Decor of the Day

Forgetting Fair Isle

I made it to Maine. I feel like I'm in Aspen. I, however, do not look like I'm in Aspen, unlike the super stylish girl in this snapshot. Obviously she was photographed on the streets of New York City, but wouldn't she look even better sipping hot toddies in the lodge après-ski?

I forgot my favorite fair isle sweater at home, but luckily remembered to grab my scarf, which is currently snug around my neck, warding of the winter storm.

Kate Moss at The Love Ball

The Love Ball party, during London Fashion Week. 

Hitting the Slopes

After just barely surviving two exams, I'm so relieved to be getting out of town. I'll be spending the weekend visiting my brother, attempting to ski, and frolicking in the snow in a small town in Maine ("a town where the common is uncommon; where Brooks Bros. sells pliers and wrenches, Victoria’s Secret is a chocolate raspberry dessert and the Timberland Outlet is an exit for logging trucks," according to their "department" of tourism, which is probably a person armed with a laptop).

I'm packing all of my coziest sweaters, leggings, and scarves, and of course, my laptop. Our bed & breakfast is supposed to have internet, but updates will be sporadic. When I'm in the presence of snow, it's hard for me to be productive (unless you consider building snowmen and making snow angels productive, which I certainly do).

striped sweater (purchased a few sizes up for a slouchier fit) and jeans, Gap. jacket, Free People. moccasins, Marc by Marc Jacobs. scarf, Ralph Lauren. undereye circles, from logging twenty hours at the library this week. new hair, expertly chopped at my local Aveda salon.

Thank You Mr. Bailey!

Source: style.com


Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 ♡♡♡

Garden Party

When I woke up today, it was fifteen degrees outside. I can appreciate cold temperatures, but it's the end of February. Winter, I love you, but I'm ready to see Spring again.

Tomorrow I leave to visit my brother in Maine for the weekend, and as soon as I return, I'm pulling out all of my favorite floral skirts and dresses, whether the weatherman agrees with me or not. Although I have plenty, I wouldn't mind adding these pretty pieces to my repertoire. Wouldn't the dresses look cute over a long sleeved striped top? Or under a cardigan? And wouldn't the skirts look cute with a boyfriend T? Or with a slouchy tank?

And they may be brand new, but they're surprisingly all on sale right now... at American Eagle Outfitters.

Pocketful of Sunshine

The last time I was home, I rediscovered a pile of old bootcut jeans from high school and I fell in love all over again. After four years of wearing slim cut skinnies, a roomier fit feels so refreshing.

I'm not ready to give up all of my drainpipes, but for a long day of studying, when I need to be extra comfortable, this flawlessly worn-in denim feels so right. Even better? They're so much easier to sit indian-style in, a necessity when it comes to spending hours in the library stacks. Since I have two exams on Thursday, I have a feeling I'll be wearing these for three days straight.

boyfriend T and jeans, Gap. jacket, Marc by Marc Jacobs. scarf, GapKids. moccasins, Minnetonka. french braid, because I really need a haircut... like, two weeks ago.

She Wears Short Skirts, I Wear T-shirts

I've been searching for the elusive perfect t-shirt for what seems like ages. I was charmed with classic men's V-necks for awhile, and though I'm still tempted by the value--$15 bucks for 5 is an impossible-to-beat deal--every other girl on campus feels the same way and has a drawerful to prove it.

Gap's brand new boyfriend T is the stuff T-shirt dreams are made up. Cuffed sleeves, wide crewneck, long length, flawless fabric, and gorgeous colors. Even better? I snagged three for ten bucks a piece. When I returned to the store to buy three more (what can I say, I like to layer), they were back to their original price. Luckily, they're now on sale online and in even more colors.

Ah, the simple pleasures in life. What is it about a certain T that makes it just so blissful? Who makes your favorite?

Delightfully Stylish

Maybe it has to do with a recent exhaustion of my existing rotation of winter weather-proof shoes, but the only things I want to slip my toes into anymore are cowboy boots. Before my vintage investment, I never dreamed of a shoe that could toughen up my closet-full of ruffles, bows, and florals with such style.

Delightfully Tacky inspired me to debut my new boots with lacey black tights (with great success - yay!), but this is only one of the many, many ways she's worn her cowgirl kickers. These snapshots are just a few of my favorites, but click here for so many more.

At the moment, I don't see the need to own any other shoes because, as you can see with Delightfully Tacky, cowboy boots can be worn with everything.

One last thought: maybe I should consider being a farmhand in Texas instead of a writer in New York?

How The West Was Fun

I couldn't wait to wear my new cowboy boots out, and even though I've been not-so-patiently biding my time since Tuesday to break them in, I still wasn't quite sure how I wanted to style them. I'm typically against mixing black and brown, but I really loved the way the sweet lace tights looked with the tough pointed-toe boots so I threw on my favorite corset belt to continue the brown-and-black combination.

