~ black and white ~

Lately my wardrobe has been devoid of color.  Blame the grey weather, blame the busy mornings that cut into my dressing time, blame the lack of outfit inspiration, etc., etc...

But there's something very simple about black and white that appeals to me - perhaps it's because you can get dressed with your eyes closed and still look put together, or maybe it's the vaguely french vibe that one gives off when sticking to a limited color palate.

(or maybe because it makes my life goal of being a swanky french spy in a 1960s movie even more achievable)

{details of yesterday's outfit)

Whatever the reason, I'm perfectly okay with it.

{today's outfit: gap t-shirt, jeans, and ballet flats, target blazer}

The one exception to my new monochromatic phase is lipstick - yesterday it was bright red, today it was bright pink!

By adding a little color, maybe this weather will take a hint.

xoxo,

Eliza

~ dress code ~

I've always tried to plan out my outfits in my head before I fall asleep.  That way, when I wake up grumpy and exhausted, I don't have to stand half naked in front of my closet asking myself "what am I going to wear?"

But as you're setting your alarm for 6 am, sometimes abiding by your personal dress code is more realistic than wasting precious moments figuring out an outfit when you could've spent that time sleeping.

As was the case yesterday.

{vintage skirt from my grandmother, gap shirt, gap shoes, target bag}

{day two of the 360 braid - all I had to do was stick a few bobby pins in when I woke up and I was good to go!}

Circle skirt + t-shirt + belt + flats = an outfit simple enough to come up with at 6:04 am, comfy enough to last until 5pm, and cute enough to earn you several compliments (thank you, kind strangers)!

xoxo,

Eliza

~ day to night ~

My daily ritual is as follows:
Wake up.  Eat breakfast.  Drink tea.  Get dressed (some variation of jeans and a striped shirt).  Go to class/go to work.  Come home.  Change into yoga pants and t-shirt.  Do homework/edit photos.  Eat dinner.  Watch netflix.  Go to bed.

But because I'm very bored of this, I'm making a conscious effort to do things differently - I mean, there's no way I can avoid work, school, breakfast, or netflix, but the yoga pants and t-shirt can definitely be traded in.  Instead of immediately changing clothes when I get home, or wearing jeans for a night out, Friday I switched things up a bit by challenging myself to wear the same piece day and night and style it two different ways.

Daytime:
Went to class, ran errands, came home and studied.

{F21 top, vintage skirt, gap ballet flats}

Nighttime:
Went to a play, got donuts afterwards.

{F21 top, gap pencil skirt, gap ballet flats, target bag}

It's nice to step outside of your comfort zone once in a while!  

And while you're outside your comfort zone, make sure you grab some donuts for breakfast.  

You'll be happy you did.

xoxo,

Eliza

~ blues and greens and polka dots ~

I've always loved polka dots, yet I don't wear them that often.  Probably because they can be a little hard to style.  But I found some inspiration on pinterest this morning and decided to give them a shot!

{gap shirt, shoes, and scarf, old navy pants, target belt and purse}

I ended a day of working with chinese food and watching A Room With a View.

And happy Throwback Thursday everyone!

xoxo,

Eliza

~ cigarette pants ~

I love cigarette pants.  They're the perfect mix of dressy and casual.  But because my measurements are ridiculously difficult, I haven't yet purchased any vintage ones for fear of them not fitting just right - I'd hate to have a beautiful pair of vintage pants in my closet and be able to do nothing but stare longingly at them.

So for now, I'll make do with modern styles!

{I was going for a look that was a little bit beatnik, a smidge of Katherine Hepburn, and a whole lot of French librarian}

I've found that both Gap and Target have good (and affordable) styles, but unfortunately they aren't high waisted.  I'd love to find a red pair, or better yet, polkadotted!

{Audrey Hepburn rocks the monochrome look}

{Sandra Dee prefers leopard print}

The foolproof sweater+cigarette pants+ballet flats combo is great when you want to feel pulled together but don't have a lot of time on your hands...

So it's time to search the thrift shops, vintage clothing stores, and my favorite etsy shops for that perfect pair of pants!  I know they're out there somewhere...

xoxo,

Eliza

~ mint condition ~

Today I took my new Gap skirt out for a test drive.  I love it!  The last one, in my size, and on sale.  Score!

After running errands, returning last semester's textbooks, and mailing some packages, I picked up some goodies from one of my favorite local shops: The Other Side Vintage.

{super excited to wear my new 1960s two-piece skirt/top, and vintage sweater!}

I finished the day with hot tea and chinese food.  

Definitely a good monday!

xoxo,

Eliza