here we are!

Whether my desire for new pieces to flesh out my wardrobe is an addiction or a passion isn’t the topic of this article (although, maybe it should be). I’m here to show off my newest selections from Zara, which over the past year has become my favorite place to pick up interesting blouses and dresses at a reasonable price. I picked up this most recent haul during one of their online sales, so it was all at least 50% off the original price, which is pretty much the only way I’ll buy anything from a fast fashion brand, since the pieces lack the quality suggested by their original price tag.

I’ve styled three looks using my latest pieces, all channeling a different vibe. Check out my picks below:

Simple and Polished

When I first ordered this dress, I was really skeptical that it was going to look good on me because they didn’t have the size I needed, so I bought a size up. But man, did that work out because it gives the dress that endearing, oversized fit that I love so much. The ruffled, tweed-esque, grey dress is attached to the crisp, white shirt which looks so chic and makes crafting an outfit so simple! I’ve paired it with a pair of gleaming combat boots and a red lip for just a little bit of edginess, but with a pair of oxfords it’s ready for the office!

Dress: Zara. Boots: Urban Outfitters.

Soft and Flowing

If you’ve been keeping up with this website, then you know I’ve been super into layering lately, which is why this flowing, pastel blue, sleeveless top caught my attention. Not only is it nice and easy breezy like I prefer my clothes and tops, it also makes a great layering piece over long-sleeved white shirts, like the ruffled, high neck one I paired it with here. And layering gives the top high rewearability value because there are so many options for what to do with it! I finished off my playful outfit with a denim mini skirt (that does a great job at highlighting my legs) and some chunky, white, rockstar boots.

Blue Top: Zara. White Blouse: H&M. Denim SKirt: Loft. Boots: Forever21.

Pretty Pinafore

I’m pretty much obsessed with pinafores, or dresses meant to be worn over something else (duh, layering!), so I have to pick them up pretty much anytime I come across one that gets my fashion juices flowing. I loved the long length of this one- it makes me look like the tallest woman in the world!- and the ruffled hem makes it more trendy and interesting. I was even drawn to the mousy brown coloring because it’s so versatile. Paired here with the plaid top and a pair of now suddenly trendy cowboy boots, it looks country, but can easily be dressed up with a slinky blouse and some heels. Because the vibe of it will change depending on what top you wear underneath, the possibilities are basically endless!

Pinafore Dress and Plaid Top: Zara. Boots: Cavender’s.

I hope these outfits gave you a few ideas on how to inject some fun into your wardrobe this week! Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s shoot, which will be themed around that one love holiday that might be coming up soon, so stay tuned!

Fashion January 22, 2019

Happy Dresses To Cure Your Depression (Or At Least Make You Smile)

Sometimes life isn’t as fun as we would like it to be. That’s just a fact that we all have to face on a pretty regular basis. And it seems like more and more, people suffer from bouts of existential dread and depression- both of which I am no stranger to. And while depression is not something that can simply be cured in an instant (can it even be cured?), there are some things that can help to uplift your spirits and make you feel just a little bit better than before. For me, one of those things is a really cute and comfortable dress, which inspired me in this latest editorial shoot.

Each dress I chose in this shoot is cute, vibrant and comfortable, ensuring maximum joy while wearing them. I even paired them with a comfortable pair of sneakers for a more casual, effortless look- because sometimes when you’re feeling down, it can be hard to do the most simple things, even put on fresh clothes and get out the door. So these outfits not only look fashionable and like you ~care~, they’re also super easy to wear!

Check out my looks below:

Short & Sweet

This adorable denim dress is super short and fun! I love the exaggerated shoulders and loose sleeves! I layered it over a happy, yellow, striped mock neck top and paired it with a super-soft, sleeveless sweater for extra comfort. Some fun, floral sneakers finish off the sweet look.

Dress from Zara, Sweater from Lauren Conrad, Mock Neck Top from Forever21 and Sneakers from Adidas.

Layers of Sun

Yellow is definitely one of the happiest colors that manages to lift my mood anytime I wear it, which is why I absolutely adore this long, sunny, yellow dress! It’s a light, linen material making it a great sundress, but I’ve layered a long-sleeved, ruffled top and a vintage, thrifted, satin scarf to bring it into winter. My favorite pair of platform sneakers is the cherry on top!

