She’s So Fancy: Kristie

Meet Kristie, my fellow painter and extremely stylish friend. We even have the same boots, and often come to class matching. #twinsies

Here are some facts about her:

-She has the greatest collection of thrift shop flannels. I envy her ability to find so many. You can never really have enough flannels and thrift shops are the perfect place to find what I like to call “real” flannels.

– She cannot live without pizza or cosmetics.  Preach girl!

-She is a list maker. So pen and planner is a must have at all times.

-Her fashion influences come from the underground fashion blogger scene, those bloggers that should be known, or will be known. Their Instagrams are banging, as Kristie would put it.

Kristie’s style is clean and polished with a boho flair. Simple shapes and styles paired with one of kind pieces give her day to day looks a classic edge. I often find myself having extreme closet envy.  Girl’s got style.

    

Fierce right? Kristie is sporting fall in an oversized tweed coat, with summer’s favorite sundress peaking out, tights and warm socks. Leather Chelsea boots, and feather felt hat complete the look.  This look is effortlessly cool.

 

 

To see more looks from Kristie follow her on Instagram here 

To get Kristie’s look: Coat Free People/ Boots Urban Outfitters/ Slip free people/

 

Pattern Play

As, dare I say it, snow begins to fall on the east coast it is time to think in layers, layers and more layers. Layers provide so many opportunities to take risks and channel your inner “bag lady” if you know what I mean. Patterns are what can turn the outfit from verging on eskimo to fashionable.

Mixing a bold pattern with more subtle one for example, a striped crop with this geo print cardi, can pull together a visually interesting outfit.

side note: isn’t this street gorgeous? Take yourself out in a great outfit and go explore new paths.

            

 

 

 

 

 

   

For those colder nights,  throw on a coat with some fur, and chunky scarf (Tyra says models need neck, but clearly she hasn’t been outside in November, the bigger the scarf, the better).  A beanie helps to. And for those really cold days, use sweat pants for traveling purposes. They have helped me get place to place under a skirt.

To get this look and many other fall ready looks check out my Free People Me page here 

To get Jhows look: Cardigan Free People / Crop top Urban Outfitters/ Skirt Urban Outfitters/ Scarf Urban Outfitters/ Beanie Free People/ Socks Free People

Don’t be afraid to layer on those patterns.

 

 

Fall Layers

Layers are essential to any fall look as the weather gets nippy (its my favorite weather). Tights, sweaters, knee high socks, hats, gloves, scarf, and boots can all be components of one outfit.  The key is to consider the length of the garments you are layering and what goes on top.

Moments like this can really keep the shivers away. Layering a maxi cardigan under a jean jacket paired with plaid twill pants and a beanie is a perfect outfit for spectating those late night soccer games. My sister is also doing it right with statement patchwork pants, fuzzy boots, sweater under a fleece jacket and beanie to keep those ears nice and toasty.

For those warmer fall days I paired the same maxi cardigan with a wool dress and knee high socks. If the temperature drops add some tights under the socks and a coat to add some extra warmth.

(A statement necklace is a good idea for any outfit).

Going on a nature walk in October? No problem.  Throw on a beanie, flannel shirt and jean jacket over your favorite lace dress and leggings. Paired with some hiking boots and you’re off on that hike in style.

 

So there you have it. Layer, layer layer. It’s the perfect way to show off all your favorite pieces in one  look. This trend can easily be taken into weather by you guessed it, adding MORE layers. Though, Im not quite ready for that yet.

To find pieces like the ones seen here check out Free People and Urban Outfitters for inspiration.

Autumn Attire

 

Fall is here and Plaid is back folks, and better than ever! With the weather cooling down, and the leaves changing colors, it’s time to talk fall. This year, Clean lines, free flowing tops, and black chelsea boots are a great foundation so you can layer on those accessories.  Fall is all about layers, layers and more layers. Grab you’re favorite dark colored pieces and layer with some light neutrals and you will be on par with the current fall trends.

