When Life Gives You Lemons, Make #LEMONADE

 Alright everyone, time to get in formation. Beyonce dropped her 6th album and the visuals incredible. The HBO special, which is airing again April 25th before the premiere of Game of Thrones, was a hour long piece of magic that only Queen Bey could conjure. Keeping with the theme of her single "Formation", the story is heavily influenced by Beyonce's creole roots, women's empowerment, and quite a bit of anger. That being said, Beyonce did nothing to hold back on her emotions, taking her audience on the emotional roller coaster that was her making sweet of what life delt her (which, I assume, gave rise to the title of B6).

Here are a few outfits inspired by the album. I will add relevant titles of the tracks mentioned at a later date, mainly because I don't have Tidal so I won't be able to check anything until I'm able to own the album itself. This is a work in progress, so please bear with me!

"What's worse, looking jealous or crazy?" 

Track 2, titled "Hold Up", is basically Carrie Underwood a la "Before He Cheats" meets "Waiting to Exhale". She destroyed not only her man's car, but the cars of all the men in the neighborhood. Baseball bats, cheating boyfriend/spouse/lover, explosions, and the like, all while Beyonce slayed in an off-shoulder yellow dress paired black, thick heeled sandals. This look will have you singing "they don't love you like I love you" and clearing paths as you walk down the street.

Although this outfit isn't near as fierce as Bey's, it gets the job done. Yellow on clothing is generally feared, but it's actually is one of my favorites colors to wear. With the warm summer season approaching, the warm, sunny yellow will bring out and enhance the bronze tones from your tan. Pair this with beachy waves, island vibes, and tons of ornate jewelry.

"Who the f*** do you think I am?...I'm just too much for you"

Beyonce went OFF with this one. Pure, unfiltered anger is what we received from this track, titled "Don't hurt yourself". I would say this song was raw and powerful, but that's basically describing the entire album so I can only say this; watch out and don't ever cross the Queen.

Beyonce is the only person I know of that can pull off the heels with crew socks look, so proceed with caution. This powerful yet simple look is multi-functional: gym and telling your lying/cheating/no good whomever what's up, in any order. Side note, only boss a** b****es wear faux fur in summer. Jump on that.

"She murdered everybody and I was her witness"

Not this song is a classic female empowerment anthem. "6 inch" is basically Bey saying she worked hard for her successes and deserves every dollar she earned, as well as other women who are hardworking and successful. She uses the idea of 6 inch heels as a symbol of success and power.

I've given two examples of this outfit. Of course, one cannot be as elaborate as Beyonce, so both outfits lack the bold shoulders and overall sheer element of the look, yet I believe this is more palatable for public applications. On the left, we have a crop to and maxi skirt, perfect for a night out. Alternatively, on the right we have a lack maxi dress, which is closer to the original. Both outfits are paired with red stiletto sandals, a halo braid, and black lips. I chose black makeup for this look because nothing says power like a black lip. It's bold, daring, and defiantly exudes confidence.


That's it for now. I hope to have more looks up in the near future, but with exams and the end of the semester, I can't promise anything. I hope you enjoyed this post, and feel free to comment below!

Love is in the Air - Valentine's Day 2016

Lipstick and Labcoats is back!!!

Valentine's Day is not for everyone. In fact, it's either a hit or miss. For some, it's a day filled with love, flowers, and chocolates. It's the perfect time to spend with your significant other, a reminder of how lucky you are to have them in your life. On the other hand, it can bring back memories of a relationship that has gone wrong, has just ended, or the dreaded "one that got away". Regardless, images of the holiday will be EVERYWHERE, whether you like it or not.

Here are a few outfit ideas will help you style the most common events that occur this Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

Cool and Casual

Whether you're single or boo-ed up, this look is perfect for a casual afternoon outing. The wrap style sweater is super trendy and will keep you warm in the frigid February air. The thick, stacked heel and mini platform of the boots will keep your feel warm and comfortable no matter how long you will be on your feet. Lastly, to acknowledge Valentine's Day, the oxblood bottoms are thick and structured like jeans, but with the added comfort of leggings. I would pair this outfit with a messy mid-ponytail and a naturally made-up face.

