Jewelry Box: Newest Additions

In addition to elegant, sophisticated, and classic, I love quirky jewelry because it's an effortless way to spice up a nonchalant outfit.  I'm especially partial to earrings, and recently I came across a few pairs I just couldn't live without.

A good friend of mine spent some time in Japan, and got me interested Japanese fashion.  These Harajuku Lovers earrings are so charming, I had to have them.  I found them at Nordstrom Rack - that place is dangerous for me.

I found these at one of the booths at an art festival in Cherry Creek.  The guy makes really interesting jewelry out of recycled and natural materials.  I found this pair fascinating, and they remind me of fearlessly following your dreams because they sort of look like little compasses.  Also, there's the thrill of knowing that no one else has a pair exactly like them.  I can't remember the artist's name, but I have his business card somewhere...his stuff would make really unique gifts!

On My Radar: Late Summer/Early Fall 2011

 Maybe I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, but autumn is my favorite season other than winter, and I can never wait to shop for new fall clothes.  Whether seen on the streets and envied, already in my closet but I just can't have too many, or a new obsession, these are the top items I can't wait to flaunt for the rest of the summer and into fall.

1. THE BODYCON SKIRT

Urban Outfitters

So versatile and flattering - I can't get enough of the curve-hugging silhouette.  As cute with a cozy, chunky sweater as with a slinky tank top or slouchy t-shirt, it's one of my favorite summer-to-fall transition pieces.

2. THE CHUNKY SWEATER

bluefly.com

Fall is my favorite season, and cozy oversize knits bring to mind crunching through fallen leaves and the smoky smell that's always in the air.  I have an oversize cable-knit crewneck that I love, but the weight of this one leaves freedom for layering.  Also, the cut wakes up any outfit - skirts, jeans, or leggings.

3. BOHO ACCESSORIES

pinkmascara.com

The perfect accessories for creating a carefree, effortless vibe.  Since it's not my style to go head-to-toe Woodstock, I'll pair feathered earrings, necklaces, and headbands with edgier pieces like skinny jeans, bodycon skirts (another favorite), or pumps.  I think it would create a really cool "West Side bohemian with money" look.

4. ROMANTIC VINTAGE DETAILS

For the reckless dreamer who believes in fairytale endings.  I love accessories like cameo pendants because they can be used to bring a touch of vintage charm to a casual outfit or to complete a vibe of ethereal romance.  Other details I love are ruffles, lace, and soft colors like pink and cream.  I actually have an antique cameo pendant that belonged to my grandmother, and I think it might be real ivory.  I've been meaning to get it re-set in gold and get a long chain for it.

5. THE RIDING BOOT

A little softer than tough-girl motorcycle boots, this classic style still lends conviction to any outfit.  They blend as seamlessly with ultra-feminine skirts and dresses as with chunky knits, crisp blazers, and cardigans.  I love using boots to transition my slouchy t-shirts and miniskirts from summer to fall.  I'm especially partial to this style since I used to ride horses, and I love the timeless sophistication of the English riding dress.

6. THE ARTFUL PUMP

Urban Outfitters

A creatively-shaped heel turns the classic shoe into a work of art.  I'm lusting after a velvet pair in a rich jewel tone, but I have yet to find the perfect ones.  But I'll never say no to suede.  A straight chunky heel would be cute, too.  I already have a pair with similarly-shaped heels in patent leather with peep toes, but the last time I checked, there was no such thing as too many pairs of high heels.

7. THE BOLD T-SHIRT

Urban Outfitters

Whether topped with a "Don't mess with me" saying like this one, a favorite rocker, or a gritty urban graphic, girlie girls need not apply.  Used to toughen any outfit and send the message that the wearer is unapologetically streetwise.  I love the slouchy cut of this particular tee, and the "ALCOHOL CAFFEINE NICOTINE" saying would be perfect for rough days, but since I don't really smoke or drink, I'm not sure if wearing it would be lame false advertising on my part.  Personally, I would love a shirt with Bob Dylan on it, since he's one of my major artistic influences.  I also love t-shirts and tank tops with softer, artful watercolor prints and the like, but I consider them a separate category.

Did I Mention I Like to Shoot in Weird Places?

There are these tunnels on the edges of campus that bike paths run through, and the light filters through them in such a cool way that I just had to get some shots in one of them.  I love the black-and-white effects on some of the shots!  The skirt was kind of impractical for a lot of movement, but then I've never prided myself on being practical.

Perfect Summer Day Outfit

I'm loving bohemian accessories for late summer and early fall.  I can't get enough of the bodycon skirt/slouchy tee silhouette, and gladiator sandals are the ballet flats of summer for me - they go with everything!  Maybe I'm a little behind on the boho trend, but hey, I live in Boulder - I feel like that sort of vibe never goes out here.

The Fashion Buzz: 2.0

I finally have time to devote to my blog now that I'm finished with classes for the rest of the summer.  I found a photographer who is helping me out, so that will be a major part of my blog from now on!  I'm so excited to revamp it and really get it going.

This outfit was inspired by a friend of mine.  She was wearing a similar outfit and riding an old cruiser bike on campus.  She looked incredibly hipster and fresh, but still casual and effortless.  I love sweaters and leggings, and the sneakers my friend was wearing looked so cute that she made me want some, and I've never been a huge sneaker person.  The CU Boulder campus is so gorgeous, I just had have some shots taken on it.  I had so much fun climbing on the staircase!  I wish I had a pink sparkly cruiser bike, but oh well.

Sweater: Anthropologie. Sneakers: Urban Outfitters. Flower: The Icing.

This photograph doesn't showcase the outfit as well, but my new photographer put such a cool effect on it that I had to put it up.

Shout-out to my awesome new photographer Brian Wolf for his awesome camera work!

Breaking the Shopping Fast

After a nearly two-month-long dry spell with no shopping (shocking for me, but my bank account was hurting) I refreshed my summer wardrobe with a few new pieces.  It's good to be back!

Earrings & ring from Betsey Johnson.  I can never get enough of her quirky, feminine confections!

Bra from Elle Macpherson & panties from Honeydew Intimates.  As every fashionista knows, what you wear on the outside is important, but what you wear underneath is crucial.

Sweater from Anthropologie.  I love comfy, flowy knits, and I was in need of some lightweight ones for summer.

Style Inspiration: Taylor Swift

As anyone who loves fashion knows, sources of style inspiration are endless.  One of my new favorites is Miss Taylor Swift.  She's surprised me by making a name for herself as a fashion icon as well as a talented singer.  I love how urban her style is; in my mind, she's redefining the limits of country-star fashion.  I found a slideshow that has some of her best street-style moments; some of my personal favorites are below. 

A chunky-knit beanie has become one of her signature pieces.  You know when you see someone with such fabulous style that they make you want an item you've never thought to buy before?  Well, now I want a beanie.

I love the nautical vibe of this look.  Plus, I always favor swingy miniskirts.

The sunny beanie, the chic coat, the high-heeled Oxfords - this look is all-around perfect.

This outfit is a great lesson in how to wear an oversized knit without looking schlumpy.

Another darling ruffled, swishy skirt.  This outfit has an updated-schoolgirl look to it that I love.  It's just posh and perfect.

Bombshell.  Enough said.

T-Swift can pull off monochromatic, which is tough in my opinion but looks awesome if you get it right.  It would work even without the cute splash of red - need I point out that there's that beanie again?

Source for all photos:
http://wonderwall.msn.com/#!wallState=0__%2Fmusic%2Fstreet-style-taylor-swift-12585.gallery%3FphotoId%3D52710