The Style Trial.

uniformity.

Ugh. Fall. Here we go again. Back to the wet, cold, vitamin D(esperate) days of old. Stage one of this transition involves dumping last year’s skinny jeans and boots after discovering you’re just not that into them anymore. Then it’s time to move on, and that is where I’ve been stranded for weeks. Window shopping trips to Urban, Eddie Bauer (!) and my favorite vintage shop stirred up my love for classic, comfortable and outdoorsy basics. Getting dressed for work has been a manic-panic, cluster-mess of a situation; however, I cleaned up my steez thanks to new skinnie’s ($$$), boots ($$) and chunky knits ($) while  “borrowing” tops from dudes (free!). Now I  stick to the staples of my newly compiled simple uniform, and somehow I have yet to wear the same combo twice. If the rain has also begun to blur your style vision, here’s a cheat sheet for a warm, on-trend and relatively effortless outfit equation.

intermix.

september style setters. photos: style.com; free people.com; madamederosa.com

After 3 months of nothing but Daisy Dukes, the autumn breeze has signaled that it’s time to store my beloved Jorts and seek out some new style staples. As much as I subscribe to the latest trends, sometimes I just go rogue and create my own uniform of choice. Right now I’m falling for classic Ralph Lauren Canadian Tuxedo cowboy meets 1970’s secretary. For daytime I’m all for colored corduroy pants paired with an ivory silk blouse or a lived-in chambray shirt, but for night I’m obsessed with switching into leather pants (they’re more wearable than you might think!). Once again I’m crushing on ombré highlights, and despite finding some great DIY tips I know that my amazing stylist would put a stop to any such craftiness! I suppose if anything were to go awry I’d just put a lid on it a la Charlie Chaplin’s trés chic Tramp. Oh and speaking of celebs: After spotting Kate Middleton’s stateside debut in DVF, grass green has become my dress color of choice. Remember that bold choices mean minimal accessories, as ‘less is more’ has never been more prevalent. Better to invest in a tri-color satchel or a loafer gone wild and call it good. Also, don’t be discouraged by online sellouts of Missoni For Target. The collection is worth staking your claim in the returns department. You never know if someone’s buyer’s remorse could become your greatest fall fashion victory!

fashion week? try fashion month!

road runners.

The sun has finally decided to make an appearance signaling the brief retirement of my gym membership for a hot minute or two. I’ve been getting my kicks for free with quick jogs in my ‘hood that result in a seriously addictive cheap high. For no other reason than to see if I can just do it, I’m signing on for a self-imposed 30 day jog challenge, and hopefully an endless summer will cooperate with my senseless goal. To be honest, I did a trial run last month, but I failed to win the race after my knees and workout wardrobe gave out on me. Now (thanks to Mrs. Big Game and her Nike Employee Store hook-up), everything is back on track with a mere $129 purchase of the most vibrant, yet functional running gear my wardrobe has ever made space for. Let the games begin… round two!

make a run for it.

1. Nike Vapor Women's Running Jacket
2. Jay-Z & Kanye West Watch The Throne, Lady Gaga Born This Way, Girl Talk All Day, Lil Wayne 6 Foot 7 Foot
3. Nike Swoosh V-Neck Tshirt
4. Apple iPod Shuffle
5. Larabar Cherry Pie
6. Nike Tempo Shorts
7. Nike Air Relentless
8. Scunci Headbands
9. Dawn Dais The Non-Runner's Guide For Women
10. Queen Helene Batherapy Mineral Salts
11. Old Navy Padded Sports Bra

my blue heaven.

I’ve come down with a serious case of the summer blues, and its sole cause is not just the rain that is unexpectedly drowning out my weekend. I’m speaking of the flood of electric blue skirts, trousers and denim that are taking the streets (and their respective style blogs) by storm! With the exception of the JBrand 811 and the American Apparel midi-skirt, the best of the blues can only be found via vintage stores, online sites, estate sales and flea markets. If you’re feeling crafty hit up a fabric store, make a simple circle skirt and sew your own name in the label. Nothing cures the blues quite like fashion productivity in spite of a rainy day.

relaxed renaissance.

As a denim-maniac, lately I am down to get down. Even though it’s been quite cold this “summer,” I recognize that Uggs are no longer appropriate… perhaps this is why baggy jeans have become my new comfy go-to. I define the updated boyfriend jean as a loosely cuffed, straight leg style that is simply one size up from your normal size (or two if you’re  über-cool and happen to live in a beach town). Feeling frumpy? Give your BF jeans a boost with a sturdy heel or a standout flat and throw on a structured top. I have 2 old pairs of Rich & Skinny jeans that I switch out nearly every day, and I’ve yet to run into the same look twice. So retread your threads, save yourself a bundle and sack it up this summer… no real boyfriend necessary.

raise your standards.

my "Dream Home" Board created on Pinterest.com

After months of east side apartment hunting to no avail, I caved into some seriously adorable west side “vintage charm” and am finally all settled in. A growing obsession with Pinterest is to thank for all of my interior inspiration, and my clothing budget has been cut to make way for all new (some used!) and very much improved home décor. I have been trying to neutralize my home style in every way; frankly, I’ve had to toss anything overtly feminine, colorful or dainty to make way for a white-out of clean lines, simple comfort and retro chic. Though I have a couple pieces of furniture left to paint and am still in need of a proper wine opener (hint, hint to my lovely guests), the constant trips to IKEA, T.J.Maxx and Home Goods are finally a thing of the past. In fact, after all this moving I might just be reppin’ the west side ‘till I die… or at least until my lease is up.

extreme home make-under.

{3-in-1 dress/cape/skirt by Bryce Black}

Considering I spent a third of my life in college, it’s no wonder that I have some serious alumna pride. Sure I went to multiple schools and switched majors a couple times, but I eventually sealed this whole apparel deal at The Art Institute of Portland. It was the best of times (I have an enviable collection of custom clothing) and also the worst (sewed through my finger in a mad dash to finish a final project), but it all instilled in me a sense of  seriously psycho work ethic. I’m currently anticipating what the class of 2011 has been slaving over in preparation for the senior collection fashion show, Fit2Print, which takes place this Saturday, June 4th at Pure Space. In addition to rooting for my fellow alumni (personal fave: Bryce Black), I am stoked to see how this year’s theme will intertwine fashion and graphic design (cocktail dresses made of film strips? Yes, please!). Tickets to the show and silent auction benefit the Creative Arts Scholarship Fund. For those of us who grudgingly send in our student loan payment each month, we know that a little scholarship money is worth working your ass off for. On that note, I will rest my case and hope to see you at the show (fashionably dressed and right on time pretty please!).

Saturday, June 4th 2011, 8pm @ Pure Space