What are your thoughts about mixing neutral tones like brown, black, or navy? I have to admit that lately, as my brown boot collection has expanded, I have really warmed up to occasionally mixing instead of always matching.

dress, Old Navy. lace tights, Betsey Johnson. belt, Loft. Durango boots, vintage. necklace, Free People.

Something Blue

I finally found the beloved chambray dress at my local Gap, and I surprisingly love it even more in person than when I first spotted it online. Although I've been itching to debut my cowboy boots, I looked a little too farm girl wearing denim with tooled leather so I opted for this sleeker pair instead.

A History of Architecture recently wrote about this dress, and the endless possible ways to wear it blow my mind. I can't wait to try it over striped Ts, under cardigan sweaters, and most of all, with bare legs. How would you wear it?

dress, Gap. animal print tights, Betsey Johnson. boots, Kors.

The Longest Winter

I love winter. I love winter. I love winter. Despite how thrilling the sight of snow in the forecast is (and it's in there for tomorrow!), I could not bring myself to put a pair of boots on this morning. As much as I tirelessly love winter, I don't have the same warm feelings towards winter boots.

Instead, I slipped on my designated rain shoes, trusty topsiders that have never failed me through Missouri's occasionally miserable weather. It's been far too long since I've worn my boat shoes, so I decided to play up the preppiness. I fell for this sweater as soon as I saw it, and snagged it on sale last weekend (although it still isn't on sale online... score!).

jeans, I Heart Ronson. blue and gray striped sweater, Gap. gray and white striped camisole, Gap. boat shoes, Sperry.

Hey Cowboy

I recently bought a pair of gently worn cowboy boots from a great local vintage boutique, and while I have all sorts of ideas for them come spring (floral skirts! sundresses!), I'm not sure what I should and should not wear them with right now.

Can I wear them in place of my Uggs (if I were to wear Uggs, which I definitely don't. Unless it's really cold, or really snowy, or really slushy which is every day of winter on my Midwest campus)? Can I wear them with leggings? With tights? With cardigans and cableknit sweaters to class? With little dresses and opaque tights for a night out?

These are only a few of the many questions floating around in my mind. Very luckily, I just came across Ellenitza, the adorable blog of a girl who really knows how to work her cowboy boots. It sort of blows my mind how she makes them look so cool — and so not country, even when worn with things like plaid and flannel.

Do you own cowboy boots? How do you wear yours?

The Fun Antonoff Family

In high school, I played The Format on repeat for months. You know those rare songs that make your heart race and your head spin, and when you turn them on, you can't think about anything other than the lyrics? The Format's "The First Single" was the first song I really, really loved like that.

The band eventually split up, as most great ones do, and lead singer Nate Ruess teamed up with his girlfriend's brother and best friend Jack Antonoff to create an even better band, aptly named Fun. Does Jack's last name ring a bell? His sister is Rachel, ultra-talented dress designer and best friend to Alia Shawkat, the Arrested Development comedienne who happens to be dating Jack.

Did you catch all that? Nate's dating Rachel, who's brother Jack is dating her best friend Alia. The lead singer is dating the designer, who's musician brother is dating her sitcom actress friend. Can you say coolest double dates ever?

The only thing that makes my heart swell more than a good love story is a good love song, and The Gambler by Fun is my latest on repeat.

Ahoy?

The first time I wore this dress out, a boy told me that all I was missing to look the part of a sailor was a pair of boat shoes instead of ballet flats. Apparently my attempt to look French didn't fare so well.

This past weekend, I cinched the waist with a vintage bohemian braided belt and slouchy brown boots in an effort to look little less nautical and a little more "night out." Whether I achieved that is up for debate, but at least I loved my outfit.

striped dress, Old Navy. navy tights, Hue. boots, Coach. belt, vintage.

Mardi Gras, Inspired By Kate Spade

Kate Spade epitomizes everything I want in life. She's enterprising and chic. She has a cute husband. She's a Missouri girl who really went after her dreams.

Every season she somehow manages to outdo herself by marrying an impressive collection with a whimsical lookbook and wise advice. Go ahead: call it a day and call your friends for cocktails (maraschino cherry-topped Shirley Temples count!). It is Fat Tuesday, after all.

Can't read Kate's wisdom bubbles? From left to right:
a. "Called it a day, then called friends for cocktails."
b. "Received first place for her enthusiastic rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'"
c. "Got carried away selecting her next subway read."

Charlotte Ronson, Inspired By JCP

When a capsule collection is announced, high fashion enthusiasts hope that there will be similarities to the designer's runway collection. For instance, past Target collaborations have featured Proenza Schouler's characteristic colorblocking, Erin Fetherson's saccharine sweet hearts and ruffles, and Anna Sui's familiar metallic floral prints.

