a day off

 Urban Outfitters tee, Madewell jeans, H&M crossbody, Target flats, Essie 'Tart Deco'

It wouldn't feel like home if I had been welcomed with anything but a rainstorm, which is exactly what I got today while we snapped these pictures. This may have been the speediest my sister and I have ever taken photos, especially since I was dressed in nothing special--a cozy striped tee and rugged crossbody.

Literally the most uninteresting outfit ever, but some days, it's just whatevs.

It will never cease to amaze me how green Washington is. After a few days of rain in Minnesota, there was a bit more color, but it's nothing compared to the Pacific Northwest. It's been so much fun to relax and be at home. I'm so relaxed I can't even think of anything to write.

Maybe I'll just leave you with that and go make some more coffee.

home again home again

Photography is a hobby that I've taken a huge interest in since I started blogging. Whether it's on my cell phone or my dSLR, I now notice how often I look at the world with a photographer's eye. Since today (best day ever!) I'm flying out of Minneapolis on my way to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, I've decided to share a few of my favorite snapshots taken in my hometown.

So, there you have it. Just a bit about what makes Washington...Washington, as seen through the lens of this little fashion blogger.

Skyline from West Seattle, vintage shopping, best cupcakes in Seattle, fashion week memories of being a bouncer...haha, thrifting with Julie, important streets, pizza in Skagit County, the Promised Land, and walking to the bus from work

watching the time

I went from wearing a watch through elementary school to a period where I depended on my cell phone to tell me the time. But a few years ago, Fossil's Stella watch caught my eye and I begged my parents to get it for me for Christmas. Ever since, I've been hooked on watches not just as a practicality, but as a fashion accessory.

My favorite vintage timepiece (thaaanks Daaaad)

I've gone back and forth between glitzy bracelet watches and leather banded pieces, and I love how they can turn an outfit into something ritzy or vintage-inspired. There are so many attention-getting watches out there that I could easily start my own collection with all the pieces I love. 

Fossil, Fashion Watches, Betsey Johnson

However, I've had this rose gold Michael Kors on my radar for months...if I'm going to have a watch collection, it better start with this one.

Michael Kors watch, Madewell denim shirt, Melie Bianco bag, Citizens of Humanity shorts, H&M sandals

material girl

 Material Girl sweater, necklace c/o Jewelmint, bag c/o SAS handbags, Urban Outfitters pants, Steve Madden boots, vintage jewelry

Two things. I'm wearing my sweater backwards, and I dressed for the weather. It's been drizzly all week. We even had a gigantic thunderstorm on Monday night, which was excellent! As a Washington native, I'm all for the sogginess.

I was pleasantly surprised by Madonna and daughter Lourdes' line for Macy's, Material Girl, when I picked up a few of their pieces over the summer. There are lots of pieces I can see being incorporated into a contemporary wardrobe, not just for teens. Love the exposed zipper on this sweater, and I fell in love with a pair of modern-cut trousers and a black tee with cutout sleeves.

I'll leave you with some snapshots of my adventures this week via Instagram, which include trying way too hard to draw Brad Pitt on Draw Something, chalk art, floral denim, nature walks, frozen yogurt, and sunset strolls.

stylish here, stylish there

I tend to associate dress codes with removing all sense of personal style, but business casual doesn't have to be stiff and boring. So what if you have a bit of bohemia in you? Make it work, and not just through accessorizing.

Topshop, Band of Outsiders, Rag & Bone

When on the hunt for a dark blazer, forget the word 'basic.' Most business casual looks don't leave room for anything exciting like sequins, but subtle details like color-blocked sleeves, a modern silhouette, or contrast piping are simple touchs that show you care just a little more than everyone else.

Knee-length skirt requirement? You won't feel like a gramma in these...

Marc Jacobs, Carven, Vivienne Westwood

Business casual sometimes doesn't leave much room for color. Instead of bright color accents, go for a strong fabric weave, a little-bit-less-than-A-line silhouette, or just enough of a statement pleat just to make things interesting.

Whatever you do, don't get bored, and be sure to keep your look professional. If your gut feeling is that a certain piece is pushing the limits a bit, don't risk your job over it!

Alice + Olivia trousers, Jil Sander top, Calvin Klein pumps, Melie Bianco satchel, By Malene Birger blazer, Marc Jacobs earrings 

Okay, seriously. How cute are these little sunglasses-shaped stud earrings? No one in the office will be expecting something that cute and concealed...

