DREAMING IN GRAY

Well, I think that pretty much explains it. I want one, and I'm sort of proud of myself for it. Wanting something so classic and clean makes me feel very grown up. I'm having a hard time finding just the right one (at just the right price *cough* American Apparel why are you asking me to pay $20 for this ), though. 

I've fantasized about the outfits I could wear with the heather-gray-shirt-of-my-dreams and this is the closest I could get to making them come to life. This should satiate my desire for one until I can make this happen on my body forreals. And I am determined to make this happen, forreals. 

GIRLY

This was the first look that started cooking up in my head, mostly because I already have all of these things in my closet (no top/no purse). The tulle skirt is clearly asking for a Carrie moment and who am I to say no? I like to think that because these shades of pink aren't so Barbie, it still maintains a cool vibe. 

CHIC

Maybe it's the gold, or maybe it's the tortoise shell shades (double points for a cat-eye), but this outfit just makes me think "yes, yes dear. I AM that rich." Also, it's summer time and shorts have to be worn at some point in time, so why not a bright, punchy pair with this hypothetical outfit? 

 COOL
So, if I had to describe my style "cool" or "badass" would not be words I'd use -- which is why I want to try this out. This is the wildcard! If I ever do manage to make this outfit happen, I want you to know that you won't be able to tell me nothin' (because I am cool and above the opinions of others, a la Angelina Jolie).

What's on your dream closet wishlist? And, hello, when are you going to make it happen girlfriend because whatever you're thinking of is gonna be awesome.

DON'T COME FOR ME

Yes gawd, I am alive and have access to a computer and internet. All these facts aside, I haven't blogged in over half of a year. But it's okay, you all couldn't have missed me too much. Right? Right!? What I'm doing here is fishing for you to say that your quality of life was dramatically decreased because you couldn't view photos of me wearing clothes.

Just kidding squirrelfriends! I'm not even going to try to play catch-up because you will fall asleep instantaneously. I've just been busy being a grown-a** woman and such and so forth! You know how that is.

But what you see in front of you in an ensemble that I wore to work today. I currently work at the cutest place in the history of ever, Fiore Boutique, which allows me to be unnecessarily dressy on a day to day basis. And because I am no longer rushing to school in between working, I can blog again. Oh happy day!

What I am posing awkwardly in below is what I call H2TF21 Couture hunty! Head to Toe Forever 21! I know they get a lot of flack as a "fashion" store, but I love it, no matter how much shade it gets. That said, this is a cute outfit. Just cute. Like a litter of fluffy, adorable puppies. Did I mention I'm on the hunt for a puppy? It's consumed my life, I will die within the next month if I do not get one.

In any case, cute is fine and easy to accomplish, but wars aren't started over just cute and I can't wait to start a war.

F21 Cami, Lace Crop Top, Coral Skirt | Thrifted Patent Tote | F21 + Assorted Jewelry | 

Shoeland Wedged Strappy Sandals

Dumb Thoughts

 Why are there so many damn trees in Georgia? Maybe it's the New Yorker in me, but the more trees there are, the less civilization and the higher the chance for disappearances. 

My friend recently moved to Athens and she invited me for the first dinner in her snazzy apartment. The place is pretty sweet for the rent. The only thing that freaks me out is all the trees. I know a charm of the south is the landscape and hearing crickets at night, but animals and I...no. There were deer prancing around as I got into her neighborhood. No lie.

On a less arborous note, I present my new favorite piece: this skirt. Comfy as all hell and in my new favorite color. Royal blue is becoming the color that is catching my eye as of late. I used to think it was too clownish of a color, but I used to think a lot of dumb things. I still hold the thought that the correlation between trees and disappearances is a positive one, though. That's not dumb, that's just common sense.  

Mom Knit Sweater|Marshall's Knit Maxi Skirt|Charming Charlie Necklace|

|Shoeland Wedged Sandals  | Old Navy Purse

 And I leave you now with this accidental work of art that I caught. I call it: ****in' Trees Everywhere.
---Audrey W. 

With Great Power

Is it just me or is 20 a pivotal age? My first year out of "teenagedom" is seeming to require a lot of me. 

I have so many more responsibilities than I expected and I have to rise to the occasion. I'm current editor-in-chief of my school's paper, I'm working with Manik magazine for their relaunch, I have a new job and I'm going to (finally) get my drivers license, once I learn how to drive well enough. Not to mention the ordinary stressful school schedule. 

That was a lot of "I" issues, but I haven't been able to vent in a while. I'm trying to do everything while keeping my professional composure, but a girl can only hold her pokerface for so long. Alas, no one likes a whiner, so *ahem I got this! 

The other thing I got is this outfit. Smooth transition, eh? It's my practical-yet-cute-I'm-talking-business look for stomping around campus. Yay academia!

Thrifted Navy High-Waisted Shorts|F21 Loose Sheer Striped Top|Thrifed White Blazer|

|Shoeland Wedged Sandals  | F21 + Charming Charlie Jewelry | Aunt-Gifted Laptop Carry-All

Til' next time, whenever I find time,
---Audrey W.

Sunday Best

Finally, a day in the city. Not that I haven't been to the city while I've been here, I just haven't gone with anyone in my age group (my aunt isn't exactly my bestie). I went out to brunch with Felicia, a friend I met through working with Manik Magazine. She was really nice to take me out and I had a great time. Thanks Felicia!

