Mortal Kombat

Last night I received a notification that the blogger fashionlaine liked one of my posts on Instagram.  Naturally I went on over to her Instagram and subsequently her blog.  Her bio on Insta reads 'Be what you want.  Wear what you want.'  So simple, but I think it's a great reminder to embrace your sense of self when it comes to style and fashion.  Sometimes I can get caught up in wanting to emulate a certain image.  Look a certain way.  Send across a particular message.  Whether something might be "too much".  Or people might think "who the h-e-l-l does she think she is wearing something like that?"  When really I should be wearing whatever the heck I want!  I'll be happier knowing I'm being true to my self, and I think other people will be happier that I'm presenting the most genuine / raw version of myself.  Ordinarily I would overanalyze the outfit below.  I would think oh, I can't do ripped jeans, camo print, AND fringe.  That is just too, too much.  But instinctually when I looked in my closet this morning, this is exactly what I wanted to wear.  So I went with it!

I like to call this I'm-tired-couldn't-be-bothered-to-style-it's-cold-I'm-going-to-be-outside-first-day hair.

These jeans are unbelievably comfy and actually quite flattering on the rear.

I love how fun this shirt is.  I think the fringe detailing adds extra oomph to an otherwise pretty casual piece.

I really don't know what it is with me and camo.  I can't even pinpoint the moment in time where this love affair began.  '...but there's somethin bout your love that makes me weak...and knocks-me-off-my-feet.'

Knapsack guard in action #WOOF

What I'm Wearing:

Necklace - Ibiss

Top, Jacket, and Jeans - Crossroads

Bangles - Thrifted

Backpack - F21

Shoes - Wanted Shoes

OOTW

Below are my outfits of the week!  I know they're super grainy, but I got a new phone this weekend [went from iOS to Andriod :O] and am trying to work out a lot of kinks.  I figured I would throw them up here anyway, and you can see better quality images over on my Instagram @trendingcheaply.  The looks [in chronlogical order] are from Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

I absolutely love this tweed jacket with hints of neon green.  It really can dress up / business-i-fy any outfit.  My boyfriend really likes it too.

What I'm Wearing:

Jacket - Crossroads

Shirt - Zumiez

Jeans - Zara

Purse and Booties - F21

I felt very spring-y [amidst a California winter] in this number.  I had fun repurposing the head scarf too.  It's actually a sash from one of my robes (:

What I'm Wearing:

Head Wrap, Blazer, Leggings, and Boots - F21

Necklace and Dress - Francesca's

Friday night date night!!!  This night was so much fun.  My boyfriend wrote me a sweet love note, opened the car door for me, and paid for dinner at one of our favorite sushi places.  What more can a girl ask for??

What I'm Wearing:

Earring, purse, and booties - F21

Top and Jeans - Crossroads

Fashion Resolution: Repurpose

Another one of my fashion resolutions is to 'Repurpose'.  Repurpose clothing so that I can wear it year-round instead of having a strictly winter wardrobe, summer wardrobe, etc.  This can be a little tricky when it's cold outside and you don't want to bother with reinventing summer pieces and think about exactly how you are going to layer everything and still make it look chic.  Personally when I'm cold, I don't want to think about it.  Most of the time it's a sweater, beanie, jeans, boots, and I'm done.  Especially when it's in the morning / getting ready for work.  My feet are going in socks immediately and I'm grabbing the first clean item that will warm me up.  But i think there's value in taking time to think about how you can wear off-season pieces in different ways.  By taking a few hours on the weekend to come up with different outfits, you can save time getting dressed during the week.  And of course there's the monetary value of getting more bang for your buck the more you wear something.

I repurposed this summer dress by pairing it with a blazer, leggings, and boots.

It actually warmed up quite a bit today and while I was shooting out in the sun, I was able to remove the blazer and still refrain from being cold.  Plus I wanted to give you an idea of what the dress looked like without the blazer (:

I love how forgiving this dress is.  It's form-fitting but has the ruching detail that hides imperfections.  And lord knows I have not been wor-kin-on-my-fit-ness.

No pictures of the dogs today, so I thought I'd wear my dog whistle in spirit.  Only kidding, but they were just a little too hyper for photos today.  I think they know this is their last day to party before MONDAY (my arch nemesis).

I also like the winter floral feel of this dress.  I feel like the dark colors and purples make it less summer-y.

What I'm Wearing:

Dress and Boots - Crossroads Trading Co

Blazer - Francesca's 

Necklace - Stella and Dot

Leggings - Sportsmart

Purse - F21

Fashion Resolution: The Outer Layer

Pre-New Year up until a few weeks ago, I started compiling a 'Fashion Resolutions' list for 2015.  I realize that we are well into January now, but better late than never??  The list I created includes resolutions for my everyday styling.  Mostly trying to do more of things I like but for whatever reason don't do that often.  First up [since it is so frigid today in the typically sunny CA], I chose 'The Outer Layer'.  I want to find new and different ways to work my outfits.  So often I start with a top or dress and just go from there.  I thought this time I would start with the outermost piece and work my way in [that's what he said.]  This luxurious coat from Mint and Pink [< - - click the link!] is the perfect starting point since it is so structured and detailed that it is pretty much an outfit in itself.  Oh, and it is super warm and snuggly.  [Did I mention that it's cold today?!]

I love the fact that you can wear this open, with a low collar, or . . . wait for it . . .

You can hook the button to the back part of the garment and wear it all bundled up.  BOOM, magical coat.

Does anyone think I look like I belong on a ranch, or is that just me?  Guess I should start adding these pix to my 'rancher's wear' board on Pinterest . . .

I like the swingy, Audrey Hepburn-esque feel of this coat.  La-la-la!

Since it's in the 50s in the bay area today [I just checked], I probably won't be unbuttoning this coat much.  But I DO have something under there.

Annnnd an outtake of me and my baby Marls for good measure.  She makes me so happy.  And I kinda think she likes me too (:

I think we can all agree that Marley is the more photogenic of the two subjects pictured here today.

What I'm Wearing:

Jacket - Mint and Pink < - - click the link!

Hat - Crossroads Trading Co

Necklace - Icing

Sweater, Booties, and Handbag - Forever 21

Jeans - Echo Clubhouse

*This post is sponsored by Mint & Pink