      

 

 

Ox blood, mustard, emerald green, and deep earth tones are in this time of year, along with taupe, and white to keep the mood light and fresh.

 

 

Fall this year is about taking it back to the basics, with clean lines, simple silhouettes mixed in with statement, patterned pieces.

   

 

To get Jhow’s look: Boots Urban Outfitters / Pants Free People/ Tee Urban Outfitters / Necklace Free People/ Hat Free People/ Sunglasses Free People/

Photos by the ever fabulous Curtis Mason.

 

Wedding Attire

I have the hardest time picking out outfits for weddings. And with wedding  season in full swing  I am left with several questions. Is it casual? Fancy? What colors are used in the wedding theme? Am I wearing the same color as the bridesmaids? All valid questions when picking you wedding attire.

There are three easy ways to pick out wedding attire:

1. Look at the invite. Usually invitations reveal the type of event your attending. The location of the event speaks to the kind of event it it, fancy or more casual. The invitations are usually done in the theme colors the Bride and Groom are using, so you can stay away from wearing the same colors as the bridal party.

2. Layer. Especially if its an outdoor wedding layers are alway good. Pair one of your more formal dresses with a casual jacket. That way you can gage the event when you get there and remove the jacket if needed.

3. Pack light. Always bring a small purse with only the necessities. Don’t forget the lipsticks so you can reapply.

Here’s the approach I took:

I paired my favorite formal dress with a jean jacket, and heeled boots. Add some more daring accessories such as a flower crown and bold necklace to keep it fresh and unique to your personal style.

 

         

 

 

To get Jhow’s look: Dress Ruche/ Flower Crown Flower Crown Society / Jacket Urban Outfitters / Boots Free People/ Necklace Anne Tailor Loft. 

Show me your favorite wedding looks.

Flower Crown

A few weeks back I order the most adorable crown from the Flower Crown Society. check out their Etsy here. They have the most adorable so I decided to show it off.

          

   

 

I added my flower crown to a plain black hat, and paired it with one of my favorite dresses and a pair of chunky heels. This outfit is perfect for a concert, garden party or sunday brunch.

To get Jhow’s look: Check out the Flower Crown society, Free People and ASOS for similar pieces.

*** Photos taken by the ever talent Annie

 

 

 

 

 

What I Wore: Concert Attire

This past Wednesday I saw Sara Bareilles in concert and not only was she beyond words talented, but I loved my outfit so I’d thought I’d share. Concert Attire is kind of my favorite occasion to dress for because it gives me permission to be bold with my style, and a little out there.

     

So in this case, I vamped up my inner hippie with fringe, round sunglasses, gladiator sandals and yes floral. This concert was super great! But while Sara looked like this:

 

And even gave us a wave

We looked like this:

So I’d suggest that you check the weather before you choose your concert attire. We were quite soggy after that one. But hey, at least we got our Selfie with Sara! Before it poured!

 

So when it comes to concert attire be yourself, be bold, and plan accordingly for any possible weather infringements.

To get my look: Sunglasses Free People/ Tank top Free People/ Pants Free People/ Vest Forever 21/Sandals Modcloth 

And Please do check out Sara Bareilles’ website here and see her on the Little Black Dress Tour.

And here’s a really awesome cover song she didnt play at the Lewiston Show:

And here is the AMAZING ENOCRE SHE DID PLAY AT LEWISTON:

 

 

 

Inspiration Board

I have been  compiling things, and more things for what could probably make up 300 inspiration boards but I thought I’d share one, and deconstruct it.

Collecting inspiration is infinite and necessary for an artist, or creator of any sorts. But I believe everyone in any profession should make inspiration boards (or five). An inspiration board doesn’t require reason. It’s stuff you like put next to and overlapping other stuff you like. It provides motivation and inspiration to help you continue doing things you like. And frankly, they are really pretty, (if they are all things you like).

