THE CASUAL MIX

 Lately I've been very into mixing casual items with dressy pieces, and I advise you to give it a shot! In this post today I'll tell you how I've gone about it, and in general, how to construct outfits thoughtfully and successfully:

 I'm really enjoying my new job working in a resale clothing shop...when I'm given the task to dress mannequins for display it's like I'm given the world's largest closet to stand in and choose from..all of the items are different...and sometimes it feels impossible to even begin to focus.  In my own closet the numbers are less substantial, but present a fun challenge all the same.  Creating something new from an existing wardrobe is exciting, and honestly sometimes more thrilling than adding new pieces to it.  I think the best way to start constructing an outfit is by picking one piece you really want...dedicate your outfit around it and know where you (or your model/mannequin) are going in it.  Today I picked this "ancient" Arcade Fire, Neon Bible T-shirt.  It's nice and graphic and as a slimmer fit it's easier to work with dressier items and I knew I wanted to look somewhat dressed up for work today.

Step two for this look was a bottom...although I tend to drift from the task at hand and go straight for shoes...creating the core for your outfit is the best way to add to it.  Pairing this khaki skater skirt with the t-shirt felt right, and in a cotton fabric it didn't feel too over-the-top (*be sure to make sure your textures and fabrics make sense because if they contrast too much the pieces will just be confusing unless you are willing to REALLY own it).  Knowing from previous outfit constructing in my wardrobe, I knew I liked to wear my black knee-high socks with this skirt...and for the unpredictable weather here they were a nice way to balance weather that's "not too hot & not too cold." I finished the look with my beat up grey Docs that echo back to the grungey idea of a band tee and the skater cut of a skirt.

I Dream Versace

Upon my fear of the postal service losing another package here at my apartment & my strange ability to only buy a few accessories when downtown, I honestly hadn't bought a new item of clothing since the move to Chicago....until this week!  I've recently started working at a resale shop in Wicker Park that focuses mostly on contemporary fashions.  Given duties that require me to see these items multiple times a day, be it helping man the dressing rooms or straightening racks...I find myself keeping an eye on a couple of items while trying to simultaneously resist the urge to actually put them on hold for myself.  There were two things this week however that I would have fought to the death for...one being these vintage Versace pants:

I MELTED when I first came upon them

Although I wish for a slightly more tapered pant or one with a bit longer to cuff, I am so glad I spent a whopping $9.50 on these bad boys.  When considering how to wear, I was a little stumped at how to pull the look together...but obviously I think simple was the best option.  Being that they aree such a statement in and of themselves I opted for a loose chiffon tank top -tucked in- and a simple pair of black heels.

LET'S GO PARTY

Today's post is all about my dreams and aspirations and ultimately my apparent desire to stay a little girl forever.  Inspired by the toy I always wanted as a child- the lifesize toy jeep is still my dream car...but you know, it'd be a real car.  I can just picture it; me and my favorite boy (my german shepherd- lab mix Boo Radley) cruising down the streets of LA or Miami in a lavender Jeep with white roll bars. Wouldn't that just be the most kawaii thing?  Alas, I'll have to settle for some Barbie colored nails for the moment.

Polish:

1. Cream Pink (152) - Sinful Colors

2. Teal (564) - L.A. Colors

3. Lavender/On a Trip (213C)- Wet 'n Wild Megalast

DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?

Greetings, earthlings!  Hope all is well!  Today I thought I would post about one of my favorite ways of accessorizing: the "wear a watch as an anklet" look. (Is there any way to say it that sounds more sophisticated?)  I can't stake claim to this beautiful idea, but I'm a whole-hearted fan & avid user of it.  As I've mentioned Style on the Hill before, this fabulous idea came from a time on the blog prior to it's revamp, a time long long ago in a far off land...one street style girl on campus obviously knew what was up.  Unfortunately, being so far back in the archives, I'm not sure the post even exists to use as reference but all I can say is,  "thank you girl whoever you were!"

Although completely impractical in a watch's actual function, it works.  I love the way of re-inventing and re-using items for unintended purposes.  I even got a hearty chuckle & a "girl, is that a watch?" out of it from a lovely rotund, black woman in passing when I was walking around downtown a few weeks ago while sporting the watch anklet.

Another thing I love is this muscle tee dress I got for cheaps at H&M this summer.  The first week I owned it, I didn't take it off (i.e.- 7 entire days & no real desire to actually stop except for the fact that friends had started to notice and worry about my well-being and sanity).  Alas, we all have those moments! Right?

