Ahead of the Curve

 Sorry about the lack of photos in this post, guys. It has been raining all day long here in Portland, and a lot of the photos came out blurry as a result. I woke up today and felt like wearing some items that I rarely ever wore. This white button up is something I own for the simple fact I think everybody should own one; however, I never really wear it. I decided to dress it down with leggings (also something I never wear). The look took a turn towards edgy once I slipped on this leather bomber, beanie, and Doc Martens. I forgot how much I loved this jacket. It has a fun baseball feel to me that I really like. It's so much fun when fashion takes you some place you weren't planning on headed. 

How do you like to style your basics?

White Button Down - BP@Nordstrom | Leggings - BP@Nordstrom | Socks - Aerie | Doc Marten 1460s - Dr. Marten | Leather Bomber - Urban Outfitters

Let There Be Pearls

 I received a lot of out there comparison's for this outfit. I referred to it as first as my "Sunday best", but that was quickly thrown out when I was referred to as "grunge royalty" (hello compliment!) "Old Lady meets Lumberjack" was one of the lesser exciting ones, but hey, I take what I can get! This outfit to me was very Courtney Love. If you are new to my blog, then you probably don't know how much I gravitate towards her style.

Some people might think a full on dress, tights, and pearls is a little much for a casual Sunday, but I'm a strong believer in wearing what you want when you want. This morning I woke up and felt it was a dress kind of day, and so it was.

Dress - Nordstrom | Tights - Forever21 | Jeffrey Campbell Heels - Free People | Plaid Shirt - Urban Outfitters

Lips - Benefit "Lolitint" | Eyes - Urban Decay "Naked Basics" | Nails - Essie "Devil's Advocate"

Both Ways

 Today is one of those days where I just want to do nothing. I don't usually have days where I want to dress lazy, but this outfit is probably the closest I've ever come. I bought these pants from Nordstrom the other day, and I asked my favorite sales associate there if she thought they were more lounge wear or every day wear, and she said that when they got them in they were for lounge wear but her and I agreed they could go either way. With this outfit, I decided to go a little bit of both ways. My heeled booties and blazer give the look a more "put together" feel, which compliments the sweats and boyfriend t-shirt rather well in my opinion. It's all about the balance of things in fashion. It's my favorite part.

What are a few of your favorite ways to mix and match styles?

Sweats - BP@Nordstrom | Matt's T-Shirt (Literal Boyfriend Tee!) - H&M | Booties - Dolce Vita | Boyfriend Oversize Blazer - Urban Outfitters

Lip Color - Nars Pure Matte Lipstick "Terre De Feu" | Nail Color - Butter London "444"

The Casual Geek in Me

 I love a good blazer. It's no secret. The GAP literally has like, seven versions of this blazer and I want each and every one of them. I bought this one a few weeks back because I thought it was most "fun", and I already had a few blazers in neutral colors. I love the polka dot lining, and the bright trip along the collar. I decided to keep the look casual still by pairing it with my favorite TOMS, my Bob Dylan shirt, and my glasses. Because I have glasses but normally wear contacts, wearing my glasses is an instant way to either make an outfit look a little bit more laid back (typically part of my "get gussied up" routine involves contacts > glasses.) but it also makes for a more geeky look. (I'm a geek at heart, it's true. Or am I a nerd? Maybe both.) What goes better together than nerdy glasses and a blazer? Nothing. The answer is nothing. 

 Blazer - The Gap | T Shirt - Forever21 | Jeans - The Gap | Shoes - TOMS | Glasses - Ray-Bans | Bag - Aeropostale 

Lip Color - CoverGirl Lip Smoochies "Tweet Me" | Eyes - Stila "In the Know" | Nail Color - Marc Jacob's "Nirvana"

The Blogger

 This outfit to me just screams blogger. I'm not sure what exactly about it gives me that impression, but I think the idea of classic meets quirky is a style that's present in most bloggers in some form or another. I've been thinking a lot lately about the blogging world, and discovered so many great and unique people through it. A year ago, I didn't have a hobby, but slowly but surely you guys have become my hobby. I would just like to say that I really appreciate everyone who reads and subscribes, it means a lot to me as I've been thinking more and more about taking my knowledge of fashion and combining it with my love of social networking somehow for a career. Every page view, subscriber, comment, and reader helps. I only hope that I help you in some ways as well.

