1

Fine Line

Monday, March 30, 2015

how to style a shift dress
shift dress + heels
Reformation Cali Dress
street style outfit
The first photo was a product of the wind and the right moment on my self-timer. And I know what you're all probably thinking. It's walking a very fine line between cool and Cousin Itt. Which is fine, because Cousin-I definitely had his moment in the '60s and is making a comeback. I can feel it.

___________
Outfit Details:

1

Pinned

Sunday, March 29, 2015

plaid shirt spring outfit idea
plaid shirt tied around waist
layered J. Crew plaid shirt
Kate Bosworth inspired outfit
If I wore every outfit I pinned, I'd have really fabulous mom jeans, probably live in Stockholm, and magically look put together riding my fixie bike around all day. But the reality is (like most things on Pinterest) I very rarely recreate my style inspiration boards in real life. Except when Kate Bosworth makes '90s flannel look cool again...then I'll reconsider.

___________
Outfit Details:

1

Now // Next

Sunday, March 22, 2015

I had a very interesting conversation this week about the idea of how a single moment or meeting can completely change the direction of your life. How for every million mundane moments that don't have a significant impact, there's that one that changes everything. That one hand of cards (if I'm going to get all metaphorical) where you just get lucky. And I think I often go about my life hoping for that moment—often to a fault. It's a very romantic view of the world that constantly idealizes the future. Once this happens, everything will change. etc. etc. etc. 

The past month or so, I've been living in a bit of a limbo. Waiting for the "next big thing"—the next big change that will drastically change my day-to-day and everything about my life. But in the midst of hoping and anticipating for a change, I've kind of lost the now. Which is unfortunate since I often find myself (internally) scolding people who only live in the future tense. Three weeks 'til this vacation; 6 months 'til this promotion; 1 year 'til this graduate school. It always feels like a waste of the present.

But the truth is, I'm just as guilty if not guiltier than all the rest. I think a slight discontentment with my current situation (even though Thought Catalog and every other millennial publication tells me I'm not alone) has led me to project everything on the nextAnd yes, maybe, hopefully something great is right around the corner. But regardless of what the future holds, I need to appreciate the present tense.

I know it's easier said than done. But, if nothing else, I think it's worth acknowledging. That's a whole lot better than nothing...right?

2

City Scenes

Friday, March 20, 2015

Downtown LA by Melina Peterson
Foot Traffic, DTLA by Melina Peterson
Cafe Scene, DTLA by Melina Peterson
Downtown LA by Melina PetersonThe Ace Hotel, DTLA by Melina Peterson
DTLA Shadows by Melina Peterson
Left by Melina Peterson
Ever since my photography class started back up a few weeks ago, I've been exploring Downtown LA more than usual. On our first session, we spent 3 hours walking around the city and I was able to look at it in a different light. Weekends in Downtown are strange because they lack the weekday crowds and can feel a bit quiet, but there's still a strong energy around the city. I've always loved shooting different street scenes and the DTLA colors and light made it easy to capture some special moments.

1

Strong Suit

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

how to style an oversized jacket
oversized jacket + Madewell dress
ankle boots + tights
work outfit idea: oversized jacket and dress
Madewell burgundy leather handbag
To an outsider, style blogging is weird. And when I think about it...maybe it is a little strange that I genuinely enjoy taking outfit photos on a tripod in a stairwell after work. But you know, everyone needs a thing and I guess this one's mine. Another thing of mine is blogging in bars. (I swear—I'm going to make this trend happen. The era of laptops in Starbucks is coming to an end!)

I'm currently blogging at a wine bar in Santa Monica while eavesdropping on people chatting about their reality TV connections. Because...LA. I love the West Side in every way—but thought-provoking conversation isn't its strong suit.

___________
Outfit Details:

1

Rooftop Blues

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

spring outfit idea: floral bomber jacket + flare jeans
Downtown Santa Monica
floral bomber + burgundy leather bag
Santa Monica night photography
flared jeans spring outfit
full moon photography
These photos were taken during my rooftop excursion. I tend to avoid taking blog photos at night, but I love how rich the colors turned out in these. It almost looks like I planned my outfit to match the vibrant blue sky and city lights. I'm definitely your average Type A...but I can't take credit for this happy accident.

___________
Outfit Details:
Banana Republic Tan Sandals

1

Full Moon

Monday, March 9, 2015

Last week, I went to Santa Monica after work with every intention of doing some shopping and running a few errands. There's a parking lot a little off the main promenade that has a great view of the city, so whenever I'm in the area I try to park on the top level to catch the view—especially around sunset.

As it turns out, on this particular night my errands were perfectly timed with a gorgeous sunset and full moon. So gorgeous, that I didn't wind up running any errands that night or even leaving the parking garage at all. Which is kind of a big deal, since there was a sale at Madewell and I had grand plans to buy something I didn't need at Anthropologie. (I may be the only person who plans their impulse shopping, but we all have our things.) Instead of shopping to fill some unexplained "void" that had been nagging me all week, I spent a good hour enjoying the view and taking photos. And I felt...unusually at peace. 

Working can be tough. Postgrad life can be weird and confusing. I often find myself dramatically alternating between feeling inspired and dissatisfied—sometimes even within the same day. There are some weeks where checking "return jeans" or "pick up almond milk" off my iPhone To-Do list feels like my biggest accomplishment. But then there's moments like this...

...where genuine happiness (somehow) comes in the form of taking photos alone on top of a Santa Monica parking garage on a Thursday night.

0

The Archives

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

burgundy leather bag
high waisted denim spring outfit
Downtown LA skyline
lace cardigan + high rise jeans
how to style high waisted denim
Downtown LA skyline
As I'm sure I've mentioned many times before, I'm a bit of a clothes hoarder and will keep certain pieces for years. I like to think of my closet as a collection of my favorite things and I often pull from "the archives" when I look at my wardrobe (full of clothes, mind you) and foolishly declare: I have nothing to wear! Which on this particular day translated to: I have nothing new to wear, and will therefore pull out my tried-and-true cardi from one of my very first blog posts.

That's the thing about having a blog. I've documented the wear and tear of this silly little cardigan that I got on sale (yes I still remember and yes you should read my old posts and cringe with me) and, without realizing it, the past 4 years of my life in between. It's a little unnerving reading old posts, realizing how much my priorities have changed over time. It makes me half-miss college, while half-realize I was a complete nutcase who stressed out way. too. much. (Admittedly still kind of do, but I'm getting better!) Anyway, do yourself a favor and look back at a photo from your own archives (old Myspace?—would love if mine still existed in cyberspace). Maybe it'll get you thinking about life and priorities and things like that. Or if you're like me, maybe you'll just really question why you thought that haircut was a good idea.

Nostalgia aside, a word to the wise: this whole "archive" rule should really only be applied to fashion. But at the same time...sometimes you won't know unless you try. At least that's what I seem to keep telling myself.

Happy hump day :)

___________
Outfit Details:
Anthropologie Lace Cardigan
Banana Republic Tan Sandals
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Disclosure.

The Caffeinated Closet contains some affiliate marketing links that may result in a small commission for my site if items are purchased through them. Any items I receive free of charge from a company I mark as "courtesy of" (c/o) on my outfit details. I only endorse brands that fit my personal preferences and style, and my blog content is never influenced by advertisers.

Thanks for stopping by!
 

© The Caffeinated Closet All rights reserved . Design by Blog Milk Powered by Blogger