Wintry Mix

Collared shirt: Urban, $10 // Cardigan: TJMaxx, $12 // Blazer: Vintage, thrifted, $5 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Shoes: Forever 21, gift

Faced with yet another cold, gloomy day, I finally decided to stop denying the fact that spring has not yet arrived! Rather than suffering sans socks and a coat, I layered up in weather-appropriate attire. The resulting ensemble is perfectly preppy and slightly studious. While it's not what I'm yearning to wear at the moment, it is totally me.

Think Spring

Dress: Lux via Plato's Closet, $15 // Shoes: JCPenney, $10 // Necklace: Forever 21, $6 // Head scarf: Thrifted, 50 cents

One of the perks of a tropical vacation was giving some of my spring clothes a spin. It was so refreshing to simply throw on a dress and sandals and tie my beach hair back with a scarf.

Spring hasn't quite sprung yet around here, but as the weather warms up, I can't wait to recreate the amazing fruity beverages I enjoyed while in Mexico. First step: invest in a really good blender! I've been meaning to do this for awhile with the intention of making nutrient-rich kale smoothies. But of course it's the promise of fresh mango margaritas that's really going to make it happen.

Ave Maria

Dress: Tucker for Target, $40 // Shoes: JCPenney, $10 // Clutch: Payless, gift

Strolling through the downtown area of Isla Mujeres, I was immediately drawn to this wall inside a card shop. When I asked my sister to take my outfit photo in front of it, she pointed out that I was kind of camouflaged, but I didn't care. This vibrant, beautifully jumbled collection of imagery and objects really captured the look and feel of Mexico for me. I actually love how the color and pattern of the background play against those of the dress. Speaking of the dress, Tucker for Target was my favorite designer collaboration, so I couldn't resist snagging this beauty when it became available again. I've seen it pop up on several other blogs recently and am glad to be part of the club!

One more quick note: LuLu*s posted a spotlight of me on their blog featuring (gasp!) a video interview. Check out the post here and the video below. Thank you to the LuLu*s ladies for such a sweet write-up!

Real Time

Top: Courtesy of 81 Poppies // Trousers: Old Navy, $8 // Shoes: Lucky Brand, courtesy of Lucky Magazine // Necklace: Antique mall, $12 // Belt: Old Navy, $8

It's been eons since I've posted an outfit on the same day that I actually wore it, so I thought I'd share today's look with you. Not to worry, more island style awaits, as promised.

Beach Bum

Cover-Up: Forever 21, $22 // Swimsuit: Target, $30 // Sandals: Vintage via Plato's Closet, $6 // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Hat: Target, $13

While I did miss the comforts of home, leaving an island paradise to return to freezing cold Kansas was not easy. My first day back, I had an embarrassingly difficult time actually getting dressed. I guess I had grown accustomed to simply rolling out of bed, throwing on a suit, cover-up and sandals, grabbing my beach bag and stepping into the sand. Now I'm back to reality, but as I share pictures with you throughout this rainy work week, I plan to relive my lovely stay in Mexico.

Feeling the Love

Many others have said it more eloquently (and in a much more timely manner), but by far the best part of the Texas Style Council Conference was meeting people. I'm not exaggerating when I say everyone was fun, friendly, interesting and, of course, stylish. It made me proud to be part of such a supportive, eclectic community. That said, I'm terrible at taking pictures and ended up with very few of my own. Being a total moocher, here are some shots I borrowed from other blogs:

Jessie, Yen and Kendi. Photo taken by Bryan Skeen, borrowed from Jessie.

Suze, Amy, Kelsey and Elissa. Photo from Dress with Courage.

Jen and I got a kick out of our height difference. Photo from the LuLu*s blog.

Reiko of God's Favorite Shoes. Photo from Reiko.

There are many amazing ladies I enjoyed meeting who aren't in these photos. I highly recommend checking out the blogs of all the panelists and attendees.

Stay tuned for some beach style this weekend!

LuLu*s

Here are a few of my favorite spring items from the fabulous, affordable and always lovable LuLu*s.
I had the pleasure of meeting the LuLu*s ladies at the Texas Style Council Conference. Check out their recaps of the weekend here and here.

Lightwaves

 Top: Courtesy of 81 Poppies // Jeans: Forever 21, $12 // Shoes: Forever 21, $28 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Sunglasses: Plato's Closet, $5 // Watch: Courtesy of TIKKR

Though it'll be next week by the time you're reading this, I'm currently trying desperately to keep my eyes open and finish packing for my trip. All I have to say about this outfit is the day I wore it was absolutely beautiful, and I'm in love with the print of this 81 Poppies top. I'll be back in action on Thursday. Until then!

Happy-Go-Lucky

Dress: Forever 21, secondhand, $10 // Tights: HUE via TJMaxx, $5 // Necklace: Vintage, thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Vintage, Market Publique via TxSCC Swap

I'm such a dork when it comes to holidays. I can't help but dress up for any occasion. Here you have my festive St. Patrick's Day ensemble. I don't have a lot of green in my closet, but I reached for this dress and played up its different colors with my accessories -- including these darling cobalt pumps I scored at the Swap from Market Publique.

Ease Your Feet in the Sea

It seems like I just got back from Austin, but now this landlocked girl is running off to the beach! I have a couple of scheduled outfit posts for you and more Texas coverage when I return. Enjoy your weekend! Adios!

Beta Boutique + Discount

Here are some of my favorite pieces from my sponsor Beta Boutique's adorable vintage assortment. On top of already reasonable prices, they are offering Kansas Couture readers a 10% discount with code VintageLove.

