Chianti

Look of the moment: Wine-colored leather

 

 

A friend of mine, the super-talented photographer and graphic designer Angie Hayden, took the above pictures at a decorative train by her family home in rural Missouri. I really liked the maroon leather tones I was seeing in all the stores and magazines, so I took a risk and bought some faux leather pants ($36 at H&M). I paired them with ankle boots – a style that is everywhere right now – and a sheer, button-down tank for a balanced, cool weather look. The last picture features a ridiculous white fuzzy jacket I wore to a homecoming in high school. I love the juxtaposition of texture and volume it adds to the ensemble. 

 

 

Here are some of my favorite trends for leather bottoms:
 

From: surfaddictfashionista.com

A Grecian blogger with an LA look. I love her heavy boots with a fuzzy vest and streamlined leather pants. I'm hoping to find a neutral-toned fur vest to wear over long sleeves this fall.

From: the-black-feather.com

Ok, so the leather may not be red, but I love how this Parisian blogger paired sleek pants with cozy knits. And a huge scarf is always in style. 

From: asterisquebysassi.com

I absolutely love the way this German blogger makes red-hot leather look classy with cutesy polka dots. Reminds me to start playing with patterns more.

Reminiscent

It's hard saying goodbye to the warm weather, swimming pools, short shorts and barefoot freedom of my favorite season. However, I'm excited to wear fall boots and layers and comfortably curl up under blankets as the trees turn brilliant shades.

 

June bike rides through Ferguson with my mom…

 

 

The 5k Color Run in Kansas City in July...

 

A wedding with my best friends on my birthday in July...

 

 

Exploring Soulard and the Farmers' Market in August...
 

The Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park in August

About & Out

I'm a HUGE fan of the sheer trend this summer, as well as the sleeveless, collared button down. You can dress it down with bright bandeau underneath or by tying it in a knot with high-waisted shorts. You could dress it up with a tank top underneath and a blazer over the top. Here is a casual way to jump on the trend without over doing it.

 

 

 

 

Sheer, white, collared button down: Charlotte Russe

Salmon shorts: Target

Black and gold sandals: Charlotte Russe

Black belt with gold buckle: Charlotte Russe

Bike: thanks, dad :)

Official

Since my last post, I've gotten a new job!

 ...well, kinda. I am now a news intern at a radio station in St. Louis. So far it's been mostly desk work, but I hope to eventually be out and reporting on my own. Of course, I used this opportunity to beef up my "professional" wardrobe. There is no strict dress code, so I aimed for pieces that would be appropriate for a teacher while making sure to mix in fun patterns and accessories. I spent under $100 on three skirts, two pairs of slacks and two pairs of shoes to mix in with the rest of my wardrobe.

Grey scoop-neck tee: Charlotte Russe

Patterned skirt: Express

Grey, chunky heels: Candie's from Khol's 

Silver bracelets: Charlotte Russe

 

White button down: New York & Co.

Leather and cloth vest: Wilson's Leather

Green skirt: Forever 21

Black, suede boots: generic brand bought resale

 

Blue blazer: Forever 21

White, v-neck tee: Charlotte Russe

Ankle-length khakis: H&M

Leopard flats: Target

Brown necklace: yardsale

 

White peasant shirt: American Eagle

Snap-down pencil skirt with tan pinstripes: generic brand bought resale

Suede, brown slingbacks: Charlotte Russe

 

Black and white pinstriped slacks: New York & Co.

Black, suede heels: Target

Black belt with gold buckle: Charlotte Russe

"t" watch: Urban Outfitters