Lookbook | Off Duty

This lookbook is inspired by the "off duty" look that is seen all over Pinterest. It's supposed to be what models would wear during fashion week-- running all over town going from one job to the next. The principles of the 3 looks are comfort, monochrome or muted colors, and versatility. 

I kept all the looks with a pair of black skinny jeans because it is the number one staple of the "off duty" look. You can see basic pieces such as a white top, leather jacket, or heavy knit can be incorporated effortlessly.

I worked really hard on this lookbook, but it was a ton of fun to make. Let me know if you like it an if I should do more. 

Leather Weather

Allsaints Leather Jacket //  Forever 21 Knit Top // Madewell Denim // Zara Ankle Boots // Ray Ban Sunnies // Chanel Classic Flap

It seems like fall was here for a minute and now winter weather has arrived. This polar vortex is killing my Pumpkin Spice latte vibe. What's the fun of fall when the weather is telling you to order that Peppermint Mocha that seems more appropriate for Christmas? (Actually I only drink soy lattes, but you get the point)

Oh well, I guess the weather is following the retail marketing trends and pushing the winter/Christmas buzz up a few weeks. It just feels like I was waiting for fall to come for so long and then I didn't even realize it was here before it passed and the winter chills took over.

You may have seen this outfit in the last video I posted. I love this off duty look that a monochrome outfit with ankle boots gives. The black leather jacket, which is my best investment of the season (seriously guys), just adds that cool factor to an otherwise boring outfit.

Week In Outfits: 1

 I had a lot of fun doing this and I want to try to incorporate more video elements on my blog. Let me know if you want me to do more week in outfits.

Outfit 1

t-shirt: James Perse

jeans: Madewell

flannel: Brandy Melville

leather jacket: Allsaints

shoes: Birkenstock Arizona

thrifted cap

Outfit 2

t-shirt: Vince

shorts: Zara TRF

socks: HUF Plantlife

shoes: Nike Blazers

Outfit 3

button up: thrifted

jeans: J Brand

shoes: Birkenstock Arizona

leather jacket: Allsaints

bag: Chanel mini classic flap

Outfit 4

t-shirt: Forever 21

shorts: thrifted

shoes: Birkenstock Arizona

bag: France

sunglasses: Ray Ban Clubmaster II

Outfit 5

t-shirt: Forever 21

jeans: Madewell

shoes: Zara

leather jacket: Allsaints

sunglasses: Ray Ban Clubmaster II

bag: Chanel mini classic flap

Breaking Fashion "Rules"

Now I don't know about you, but I used to think brown and black was the ugliest combination of colors ever to exist. Apparently it's common sense that there is a  rule about wearing the two colors together, which I followed religiously. 

I was already perpetually afraid of the color brown on its self, so I mostly just stuck to black. I just feel like a big, gooey fudge brownie when wearing the color brown. Weird. I know. I think it's because of the close color resemblance to my hair.. Do other people feel this way or am I just really weird?

Initially, it was the tan camel color of my boots that opened me up to pairing black with brown hues. It just felt easy and more relaxed. Then when I got this brown leather skirt many years ago I had no flipping clue how to wear it. 

It certainly is not a spring or summer skirt because of the color-- #skysoutthighsout is not an option. "But, but, but what do I wear with it?" I thought as I stood in front of my full length mirror. Sheer, skin-colored pantyhose never keep me warm in the chill winter days and I don't really like how colored tights look on my body. So I had to try the black. 

Well it actually doesn't end up looking to bad. Right? As long as you make it a point that you are clashing black and brown on purpose by incorporating it more in the outfit, I think it's great.

I can't even tell you how many compliments I got on this outfit today-- normally I never get compliments so it was a nice surprise. So I guess the brown & black was a hit. 

What fashion "rules" do you break?

Outfit Details: 

Turtle Neck- BCBG Max Azria

Leather Skirt- Abercrombie

Tights- H&M

Boots- Sam Edelman 

Watch- Casio

Bracelet- World Market

Necklace- Zara

Snow Day

Again, I feel horrible about neglecting you all recently. It's only been a week, but I know that's a long time in the blog world. I was sick the majority of my absence. When I say sick, I mean it. I don't need to go into detail, but I'm currently on two sets of antibiotics..

Good thing is I'm at the end of my sickness and I'm only plagued with an occasional, ugly sounding cough and the sniffles. With the bad luck I've been having, I should probably get my flu shot ASAP.

I got the day off from school due to the fast falling snow that coated the ground quickly this morning. It was the perfect back-drop for showing you all my new menswear inspired coat from J.Crew.

 On top of this day off I have a job interview. I think this outfit is perfect for interviewing because it is smart looking with the menswear coat, yet still playful with the stacked bracelets and layered necklaces.

What's the weather like where you live?

Outfit Details:

Coat- J. Crew

Top- Free People

Jeans- Pac Sun

Boots- Urban Outfitters

Scarf- Nordstrom

Necklaces- Vintage and Target

Bracelets- Nordstrom, Anthropologie

Watch- Casio

Put-Together-Cozy

Sorry for the radio silence this past week. It's been so cold and rainy that I haven't been inspired to create any note-worthy looks. The awful weather has made me want to stay inside all warm and dry, so I decided to shoot this look in my living room that I find really peaceful and cozy. 

