I bought this all new

Something amazing happened today. And it also made me realize something: when I feel like I should be dressing more "professionally" I don't gravitate toward thrifted items as much. I had a presentation in my Architecture History class that was worth 40% of my overall grade. I don't know what it is about Architecture as a profession/study that makes me feel like I need to dress more from-the-mall (for lack of better word)?





In the two years that Architecture was my major, I definitely changed the way I dressed. I started wearing pants everyday--and sweaters/shirts that screamed minimalism and "I don't care about how I dress, I'm too busy with Architecture." I'm not completely sure why. I know I felt like I should dress that way--like how dare I spend time caring about my clothes. I know I wanted to be taken seriously as a girl; the girl to guy ratio was probably somewhere around 1:6.

I realize now, that I was trying to mold myself into a major that wasn't wholly right for me. Plus, on top of all that, i've always struggled with how to dress, since I look so young.

( For those of you who don't know, part of the reason I started blogging was to get back in touch with my personal style after sort of pushing it away.)



I didn't actively decide to wear all non-thrifted items and it's odd that it happened that way, since most of closet is second hand. And it's not like this is even super professional. The skirt is far too short to be. But I did want to look a little bit polished.

None of the things I do buy new are usually ever very expensive. I love stores that have take addition _% off clearance items. That's basically how I come to own any clothing from more expensive brands.





skirt: Gap
sweater: Gap
tights/belt/jacket/headband/necklace: F21
booties: Sam & Libby

Have you ever lost touch with your personal style? Why? How did you reconnect?

Rainy Day Thrifting

As I mentioned in my last post, it rained buckets on Friday. But it's my day off--so I basically try to shove a whole weekend into that day (since I work all through the weekend). So, even though it was pouring, I was not going to give up on the idea of thrifting. And good thing too, because I found some lovely things. Things I really really really love.

(This is a mannequin my coworker/roommate and I stole from work. It was fun/amusing carrying it home. We've been re-dressing it up every once in a while. And don't worry, it's totally legit--our manager doesn't care one bit that we took it)

1. White cropped sweater:





I've been looking for more of these, since they have the amazing ability to completely transform dresses into skirts. I adore the little detailing--from the little tiny holes to the slightly scalloped collar/cuffs. Such a perfect basic piece. $5.00 at Goodwill.

2. Acrylic / Mohair / Wool blend sweater thing:





I was looking for this exactly. I wanted a heavier sweater to act as a transition jacket once the weather starts to get nicer. It is so comfy. I can see myself wearing it with dresses, jeans, at home, belted or loose. The color is perfect, the fit is perfect & according to the tag, it was made in Italy? Yeah, whatever. $7.99 at Goodwill.

3. yellow/blue patterned top:



I suck at taking these sorts of pictures. I'll get better at some point! That's why you don't get a full photo. But I think that's okay, since the pattern is what's charming anyhow. And the little metal buttons. $5.00 at Goodwill.

4. white/leather belt:



I actually bought this one week ago, when I was thrifting with another of my friends, but it was thrifted and so belongs in this post. It'll be perfect for over flowy summer dresses. $2.00 at William Temple thrift store



And, I bought red lipstick. In real life, this one is a little too pink for my taste. I want a deeper red. What are your favorite, go-to lipsticks? I'm actually really really new to makeup. All through high school, I made a fuss and absolutely refused to wear it. But I'm slowly wanting to play a little, grow up a little. (HA. I haven't taken a photobooth picture in ages)

Lastly, I was awarded that Kreativ blogger award by Jane but am choosing not to do it, since I did a really similar meme about a week ago. But I am incredibly happy and thankful that she listed me.

Lingering Still

Today. it. poured. again. But that's okay--according to the weather forecast for the next week, that's supposed to stop after tomorrow. But other than it being a little bit miserable outside, I had a lovely day. I braved the rain to go to Goodwill with Sarah and found treasures. Real treasures. Well, things I was actually looking for. I plan on posting up pictures this weekend.



