Memorial Day

Between my comfy overalls and messy first attempt at fishtail milkmaid braids, I was rather undone in this outfit. But, it was actually perfectly suited to the occasion: cooking out with friends on a Monday! I'm loving the summer vibes in the air.

Overalls: Tinseltown via TJMaxx
Shirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger

Vinyl Vednesday, Vol. 13

Vol. 13

The Record: Sonic Youth, Sister

The Refreshment: Sonic Limeade spiked with vodka

With Sonic Youth as the record pick, I couldn't resist this delightfully literal drink pick. Craft cocktail? No. Delicious? Yes. And, it just so happened to be 50 cent corn dog day at Sonic. No regrets!

Candy Girl

Between the pastel hues, soft chiffon fabric, lovely layered lace and pretty pleats, this outfit was as sweet as can be.

Top: Topshop, courtesy of Nordstrom

Skirt: Courtesy of ModCloth

Shoes: Kelsi Dagger

Denim for Days

You can't go wrong with good ol' denim on denim. I felt commanding yet casual in this tomboy chic combination.

Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Courtesy of H&M
Shoes: Kelsi Dagger
Necklace: Vintage

Vinyl Vednesday, Vol. 12

Vol. 12

The Record: Camera Obscura, Let's Get Out of This Country

The Refreshment: "Razzle Dazzle Rose" (sparkling wine with rose water, peach liqueur and fresh grapefruit) 

Camera Obscura is an old favorite. Their music is so sweet and melodic and lovely and smart. The accompanying cocktail was equally enchanting. 

Just Peachy

Realizing I hadn't worn this pretty pink sweater all winter, I got it in under the wire on a chilly Friday. The spirit of spring shined through, though, thanks to the pink hues and barely there sandals.

Sweater: Vintage
Pants: Courtesy of Gracie B. Boutique
Shoes: Anne Michelle
Rings: Forever 21 and Vintage

Fee-fi-faux-fur

It's a good thing I'm lazy and haven't yet packed away my winter duds. This chilly weather we've been having called for layers, including a warm, furry one!

Shirt: Target
Vest: Forever 21
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Kelsi Dagger
Bracelet: Forever 21
Glasses: Urban Outfitters

Vinyl Vednesday, Vol. 11

Vol. 11

The Record: Pavement, Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain

The Refreshment: Pineapple Jalapeno Lime Pisco Slush

Pavement is a band I’ve always respected but never worshipped. I adore “Gold Soundz” and “Cut Your Hair” but never paid close attention to the other tracks on this record. For some reason, I considered them noisy “dude” music, but this close listen made me realize how much they align with my musical taste. Yay Pavement! As for the drink, it was inspired by the band’s home state of California, and it was SO delicious…summery and fresh with a serious kick of spice. 

All Over It

 Considering my love of rompers and jumpsuits, it’s no surprise that I’m also keen on the overalls trend. Finding the right pair, however, was no easy feat! Fit is always tricky when it comes to one-pieces, especially when your top and bottom halves aren’t the same size. Also, I didn’t want a pair that looked like the ones I wore at age 10. Normcore be damned…they needed to have some sort of fashion-forward element. The skinny fit in the legs and a unique button formation on this pair did the trick. Here’s hoping they stay in style for awhile!

Overalls: TJMaxx
Shirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Biondini
Hat: Gift
Bracelet: Forever 21

Kansas Couture for Lawrence Magazine: Summer 2014

The Summer 2014 edition of Lawrence Magazine is out! In this issue, I give tips and tricks for staying stylish in the heat of summer. Pick up your copy, or check out it online!  

May Day

Every year for as long as I can remember, my family has thrown a May Day party on the land where I grew up. The weather was beautiful this year, so I donned a carefree crop top and skirt combo and channeled dandelion chains from childhood with a faux flower crown. It was a beautiful celebration!

Top: Courtesy of ModCloth
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: jcpenney
Crown: DIY

Vinyl Vednesday, Vol. 10

Vol. 10

The Record: Lucinda Williams, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

The Refreshment: Whiskey Sweet Tea Lemonade

Thanks to my parents, Lucinda is one of those artists I've listened to since I was a kid. It wasn’t until recently that I realized “cool kids” like her too! She comes from the camp of country I love, writes raw, emotionally-charged lyrics and is an undeniable badass. 

Funny Side Note: I used the hashtag #vinylvednesday for the first time last week and discovered--to my surprise--that other record-lovers use this silly term, too! Who knew? 

Old Made New

Though it’s something I’m trying to work on, I tend to fall into that consumer spiral of always wanting to wear something new. While I have a whole closet full of perfectly good clothes, new pieces are just more exciting! This outfit, with the exception of the jacket, is made up of pieces I've had for quite a while. And yet, it still feels fresh! Don’t get me wrong—I’m not going to stop shopping anytime soon, but I will try to maintain good habits like combining old items in new ways, making thoughtful purchases rather than impulse buys and going thrift store shopping.

Shirt: H&M
Pants: Gap
Jacket: Levi's
Shoes: Courtesy of B.A.I.T. Footwear
Necklace: Forever 21

Cinco de Mayo Margarita

When made right, margaritas are one of my all-time favorite cocktails. Here’s my go-to recipe. It doesn't amount to much liquid, but as you sip on this little libation, I’m sure you’ll agree that the balance of flavors is just perfect. And, you can always multiply the quantities for a larger amount.

1.5 ounces of good tequila (Patron or Trader Joe’s Distinqt)

½ ounce of lime juice

½ ounce of triple sec or Cointreau

Wood + Salt Smoked Sea Salt (seriously takes the drink to the next level!)

Rim a small glass with salt. Shake all liquid ingredients with plenty of ice. Pour and enjoy.