Spring Has Sprung… A Vintage Spring Break Look

Hey y’all! I know it has been forever since I have posted an outfit of the day, but things have been crazy around here! Not only have I been super busy with class and work and life in general, but it seems like it hasn’t stopped raining in weeks! However, today marks the third day of spring break and it is sunny with temperatures in the 70s! Dominic and I are headed to Kansas City for a few days of much needed vacation and I am feeling roadtrip ready in this head-to-toe vintage outfit, featuring the most amazing pair of shorts ever! I mean, come on, not only are they vintage Levi’s but they have horses on them and are perfect for pattern mixing. This is definitely one of my favorite outfits to date, so check it out below!

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

70s floral shirt and vintage Levi’s: Grey Dog Boutique

Spring Getaway – Five Different Outfits with Five Must-Have Spring Basics

Glory hallelujah! Spring break is here! Well, not quite, but since I only have class separating me from that sweet week of relaxation, I can’t get spring out of my mind. Today, I am talking about my top five closet must haves (all under $50!) and showing you all five different outfit combinations. Of course, there are many more ways to wear, especially if you like to get creative with your closet! Basics are a great way to get your closet rolling into a new season without having to break the bank. Since they tend to go with everything (hence the term “basic”) you can create several different outfits using only one piece. This allows you to save up for those more unique (and possibly more expensive) items that might not be quite as easy to wear!

PS: If you’re traveling over spring break, basics are another great way to get you through your trip without having to check too many bags!

 Outfit One

I live in these American Apparel leotards all summer! I, personally, have three different colors and sleeve lengths. They are perfect for layering that that open back is to die for! If you love showing off some skin, while still keeping it classy, you need to get one of these immediately. In this outfit, I have paired the leotard with another one of my spring basics, the scalloped short! Universally flattering, a scalloped edge short is a classic silhouette that looks super professional (as long as you keep them at an appropriate length) but doesn’t compromise on interest. Basically, it’s like taking your favorite pair of linen shorts and adding just a hint of spice.

Outfit Two

 

First off, you can’t go wrong with a pleated skirt! When choosing a “basic” item, you don’t have to always stray away from prints. Simple and small patterns like polka-dots and stripes, especially in black and white, can go with anything! If you are a master pattern mixer, try a funky monochromatic floral or animal print! Patterned basics, like this skirt, are my go-to item this spring!

Outfit Three

This outfit is an absolute dream! When I found this dress on Forever 21 for only $25, I knew I had to have it. This little denim dress is a blank-canvas for layering! I went “french girl” chic by layering my leotard under the dress. This adds a little hint of pattern, and also is perfect for those chillier spring days! Throw on a pair of white sneakers and a cute hat and you’re ready for a perfect day out!

Outfit Four

 

Since the last outfit layered UNDER the dress, I just had to throw this super chic sweater over our basic denim dress! A lightweight sweater is a life-saver in the spring, especially in the south, as those rainy days can get rather cold. Also, if you get too warm you can always rock your sweater 90s style and tie it around your waist as an interesting accessory!

Outfit Five

Personally, I will never stop singing the praises of the graphic sweater! A simple graphic sweater is the definition of a must-have basic. It looks amazing paired with a pattern (as seen in outfit two), but it also can act as the focal part of your look. With a graphic sweater, you will never feel sloppy or under-dressed. Pair it with denim shorts or go for a more “up-town” look by pairing it with some linen shorts and heels. This will be one purchase you won’t regret!

Spring Chic

We’ll y’all, looks like our snow might finally be gone (at least for a little while). Don’t get me wrong, I love winter, but all of this snow and ice has been rather annoying recently. Although I did enjoy my days out of class, sometimes a girl just needs some sunshine. Today’s look is an homage to springtime. I am secretly hoping that my bright teal (sweater)dress, my favorite floppy sunhat and some adorable cut-out sandals will attract some warmer weather. However, I have added a comfy cream cardigan, just incase I get a little chilly on my commute across campus. I am loving this warm, but bright, outfit and it definitely has me dreaming of spring!

