Sunday Grungy Sunday

I wore this super casual outfit on Sunday. Though I wasn't planning on posting the look, I snapped a photo just in case. As it turns out, I like it better than what I wore to work today. Sometimes not trying at all works out. Judging by my combination of shades and snow boots, I was a bit confused about the weather. To my credit, it had been sleeting the day before. Ah, spring in Kansas.

Ruffled sweatshirt: Plato's Closet, $8
Jeans: Guess, TJMaxx, $28
Boots: Goodwill, $5
Patterned scarf: TJMaxx, $12
Sunglasses: Missouri gas station, $5

Spring Closet Raid: Ella

I had so much fun doing the styling for a recent article in Ink Magazine, I decided to recreate the scenario using my sister Ella as the subject. Here's how it went down: I raided her closet, surveyed the pieces with a fresh perspective and came up with a collection of spring looks for different occasions. By putting together clothes she already has in new and interesting ways, I hope to inspire further experimentation and prevent the need to buy a lot of new clothes for spring. Keep an eye out for more closet raids! I plan to strike again.

I started out by pulling anything that caught my eye because of color, pattern or texture. After sorting the items into piles of shirts, dresses, bottoms and jackets, I started building looks one by one.

A sampling of the shoe selection.

At Work: Casually Cute
Because Ella works as a pre-school teacher, comfort is key. But that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice style. This look features a short-sleeved navy blazer layered over a vibrant fuchsia v-neck tee, khaki capris with brasstone button details, a pair of cute, comfy leopard flats and a lightweight, multi-colored scarf as a finishing touch.

A Day Out: Easy Chic

For an afternoon downtown with friends, we kept it simple. This look features a textured robin's-egg-blue mock turtleneck, a denim skirt with trendy exposed zippers, a colorful stone necklace and a pair of red peep-toes that really pop.

A Night Out: Sleek & Sexy

Perfect for a night out on the town, this look features a fluttery patterned top tucked into a simple black pencil skirt, a bold oversize belt and a pair of pretty turquoise peeps.

The aftermath! I have a knack for wrecking closets.

My styling assistant, Oslo.

Pastel Palette

Though I'm usually not drawn to delicate Easter egg shades, I'm making an effort to experiment with them in light of the season's pastel revival.

Bottom left: Alexander Wang Spring 2009 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Bottom right: New at the shop. Click image for product details.

Trend I Like: Chain Strap Purses

Trendy yet timeless, there's something so chic and understated about chain strap purses. They have the sleek quality of a clutch with the convenience of a strap, the metal hardware adds glamor and any texture or quilting recalls the Chanel classic. These three are available at the shop, but I'm secretly hoping one sticks around for me. Click the images for product details.

Color in Bloom

Nothing says spring like bold, eye-catching florals. I'm especially partial to large-scale and semi-abstract prints.

Top: TJMaxx, $10
Jeans: TJMaxx, $16
Necklace: Antique Mall, $7
Shoes: Payless

Bottom left: John Galliano Spring 2009 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Bottom right: New at the shop.

Your Personal Stylist

ANASTASIA

My favorite aspect of this casual cool look is the amazing jacket. The details have an almost militaristic quality, which could be echoed with a pair of edgy flat boots. I also like the urban feel of the skinny jeans and sneakers combination. If you want to play up the street style vibe, try a pair of bold fashion sneakers. Finally, a lightweight patterned scarf--neutral or bright--would be a perfect addition to this outfit.

A Friendly Reminder

Don't forget: if you want to be featured on Kansas Couture, send a picture of a look to Your Personal Stylist at kathryn.seibel@gmail.com. I will discuss what works about your outfit and suggest ways to take it to the next level. Only one person has submitted a photo, and it was a really fun post!

New at the Shop

Ladies' Night

Sorry for the lull in posting. I have been gallivanting around Madison, Wisconsin with beautiful company. Here's what we wore on Saturday night.

Packing

The last few trips I've been on, I've either brought too much, not enough or just the wrong stuff. Before leaving for Madison, Wisconsin this week, I tried a new packing technique. Rather than bringing a lot of pieces to build outfits, I picked ensembles in advance -- some tried and true, some new combinations. It's a bit chilly here, so my goal was to make the most of my winter favorites while maintaining a colorful, springy feel.

