Sunny Days

It's hard to believe that summer is coming to a close. On one hand, I feel sad...I love the long days and laid-back, good times vibe of the season. On the other, I'm thrilled for fall, my favorite season! Style-wise, I feel way more inspired by fall, and it ushers in the Halloween season. Yippee! But, as warm temperatures linger, I'll continue to reach for easy breezy pieces like loose camis and cloth pants. 

Top: H&M

Pants: Target

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Bag: Fossil

Shades: Ray-Ban

Vinyl Vednesday, Volume 26

Vol. 26

The Record: Beach House, Teen Dream

The Refreshment: Moscow Mule Float

This is one of my favorite records ever...a dreamy, dynamic masterpiece without a single track that I'm tempted to skip. And, the accompanying cocktail was such a treat! Combining the fresh flavors of a Moscow Mule with the decadence of a float, I highly recommend making it during the sliver of summer we have left. 

Moscow Mule Float

Stir together 1.5 oz vodka, a few ounces of ginger beer and a squeeze of fresh lime in a tall glass. Add a scoop of lime sherbet or sorbet and enjoy!

Fancy Free

The day I wore this, I had initially put on a fussy, somewhat ill-fitting dress. Quickly realizing I wasn't comfortable, I opted for a soft tee, elastic waist skirt and sneakers. This easygoing ensemble was infinitely superior. Don't get me wrong -- I still love pretty dresses, but as I get older, I'm valuing practicality more and more. And I've realized that if you don't feel great in what you're wearing (for whatever reason), it probably doesn't look great either. 

Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: Courtesy of ModCloth

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Rock n' Roll

My style leans more sweet than edgy, but a couple of recent acquisitions -- this band tee and a pink Color Bug -- inspired a cool, concert-ready get-up. 

Shirt: Thrifted

Pants: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Kelsi Dagger

Vinyl Vednesday, Volume 25

Vol. 25

The Record: The Notwist, Neon Golden

The Refreshment: Pineapple Margarita

It was fairly loose inspiration to be sure, but the album name called to mind a pineapple margarita, so I went with it. Read on for the recipe, and note that the photographed version is served up, but I recommend it on the rocks!

Pineapple Margarita

Rim a glass with a combination of paprika, salt and sugar. Combine 1.5 oz reposado tequila, 1.5 oz pineapple juice, .5 oz lime juice and .5 oz tripel sec in the glass and stir. Fill with ice and enjoy!

Flight of Fancy

Union Station is one of my favorite spots in Kansas City. The soaring ceilings, magnificent detail and stately air make me feel transported to a different time and place. A fancy workday lunch at Pierpont's proved to be a lovely respite from an otherwise average day. Speaking of feeling upscale, I finally invested in a good handbag. I've never been a bag person, and my thriftiness makes it hard for me to shell out the cost of quality. To a seasoned collector, this may seem like a modest bag, but it's a big deal for me!

Shirt: Forever 21

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Bag: Fossil

Kansas Couture for Lawrence Magazine: Fall 2014

My latest Lawrence Magazine column – wherein I hang out with a polar bear and discuss my favorite fall trends – is here! Check out the online edition, or pick up a copy today.

Feeling Sneaky

While I try not to let fashion norms dictate my wardrobe choices, my desire to look stylish (and boost my short stature) has made me quite the heel-lover. That being said, can I just express how overjoyed I am that comfortable shoes are actually trendy right now? Thanks to my laziness of late and, you know, my fashion savvy, I've been reaching for the sneakers a lot lately! 

Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Target

Vinyl Vednesday, Volume 24

Vol. 24

The Record: Jens Lekman, When I Said I Wanted To Be Your Dog

The Refreshment: "Gins Lekman"

I don't know what it is about Sweden, but so many of my favorite artists hail from there, including Mr. Jens Lekman. He's just such a charming storyteller. For the drink, I played off his notoriously tricky-to-pronounce name and used gin as my spirit. See the recipe below.

Gins Lekman

Muddle a few blackberries, peach wedges and mint sprigs with 1.5 oz of gin and .5 oz of peach liqueur in your cocktail shaker. Shake with ice. Because of all the fruit, it's a little clunky, but you'll want it to get chilled. Then pour over a fine strainer into your glass.   

Ebb and Flow

Apologies are in order for the radio silence over here! I haven't been feeling especially sartorially inspired lately. This happens to me from time to time, and it always passes eventually! In the meantime, I'll try to avoid being a complete bore.

Top: Vintage

Shorts: Levi's

Shoes: Sam Edelman 

Vinyl Vednesday, Volume 23

Vol. 23

The Record: Beta Band, The Three E.P.'s

The Refreshment: Dirty Vodka Martini

I wasn't familiar with this band or record, so cocktail inspiration didn't come easily. After scanning the track list, "Dry the Rain" caught my eye and got me thinking about dry drinks. Rather than inventing something, I went with a vodka martini. Though I'm not a big fan, it's definitely a good drink to have in your cocktail arsenal. 

Dirty Vodka Martini

Shake the following with ice: 2 oz of chilled vodka (or gin), a dash of chilled Dry Dolin Vermouth* and a dash of olive juice. Don't be lazy with the shaking...you want it to be ice cold. Pour, add olives and enjoy!

*A friend of mine taught me that high quality, chilled vermouth is essential for a good martini.