P.S. Last week I guest posted on The Fashionography! Take a look at my favorite colors from cooler seasons and how to incorporate them into a spring look.

across the pond

Cecico cardigan, Walmart tank, Levi's denim leggings, Target oxfords, Free People bag, F21 and vintage jewelry

I had one of those weekends that didn't include much sleep, but somehow I still feel rested. I got to see some friends from out of town and run around in the sun with new friends, and then had two hours of class cancelled today! Instead of sleeping in, we went out to breakfast at Fat Nat's (sounds like a place for regulars on a sitcom, right?) where I had some of the best blueberry pancakes ever.

You guys remember my old favorite jeans? These are my new old favorites--I think we all knew how threadbare the last pair was becoming. They were perfect to pair with a boyish cardigan and vintage men's watch for a borrowed-from-the-boys look...a nice contrast to my last post!

P.S. The only thing on my mind right now is flying to Seattle next week. CAN'T WAIT TO GET HOME!

march into summer

unknown dress, vintage Salvatore Ferragamo flats, bag c/o Cut 'n' Paste, vintage and F21 jewelry

I think I've had this dress since middle school. I brought it along to Minneapolis for the summertime, but I never thought I'd get a chance to wear it in the middle of March! We've been super lucky with super warm weather and sunshine all week. A few of my friends have actually been complaining about sunburn.

Although Birchbox is first and foremost cosmetics-based, one of my favorite items I've ever received was a Twistband, a hair elastic that doesn't leave your hair with crimps and kinks. Thanks to my March box, I have a purple one to add to my collection. My two other favorite items this month were a glittery polish from Essie's Luxeffects line and an orange lip tint by Tarte. I tend to hate any lip color I try, but I am loving this one!

Back to the topic of sunshine, I am running outside for my last few minutes before work! Happy weekend all.

summer breeze

As I considered what to write today, I realized I never finished showing you guys collections from the TWELVE runway show at the University of Minnesota! Any piece from senior designer Jennifer Robertus' summer collection would be the perfect uniform for today's sunny seventy-degree weather.

The colors in this collection were my favorite. She definitely pulled off the neon and neutral trend that has been popping up this season. The shapes and silhouettes of each piece seemed to draw from both the 50's and 70's, but I love how Jennifer was able to modernize them effortlessly.

However, the first thing Jennifer's collection brought to mind for me was Essie's spring nail polish collection. Featuring a gorgeous light pink and bright accent tones, I can't get enough of neutrals and brights this year.

Orange it's Obvious, Navigate Her, A Crewed Interest, To Buy or Not To Buy

behind the scenes

So excited to show off the newest addition to the Minneapolis fashion world...downtown boutique Behind the Scenes! I stopped by last weekend and snapped some photos of what caught my eye at the grand opening.

Green. I fell in love with the different shades of emerald and teal arranged underneath this lovely display trunk. So many pretty colors!

Crossbody bags are one of my favorite accessories. I almost feel like they're half-necklace and half-handbag. Love the light and bright spring colors available!




Pleats are my best friend right now. This color-blocked, breezy tank dress is definitely on my wish list for summer.

I was so inspired by this front table layout; the feather skirt is an excellent statement piece, especially styled with a great silky white blouse.

Make-up artist Allison Jean was on-hand with everyone's favorite products. I was mesmerized by the make-up table...any fashion + beauty obsessed girl would agree, the colors were sssooo preeetttyyyy.



Can't wait to spend some time (and $$$) in this awesome store. The owners are super sweet too! Be sure to check them out on Twitter and add this to your list of places to visit if  you're ever in town!

Also...just for the sake of not posting these yet...two events from fashion week. Love these girls!

Lindsey, Hope, Brittany

around the world

Gap sweater, Madewell jeans, H&M blazer, SAS handbags tote, F21 jewelry, Target flats

Last Saturday when these photos were taken, my friend Katie and I were busy all afternoon with fashion events and coffee dates. We got to attend this awesome event, so I dressed up in my strictly-business blazer paired with a fun pendant necklace I've had forever. Believe it or not, this was the first time I've ever worn it. I love the east Indian/Bollywood feel!

With all the buzz surrounding Invisible Children's newest campaign, I am doing my small part as a voice in social media to bring attention to this issue. If you haven't, be sure to take a few minutes to watch this incredible documentary and spread the word to bring awareness to the invisible children.

Have a great weekend, all!