Adorable for Date Night

This would be a great first few dates/early dinner outfit. The dress is very cute, and paired with the flower earrings, it adds a fresh flair to the overall look. As a contrast, the structured coat and purse take the outfit from "fresh out of high-school" to "playful college grad". The shoes add some interest to the overall look, but can easily be switched out for a more conservative footwear choice. I see this look with a wavy half up-half down hairstyle and natural makeup.

Elegant and Chic

If you're planning on doing something fancy, like dinner and going to the ballet (or whatever people do these days), this would be your outfit. The skirt will accentuate your waist while skimming over your hips and thighs, creating a defined hourglass shape. The sweater's off the shoulder cut is classic yet modern, making the outfit highly versatile. Opaque tights can be added if needed. A sleek bun or low ponytail paired with classic Marilyn Monroe inspired makeup will complete this outfit perfectly.

Edgy Fashionista

If I had actual plans on Valentine's Day, this would be my outfit of choice. It's alluring while maintaining a trendy, fashion-conscious vibe. The neutral mock-neck dress will keep you warm in the draftiest of places, and the asymmetrical hemline adds a unique flair to an otherwise basic dress. Complementing the hemline are the thigh-high boots. Once seen as provocative, thigh high boots will balance the outfit, keeping you warm without sacrificing the sultry feel of the outfit. The coat acknowledges the festivities without looking like you're trying too hard. I would wear this with a slicked back middle part (inspired by Kim Kardashian), deep red lip, highlighted cheeks, and satin finish eye-shadow with clean-lined winged eyeliner. 

For those who want to channel their inner Beyonce a la Partition

*Cue Beyonce's self titled album* ...just kidding

To the surprise of many, I don't live in a box. If you are of age and want to reflect that in your Valentine's day activities, this set is for you. It goes from cute to risque, so you can figure out if this is of use to you or not. Side note, Viktor&Rolfe's Flowerbomb and Flowerbomb Extreme are the best smelling perfumes in the world. Every time I wear it I get a myriad of complements from those around me. 

Single and Sittin' with Pringles

This look is my favorite. Since the 14th is on a Sunday, I will most likely make it a "Netflix and Chill" - me day. This is perfect for catching up on your favorite shows, either alone or with friends. The phone case is an added touch of humor that can be used year-round. Make the most of the day, even if you have no actual plans!

I'm working on changing up the layout of my blog and regularly posting content. I know, I said the same thing in my last post (which was over a year ago), but I'm really going to try this time. Without the added strains of applying to graduate school and everything else that comes with one's last year of undergrad, I should have time to post at least once a month.

As always, feel free to comment and leave any suggestions! 

Back to Campus: Outfit Inspiration for Fall 2014

First things first (I'm the realest...haha, sorry I couldn't help myself), I apologize for not posting since April. Life has been super busy and between class, moving home and back, and work, I didn't have the time or energy to keep up with blogging. I plan on having at least two posts this week if that's any consolation.

Although this is a bit early, especially for those who have just graduated high school, I thought it'd be a good idea to start thinking about outfits perfect for the semester. With all of the mid-summer sales and discounts, now is the perfect time to refresh your closets (and possibly try out a new style). Hopefully, the following outfits will give you some ideas for outfits to look super stylish on campus!

Casual, Comfortable, and Chic

This outfit is perfect for those carefree days. The loose shirt, sandals, and braid brings a bit of summer into the classroom. the addition of fitted jeans makes the outfit a bit more polished and helps maintain the "learning environment" vibes in the classroom. Beauty wise, I like to keep things to a minimum during the year, with only a bit of tinted moisturizer, eyeliner, and a hint of lip color. Benefit's Cha-Cha tint is perfect for this purpose. Despite it being a lip balm, you can use it to add a summer glow to your cheeks, too!

