I'm kind of obsessing over jewelry this summer, so this lookbook by Academy Jewelry (made right here in Virginia) definitely suits my mood. The rough-cut crystals and skulls could add just the right amount of edge to even the most feminine ensembles. The lookbook also features fellow blogger Marleigh, who I had the pleasure of briefly meeting once.
midsummer lookbook by Academy Jewelry
I'd like to make solid color little flippy dresses a signature. They're the perfect canvas for interesting accessories--in fall and winter, I love wearing a basic dress with eclectic tights. I got this dress from ASOS and I absolutely love the fit and movement to it.
My horse print collection is slowly, but surely growing. This is a fantastic little summer dress from Shop Ruche and I'm also looking forward to layering it under sweaters this fall...perhaps I'm just looking forward to layering? Just look at how pink I am in these pictures! Taking pictures in the middle of a very hot day definitely got to me and I was quite flushed by the time I was through. I don't really enjoy fall, but I wouldn't mind being able to walk outside without sweating bullets...
I have always chosen the colors in my wardrobe based on what colors I like to look at rather than which ones I think look good on me. For starters, I'm not sure what colors I'm supposed to wear and then I also would just prefer to surround myself with things I find aesthetically pleasing--even if those things don't "suit" me. Purple used to be one of my least favorite colors, but with amethyst being my birthstone and the way it interacts with red hair, it's creeping into my wardrobe. This pretty printed dress might have been a tipping point; the feather print made me disregard the colors involved and once I had it on, it was instant infatuation. It's a fantastic dress for summer, but it will probably also look nice with layers this fall and yes--I think it looks nice with my hair. All that rambling to say: purple, not so bad and maybe soon to become a staple in my wardrobe.
So, I've somehow managed to have this blog for four years now! The anniversary snuck up on me, but when I did remember it I had the perfect excuse to light up some sparklers and continue my tradition of shooting silly videos for my blog's birthday. My father helped me shoot this one. I have more than 2,000 posts in the archives to remind me of quiet days, big events, and organize so many of my inspirations into one virtual journal. I've never had a record remotely like this before, no regular journal-keeping or previous blogs to my name, so it still amazes me that this has become such a significant part of my daily life.
My apologies for looking so wrinkly, but I often take my pictures around sunset and life happens. Ironically, my hair is still quite intact despite the heat and humidity. One of things I really like about milkmaid braids is how they look when they get messy and little pieces start to escape; that's when it looks like the day has run its fingers through my hair. Isn't there something appealing about things and people that look a little worn? Or am I merely attempting to romanticize my wrinkles away?
The influence of my inspiration posts can very directly be witnessed in today's outfit. I just received this brass cross cuff from Black Oak Jewelry. Originally, I shared the cuff as a dream piece in a "pretty pairing" post with a pleated white dress, so with it in my possession I had to style it that way. I love the delicate, but sturdy construction of the cuff and you can bend it to fit your wrist perfectly. It's the sort of piece I could easily wear every day, especially since I am a fan of gold/brass jewelry (warmer toned jewelry warms up pale skin). And my flower crown post on Friday definitely reminded me that I needed to brush off my own flower crown and wear it out. I always love to wear flowers in my hair; it's a slight connection to the Pre-Raphaelite paintings and ideals I admire. All in all, this outfit is a good example of how I tend to wear rather basic clothes (white linen dress, nude heels, and denim jacket), but attempt to show my personality and interests through accessories.
Shop Ruche has created yet another lovely lookbook. Give their Summer Resort a looksee if you're longing for some pretty visuals.
One piece that makes me slightly eager for fall to come again and layering to be sane (stop it heat advisory, I can't take it anymore!), would be this bomber. Such a perfect little jacket I found at UO that is somewhere between purple and brown. I already wore it loads last fall and winter because it works so nicely with a variety of styles and colors and I love the fit in the sleeves. As I've said before, I don't typically feature a remix of a jacket or accessory because those pieces don't really transform (change shape or function as another piece beyond their original intent), but I'm making an exception for this one because I like it so much!
We are fully moved into our new home now and I'm busy exploring new places. This little lake is not five minutes from my house and while the water is rather murky and unappealing, it's a popular gathering hole for turtles and noisy owls. I will probably be venturing here often to submerge myself in the stillness of nature.
Chloe Resort 2012 is the ideal wardrobe for a modern romantic. The pieces feel easy, but special and the muted palette works wonderfully. Breezy, sweet dresses are perfectly balanced with heavily strapped shoes, structured purses, and even the eternally stylish anorak. It's definitely a collection to emulate.
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