Here We Go Again

Antwerpen

Kensington

Funny Guys

Wearing:

Jacket - H&M | Jumper - H&M | Jeans - Topshop | Sneakers - Adidas Superstars | Belt - Asos | Bag - Oasis

Taking blog pictures with friends is always a great experience... even if they try as hard as possible to photobomb your photos.  I'm sure you notice my friend Ed lurking behind me on some nearby stairs, or when he took the picture of Amber and me doing his best 'Dutch Angle.'  Sure I could have just left out these pictures out, but these photos make me laugh, and I think it gives blogging a bit more of a "real" side.  As much as I love a perfectly curated collection of pictures in any given post, sometimes it can make the blogger behind it look too perfect.

Last weekend, despite impending deadlines, my friends and I decided to venture out to my favorite neighborhood of Notting Hill and go to spots that inspired the movie of the same name.  We found the famous "Blue Door" where Hugh Grant's character lived, went to the actual bookshop that inspired the shop in the movie, and of course sang "Ain't No Sunshine" as we walked down Portobello Road.  I'm not gonna lie, this is probably my favorite movie, and it always feels surreal (but nice, haha) when I walk down this neighborhood.  Luckily while I was there, it wasn't too cold and was able to get away with just a jumper and a leather jacket; by the way, I haven't been able to take this jumper off since I bought it.  I just love the extra long sleeves and the ruffles.

Anyway, I've now turned in most of my assignments, and this semester is almost over.  I've absolutely loved my experiences so far, and I'm already excited for next semester to start.

Elizabeth xx

P.S. This is my 200th post guys!!  I didn't realize that I had already posted 200 times, as it feels like I just started this blog a matter of months ago!  Thanks for reading after all this time, and I hope you stay with me!

Off Focus

Wearing

Shirt - Target | Jeans - Topshop Mom Jeans | Boots - Zara

I was stuck about whether to title this post "Off Focus" or "1830s Sleeves."  As you can see, I ultimately chose the first option.  I just got a new camera lens in the mail today that goes all the way to f/1.8.  I'm super excited about finally having a lens that has such short depth of field, however this particular lens I ordered doesn't have auto-focus.  Taking these photos was definitely a learning experience for both me and my photographer (*cough* my mom *cough*).  Some of these photos may be a bit 'off focus' but over all I'm very satisfied with the results.

As I mentioned earlier, I almost titled this post "1830s Sleeves."  So I know that most people would call these trumpet sleeves, and they are not wrong.  However, I think these sleeves look like the style of sleeve that was popular in, you guessed it, the 1830s!  It's currently one of my favorite decades to study because everything about the clothing, hair, and accessories were so frivolous.  Below are some examples of sleeves from the decade, or you can check out my pinterest board for plenty more!  So what do you think?  Do you think my shirt has somewhat similar sleeves to ones from the 1830s?  Tell me in the comments!

 (Dresses from 1838)

Elizabeth xx

Office Essentials

Hi again!  Sorry I haven't posted in a while; I've been incredibly busy with school these past few weeks, but the good news is that I only have five weeks of school left!  Until then, I'll just be trying to post as often as I can.
In other news, I was contacted by Betabrand to talk about what I consider to be office essentials.  Every office is different, but here are some key pieces that I think would work for every environment.

BLAZERS
One can never go wrong with a blazer.  They instantly add a more professional touch - even if you're just wearing jeans.  I personally like boyfriend blazers over the more traditional, fitted blazer.

BLOUSES
Button-ups are a classic piece, but this one from Zara separates itself from the pack with its bare shoulders and ruffles making it a great piece for spring.  Other than button-ups, I love turtle necks.  I used to not care for them, but over the past few months I haven't been able to keep them off.  Though most turtlenecks are meant for winter, this one from Aritzia is the perfect weight for spring.

TROUSERS
Sure, jeans are cool, but there are so many other amazing options.  Culottes and a high waist are some of my personal preferences, but if comfort is your thing, then you should check out the pants from Betabrand.  Many of their pants look office appropriate while still being incredibly comfortable because of the fabrics and materials used.

SHOES
I own way too many pairs of black ankle boots, but that's because they're appropriate for everything.  They go with everything from dresses to culottes.  And if your office is more casual, I adore my Adidas Superstars.  I found this pastel pink and floral pair that I would love for spring (I know, I know... "Florals?  For spring?  Groundbreaking.")

ACCESSORIES
When working in an office, of course you'll need a tote.  Everyone has one, so why should it be boring?  I love this Calvin Klein one, but I just adore silver.  Finally, not necessarily office essentials, but just wardrobe essentials: a good belt and sunglasses.

I hope you liked this post!  Hopefully I can fit one more post in this weekend!

Elizabeth xx 

Trends My Mom Hates: Mom Jeans

Wearing:

Jeans - Topshop Mom Jeans, Jacket - Kohls, Blouse - Forever 21, Sneakers - Adidas, Bag - Oasis

Lipstick - L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss in Statement Nude 316

Trends my mom hates strikes again!  If you don't remember, I started this tag a few months ago with this culottes post.  Well this time it's, ironically, mom jeans.  Thanks to other blogs, pinterest, and instagram, I've been eyeing this trend.  So many people are able to pull them off so well, that I gave in and asked for them for my birthday.  My mom was ambivalent, but luckily she's too nice to say that she doesn't like them.  But after knowing her for so long, though, I can tell these definitely aren't her favorite jeans, even if she won't say it directly.
Since the snow is already gone (but I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be coming back), I wanted to take advantage of it and wear my Adidas and a leather jacket, instead of boots and a heavier coat.  To keep the look rather classic, I went with a white button up half tucked in.  I also decided to switch  to my new tote bag that I bought in London because I liked the combination of the suede with the leather jacket.

Elizabeth xx

Thank You Mood

Wearing:

Shirt - Mood Fabrics, Cardigan - H&M, Jeans - Topshop, Boots - Dr. Martens

Lipstick - M.A.C. Red with Cherry Liner

When I was in New York a few weeks ago, I was able to check something off my bucket list that I've wanted to do since I was 12: go to Mood Fabrics.  If you're familiar with the TV show Project Runway, I'm sure you recognize this shirt.  However if you've never watched it, Mood Fabrics is the fabric store where the designers go to buy their fabrics (basically speaks for itself).  Well, I have always wanted to go, so I'm just so happy that I was able to make it!  

The store was both bigger and smaller than I had expected; it's three stories and absolutely crammed with fabrics, but each floor is rather small.  On the show, the designers are always running around like it's the size of a football field, but I suppose that's just editing making it seem even more stressful.  Also, I wasn't able to find Swatch, the little dog often seen on Project Runway.  Lastly, while I was there my aunt spotted Project Runway designer Benjamin Mack, but sadly I missed him.

I'm not much of a sewer/designer, so I didn't purchase any fabric (although I did think about it), but before I even stepped inside I knew that I wanted one of the t-shirts.  

Now that I'm back home, I decided style the shirt rather warmly.  In fact, as I'm typing this, it is snowing, like hard core snowing.  My H&M cardigan and classic Docs are perfect for this new (and unexpected) snowy weather, as well as just this simple pairing with this tee.

Elizabeth xx