Top It Off

Browsing through my closet this afternoon in leui of some warm weather tomorrow, I realized that my summer dress department was well stocked, however I largely lacked tops for the season. Super bright, verging on neon tops are a must for this spring, as well as some sheer fabric which can be made less scandalous with a tank top or...a bandeau! American Apparel has some great ones that I am looking forward to inspecting. Finally, to complement that great stock of sundresses, I am in dire need of a great blazer. This is my most urgent mission and will hopefully be completed this weekend!

(From left to right starting at the top)

1. Upper 5th | Upper 5th Cindy Cardigan  $84 {Love: bright pink color, great femininity and bows}

2. Descending Sun Top, modcloth.com $65 {Love: sheer fabric perf for hot summer days, warm shade}

3. Elizabeth and James James Xi Contrast Collar Jacket $545 {Love: The standout white color and versatility-it will def go with anything}

4. LANDON Blazer, theory.com $385 {Love the cleanness of the white and once again will go with anything}

5.Francis silk-chiffon blouse Erin Fetherston, theoutnet.com $119 {Love: The silk chiffon material, the great big bow and high neckline and the flowiness}

6. Oversize Stripe Dolman, delias.com $25 {Love: the stripes in neon (love nautical too but a unique twist is always fun) and the longer hemmed end}

7. (3-Pack) Cotton Spandex Ruched Front Tube Bra, $45 American Apparel {I LOVE BANDEAUS}

8. Yellow Pocket Front Blazer - River Island $56, riverisland.com {the 3/4 sleeves and bright yellow color to brighten more neutral dresses}

Happy Monday to all, and to all a good night!

-Leah

In a Circus of My Own

I'm not one who likes to wear just what everyone else is wearing...ever. I like to be creative and take every opportunity to wear something exciting and unique and oh so chic. While in Georgia over Spring Break my mom and I took a trip into the Betsey Johnson boutique in an Atlanta mall and I was dumbstruck. I was smitten with everything in there, and particularly latched onto a short evening gown with a unique and fabulous design. (If only I was old enough to go to prom!)

The skirt is entirely composed of bright pink tulle with a corset style bodice and I want this dress in my closet more than life itself! I know that it's not the most obvious choice but it would be perfect and I truly wish I could've bought it and saved it for next year. (Although who knows what other wonders Betsey will have come out with by then.)

Betsey Johnson
Evening Tallula Strapless Dress
$485

It inspired me to come up with my own version of a dress with a tulle skirt-because my one qualm with the dress was that the top was a tad bit understated and I wish it'd had a few embellishments. (However, it does leave room for playing with accessories which would work perfectly too.)

My dress has the same corset top and a tulle skirt, though my tulle would be organized in a more up and down fashion than the swirl of the Betsey dress.The top corset piece would either be a pastel clementine color or a fresh white color and would have a sash of fabric flowers of all types (Daisies, Roses, Tulips, etc) and would go into and indent sort of into the skirt a few inches down, and wrap around the shoulder to the top of the other side of the corset. Would anyone else rock the tulle skirt for prom?

Keep it classy! Hope everyone's as ready for April as I am!

-Leah

Triple French Twist

I like to come up with fun and creative things to do with my hair because it's so long and I get bored easily by straightening it or curling it every day. I was particularly interested in finding unique new ways to style my hair last year and this morning when bored with my long straight locks, I pulled out one of my favorites involving three french twists and a pony tail or pigtails, whatever suits your fancy. It's surprisingly simple and easy to do in the morning but looks polished and chic.

finished product

Simply start with brushed out hair, preferably straightened to make it easier to section.

Make a middle section in the exact middle of your head, brushing any side hair down and away.

Take the front of the middle piece (mine was my bangs) and start to twist them.

Keep twisting downt he middle section to the back of your head, pulling pieces in as you go. try to make the lines of the section even so it isn't zig-zaggy.

Once it's done bobby pin it by opening a bobby pin wide, with one metal tong on either side of the twist and stick it into it forward, then a bobby pin flat. That's how I do it because my hair's so thick, but you can do whatever works for you.

Then do another side the same way. Section it off, brush down the side hair, twist and bobby pin.