Dress from Urban Outfitters, Top from H&M, Scarf is vintage thifted, and Platform Sneakers from Converse.

Positively Pastel

I absolutely adore pastels and soft shades, so of course this long, flowing dress with pastel pink stripes would make it into this editorial! I added a bit more detail to the dress with a lacy, collar necklace, while a fuzzy pink sweatshirt and some minty, green New Balances make this look even sweeter (and super cozy!).

Dress is thrifted from Goodwill, Sweatshirt from PacSun, Necklace from Forever21, and Sneakers from New Balance.

I hope I’ve inspired you to find happiness and small moments of joy in even the simplest and littlest details of your day! Stay tuned for more editorials in the near future!

Fashion January 7, 2019

New To You – The Magic of Thrifting

Thrift, charity, resale, vintage, second-hand, hand-me-downs- no matter what you call it, thrifting is when you acquire something that has been owned and used by somebody before you. For some, this may not seem like the most appealing idea and I, too, held this opinion at some point in my life because I was averse to the smell of thrift stores and often felt like the items were dirty. But, sometime while I was in high school, I changed my tune after discovering a ton of “thrift haul” videos on YouTube (thanks @grav3yardgirl!), which basically just entailed the YouTuber showing off their thrifted finds. I was always so entirely impressed by all of the things these vloggers were able to find, it almost instantly became an obsession of mine, and my wardrobe ballooned in size with all of the pieces I was finding for what I felt like were nickels and dimes.

Being someone who had no money and loved new clothes, my transition into thrifting seemed obvious and inevitable, especially after I realized just how many completely unique and charmingly-fashionable items were really available that people were just throwing away. I’ve acquired so many vintage blouses and quirky sweaters that I would have never been able to find in stores that had a level of quality that I would never be able to match for the price. It has so completely informed my personal style and attitude towards fashion, I can’t imagine finding a bulk of my clothing at regular retailers. In fact, if I’m shopping at a regular store, I often think “I could just thrift something like this,” if I come across something I like that seems too expensive.

Not only is thrifting a great way to find seemingly one-of-a-kind pieces to add dimension and flavor to your wardrobe, it’s also one way you can reduce your environmental impact. Fast fashion retailers like Zara, H&M and Forever21 may be cheap and accessible, but they pollute so much and create a ridiculous amount of waste, not to mention rely on underpaid workers to create their pieces. If you still want a cheaper option for clothing that doesn’t have such an impact, thrifting is an amazing way you can do this- and it doesn’t even have to be at places like Goodwill and Savers, which rely solely on donations, so their stock is not always the best. Resale stores like Plato’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange buy people’s used clothes, so they stock quality pieces that are in line with today’s trends. (I highly recommend Buffalo Exchange! *cough cough* please sponsor me 🙂 )

I didn’t mean for this to be so long-winded! I’m just so passionate about thrifting and want as many people as possible to know how magical and vital it can be!

Check out some looks I created below, which are styled entirely from thrifted finds:

Grungy Gal

This turquoise and purple flannel is honestly one of my favorite layering pieces in the winter- the colors are just so eye-catching! I paired it with a grey mock-neck sweater and denim midi dress, with my Derek Lam platform slides finishing everything off!

Flannel, mock-neck sweater and denim dress are from Goodwill. Derek Lam platforms are from Buffalo Exchange.

Chic in the City

I usually don’t dress this ~chic~ but I wanted to show off this incredible skyline sweater that is my favorite thrift find of all time! I dresses it up with a plaid mini, knee-high socks and some basic black boots.

Sweater and boots are from Goodwill. Plaid skirt is from Buffalo exchange. Socks are from Forever21, unfortunately not thrifted, but who thrifts socks??

Denim Daze

There is literally never a bad time to break out the double denim looks, especially since this oversized denim shirt is one of my favorite layering pieces because it goes with literally everything and will make you look like an effortless cool girl. The shimmering, cropped sweater is a gorgeous vintage piece I couldn’t leave without, so here it is- I thought it would look good with my sparkly party boots (was I right?).

Denim shirt is from Goodwill. Jeans and boots are from Buffalo Exchange. Vintage sweater is from a vintage booth at a city-wide garage sale event in Austin, Texas.