Trendy with an Edge

  

This look is great for those who love playing around with pops of color, or even those who can't wait for Autumn to come around. The heathered cotton skirt gives just enough breathing room for those hot summer afternoons. The breezy shirt will help keep you cool on even the warmest of days, despite its dark color, and the shoes will help elongate your legs without the lack of comfort and support heels can add to an outfit. I love dark lipstick, so I decided to gather inspiration from Lorde. I suggest an all-over neutral face, with slightly exaggerated eyeliner and dark mauve lips (I have MAC's Rebel pictured here. Swatches can be found here).

Summertime Globetrotter

I really love the printed pant trend, so I had to find a way to incorporate a pair in this post. The pants give an earthy/bohemian feel to the outfit, which I further played up with the tasseled kimono jacket.The crop top adds a modern, trendy touch to a somewhat timeless print. I really love gold accents, so I decided to add gold accented sandals and a gold accented faux leather jacket.

Summer Sunsets

For those of us who are in no hurry to get rid of the carefree days of summer, these breezy dresses double as cover ups for late afternoon beach runs after class. The two dresses featured look great with tanned skin and sun-bleached hair, with the added benefit of being classroom appropriate.

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any ideas for future posts, put them in the comment box and remember to subscribe!

Happy Summer everyone!

Finally, Spring is Here!

After months of below freezing temperatures and inches of snow and freezing rain, spring is finally here to stay! I don't know about anyone else, but this winter was exceptionally brutal. But thankfully, the sunny 70°F weather is making a strong comeback. I've created a few looks to usher in this season of warmth, hopefully giving you some inspiration for your own early spring outfits.

Transition into Spring

As refreshing early spring tends to be, it brings a minor problem; temperature differences. I wake up around 8:30am for class, with the temperature at 55°F, yet by noon, it will be in the mid 70s. In order to accommodate for such temperature differences, I suggest wearing a scarf and warm footwear with socks. Layering allows temperature control thorough your outfit, which is a must for spring.

Dilettante in Denim

I imagine Jessa from HBO's Girls wearing this outfit, hence the title. This spring twist on the standby leggings-and-denim-shirt winter outfit brings life and excitement to an otherwise played out and fairly common clothing combination. The shirt and pants are light, so they won't keep you too warm, yet will insulate at night. Keeping your makeup light will add to the carefree vibe of the clothing, and adding quirky accessories will incorporate a personal touch.

Dauntless

I recently saw Divergent, and loved the edgy style of the Dauntless. This outfit would be good for the transition from class to a night out with a simple change in footwear. I suggest wearing coated denim instead of leather pants due to the breathable nature of coated denim. To increase versatility and save time, try putting your damp hair in a bun during the day so that when it's time to go out your hair will have waves for days.

Erudite

Yep, I just referenced Divergent again. I apologize. I tend to wear blue when I am giving a presentation, so I thought the title was fitting. Anyway, this outfit works well for spring. The light fabric and white pants are a stark contrast from the drab black and grey worn in the winter. The makeup would be better fit for a night out, yet could easily be toned down for daytime.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Every once and a while there will be a day entirely in the 70s and 80s. This outfit is perfect for the warm weather. The cami and high wasted pants give a modern feel to an otherwise 90s throwback grunge outfit. If you plan on wearing this outfit to class, be careful your butt-holders (shorts) are holding your entire butt (if not wear a long sweater).

Springtime Festival

This outfit would be perfect for one of the many outdoors festivals that take place around this time of year. Not only is the outfit light and quirky, but the cardigan and boots eliminate the temperature issues you may face. The shorts will be the focal point in this sea of  faded neutrals.

Put-together in Plaid

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with plaid shirts, so I am always finding ways to incorporate them into my weekly wardrobe. This outfit is perfect for those who want to subtly accentuate their waist. The slightly over-sized shirt and A-line skirt cinch together at your waist, exaggerating an hourglass figure in a classy yet casual fashion.


I hope this post helped you find inspiration for outfits for the season! I hope to have another post before the end of the semester and before finals, but until then, comment and subscribe!!!

