What Year Is It?

 It's 2016! 

Hey everyone! So much has happened since I lasted posted; my blog has been sorely neglected over the past few months. I promise I have a good excuse though - I graduated college last month! The weeks leading up to my graduation and portfolio show (the Art Institutes require a finished portfolio for graduation) were hectic. I got, on average, about 3-4 hours of sleep every night, spent more time at FedEx than any normal person should (and spent a fortune in printing costs), and lived on my computer. I was seriously at the point where I couldn't close my eyes after a while because my eye lids would flicker like I was still looking at a computer screen! 

Despite the busyness though, life has been going so great. My boyfriend Eric and I have some big plans moving into the new year, that I'm excited to share with you all! I'll be doing a much better job at keeping my Instagram updated as well. :) I'm so excited to have time again to do what I love, which brings me to my New Years Resolution - doing what I want! I'm one of those people who let's other peoples' feelings and thoughts influence my own all too often, so my focus on 2016 is going to be to be as selfish as I need. But that's a lot harder than it sounds! 

Instinct

When I put on this outfit, I was doubtful. I wasn't sure if it was flattering or a hot mess, if it was angelic or stupid, or if it was a fashion score or an epic fail. To tell you the truth, I'm still not sure, but I can tell you that after going with my gut and looking at these pictures now, I'm glad I decided on this bold outfit, rather than some of the safer versions I had on before my little photo shoot. It just goes to show, style is only a matter of instinct. 

Band of Gypsies Maxi | Similar Cheekies

Intrinsic

 There's something so essential about being outside. I'm from a place where you take two steps out the front door and you're in the wild, so going to parks and walking on pavement are newer experiences to me, that I sometimes have to work hard to enjoy. Though, no matter where I go, the sky never changes - And there's something about a sunny sky that calls for a pretty skirt and a little bare skin. It's only natural.

Similar Skirt | Eclipse Brami | Dr. Martens 1460s

Blended

Lately my life has been a blur of working on finals and rewatching Girls. As you can imagine, that hadn't left much time for taking blog pictures. I'm going to try to be better about that. Bet you've never heard that one from a fashion blogger before! 

Despite the stressors of school and the relationship turmoil among Hannah and her pals, I'm feeling pretty optimistic. I am planning on moving back to Alaska with my wonderful boyfriend after graduation (which is only 8ish months away)! Also, this term I took a class called Writing for Fashion and though I hated actually going to the class, I loved blending my love of words and fashion. I might see about creating a career for myself somewhere between the worlds of writing and style, but of course, that might just be my plan this month. 

I guess I should say a bit about my outfit. I love this top but struggled with it because I don't really like wearing just tank tops under things and typically loathe wearing bras. However, this bra from Victoria's Secret was super easy to wear underneath it, because the light colors blended in just enough but not too much. Also trying the whole literal-boyfriend-boyfriend-jean thing again, and one thing I can say is that it's super convenient to have such deep pockets.

Nike Suede Vintage Sneakers | Eric's Jeans | T-Back Bra (Similar) | Nordstrom Peter Pan Top

Light Rail Coyote

Sometimes waking up in the morning turns into a stressful affair, usually on the mornings I have class and don't want to deal with other human beings. (Ha! Every day, right?) Except today was Sunday, I had no class, and humans were somewhat optional. 

It's been one of my goals this last year to spend less money, partially because it's a nasty habit (yeah, right. Like I believe that.) and because I have none (more valid). What I've learned from this experience of spending less money so far, is that we can sometimes be total lazy asses when it comes to fashion. While a fat wallet helps with style, and I would like a fat wallet very much, I've had fun forcing myself to get creative with pieces I haven't used to their full potential. Even though this outfit here is really simple, it's still functional and stylish. The best part is I've never worn it before, and nothing makes me more ready to kick the day's ass--er.. I mean, have a killer day than wearing something 'new'. 

501 Boomtown Denim Cutoffs | Cropped Knit @ Nordstrom | J. Crew New Balance (Similar Here) | Free People Hat

Don't Stop Me Now

My mom has a pair of ridiculous, old-school white Reebok sneakers that she wears around the house when she's needing motivation to clean up and get things done. She calls them her "magic shoes". I won't lie; she endured years of ridicule from me because of these shoes. But I think I get it now - My Jeffrey Campbell lace ups make me feel powerful, like I can't and won't be stopped! They're my magic shoes, and I can't believe I didn't realize what that term meant until now. With that information, my message today for you all is this; wear your magic shoes. No matter how tall, how obnoxious, how expensive or inexpensive, or how ridiculous. Life is too short to wear anything less than what makes you feel unstoppable. 

Side note: I'm really excited about all my recent blog changes, including a new blog title and layout! I hope you enjoy the changes as well. Thanks for sticking with me. <3

Truly Madly Deeply Moon Dreams Tee | Minimal Lace Up Heel | BDG Twig High Rise Jean | Galloon Lace Halter Bra | H&M Hat

Good Omen

Omen; a sign of prophetic significance. 

I personally believe in this sort of thing. My mom always told me growing up that there are messages for us everywhere, if we're willing to listen. Because of this little nugget that was imbedded into my little brain, I've always tried to be acutely aware of the universe's messages for me. Lately, I feel like I've been getting a lot of them. There's something extremely gratifying and reassuring about letting yourself believe the universe is on your side; that it is a presence at all. I won't share the larger issues in my life where I've received my omens, or 'little messages' as I call them, but I thought I would share a smaller, sillier one with you all. I bought this sweater for a couple of reasons...
A. I needed a really cozy turtleneck. (Note: "needed" is a relative term, always, when discussing my spending habits.)
And B. When I saw this one, though it was a little pricier than I had hoped, I had to buy it. It's called the Dylan Tweedy Turtle neck. As you know if you've been a follower of my blog for a while, or my Instagram, I am a huge Bob Dylan fan. So is my dad; my parents even named my brother Dylan. Of course this sweater was meant to be in my life. There's no other explanation! I must own it, the universe wills it so!

At least, that's what I'm choosing to believe.

FP. Dylan Tweedy Pullover | BDG Jeans (Similar Here)

Lithium

I am so excited to finally have a bit of Brandy Melville in my life. I have spent many hours trolling the Brandy website, filling my cart with practically one of everything. I love the laid back, 90s-esque aesthetic that their store and clothing has. This embroidered top was one of my must have items that I couldn't delete out of the cart when time came to finalize my purchases, and I don't regret that decision at all. I can think of so many different ways to wear it, and with fall coming up, it's going to be the perfect bad ass piece for layering plaids and cardigans. I bought a few other items, which I'm sure you'll be seeing soon, but one of my favorite pieces is the "fuck you" necklace. It's kind of perfect.

Have you ever bought anything from Brandy Melville?

Jennah SHAKA Embroidery Top - Brandy Melville | 1460 Boots - Dr. Martens | Tartan Plaid Skater Skirt - Forever21 | 'Fuck You' Necklace - Brandy Melville