SURROUND YOURSELF IN BEAUTY

Recently I have really gotten into home decor.  I love creating a beautiful, homey, and inspiring spaces.  This particular space is my bedroom (obviously).  My two new favorite things in my bedroom are this cream ceramic elephant and my framed portrait of Marie Antoinette with Beyoncé lyrics over the top (you can get a tee with this image here).  The other frame and picture was gifted to me by a dear friend.  The Jane Austin quote reads: 

"There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends.  I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature."



I love this bedspread.  Love.  It.  The headboard is from a vintage couch that belonged to my grandmother.  The antlers right above it were a DIY project I did with my dad.

I think the key to a homey space is to include items that have meaning.  Curate a beautiful collection from things you have made, received, found, and that have memories connected to it.  Only then will your house (or tiny apartment) feel like a home.

To shop some of these items, read on...

SKIRT+SWEATER=SWAGGER (LOL)

So this combo really doesn't give you swagger.  Honestly I don't really know what that means. Anyway, I would recommend this combo during the spring when you cant decide if it is nice and warm or kinda chilly.

Keep reading for two more skirt/sweater combos.

THE RULES FOR PATTERN MIXING

There are no rules for mixing patterns.

None at all.

But I will let you in on my secret method to pattern mixing: I put two (or more) patterns together, and if they look good together, I wear them.  It's foolproof.

If you would like to shop some pre-mixed patterns, read on...

REASONABLE RUNWAY [JOSIE NATORI]

This coral and white Josie Natori ensemble from her Spring/Summer 2015 Collection (photo via style.com) is a perfect look for spring.  I think the best part of the outfit is the flat and comfortable sandals.  Lucky for you, I found identical sandals from Target for less than $25!!  You can shop the rest of the items below (without breaking the bank).

Sleeveless Cotton Blouse in White [$17.95] from H&M

Waist Belt with Oversized Bow Detail [$22.00] from ASOS

Doris Footbed Sandals in Gold [$24.99] from Target

The Laden Showroom X Meekat French Swing Skirt [$72.00] from ASOS

PEOPLE LOOKED AT ME FUNNY WHEN I TOOK THESE PHOTOS + TRANSITIONAL FASHION

On this particular day I asked my friend Katie, from Lady Katie, to take some photos of my outfit. Passersby looked at us like we were crazy, to say the least.  Despite all of the disapproving looks we received, I got some great shots to share with you all (thank goodness I didn't have to use another photo with my bathroom wall as a backdrop).

This time of year is a bit of a challenge when it comes to dressing.  I find that dressing in layers prepares you best for the crisp mornings and warm afternoons.  My go-to pieces this Spring are lightweight jackets, cuffed denim, easy button downs, and sunglasses. 

To shop pieces similar to mine, read on...

I'M A DWEEB, BUT I CAN LOOK PRETTY COOL IF I WANT TO.

Yes I admit it, I am a dweeb.  However, just because I have a dweebish personality doesn't mean I can't dress like a cool kid.  I pulled it off this time with a button down shirt, V-neck tee, joggers, metallic loafers, and the very important studded cuff bracelet.  I found some exact and similar items so you can look cool, too.

Oxford Shirt (exact - different colors) from Old Navy

Merona Ultimate V-Tee in Pink Azalea (exact) from Target

Marled Joggers (similar) from Forever 21 - in regular and plus sizes

Metallic Perforated Cara Loafers (identical) from J. Crew Factory

Studded Cuff Bracelet (similar) from Stella & Dot

"I'D BETTER CALL THE DOCTOR, 'CAUSE I'VE GOT SPRING FEVER!" - SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS

So I quote SpongeBob a lot, but this particular quote is exceptionally true for me this week.  In order to treat my spring fever, I am going to be wearing midi skirts (like this beautiful lace one), exposing a little more of my pasty skin, and most importantly: leaving my heavy coat at home.

I found some other pretty lace midi skirts all under $50.00!

