Geo Print Tee > Ikat Kimono > Skinny Jeans > What I Wore

The evening after I took these pictures, I noticed two tiny holes in my shirt, which is sad, because this is an awesome, boxy tee. So now, its a sleep shirt. Womp. Oh well, I've had it for a few years, gotten a handful of wears out of it, and likely, it was a super cheap sale find, so I won't shed too many tears. Hey, is it just me, or do a lot of Urban Outfitters tees end up having holes in them? I feel like that's usually the way I end up parting with most of my purchases from that particular store... I  find a hole or two and end up tossing it, sometimes after only a few wears. And though it hasn't entirely stopped me from shopping there exclusively for the sales, it is definitely always in the back of my mind.

Enough about that. On another note, the necklace I'm wearing is one of my new favorite things. It's abstract, modern, and generally bad ass, and only cost me a dollar in a random store in downtown LA. Who's a winner? This girl, right here.

 Geo Print Boxy Tee x Urban Outfitters > Ikat Print Kimono x Cotton On > Skinny Jeans x 7 for All Mankind > Shoes x Vince Camuto

Green Dress > Chambray Shirt > What I Wore

One of my favorite ways to wear certain dresses is layered over other garments. A simple dress can easily be thrown on over a pair of leggings, a tank top, a turtleneck, or even a button down, as shown here. This is especially important to remember as the weather continues to cool down. Don't stop rockin' your favorite sun dress just because the season has changed! This green cotton tank dress almost begs to be partnered with colorful leg wear, tees, blouses, and sweaters, so much so that I actually hardly ever wear it on it's own. It actually reminds me of wearing jumper dresses when I was a little girl. Remember those? 

Well, knowing how to layer a dress won't just spark nostalgia, keep you warm, and prevent you from dying of boredom, but it will save space in your suitcase when you're traveling. I once packed this same dress for a week long trip to New York in the dead of winter and probably wore it about 4 different times, with no two outfits looking alike.

Green Dress x Forever 21 (a different green here, a longer one here) > Chambray Shirt x H&M (here's a nice option, and another here) > Leather Belt x Urban Outfitters > Denim Heels x Alloy (a VERY different version, but very bad ass) > Feather Ear Cuff x BohoFunk

White Tank Dress > Black Leggings > What I Wore

Clearly, Los Angeles does not care that we are going into November. The weather, though more bearable than months past, has been consistently super sunny and warm. I would actually love to put together some looks that feature [more] layers [than what I'm currently wearing] and boots, but the climate just won't let me. Oh well, I guess I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Dress x Foreign Exchange > Capri Leggings x Mossimo (Thankfully, always available at Target) > Shoes x Jessica Simpson > Thunderbird Necklace x Target

Mixed Black and White Prints

Mixed prints were all over the runways this fall and I'm sure you've noticed them featured in many a store window display, magazine ad, and fashion blog street style snap. Mixing prints can add whimsy and a unique edge to an otherwise everyday outfit. However, it can be difficult to pull off, and despite it's sometimes seemingly haphazard, accidentally awesome look, actually requires a bit of skill (and a little imagination) to orchestrate. The key is to find prints that share some DNA, and by that I mean, have some similarities. For everyone new to this fashion trick, the mixed black and white print is the perfect trend to practice on. You already have the commonality right there. Boom. 

Now, I recommend, for starters, you pick a theme. Mine was "tribal" or "ethnic". You know how I love a tribal print! I paired an off white and black tee with an over sized, very graphic tribal print with an off white and black skirt featuring a smaller, sort of abstract print and a border of elephants around the bottom. I actually created two looks with these pieces. The first is a casual, sort of edgy look that might be appropriate for a fun night out and the second is work appropriate. To create the more conservative look, I simply added a blazer and pumps. The addition of the top layer toned down the bold print of the tee and tied the two prints together.

