Still Summer

Top: TJMaxx, $10 // Jeans: Delia's, secondhand, purchased with credit // Shoes: Target, $15 // Earrings: Vintage, $1 // Ring: Courtesy of Accessorize

Today's heat and humidity provided a clear reminder that summer hasn't retired yet. It is supposed to cool off later this week, so I decided to break out a piece that probably won't get much wear once autumn really rolls around -- this cheery plaid blouse. Paired with coordinating clip-ons and a headscarf, I felt ready for a retro picnic.

I will announce the winner of the giveaway tomorrow!

La Vie en Rose

Top: H&M, $10 // Skirt: Forever 21, $16 // Hat: Forever 21, $3.50 // Boots: Steve Madden, courtesy of Famous Footwear

This simple little ensemble had me feeling rather Parisian yesterday with its slouchy beret, Breton striped skirt and bohemian boots. Maybe that's a stretch, but a girl can dream.

Black Tie Affair

Top: Ann Taylor, secondhand, $22 // Blazer: H&M, $35 // Jeans: Tilt via Plato's Closet, $18 // Shoes: Christian Siriano for Payless 

It wasn't purposeful, but the top half of today's look feels totally tuxedo-inspired. Perhaps that's why all my usual girly accessories were cast aside, and I felt the urge to give my hair a more masculine feel. As for the bottom half, the light-wash jeans give the ensemble a casual daytime twist, and the strappy sandals add some modern edge.

Concrete Jungle

Top: Urban Ouftitters, $10 // Pants: Thrifted, $5 // Shoes: Forever 21, gift // Necklace: Forever 21, $8 // Bracelet: Forever 21, $9

 
I like how this look is comprised mostly of utilitarian-inspired pieces -- the simple white button-up, army green pants and lace-up sneaker heels -- but still manages to be feminine thanks to the silhouette and accessories.

Bohemian Bisoux Giveaway

Here's a little something to brighten your Monday... a chance to win a $45 credit to Bohemian Bisoux Vintage! Simply leave a comment on this post between now and next Sunday, August 29th at 11 p.m. Central Time. Only one comment per person, please. A winner will be randomly selected and announced next Monday, August 30th. This contest is open to international readers.

Deja Denim

Top: Vintage, $6 // Jeans: Forme, $30 // Earrings: Payless // Ring: Courtesy of Accessorize // Shoes: Courtesy of Scarpasa

Here's what I wore last Friday. Yes, jeans again! My new job has a more relaxed dress code than my previous one. You know I love my denim, but I'll try not to turn too terribly casual on you.

Test Drive

Top: Forever 21, $20 // Jeans: Delia's, secondhand, purchased with credit // Necklace: Forever 21, $8 // Shoes: Courtesy of Scarpasa

These lovelies from Scarpasa were waiting for me when I got home from work yesterday. I took them out for a spin almost immediately by walking to dinner. Not only are they pretty as can be, but they're comfortable, too!

First Taste of Fall

Shirt: Thrifted, $1 // Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Necklace: Forever 21, $8 // Boots: Blowfish, courtesy of Famous Footwear

Today's high temperature was in the low '70s. After relentless triple-digit heat, the cool, rainy, fall-like day definitely inspired me to bust out some boots! For this look, I went for a clash of moods with the classic plaid, glam necklace, edgy boots and geeky glasses. More heat is right around the corner, but it was nice to get a preview of the cool days ahead.

A Few Notes...

I've been meaning to post all of these items for awhile.

A big thank you to lookbook.nu and German Vogue for featuring a photo of me awhile back (upper right corner). This was a pleasant suprise!

Also, thank you to the High Low for including me in their My Purchases feature. Check it out here.

Finally, ethical fashion blog Fashion Loves People has released a new t-shirt design. Check it out here.

Earn Your Stripes

Top: Richard Chai for Target, $16 // Skirt: Forever 21, $16 // Shoes: Target, $10 // Belt: Came with a Forever 21 dress // Ring: Gift

Though I already have my fair share of horizontally striped garments, I don't have any breton bottoms. That's how I justified the purchase of this fun full skirt from Forever 21. It's already proving itself to be quite versatile. I love all the nice lines of this look and the pops of bold color against the neutral skirt.