Painted Threads Lace Midi Skirt in Soft Pink from Nordstrom

LC Lauren Conrad Lace Midi Skirt in Xenon Blue from Kohl's

A Presh Start Skirt in Aqua from ModCloth

Bloomington Lace Midi Skirt from Francesca's

REASONABLE RUNWAY [ALTUZARRA]

This look from Altuzarra's Spring/Summer 2015 Collection was my inspiration for this Reasonable Runway (photo via style.com).  I love the mixture of the black and white stripes, this is a very easy look to replicate with your own pieces.  OR you could use the pieces that I found to create an almost identical look.  Sometimes I surprise myself with how good I am at this.

Straight-Cut Shirt in White/Striped [$19.95] from H&M

Skinny Faux Leather Belt in Cognac Brown [$14.94] from Old Navy

Mossimo Tinka Block Heel Huarache Pumps in Natural [$29.99] from Target

Striped Sarong Skirt [$59.90] from Zara

I WEAR A LOT OF BLACK. DON'T ASK ME WHY.

When in doubt, wear black.  I find that it looks sophisticated about 87% of the time (don't ask me where I got that figure).  Style tip: to make a black ensemble more interesting, I would recommend using different textures and a little bit of pattern and/or color.  I wore a satin pleated skirt, a cotton knit cardigan, fringe, and leather to add some visual contrast between my black pieces.

A little leopard and fringe will make this all black outfit a lot more captivating.

I LOOK LIKE A PREPPY FOOL IN THIS GINGHAM SHIRT

Don't get me wrong, I love a classic gingham shirt and I appreciate preppy clothing.  However, I think I had a bit of prep overload on this look for my taste.  Gingham check is a huge trend for this spring, so I would like to incorporate it into my wardrobe (and you should consider it as well!).  I Think next time I wear it though, I will be incorporating some studs and black leather to make it a bit edgier.  I really don't want to look like I'm headed for the country club.

PREPPY CRICKET SWEATERS ARE A THING NOW, I GUESS

...And I couldn't be happier about it!  These sweaters are oversized, slouchy, cute, and comfortable. Bonus: you are prepared for a cricket match at any moment.  I chose to style my sweater with skinny jeans, boots, floppy hat, and a tote; I decided to leave my cricket bat at home this time around.

Here are some cricket-inspired sweaters that I think are pretty neat.  The best part is: they are all under $50.00!

Women Cricket Sweater in Off White from Uniqlo

V-Neck Sweater in Burgundy/Black from Forever 21

Chaps Striped Textured Sweater in Yellow Capri Navy from Kohl's

Stylus Short-Sleeve Tennis Sweater From JCPenny, comes in regular and plus sizes

STOP. YOU'RE MAKING ME BLUSH.

If you know me at all, you are aware that I get red in the face very easily.  What better way to accentuate that quality than wearing the color blush?  Blush is beautiful and can be found everywhere.  You do have to be careful in choosing the right shade of blush for your skin tone. Luckily, blush comes in many different varieties. 

Sam & Libby Large Bow Crossbody Handbag with Chain Strap from Target

Crochet-Embroidered Chiffon Dress from Forever 21

Quipid Cut-Out Oxfords from Charlotte Russe

Broken-In Straight Chambray Pants in Fig from Gap

Pintucked Chiffon Blouse in Blush from Forever 21

Mini Skirt in Scuba with Exposed Elastic from ASOS

Linen-Blend Boyfriend Tee in Pink For Eva from Old Navy

REASONABLE RUNWAY [DEREK LAM]

I realized that I have been doing a lot of posts that are just about my outfits, so here's one without my ugly mug.  I chose this simple and beautiful look from Derek Lam's Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear collection (photo via: style.com).  The pieces that I found are almost identical to the real ones, but waaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Collarless Poplin Popover in White [$59.99] from J. Crew