I was not terribly excited about this outfit. because there are so many things I have that I want to wear sans tights! Or that feel too flowy or summery to wear while it's pouring.





Not gonna lie, it was fun posing about with the umbrella. And it was fun being on this silly wood ledge. I did gymnastics for a sizeable chunk of my childhood/tween years, so I love balancing on things. It's the little things in life. And this is one of my favorite jackets. It's a really good transitional one, since there are 1/2 sleeves. Perfect for having a cardigan underneath or bare forearms.





umbrella: Sanrio boutique
coat: Three Monkey's Boutique, Portland
shirt: thrifted
shorts: thrifted
belt: thrifted
scarf: thrifted
tights: stolen from Mom
oxfords: Aldo
headband: Forever 21

April Showers (are stupid)

I am so jealous of everyone out there in bloggerland that can wear skirts and dresses without tights. Because here in Oregon, April showers mean bipolar spurts of stormy rain, hail and lots of wind. It's gray and dreary, but it's at least promising that the trees are starting to have leaves again.



I want to note that I never find jeans I love. All of mine except for one or two pairs are those super cheap, thin $10.50 ones from Forever 21. I keep telling myself i'll find nice jeans that are a bit more expensive, but I never end up liking them as much... I don't feel as free to move about as in the cheapo ones. Plus, I'm short and have relatively large calves. Any suggestions?





My outfit does not look springy because it does not feel springy :(

No pretty pastels for me today. I know I've worn these shoes in my pictures before, but I've never given a detail shot--so here you go. They're perfect for everyday with the tiny little wedgy heel.



And then this PERFECT little cropped vintage jacket--it is in pristine condition and fits me just right. It's a little military, which I don't really do, but more in a kitschy marching band way, which is okay by me (I did colorguard/winterguard in high school, for those of you who know what that is). I love the little black buttons and curved collar.



Off to work. It'll be a busy weekend for me: work Saturday + Sunday, and then due on monday: 40% of my Architecture History grade (in form of group presentation) due + two different graphics projects. Ah! So bye :)

jacket: thrifted
shirt: Gap
jeans: Forever 21
belt: thrifted
shoes: thrifted
scarf: thrifted

Feeling Good

I never thought that I would ever wear a maxi skirt because I am hovering somewhere inbetween 5' and 5'1". In fact, Sarah and I used to trash talk them together (her post made me giggle, so you should read that too).



But, I loved the print on this one and was planning on hemming it. But, upon closer inspection I realized the length is actually a bit flattering. It's a petite size, so it's not atrociously long on me--especially when I wear heels.



I've been seeing a lot of people styling maxi skirts really simply and I liked that a lot. Because the length of the fabric seems bold enough on it's own. This is one of my go-to shirts for layering under dresses--I hardly every wear it on it's own, but it served me quite well, apart from falling down a bit and revealing -ahem- bra straps.



Anyhow, I was a dork and pranced around in the grassy area of this park, which is Tanner Springs park in the NW part of Portland, if anyone cares. I wrote a paper about this project, so it would have made sense to take location shots, but I was too excited to just be wearing a maxi skirt :)







skirt: thrifted
shirt: American Eagle (high school days)
shoes: thrifted
belt: thrifted
jacket: H&M
bag: thrifted

Also, this post was sort of for EBEW. If you don't know what that is, I suggest clicking the little button below because it's pretty awesome. I love blogging--it's given me so many ideas and has challenged myself to look more closely at how I get dressed and shop.

Optimisic

First of all, I cannot believe that I have somehow reached fifty followers. Crazy! My blog is still a baby and I haven't quite caught my stride yet in terms of knowing how it fits into my life. I appreciate each and every one of you; it's very very encouraging.