Next you do the other side and it should look something like this from the front. (Note: you can simply stop here, especially if you have really curly/volumous hair. I decided on a pony tail because I liked the more pulled back look for my outfit.

Finally pull it back into a pony tail and ta-da! Triple French Twist!

Hope y'all are keeping it classy and ready for Friday! (No I will not be quoting the Rebecca Black song)

March has been a great month and I hope you keep coming back to see what I've been learning through fashion as a Young Gucci Purse

-Leah

Gypsy

When I wore layers of soft, draped clothing in this outfit, I felt a tad bit like a gypsy. For a long time I've wanted to wear this skirt-it's super soft and comfortable and very feminine and pretty. I also really like that the length is longer and it's a-line so you don't always have to be tugging at it or fixing it. (My mother likes the long length as well.) I layered it over with a tank top and cardigan because it was a tad bit chilly and decided it needed a pop of color so I went with a scarf-I recently posted some others I love and how I think they're very versatile.


skirt-Urban Outfitters, Shoes-Franco Sarto, Scarf-Wet Seal, tank top-Nordstrom, Cardigan-Khols

  The detail on the skirt is also exquisite. Tiny details can make all the difference, and this certainly is an example. I also liked mixing all the neutrals of white, grey, and taupe in this outfit, in addition to the brown shoes. I thought it turned out better than expected. I also got some fun new headbands that I'm excited to mix into what I'm wearing. This black one is pretty basic and my go-to head accessory but I'm particluarly excited for a bright pink polka dot headband!

 It was a little windy resulting in much messier hair than intended-but still an enjoyable day. I liked the pink as a focal point and another obsession over the skirt is where it cinches at the waist-very flattering.

 And while the skirt was perfect for colder days, I can definitely wear it in the summer sans cardigan and/or scarf and go for a more praire style look. I'll show you when it's warm enough to do so.

I know I look a tad bit awkward in some of the pictures, but I am often awkward and it translates surprisingly well in photographs. This will be administered to and improved in future shoots. Tomorrow I start school again, much to my dismay, however this also means that I will not sit in pajamas half the day, resulting in actual outfits and clothes being worn. This translates to more consist outfits posting and I have some great stuff lined up that I'm super excited about! Of course, these things will rely on the weather because I have completely lost myself in spring shopping even though everyone knows that you're most likely to get a blizzard in CO during March and April. Sigh...oh well, what can you do?

Hope Tuesday has been terrific. Keep it classy

-Leah

Sun Kissed Inspiration

My Summer Inspiration Collage
Bright, Beautiful, Sun Kissed, POP
A combination of magazines: Teen Vogue, GL, People

Hooray the blogger is working again for images! Hope everyone's week is off to a good start!

-Leah

Slight Frustration Leads to Improvisation

      I was planning and very excited for, posting a collage of inspiration today. However, blogger has unexpectedly had some issues with the posting of pictures, so that will have to be delayed until tomorrow, when it will hopefully work. However, fear not. I have a backup. I realized that as much as I do thouroughly enjoy the visual aspect of blogging, I often forget one of the main reasons I started: writing. With my schedule being less than flexible, I've often had to suffice with a couple pictures and captions thrown up without time to truly contemplate and express my thoughts. What awoke my mind to this lack of words was a combination of increased time and the blog (one of my favorites) The Fancy Teacup when one of her posts had a beautiful description of scenery and feel and it was even more rewarding than her creative and elegant photography. "Tumbleweeds wander aimlessly across an open expanse of stark beauty that people would not be able to enjoy in place where buildings and residences loom. " This was an excerpt from the post which I highly encourage you reading as well as her other work.So today when my computer absolutely refused to allow any pictures to go up, I was frustrated but also decided that a lack of visual aid, in no way, should hinder me from posting if I so want to.

       One of the subjects that broached my mind was regarding comments and questions I've gotten lately. I've been asked why I do a blog when my schedule is already so packed, and why I put so much effort into looks. I've also received comments pertaining to this interest in fashion resulting in a materialistic or otherwise vain personality. I did not enjoy those implications in the least.

