busy busy busy

Good morning from downtown Minneapolis!

We had to get up super early this morning, and just found a Starbucks for some coffee and wifi. Haaad to show you guys this dress! From the nautical stripes to the chunky knit yarn to the flowy caped back, it is everything. I love how the structure is softened and weighed down by thick fabric. It is perfection layered with various neutrals and a contrasting nail color!

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Junya Watanabe dress, Topshop jacket and bracelet, Sam Edelman boots, Melie Bianco bag, F21 nail color

The Sam Edelman boots are one of my favorite finds in a long time. Perfectly classy and bohemian. I really love layering neutrals like grey, blush, and cream because it makes for such a soft and classic look.

I have been so scattered since I left Seattle and can't wait to catch up on all of your posts and comments. Friday's post should include lots of photos of my time so far here :) have a good one!

fall into spring

I always feel that a good way to transition from season to season is to wear last season's colors in this season's silhouettes. It creates such a chic dynamic and works perfectly with changing weather! I found this cropped blazer in a gorgeous rust color and paired it with a silky dress for a dressed-up summer look.

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Sara Berman dress, Alexander McQueen tote, Topshop blazer, Boutique 9 sandals, Eugenia Kim hat

More ways to combine seasonal trends?

Fall-favorite animal print on a light cami, longer length skirts in a spring bright, and high-waisted pieces with a shorter hemline. By crossing trends, it's easy to look seasonally appropriate all the time.

Topshop

Now, if only the weather in cloudy Seattle were as bright as this dress...have a great Monday!

lookin' out my back door

Urban Outfitters tank and jeans, Yosi Samra flats, bag c/o Melie Bianco

Yesterday, we met with a florist about my sister's wedding! Getting to see all the amazing, creative floral displays was so inspiring. We have tulips in my yard coming up and I can't wait to see their pretty blossoms.

Perhaps we'll get some blooms in this beautiful blue? The bag was sent to me by Melie Bianco, a brand that I love because of their soft vegan leather and classy silhouettes. I love how the shocking color contrasts with the classic shape of the bag. I've been wearing this all week and it surprisingly goes well with so many items in my closet! So thank you Melie Bianco!

Next week brings travel for me, as I'm visiting my sister and friends in Minneapolis. So excited to be able to hop on a plane and take a few days off! Hope you guys have a (sunny!) weekend.

all the pretty things

Komie and Meg are sisters and the developers behind their own clothing line, Delikate Rayne. Komie emailed me specifically to tell me about the brand, and I was happy that I liked what I saw! 

The combination of piece-y lace and easy knit fabric give off a my-weekend-clothes-are-cooler-than-yours kinda feel. Definitely some pieces I would love to have! They even have some that are "ambigrams," described best by Komie herself: "depending on which way you wear it, the graphic will read two different things." Such a unique line, check them out!

Also, remember when I posted a bit about finding your It bag? One of my favorite online retailers, Net-a-porter, has just released a spring guide filled with over 95 of the best bags...here are my favorites on their site!

Mulberry chain-strap, Jimmy Choo leopard, Reed Krakoff white satchel, DKNY square tote, Paul & Joe fringe crossbody, Bally contrast clutch

I chose lots of neutral structured bags...I just love how many pretty things there are in the world. :)

new perspective

With so much excitement over bright bright colors for spring, I had to take a deep breath! Spring means soft sunlight and wafting breezes, and sometimes just blending into the landscape dusty rose, sky blue, wheaty beige landscape.

Paul & Joe romper, Modcloth belt + ring, F21 bangles, Kate Spade bracelet, Seychelles wedges

A few years ago, I couldn't stand rompers! Now I think they're chic as long as you wear them right. Sky-high wedges and some simple chic jewelry do the trick for me. But, if wearing rompers makes you nervous, here is a tip: pair it with a jacket! You'll get the illusion of shorts from the back and the jacket visually breaks up the continuous fabric in the front.

Topshop, Free People

Current/Elliot, Topshop

Play with different styles or colors to mix and match! Rompers don't have to feel like you're a five-year-old on a sandbox playdate. Classy fabrics and silhouettes push them into a new light. Sunlight, hopefully, since it is now officially spring!

friday, drizzly friday

Thrifted denim jacket, sweater, and skirt, Kinies bag, Yosi Samra flats

Here I am wearing my two very favorite thrifted items. This denim jacket found me last year, and as you can see I even wear it in the rain! Not the most sensible thing to wear when it's wet out, but that is how much I love it. I found the pleated floral maxi just a couple weeks ago at a vintage shop about thirty minutes from my house.

