Got to wear my hat!

That is all. Oh and my long-ass fringe necklace.

Completes my its-not-hipster-if-you-say-it-is look.

+ I think the h-word is on the course of “swag” in outstaying its welcome.

Trying to Put a Finger On It…

Inspiration vs. Reality

There’s my style inspiration and then there’s my personal style. I can’t claim my taste is too different from that of almost every girl I see on Instagram or Pinterest. I have that one part of me that wants to be the eternal lady–classy and classic with tea skirts and fitted silhouettes worn with effortless grace by Golden Hollywood muses like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. I have that other part that loves playing dress up with colors and patterns, turning out grandma-chic (?) outfits full of cardigans, leggings and boots. Sweater weather is, by far, my favorite weather (even though Texas only has a grand total of 4 weeks for that). I find it easier to show rather than tell (read:amateur blogger) what my style is- or rather, what I would like my style to be when I have the time and resources to buy all the pretty things. Bloggers like ExtraPetite and Wendy’s Lookbook are the perfect example of my fun-fabulous-ladylike dreams.

“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.”

Shopping Habits

As far as shopping, again, I can’t claim to have cool secret indie spots and must conform via mass retailers like Forever21, H&M and Target; Target might actually need its own post to fully articulate my love-love relationship with that store. I will say, though, that I have a distinct discomfort with a brand name obvious anywhere on my clothing. Especially in middle school, it felt like I’d be trying too hard if my clothes were screaming A.EAGLE  and A&F EST. 1872 like every rich kid at the cool table. Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m going through a kind of personal style renaissance in terms of clothing and makeup. As for now, I still have a strapped budget so I don’t feel comfortable going all out designer–yes, I count J.Crew and Banana Republic in that group–for my wardrobe when I don’t have a big-girl job that requires and pays for one. However, I am beginning to loosen the white-knuckle grasp on my wallet for quality pieces that are functional enough to warrant the price tag. I’m trying to mature my closet she said wearing polka dot jeans because despite the store, one cannot remain 21 forever. Sure, I love the occasional cute graphic shirt, and sweatshirts are always welcome, but I’ll pair them with a well-fitted blazer and tucked into jeans with heels now. My Holy Trinity seems to be gray/solids, stripes, and florals. The last one especially is a problem: I love flowers on my clothes almost as much as I love them in my hands. Several loved ones have complained about my stock of solid colored tops, but I can’t get over their economy. Rest assured, I am working on getting out of that rut as well.

Style blogger Chriselle Lim always gets the most luscious peonies (my favorite)!

Pinterest + Instagram

Going back to my first paragraph, these social media machines have been oiling my style gears with visual expressions of my style aspirations. Tailored skirts…preppy shirts…bright blazers… got me salivating like a hot basket of seasoned French fries. Accounts like ExtraPetite and OOTDMagazine show how people can really make clothes work, 5th St. or 15th St.

A smattering of some Pin-win looks that I want to pull off–they make it look so easy!

Is it tragic that I get excited planning my outfit for an occasion long before the event is due? Nah, didn’t think so.