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?

Thanks, Nana

Top: Gap sz s /  Sweater: inherited from my grandmother / Jeans: Gap 1969 skinny sz 0 / Boots: DSW sz 7/ Purse: vintage Coach (via ebay)

   

 I just inherited a few beautiful old cashmere sweaters from my grandmother (by way of my mom cleaning out her closet). They are all incredibly well made and of good quality, and definitely give off that vintage grandma-y vibe, on account of they were bought by my Nana 60ish years ago. I love them. And I love wearing them in small central coast towns, just after the rain, where I can take pictures on the street and not worry about embarrassing myself in front of neighbors.  

Can you really dye my shirt to match my wall?

("Uh-huh!" "Jolly old town!")

Sweater: H&M sz xs ($15.00) / Skirt: LOFT A-Line Eyelet Skirt sz 00 ($69.50,  $32.99 + waist alterations) / Belt: Madewell ($48.00, $12.00, buy here) / Tights: Target / Shoes: H&M  sz 7 ($24.95) / Necklace: homemade

 And it FINALLY feels like fall in LA. Grey skies, a light rain, a crisp breeze....mmmm. I couldn't be happier. What better way to celebrate the fall weather than with a new warm & cozy sweater, tights, and black booties on a business-casual day? I'll tell you what's better....exactly matching your outfit to your tool shed, that's what.

Real Simple

Shirt: Gap sz xs / Shorts: DIY Paige jean shorts / Scarf: bought in Spain / Necklace: bought at my local Farmer's Market ($15.00) / Shoes: Target Leopard Print Flats sz 7.5 (bought with a Gift Card; $12.99 but out of stock online)

Ah, lazy Sundays. And lazy bloggers who post their Sunday outfits on Wednesdays. This outfit is a variation on what could be referred to as Lauren's Uniform: jeans, a solid-colored short-sleeved shirt, flats, simple jewelry, and possibly a scarf. Done and done. Lazy blogger, indeed.

 Two new things in this outfit today! My Target Leopard Print Flats ($12.99 but out of stock online), and this lovely necklace, bought at a local Farmer's Market ($15).

First, the shoes: I bought a size 7.5 because the size 7 was sold out online, but, alas, 7.5 is a bit too big. I put in insoles, which fills up a bit of space, but even then...I really should have a 7. I love, however, how they take such a simple outfit like this one and make it a bit more interesting. I'm debating weather or not to keep them.

And, the necklace: I LOVE this little thing! I've been keeping an eye out for a longer pendant necklace for a while now, and I stumbled upon this little beauty at a local Farmer's Market the other week (I bought produce too, don't judge). I love the fact that it is a working watch...it reminds me of men's pocket watches and the good ol' days. Or something like that.

The World's Easiest DIY: Jean Shorts

Honestly, this might not even be worth a DIY post.... I think everyone and their mother has probably made jean shorts out of old jeans. I do, however, have two tips that may or may not improve your jeans-shorts making process!

Start with: Weird old jeans that you realize you've had since middle school. Note the really strange fade-out at the shins, unflattering flare at the bottom, puckering around the knees, and too-light wash.

Top: from a local boutique / Jeans: Paige petites (very, very old)

 Step 1: While standing, put your finger where you want your shorts to end, then mark just below that with a sharpie.

 Step 2: Fold your jeans over and make sure everything lines up. This will save you from having your pant legs be two different lengths. Cut just barely above your line.

 

 Step 3: Roll up the cuffs to hide the frayed ends, and give your shorts a slightly more finished look.

Step 4: Wear with a loose tank top and no shoes in your backyard. Mojitos optional. (Though possibly mandatory for those of you also in LA. 84 degrees on Halloween day?! Craziness.)

Seeing Double

 
Dress: Ross (about $12) / Jacket: H&M ($34.99) / Bangle: bought in England / Shoes: Target Pearce Pumps
 I guess I'm really feeling this cropped blazer with printed dresses lately. Two in a row!
I actually wore this outfit last week, when I got to dress up all nice 'n' fancy at the elementary school. The kids had all done paintings in the style of Picasso, Rivera, Kahlo, or Dali and were showing off their artistic talent in a fancy little "gallery opening." Too cute for words, really. So, this is what I would wear to a gallery opening. Of art by 8 year olds.
 
Hope you're all having a great day!

Petite Fashion Challenge #11: Vacation Vogue

This month's Petite Fashion Challenge is hosted by Ski Petite. She challenged us to work within the limitations of a vacation wardrobe and "put together an outfit made for sightseeing. It should be one that will be comfortable for walking around in and can last you from the early morning until dinner and drinks in the evening."

Compared to previous Petite Fashion Challenges, for which I've racked my brain for days and barely come up with something in time, this one was a cinch! Two summers ago I took a 3+ week-long backpacking trip around Europe after my semester abroad in England. I traveled with a small bag and two guys who could care less what I wore on a daily basis. My day-to-day staples were a simple dress (that could roll up in my suitcase and come out without wrinkles!) comfy flats (we walked SO much), sunglasses, and a bag large enough to carry a sweater, camera, notebook, water bottle, phone, and wallet.

For this challenge, I essentially recreated my summer look with a fall twist: a knit dress, comfy flats, and big bag for the day....

Dress: from a local boutique / Flats: Macy's / Messenger Bag: Fossil / Sunglasses: Target / Necklace: bought in Italy

 And then I switched in tights, suede booties (comfy enough for a few hours of walking, but not too much more!), and a cropped blazer for night:

 Cropped Blazer: H&M ($34.99) / Tights: Target / Booties: H&M

 Thanks for reading, and check out the other Petite Fashion Challenge entries (to be posted tonight) here!