I paired them with my new Yosi Samra flats, and if you've searched high and low for the perfect pair of ballet flats then I definitely recommend these to you! I'm actually kinda convinced that I cannot live without these babies. I bought basic black leather, but there are so many pretty colors and prints to choose from (which I know I will need more of!).

I have been away from the blog world for a couple of days with a sickness, and I can't wait to get back to reading your blogs and catching up on comments once I'm cured. I hope you all have a great weekend!

halfway there!

Because it's my half-birthday today (yes, I always celebrate it!), I decided to gift myself a virtual shopping spree. And also because it's my half-birthday, I'm kind of in a great mood. Like a hardcore, leather, fringe, chiffon mood. Currently craving...

These AK Vintage earrings...

This sheer maxi dress from Urban Outfitters...

This leather jacket by SWORD...

These Dolce Vita platforms...

...and this See by Chloé tote.

I've received emails from a few girls who have trouble defining their style. I love every piece I choose to post on my blog...and when you compare this post with my last one, it makes for totally different looks. If you ask someone what their style is, you might get a clear-cut "Vintage!" or you might get a "Maybe girly tomboy bohemian edgy?" My answer: I don't believe you have to "define your style." Wear what you love.

Yet, there's nothing like turning nineteen and a half to make you feel like a rockstar. I'm entitled to this virtual spree! What are you wishing for this Wednesday?

candy colored

Sophia Feldman has to be one of the most creative girls I know! Combining her love of candy and crowns, she started crafting these adorable pieces in Los Angeles and now sells them for your candy-craving pleasure.

She creates quirky barrettes and headbands of gum balls and sprinkles or found objects, and also beautiful pieces of more predictable jewels.

I love how there are pieces just for fun, and pieces I can actually see myself wearing over and over (turquoise stone on gold chain, I'm looking at you!). I love the product photos on her site too. So chic!

All talk of candy just makes me want to grab the brightest colors I can find. Looking at this moodboard, it feels like something you'd see flipping through the pages of Teen Vogue, haha.

Hurley green bag, DKNY cropped pants, Topshop lipstick, Miu Miu sweater, Belle Sigerson Morrison flats, American Apparel sunglasses, Versace scarf, Aldo aqua bag, Laura Mercier eyeshadow

Brights are everywhere this season, as I'm sure many of you have noticed! One or two colors against a neutral look is super cute and super wearable. This Miu Miu sweater is a perfect example on its own, with a stripe of bright neon at the hem of a neutral color. A Candy Crown would be perfect with a light colored ensemble and a bright bag!

Have a sweeeeet Monday! The winner to the Karen Kane giveaway is Kristi of Accio Hagrid! Congratulations, what a huge treat! Can't wait to see which items you pick out.

at twilight

I must take a moment to say thanks! Zipped has surprisingly grown to over 500 followers in just four months, so thank you thank you thank you. It's been such a great, encouraging week and I'm so grateful for the support. Yesterday I read a couple of my first posts, and seeing how much it has grown is exciting!

Now for some old-school outfit photos shot with a fuzzy point and shoot. Luckily, I'm investing in a dSLR soon and I couldn't be more excited!

My hair is always in my eyes, hence the casually pull-the-hair-away-from-the-face pose! Can't be helped. These photos were taken at twilight so the lighting on each turned out differently, which I thought was interesting. And I liked this outfit even though I'm not really a waist-belter...haha. I know I wear this scarf all the time, but it's just so comfy. Coral yet again; maybe I need to move on to another spring bright?

Enjoy the weekend! Don't forget, only three more days to enter the Karen Kane giveaway! They have some seriously cute pieces for spring you won't want to miss.

EDIT: Giveaway's closed!

rocky mountain high

You know how summer almost solely consists of little denim shorts and cropped tanks? Not for me. For a week in July. In super-hot Colorado. Ohhh yes. I'm going to camp.

Topshop

I'm a chaperone/counselor this year, which means I'm expected to set a good, modest example. I might need Elaine on speed-dial, but instead of letting this limit my creativity, I'm putting in twice as much effort to show off my personal style.

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F21 sunnies + bracelet, Joe's Jeans shorts, Equipment blouse, Cleobella bag, Stuart Weitzman sandals, Motif 56 leather bracelet

I'm thinking five-inch inseam? These shorts by Joe's Jeans fits all my requirements. Sunglasses are one important way to guard myself from super-harmful-laser UV rays, and I like to carry a backpack or crossbody at camp to pack around little things like water, granola bars, sunscreen, a notepad, and my room key.

