preppy hipster

I don't know what it is about plaid shirts, but it always reminds me of home...Seattle. Something about the 90's grunge look that made it a trademark of our city's attire and still to this day makes me homesick. Now living on the East Coast for about 4 years (gasp!), I probably need to get over this obsession with plaid and my upbringing, so that's why I'm adding a little East Coast sass to it...add some heels and a belt and here you go: preppy hipster. :)

Fashion Week NYC!!!!!

This just makes me so happy...an entire week devoted to the Best of fashion in the Fashion Capital of the world...New York City. For the complete coverage of Spring 2011 fashion week, click here: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/category/spring-2011-fashion-week
I'm really loving the patterns of Zero Maria Cornejo
And the bold colors of Marc Jacobs....soooooo cute!!

and the award for the most versatile item of clothing goes to...

Everyone needs a go-to black dress and this is mine, say hello! I love the cap sleeves and the cut of the dress how it flows out around the hips and makes for a very flattering shape. And the best part about black is that you can keep it simple or go glamorous, its so easy to change it up. I just read an article about this girl who wore the same black dress for a school charity project and found thousands of ways to change her look. Who knew?! And how cool!

pretty red shoes

For 10 bucks...these H&M ballet flats have gotten their use...and are still going  strong. Not only do I wear them to and from work, around the house and running errands, they also are my go to when I need a pick-me-up. Something about the red just makes me happy. So for a monday (which usually isnt my favorite day of the work week, ugh) I am in need of some red pick-me-up.

Friday!!

Don't you just love short work weeks...ahh this week was the best, despite the terrible cold I got on Wednesday but managed to pulled thru until the weekend. :(
I love these skinny black slacks from United Colors of Benetton (and the best part is that they come with a black vest!) and I thought wearing this stripe shirt with a skinny gold belt might be a nice way to prep up these new pants! Plus, I think this can pass for casual friday attire at work...
Weekend, here I come! :)

classy buckles

I love this khaki jacket (from Banana Republic, of course!) because its a perfect summer professional jacket and goes great with high waisted skirts because its cropped. I never thought I would be able to wear 3/4 length sleeves because of my long arms, but this jacket doesnt make my arms look weird. And I love the red pumps...had to wear them today!

Holy MARTHA STEWART!!

Ok guys, so BIG news...I am going to NYC Sept 20th to be part of The Martha Stewart show featuring vintage/Fall fashion clothes! Our little boutique, Nana, where I work part-time, will be one of the featured vintage clothing shops around the country. And so I'll be modeling the best vintage as part of the studio audience!! SO EXCITED!! Here's to hoping, I don't fall on national television...

Be sure to check your local listings for show times HERE:
http://www.marthastewart.com/the-martha-stewart-show

Check back for the video link to the show!

flowery prints

I love this top, makes me feel like those paper doilies that you find in craft stores...this is one of my vintage finds that I paired with this H&M pleated skirt. I guess its a fusion of summer and fall...since this weekend marked the last of summer, I guess I should start getting ready for fall! I don't know about you, but I love, love, love fall! Especially an East Coast Fall...the only reason I stay in the sweltering heat of August. ugh.

all that glitters...

Ok so today I'm adding a little more sparkle to my usual work attire (the picture doesn't do this H&M top justice, but those patterns are all sequences)...But who cares if I look like I just walked out of a night club, I feel fabulous! I love the bold color of this green skirt and added some black open-toe pumps...very summer chic!

trendy or classic?