Anyway, to make the look complete I decided that if I'm being weird with this watch thing, why not draw all the attention there with some shear polka dots socks and my slick black & gold booties.  I also tend to wear shorts under dresses because I'm a 6 year old, and to give the look a bit of color I chose some shiny pink spandex biker shorts from AA.

thanks for reading! xx Alex

TOMBOY TUES: A TRIBUTE

  
Today I completely and totally dedicate this post to one of my amazing friends, Sabrina Liedtke.  Late last week she was in a serious accident and broke more than a fair share of bones.  She's currently going through surgeries but thankfully a full recovery is expected--keep my lady in your thoughts and prayers, please.  As Sabrina has been on my mind and heart, I thought of the times I spent with her and it was all due to working on Style on the Hill, a street style blog at the University of Kansas she founded.  If I haven't mentioned it prior to now, I don't know how not--S.O.T.H. consumed a lot of my "free" time last year during school, but I was so excited and honored to get to be a part of it and I became great friends with a lovely group of talented individuals.  Starting in January, Sabs decided to do a weekly post entitled Tomboy Tuesdays and not long after I began shooting her looks with her for every week.  We spent a lot of time together running around throwing looks together and finding locations (most of which were random peoples yards and porches :)  Tomboy Tuesdays was great because I could totally relate, as many, I think, can.  I was the girl who had two older brothers and who wanted to desparately be as cool as I thought they were, I loved hot wheels and making mud pies and dolls were something foreign to me.  I played softball since I was 9, and every other sport in between.  I loved it, and I miss it; but thankfully I have the ability to live vicariously as my little tomboy self still through my wardrobe every now and again.

 

       

This past weekend it's been pretty dreary in the windy city, and I am by no means complaining.  It gives me an excuse to drink too much coffee in a day and never take off my slippers.  As a newly employed woman of the work force once again after a month hiatus (hoorah!) I decided I would maybe see if I could trick out my wardrobe a tiny bit for some new threads.  On my little trip downtown I realized two things: 

1. I am way too damn picky when it comes to clothes

2. This is probably a good thing

Nonetheless, I did end up bringing home a lovely piece to add to my ever-growing accessory collection (the one area of my wardrobe that I DON'T under any circumstances need to expand). But whatever, doesn't this felted dark green leopard print cap from H&M look super baller?  To answer my rhetorical question---YES.  In previous experience, however, I've had trouble even beginning to think about how to style hats, and to be honest this one was a doozey.  Thanks to my lovely Tomboy Tuesday references & Sabrina's tips and tricks though I forged on and delved deep into my closet.   I think I eventually made a successful enough look that hopefully makes me look effortlessly cool.  It's always a weird balancing act but it's a fun challenge, you just have to be willing to experiment!

The look: Mesh Button-Up Hoodie, Goodwill Lawrence, KS ($2-3)

Grey Basic Open-Back Cotton Dress, H&M (under $10)

Camo-Leopard Print Cap, H&M ($13)

Finish the look with something girly, like a light pink lip--

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (015, Cherish Devotion)

Check out www.styleonthehill.com for past Tomboy Tuesday stories and many more interesting street style photos of the beautiful people of Lawrence, KS

TRYING JUST HARD ENOUGH...

Although I enjoy dressing up and "going out" I find myself more often than not, in nice jeans, chelsea boots, and a simple top.  Last night I made it out to a show at Lincoln Hall here in Chicago, and didn't want to look like I was trying too hard...you know? YOU KNOW.  I struggle with this dilemma I like to call-- trying to look like you're not trying too hard but like you're actually still trying enough--.  Basically I just want look too cool to care; that this cool essence just happens because I'm irrevocably cool (too bad my awkward presence and lack of skill in interacting with other humans in public offsets all of this).  Still, I made the attempt and felt successful.  By using simple pieces that already had special details to them, it made my life easy, breezy, beautiful and I love when a fuzzy cheetah print purse on a gold chain goes with an outfit because most often...it doesn't.

Also, if you've kept up on reading my previous posts this last week or so, I am happy to announce that I've accepted a job offer.  I will be working in Wicker Park at Crossroads Trading Company-- if you're in Chicago bring me in some Marc Jacobs and we'll strike up a deal :)

XX,

 Alex

Malibu Barbie x Lara Croft

Hello, and welcome to my favorite outfit.  We all have our go-to outfits, even if that means a pair of jeans and a white tee, but this summer I found a favorite pairing that was a little louder than your set of basics--but just as easy to throw on and go.  A small black cap-sleeve shirt, loose palm tree print shorts, and ankle-strap sandals and I'm out the door feeling like I can still easily take over the world--

Maybe it's mixing of the ponytail and short shorts with sunglasses, a palm tree print and lots of pink but I feel like this look is where Lara Croft meets Malibu Barbie. AND WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN THAT!??!!!

                       

Orange lipstick is also something I dared to venture into this summer, and although VERY VERY skeptical as a redhead, I was surprised to immediately fall in love.  With this look, I think it compliments the blue hues nicely and with a simple pony & pretty basic face of makeup it adds some extra flavor to the casualness of the look.

DEETS--  Palm Tree Print Dolphin Shorts: Forever21

Django Sunglasses: ZeroUV

Pointed Toe Sandals: Zara

Lipstick: Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids, Electric Orange