Bartles and James didn't need first names

      It's funny how change happens despite things continuing along a normal path of habit and ritual. Although many changes are in process in my life, my daily routine is trenched in determination to complete my thesis as the first step of many toward progress and growth in my life. As obvious as this activity may seem, I can feel my state of mind and ways of thinking adapting to my new environment. In trying not to lose it and continue working on my writing as I've been for months and months, thoughts of the coming new year have sneaked into my consciousness despite my efforts for things to remain on the same trajectory. Needless and simply said, I'm focusing on doing the work it takes to improve and to be a more active producer, rather than a passive observer. 

Thrifted Vintage Dress, Cardi- Pac Sun, Blazer- Kohls, Shoes- Michael Kors

May your lion lay with the lamb under electric lights

You're the only thing that keeps me true

Button Down- Hurley, Top- Tulle c/o Double Dutch Boutique, Thrifted Coat- Nautica
Thrifted Skirt, Tights- Simply Vera Wang, Socks- Anne Klein, Shoes- Name Brand
Exchange, Belt- from another shirt, Gifted Purse

My first rodeo

      This jacket is my first piece of Pendleton, and I surprisingly found it on the east coast. I've picked up two Pendleton jackets since moving back and they were priced so low! I don't think the thrift store knew what they had. In Arizona, they are obviously an in-demand commodity. This sweater is a little kooky, but I love the kitschyness of it and I know I'll have fun wearing it different ways.

Thrifted Vintage Jacket- Pendleton, Thrifted Vintage Skirt, Gifted Vintage Purse,
Thrifted Tights, Socks- Vans, Thrifted Vintage Shoes

Half in shadow

      We decided to check out a Sal Val in Jamestown I've never visited. We were out that way because we promised Ma we would decorate her tree. It's a cool store in a crazy retro commercial space, the type with low 120 degree (basically the opposite of steep) gables and all glass store front. I didn't find much there. They did, however, have an ideal tweed 60s modern arm chair in really good condition for $25. We didn't think it would fit in the car; otherwise we would've scooped it up before the other person who bought it during the hour we were there. Thrifting and decorating was the perfect way to spend this gorgeous sun shiny day!

Thrifted Flannel- O'Neill, Thrifted Cardi- Standard Cloth, Skirt- Calvin Klein, Thrifted
Earrings and Tights, Thrifted- Scarf- Target, Shoes- Nordstrom

All the boys say

      All I was thinking with this one was layers and menswear. The keys for me with masculine inspired style is complimentary patterns and loose fitting pants.

Thrifted Oxford, Thrifted Sweater- Volcom, Jacket- Buffalo Exchange, Swapped
Pants, BF's Scarf- Old Navy, Thrifted Loafers- Talbots

Fights problems with bigger problems

      Wow! I completely forgot I had this coat packed away. A sweet old woman who lives in my Gramma's neighborhood gave it to me. It belonged to her sister who is a fashionable New Yorker. Having this coat in active rotation in my wardrobe makes me giddy. I think fur is the ultimate in style and function- it is so warm! As you can see, it is getting chilly here.

Swapped Sweater and Vintage Vest, Jeans- Level 99, Gifted Vintage Coat,
Thrifted Socks, Shoes- Michael Kors

I wish

      Here are some things I spotted at Gabriel Brothers while I was out Christmas shopping. 'Tis the season to give unto others, so I took a lot of passes. I've purchased most of my gifts, but it's still fun to look!

Oh so versatile lace turtleneck

Ah-mazing high waisted trousers.

Sweet UO button front apron skirts

A too cute Tulle track jacket. $8?!

Wanted modish buckle oxfords for $8.

Patent, wingtip slippers with tassel!

You love is a mirror

      Today, I was inspired by this post on Style by Santina. Her idea to revive an awkward sweater by layering it over a turtleneck worked wonders in my wardrobe. I had this swapped cowl neck that I could never see myself wearing because the neck is too deep and the fit is too baggy, but I've been waiting for an opportunity to wear my new-to-me thrifted leopard turtleneck and this was it. See Santina's look below, then mine.

Thrifted Turtleneck, Swapped Sweater, Coat- Kohls, Skirt- UO, Gifted Necklace,
Belt- c/o Double Dutch Boutique, Thrifted Tights and Boots

The Knot

      My outfit was inspired by a silly reviewing of the Starsky and Hutch movie. I can't help but laugh at the ridiculousness! But I didn't expect to find outfit inspo in this goofy remake. The basic idea for me was a knotted shirt over high waisted pants. So... Carmen Electra's outfit in this scene.

Thrifted Vintage Shirt, Thrifted Trench- NY&Co, Jeans- UO, Shoes- Bass, Gifted
Purse, Necklace- DIY from Bracelet

P.S. Who does not want the bathrobe style, Aztec print knit
lifted from the show that Ben Stiller rocks in the movie?

Riot

T-Shirt- Hot Topic, Jacket- F21, Thrifted Skirt- Simply Vera Wang, Gifted Vintage
Over the Knee Boots, Gifted Purse

The House of Mystery

Gifted Vintage Blouse- Express, Mohair Sweater- Gap, Swapped Vintage Jacket,
Jeans- UO, Boots- Dr. Martens, Hat- Gap, Collar Points- DIY, Thrifted VIntage
Purse- Liz Claiborne

We are not two; we are one

      I have had this leather skirt in my closet forever and I am so glad they are in style again. I always have fun dressing up with it and finding new surprising ways to pair it in an outfit. Today I chose a big chunky cable knit to wear with it.

Swapped Sweater- Old Navy, Thrifted Vintage Leather Skirt, Coat- UO, Hat- Gap,
Thrifted Vintage Scarf, Socks- Gabriel Brothers, Thrifted Vintage Shoes

Fifty Words for Snow

      I consciously made this outfit transitional from fall to winter. Fall was always so obvious and flattering for me. The colors look great with my complexion and I built my outfits around them and the necessary layers to stay warm as the mercury dropped. Winter outfits, however in my mind, have more blurry boundaries from fall and even spring. Some things I definitely turn to as staples in the snowy season are cozy knits, icy pastels in shades of blue, pink, and green, and the holy trinity of scarf, gloves, and hat.

Thrifted Vintage Fur Stole and Blouse, Vest- Kohls, Swapped Corduroys, Thrifted
Vintage Purse- Liz Claiborne, Gifted Military Issue Belt, Desert Boots-
Steve Madden, Borrowed Hairbow, Handmade Tourist Necklace