unbearable lightness of being

[vintage quilted purse, trousers, and pearls/ Armani Exchange "Impress Me" tank/XXI vest/ RayBans/ Nine West heels]

I've been so reluctant to make the switch to spring appropriate clothes; I'm perfectly happy with my layers and leather jacket. Unfortunately, the weather's already getting into the high eighties so that's not an option. I was able to salvage this biker vest from my winter wardrobe, though. It'll be perfect with flowery dresses in the next few months.
These pants are by far one of my best vintage finds. I love the fact that they have pockets (prime way to occupy your hands in socially awkward situations) and when cuffed they give off a total Hepburn vibe.


As much as I complain about the scalding temperatures, I love summer. Just walking along the sidewalk and feeling the sun on the back of my arms is enough to completely turn my mood around (and I need it, thanks to my impending exams).

This is not a Flashback

Recently:
 1)late night highway cruising
2)outtake from 60s themed birthday, the accessories at this party were out of control (Eli's Sweet Years boots, my XXI monster wedges)
3)E and birthday girl
4)vegan VW cake
5)our nail polish matched!
6)me
7)dubsteppin
8)my Steve Madden gladiator heels, out of retirement
9) E and D
10)party monster
11)metal
12)frolicking (vintage tennis skirt, lux tee, Steve Madden heels)
13) people
14)I don't wear glasses, but I like to pretend sometimes.
15)kill city jeans, special issue Nike kicks, random tie, zara shirt
16)quicksand

on repeat:

Coup De Foudre

[vintage vest, XXI skirt and top, BCBG heels, vintage necklace] 

Wore this for a late night study session/general debauchery at 24 hour Starbucks. These are probably the least comfortable heels I own, and thus I am wearing them constantly in hopes of them magically becoming more comfortable. Wearing socks with them helps, but I can only pull off that trend in small doses.

On to the topic of denim vests. I adore them! You can throw one on with nearly any outfit to make it more spring or summer appropriate, and it's the easiest way to dress an outfit down. I was planning to go diy crazy and stud this vest (such was the fate of all my other denim) but I'm glad I didn't. 

(falling over in slow motion)

You can find this tenue on lookbook [here]
Also, I'm featured on Live Love LA! Check it out [here].

keep pace with the sun

While I tend to favor black clothing normally, this coral raincoat is a welcome distraction on gray and rainy days. It even has ruffled shoulders! The raincoat and girly accessories nicely balanced the menswear inspired tweed trouser and a light linen button down.

[XXI pants and accessories, Tahari heels, Target raincoat, vintage Dooney & Bourke purse, Ray Bans, Gap shirt]

In other news, the domain change was a success! It was actually far simpler than I thought it would be (with a little help from tech support, that is). Unfortunately, I still have a million things to do this weekend! I'll leave you with some of my recent bedroom-redecoration-inspiration:

There's something so serene about all white bedrooms.

Charades

[Banana Republic dress, XXI belt, Tahari heels, Chanel purse, XXI cross ring]

I've been feeling a little uninspired with my wardrobe lately. My first instinct when I can't figure out what to wear is to go buy something new; which ends up amounting to wardrobe overstuffed with impulse purchases and mounting debt. Not to mention it's impossible to save for Loubs or a classic quilted Chanel when you're (ostensibly) wasting money every week on another black dress, or neon pink high rise jeans (long story). 

So, my new method of attack (I make getting dressed in the morning sound like a military operation. It might as well be.) is to force myself to think of creative ways to re-wear and style things I already have. If I'm really stuck, I just pick out one thing I really like (a clutch, or drape-y sweater, or favorite jewelry) and work around that. 

This t-shirt dress is one of those amazingly versatile pieces that I always seem to forget I have. It looks good worn as a dress, or with jeans. I wore it to class with a leather jacket and low-slung belt, then changed to the cinched waist and bare legs for night.

Night + Day

[NIGHT: DIY Dries skirt, vintage blazer & jewelry, XXI tank, Nine West heels]
[DAY: DIY Dries skirt, XXI top, Target socks, Nine West heels, vintage sunnies, old school Dooney & Burke purse]

I'm completely enamored with this mint green Dries Van Noten DIY skirt. It was super easy to make! I wore it for the first time yesterday, keeping it casual and slouchy a la the runway show, then wearing the skirt with bare legs and a tailored jacket for night.
As I was saying previously, I was lucky enough to model at an event for a local art gallery. It's a great downtown space: vintage shop meets art gallery meets party space. The theme was "Mad Hat," with adorable cocktail hats designed by Erin Lee Benson, and makeup done by the sweetest MAC employee ever.

All in all it was loads of fun - who doesn't love getting dolled up and being the center of attention?- the atmosphere was so laid back. There were all types of models, from professional to first timers. The gallery kept the wine and music flowing, I can't wait for next time!

tesoretta

[Target dress, Gap flats, Alexander Wang inspired clutch by Converse]

...I have always vehemently disliked the "maxi" dress trend (at least on myself) but on a whim, while at Target shopping for makeup remover wipes and soap, I tried this black linen number on. I adore it. Perhaps it's the fact that it's linen as opposed to cheap jersey? Or because it's black and thus in my comfort zone? Regardless, I foresee wearing this dress constantly during the summer.

Speaking of summer, yesterday was amazing beach weather. I had to work all day, so I planned to go today... which was gray, windy, and rainy, much to my chagrin. So, I spent the day shopping instead. Meet my new babies:

BCBG heels
Devastatingly beautiful, complete with ultra tall spike heel. I glided around in these for an art/fashion show that I was part of last night. Pictures soon!