WEAR | High Waisted Florals & Birthdays

Blouse // Urban Outfitters (old)    High Waisted Skirt // Rustic Thread, Denver

Boots // Steve Madden (last Fall)   Leather Messenger Bag // T-Nobile Leather Shop, Rome

All through my college years, once November 7th came, it meant birthday celebrations began. My  friend Serena's birthday is November 7th, just three days before mine, and we always managed to have a combined birthday party. One year it was a fondu party, another a riveting night of Bunko, and somehow one year we managed to have candy filled piñatas while our friends, blind folded, batted away. Serena and I live states apart now, so no more combined parties, but I still think of November 7th as the start to birthday celebrations--and the mark of savouring another year older in some celebratory fashion. So how will my 28th year commence? (Well, almost commence, as I realize my actually age does not change until Sunday...) With Iron and Wine! Playing here! In Denver! I cannot wait to hear one of my favorites with my favorite (Matt, in case you didn't know). I have been looking forward to it for MONTHS. In other birthday weekend news, we are having a pre-Thanksgiving day feast on Saturday with our cousins and hopefully I'll have some down time to enjoy the new desk before Monday comes ;) I'm pretty sure a birthday breakfast might happen, since breakfasts are another favorite of mine. But in the meantime, since I may be off adventuring this weekend, enjoying pumpkin pie, spending time with Matt & co., and being a new age and all--I'm saying happy weekend early! And if I had to pick my birthday outfit, this one would be it. Although, you might find me in comfy fleece on my birthday this year...

Nervous / Excited

This is my nervous excited face. 

Why a nervous excited face, you ask?

Well, let me tell you:

 After a few nudgings from friends and always wanting to share my personal style...

I am setting out to do just that.

I really want to inspire myself and you as readers to buy thrifted, upcycled, affordable, or second hand clothing on a more regular basis. How amazing would it be if Goodwill and consignment shops became our go-to's just as often as we default to other favorite stores, like J.Crew, Madewell and Anthropologie?

I am all about finding styling trends and inspiration from favorites and then setting out to find that look for less. It's actually how I fell in love with style at the very beginning of my eyes being opened to fashion. I was a highschool girl who until that Freshman year grew up wearing uniforms--school uniforms or a swim suit, as my life outside of school was mostly spent in the pool. My best friend and I would scour thrift stores and swap meets, finding the best things ever. And that is what I wore. All the time. Thrifted and second hand, this was my style. And I loved it. And I still love it but it has become only about 25% of my wardrobe. Slowly, as I've matured, my thrifted clothing has become less. Which now, I'm determined to change.

So why exactly a nervous face? All of the above is so exciting! It's exciting to share style and move towards changing the clothing perspective, for myself and hopefully for others. But it is nerve racking to be photographed. It is nerve racking to see a handful of photos of yourself. And it is even more real  in the nervous department to post those photos for all to see. But I need to change my perspective on that as well. I need to not be nervous about any of that--those photos are me! And I am beautiful just the way I was made, imperfections and all. This is what I wrote about the process the other evening, after Matt snapped a few photos of me last week:

"What started as continual fear of being photographed to reflect my personal style for the blog ended up being a truly freeing experience, especially so having my husband take the photographs. I'm excited to share style that is thrifted, second hand, and affordable in the coming months--with hopes to inspire you to shop for used items. And if not shopping second hand, why not make it a goal to donate a used clothing item or two to the homeless or Goodwill for every new item you do bring into your wardrobe? I'm completely up for the challenge, what about you?"

I write a lot about true beauty here, and I feel this fits perfectly. I want  to continue to change my own perspective on outer beauty and the worth that I put on clothing. (Which at times, is a lot of worth, let's be honest). So my hopes with this series, I'll call it WEAR, is that my heart would change in the process. That I'd be moved to shop second hand, donate unused clothing more often, and find myself content with the clothing that is already in my closet--ridding that desire to consume more and more, yet being frugal and thoughtful about it when I do shop. 

What do you think, are you with me?

Two Braids Intertwined

Quite a few of you wanted to know what the front and side of this braided do looked like after posting it on Instagram. My hair has gotten super long, so with the heat, braiding it up and off my neck has become a default. I feel like I need to wear a dirndl when my hair is up like this....

Upcycled Denim Cutoffs DIY

Oh, denim! Oh, chambray! You may have become the biggest fashion crush of the year, but my eyes still love to see you in washed out, soft, and worn in form. Even better? Upcycled denim, worn again and again, because aren't you supposed to last a lifetime?

>>Denim, originally The Gap | Flats, Target | Top, Bella Dahl found on clearance at Nordstom Rack

And then I found a dress

Last Saturday I snapped a photo of my recently purchased black dress, and many of you asked what the front looked like. It was only the second dress that I tried on, and I hadn't planned on finding one I liked so quickly after my little black dress "Pinterest shopping" last week! The cut of the back is what absolutely got me. But it doesn't hurt that the front is a flattering cut as well :).  Its a great addition to my wardrobe. I don't like buying things for only one occasion, so I always shop with the bigger picture in mind (can I wear this in the winter with boots and tights? with flats and a cardigan? on a date night? yes, yes, yes!)

Now the fun part of accessorizing. I'm either going to do a bright colored skinny belt with gold details or a thin brown braided belt. I've pretty much settled on nude wedges or low nude heels since I've been needing a new pair of neutrals in my wardrobe anyways. I found a pair of amazing Cole Haan leather heels in a camel color that feel oh so wonderful on my feet, but I have yet to decide if I'll keep them. I have huge buyers remorse, always! (Cost per wear versus Do I need these?) Any suggestions or thoughts on accessorizing are welcome!

Patriotic Romper Style

Last week my friend Natalie shared her Shorts Story as part of The Love Yourself Linkup. I could totally relate to Natalie's shorts sentiments. Something Natalie wrote really stood out, especially so as we women try on outfit after outfit and spend many a battle in fitting rooms across America: "clothing is meant to fit me—not the other way around."

Little Hot Pink Seahorses

How fun it is to mix pattern and print, and how easy it is to pair bright colors when the sun is beaming. Lately, that is everyday--especially so while I've been in California this past week. I have always been drawn to prints on sweaters and button ups, whether its polkadots or a horse pattern, so while in Target with my friend Kara, I couldn't resist this summery button up with its (hot pink!) seahorses. 

Color Translation: Buffalo Plaid.

I am smitten with buffalo plaid. It exudes fall, warmth, and classic. And when used in the right design element, or in a surprising silhouette, it makes my heart jump a bit-- can you relate? I love how a pattern so eclectically vintage is currently embraced by modern home design and fashion trends.  And I am loving this LOFT jacket I splurged on for fall. Keep watch, LOFT has sales ALL the time. I was lucky to snag this wool coat for 60 percent off. Now for a bit of buffalo plaid color translation and inspiration. 

all photo sources found HERE

And stay tuned! There is a giveaway (or two) RIGHT around the corner! 

You may even get to snag some of your very own buffalo plaid fashion if you win. 

Get excited!!!