Alternate Universe

One of the nice things about working near Downtown is being able to meet in the city for happy hour after work. On this particular day, I hadn't planned on going out after work, but figured my "prairie chic" look (that's the name I'm giving this three-year-old Target dress, just go with it) could still work for happy hour. My roommate and I met at the Ace Hotel rooftop bar, which has an amazing view of the city. The past few weeks I've been feeling kind of restless, so it's fun to go on little weeknight adventures to break up the work week.

Happy hour outfit aside, another week has come and gone and I can't believe it's almost May. I had some free time tonight so I uploaded all the photos I've been neglecting to add to Facebook for the past three months, and all I could think was...that's it? Is that really all that's happened since January? And yet at the same time, it feels like so much—too much—has happened and that I've been living in some sort of weird, alternate universe. I recognize the contradictory nature of that statement...so I'll just stick to outfits. Happy Sunday Funday :)

___________

Outfit Details:

Red Floral Dress—Target

Cream Open Cardigan—Forever 21

Gold Watch—GUESS

Black Belt—Madewell

Brown Leather Satchel—Italy

Black Ankle Boots—Madewell

First article

Check

You may or may not have already noticed, but I gave my blog a facelift over the weekend. It's not nearly finished and in sort of a weird transitional phase, but I figured it was definitely time for a change. On an equally important note, I've also decided to wear my hair in a middle part. This was a big weekend for me.

Honestly, this little redesign was such a long time coming and I'm glad I finally took the plunge while I had some time back home this weekend. You know those things that sit on your to-do list forever and silently haunt you? This was sort of one of them. My blog header was also a lovely reminder of my Peter Pan Syndrome, since it still said I was an undergrad despite the fact that I finished classes 4 months ago. (WHAT? yeah...) So, here's to "checking" things off the list and accepting change.

P.S. This is a casual outfit I wore to work a while ago. Destroyed denim + plain white tee = highly recommended ✓ 

___________

Outfit Details:

White Tee—Madewell

Polka Dot Scarf—Forever 21

Sunglasses—Ray-Ban

Destroyed Jeans—GUESS

Blue/Rose Gold Watch—GUESS

Taupe Satchel—Anthropologie

Taupe Ankle Boots—Target

First article

B is for Brunch

I found this floral dress in my mom's closet and sneakily commandeered it. Don't be fooled by how tailored it looks with a belt, because it's seriously muumuu-status without it. I'm actually not sure, but it may have originally been intended to be a maternity dress? Leave it to me to find the one, ill-fitting maternity dress in my mom's wardrobe and fall in love.

I didn't actually wear this dress to brunch (rather, coffee and scones) but I feel like it would be perfect for a Sunday brunch in LA. Plus, I figured it would be fitting to post this outfit today since it's the brunchiest of all holidays.

Happy Easter!

____________

Outfit Details:

Floral Dress—Vintage

Denim Jacket—Forever 21

Sunglasses—Ray-Ban

Belt—Vintage

Gold Watch—GUESS

Leather Handbag—Italy

Lace Ankle Boots—GUESS

Recreate

The second I saw this pin from Madewell's spring catalog, I knew I already owned very similar pieces to recreate the look. So, yay for Pinterest actually helping me shop my own closet for once! Knew it was good for more than just "healthy" dessert recipes...

____________

Outfit Details:

Floral Blouse—Anthropologie (similar)

Faux Leather Vest—GUESS (shop)

Skinny Jeans—GUESS (shop)

Sunglasses—Ray-Ban (shop)

Watch—GUESS (shop)

Bag—Gifted (similar)

Boots—Madewell (similar)

Grain Of Salt

Okay, don't get annoyed but I'm trying out the "blogger" style of wearing my jacket over my shoulders. IRL, I would never actually do this...mainly because it literally falls off if I try to walk anywhere and also because it doesn't actually keep me warm. But, I mean, practicality isn't what blogging is all about...is it?

These days it seems more about the illusion captured in a single picture or carefully crafted Instagram. I guess I've just been seeing some shifts in the blogging world that make me miss the days of following grassroots bloggers completely uninfluenced by advertisers. This isn't to say that I don't monetize my own blog in some way, but I suppose my reminiscing is just a reminder that I always want to keep my blog as organic as possible. Maybe I'll take that statement back in a few years (although, I don't plan to), but no matter what I'd like to avoid taking myself too seriously. Everything with a grain of salt...

____________

Outfit Details:

Tee—Madewell (shop)

Denim Jacket—Anthropologie (similar)

Earrings—Nordstrom (similar)

Sunglasses—Ray-Ban (shop)

Watch—GUESS (shop)

Printed Pants—Vintage (similar)

Bag—Gifted (similar)

Flats—J. Crew (similar)

Sentimental

I love pieces of clothing that have sentimental value attached to them. This dress was a thrift store find in Amsterdam and every time I wear it I'm reminded of my short, but wonderful trip there. So, when people say that fashion/clothing is superficial I'll obviously always have to disagree. Call me Sentimental Sally but I love the idea of being able to wear a memory.

P.S. Since we're on the whole "Amsterdam" topic, you should really listen to this. Another something that always manages to give me that strange nostalgic and sentimental feeling.

____________

Outfit Details:

Dress—Vintage (similar)

Sunglasses—Ray-Ban (shop)

Watch—Nixon (shop)

Bag—Gifted (similar)

Boots—GUESS (shop)

Ampersand

Don't ask me why, but I was immediately drawn to this Ampersand Pullover when I saw it at Madewell. Sort of a random symbol to knit onto a sweater but I really think that's part of its charm. It separates the ampersand from its grammatical functionality and presents it instead as a design. Bet you never took the time to think about how pretty the "and symbol" was, huh? (At least, I never did.)

____________

Outfit Details:

Sweater—Madewell (shop)

Denim Vest—Nordstrom (similar)

Cameo Necklace—Vintage (similar)

Watch—Nixon (shop)

Cargo Pants—Nordstrom (similar)

Bag—Anthropologie (similar)

Boots—Madewell (shop)

Pinteresting

This outfit was 100% inspired by this pin. Enough said.

____________

Outfit Details:

Shirt—Urban Outfitters (similar)

Destroyed Jeans—GUESS (shop)

Sunglasses—Ray-Ban (shop)

Watch—GUESS (shop)

Bag—Anthropologie (similar)

Heels—Zara (similar)