Speakeasy

Top: Courtesy of 81 Poppies // Skirt: Courtesy of 81 Poppies // Shoes: Steve Madden, courtesy of Lulu's // Necklace: Forever 21, $8

I'm going a little out of order here, but this is what I wore for the actual day of the panels. I had the pleasure of being dressed by Michelle, the lovely and talented Austin designer behind 81 Poppies. These pieces from her spring collection are delightfully delicate and demure (especially when paired with these too cute bow heels), but there are also plenty of pops of bold color and dynamic pattern in the mix as well.

Finding a cute outfit was only half the battle; I was also enlisted to speak on the longevity panel! I wasn't thrilled about my contribution to the discussion, but in front of such a friendly, supportive audience, I felt more at ease than expected. Thank you, Kyla, for taking these outfit photos!

I spoke alongside Kyla and Jennine Jacob of the Coveted and IFB fame, who also delivered the inspiring keynote. Though I was a bit starstruck, she was very genuine and super nice in person. As for the rest of the speakers, it was fascinating to hear everyone's points of view and to pick up bits of widsom from a knowledgable bunch of bloggers and businesswomen.

Thank you, Suze, for the picture!

Wild Horses

Top: Courtesy of LuLu*s // Jeans: Britches, $20 // Shoes: Vintage, thrifted, $1.50 // Necklace: Forever 21, $8 // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, $10

Sorry it's been so quiet around here! I promise I'll make up for it with several posts about Austin, which was an unforgettable whirlwind of sweet, stylish ladies and fun, inspiring get-togethers. These shots were taken while my roomie Kyla and I strolled South Congress. Not only did I find two amazing vintage dresses, but I also stumbled upon my favorite photo background of all time in the form of this horse mural. Coupled with the little elephants on my LuLu*s blouse, this is an aweseomely animal-filled post. Photos taken by Kyla.   

 

Vagabond

Shirt: Old Navy, $6 // Jacket: Thrifted, $3 // Jeans: Tilt via Plato's Closet, $18 // Boots: Wild Man Vintage, $15 // Hat: H&M, $15 // Back pack: On loan from Le Mode Accessories

Let it be known, I love back packs! It may be because they take me back to my beloved school days. But beyond that, chic knapsacks like this one from Le Mode Accessories, strike the perfect balance of form and function, style and practicality. They make the perfect traveling companion, too, as they comfortably hold all your essentials and keep your hands free. How fitting that this is my last post before jetting off to Austin for the Texas Style Council Conference. I am beyond giddy about meeting all the bloggers and attending the events. Unfortunately, my little back pack friend will not be joining me. He's off on his own trip to visit another blogger. Keep an eye out!

I'm going to try to update while I'm gone over the weekend, but it may not happen. You can follow me on twitter for tidbits. If you're going to the conference, I'll see you soon! If not, I'll tell you all about it on Monday.

Fin

Top: Old Navy, $15 // Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Cardi: GAP, courtesy of GAP and Lucky Magazine // Shoes: Madden Girl, thrifted, $1.50

There you have it! I'm finally done with the 30 for 30. I'll be the first to admit that it's not the grandest of finales, but I'm just overjoyed that it's over. The challenge had its ups and downs, but I have returned to my full closet with newfound appreciation for my clothes and a keener sense of creativity.

Dad's Sunglasses

Shirt: Old Navy, $8 // Sweater: Forever 21, $18 // Jeans: Forme, $20 // Boots: Seychelles via Gilt, $30 after credit // Belt: Thrifted, 50 cents // Necklace: Gift // Sunglasses: Creation Station (local store), $8

When I put this outfit together, I figured it would be a throwaway weekend look -- nothing special. Looking back, though, I really like it for some reason. Perhaps it's helped by my shades, which make me think of the delightful Darjeeling Limited. They give me a hint of Peter's effortless cool without the splitting headaches.

Old News

Top: Old Navy, $15 // Cardigan: Wild Man Vintage, $10 // Jeans: Levi's, gift // Shoes: Payless, gift // Sunglasses: Plato's Closet, $5 

Here are a couple more outfits from the archives for you! Above is what I wore on Valentine's Day. Below is a bad picture of an equally bad outfit that I wasn't planning to post, but I'm that desperate to hit #30!

Sweater: Thrifted, $3 // Shirt: Old Navy, $8 // Jeans: Forme, $20 // Boots: Thrifted, $2.50 // Necklace: Urban Outfitters, $10

Nine Lives

Top: Target, $28 // Jeans: Urban Outfitters, $30 // Shoes: Forever 21, $30 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Sunglasses, $5

Not surprisingly, this leopard blouse was one of the stars of my 30 for 30. Unlike many of the other items, I'm still not sick of it! I styled it simply on Sunday with basic black jeans and a couple of bold accessories. It took some serious willpower to actually get dressed that day, but I'm glad I did.

Stay tuned for two more outfits later today. The end is nigh! And with the 30 for 30 challenge out of the way, I can focus all my energy on getting ready for my trip to Austin this weekend! Are you going to the Texas Style Council Conference? I can't wait to meet everyone!

Outfit Overload

Sweater: Thrifted, $3 // Jeans: Forme, $20 // Jacket: Forever 21, gift // Flats: Payless, gift // Sunglasses: Plato's Closet, $5

Throughout the 30 for 30, there have been a handful of outfits I wore but neglected to photograph. This weekend I did some serious catching up and took shots of them. Above is what I actually wore on Saturday to run some errands. Below is just an office outfit from a couple of weeks ago. Why all the sunnies you ask? Well, I picked up a few new pairs this weekend that I wanted to show off, and I wasn't wearing any make-up. I might have to make a habit of it... they make me look much cooler than I actually am.

Top: Target, $28 // Skirt: Ann Taylor, thrifted, $1.50 // Boots: Forever 21, $30 // Belt: Thrifted, 50 cents // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, $10