Layers of Transition

Temperatures are slowly dropping, mornings are a little more brisk and crisp, and I am just itching to layer up. But despite the fact that it’s supposed to be 80 degrees later today, I am going to dress like it’s going to be 69. That’s just how I roll 😛 . 

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Dress: Anthropologie – Similar // Sweater: RD style via StitchFix // Booties: ShoeMint {on sale!} // Cuff: Kate Spade // Rings: c/o Rings & Tings , and Wrenn Jewelry // Elephant Necklace: J. Crew Factory // Pocket Watch Necklace: Flea Market

 

BTW, Can you tell that school is practically my life right now?

 

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Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

The Modern Polka Dot

I’ve not been one to wear polka dots, but that was the theme chosen today for Thrifty Thursdays. So here’s my modern take on the classic pattern.

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Blouse: Thrifted – Option  // Blazer: Urban – Similar  // Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Anthropologie – Similar {Sale!} // Earrings: Vintage from my Mom

The blouse is comprised of dots, but they’re more abstract with a little extra detailing and so they’re not the traditional pattern you usually see. Makes it a little special, don’t you think?

Check out the other fellow Thrifty Thursday Bloggers out there!

Zhenya at Being Zhenya
Kristi of Alligator Toe
Miche at Buttons and Birdcages
Jackline at Sincerely Miss J
Martyna at Spoolish
Justine of The Two Cent Chic
Nout at Sandpaper Kisses
Brandi at The Fair Trade Fashionistas

Thrift Shop

Macklemore may be on to something here…Having a nice closet doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money! During my days as an unemployed student, I picked up a couple of tricks on how to successfully go thrifting.

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Sweater: Free People // Top: No Brand // Skirt: Anthropologie
Shoes: Cathy Jean // Belt: DKNY // Pocket Watch: Flea Market

**Everything that I am wearing, from head to toe, was thrifted**
(except for the skirt which was a hand-me-down, which is even better!)

1. Location
Thrift stores get their inventory from the community around them. Hence, if a thrift store is located in a stylish neighborhood, you will tend to find a lot more quality items.
Case and point: I walked into the GoodWill in Santa Barbara and was able to snag an Anthropologie brand dress (100% silk) for a measly $5.

2. Brands
Know the brands that fit your body well, is good quality, and ones that may be big-names. I’m not really a designer type of girl, but I do know good labels when I see them. Use this knowledge to your advantage to snag the best steals.

3. Fabric
Good fabric = good quality = long lasting wardrobe. Go for silk, cotton, wool, linen, cashmere, nice-feeling polyester…Ditch the fabrics that look not up to par.

4. Know your Style and Body Type
Be confident in your style and the shapes that look good on your body. This will save you time and regrets when shopping. If you try something on and you are hesitant, doubtful, or trying to look like the edgy-rocker-total-opposite-of-you-chick next door, DON’T make the purchase. Trust me, no matter how much you like a different style, if it doesn’t match YOU, then it won’t work.

5. Know your Closet
Now, if you’re like me, my eyes tend to draw towards similar things. Before you even try on that shirt that caught your eye, think to yourself “Will this add to my wardrobe, or do I have this style already?” Get things that are unique. Also, it is good to know what is in your closet so that you can mix n’ match! Don’t be that girl who found this awesome, unique, great quality shirt, but then comes home to find out that she has nothing to go with it. You end up spending more money and time. Just DON’T.

6. Patience
When you walk into a thrift store, be prepared for spending time to dig through the barrel for some buried treasure. I suggest to go thrifting when you’re in the mood for it.

BTW, if you ever need a thrifting buddy, you know who to call. 🙂

The Red Brocade

Last weekend, I took off my teacher hat and partied it up in Florida at my cousin’s wedding. If you don’t know already, I have been blessed with a wonderfully big extended family. We are so tight-knit that it’s kind of scary and weird to some people. Here are some snippets:

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What I wore:
Dress
: AnthropologieSimilar // Necklace: Talbots – Similar – Sale
Shoes: DSW: Similar

I loved wearing this red dress so much that I decided to try and dress it down for work.