Quick Tips for Mixing Prints

Create a theme, character or story for your outfit

Pick prints that share DNA

Tie prints together with the addition of a layer or accessory that features a color prominent in your prints

Have fun with it

Tee Shirt x Forever 21 > Elephant Print Skirt x Charlotte Russe > 3/4 Sleeve Blazer x Olsenboye (here's a VERY cute one) > Obi Belt x Asos (still available here) > Necklace x H&M > Kente Cloth Bracelet x Aqueene from Nines Queens Crew > Sandals x Jessica Simpson

3 Artsy Professional Interview Ensembles to Get the Job You Want

For the creative types out there, we've already discussed dressing for the job you want and the importance of projecting the image that you want to convey to others through what you wear. Well, now, let's say all of that projecting and impressing (or maybe just emailing your resume around town like a crazy maniac) has landed you an interview for your dream job? Now's the time to step your style up and refine your look. Abstract print pants, weird cut outs, and loud colors are all fine and good on your own time, but its a good idea to edit your look for your interview. Now, that doesn't mean that you should completely silence your inner innovator. For a job in the creative field, it's actually important that your look stands out and reflects your artistry. Try mixing traditional silhouettes like a great fitting pair of slacks or pencil skirt with standout pieces like bold (not distracting) jewelry or a shoe that hints at avant garde without going over the edge. Your qualifications, portfolio, and personality will make you the woman for the job, and your unique, pulled together look will leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.

White Tee > High Waist Jeans > Yellow Blazer > What I Wore

It was a lovely day in southern Cali, so my fiance and I took advantage of the sunshine and a few moments of free time to go have breakfast. We followed that up with an afternoon of shopping downtown. I made sure to wear the most comfortable pair of sandals that I own, and by the end of the day, I was glad I'd thought a little more about function than fashion, though I do think this pair is pretty cute.

V Neck Tee x Forever 21 > Yellow 3/4 Sleeve Blazer x Cotton On (super cute option here) > High Waist Jeans x Urban Outfitters (good alternatives here and here) > Beaded Necklace x H&M > Leopard Print Skinny Belt x Asos (surprisingly, still available here) > Sandals x 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent

Tribal Print Tee > Pastel Pink Cropped Pants > What I Wore

My fiance and I had an impromptu beach day, which was nice, since we don't get over to the ocean much nowadays. Every so often, you have to go check on it and make sure it's still there where you left it. 

The chalcedony ring is a piece that I bought probably 7 or more years ago, forgot that I had, until I was getting dressed that morning, and I honestly don't even know where I got it from. The "bracelet" that I'm wearing is actually a necklace that I simply wrapped around my wrist a few times. It was purchased in India and I rarely wear it (or any necklace, for that matter), so the wrist wrap was a good way to utilize it. Try it out with some of the longer necklaces that you may not be getting much use out of!

 Tribal Print T Shirt x Urban Outfitters > Pastel Pink Cropped Slacks x Forever 21 > Suede Sandals x Urban Outfitters > Earrings x Shopbop  

Pink Tee > Blue Shorts > What I Wore

So, remember when I told you that I currently only own one pair of shorts? Yeah. This is it. Or, rather, these are them. And I actually didn't even have these until a few weeks ago. "How does one go an entire blazing hot summer without a single, solitary pair of shorts?" you may ask. The answer: Dresses. If not for frocks, I would have died. You may be wondering what happened to all of the shorts that I may or may not have owned in the past. Well, I'll tell you. I got a little... um... er... thick... Which isn't necessarily a problem, except... Well, it's done a number on my wardrobe. Right at the start of summer, I unloaded all of my cute Joe's Jeans and Juicy Couture denim shorts at the nearest Crossroads and haven't been able to find replacements since. I look forward to renewing my short search in the spring, but for now, I'll just focus on acquire some much needed fall essentials.

V Neck Tee x Urban Outfitters (Option with pocket here) > High Waisted Shorts x American Apparel > Belt x Target > Necklace x Brookadelphia > Sandals x Steve Madden (Still available, on sale here) > Sunglasses x Forever21 (mine are old as the hills and falling apart)

Dress for the Job You Want: Artsy Professional

'Tis the season for a shiny new job, career upgrade, or fancy promotion! Actually, everyday of the calendar year is just as good as any to go further and do more when it comes to making a living. Someone once told me that you should never not be looking for a new job and I must say that I agree. Even if you're happy in your current position, might it be time for a new title, more responsibility and, above all else, a raise? Despite discouraging news reports about the unemployment rate, there is still opportunity a-plenty out there. You might just be surprised at how a simple change of outlook and attitude can land you a great new gig.

A great place to start with an attitude adjustment is your wardrobe. One of the best pieces of advice that I can ever give to an adult is to dress for the job you want. Do it everyday. So, you work a part time retail job in the mall, but your lifelong dream is to be stylist to the stars? Well, a raggedy pair of jeans, hoody, and a random pair of shoes won't do! You've heard the expression "fake it til' you make it". If your career goal is to make others look fabulous, you should start with yourself. Pretty simple, right?