Mimi Round Sunglasses [$26.00] from Topshop

Faux Leather Strappy Platform Sandals in Tan [$24.90] from Forever 21

Premium Wide Leg Crepe Pants [$65.00] from ASOS

HOW TO NOT DRESS LIKE A SLOB

I truly believe that looking great does not have to take a ton of effort.  You can look effortless, put-together, and cool pretty easily.  This look I'm sporting here consists of three basic pieces: a sweatshirt, jeans, and boots.  For those of you who need a little help putting together outfits, I will walk you through my styling process:

1)  I usually start out with one piece that I know I want to wear for that day.  In this case it was Racing Stripe Sweatshirt from J. Crew (exact).  That is the outfit foundation, I will build from there.

2)  I find footwear to be EXTREMELY important in an outfit.  Bad shoes will ruin everything.  For this look, I took the cream from the stripe in the sweatshirt and decided to wear my cream combat boots.  I don't always do matchy-matchy, but it worked in this instance.

3)  I chose my pants based on my footwear.  I chose the skinniest skinny jeans I had to stuff inside my boots.  Pants sagging out of the top of your boots is not a good look.

4)  This is the best part: accessorizing.  I layered two gold necklaces to compliment the gold stripe on my sweatshirt.  I decided on simple stud earrings because I was wearing two necklaces.  Then I added my watch and initial cuff that I wear nearly every day.

It may seem like a lot, but this process takes me 10-15 minutes at most.  Simply put: choose a foundation piece, add supporting elements, and accessorize. 

BUTTON DOWN + STATEMENT NECKLACE

I absolutely love button down shirts.  Nothing goes better with a button down shirt than a necktie. Unfortunately for me I'm female that doesn't want to look masculine and I'm unable to tie a necktie. Because of those facts, I must find a substitute.  In comes one of my handy statement necklaces to save the day.

Shirt (similar) MICHAEL Michael Kors

Loafers (similar) J. Crew Factory

Gold Kocoum Bib Necklace from BaubleBar

Deco Pool collar Necklace from BaubleBar

Faux Stone Statement Necklace from Forever 21

Crystal Cluster Necklace in Foggy Mist from J. Crew

INSPIRED BY MAD MEN [WITHOUT THE MISOGYNY]

I watch Mad Men 40% because it's a good show and 60% because I love the vintage fashion.  My priorities are always in the right place, but I digress.  This look is something that I hope the fabulous Joan Holloway would be proud to wear.  A sweater, pencil skirt, and heels.  All I need is a gold pen necklace and she would definitely approve.

Merona Doubleweave Pencil Skirt in Black/Sour Cream (same style as mine, different color) from Target

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Cotton Twill in Blue Grotto from J. Crew

Windowpane High Waist Midi Pencil Skirt from Express

GOING FOR THE GOLD [FOR UNDER $50]

Gold has exploded in fashion, accessories, and home decor.  Since I don't have enough talent in anything to earn a gold medal, I must settle for surrounding myself with gilded accessories and baubles.  You can shop some of the coolest items I found here:

Foil iPhone 5 Case ($38.00) from Marc Jacobs

Mixed Crystal Diamond Pendant Necklace ($42.00) from J. Crew

Leather Envelope Clutch in Pale gold ($38.00) from J. Crew Factory

Metallic Bow Wallet ($6.99) from Target

Quilted Metallic Slip-Ons ($24.90) from Forever 21

Gold Star Dual Boar Brush ($15.00) from Sephora

Crystal Mason Ring in Gold ($28.00) from BaubleBar

Large Round Face Bracelet Watch ($46.71) from ASOS

BP. Filigree Leaf Headband ($12.00) from Nordstrom

FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY [THE COLOR]

I guess in honor of Valentine's Day and the impending movie premiere or whatever, I put together this monochromatic gray outfit.  It doesn't actually have fifty shades, but it's close enough.  If you ever have a day where you lack outfit inspiration, monochromatic ensembles look effortless and cool.

Just so you know, I am in not a fan of Fifty Shades.  I just like the color gray.