 

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

Cardigan: Old, Dress: Grey Dog, Bag: Grey Dog, old, Shoes: Mason’s (available here), Hat: Target

Not So Snowy Snowday

Everything around here is closed down, which seems a little premature to me, as we have yet to get any actual winter weather, but I mean who is really complaining? Anyway, I am really excited about today’s outfit, because it features a really special brand. As you all know, I love socks, especially funky patterned socks. So imagine my excitement when Sammy Icon contacted me asking to do a partnership with Bee+You. Sammy Icon is a Ukrainian company specializing in colorful socks and mens underwear. I was honestly a little surprised when they contacted me, but they loved my looks and were really interested in having me promote their product. I talked with their customer-service department (they are seriously so nice and helpful) and a month later, I have three amazing and super comfy pairs of socks to share with you all! When choosing my socks from their website, I didn’t let color or pattern scare me. I decided to just go with my gut and let the styling fall into place later. When I opened the package for this pink, purple, blue and green pair, I’ll admit I was a little nervous. However, I chose this opportunity to try-out the whole socks and heels trend and I LOVE the way the pink peeps through the cut outs on these black heels. I then decided on my favorite velvet baby-doll dress, which is perfectly complimentary to the bright green on the socks, and a leather jacket for warmth. I kept it simple with my accessories, allowing the socks to be the main focal-point of the look. In the end, I have a pretty casual look with the perfect amount of flair! Oh and I can’t wait to cuddle up in my new socks on this rainy snow-day.

 

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

Jacket: Dillard’s (old), Dress: Riffraff, Necklace: The Wanderlust, Shoes: Riffraff (old), Socks: Sammy Icon (similar)

Friday Flare… Casual take on flare denim

Today’s outfit is the definition of “casual Friday.” The weather around here has dropped dramatically, with temperatures getting down in the single digits, so I have spent my days bundled up in my warmest sweater. Today is no exception, but I am adding a little more flare (heh, see what I did there) to my typical winter get-up. In a world of skinny jeans, flare denim is slowly beginning to claim its territory in our closets. I have been stalking this trend on Pinterest, but being as short as I am, I have been afraid of trying it. But, when I passed this amazing pair of jeans at Forever 21 (I know, right?!) I just had to have them. I am absolutely loving the tailored twist they give to my plain-jane outfit. I am slowly discovering that adding flare to your jeans can add flair to your entire day! I can’t wait to experiment more with this growing trend!

All photography by Laurence Tan Photography

Jeans: Forever 21, Top: American Apparel, Sweater: Old, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Three Ways to REALLY Wear Marsala

As you all probably know, Marsala was named the 2015 color of the year and I couldn’t be more excited!I mean, we all loved Radiant Orchid, but was that a color we could really build a closet around? Well, Marsala is definitely the most wearable Pantone color to come about in the past couple of years, and the fashion world is LOVING it! Shades of the famous color were spotted all over the runways at New York Fashion Week and it’s beginning to pop up in store of all price ranges. To prove just how wearable Marsala actually is, I have created three very different outfits for three very different occasions and very different girls. Check them out and let me know how you’ll be wearing Marsala this year!

 

    

 

Score! Pants that aren’t only work appropriate and universally flattering, but the pattern gives the perfect hint of color to your workday look. To complete the look, throw on a white silk top and your best pair of black shoes. I love how the black contrasts with the pants and makes your accessories pop. Need a little bling? A simple rose gold necklace, like this ADORABLE palm tree, does the trick! You’ll be getting compliments in the coffee shop and the cubical with this amazing look!

 

 

 
Sweater dress? Yes please! I know everyone has their minds in spring mode, but we still have snow on the ground and probably will for awhile, so this look is perfect for a chilly march day. The best part about this dress is that it is easily transitioned into spring, just replace the beanie and throw on a pair of sandals and you’re good to go! However, for right now, you’re gonna need that beanie (and maybe even a jacket). However, one thing’s for sure, you NEED this dress!
 

 

 
As much as I love Marsala as a solid color, I am loving it more as a pattern! I am especially obsessing over this Topshop mini skirt. I mean imagine the possibilities! Not only does it go perfectly with a collared sweater, but you could wear it with stripes, a cardigan or your favorite graphic tee. This little skirt is definitely a closet must-have. Don’t kid yourself, I know you are plotting the many outfits you could make with this little beauty. So go ahead, grab one for you AND one for me!
 