So here’s one of mine:

 

Now I thought we’d dig in and go piece by piece so I can explain how this pile of crazy got on an inspiration board.

 

1. I think this one explains itself but I live my life by this phrase.

2. Every inspiration board needs a little humor. I love this.

3. This Kimono! I love this look, the fringe and the hat. I need these two items in my life.

4.I found this image on Pinterest and I just love how the textures and fabrics were assembled together. Plus the floral is just goregous

5. Every inspiration board needs a picture of Florence Welch. She is my style inspiration, I love the boho flair she has. She is always on par.

6. The many faces of Elle Fanning. She is one of my style inspirations and she is only 16!!!!!!! What a girl. Her hair is from the Gods!

7.  This image just reminds me to by cozy. Warm socks and tea after a long day.

8. This image is from Urban Outfitters and I NEED THOSE TIGHTS!  If you need them too you can find them here.

9. This photo is apart of a year long self portrait series done by  the extremely talent photographer Nicole Mason. And she has killer style. Check out here blog here to see each weeks self portrait.

10. I found this print on Pinterest. It is just too adorable.

11. Daisies are my favorite

12. THESE SHOES!  I don’t know where they are from but I need them!

13. I collect tea cups, and tea. Let’s just say tea is an obsession of mine.

 

14. This is a picture I found of FPme and lets just say I am in love with this style pic! And her hair.

15. That is outfit is perf. enough said.

16. Those sunglasses, the braids. So many feels.

17. This is an untitled piece by Cy Twombly one of my favorite painters. I hope to paint as well as him when I am done with art school.

18. If only I was as cool as this dog.

19. This outfit has inspired me. I have purchase items similar to replicate it.

20. I am really into Pineapple print lately and this set is so adorable. You can buy it here.

21. The painting is by one of my favorite artist Joan Mitchell (no not the singer). I just love the colors, and the scribbles.

 

So there you have it. Inspiration boards don’t really need logic or order at all. They are just well, inspiring for lack of a better word. I hope this inspires you to make your own. (pun certainly intended).

All my images came from my Pinterest. You can find it here  and see about 6,000 more things that could land on my next inspiration board.

Heres one that almost made the board that just makes me giggle:

 

(If you make an inspiration board please do share it with me, I’d love to see it!).

Land of the Free

Now, I am usually not the type to jump on holiday ware, or the over eccentric holiday enthusiast but I was listening to the radio on my way to work one morning and the radio announcers were explaining a study recently conducted. The results of this study showed that approximately 1 in 4 Americas don’t know why we celebrate the 4th of July. And 1 in 4 of the people who do know, cannot tell you what country we received independence from. This saddens me. To be honest, I took a citizenship  test in participation in government class just to see if i’d pass…and well let’s just say I’m glad I was born here. History is not my thing. But the 4th of July is at the core of our countries foundation. How can 25% of the country not know what happened on that day?

So I decided this fourth of July to grab my sisters, and some flags and really celebrate our freedom. To spend some time not only goofing off in the field but really remembering the people who still fight everyday to keep our freedom. So thank you to those who are serving and continue to serve.

 

           

            

         

 

 

To get looks similar to our 4th gear check out Free People and Urban Outfitters

 

She’s so Fancy: Throwback

I am dreaming of some cold weather right about now so I searched the archives for some winter weather style pictures.  Yes, I dragged my cousin and sister out into the woods but the results I think were worth the risk of frost bite.

 

 

        

 

    

       

Now I’m not saying I’m ready for snow already however, I do miss going outside without sweating. And jackets….I miss jackets!!!!

Thanks to Emily and Annie for putting up with my crazy ideas.

The best way to achieve these looks are LAYERS! Layers, layers and more layers. Something that is not needed in upstate New York right now but definitely a trend I am currently missing.  Tie a flannel around your waist grab your favorite bomber and this look is yours. Its never too early to start searching for good transition pieces from warm to chilly weather.