Happy Spring everyone!

Holiday Inspiration: Outfits for Christmas

Although Christmas is only a day away, I've just gotten the feel of the holidays this morning. Since going to college and not being able to do traditional holiday things with the family, I have gotten the Christmas spirit way later than should be acceptable. Instead of watching movies and listening to carols on the radio, I'm in my dorm studying for finals and writing papers, only to get back just in time to get a tree and decorate the house for the holiday.

Ok enough complaining. During the holidays it's like a good three days of party hopping with family. Because of this, I tend to pre-plan my outfits so that I have an easier time getting up and going (which is especially important for post all night party breakfast at 9am on day three). Anyway, I created a few outfits to help with holiday celebrations to take some stress out of the extended family gathering.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

My Christmas always begins with opening presents with my immediate family and brunch at my uncle's house. Because of the chill nature of the the beginning of the festivities, I generally like to dress comfortably. This denim shirt with leggings combo will keep you warm and comfortable without the discomfort of overeating mixed with well fir jeans (#firstworldproblems). Added plus, the leggings feature a cute reindeer motif!

"Baby, It's Cold Outside"

The second day of celebrations includes a family party at my parent's house. I generally go for something comfortable, yet still somewhat put together looking. Because of this, I paired a sweater and jeans with timeless booties and a braid to convey that "I care, but not too much" look.

"Deck the Halls"

For some reason, my mother always uses red and green plaid as her print of choice for Christmas. Although 13 years of private school has made me highly biased against wearing plaid (especially plaid skirts), yet it is what I'm subconsciously drawn to during the holidays. The two outfits are basically the same, yet the right is more "grungy" than the left. Both outfits would be appropriate for both a family get-together or fun with friends.

"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"

I laugh when people say, "You can't wear white after Labor Day". Honestly, I think white looks the best in winter. I always found it stunning, regal almost, to see a white outfit in the snow. Because of this, I like to wear white for formal events, especially during the Christmas season. The dress is a crisp white that will go with any style genre, with the red accents from the shoes and lips adding a festive tone. The fur gilet makes the dress season appropriate and adds warmth.

Hopefully this has given you some ideas. Happy Holidays everyone!!!

All That Glitters: Outfits for Formal Holiday Events

Ok, so I haven't been keeping up with my blog as planned. With classes, labs, exams, and papers, I haven't had the time to even think about clothing. Seriously though, I've work leggings and a button down about 60% of the time within the past two months.

Anyway, with it being holiday season, and my love of all things formal and flashy, I wanted to do a post on holiday dresses. I chose to stick to glittery dresses and jewel tones because they look great on anyone with minimal effort, something I would look for in an outfit. Unfortunately, science has turned me into a hermit, and I have no reason what so ever to wear a formal dress

And yes, there are 8 dresses in my closet and 4 pairs of heels.I just like looking at the clothes and pretending I live a supermegaawesome life. Don't judge me.

Now that I think about it, that's pretty lame. You have full right to judge me...

Low Key Get Together

This is dressy, without being too dressy. It could easily go from glass in the morning to a date to a party all with a change of shoes and addition of a sweater or cardigan. I'm really into deep, vampy colors this season and love the way burgundy looks on untanned skin, so I made it the main color in this look. Because the focus on the clothing will be on the skirt (which will also bring attention to how awesome and long your legs will look in the tights and heels), I paired this with a berry lip and nails so that the eyes of the people admiring how amazing you look won't stop moving. 

Classy Winter Event

I envision this outfit at a formal or something a bit classier than your general college holiday party. The colors keep with the holiday theme without being overbearing. I like peplum in this scenario because everyone looks amazing in peplums and if there is food involved, you don't have to worry about looking less than your best later in the night. 

December Night Out

I see this outfit working best in a city area with a more formal nightlife scene, or on a fourth or fifth date, whatever applies to you. The dress by itself is a bit boring, but I think will accentuate your best features. I included the glittery heels to add excitement into the outfit, which is carried into the eye makeup. I'd keep the rest of your face simple and use the lip stain to mimic a winter flush on your lips and cheeks.

