Frightfully Fall

Pumpkins, spice cake, and the crunch of leaves - these are the reasons I love fall. The lovely boyfriend and I took a trip north to visit a pumpkin patch, pet goats, and eat caramel apples (though we didn't actually eat caramel apples).

Photos and pumpkin details are to follow in the next post. For now, here is what I wore.

 

 Outfit:

Dress - H&M, Knit Cape - Secondhand, Leggings - Secondhand, Hat - Urban Outfitters

Wandering Days

It is easily forgotten how hectic the academic year can be in the heat of summer. However, in these turning leaves of fall, as I arrive on campus at 8 am to work, only to finally shuffle home after 6 pm from my exercise class at the gym, I could not wish for the leisure of summer more. Sure, there is a certain degree of pleasure in knowing my days are packed with pay checks, homework assignments, cardio classes, and lunch dates. But there is a lovely feeling derived from waking up and having the whole day to my whims. 

 

In an effort to keep my sanity, I will be trying to keep my coming weekend as laid back as possible despite pumpkin patch plans, yoga, a friend's surprise party (in which I am baking a cake), and volunteering at the NW African American Museum. I am so thankful for gcal.

Outfit:

Dress - Goodwill Outlet, Sweater - J. Crew, Belt - A&E, Shoes - Goodwill Outlet, Necklace - Old Navy

What helps you hold on to your sanity when your days are full to the brim?

London Calling

Now seems a better time than any to touch on the topic of my outfit posts and the awkward dance that is my daily wardrobe photo documentation.

Being that I live in Seattle, in an apartment, in a very busy part of town, taking my photos always tends to be hurried and frantic. Occasionally, I have a roommate or boyfriend on hand and we can walk somewhere to take a few shots. But more often than not, I have my tripod, my self-timer, and an inner battle of embarrassment at the thought of walking to a public space to take pictures of MYSELF. 

 

My building is a charming complex built in the 1920s, it's brick with ivy on the outside, hardwood and glass door knobs on the inside (perhaps I'll share photos with you all?). Unfortunately, the unit faces the back alley and several other apartments. Sunshine never quite peeks in enough to provide ample light for indoor photos. 

Thus, the photo dilema deepens.

The alley to which my back door opens to has little foot traffic and lovely lighting. Thankfully, it's the perfect place to snap a few quick shots before I run off to class, or once I get home from work. My days are fast paced sprints between class, work, someone's house, the library, and (sometimes) home. Fitting in photos can be difficult. So if you're wondering why you've seen this delightful wall so many times, that is why. Call it my comfort blanket.

I know many bloggers use their tripod and take stunning photos in their own environment. Where do you take outfit pictures?

Pistol Dreams

Living in a world without art is unimaginable. There is something to be said for communities that can reflect their vibrancy via acrylic paint and an old brick wall. I love being able to walk down the street and appreciate free magic all around me (although I will be paying to see the Picasso exhibit at the SAM this fall).

These photos were taken at and around Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill.  It was another stunning, fall day, and we wandered around the Capitol Hill shops as I admired skirts I couldn't really afford, snapped photos of my lovely city, and ate delicious thai food with the best friend and the boyfriend.

(this is the boyfriend, I like him quite a lot)

Happy Weekend!

Silver Soul

At last, the ominous grey and swift winds we know all too well have made their appearance in the Northwest. There's a comfort in their arrival, I must admit. The weather is finally catching up to the smells and sights of fall.

I predict a visit to the pumpkin patch in the near future. Because quite frankly, I'm aching to continue the series of adventures I embarked on this summer, into the fall. 

Where do you go when you've got an afternoon? What do you like to wear on day trips to be both comfortable and chic?

I think I need a good, healthy dose of Paris. 

 

 Outfit:

Skirt - Thirfted, Blouse - Thrifted, Belt - A&E, Cardigan - J.Crew, Hat - Urban Outfitters

Farm Friendly

Seattle is still prettier than ever and I'm taking mild advantage of the weather by not wearing a jacket or appropriate fall footwear. Though caught somewhere between a desire for hot chocolate, big sweaters, and muffs, I must admit I don't mind this taste of fleeting summer at all. I know it will pass, and I know in no time at all, I'll be wishing it was spring and that I didn't need so many layers.