Trendy

Classic

There's two ways to wear this dress and I tend to switch it up from time to time. That's the great thing about having a style...you can make it your own by wearing things that fit your unique style. It's funny when I switched my cropped Beatle inspired jacket for a Jcrew long cardigan it was amazing to see how it changed the style of the dress. Try to buy things that are versatile and maximize the items in your closet by pairing them with things you normally wouldn't pair with...such as the "go-to outfit" that we wear that one skirt with only one shirt and that's it. Be unafraid to take a risk and mix it up!
Or try and get a friend to go through your closet and see what she pairs together...the results may be surprising but give you an entirely new perspective...and more outfits to wear!!

an ode to sabina

My favorite purse in my closet is this Sabina handbag, tan soft leather with gold accents. It's hard to find her stuff, but I've had luck finding a few of her bags at Urban Outfitters and Ebay. But a classic, timeless purse is worth the investment (since her bags are not cheap!)

lady in red ruffles

Have I mentioned I am obsessed with ruffles?? I'm keep seeing them everywhere: on jackets, white cotton shirts, you name it...I even saw some ruffles on yoga wear! But this dress is vintage and so I like to think these ruffles are *special* and adds some flare to this adorable dress. I kept it simple for work attire and wore a tiny braided belt and comfy loafers, probably could add heels and accessories and make it work for an evening outing.

My style diva Whitney!

You probably can guess I love all things fashion and along with wearing new trends, I also love talking about them! And one of my favorite peeps to talk fashion with is one of my favorite gals in Seattle and old friend Whitney, who also has an adorable blog about Seattle fashion: http://phinneyfashion.blogspot.com/

She has an eye for trends and values the importance of looking cute on a budget! And did I mention she is probably the most fashionable person I know working in an elementary school? I absolutely adore her taste and I know you will too!

So here's to my style twin, can't wait to shop with you in Seattle next month! xoxo

Umm is she really wearin that?!

I never ever thought I could pull of this look...I mean, high waist pants on a long torso? No way...
But I was convinced by a very good sales gal at Benetton that I HAD to have these...oh god, am I really listening to her. Only the uber trendy girls can pull this look off...right??
Well, if you are one of those that isn't afraid to venture into this stylish trend of the high-waist pants...here's some pointers: 1. Keep the top minimal, and fitted not loose...you want to accent your waist line with the pants, not hide it by your shirt. 2. Stick to a bold color, to bring your eye to your shirt and not distract from the pants. 3. Beware of underwear lines while wearing these pants...honestly, there isnt a perfect pair for these babies...this might be a job for spanx. haha And finally 4. add some height...wear some cute platforms or heels to elongate your legs or pair some fun strappy flats...be daring!

High Waist Pleated Pants

Well folks, I am now an official stylist!

Pretty silk dress from Banana...I wanted to wear my new turquoise belt from Nana. Btw, if you haven't stopped by to meet the newest addition to Nana...you should come visit me Saturday 12-6pm!! I'll be happy to give you pointers and keep you stylish and savvy on a budget.

Love this grey suit jacket...

Just got this grey suit jacket from Urban...crazy buying this in the summer (in 90+ degree heat), but i know i'll put it to good use this Fall. Added my favorite stripe scarf and black flats...

Menswear

I bought these shoes awhile back for a film I worked on recently and luckily was able to keep them after we wrapped.

I think of these as a play on men's loafers but who says they can't be unisex...they remind me of these loafers I use to wear when I was little and went through a "tomboy" phase...

Wouldn't they be cute with pleated plants and a vest? Ooooh can't wait to wear these for the fall!

in honor of the 4th

Happy fourth of july!
Just bought this black and white dress from a cute boutique from U street called Nana. (http://nanadc.wordpress.com/). I absolutely love the fit of the dress, ties at the top and singes around the waist. This style looks flattering on any shape.


And in the spirit of true patriotism, I'm sporting an American flag pin. (thanks Marcy)

hot pink!

haha not the color I normal pick out, but this Banana Republic dress I bought last year for a wedding in San Diego has been fairly good to me and my wardrobe. Since the dress itself is such a statement (and I only prefer to wear in summer when I have a little bit of a tan, otherwise I'll look like a bright pink fool) I'm downplaying the accessories so this outfit doesnt create too much attention at work. Therefore I like this brown scarf and jean jacket to make it look more work casual. And who says you cant wear scarves in the summer...I just read a poll in InStyle magazine that says 64% of readers think its a "do"....as long as the scarf you pick isn't obviously a winter wool one, but something with a lighter feel and spring color or pattern.

back on main land again...

haha another sailing outfit I'm sporting this month...keeping it simple and classic, no jewelry and just white ballet flats. It's comfy and casual and yet still a cute outfit.