Right.

Now, this "projection", if you will, works two ways: (1) It builds your own confidence and helps you to visualize yourself in the career that you desire. (2) It makes others see you as that sought after stylist, great American designer, graphic art genius, rock god, or whatever it is that you hope to become. Don't underestimate people's inability to be unimaginative. Many times, you have to paint a clear picture for them, so dressing in a way that conveys your aspirations is extremely important.

Like I said before, do it everyday. Of course, you want to look the part on those interviews, but by no means should you wait until you're being considered for the job of your dreams to look your best. You never know when you might meet a person who's in a position to help you along your career path. Make a great impression on everyone you meet and you just might get where you want to be, faster than you ever imagined.

Tie Dye Maxi Dress > Head Wrap > What I Wore

Maxi skirts and dresses have been my saving grace this past season. This particular one, though newly acquired is quite well worn already. For now, I just like to throw it on with [or without] a belt and some sandals and hit the road, but I'm looking forward to pairing it with jackets, cardies, and close toed shoes for the chilly months ahead.

Tie Dye Dress x C&C California (cute sleeveless option here) > Belt x Urban Outfitters > Head Wrap x Urban Outfitters > Earrings x Peace Images (on sale here)

Tribal Print Sun Dress > What I Wore

Happy October, everyone. Well, the saga continues with this Los Angeles post summer heat. It chilled out a little... Then it returned, more fierce than before. I could barely bring myself to wear any clothes at all, so this little dress is quite an accomplishment. This outfit is also an example of "less is more", since I originally tried to add a belt but kept having to remove it because it just didn't look right. I tried more than one belt, but to no avail. Sometimes, you just have to go with the simplest option!

Dress x Target > Shoes x Nine West > Necklace + Ring x Gorjana > Gold Bangles x Urban Outfitters (mine are old, but there are some cute options here)

The Problem with Wedding Dresses

The problem with wedding dresses is that, in my opinion, they're ugly. Now, that wouldn't be much of an issue if I weren't getting married at the end of the year, and therefore looking for one to wear to this ceremony my fiance and I call ourselves planning. I spent my entire summer looking for a wedding gown and have still yet to find one. When I've walked into bridal shops, this is what the conversation sounded like:

ME: Hi, I'm looking for a simple, elegant wedding gown.

CONSULTANT: When is your wedding?

ME: December 2nd.

CONSULTANT: OF THIS YEAR!?!?!

ME: Ummm... yeah.

CONSULTANT: OH! WELL IT'S TOO LATE TO ORDER ONE! We'll have to find something for you off the rack.

ME: That's fine.

CONSULTANT: What do you have in mind?

ME: Something simple and modern. Mermaid shaped, ivory, strapless. No beading, no appliques, no lace, to pick ups, no shiny material.

CONSULTANT: *blank stare*

And this results in me leaving the shop, with no dress. Apparently, you have to secure your wedding dress as far in advance as possible, since they have to give the silk worms plenty of time to get it together. Also, notice that all of the "style elements" I hate (beading, lace, foolishness) are exactly the things that a respectable wedding dress is made of. Factor in my budget, which dictates that I will not spend 2/10 of a down payment for a house on a dress that I will wear for a few hours. Anybody that does, I don't know what to say to you. In my world, rent and a car note must be paid regularly, I have no benefactors, and children in Africa are starving. Not to mention that fact that I want my future husband and I to be able to actually live after this little cute wedding situation. And we're not going into debt to impress anybody. So, there. Where the bargain wedding dresses at?!?!!

But not the ugly ones.

Actually, it seems that the less poofy and gaudy the dress is, the higher the price. I want to look well put together on my wedding day. Not like a mountain of sparkly whipped cream. I'm 31, not 3.

I blame my wedding gown woes on women who've only ever wanted to be a princess all their lives. Because of them, every dress I try on has to have a flock of geese and a gospel choir attached to the back. That's not what my life is about. Wedding be damned, it is never under any circumstances my desire to appear as though I may be smuggling a family of midgets under my skirt. No,  and thank you.

