Chunky Sneakers + Recycled Clutch.

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: Crossroads Trading Co.

top: gifted

shorts: H&M

bag: Lena Wolek

sunglasses: Warby Parker

sneakers: Lacoste (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

If there was ever one set of pictures that perfectly captured who I am today in style and aesthetic, it would be this one. Comfort is a key element of my day-to-day style and the colors, vibrantly captured in these photos, speak to my soul.  Yesterday I went through a new wardrobe purge, and as another trash bag lays on my floor awaiting donation day, I find myself re-evaluating my belongings, what each individual piece means to me and how to maximize wear and focus on building upon an already existing wardrobe.  Even before leaving for Europe (travel shenanigans coming soon, I promise), I've tried to be more in tune with my body and its needs while I shop. Consumer culture is losing more and more of its charm. Don't get me wrong, Zara and Forever 21 will still have a special place in my heart, but a deal no longer attracts me simply because it's a deal. As I continue growing into my personal style and discovering my signatures - bright solid hues, interesting accessories - many of the things that once caught my eye simply because they were new and shiny now fall flat.  I don't think I could ever commit to fully giving up on the splendor of fast fashion stores, but I'm mindfully reducing the volume of my purchases and complementing the few lucky garments that make it into my wardrobe with some precious sentimental value items. The -plastic bag- bag (orig. with a strap - I just tuck it in cause I find the clutch to be more of a statement) is made by Lena Wolek and gifted to me as a birthday present by my lovely boyfriend. Lena is one of the artists profiled in Out of the Bag, a short documentary he directed, which highlights the ways in which three Los Angeles-based artists are exploring their relationship with plastic through art.  Most of the other pieces I'm sporting are pretty special as well. Two of them - my sneakers and earrings - were thrifted, and a third, the top, is a hand-me-down from one of my closest friends. At the end of the day, one (wo)man's trash is another (wo)man's treasure. And as both a poor 20something and former BUY SELL TRADE store employee, I fully support this statement. 

Bodycon Red + Classic Heels.

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: thrifted

blazer: Forever 21

dress: Missguided (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

heels: Candie's at Kohl's

bag: hand-me-down

I hunted for that perfect anniversary dress for weeks! Spent plenty'a lunch breaks trying on the prettiest incoming merchandise, and basically anything that came in a bright, eye-catching color. Surprise!  Had just about given up on the damn thing when  my coworker waved this red gem into my face. Sure, it's not unique in style nor is it made of a fancy material, but it felt perfect for me. I've been enjoying clothes that I classify as "architectural," which in my mind equates to strong cutouts and crisp color. This dress has both, and the body-hugging quality of it was just a plus.

My boyfriend loved the fit (as did I), and it seemed perfect for the occasion - a fancy dinner in DTLA. I will say that if you're the kind of person that gets really self-conscious about food babies, this dress is definitely not your jam. In my case, 4 years of relationship make me unfazed at the thought of sharing food babies with bae. Also the oversized blazer helps ;) Thank you so much for stopping by! 

Denim + Leather + Denim.

The Outfit

Photos by Leo Petriu

earrings: gifted

jacket: Rue21

top: Ann Taylor (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

jeans: Old Navy

bag: Rue21

sneakers: Nike (via Macy's)

socks: Aeropostale

The Details

The Story

Being home is such a breath of fresh air! I have the most boring life - just sit there and read and cuddle my little brother and look for jobs and gym memberships and places I want to check out when I move to LA. Also get spoiled with breakfast in bed, which is the best! Thanks, mom!  In my bouts of laziness and post-graduation enjoyment, I sometimes get off the couch; take today for example! Went out and played basketball with the little one, which called for a comfy outfit and some blog pics! Earlier in the week, I was thinking about this little blog and how it's changed throughout the years. I started it off in 2012 when I went off to college, and my style was incredibly different from what it is now. I guess it's one of those freshman year vs. senior year deals. My style in 2012 was more leftover from high school - high heels, formfitting and fully accessorized - stuff that was appropriate to my small town, mostly sitting in class lifestyle.  As running around campus and balancing school and work became a priority, my style slowly shifted to something more comfortable and effortless. As I start approaching the workforce, I'm probably going to head back to my roots - where I also feel most like myself. For now, I'm still embracing the metamorphosis I went through during college: some negative changes, some positive. At the end of the day, fashion and personal style are what you make of them. Both should come together and represent your individual personality and lifestyle. The most important thing is to feel comfortable with wherever you're at and rock it with attitude. And if there's anything that's skyrocketed throughout the years, it's my confidence and comfort in whatever I put on that morning.  Thank you so much for stopping by!