Sweater: Anthropologie – Similar // Boots: DSW – Similar
Belt: Anthropologie – Similar

Note: Do not be confused with Brocade and Brigade.

BTW, I know some of you may be wondering “Why all the fashion posts? Where’s all the crafts?” Well, getting dressed is a MUST-DO, while crafting is a MAY-DO. I can’t show up to work in my PJ’s now, can I? When I have more time to craft, don’t worry, you’ll be the first to know.

Rule Breaker

Who says you can’t wear white after Labor Day?

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Jeans: Gap // Blouse: Anthropologie – Similar // Sweater: Restyle
Shoes: Aldo – Similar // Necklace: Loft – Similar

I absolutely love Gap Jeans, more specifically their 1969 Always Skinny cut. Again, having short legs and hips make it hard to find jeans that make me feel semi-tall and thin. These jeans do the trick! They’re pretty much the only type of jeans I wear. (Note: Their jeans don’t shrink or stretch so don’t go up a size even if you think they’re a little snug.) As for the shoes, I thought oxfords would be a nice touch to make this more of a fall outfit.

Once a rule breaker, always a rule breaker.
(If you know me personally, just humor me for the sake of my measly attempt at being hip.)

P.S. Sorry for the over editing. I think it’s now time to not be lazy and take out my DSLR instead of using my iPhone.

>>>>>>> <<<<<<<

BTW, Happy Birthday Caitlyn DV.
Gosh, don’t we look young.

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How to Jumpsuit

I’ve been crazy about jumpsuits lately.

     

   

During one of my shopping excursions, I stumbled across this lovely number and decided to take a risk on it. Being a woman with a slightly below-average height and short legs, it’s hard to find a wide leg piece that looks decent, let alone a jumpsuit.

Showing your shoulders while teaching is a BIG NO-NO, hence the not-necessary cardigan.

Jumpsuit: Anthropologie -sold out // Sweater: ThriftedSimilar
Shoes: Nicole Miller – Similar

>>>>  <<<<

Options:

Piperlime (Classic)

Guess (most similar)

Asos (Easy-care fabric)

Daily Look (Cream Lace)

>>>>> <<<<<

PC: Caitlyn DV
Thanks Caitlyn for putting up with my awkwardness and excessive singing and laughter.

Colors of the Wind

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Dress: Anthropologie  //  Sweater: H&M  // Boots: Anthropologie (Similar)

I should have titled this post “Fix-its”.
Problem 1: I wanted to wear the dress, but it was slightly chilly.
Fix-it 1: Layer with a sweater
Problem 2: The sweater was a tad loose and had no shape due to stretching.
Fix-it 2: Add a belt
Problem 3: Tired due to staying up to watch Revenge and Once Upon a Time.
Fix-it 3: Two cups of coffee and smile and hope that your students won’t notice.

Puffy Love

I just bought a puffy vest without realizing that I had no idea how to style it. Like any ol’ good fashion newbie, I rushed home and Googled and Pinterested different ways to style it. Here’s what I came up with…

Style 1: Comfy

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Style 2: Feminine

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Style 3: Work Appropriate

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>>>>>>>             and then there’s my affordable style….         <<<<<<<

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Vest: Gap Outlet (hurry before it’s gone!)  //  Sweater: Talbots – Similar
Skirt: Gap – Similar  //   Boots: Ralph Lauren (a great investment!)

I found the vest at the Gap Outlet which was a total steal. The vest was surprisingly well made with great detailing. You can’t see it, but there is synching in the back which added a more feminine touch and shape to the vest.

Let’s just say that I got a lot of compliments from my students today, therefore I thought that this outfit was post-worthy.

xoxo – Alex