That being said, blogging rules. Is there anything that you would like to see more of on this blog, or in the blogging realm in general? 

 Button Down Blouse - Nordstrom | Jeans - Anthropologie | Red Heeled Oxfords - Rampage @ Macy's | Glasses - Ray-Ban

Lip Color - Marc Jacob's "No Regrets" | Eyes - Stila "In the Light" Palette | Nail Color - Marc Jacob's "Nirvana"

XOXO,

Kenzie

"Wear something... black."

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I've posted. I feel like so much has happened in the past week or so. My mom came to visit me and we completely revamped my apartment. We didn't do as much clothes shopping as we usually do, but my apartment needed some serious help! Once it's cleaned up and just the way I want it, I planned on taking some apartment pictures for you all. As of right now, I am typing from a brand new desk set up that I am totally in love with.

Anyways, maybe because it's Halloween, or that American Horror Story is back on TV (I'm loving the new season and it's only been the first episode!), or maybe it's just the weather changing, OR maybe it's that I finally got a chance to listen to Cage the Elephant's new album, but I've been wearing all black lately. Black is always my go to color. This summer I branched out into more dresses and things with a boho feel, but now that it's getting to be fall/winter, I'm excited to sink back into my comfort zone of black on black on black, lots of layers, long sleeves, booties, etc. I've always leaned more on the side of classic clothes meets an edgy "rock" vibe. I always feel most confident in black. It looks great with everything, it looks great on everyone, and it's a color that looks good in bulk!

What are some of your favorite colors to wear? What things have been inspiring your wardrobe?

Booties - Dolce Vita | Leather Leggings - BP@Nordstrom | Black Button Up - BP@Nordstrom | Necklace - Elizabeth Jewelery

Stuff I Like Saturday: The Sopranos

I'm not sure if any of my readers watch the Sopranos but it's a show that my family watched when I was growing up. I was too young to watch it when it was first coming out, but I have fond memories of trying to be sneaky and catch a scene or two when I should have been sleeping. My dad is full Italian and grew up in New York city, so I love rewatching it now that I'm older and able to understand what's going on - Not that my dad was in the mafia, but just the words, accents, foods... It reminds me of my dad!

The Sopranos isn't necessarily a show I watch for the fashion value. They all dress very "rich" and gotti, but I think it's fun to take styles and inspiration from unexpected sources and trying to make them work in a way that you find interesting. I chose four characters and picked pieces that I thought best communicated their personalities and styles. In order, I've made collages for Tony Soprano, his wife Carmella, his nephew Christopher, and Christopher's girlfriend Adrianna. 

Tony Soprano

Tony Soprano's style is very classic and casual. He dresses a lot like my grandfather did actually, in nice slacks, loafers, and gold watches. He wears a lot of t-shirts and turtlenecks as well. I thought that the paper bag shorts and pants made a perfect "girly"-er take on Tony Soprano's all American gangster look. 

Carmella Soprano

Carmella's style is much more reserved when compared to other women on the show. She's the stay at home mom, and though she is married to a mob boss, it doesn't show in her attire! Carmella is always well put together, and out of all the characters in the show, I think she's the only one who really experiments with color! Always well accessorized with fancy diamonds and pearls, Carmella's style can be described as the classic "classy woman". 

Christopher Moltisanti

Christopher Moltisanti is my favorite character, both because of his personality and his style. He's the youngest of the Soprano clan (aside from the stooges who don't really count in my opinion!) Despite his age, he probably dresses the most classic and old school when it comes to mafia attire. Though he's in the occasional stereotypical of New Jersey running suit, more often than not and especially when doing business, Christopher is in three piece suits, shiny leather shoes, classic black fedoras, and gold accents. He even dabbles in colored tuxedos, though always opting for darker colors. This collage was the most fun to make because of his old school mobster style!

Adriana La Cerva

Adriana La Cerva is my other favorite character, but definitely not because of her style. Adriana is gotti, dramatic, and outlandish when it comes to fashion. Always in the highest heels, the longest nails, and the most jewelry, her style is often a little too much for me! I thought it was fun to try to downplay that outlandishness in this collage. Her massive sex appeal is often a huge part of her dress, but so is being a classy Italian woman. I thought body con dresses would be appropriate for her classy meets sexy style, as well as the dramatic red, gold, black and purple palette.

Do you guys have any TV inspirations when it comes to fashion?