Get Up, Get Out.

It may come as no surprise to you, considering my lack of posts, that I am lacking a bit of influence and passion. Passion for those things that I used to be totally amped on, like fashion and blogging. But in light of trying to dedicate this year to making things in my life better, I decided to stop that quickly, and turn my rut around.

Welcome March: month of sensory overload and forced inspiration. This month I have been striving to bring my creative side out of hibernation by making myself do something different involving culture or art every week, and I think its finally working. Over the past couple weekends I attended the Cleveland Art Museum, a friend's art show, a few local shows and tonight my roommate and I really pushed the creativity envelope for ourselves, and made a bookshelf into a bar! (thanks to pintrest, of course!) My friends and I will also be having another clothing swap this month, So if that doesn't get the creative juices flowing, I don't know what will.

Outfit post is in a way pushing myself creatively, as well. Not saying that it was hard for me to assemble a blouse and skirt together, more like…bright colored florals are a little intense for me. But I was drawn to this top’s brightness, I feel like it’s not your average floral, It’s like floral on acid, and I like it. Pushing myself out of this rut has been difficult, but I was the only thing holding myself back from feeling creative again. So I got up, got over it, and forced myself to go out and see and do until I finally felt it again.

So if you are experiencing a bit of a rut, and it’s winter so I believe I’m probably not the only one, Get up! Get out! and force yourself out of it! you are the only one who can really put an end to it and make yourself better. It was a lot easier than I thought, and besides, of course things are only going to get better, spring is right around the corner!
 
All Photos By Lindsey at http://www.flickr.com/photos/viewoutoffocus

Trouble.

 

All Photos by Lindsey.

Ode to Mandy

      

I have always been drawn to a more edgy style when it comes to the way I dress, accessories, and even decorate, however I have also always had a soft spot for the simplest stlyes and even someone of a preppy type style. It may be the inner emo kid in me, mixing alternative styles with preppy, but when done well, I think it looks pretty good.
I was recently inspired by an outfit I saw on Mandy Moore (Yes, Mandy Moore) on WhoWhatWear. She was in a leather skirt by The Row and a Vintage oxford button and some heels; she looked effortlessly cool. realizing I had a skirt with pleather panels I thought I would try a variation of the outfit.



 
                                                  

I wore a gingham button I got at a clothing swap with my skirt from Wet Seal, however instead of heels, I wore the outfit to work with a pair of gray tights and oxfords from Target. I really liked the juxtapostion of the button up and skirt, achieving a nice balance between simple and edgy. I played with the theme by wearing my Warby Parker glasses, oxfords and gray tights to compliment the more prep side of the outfit, and I wore my skull and spike jewelry to compliment the edgy side.

So there you go, I guess Mandy Moore inspired me to look like an edgy librarian? Whatever, I was really into it, and felt good in it, so I guess that’s all that matters.

 

All Photos by Lindsey

Love is a Place.

         

Though I have been living here for five years now I have never considered Ohio my home. California will always be my home. I came here for college and family, and during my time here I have made some of the best friends of my life and someone I consider the love of my life. I never excpected to fall in love with the place, but after years of being here, how can I not call this my home? I have been thinking a lot and discussing with my friends that I want to go home soon. But I kind of am home.
Ohio has a certain charm about it in it’s cities and in it’s people that I feel like you can’t find anywhere else. I have spoken to others who are not from here and they say the same thing, this place is home. It actually makes you feel like home. My time in Ohio made me recognize all the things I love most, it helped me find my love for fashion and style. It has inspired me.
Of course there are places and people here that would make you feel otherwise, but when you got to the right areas and find good company, it’s pretty obvious to me that this place has a lot of heart.  

(Dress Figleaf. Shoes Wet Seal. Purse swapped. Jewelry Aldo, Forever21.)

I was lucky enough to end up in Akron. I’m not saying that I will always be here, I dont know where I will be, but right now, I am so happy to have this as my home. If you live in Ohio and think other wise, slow things down and take a look around you at the places and people you love, and see how wonderful this place really is.


All Photos by Lindsey.

Promise.

                        



This summer holds so much promise for me. Nothing too huge is happening, but I just have a really great feeling, ya know? The 330 Blogger collective already held an extremely successful clothing swap, I am going to Chicago in July with all of my good friends, and possibly Kelly’s Island, plenty of summer concerts, moving and of course spending time with friends and family.

I still have a full-time job, but since I don’t believe in summer classes, I am taking my free time for spending as much time with friends, family, and Mike. Mike just left to for a few days to Chicago to play a show with Empires, he will be back but leaves for tour next week. So we have been squeezing in as much “us” time as possible, and it really has been nice.

I also plan on spending as much time AS POSSIBLE with one of my best friends, Missy. She is moving to France in September to teach English for a year. So since I have basically seen her almost every day of the past 3 years(we live together) I am going to try to see her even more to get in all the friend time I can!

So this outfit post is kind of a kick off to a fun, promising summer! I figured a fun retro-inspired outfit would do the trick with my tied chiffon blouse and polka dot shorts(Forever 21), accessorized with striped cat-eye glasses(Wet Seal) and fuschia loafers(Target).






All Photos By Lindsey.

Re-think Red

Back in elementary school we learned about the color red and why it was used for stop signs, logos, and by fast food restaurants- It is bold, abrasive and eye catching. This color tends to be avoided by people when getting dressed in the morning for this reason. Think about how often you see people wearing red. Really, the people who do feel comfortable in red are the only ones who tend to wear it most often. This is why red pants are the perfect solution.

I know it seems scary because they are jeans that aren’t blue of black, but that's ok! You can honestly just treat them the same and usually it still looks great! Its always safe to go black and white with them. Navy is great too. I personally love leopard and florals with them. If you are worried about making the plunge, head into Wet Seal, they have a good pair of inexpensive jeans that fit pretty well. Play around with them, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.



Here I am wearing them with a Denim button up and my leopard loafers! How would you rock red jeans?

All photos by Lindsey