This outfit is a simple comfortable one that is perfect for thanksgiving dinner if you need to look presentable in front of your extended family. Dressing up a pair of leggings is my favorite thing to do during the colder months because they are just so damn comfortable, yet I still like to keep it somewhat fashionable with suede boots and a printed tee. 

I always have a tradition of reading a book over Thanksgiving break. This year I'm reading Alexa Chung's It. Also, my family and I always go out and see the new Twilight movies together, but now that it's over we are seeing Catching Fire. Do you have any holiday traditions?

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers, stay warm.

Outfit Details:

Top- Isabel Marant pour H&M

Leggings- VS Pink

Cardigan- BP Nordstroms

Boots- Sam Edelman 

French Cowgirl

I took on the western trend full force today. This autumn I noticed I've worn a ton of menswear inspired looks, but today I just felt like dressing like a girl. Well, to an extent... a skirt is girly enough for me so I can throw on a bomber jacket like this Isabel Marant pour H&M one. Yes, it is a children's jacket and was a hell-of-a-lot cheaper than any of the women's clothes.

I don't venture into the children's department a lot (mostly because of awful memories as a pre-teen being force to still shop in the children's department), but I forgot how much cheaper and more convenient it is. Maybe I try it more often.

Am I the only one who's confused on how this is a western look, yet I feel o-so-french in it? I'll just credit that to Isabel.

Outfit Details:

Jacket- Isabel Marant pour H&M

Sweater- Michael Kors

Skirt- Lohman's  (designer unknown)

Boots- Urban Outfitters

Decided to add a little music to add to the mood/feeling of the outfit. Or at least it's what I think goes with it. Let me know what you think.

Dressing up or just styled well?

"You always dress up and look so nice so for school," was said to me the day I wore this ensemble by an underclassman. "But, but, but- this isn't even dressing up," I though in my head while thanking her with flushed cheeks. A semi-panic set in as I walked away. "Am I over-dressed? Do I look too grown up? I hope other people don't  notice my outfit," I thought.
It is not like me to question an outfit, but the compliment coming from an underclassman blindsided me. I knew she was genuine, but it sounded less like a compliment and more like a comment-- not a good one at that. I rushed to the bathroom to examen the evidence at question. To my surprise, when I looked in the mirror, the self doubt quickly disappeared once I saw how chic I looked.

But really-- to me this is not dressing up. This is just another outfit I wear to school, not to a fancy dinner or even church. Why is it that putting in effort and trying out new looks is considered "dressing up" at school?

I view this outfit as one that is put together well and possibly chic. Looking put together is my goal for every outfit. With them, I want to show that I am presentable and on my A-game. If you asked me to give a presentation that day, I would be ready, because my outfit says "I'm ready." I let my outfits speak for me, showing the world (well, my school) that I'm on top of things-- at least on the outside.

Outfit Details:

Top- Urban Outfitters
Under shirt- Banana Republic
Vest- H&M
Trousers- American Apparel
Boots- Urban Outfitters
Watch- Casio
Bracelets- Anthropologie, Etsy, Juicy Couture, Vintage

James Blake Concert

Last night my friend and I decided to go see James Blake perform at the 9:30 club. I'm not a die-hard James Blake fan, but I did know most of the songs played. 

What I didn't realize from listening to the album is how much electronic music is in his songs. I thought it was going to be him singing with some music is the back, but actually his voice supplemented the music played. 

I've never been to a show like that since I mostly like organic music, but I thought it was enjoyable. I only wish he sang more because his voice is beautiful. 

It was cold and we took the metro, so I wore something only semi revealing.

Again, sorry for the poor camera quality- I can't lug around my DSLR to concerts and night outings. I'm trying to figure out a solution for this problem.

James Blake performing "Life Round Here"

Outfit Details:

Jacket- H&M

Pants- Bebe

Top- American Apparel

Necklace- Zara

Boots- Urban Outfitters

1 year Anniversary

This past Tuesday was my 1 year anniversary with my boyfriend. We actually didn't plan anything until last minute because our schedules have been so hectic with school and other activities. I had a gift card to a Brazilian steak house in D.C. called Foco de Chao. We have both been to Brazilian steak houses so we knew the interesting dining experience already.

This outfit was totally last minute, but I think it worked out well. All black is easy for a event or dinner where you don't have time to plan an outfit. Sorry the photos are poor quality and uncreative. There was no little photo shoot that night, so these were the only pictures I had.

Outfit Details:

Leather romper- Zara

Blazer- BP Nordstrom

Coat- Zara

Boots- Topshop

Bag- Philip Lim for Target

Watch- Casio

Lip- Revlon Just Bitten Kissable in Crush

Fancy Feelin' Trousers

A simple school look. I'm really proud I put it together quickly this morning. The preppy/collegiate trend is something that I find myself always going back to in the fall. It might be the return of school or the chill weather, but I just love layering sweaters and jackets to make interesting and new outfits.

I love slipping in to some well tailored trousers. I feel instantly put together and classic. This pair from Zara does the trick.

I am incredibly busy finishing up the majority of my college applications, in two weeks I'll be sending them off and waiting anxiously for an answer. 

Also, my French Exchange student is finally here. We get along really well and she is so sweet. I can't wait to travel to Toulouse and Paris this spring to visit her. 

I hope you had a good Columbus day weekend. 

Outfit Details:

Jacket- H&M

Sweater- Urban Outfitters

Trousers- Zara

Boots- Zara

Watch- Casio