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

Boyfriend Jeans for Fall [in California]

Boyfriend jeans have become one of my wardrobe staples, so I felt it only right to style them for Fall [in California].  I've been wearing them quite often, and there are many ways to style them in a chic way, despite their slouchy feel.

According to my actual boyfriend, "They're called boyfriend jeans, because you wear those when you are comfortable...ain't nobody actually getting a boyfriend in those jeans."  If you'd like to see my [non-PG] response to his comment, navigate to 8:48-8:54 of this video by Jenna Marbles: Things Boys Don't Understand.

O.K. back to our regularly scheduled fashion programming.  First up, we have boyfriend jeans styled for work.  Now, I work in a casual/business casual [mostly casual] business environment in California.  Have you seen the show 'Silicon Valley'?  It's all jeans and flip-flops people, no joke.  Oh, and if you live in the bay area and have not seen that show, stop what you're doing, set your TiVo to record it / download it / whatever you have to do, and then come right back.  Phew, now that that's settled.

If you're donning the boyfriend for work, I feel like there needs to be some structure to your outfit.  I chose to add that structure with a classic tweed jacket and a boxy handbag.

I love the subtle green color of this jacket that adds a hint of color to an otherwise neutral palette.

Comfort is huge to me when I'm dressing for any occasion, but especially for work.  How much more comfy can you get than these bad boys?!

I'll let you in on a little secret . . . this is my go-to hairstyle when I have dirty hair.  I just let the part fall naturally, and pin back the front [most dirty] part of my hair and curl the rest.  Wha-la!  Judgment free hairdo.

What I'm Wearing:

Jacket - Crossroads Trading Co

Top and Necklace - Francesca's Collections

Black and White Bracelet - Icing

Gold Bangle, Bag, and Booties - Forever 21

Jeans - TJ Maxx

Up next we have the slouchsters styled for everyday / casual wear.  To be honest, this is my favorite way to wear clothing.  "Off duty", if you will.  I just feel most like myself when there are absolutely zero restrictions as to what I can wear / how I can wear it.

I just love orange.  I think it's one of my favorite colors, like ever.  It just makes me happy.

I think I have a post back in the day [when I very first started blogging] about this bomber.  It is one of my most worn / loved pieces, and for a long period of time I found myself wearing it over and over and over again.

Remember how I said I like to be comfortable and myself?  Well, part of that is being lazy.  [Hey, I'm embracing it.]  These slip-ons are a lazy girl's dream.  You really don't have to try at all, and the studs somehow make it look like you did.

“Whatever!!” One of my all time favorite movies is ‘Clueless’.  Yup, I’m that girl.

Look who decided to make an appearance . . . Mickey!  O.K. I forced her, but same difference.

What I'm Wearing:

Beanie - Zumiez

Earrings, Jacket, and Tank - Forever 21

Ring - Crossroads Trading Co

Shoes - Wanted Shoes

Jeans - TJ Maxx

Last, but definitely not least, we have the pair styled for a night out.  For a night out on the town, I'll need an overcoat for walking in and out of places, but I better be wearing something more slinky underneath cuz mama gets HOT.

Wearing black and a red lip is pretty much my go-to for "dressing" things up.  Add a pair of chunky fancy earrings, nude pumps, and you're good to go.

I just had to include my baby Mac in this one.  I love the way she sits up so straight, like the queen she is.

This is my Inspector Gadget / Audrey Hepburn coat.  You take your pick.

I think this outfit would be great for a holiday party at someone's home if jeans are approps, like they are at every one of my family's functions.  My dad's even worn jeans to a wedding, but we won't delve into the shame and embarrassment surrounding that here.

What I'm Wearing:

Earrings - Francesca's Collections

Top - Supre'

Trench - Metropark

Nude Pumps and Clutch - Forever 21

Jeans - TJ Maxx

I hope everyone's having a wonderful Sunday like we are.  Do something fun outside of the house to get your mind off the pending doom of Monday. Also, let me know which outfit was your fave, I'd love to hear from you!  Oh, and for anyone who was wondering, Marley had prior engagements and could not be bothered to be a part of this photo shoot.

Lots of Love,

J

Workweek Outfits

Lo and behold, my work outfits for the week!  I'm going to TRY to do this every week . . we'll see what happens (;  Hope you enjoy and maybe get some inspiration to jazz up your own workweek!

Necklace - Francescas

Top - Francescas

Skirt - Necessary Clothing

Booties - F21

Tuesday = Jury Duty, and no one wants to see what I looked like going there . . 

Necklace - Francescas

Tank - GAP

Skirt - Francescas

Shoes - I forgot / really old ):

Earrings - Francescas

Scarf - Aldo

Bodysuit - Francescas

Belt - Francescas

Bracelets - F21 and thrifted

Jeans - I forgot / really old ):

Wedges - Francescas

Jade Necklace - The Jade Factory in New Zealand

Gold Necklace - Stella and Dot

Top - Francescas

Bracelet - Bebe

Jeggings - GAP

Studded Slipons - Wanted Shoes

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

Remix: Hippie Headband

Something I absolutely love doing is choosing one item and seeing how many outfits I can come up with based around that one thing.  It forces me to think creatively and express myself in multiple different ways, oftentimes outside of my comfort zone.  I posted these three outfits on Instagram, and the verdict came in: most people preferred the pink look.  Which one's your fave??

Headband - F21

Denim Shirt - F21

Bralette - Francescas

Skirt - Francescas

Shoes - F21

Bag - F21

Necklace - Stella and Dot

Earrings - Francescas

Top - Crossroads

Bag - F21

Shorts - F21

Booties - F21

Dress - Purchased at a market while traveling in New Zealand

Backpack - Target

Denim Shirt - F21

Bracelets - Thrifted, F21, and Ibiss Boutique

Shoes - Thrifted

Black and White

Today I went and had a mani & pedi with mi madre and then had a late (very late) brunch with one of my childhood besties.  It's always lovely catching up with her - she is SUCH a sweetheart.  We are in the midst of planning a meetup with all of our childhood besties and I am SO looking forward to it.  It's been one of those things where you say that you are going to do it and keep SAYING that but no one gets around to actually planning and committing.  In 2014 I'm determined to keep plans, be a better friend, family member, and person overall.  It takes a lot of work and conscious effort to change habits, but I like challenges and having things to work towards.  I wish you all a happy, healthy, and productive week ahead.  Lots of Love, J

Similar Items:

On Duty Vs. Off

I think it's interesting to compare how one's style changes compared to when they're at work and when they're off of work.  At times I dislike dressing for work because I feel confined to wear only what the corporate world has deemed 'appropriate'.  However, at the same time, it broadens my horizons in a way and forces me to dress differently than I normally would in my off days.  I love denim (especially acid wash), chunky jewelry, and (combat) boots.  If I didn't work in a corporate environment, I would probably dress like this most days, and my style would be easily copy-able :D

I don't feel comfortable wearing anything too trendy or edgy at work, even if it is not necessarily revealing or provocative.  For example I have this faux leather jacket with spikes and enhanced shoulders that I wouldn't dare wear at work.  I'm completely covered, but it just doesn't feel . . . right. What styles would you wear in your off time but not at work?  Should we care or just go all out if it is not offensive and is tastefully done?

Lots of Love,

J