A Formal Affair

Hey y’all! Happy Friday! It’s a particularly happy one for me, because I am in Conway a day early visiting Dom (kids, don’t skip class)! Anyway, I am down here because this weekend is Winter Formal! Winter formal is my absolute favorite because it gives me an excuse to buy a new dress and then party with my friends, which are my two favorite things. This year, finding the perfect dress was a little challenging, especially because it is supposed to rain/sleet/snow all day today and into tomorrow. After months, and I do mean months, of searching I finally found the perfect long sleeved dress. Fashion tip: Tim Gunn once told me (and by me I mean thousands of prime time television viewers) that if you have long sleeves your dress can be as short as you like, and I definitely take this to heart. I decided to go with something asymmetrical, because I am all about that these days, I mean look at my hair. The dress came in two colors, but I settled on classic black, because I love the way the dress sparkles without being full out sequins. I added a pop of gold accessories, including this stunning necklace to draw the eyes up and balance out the deep v-neck and to match the gold studs on my favorite heels. Putting the whole look together made me so excited for tomorrow! I’ve been waiting months for this event and I can’t wait to dance my ass off!

 

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

Dress: Urban Outfitters (on sale!), Necklace: E. Leigh’s (available in-store), Shoe: Nicole (old)

Snow Daze

We have had a particularly warm winter here in Arkansas. Most of January and February has consisted of short-sleeves and Saturday’s spent outside with friends, rather than bundled up by the fire with a book. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I have loved this warmer weather, but I have also been waiting for snow. It’s weird not having any snow, I mean usually January and February are full of icy roads and snow days, but we hadn’t had a single inch of snow until Sunday. It was magical, waking up Monday morning to snow on the ground and no school. So, in celebration, I broke out the snow day outfit I have had picked out for months and we ventured out on a hike into the woods for some pictures. Not exactly the warmest get up, but it was perfect for our snowy adventure!

 

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

 

Dress: Ruche (old, similar), Coat: Riffraff (on sale!), Purse: Target (old, similar), Shoes: Maude (available in-store)

Bee mine, Valentine

First off, I’ll admit that I have never really been one of those girls who loved Valentine’s Day, but there is something about lace and tulle that makes my heart skip a beat. Throw in the fact that my boyfriend was home for the first time all semester and I am all for the candy hearts and pink cupcakes, so why not celebrate that? The last three years haven’t been perfect. Far from it actually. Dating long distance is hard, it’s sad and basically, it sucks. However, this guy proves to me (almost) everyday that it’s worth it. Dominic is stubborn, sassy and sometimes a huge pain in the ass, but he is also one of the kindest, most caring individuals I have ever met. He is there through thick and thin and most importantly, he always keeps me laughing. We make it work, cause like Dom says: “If you’re lucky enough to find someone who puts up with all of your shit, you stick with them.”

So here’s to balloons, cupcakes, tulle skirts and love. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Hope this post wasn’t too hard for you all to read!

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

Skirt: Asos (on sale!), Top: Chicwish, Shoes: Unknown (blue here, similar here), Bracelet: Banana Republic (on sale!), Clutch: Mason’s (old, similar here), Sunglasses: Grey Dog

My heart’s on my socks… A casual look for Valentine’s Day

I admit it, my last look was a little over the top, however, don’t let my overly girly get-up scare you from celebrating V-Day in style. For those of you who don’t want an outfit quite as flashy as mine, today’s look is a subtler take on the typical Valentine’s Day outfit, but it’s not without it’s own bit of romantic flare. The key to achieving this is all in the accessories. For about $6 (thanks Forever 21!) my everyday look got shot with Cupid’s arrow! Check out the pictures below, and let me know how you will be celebrated Valentine’s Day! So, will your look be all out or are retro heart socks more your style?

 

All Photos by Laurence Tan Photography

Top: Vince Camuto (old), Pants: Forever 21, Shoes: Maude (available in-store), Socks: Forever 21, Sunglasses: Forever 21, Purse: Old