Third Try's the Charm

Top: French Connection via Plato's Closet, $14 // Skirt: Purchased with gift certificate courtesy of Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden via 6pm.com, $50 // Belt: Thrifted, $1.50 // Ring: Gift

The past two outfits I've shared with you were from the weekend, which means what I wore for my first two days at the new job didn't make the cut! What can I say? I don't dress well under pressure. This was the first look that was remotely worthy of mention, largely thanks to the adorable bow print of the skirt.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Skirt (worn as dress): Gift // Hat: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Bracelet: Forever 21, $9 // Shoes: Goodwill, $5

I have a tale to tell today. Awhile back, Fossil sent me a beautiful pair of boots from their collaboration with Justin. I loved their worn-in feeling, rustic look and intricate embroidery. But, they were a bit too big for me and sat lonely in their shoebox for some time while I procrastinated sending them back for a smaller pair.

Then, during my recent move, the unthinkable happened. The boots went missing! While ransacking box after box, it was terribly frustrating to realize that lots of old junk I wouldn't even miss was safe and sound, but this precious cargo was nowhere to be found. Ain't that just the way it goes? 

Here is what I would have worn with them -- something pretty yet rough around the edges with a sort of cowgirl-meets-hippie feel. As soon as they turn up, you'll be the first to see them in action.

Birds of Prey

Dress: Urban Outfitters, $30 // Hat: Target, $10 // Bracelet: Payless necklace // Shoes: Courtesy of Famous Footwear

This sweet, delicate little dress fits my style to a tee. I can't wait to wear it in a variety of ways: ladylike with pumps, casual with flat sandals and even with tights, boots and a jacket for fall. This time, I edged it up a bit with a menswear-inspired fedora and some seriously strappy heels.

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

Top: Forever 21, $20 // Shorts: TJMaxx, $10 // Shoes: Plato's Closet, $8 // Sunglasses: Goodwill, $1 // Necklace: Forever 21, $5

What they say is true... I'm already having more fun thanks to my wonderful stylist (Teri at Green Room Salon). She warned me that once you go blond, you always want to be more blond. I'm already realizing the truth in that statement and will likely do something more dramatic in the future. Enough about the hair, on to the outfit! 

So, remember my confession of tipsy shopping? The package arrived a couple of days ago, and I was pretty pleased with the contents. Unfortunately, the shorts (which prompted the purchase) did not fit well. I adore shorts but have had the hardest time finding the right pair this summer! The other two items -- the roomy striped sweater and bee necklace -- were added to my cart as an afterthought, and I love them! I'm immediately won over by anything with horizontal stripes, and this laid-back number was no exception. As for the necklace, you may not know that I have an affinity for bees. I have a bee tattoo and many bee-themed possessions, so this bejeweled bug will fit right in.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Top: Target, $10 // Jeans: Morgan via secondhand shop, purchased with credit // Bow: Thrifted, 50 cents // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Old Navy, $10

Phew! I'm finally getting back into the swing of things after moving into my new house. The rest of this week will be spent getting settled, and then I start a new job on Monday! I'm still a copywriter but will be working in a different office. The new position means a longer commute and longer hours, but I'm going to make a concerted effort to keep up with blogging.

 
As if my life weren't changing enough, I decided to dye my hair! Being a fairly low maintenance, au naturale kind of girl, I've never been one to experiment with hair color. But I figured with such a short haircut, now was my chance to play around with no strings attached.

August Sponsors & Giveaway Winners

I'm excited to introduce my sponsors for August! Scarpasa specializes in stylish yet comfortable shoes. As someone who dresses up for work and also prefers walking whenever possible, I totally appreciate this combination.
Bohemian Bisoux is a St. Louis-based Etsy shop that boasts a beautifully curated collection of vintage. Check them out!

The winner of the Dirty Betty Vintage giveaway is comment number 119, erono. Please contact me by this Friday at kansascouture@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Because I didn't hear from the winner of the Happy Pappy Vintage giveaway, I determined a new one: comment number 97, Eva. You also have till Friday to get in touch with me. Thanks!

Finally, I wanted to apologize for being absent the past several days. Just be glad I didn't post a photo of the stinky old clothes I wore for three days in a row while moving to my new abode! Things should be back to normal soon.