"The Beyoncé"

The following dresses will be glittery, with Beyoncé themed titles, which is fine by my standards, but may not be something you favor. Gold, for me, is the ultimate holiday color. It brings together the warmth and festive feel of the season perfectly. This dress is pretty flashy, so I would keep the makeup focused on one thing with no additional glitter or sparkles. The red lip brings additional warmth to the outfit and side bun makes it more relaxed. If you have a cool undertone and look horrible in gold, try something closer to a rose color with deeper reds.

"Freakum Dress"

Yep, this is a freakum dress. Why? You'll turn heads like no one's business in this. The sparkle of the dress isn't so much that it's overwhelming, yet definitely won't allow you to have a low key evening. Pulled back hair and minimal nighttime makeup will keep the focus on the dress and your eyes, which is ideal for a dress like this. 

"Ring the Alarm"

This dress, much like the previous dress, is a head turner. Depending on how bond you want to go, you can play up your eye makeup. Because the dress is black, you can add some color in your eyeliner, or keep a semi neutral eye and bold lip. If you want the most versatility and still turn heads, this dress is for you.


Hopefully I've given you some ideas for an upcoming event or party this holiday season. If you have any questions or comments, the box is below!

I guess I'll finish writing papers and studying for finals... Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

Note: For those wondering, I plan on blogging how I made my Dorothy Halloween costume/how to make a circle skirt and A line skirt after finals!

Technicolor Tessellations: Stars and Stripes

It's finally summertime, and the living is indeed easy. As the neighborhood transforms into a midday symphony, complete with buzzing lawnmowers and jingling ice cream trucks, the urge to go outside is excruciating. Despite the oppressive humidity, flash thunderstorms, and bloodthirsty mosquitoes that can ruin the mood at any moment, it's the perfect time to grab a book and cold glass of ice tea for a nice afternoon relaxing in a hammock.

Aside from the relaxing summer afternoons, summer has one of the best holidays; Independence Day. It stands as the bittersweet mid-mark of the season, and everything post Fourth of July seams to whiz by faster than my mind can process. Back to school commercials infiltrate the once carefree summer advertisements and pre-semester planning is a must if you want everything to be perfect for the beginning of the year. On a more positive note, it's a day of fun and food with my extended family, a time I've learned to cherish.

Barbecue Chic

Every year for Independence day, my family gets together and spends the day at my aunts house. Of course, as most southern families have been raised to expect, a summertime family gathering means there will be a cookout of some sort. I wait all day for the grilled corn, potato salad, burgers, and greens that are the staples of our celebratory feast. Because cookouts are usually outside, I chose a cropped tee and high waist shorts to keep you cool and trendy, yet only showing the acceptable amounts of skin for a family get together. Although the shirt is cropped, the shorts will cover enough so that only a few inches of upper belly will be showing. To accompany the Americana theme, I added a flag pin and eagle earrings, which pair nicely with the flag print shorts. You may be thinking, "Who would wear a white shirt to a barbecue?", a completely logical question if you haven't experienced noontime under the humid, hundred degree sun. Believe me, wearing any color other than white is asking for excessive heat retention.

Lake-side family dinner

My aunt lives on a lake, so after a day of fun, we always have dinner overlooking the water. The outfit feels breezy yet isn't too casual for a nice family dinner. I added the red, white, and blue under the main outfit in order to keep a simplistic look in the forefront. Show off the flag bikini when you jump in the lake for a post dinner cool-down.

Fireworks at the Beach

I'm basically walking you through my family's Independence day traditions, because after we have dinner we go down to the main beach and watch the fireworks. It's always amazing how beautiful the show looks reflecting on the dark waters of the lake. In order to stand out from the dark background of nighttime, the white dress keeps you looking bright and feeling cool in the warm breeze. The denim vest adds edge to the outfit and shoes keep with the America theme.

