Look book

I like to take photos of different outfits I come up with not only to share with you all on my blog, but also so I can remember stuff I really like. I have a bad habit (or maybe a really good habit) of rarely wearing the exact same ensemble twice, but every now and then when I feel like I have absolutely nothing to wear, it's nice to refer back to some of my favorite past ideas.

I'm all about interesting fashion combinations and unique style for not a lot of money. I believe you truly can and should use whatever you think looks good, whether it's $2 or $200. And recycle, recycle, recycle within your own closet. Bring back old stuff once in a while (you can imagine what a clothing pack rat I am), pair it with different things, new things, different hair/makeup, or different jewelry, and it will feel brand new. Enjoy creating looks from scratch, even with a bare bones budget. I find that challenge exhilarating. And I genuinely pride myself on being sort of a fashion vagabond.

I think one of the best "fashion moments" I've ever had was when a stranger complimented my sunglasses, which I bought somewhere for $5, and asked if they were Chanel. Total score.

Here's some recent stuff I've come up with, which I found to be pretty fun:

All you need is love.
Which can sometimes be as simple as a fur (faux) vest with an extra long Beatles tank that hangs off you just right. I paired it with my best pair of beat-up, holey jeans and added a casual ponytail, teased at the crown for a retro touch, and liquid "cat eye" liner.

In the Navy.
I love the casual sophistication of this dark blue dress (Express), which I bought second hand recently for $12. I've been hooked lately on finding items, especially dresses, that are perfect to just throw on and immediately have a put-together look. This one fit the bill perfectly. Of course, I had to pair it with something unexpected, like my suede combat boots (Forever 21) and lace stockings. I've also worn it with the lighter blue heels in the background of photo #2 for a less casual look.

Hello, Kitty!
Wore this recently to meet a friend for coffee. The t-shirt (Target) makes me feel like a kid again, except now I can get away with wearing a short skirt, pearls, and aviators. I love wearing my pearl necklace with really casual stuff to mix things up.

She bangs!
Sorry couldn't resist. I cut some long, side swept bangs the other day, twisted my my pony tail into a ballet dancer-like bun (and tucked the ends into the elastic band) to accentuate the new look. This tank top is from a recent clearance sale at Sears. I got it for....wait for it....$1.99.

Pale in pink.
I wore this out last weekend for a night out with friends. I was so eager to wear a few of the items I picked up during a retail therapy session at Plato's Closet (a second hand store) last week! I had to include close ups of the heels, because they didn't really show up well the in the full body shot, and they are just too adorable. Plus, they're like nothing else I own, which makes them even more special. They are by Hale Bob, and I picked them up at Plato's for $14. I am obsessed with this white blazer, with its slightly puffy sleeves ($12). I'm not a huge jewelry person, and I rarely buy any for myself, but this necklace caught my eye immediately, in a rack of a million others, so I knew it was meant to be. Well, that and the fact that it was $4. The leather-like shorts and the baggy "New York" shirt (with a sheer, lace back - see here) are from Forever 21.

Stripes so cute, it's almost criminal!
I consider this dress a recent "splurge" (Target, $25), but it was so worth it. It's another easy, comfortable dress to just throw on. For an afternoon of shopping with one of my best girlfriends, I added a fedora and pulled an extremely old leopard print purse from the depths of my closet. I've been using it ever since, on days when I don't want to carry my usual, huge bag around. This is why I don't throw things away. Ha.

Ok, so I really want to hear your thoughts, ideas, critiques, yawns, whatever! I'm pretty convinced I can take almost all these items into the cold seasons as well. I can't wait to experiment with layering them. Honestly, I am going to have to do a "Look Book Part 2" really soon, because I have way more outfit photos I want to show you that have no outlet without my little blog.

Be well, and be stylish! xx