       I do not have a blog because I like to look 'pretty'. There are many people in this world who like to look 'pretty' and have absolutely no interest or intentions of putting it up on the internet for the world to see. Not to mention I don't always get positive feed back, and yet those often seem to be my favorite ensembles, because they are unique and creative and not status quo. I blog because I enjoy fashion as a creative outlet. I can express ideas and emotions through my clothes and looks, which often results in me seeing so much more in a dress or headband than my shopping partners realize. I like to think that a theme or personality can be determined by my presentation, which may seem vain, but is analogous to an artist who interprets thoughts through a painting or a poet with a poem. I enjoy spending that extra bit of time to make my hair and makeup and clothes and shoes cohesive in order to portray a theme, and revel in inventing new ways to wear individual items.

     And as much as some may insist otherwise, your appearance makes a statement about you, whether intended or not. I for one would rather make a statement with high heeled platforms and dresses than jeans and converse. In no way am I saying that others should not express themselves with jeans or tshirts or whatever their hearts desire, I just feel that my way is what best conveys me. I'm most comfortable in high heels, and so I will wear them when I please, not because I'm vain or materialistic, but because they bring me joy when I slip them on in the morning, and give me a sense of self importance and confidence. I also find walking in them easy because I naturally walk on my toes and have since I was one years old. (fun fact) and my mom says that is obviously a sign I was born for high heels.

    In days packed with multiple extracurriculars, inhumane amounts of homework, and little sleep, I spend multiple hours per week on this blog whether it be getting a special look ready in the morning, taking pictures during lunch breaks, or manuevering the technological aspects of posting it (technology has never been my strength). I do all this because it brightens my day. Looking nice gives me confidence, helps me be creative, makes me smile, and getting up the finished post makes me feel accomplished. This experience has gotten my brain working in new ways, inspiring new ideas, and giving me the encouragement and confidence to dress exactly how I want to. And in the end, it's what makes us happy and makes our days a little more pleasant that are really important.

Absentee in Atlanta

Hello all! Sorry I've been very infrequent. I have actually been in Georgia and South Carolina the past few days to look at a couple colleges and experience the south. I've often aspired to be a southern belle. Anyways I had no computer access and luckily my dearest friend/photographer Louise kindly put up a pre-written post Thursday so I wasn't completely gone. Anyways I completely love Georgia. It's magnificent, at least the parts I saw.

We drove a heck of a lot. Greenville to Atlanta to Athens to Columbia to Greenville all in five days. That in addition to extensively long flights, that took us in a huge loop around the country before bringing us back to DIA. My mom said she's never been so happy to see our airport. One plus? I got complete control over the radio this trip meaning Country music 24/7!

1 of the 18 I counted.

 If y'all didn't know, there are a heck of a lot of Waffle houses in the south. We started counting and I got a total of 18, keeping in mind I dozed off for a better portion of the driving. Moving cars and airplanes are like sleep medication for me, knock me right out. We ate in one for the sole purpose of seeing what the hype was about. It was cute, diner style, and guess what they served? Waffles, that's right! Well, my opinion was that it was fine but not spectacular, however it must be observed that I am not a breakfast person at all.

We ate at this great all vegetarian restaurant on the UGA campus called Grit, which I highly recommend. They also served diet coke in a glass bottle, which made my little heart just leap for joy. My shirt, is indeed, a Georgia shirt that my mom insisted I get and is super comfortable. Plus, I totally loved UGA so who knows, maybe it'll come in handy in the future! And other than this shirt, we did plenty of shopping that I'm excited to feature! The botiques there are great and the sales people are so cute and accomodating. "Y'all have a nice day now!" Such a pleasant sound!

The sorority houses were mcmansions and the architecture was stellar, and super southern. All the houses had big pillars and windows and porches, many of which were accompanied by rocking chairs. I wish I 'd taken more pictures but I was very lazy about it. Georgia was completely fabulous though, I loved the campus and the culture, and am certainly pleased to say I love the south! The trip was just what I needed to rejuvinate, ease my mind of any worries that home had provided, and have one on one with my mom, an uncommon specialty when you have three younger siblings. Speaking of three, three things that Georgia never seems to be short of: Peaches, Sweet Tea, and Waffles.

I hope everyone has had a pleasant week and should expect lots of new posts in the upcoming days from me!

-Leah