I think it's best for me to just put this out there. This get-up isn't what I had on when I left the house. See, I figured that lightweight khaki pants would work for the coolest day in New York (since I've been here). It was supposed to rain, so I figured I was safe. I figured wrong. Before a few blocks, they were sticking to me in the most uncomfortable way.

I ran into Forever 21 in Union Square after we had brunch (at a sweet Mexican spot with a Sunday special of free flowing mimosas) and toured the Village. It's the best place for cheap staple items, so a pair of denim shorts weren't hard to find. It was the best I could to not pass out on the street. 

 

Earthbound Trading Co. Ikat Print Clutch|Marshall's Sheer Top|Urban Outfitters Printed Mary Janes|

|F21 Denim Shorts  | Assorted + Charming Charlie Jewelry +Necklace| Thrifted Metallic Corset

For my friends who like pictures of the city (Melena).

For my foodie & alchy friends.

RED VELVET, oh God yes.

Also, see that print clashing? I'd normally stay away, but Ikat + Hawaiian floral, I like!
---Audrey W.

Hot As Heaven

 My first few days in New York, I've spent with my aunt. I'm staying with her, so I think it's only fair to show her some TLC. This means that I've been running errands and other little things with her around the city. One of our stops were at a church where she has a Summer health class. For an old lady, she sure does keep her self active.

Every time I call to check in on her she has a new story to tell me. Last month she played Sandy in a remake of Grease at her local Senior Center. I hope that when I become old I can be as lively as her. I don't intend on going out quietly.

On another note, I'm melting! New York! You're hotter than I remember. I would say it was hot as hell, but these pictures were taken on holy ground (parking lot outside of church. Why the graffiti covered truck then? Don't question it. That's just New York for ya' ).

H&M Jersey Skirt|Marshall's Favorite New Purse & Birkin Look-a-Like|Steve Madden Oxfords  |F21 Pin Striped Button Up | Assorted Jewelry (my almost neck party a la Man Repeller)|

The stained glass windows in the church were so pretty. Knowledge & Love y'all!
---Audrey W.

Idle Hands

Ever since I was a wee one, I've succumbed to the devil when faced with boredom. You know that saying : "Idle hands are the devil's playthings"? Well, I am am a living testament to that.

You see, this lovely chiffon skirt used to be a dress. I was looking aimlessly (and out of boredom) through my mother's closet when all of a sudden the color yelled "take me, now!" And I did. And I butchered it. And I made this skirt. And there's a chance that when my mom figures out her dress is missing I might die. But, it was worth it. The material is perfect for hot sticky weather.

I wore it to go out to a swanky lil' restaurant & lounge called Purple Rain (cue Prince's song) with some friends. I fully intend to go back there simply for the service and ambiance.  It's a place to go when you want to escape suburbia and feel ritzy. And the food, while very Food Network-y, was good. I especially loved the beignets with Kahlua creme. I've been wanting to try some ever since I saw them in The Princess & the Frog. How cultured of me.

Mom's Closet Skirt|Marshall's Favorite New Purse & Birkin Look-a-Like|F21 Miu Miu Look-a-Like Platforms  |? Tank| Avon Beyond Color Lipstick Cantaloupe | Assorted Jewelry|

 

 

 Watch those hands kiddos!
---Audrey W.

Keep Cool & Carry On

You know that thing about having finished all my summer shopping. I lied. I've been trying to stock my closet with some essentials, you know, for the upcoming...the upcoming...I'm lying again. I don't have an upcoming anything. I just wanted to. I cant' wait to put all my outfits together. That sounds so vapid, but it really is thrilling when you find that perfect outfit equation that you just know looks good. Hey, I'm a child of the Clueless and Sex in the City generation.

I went to Atlantic Station with my gang to help them spend some money, but I ended up spending mine too. Completing my self-ascribed challenge of wearing these necklaces, I wore this number out. It's nothing particularly striking, but when it's nearly 100 degrees outside, striking is lower on my list than cool and comfortable.

Cato Gladiator Sandals|Old Navy White V-Neck Tee|F21 Tribal Dress- DIY Skirt  |? Brown Belt| Target Coral Earrings|Charming Charlie Neckalce|F21 Purse

Give Good Face
---Audrey W.

Going Tribal

I went to Charming Charlie this week on the hunt for a mens-style watch. While rummaging through their immense collection of color coded accessories, I found the clearance rack. Oh, yes. I am a sucker for severely reduced prices. In the clearance section is where I found three necklaces of the tribal variety.

I haven't immersed myself in this bold, colorful trend because I lean towards timidity unless I make a mental note not too. I do like the patterns and colors, I just never thought I could pull it off. The necklaces I bought (above) are bright, chunky and out of my zone, so I had to conduct a scientific experiment to see how I'd work them.
 
Experiment #1

This is the snazziest of the two looks. I love this blazer and will forever wear it until it is no longer white...then I'll wear it as a beige blazer. I went for a warmer palette, with the exception of the gray jersey skirt to break it up a bit. I'd prefer brown sandals like these since it is the summer (I'm working on getting a pair), but the booties were good enough for this illustration. You get what I'm getting at.

Experiment #2

This is the more casual approach, especially with the early 90's denim shorts. These are cooler colors, with a pop of orange in the purse to compliment the necklace. Minus the heels, I'd wear this to classes. On the weekend though, heels are totally acceptable. I would probably layer on more bangles too. 

All in all, I liked experimenting with tribal accessories. I might even invest in some ikat printed items later on. 

Give Good Face

---Audrey W.