denim

Black, White, and Chambray

Ever notice that when you’re not feeling 100 you don’t deviate as much from the norm? I usually put on my most comfortable clothes and eat comfort food that doesn’t take a lot of effort. That’s how I’m feeling now about this in-between time, where winter’s cold grip is slowly letting go and the sunshine of spring is just creeping in.

I’ve been gravitating toward neutrals and my go-to layers, like my trusty chambray, black jeans, comfortable scarves, and boots that will get me anywhere.

I’m also in the in-between with my professional life – switching from one career to another – which is amplifying my antsiness. I’ve heard that experiencing change is what pushes us to be better and do better, but I just can’t wait to get back into a healthy routine.

In the meantime, I’ll be working on my patience and finding comfort in the things I love most.

Wearing: D.Jeans, Rubbish chambray, Madewell scarf, Fulla&Fayda wallet, and GAP chelsea booties (on sale!) // Photos taken by Bryan Wallace

Fringe Details

The leap from my last style post to this one is kind of crazy. Not too long ago we had snow on the ground and one-digit temperatures and now it’s literally 80 degrees outside and I’m not one ounce sorry about it. If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed that I cleaned out my closet to a capsule wardrobe in a valiant (I think) attempt to downsize and simplify my life. Having a wide selection of clothing choices can be satisfying and fun, but lately I’ve been feeling the endless options weighing me down instead of liberating my creativity. My new capsule system has also forced me – in the best way possible – to be creative in a different way: mixing and matching my limited selections to create a new outfit each day. Without getting too much into it (yet), I’m really enjoying my capsule wardrobe thus far, and I’m excited to switch out to my spring selections!

Among the best spring 2016 fashion trends – stripes, ballet flats, floral patterns, moto jackets, monochromatic white (all things I can get behind) – is fringe. Previously associated with western movies and 70’s boho-chic, fringe has made a comeback in almost every shape and form. Shoes, vests, bags, jewelry, you name it: they are going to have fringe this season. Last weekend I paired some fringe details with what I like to call “double denim,” more fondly known as a Canadian tuxedo, which is also trendy again (go figure). I kind of love the cyclical nature of fashion. If you hang onto those key pieces long enough, they are sure to come back in style.

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Outfit details:

Nordstrom Chambray similar
Fringe Vest similar at UO and Express
GAP 1969 Jeans
Audrey Brooke Suede Wedges similar at DSW, with fringe!
Stella & Dot Essential Fringe Necklace
Vintage Stachel

Photos taken by Bryan Wallace

Denim Dress

Happy fall everyone! I think it’s finally here. The air has been so crisp these last couple of days, and the distinctive scents and colors of this lovely season are beginning to make an appearance. My fall “to-do” list is already too long to possibly accomplish in just two short months, but this is my favorite season and I want to make the most out of it. Here’s what I’m considering so far:

Trip to an apple orchard
Hiking at Great Falls and/or Shenandoah
Beer tastings at local restaurants and breweries
Pumpkin picking and carving
Visit to a corn maze or haunted forest

I basically want to just do activities outside so I can relish in all the glory that is fall. I also plan on doing these activities in my favorite casual wear – denim, plaid, comfy tees, boots, and scarves. I love that this season gives me every excuse to pile on the cozy layers, and I can still be considered “fashionable” and “trendy,” and I have to say that this denim dress fits the bill. It’s causal, loose, and totally comfortable, but it’s pockets and call for complimentary accessories make it a fall staple. Also I just have to say, how cute are those booties?! Booties + me = two peas in a pod.

Outfit details:
Gap denim dress similar
Anne Klein booties
Gap hat similar
Vintage scarf

Photography by Paul B. Jones

Graphic & Monochromatic

I’m back, lovelies, and just in time to catch the end of summer. August was a month of serious transition, which unfortunately didn’t allow me any time or energy to devote to my blog. But I’m back in full force and excited to look at life in a new light, which is why I thought a white monochromatic ensemble would be the perfect reentry blog post. All white reminds me of a clean canvas, fresh and ready for the first few swipes of paint. This is also the last time I could wear white jeans for a while (does everyone follow that Labor Day rule?!)…

I have joined the graphic tee craze and picked up this great black and white one from a recent Robyn and Royksopp concert (have you heard their latest single, “Do It Again“? I am obsessed) . The muted white shirt is a complete contrast to the colorful lights, over-the-top outfits, and loud trance-like beats during Robyn’s show, but it definitely fits into my current “back to basics” style. I hope to have more to share on that front in September. It’s full steam ahead into fall, and I welcome all the changes that come with it.

Outfit details:
Robyn Concert Tee
Madewell Sleeveless Denim Top
Similar White Denim on sale!
Similar Sunnies
Mrkt Pumps from DSW
Floppy Hat from TJ Maxx

Photography by Paul B. Jones

Tried and True Blue

I tell you what. I am LOVING this bright blustery beautiful spring weather [although the wind turns my hair into a stringy tangled mess, c’est la vie] and T and I took full advantage the weekend after last with a visit to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms. Our “visit” was actually more of a long nightmarish excursion in stop-and-go traffic across town. I guess that’s what we get for venturing out on a gorgeous Saturday amongst tourists galore. Once we finally found a parking spot, T and I eagerly leaped out of the car in our crisp spring outfits ready for our cherry blossom adventure.

We have recently changed our dress code at work to just pure “casual,” meaning I have actually been able to pull out my denim during the week. This has been a completely foreign concept to me these past couple of years, so I feel like I’m going through a reacquaintance phase with my blue jeans. A pair that I have had and loved for years are a light wash pair of Levi’s. They are simple: not too tight around my waist and not too loose in the knees, can be dressed up with cuffs at the bottom and worn with a blouse and heels, or my personal favorite: worn with boots and a snazzy blazer.

I’m pretty sure my standard spring uniform will be comfy jeans paired with a graphic tee and blazer. It’s perfect because you can wear boots with it when it’s a little chilly out, or slap on a pair of leopard flats on a sunnier day! I gravitated toward a more summery look for our cherry blossom adventure because it was so warm out, and nothing screams summer more than white and blue. Teddy even jumped on the blue train with his light blue cotton shirt!

Outfit details:
ModCloth white peplum top similar
Levi’s blue jeans

Photography by Teddy Wolff