I'm especially fond of this outfit as it puts to good use one of my favorite items, my Anthropolgie hen sweater (I always struggle with what to pair this with). While fun and bright, my creativity has yet to figure out the complete extent to which I can utilize it. Suggestions?

My dear friend (and roommate), Jasmine, kindly snapped these photos of me in the fall sun. Unfortunately, we took them when the sun was highest, and they came out quite bright. I have always enjoyed Jasmine's sense of fashion. The polar opposite of mine it includes a plethora of black, a love of animal print, and a chic edge that I could never pull off. Additionally, Jasmine sews and modifys a lot of her own pieces. The talent comes from her mom, who made her lovely purse.

 

My new goal for fall, more DIY.

If I Were a Boy

I like to think that if I were a boy, this is how I'd dress. Patterned button-ups, cardigans, high waisted bottoms and slim belts. Thus, this looks is to me, the pinnacle of a feminine take on menswear. I wore this today, as I spent yesterday on my deathbed sick with who knows what. It was a combination sinus, throat, headache catastrophe that was perhaps a blessing in disguise as I spent the entire day in bed doing Astrobiology reading.

Even as I woke up this morning, I wondered if I would make it to school (errr...work, I don't have school Mondays). Luckily, I brightened up and was greeted by even more Seattle sunshine. These photos were quickly snapped on my way out the door.

Keep up the sun, Seattle!

Outfit:

Blouse - J. Crew (menswear, Cardigan - J. Crew, Shorts - Thrifted, Booties - Thrifted, Belt - Thrifted

On the Waterfront

Yesterday, my family and I took a lunch cruise to Blake's Island and Tillicum Village (see next post). With a long and cold ferry ride ahead of me, I bundled up in a winter jacket and pink scarf. Given that the rain hadn't yet crept in, I was able to wear comfortable heals and something in my hair that wouldn't have to hide under an umbrella.

 

Outfit:

Dress - Forever 21, Jacket - Nordstrom, Scarf - Gift from father, Belt - Thrifted, Tights - American Apparel, Heels - Payless

Homeward Bound

Desperately in need of a haircut, I wore this outfit home to my parents house yesterday. No, I do not have a hairdresser in Seattle (a very large, and very fashionable city). Why you ask? Because I've been getting my hair cut by the same stylist for five years. We have a hair bond, and I trust no one with sheers to get anywhere close to my mop in less it's her. 

My Parent's house is smack-dab in the heart of the suburbs, something I always hated when I was growing up. Going back I can't say I like it any more, but I do like the ease of taking photos. It's a lot less awkward taking pictures in my quite neighborhood than trying to find somewhere semi-private in the city. 

Outfit:

Dress - Thrifted, Sweater - Ann Taylor, Boots - Gift, Socks - H&M (menswear)

Before I went to my parent's house yesterday, I had my first day of classes. I'm taking Intro to Poetry, Astrobiology, and Intro to Afram Studies. The campus glowed all day in an early fall haze and the crunch of autumn leaves met the soles of my boots with every step. 

Thankfully, my last class got out earlier than expected and as I waited for the bus to my parents house I was able to lounge in the grass, enjoying a wonderful diet coke and a delicious treat from Cupcake Royale.

I am more than ready for fall.

School Daze

For my first outfit post, these photos are a little sparse. I spent yesterday afternoon in line for Arcade Fire (more about that in the next post). Once I was in line, I couldn't really go exploring too far, so I had to be creative in my photography skills. That basically translates to me having my best friend snap a few photos of me as I ran to the bathroom, and then capturing the little details of my outfit on my own in a few awkward shots.

Nonetheless, this is what I wore for the first day of school and to see the much beloved, Arcade Fire. It was the perfect fall outfit with little knit socks, oxfords, a blazer, and floral.

Outfit:

Blazer - Goodwill Outlet, Dress - UO, Oxfords - thrifted, Purse - Value Village, Socks - H&M (menswear), Tights - Gift*

*a few key pieces to this outfit belong to my best friend and roommate. We share a room which also means we share a closet.