Outfit photos in the middle of the Rocky Mountains will be some serious location eye-candy for you guys! I'm so impatient waiting to see the sweeping, mountainous terrain. When was the last time you went to camp?

spring looks + GIVEAWAY!

In my thrifting post, I mentioned that many of my finds are vintage pieces by Karen Kane. Michael of Karen Kane emailed me after that and asked if I'd like a few items from their spring collection! Karen Kane is such an ever-present womenswear designer; the transitional pieces in each collection are so chic.

Their target audience leans toward working women or trendy moms, but I find it fascinating that I can take something meant for someone else and make it work for me. I love versatility. There are so many pieces I know you all would love to style!

Karen Kane cardigan

Coral is such a big color for spring! I paired this cardigan with a Free People tee, Levi's denim leggings, and Jeffrey Campbell clogs.

Karen Kane Jeans

I love the mid-high rise on these skinny jeans! The vintage polka-dot blouse turns this look into a less-intense take on the 70's trend (which we all know is everywhere!). A braided belt and TOMS shoes finish it off. I love this vintage watch I stole borrowed from my dad too!

Karen Kane floral tank

This look came together as an afterthought; I love the soft floral print separating the two solids! This tank is such a fun piece to layer, especially with such a major trend as maxi- or mid-length skirts.

With many thanks to Karen Kane, one lucky reader will get a $200 Karen Kane gift card! You will be meeting up with one of their stylists in-store to pick your favorite pieces. Don't live near one of their retailers? You will get a $200 gift card and a phone consultation with one of their stylists!

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment (with a way I can contact you!) saying which is your favorite of their spring looks (here are some selections!), AND do one of the following things: follow Karen Kane on Twitter, like Karen Kane on Facebook, or sign up for their email newsletter here. The winner will be chosen Sunday at 11:59 PM PST, so be sure to enter by then!
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

Thanks so much to Karen Kane for being so wonderful to work with. Also, thanks so much to Erika for taking all of these beautiful photos! I'm finally having a sunny Monday, I hope you are too! Which is your favorite outfit?

march madness

I got to take part in my first everrrr blogger meet-up this week, with Natalie Suarez of Natalie Off Duty! We've been talking for a few months and knew we had to meet up when she came to Seattle for a shoot.

I had so much fun with this girl! It was drizzly alllllll day, and most of our time was spent walking and talking while we searched for a plate of fries (sweet potato fries at the chowder house hit the SPOT!). The rain messed our hair and froze our hands, but in the name of adventure.

We stopped in the middle of the street for outfit photos, people were waiting for us and walking around us (in the middle of busy Pike Place Market). I felt much better taking her photos but my mind went blank once I was supposed to pose; still, shooting was so much fun!

We shopped and talked about our favorite blogs and generally made a ruckus downtown. Seattle is FULL of "interesting" people...(guy standing creepily close to Natalie trying to give her "posing" tips...yeah, let's not go there.)
 

Taking her photos was really cool, I loved seeing Natalie at work in front of the camera! She's so beautiful and I love how her bright red coat totally lightened up the whole day. She fit right in with her cool Seattle street style :)

Had so much fun with this girl and can't wait to see her again! It was deffiinniittellyyy a good way to spend a rainy afternoon. :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Neat giveaway happening on Monday! Time to start a busy Friday before the weekend comes...

graphics

One of my favorite upcoming trends for spring is black and white prints. It's easy to add a black jacket over a white top, but an eye-catching print gives a look dimension and a classic edge. This trend even carried into the fall runways, and gave me some fun ideas to blend winter inspiration with spring looks.

Rachel Zoe, Eden, Oscar de la Renta

Little dresses are perfect for sunny spring days, while graphic cozy knits can shake the chill off breezy days. This look is super striking on its own, but makes for great contrast when paired with bright colors.

Black and white becomes super-wearable in chic stripes. I love the fuzzy eyelash yarn in this sweater!

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Modcloth sweater, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Melie Bianco bag, Cordani flats, Kenneth Cole turquoise ring, Alexis Bittar gold ring, OPI MonSooner or Later

I threw in a bit of color with the accessories, but this look would be sharp and dynamic with some turquoise pants or bright shorts. I'm considering toting around the black-and-white trend with a graphic printed bag. How do you want to wear it?

Really fun post coming! Can't wait for you guys to see it, click here for a preview! :)