Never before has a designer drawn from his or her lower priced designs for an upscale collection, but it was only a matter of time. When Charlotte Ronson sent her models down the runway on Friday, I felt an immediate sense of deja vu. It isn't easy to see in the snapshots, but I'm nearly positive the floral print on the runway is just an enlarged version of the florals she used in 2009 for her department store debut at JC Penney's. Same sheer black background, same blue, pink, and orange blossoms—even similar ruffled silhouettes.

The ruffled mini has been one of the favorite skirts in my closet since last spring, but I love it even more now that it's (sort of) a little piece of the runway.

NYFW: Alice Ritter

Who: Alice Ritter, Fall 2010.
Wear: Cozy grandpa cardigans, little lace chemises, thick tights, and Chucks.
Where: Gap, Anthropologie, Converse.

Matching From Top to Toe

jeans, J Brand. cardigan, Old Navy. socks, Gap. boots, Frye.

As I mentioned, my parents and puppy came to visit me for the weekend. On Friday, I needed to find something to wear for all-day shopping and dinner in the freezing cold temps, so I resorted to layers. I cinched the waist of a thick T and a cozy oversized cardigan with my favorite belt ever. The bright pink adds a punch to any outfit, and the rustic leather closure is a perfect match to my beloved Frye boots. The best part? I found it on clearance at Old Navy for three bucks.

I got great satisfaction that my socks matched my belt, even though they weren't visible. Is anyone else like this? I love when my layers--even the invisible ones--match. Compulsive, much?

A Sweet Weekend

Remember that time I said even these cute cookie cutters couldn't make me bake? I spoke too soon. Valentine's Day got the best of me, and I baked. A lot.

One of my professors insists that his class bring a treat every time we meet, and my designated day happened to fall just before Valentine's. I figured there would few better excuses to make pink frosting cookies, so I whipped up a few--or fifty, to be exact.

I didn't think anything could be better than sugar cookies covered with icing and sprinkles until my mom came to visit me, and brought along my childhood favorite... a heart-shaped, cinnamon-studded cake. And the sugar rush starts now.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just A Small Town Girl

I have been eager to leave behind my small town since I can remember, but lately—very lately, as in the past few months—I'm beginning to see the charm of small towns. Not my hometown in particular, but quaint Pleasantville communities across America. I think it's mostly because I realize that my daydreams of New York can soon be put into motion, but part of it might also be my recent obsession with two blogs: Selective Potential, which I mentioned here, and Kendi Everyday.

Both girls are incredibly stylish dressers, incredibly sweet writers, and incredibly appreciative small town residents. In her blog, Kendi says, "People think that when you get married and move to a small town, that you should get pregnant. I started a blog. (It's a girl.)" Soon after my parents got married, my mom moved from Houston, Texas to my dad's Missouri hometown of 3,000. I can't even begin to put myself in her shoes (although at the time, I'm sure she was wearing cute Cole Haan loafers... she was pretty preppy in the '80s), but I can almost imagine what it might be like now thanks to these adorable blogs.

Where I want to go hasn't changed, but I'm beginning to think that what matters more than where you live is how you live.

Plan B: Dressmaker

Chances are, I'll be an unemployed college graduate come May. As much as I love hearing those happy-go-lucky stories about girls getting their dream job offers on the morning of graduation (Atoosa, I'm lookin' at you)—and as optimistic as I am—I realize that things like that don't happen in this economy.

If I do find myself with an empty schedule, I have already come up with something more productive than laying around my parent's pool re-reading a stack of my favorite paperbacks (which doesn't sound so bad).

I'm going to dust off my sewing machine and work my way through Built by Wendy Dresses, designer Wendy Mullin's new guide to "making a girl's best frock." That way, when I do find a job (or when I'm forced back to college to get a more practical degree) I'll have a closet full of new dresses.

How to Make It in... NYC

I love Entourage. I love Kid Cudi. And most of all I love New York.

So I will, without a doubt, love the new HBO series How to Make It in America. It is produced by Mark Wahlberg, the creator, writer, and occasional cameo actor of Entourage. It stars Bryan Greenberg, Lake Bell, Samaire Armstrong, and, yes, Kid Cudi. It is about a generation of young creative types who pack their bags and, with a little money and a lot of ambition, move to the greatest city in the United States.

Over the past few years, I have spent quite a lot of time wondering how—and if—I will be able to make it in the city that never sleeps. I have no job, no apartment, and what seems like no life skills that will be necessary to survive on my own.

The first episode, which debuts on Sunday and is already available online, has given me a bit of reassurance. Like the characters in the show, I enjoy working hard (they would call it hustling, I would call it writing), I am an eternal optimist, and I can survive on a little sleep and a lot of coffee.

