In the Mood for Acid and Rust

Photography by the Tiny Zooey Ingles

For a while now, I've been obsessed with this asymmetrical skirt from Helmut Lang. Luckily, Urban Outfitters carries the a nearly identical skirt for a quarter of the price!  I didn't even think twice before snagging it and now it's my favorite piece for fall. I love the skirt's edgy asymmetrical look as well as the flair of sex appeal and it pairs divinely with a pair of booties.

What I'm Wearing

Shirt: Vintage (similar)
Skirt: Sparkle & Fade
Necklace: Palmdale
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

In the Mood for Fall Layers

Fall is approaching and the weather in SF is unpredictable. One part of town will be warm while another part of town just 10 minutes away will be foggy, windy, and coooold. Growing up, my mom always told me that as long as I keep my chest and legs warm, then I wouldn't be cold. Last year, she got me this vintage blue, red, and cream striped wool sweater. I love how soft and light weight the wool is. Paired with the leg warmers, they protect me from the ever-changing weather and SF wind. Mom was right! If only I listened more...

Passing by Haight and Ashbury one day, I came across a store called Wasteland and felt in love with this brown, leather handbag covered by colorful cotton patches. It is the right size for day-to-day use and also works as a carry-on bag. It is fun as well as practical, with multiple pockets inside and out.

What I'm wearing:

Hat: Vintage (seen here)
Shirt: Zara (seen here)
Wool Sweater Vest: similar sweater
Skirt: Urban Outfitters (similar)
Ring: similar
Wool Leg Warmers: similar
Bag: Second hand from Wasteland
Shoes: Steven Madden (seen here)

In the Mood for a Jet Setter Lifestyle

Photography by the mostly harmless Aaron Bell

I love me a pair of paper bag shorts, especially for the right price. Unfortunately, when you buy a cheap pair of shorts, the material starts pilling like crazy. And if you carry a large bag that rubs against your shorts while walking, you're basically ensuring their doom.

I'm not sure these fake suede shorts are made out of but it must be nothing short of magic.  Not only does it look and feel like real suede but it survives the long walks with my camera bag, allowing me to work with no worry.

This outfit is certainly perfect for traveling or even in the office in the summer time.

What I'm Wearing

Shirt: H&M (similar)
Shorts: H&M Suede Shorts (similar)
Necklace: Vintage (somewhat similar)
Camera Bag: Vintage (similar)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Prospector (seen here)

In the Mood for a Journey in Technicolor

Photography by the Inculpable Michael Shriver

At first I tried these shoes on as a joke but they looked so good on me that I was convinced I could make them work. I think my goal this week was transform these shoes into something that will work for every day. I had the idea to pair them with my collection of happy socks and I found out that they were the perfect way to make my socks shine. My favorite thing about happy socks are that they often look different from every angle and, depending on the shoes and outfit, you may only see bits and pieces of these socks. However, with clear shoes, the socks really get a chance to be shown off.

What do you think of my shoes and socks? Can I pull these off for every day wear?

What I'm Wearing

Blazer: Lux (seen here)
Shirt: H&M (similar)
Shorts: H&M high waisted shorts
Socks: Happy Socks
Jewelry: T+J Designs (seen here)
Shoes: Vintage "Dancing" Shoes (similar)

In the Mood for the Highlights in Life

Photography by the Vigorous Michael Shriver 

First I bought the shoes and then I found myself buying everything in that same color. Maybe I'm optimistically looking forward to a bright summer or I just need a little highlighter in my life. Whatever the reason, you won't miss me walking down Broadway in these hot shorts for sure.

What I'm Wearing

Shirt: Forever 21 Cutout Shirt (similar)
Bra: Free People Scalloped Lace Bandeau
Shorts: Forever 21 High Rise Neon Shorts
Shoes: Carola Remer Collection For H&M
Nail Polish: American Apparel Neon Yellow

In the Mood for Monotones

I've always wanted a killer pair of Litas but the problem was that everybody already had them. So I bought the Utopias instead even though they were much more expensive and honestly I've been in Utopia ever since. Not only do these shoes stand out but they make me oh-so tall and are comfortable as well. What more can you ask of platform shoes?

What I'm Wearing

Shirt: Forever 21 Cutout Shirt (similar)
Jacket: Silence and Noise Jacket (seen here)
Bra: Kimchi Blue Scalloped Lace Bra (similar)
Jeans: Club Monaco Kylie Jeans (similar)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Utopia

In the Mood for a Ship of My Own

Photography by the generous Leonardo Hartomo

The May weather has been spectacular in Seattle so far which means I can finally bust out my favorite summer shorts. High waisted shorts can make your legs look like they go on for miles however, they are hard to come by. Lucky enough, this season, American Apparel has begun selling these shorts in every color imaginable which makes me super happy inside.  As much as I love just throwing on a dress in the summer and calling it good, this outfit is what really screams hot weather to me. It's suitable and enjoyable to wear on a boat, to the beach, eating watermelon, riding bikes, and all those favorite summer activities while still looking well put together.

What I'm Wearing

Blazer: Lux Cropped Blazer (seen here)
Shirt: H&M button up (similar)
Shorts: American Apparel High Waist Side Zipper Shorts
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Prospector
Bracelet: Forever 21 Spike Bracelet

In the Mood for the Birds and the Bees

Photography by the colorblind Leonardo Hartomo

This week I wanted to explore the subtle differences between men's wear and women's wear by styling the same outfit two ways. I tend to interchange these outfits quite a bit and sometimes even within the same day! What I love about men's wear is that you can find pieces that are interchangeable with everything you already have in your wardrobe. I generally try to take this inspiration and incorporate it into what can work for women as well. With women's wear you get much more of the frills and the unique pieces however, it's easy to find yourself with a lot of good individual pieces but not necessarily full complete outfits.

Men's wear doesn't have to be unique to look good since the style is all about the fit. A simple button down shirt can make a big difference when it fits just right and can be extremely versatile as well.  When I shop now my first priority is always fit and the next is if I can pair the piece with something I already have; which are two key ingredients for shopping like a man. I have to admit, shopping with these two elements in mind has helped my wardrobe and style greatly and, as you can see, manly pieces can easily transform into a very girly outfit.

Lastly, I'd like to note that I don't smoke nor do I know how to but it does look very manly.

What I'm Wearing

Shirt: H&M button up (similar)
Tank: Gilly Hicks Polka Dot Corset (similar)
Jeans: Club Monaco Kylie Jeans (similar)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Prospector / Jeffrey Campbell Situation