I am so excited and eager for life right now. I've just recently changed my major and the further into the term I get, the more right I feel about it. Plus, I see Robert again in two weeks + we're going to Seattle for a weekend for a film festival one of his projects got into. I just ordered my first Modcloth dress for said event (Out to Sea Foam Dress). I am excited to dress it down for a day traipsing around the city--and up, for the awards ceremony.



The back completely sold me. Now, just to wait for the 3-6 business days to pass so I can fondle it all over, instead of drooling at my screen. Anyhow, what I am wearing today:



I wore a really simple outfit. But this is one of my favorite dresses, so I feel amazing. I haven't worn it in a while, since it sort of got squished into a part of my closet I don't look at often. The print is probably one of the boldest ones I own, which is sort of sad, since it's not that bold at all. But it has three of my favorite colors in it: orangey rust, teal and a bluish purple.



Oh! And due to technical difficulties, my Architecture History class was cancelled (along with the quiz that was supposed to happen). So I'm smiling for real in these pictures. Because I didn't think I was going to have the time to even take them today.





I'm blurry! Because I suck at autofocus... :)



dress: Macy's
cardigan: Ralph Lauren outlet
belt: Fossil, thrifted
tights: ?
oxfords: Forever 21
hair ribbon: thrifted

Happy Monday, I hope yours is going as good as mine.

Favorite Things

I've been tagged by Laura to post up 10 of my favorite things. It's hard to try and choose--especially when "things" can mean so many different things. I'm answering more broadly and not limiting myself to material objects.

Rules:
1) State who gave you this award in your post
2) State 10 things that you love
3) Give this award to 10 other bloggers, listing them at the end of the post, and notify them with a lovely comment :)

So... in no particular order :)

1. comfy casual days



That was today. I love to dress up--I love wearing adorable clothes. But it's sort of cool when putting on jeans and a tee can give you the same amount of confidence. Back in my architecture studio days, my outfit everyday was jeans + shirt/sweater + belt + shoes + scarf. Usually with my jeans cuffed. This is a dressed up example of this outfit.

2. Seventies furniture/patterns



I love the clean lines and ridiculous patterns in seventies furniture. I think it has a lot of character. These chairs are the only things I really own right now. But I'm young!

3. Books



When I was little, the first thing I wanted to be when I grew up was a librarian. I don't have as much time to read as I would like now, but I have a small collection of books. I only buy my favorites--and I buy them because I love the physical feel of a book in hand and I love how they smell (old or new). No iPad or Kindle could ever replace that feeling.

4. Portland food carts



I'm sure they have these in all cities, but I've only experienced Portland's, which is why I'm keeping it specific. Decently priced, GOOD food on the go. Food from around the world in one block. So lovely.

5. Perfect tea mugs / cups



I thrift a whole lot, so I see a lot of tea cups and a lot of mugs. It's rare that I find one that I really love--that feels right in my hand and is the right size. I'm very picky about what I put my tea in, so these are much loved by me.

6. beautiful free mornings



The ones where you can sleep in and then sit quietly with breakfast, tea and a book. Or you know, a blog reader.

7. Vintage Shoes




Must I really explain?

8. Thrifting



Once again, must I explain?

9. My pretty old 2008 white Macbook.

It has served me well. I am not posting a picture because everyone knows what this looks like (and I forgot)

10. (Last but not least) Robert Darling



He is my very very best friend, though we are long distance right now; he is in California studying Cinematography. In June, it will be three years, and he will be home in Portland for good.



Through high school, he was the classic "nice guy" who listened to my problems whilst I dated a not so nice guy. Luckily, I fell for him and we are happy now. I am so thankful. (both of the above pictures are from over two years ago)

TAGS:

1. Sarah
2. Madeline
3. Rachel
4. Claire
5. Erin & Caroline
6. Marisa Violeta
7. GretchTM
8. Maggie
9. KateLainey
10. JennyBoo

I'm supposed to leave you all comments. and I WILL! But I really have things to do for tomorrow... that I should have been doing now :) You don't have to continue it--don't feel pressured. But it's sort of fun and challenging too.