Coolest Girls in Grade School

Bright flats with matching bright manicures. Perfect pale trench jackets. Gingham plaid shirts. Chambray oxfords. Tiered ruffled skirts. Sunny yellow cardigans. Sparkly mary janes. Little glittery belts. Striped ankle socks.

I'm not ashamed to admit that my style icon for spring are these beyond cool Crewcuts girls. How can they be so young and so well-dressed? I'm at least a decade older, and far less sophisticated.

Maybe a new pair of ballet flats would help?

Crazy Heart

I have always loved Valentine's Day because it brings an abundance of all things colored pink and covered in hearts. I remember when I was little, my mom and I would make a cake decorated with spicy cinnamon heart candies to celebrate the holiday so when this time of year comes around, I always have a desire to bake (this is only a fleeting feeling... I don't bake, and wouldn't even if I owned this adorable set of heart-shaped measuring cups).

The only thing that could be better than an entire day devoted to happiness: this shimmery bow necklace (rhinestones are a girl's best friend?), posie-print tights, sparkling earrings, and Vogue writer Amanda Brooks's new book. Oh, and movie tickets to Valentine's Day, a movie I've been looking forward to for months, as evidenced by the hundreds of times I've watched the trailer.

P.S. Click the images to visit the products. Adobe Fireworks is magic!

The Little Pink Balloon

Because I'm taking web development and magazine design courses this semester, I invested in an Adobe Creative Suite and have spent the afternoon acclimating myself with Dreamweaver, InDesign, Fireworks, and more. With this, my computer nerdiness has been elevated to a whole new level, but I'm okay with it.

The above snapshot, a charming Kate Spade advertisement, is my very first foray into image mapping. Several of the balloons are linked to a few of my latest favorite fashionable discoveries, and be sure to click the balloon carried by the chic shopper, which will take you to a blog that has turned into an absolute addiction of mine. (I spent an entire evening reading through the archives, and made it all the way back to '07!)

Connect The Dots

I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the ruffled chambray dress at my closest Gap; they're telling me shipments come on Monday, so I'm trying to bide my time by daydreaming about how many different ways I can wear it.

That is, unless I come home after a long day of classes today and, in an exhausted moment, whip out my credit card to buy this equally-adorable, but even more whimsical chambray skirt from Delias. The polka dots! The pleating! The price!

To me, there's nothing better than an outfit full of mixed prints, so I would wear this with my best Breton striped T and red flats. And then I would wear it the next day. And the next. And the next.

If the chambray dress doesn't work out (or if I just can't wait until Monday), at least I've found an even sweeter alternative.

Sweet Little Lies Q&A with Lauren Conrad

HarperTeen (one of my favorite publishers ever) set me up with an exclusive Q&A with Lauren Conrad for the release of her brand new follow-up novel, Sweet Little Lies. As a longtime fan of The Hills and a fellow former Teen Vogue intern, I can't possibly be more thrilled to get my hands on her L.A. Candy sequel.

Jane‘s love life is complicated. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given about dating?

You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. Dating isn't just about figuring out what kind of person you want to be with, but also deciding what kind of guy you want to avoid the next time around.

Everyone has an opinion about who Jane should date. Do you ever try to set your friends up?

I have tried to set a couple of my friends up, but I have a pretty low success rate so far. I think that a set-up puts pressure on both people and it can feel a little forced. I think it's best to meet someone when you're not looking and less likely to settle.

What’s the most unique/funniest gift you’ve ever been given for Valentine’s Day?

I'm not really a Valentine's Day person, or much of a romantic at all. I don't really like getting flowers or cheesy gestures. Last Valentine's Day I had insisted that I didn't want to do anything special. No flowers, candy, or reservations at an overcrowded restaurant—just takeout and a movie. My boyfriend showed up with a single rose and called it "insurance" just in case I was just trying to be cool about Valentine's Day. I thought that it was sweet.

It doesn’t get quite as cold in southern California as it does in other parts of the country, but what’s your favorite winterwear and why?

Big, soft sweaters. If you get a loose knit one, they aren't too warm but they are so cozy.

During the winter do you ever hit the slopes, or do you stick to sandy beaches?

I usually migrate south of the border to Mexico. I occasionally take a snowy trip, but if I do, I don't spend much time outside.

Read more about HarperTeen's 28 Days of Winter Escapes book giveaway here!

Hippie Hippie Shake

After getting so dressed up the night before, I kept things a little more low key on Saturday and wore the hippiest dress in my closet, an adorable Free People number that has been in constant rotation since my freshman year. Unfortunately the flash on my camera ruined the flattery of these opaque navy tights, but they were much darker than this photo gives them credit for.

Click the picture to see details on the dress: gold thread, grosgrain ribbon, and the sweetest floral embroidery all make an appearance.

dress, Free People (this one sort of reminds me of mine, except it has tulle, making it a million times cooler.) camisole, Old Navy. tights, Target. boots, Kors.