Mocktail night

Modern hunting style

I just can't resist a beautiful cape.

Our finest gifts we bring to lay before the King barumbabumbum

Sweater - Ann Taylor LOFT  /  Ribbon headband - J.Crew  /  Slippers - Victoria's Secret

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6

Sketches

I'm guilty of collecting shopping bags... but they can be like pieces of art!  Although it probably drives costs up, I really appreciate the imaging (wall art, window displays, mannequin styling, catalogues, etc.) that goes into a brand or store.

Sketches feel quintessentially "fashion" to me; they remind me of outfits that designers conjure up - first in their heads, then on paper in wispy elegant drawings.

Mannequin

Some pretty store displays in Virginia Highlands.

Poncho + play on patterns

The strong cerulean blues pull together the various patterns and textures into a more cohesive outfit.  Functional, comfortable, creative and cozy.

Through the looking glass

I finished all my finals on the very first day, so I went on a little adventure by myself the other day and explored Tech's campus.  The bathroom was empty so... I took advantage of the full length mirror haha, no shame.  The lighting's kind of nice, right?

I love this new jacket - it's water resistant but fits like a trench coat, plus there's a hidden hood that you can "store" in the collar, and epaulets.  The inside even has a thin fuzzy lining, so it keeps you warm but not toasty, which is great for long walks like this.

Jacket - Michael by Michael Kors  /  Jersey tunic - Ann Taylor  /  Jeggins - GAP  /  Boots - Nine West  /  Hobo bag - Mossimo Supply Co. (Target)

From a distance

La vie est faite de petits bonheurs

On me: 

ASOS Peplum Top with Color Blocking (previously mentioned here)  /  Xhilaration black jeans - Target  /  Jessica Simpson nude pumps  /  Versace pendant necklace (gift)

We had one last girl's night, since Aisha's leaving for grad school :(

Rose Byrne style

In relation to this previous post about having to slowly dress more and more like an "adult," I found that I've really liked some of Rose Byrne's more casual looks as ones that I would envision for myself in the next few years.  She always has gorgeous makeup and shiny hair, and is willing to take risks with her red carpet style.

As I've said, I love zipper details.  The boots and blazer add toughness to the minty dress.

 

One way to pull off full leopard print - in a darker jewel tone.  I really like this side ponytail too - adds a bit of youthfulness.

Covered up but not, a riskier but still tasteful party look than what I'm used to.

Looking strong with defined shoulders and pulled back hair.

This blazer still looks feminine on her.

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Image credit: Zimbio and StyleBistro

The Weekend Press

Peter has a good eye for patterns - here they're very complimentary, and you can see subtle changes of stripes throughout.  Definitely a way to add interest to professional wear.

Also, Peter and some of his friends have released a book of their artwork, photography and writing in hopes to inspire others to cultivate their creative sides and to keep working on your dreams.  Check it out at The Weekend Press!

Like autumn leaves

Feminine menswear

Big smile, big heart

Thomas was helping pack up the backpacks that had been on display for Send Silence Packing - an advocacy/awareness group for college suicide.  He was very sweet and I really liked the cheerfulness of his outfit, and of his demeanor in general.

Bundled coordination

I love how the mix of prints still goes very well together; they each follow a similar checker pattern, which is easy on the eye.  The colors yellow, blue and black are also incorporated throughout the outfit which helps.  One of the most creative layering outfits I've seen!

Selca

Hye Min's style really reflects her personality - fun, bright and bold, and a big heart.

Hipster meets Prepster

My friends Linda and Chris :)  Everyone always jokes about Linda being our class hipster, and Chris being the JCrew/Vineyard Divine model.

Linda's blazer had a beautiful tweed texture, and she broke up the menswear look with a pretty jewel necklace, colorful top and great boots.  I just smiled the moment I saw Chris wearing suspenders - he's not afraid to have fun.

OTLO - Peplums

credit: M Loves M

Peplums are a really cute trend, but I don't feel like I've been able to pull off the ones I've tried on so far.  They make me look really hip-y... but these ones might work because they're less pronounced:

A|Wear Peplum Top

This top would be great for a nice dinner, but could work for regular days if paired with a denim jacket.

 

 ASOS Peplum Shirt with Color Blocking

I really like the whimsy of this top.  I would feel like Pierrot in it.  Must wear dark skinny pants with it to balance it out.

Warehouse Lace Front Peplum Top

This doesn't have the problem of hitting and making a wrong waistline, because it's supposed to be loose.

Aimée by People Tree Organic Jersey Peplum Dress

Picture credit: ASOS

EDIT:

 My orders from ASOS arrived the other day :)  Surprisingly, they're flattering!  Will post full outfit pictures in the future.  (The one on the right is the ASOS Peplum Shirt with Color Blocking).

Walk the Line

I really liked the lines of this guy's outfit - sharp but casual on top, baggy but carefully rolled on bottom.  Plus, his socks show some fun with the upcoming winter.

Dust Bowl Dance

Andrea's fit-and-flare military style coat and wispy colored hair looked really cool against the angles of the surrounding architecture.

Style on wheels

(I realized that this was Michael again haha)

Your bicycle can be a fashion statement too!

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Oxford heels - YesStyle.com

Double stud

Paisley pencil coordination

The Day's End

Lately, I've noticed that I've been very drawn towards utility styling, such as military inspired pieces, urban/high impact footwear, and an overall classy and an even elegant toughness of sorts.

Bold color - cherry red