Business Meets Pleasure

So many fun details in this outfit- a blazer covered in pastel motifs, overalls I thrifted from a friend’s closet and customized by cutting the calves open, and a vintage white blouse with a pearl-embellished collar- too fun and so practical! I could definitely wear this to the office and feel like a professional with a fun side!

Blazer from Goodwill. Vintage blouse from Savers. Fanny pack and platforms from Buffalo Exchange. Overalls from a friend.

I would love to see your thrifted looks! Tag me @annkatpip on Instagram and I’ll check them out and give you some love! Stay tuned for my next editorial shoot!

Fashion December 18, 2018

Winter Style Is Like an Onion – It Has Layers

If you’re living in the Northern Hemisphere at least one thing is probably obvious to you: It’s December and that means it’s winter around these parts and even if you live in a hot and steamy locale like lovely Texas, and winter might not be as cold as your mental image of a white winter, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get just a little chilly occasionally (think- those days where you walk outside and you don’t instantly start sweating). And when it’s chilly, layers become an integral part of your style choices because they give you the option to add or subtract warmth as you go, which can be very convenient if you traverse in and out of doors with frequency.

I happen to love fall and winter fashion precisely because of the layering. The more layers, the more possibilities- and one of my favorite things to do is figure out ways to wear my clothes that I’ve never thought of before. I put together a few outfits that make creative use of layering to celebrate the colder weather. Check out my creations below:

Velvet and Faux Fur: A Match Made In Heaven

Velvet is one of the most indulgent materials of the winter season and it pairs so well with the shabby-chic vibe of my thrifted, faux fur jacket. Plus, I layered a sheer, high-collared shirt underneath for an extra layer of detail that really made this fancy look pop.

Festive (?) Black

Are you questioning whether or not black can be festive? This is an interesting question, one that perhaps deserves a separate discussion. For now, check out the way I layered this flowing velvet/satin shirt over a high-collared, vintage Victorian shirt which I thrifted in high school to play an 1800s rich woman on the go at our annual art gallery event. A red plaid jacket, some glittery sock boots and a gold key pin worn directly over the heart finish off this otherwise understated look with festive flair.

Sexier-Than-Normal Librarian

When I first styled this outfit, I was really skeptical that it would actually look good, and to be honest, the jury is still out. I paired my long, thrifted plaid, pleated skirt (honestly a dream find that has been rotting in my closet since high school before I rediscovered it) with a velvet mock-neck top and a funky loose-knit blouse. Some dangling tassel earrings were the finishing touch. Perhaps the best part of the outfit are these cute little block heels- they remind me so much of Barbie shoes that they never fail to make me smile!

Bombshell Ingenue Looking For Love

Honestly, I might have saved the best for last. Just look at how cute this ruffled, green dress is layered over a mock-neck, short-sleeve sweater. And with a black peacoat on top, I look like I belong in a romance novel, searching for love during the loneliest season of the year. Of course I added a white rose to the look, just to drum up drama. Why not?

If you liked these outfits, thanks! I appreciate it! If they’re not your thing, that’s totally fine because most of the fun of fashion is having different perspectives and learning and collaborating with each other! Stay tuned for even more styled shoots in the near future!

Fashion October 28, 2018

Halloween Inspo: A Dispatch from the Future

I have arrived to Earth. The year is 2018. I must succeed in my mission to save the human race from a dangerous species of mind-reading aliens.

In yet another edition of Halloween Inspo, I put together a simple costume from clothes in my closet- a shimmery shirt from Zara, some pale blue slacks from Banana Republic and glittery boots from Asos. A hand-made tinfoil hat completed this silly sci-fi look. And while I didn’t bother putting on any makeup, I totally encourage you to go wild on the glitter and highlight!

Unfortunately, October is almost at an end, which means so, too, does our costume fun. But that won’t stop me from wearing what I want and coming up with a ton of outfit creations! Stay tuned for more!

Fashion October 21, 2018

Halloween Inspo: Dreamy Dolly

Pull my string and hear me sing! Just don’t separate me from my cuddly best friend~

You can make an adorable Halloween costume with pieces you already have in your wardrobe. I used an old plaid dress I got at Forever 21, a frilly blouse from H&M, and a pair of shiny oxfords from Aldo. Teddy optional, but highly recommended.

Should I do more of these? Maybe 😉 October is a month that you can be whatever you want with no judgment, so why not go all out?