Spring Green

 Top: from a local boutique ($12) / Jeans: Gap 1969 Always Skinny sz 00 / Shoes: Target leopard print flats sz 7.5 / Bag: BCBG / Necklace: from a farmer's market

 

I have a few new rules for myself right now as to what I should and should not buy. The number-one culprit on the not-to-buy list is any solid colored, short sleeved cotton t-shirt (my wardrobe staple since high school). In leui of that, I'm trying to get slightly more "grown up" shirts instead, be it by virtue of cut, fabric, detail, or color.

This shirt is still, obviously, a solid colored, short sleeve shirt, but!, it is made of silk (which wrinkles, apparently, no matter what), and has at least an interesting button detail on one shoulder. I think this makes it a "blouse" rather than a "shirt." And blouses are totally grown up, right?

H&M Burgundy Blouse + Jean Shorts (yes, this is winter)

 Top: H&M ($17.99) / Shorts: Urban Outfitters / Sandals: Gap / Bag: BCBG / Belt: came with a shirt bought in England / Bracelets: from England / Sunglasses: Target



I finally got a camera remote and am slowly figuring out how to use it effectively. I love having the remote because not only do I no longer have to do the "set-the-timer-and-frantically-run" move for every single photo, but I can also finally play with focus. The single, simplest thing that makes so many bloggers' outfit photos look beautiful is a blurry, out of focus background that highlights everything in the foreground. Getting that effect when photographing yourself is a bit tricky, so I was very happy to have achieved it in 1/2 of my pictures here. :)

In addition to the creativity I'm trying to discover in putting together outfits, I'm also enjoying the creativity of taking photos. Yes, I have to awkwardly dodge my neighbors and pretend I'm taking pictures of a really interesting tree when someone walks by, but realizing that I've gotten a few beautiful or well-shot photographs makes it worth it.

P.S. This burgundy "mullet hem" blouse (I hate that phrase, but that's kind of what it is...), is one of the three clothing items I bought in January. I love it and can't wait to style it more! Anyone have any suggestions?

Crisp Oxford

Top: Gap sz xs / Jeans: Gap 1969 Always Skinny sz 00 / Flats: Target sz 7 / Shades: Target / Bag: BCBG / Necklace: inherited from my grandmother / Hair pin: Banana Republic
 

 I am a habitually casual hair person. Chronically so. I would rather sleep 10 more minutes than figure out what the heck to do with my hair, so usually it is either a) down or b) in a messy bun. Today's variety was putting a little sparkly pin into my messy bun. Classsssyyyy.

You may scoff, but I'll have you know that I got all the validation I needed when she said "Hey, that clip makes your hair look...done." :)

Also: this is possibly my favorite outfit from the past few weeks. It's so easy and yet it makes me feel all kinds of put together. Thank you, classic oxford, thank you.

From the Boyfriend

 Top: Urban Outfitters ($12.00) / Sweater: Gap / Jeans: Gap 1969 sz 0 / Shoes:

Target Leopard Print Flats sz 7.5 ($12.99) / Bag: BCBG / Earrings: Gift

 
 

I felt all of today like I'd stolen my boyfriend's outfit. A good deal of his daily "uniform" is a button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a cozy sweater, and comfy jeans. Ok, he probably wouldn't wear the leopard print flats though. Or carry a purse. So at least there's that...

This comfy button-up is one of my favorites. I got it in the sale section at Urban Outfitters (my #1 stop when walking into that store, where everything is stupidly overpriced unless it's on sale). Petite sizes seem to often be hanging on sale racks, so I get lucky more often than not. I would recommend that petites don't dismiss non-petite-specialty stores out of hand; most of the items in my closet come from the regular ol' stores (as in, not the Petites section of LOFT, Banana Republic, etc.), and, of course, they also mostly come from the sale sections! Granted, at 5'4", I am a taller "petite" than most, but if you're feeling like there isn't enough variety in those specialty sections, don't give up on everything else!

These Boots

  

Top: Urban Outfitters / Jeans: Gap 1969 Always Skinny sz 00 / Boots: borrowed from my sister, thrifted / Bag: BCBG

   

Friends, I really want me some cowboy boots. I stole borrowed these from my sister the other day, and fell in love. Super comfy, with a slight heel to help us shorter ladies out, but still casual and not "high-heel-y," well made by some gourmet boot maker in Texas, and thrifted in Seattle for about $30. Yes, please.

Now where can I find a pair like that in LA?