WHAT TO WEAR WHILE WANDERING IN A FIELD

Whenever I get the urge to frolic in a field, I have to make sure that my outfit is appropriate for the activity.  This time, I decided to go with some oxford shoes, chinos, and a blazer.  Practical, right?  I also make sure to bring along a trusty navajo blanket in case I get a little winded while prancing.

In all seriousness, a great way to make a blazer look less stuffy is to pair it with a cozy wool sweater. 

PLEASE DON'T SWEAT IN THESE SWEATSHIRTS

Okay, so it looks like I'm back to mean muggin' for a little while.  Smiling can be exhausting.  Today I am encouraging sweatshirts that don't make you look like you've been sitting at home for ten days straight without bathing.  There are tons of sweatshirts out there right now that are really cool and still super comfortable (and that's the entire point of sweatshirts in the first place, right?).

Comfort Comes First Top (similar) from ModCloth

Faux Leather Skater Skirt in Burgundy (similar) from Forever 21

Madden Girl Caanyon Boots in Black (exact) from 6pm

Peacock Sweatshirt from J. Crew

Apt. 9 Sequin Floral French Terry Sweatshirt (in regular and plus sizes!) from Kohl's

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Mesh Crop Sweatshirt from Kohl's

Sweatshirt in Texture and Stripe from ASOS

THE BEST TIME TO WEAR A STRIPED SWEATER, IS ALL THE TIME

As far as I'm concerned, SpongeBob was totally right when he sang about striped sweaters.  They can be worn pretty much whenever you want.  Although mine does not have a turtleneck, it looks pretty cool mixed with another print.  

By the way: mixing prints is completely acceptable, I actually encourage it.

Mixed-Stripe Sweater in Navy Champagne from J. Crew

Colorblock-Striped Sweater from Forever 21

Mossimo Supply Co. Long Sleeve Pullover Sweater in Pink from Target

Color-Block Sweater-Knit Top in Mini Mint from Old Navy

Stripe Oversized Swing Sweater from Gap

Striped Punch Mesh Sweater in Bahama Coral from Express

OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS [MALLORY MODE EDITION]

Everyone has pieces and products that they absolutely love.  Oprah obviously does, but I'm unable to give everyone each of these products because I'm a poor college student.  But alas, I am willing to at least divulge my secret favorite things.

(These are what I just happened to be wearing.  I like them, but not quite my favorites)

Women's Oxford Shirt in Ultra Violet (exact) from Old Navy

Leopard Infinity Scarf (similar) from Chico's

Steve Madden Troopa Boot in Natural Leather (exact) from Amazon

To quote the great Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec, “I won’t publicly endorse a product unless I use it exclusively. My only official recommendations are U.S. Army issued mustache trimmers, Morton’s salt, and the C.R. Lawrence Fein two inch axe-style scraper oscillating knife blade.”  I share a very similar view.

Iowa State Charm Necklace in Brass from Larissa Loden (other states available too!) - This is a recent purchase that I fell in love with.  It is very dainty and handmade in the U.S.

Georgia Glitz Three-Hand Stainless Steel Watch in Gold-Tone from Fossil - This is a piece I wear nearly every day.  This watch perfectly blurs the lines between casual and formal.

Serenity Stone Drop Earrings in Espresso from Stella & Dot - The earrings that go with everything.  They are big and bold and perfect.

Asymmetrical Initial Cuff from BaubleBar - I wear my initial cuff all the time.  Unfortunately, the brand that makes mine no longer exists.  This is very similar and I love it.

Marc Jacobs 'Dot' Eau de Parfum from Nordstrom - No outfit is complete without a spritz of perfume.  If you have never experienced Dot, I would recommend you try it as soon as possible.

Almay Intense I-Color Liquid Eye Liner in Black Pearl from Ulta - This is what I have been using for six years to achieve my signature cat eye.  If it is ever discontinued, I don't know what I will do.

Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Couture from Ulta - Perfect red lip that won't rub off during meals.

CoverGirl Professional All-In-One Curved Brush Mascara in Black from Ulta - This mascara is great because it's inexpensive and gets the job done well.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color in Honeymoon Red from Drugstore.com - My go-to dark shade of red for when I actually do paint my nails.

[INSERT WITTY TITLE ABOUT THIS OUTFIT HERE]

This is one of the easiest outfits I have put together.  It consists of three basic pieces: a dress, kimono, and tights.  It's super comfortable and looks pretty good, if I do say so myself.  The best part of having a fairly simple outfit is you can accessorize like a crazy person.  Some say there is a limit to how much jewelry you should wear at once, I fundamentally disagree.

ADD ONE FLOPPY HAT TO INCREASE SOPHISTICATION

So this was one of those days where I couldn't be bothered to wear anything more complicated than a sweatshirt and jeans (unfortunately as a fashion student, I am not allowed a lot of those days).  I added some jewelry, heeled booties, and a hat to make it slightly more sophisticated.  

Here are some floppy hats that I love.  Good news, they are all under $20.00!

Mossimo Floppy Hat with Sash in Brown [$16.99] from Target

Wide Brim Floppy Hat in Burgundy [$19.99] from Charlotte Russe

Mossimo Braided Sash Floppy Hat in Black [$16.99] from Target

Floppy Brim Wool Hat in Gray [$17.90] from Forever 21

STUDS, SPIKES, LEATHER

Somedays I wake up and think,"I don't want anybody to mess with me today."  I find the best way to achieve this (using clothes) is with black, leather, studs, and sunglasses.  My bitchy resting face doesn't hurt either.

Special thanks to my friend Katie at ladykatiereport.wordpress.com for taking this photo!

Addie Beaded Loafers (exact) from J. Crew Factory

Minus the Leather Quilted Sleeve Jacket in Pitch Black (similar) from Express

JOGGERS ARE PRETTY NEAT

So, my new favorite thing for this season would have to be joggers.  They are comfortable, effortless, and this particular pair makes me feel like Aladdin (and who wouldn't want that?).  I paired it with a mint sweater, layered pearl necklaces, and heels.

See?  These totally look like pants Aladdin would wear, if only I had a magic carpet.

A rare photo of me with a full-fledged smile on my face.  It was probably because my photographer said something funny.  Special thanks to Jill for putting up with me and taking these photos!

REASONABLE RUNWAY [SAINT LAURENT]

This particular Reasonable Runway was a bit of a challenge.  This Saint Laurent look from their Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear (photo via: style.com) includes some very unique pieces.  After a lot of internet searching, I am fairly certain that Saint Laurent is the only designer that makes a brown scarf with black polka dots.  Oh well, this looks really cool too.

Bow to Stern Scarf in Black Dots [$7.99] from ModCloth

Perfect Pop-Color Tanks in Black Stripe [$8.50] from Old Navy

SHI by Journeys Gala Heel in Gold [$29.99] from Journeys

Collarless Open-Front Blazer in Black [$37.80] from Forever 21

Wide-Brim Wool Fedora [$14.80] from Forever 21

Imitation Leather Shorts [$29.95] from H&M

5 FEMININE FIT + FLARE DRESSES FOR UNDER $50

Today I am channeling my inner Zooey Deschanel with this adorable fit + flare dress with tights (I cannot however, pull of bangs as well as she can).  Fit + flare dresses are great because they are very flattering to many body types.  It is also very easy to find affordable versions of this style of dress.  I got mine on sale for less than $15.00.  Here are some other great affordable options:

Palm Beach Floral Dress [$44.99] from Ruche

Eyelash Lace Combo Dress [$27.90] from Forever 21

New Look Inspire Lace Bardot Skater Dress [$34.09] from ASOS

Windowpane Chiffon Fit + Flare Dress [$27.90] from Forever 21

New Look Lace Belted Skater Dress [$43.57] from ASOS