Jrose

A good friend of mine started calling me this back in grad school when he found out my middle name was "rose" and well, I guess the nickname kinda stuck. :)

I do love this Anthropology dress I bought a few season ago (not only for the rose print) but also because of the racer back cut of the dress and flattering style.

And also because I feel like a rose in it... :) Thanks mom for the name.

pockets are my fav

Ok, so I broke down recently and stocked up on some more sheer t-shirts from Urban Outfitters....I love how they are extra long (great for a long torso like mine) and a nice way to keep cool in the summer heat.

The skirt is from actually from Greece (I know, wayyyy to brag the fact that you not only traveled to that beautiful country, but were able to shop!) haha But i love the beaded detail on the front of the skirt and the best part.....it has pockets!!!

lime! lime! green!

I really love this lime green color so I'm making an effort to start bringing out more colors in my typical black or white wardrobe. :)

"capitol hill" inspired

but with a little twist...I'm wearing a seersucker jacket today with a jersey navy blue dress from Jcrew. But I wanted to spice it up a bit and added an orange belt to give it flare.

When I first came to DC I was one of the many "hill rats" aka interns to grace the marble stairways and historic landmarks. Working on Capitol Hill can be a rewarding experience, especially the chance to be front row center to important policy decisions and legislation, access to influential policymakers, the list goes on....So its no wonder these covenant jobs also come with prestige and earns you some swagger...but leaves no room for style....I've never seen a more professional looking work environment: the pearls, the heels, the nylons (ugh don't remind me) but I've learned to rebel a bit and find a way to bring a little individual style to the typical business suit.

blue eyed girl

haha...way to state the obvious jacq. But the reason I love this shirt is for the very reason that it brings out the blue in my eyes. That and that it reminds me of the beautiful pacific ocean I left back at home.

Lately, I've been giving tips of the staple clothing items every girl should have in their closet so to add one more to the list: having a piece that resembles your own unique personality and style. For me (as cheesy as it sounds) is this blue silk top. :)

cut out pattern dresses

I've been seeing this style lately, a layered look of two different colors with special detailed cutout patterns exposing the bottom layer. I really love Anthropologie's take on this style, this dress has navy blue out the outside and a bright white popping out through each cutout. :) Paired with a bright white cardigan to really make the patterns pop.

business chic

Donning the tuxedo jacket from Urban Outfitters today, but to make this outfit a little more girlie I added a flower blouse underneath. Next, I added skinny black pants to make it more hip and modern.

stripes

if you havent already figured out, my favorite pattern in the whole world is stripes. I once counted about 9 items in my closet that are stripes. But stripes are classic, timely and never go out of style. So invest in some good stripes and you'll be able to wear it for years, promise.

Today I have a stripe jcrew shirt and button skirt from banana. I love the gold buttons on this skirt, not too distracting from the stripes, but a nice addition. :)

holy heat!

A hot hot hot monday. Heat in the upper 90's already and its only 8:30am! Oh man, well I think this cool turqouise blue cotton dress is just the key to keeping me cool today. (Dress - Calvin Klein)

romantical? is that a word...well it should be.

I love this black wrap dress from Ann Taylor not just because it fits well, but you can practically wear it with anything! And since I've worn this countless times (maybe more than i care to admit this month) I had to be creative this morning so that my coworkers wouldn't come up to me and say "you're wearing that AGAIN!?"

So how about pairing this lil' black number with a white cardigan and yellow jewelry...cool, right? AND no one will ever know that I haven't washed this dress in weeks. Oops too much disclosure...I'm totally just kidding, well kinda. (definitely trying to save $$ on the dry cleaning this week, helloooo febreeze bottle! wink, wink)