My current struggle has caused me to reflect on my past experiences with weddings and I recently realized that I've never seen a wedding dress that made me want to slap my Mama. When I see women in wedding gowns, I always think, "Oh, pretty. She's getting married," and it has little to do with the dress itself. It's just that she has the garb on and no matter how well it fits, what the style is, or if it aligns with my personal taste, she's a bride and that's beautiful.

Which means that I could wrap myself in a few rolls of toilet paper and shuffle down the aisle with a handful of somebody's front yard perennials in my fist, and no one would really think twice about it, which is good. That gives me hope that in this sea of ugly wedding dresses, if I can just manage to secure the one that is least ugly, I'm winning.

Asymmetrical Cobalt Skirt > Striped Tee > What I Wore

I've been enjoying these last few days of summer... But NOT the heat. However, I have absolutely been enjoying my skirts, which I tend not to wear so much in the cooler months. Though I actually really like bearing my legs, I love that maxi skirts have been having a moment because, of course, they're so comfortable. For me, the asymmetrical skirt is the best of both worlds, since I get to flash a little knee cap and ankle and still have the flowing length I love. And I can't get enough of the dramatic way that the hi-low hemline catches the breeze and billows in the wind. DRAMA, honey!

Striped Tee x The GAP  > Asymmetrical Skirt x Some Random Downtown LA Store (here's a different option in a lighter shade of blue and here's another pretty one) > Sandals x Steve Madden (on sale here!) > Beaded Tribal Belt x Urban Outfitters > Brass Earrings x Peace Images (get them here!) > Tribal Beaded Bracelet x Forever 21

My Summer Style 2012

Though temperatures are still sky high, as of this past Saturday, fall is officially upon us. The change in the seasons has got me feeling nostalgic. Unlike most clothes minded people, my favorite time of year is not fall and winter. Hey, blame it on the fact that I'm a California girl. I love the sunshine and everything that comes along with it. So it goes without saying that I will dearly miss my sandals, slouchy tee shirts [that do not require the assistance of a cardigan or jacket], and skirts in brights, tie dyes, and tribal prints. My plan is to winterize most of my summer wardrobe with the addition of layers and boots and tough it out until spring comes.

Denim Shirt > White Skirt > What I'm Wearing

Despite everyone's acceptance of wearing white after Labor Day, it's not a practice that I generally participate in. Call me old fashioned, but I do like the idea of certain "fashion rules" -- You know, silk in the summer, tweed, corduroy, and velvet in the winter. I'm also the type of person that doesn't like for her food to touch on the plate, so there you have it. However, it has been so hot in Los Angeles for the past few weeks, that rules, whether they make sense or not, no longer apply. The triple digit daytime temperatures and hot, humid nights have defied all logic, so all bets are off when it comes to getting dressed!

Chambray Shirt - H&M (similar styles here and here) > White Skirt - C&C California (similar styles: here and here) > Tribal Beaded  Sandals - Bakers Shoe Store (a cute option here) > Belt - Urban Outfitters (I think this may be the same one. And it's on sale! > Earrings - BOHOFunk

Flesh Toned Fashion

Last week, I came across an article about a middle school honors student that was booted from class for wearing brown leggings. According to a school official, the leggings "too closely resembled her skin tone", making it appear as if the 11 year old was pant-less. And apparently, going to school without bottoms on is inappropriate. I never heard of such a thing. Well, thankfully No Pants Day is in June when school is out, so children all over the nation can celebrate... Or at least appear to.

But seriously, I actually faced a "to appear pant-less or to not appear pant-less" dilemma just a few days ago at the local Crossroads when I came across a cognac colored pair of shorts by Vince for just $18. EIGHTEEN DOLLARS! And I currently don't have any shorts (which is another discussion for another time), so I was really on the verge of slapping a twenty dollar bill down on the counter at the register like I was in a heated game of dominoes. But the thing that stopped me was the color. If I wore those shorts, I would look naked from the waist down, thanks to my highly melanated thighs. The top only look is not one that I am currently striving to achieve, therefore, I had to pass. I was sad.

However, there are instances in which flesh tones are appropriate and lovely. I, for one am a fan of the nude shoe, as it elongates the legs and adds a really modern touch to any look. Flesh tones are also a great option when you're working hard to "match" colors. Instead of struggling to make sure that separates or accessories are the same shade, just throw a flesh tone in the mix. It's pretty much a fool proof way to up the sophistication level of any outfit.