St. Patty's Day

I discovered that I don't have many green pieces in my closet, but I made a concerted effort to include at least some of the lucky color in today's look. This outfit has a lot going on -- touches of neon, a hint of nautical inspiration, mixing patterns -- but it's not too over-the-top.

Shirt: Target, $5
Skirt: Forever21, $14
Shoes: Vincent Camuto, thrifted, $4
Necklace: Wildman Vintage, gift
Bangle: Old Navy, $1
Sunglasses: Beyond the Door, $5

Black & White Prints

I'm loving black & white prints paired with eye-catching color. This geometric floral button-up provides a nice complement to the mustard yellow satin tulip skirt. My tarnished medallion necklace and peep-toe booties round out the look.

                                                    AT THE SHOP


Top: TJMaxx, $7
Skirt: Forever21, $14
Booties: Payless
Necklace: Wildman Vintage, gift

Spring Plaid

Fall's favorite pattern lives on in the form of pastel checkered prints. Though it's a bit too big, I couldn't resist this pretty button-up when I found it today at the Social Service League. I cinched it with a skinny white belt, added a tarnished medallion necklace and paired it with my fringed boots.

Shirt: Social Service League, $1
Jeans: Guess, TJMaxx, $28
Boots: Minnetonka, Weavers, $42
Necklace: Wildman Vintage, gift
Belt: Goodwill, $1

AT THE SHOP

New at the Shop

Role Reversal

While my natural inclination is to pair a bold printed top with a solid, neutral cardigan, I'm loving the opposite these days thanks to bright floral-print cardis for spring.

Top: Target, $8
Cardigan: Old Navy, $10
Jeans: Guess, TJMaxx, $28
Boots: Vintage, Arizona Trading Company, $15
Belt: Came with a F21 dress
Necklace: Forever21, $1

Your Personal Stylist

EMILY

This look is clean and classic. The pieces are timeless and fit you well. You look great! Here are a few suggestions to add some interest. To me, that crisp white button-up shirt is just begging for a jacket. Right now, the ensemble is kind of hovering between casual and slightly dressy. Depending on the occasion, you could push it in one direction or the other. For a dressier look, swap the flats for some heels (but still in a bright color if you have them) and add a fitted blazer that has interesting detail (ruffles, contrasting trim, etc.). For something more laidback and weekend-friendly, you could wear cropped or skinny jeans, keep the cute flats and add a bright cardigan (one with a print would look fun and fresh). Thanks for submitting a picture to Your Personal Stylist!

Your Personal Stylist

Ever wish you had your own personal stylist? I'd like to introduce a new feature to the blog. Send me a picture of an outfit at kathryn.seibel@gmail.com, and I will give you my appraisal of it. Whether it needs a pop of color, another accessory or maybe it's perfect! If you so choose, I will post your photo and my comments on Kansas Couture.

VOTE For Your Favorite

Day to Night

For this laidback daytime look, I wore a salmon pink wool vest over a t-shirt and accessorized with a printed scarf, metal bangles and flat sandals.

T-shirt: Urban Outfitters, $5
Vest: Vintage, thrifted, $2
Jeans: Tilt, Plato's Closet, $15
Sandals: Vintage, Plato's Closet, $6
Scarf: TJMaxx, $12
Bangles: Payless, sample from work

Maintaining the same feel of the daytime look, I made it more evening-appropriate with a sheer, flowy top, some dark wash skinnies, a statement necklace, platform wedges and a sleek patent clutch.

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10

Vest: Vintage, thrifted, $2

Jeans: TJMaxx, $16

Shoes: alice+olivia for Payless, sample from work

Necklace: Forever21, $10

Clutch: Payless, sample from work

Check It Out

The Lawrence Journal World published a feature in today's paper about my Lucky magazine experience.

Here's a link to the story: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/mar/08/magazine-chooses-fashion-forward-lawrence-resident/

Fringe Benefits

Another beautiful day gave me the opportunity to pair my fringe boots with a springy dress. The waist-defining belt and cropped blazer add a tailored touch, and the yellow statement necklace lends some color.

Dress: Gap, $10
Blazer: Arizona Trading Company, $15
Boots: Minnetonka, Weavers, $42
Belt: Thrifted, $2
Necklace: Beyond the Door, $6