Palm Tree Christmas

Free People Dress // Steve Madden Heels // Free People Bralette // Chanel Mini Flap

Merry Christmas readers!

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday. I spent today having brunch with extended family and friends. The south Florida weather is such a nice change from the freezing cold back in D.C. 

This tunic dress is perfect for a Christmas in a warmer location and I'm absolutely in love with the bell sleeves. I know it's not like me to dress ultra feminine, but once in a while it's good to feel like a girl. 

Too bad I won't be able to wear it until spring back up north. Alas, I return home tomorrow, back to reality-- just in time to ring in the new year. 

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. 

Grad Party Hopping: Day One

BCBG Max Azria Top // UO Blazer // F21 Shorts // Madewell Heels // Ray Ban Sunnies // Louis Vuitton Speedy // 

As my high school career ends with graduation just a couple days away, the ever famous 'grad party weekend' commences. 

Jumping from party to party. Sipping iced tea and nibbling on cheese and crackers. Chit-chatting with parents and extended family of peers. The weekend is full of awkward small talk and sweet dessert tables. 

It's important to have a comfortable yet stylish outfit to hop from party to party in. Since I'm not particularly a plain dress kind of girl, I went for a shorts suit combo for a smart look.

The linen shorts kept the outfit summery while the crochet top and blazer added interest to the monochrome outfit. The heels added much needed height for talking to parents, but I also needed to break them in for graduation. 

Keep a look out tomorrow for the next 'grad party weekend' post.

Merry Late Christmas

 It's a bit late, but this was my Christmas Eve dinner outfit. My family and I went out to a delicious Lebanese restaurant and then opened gifts by the tree. I had a great Christmas and I hope you did too.

 If you notice a difference the the quality it is because it's on my film camera. I bought it for a few dollars at a thrift store, it worked instantly with a fresh battery and some film. 

I'm really getting into experimenting with the different types of photography since I'm not the best at digital photography. Film photography adds a really cool effect that no instagram filter can match. Carefully planning out each picture (because you have limited snaps) has sparked creativity in me and make me really think about each thing I take a picture of. Also, the anticipation of waiting the see how the pictures turned out is really exciting. 

Stay tuned for a NYE post which will be coming up in January. 

Outfit Details:

Coat- J. Crew

Tunic- Free People

Leggings- Guess

Flats- Fossil

Clutch- Michael Kors

Watch- Casio

Necklace- Tiffany and Co.

Bracelets- Anthropologie, J. Crew, Isabel Marant pour H&M

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

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