Party in the USA

You can't have a blog post without a party outfit. I went all out with this. There will be no doubt about your patriotism with these bold flag print leggings and muscle tee. Keeping your hair carefree gives the outfit a cleaned up Ke$ha feel, and the jacket and creepers add edge and comfort, which is a must for a night of dancing.

Subtle for the City

I pictured the final outfit for a casual lunch in the city. Because most restaurants have patios open around this time of year and the laid back trendy nature of the city, I wanted something simple, yet still patriotic but not overtly so. The white unitard looks effortless and crisp, and can be swapped out for a tank, crop top, or even a white one piece swimsuit. The jeans add a more streamlined touch to the outfit than what would be achieved by a skirt or shorts, and red strappy sandals not only complete the red, white, and blue color scheme, but also incorporate one of the "it items" of this summer, a must if you're putting yourself on display outdoors in a fashionable area.

If you are interested in more details for each outfit, click on the picture and it links you to my Polyvore, which shows brand, price, etc., of each of the pieces mentioned. 

Happy Fourth of July!

Technicolor Tessellations: Purple, Orange, and Stripes

With flowers filling the once bare branches and pollen circling the air like a pack of hungry wolves (what?), you know it's time to put away the heavy sweaters and boots and break out your sundresses and flip flops. Or if you're me, keep the boots and heavy sweaters like a crazy person and skip wearing tights. Because wearing a thick wool sweater in the oppressive humidity of the South is the smartest way to prevent overheating in the summer. Casual.

That was supposed to be a joke, but it wasn't funny. Awkward fail.

But anyway, yea I know what you're thinking, "Who would ever pair orange and purple together"? I thought the same thing, but these two split complementary colors are oddly appealing. Great for the transitional Spring-Summer and Summer-Fall months, purple and orange has the ability to transcend the lines between girly and edgy. The stripes help keep the focus away from the odd mix of colors and blend the hues in an eye-catching yet playful manner. So here are a few outfits I put together inspired by the odd mix of color and prints.

Summertime Drive

Please ignore the titles of the outfits. It's the end of the semester and my creativity is basically nonexistent. Anyway, I thought this outfit would be cute on a trip down to the beach. The only thing this breezy top and Lennon-esque sun glasses  are missing is the sweet smell of sunscreen.



Chilly Spring Night

Although it's pretty warm outside, the nights are can be a bit chilly. During the daytime, you can switch out the sweatshirt with a loose fitting tank top and throw on the sweater after the sun goes down.

Breezy Weekend

This has to be my favorite outfit of the collection. The high waist of the lilac pants allows modesty despite the midriff baring top, and the bright shoes and matching bag bring life into the outfit.

Cute and Clean

Not gonna lie, this outfit is on the preppy side for me, but cute nonetheless. I love how the stripes in the unitard continue down into the tights, which brings the top and bottom halves of the outfit together.



Night Beneath the Stars

It's kind of cliche to have a striped dress and heels, but it didn't feel right making a collection including stripes without it. In order to keep the insane amount of pattern from clashing too much with the purple and orange, I decided to keep the colors at opposing ends. The orange lipstick adds just enough contrast to the deep purple shoes, both of which are just enough to balance with the dress.




Feel free to comment with any questions or suggestions!!!

Technicolor Tessellations: Oxblood and Leopard

     Fun fact of the day: this is neither technicolor nor a tessellation. yet I needed an interesting way to say "fashion inspired by colors and prints I currently like". The title just so happened to be the first thing to come into my head. Now onto the post.

     This winter I realized a few things about my developing sense of style. One, I hate the feeling of jeans, especially when it's raining or humid. Two, if I could, I would wear leggings everyday (and yes they are pants if they're opaque, cover as much as my jeans, and as thick as my other cotton pants).  And three, I have an unhealthy obsession with animal print, especially leopard. Luckily  Burberry has brought back the leopard trend for their Fall/Winter 2013 collection. Honestly, I wouldn't care, but it's nice to think I'm on top of things in the fashion world, even if I'm not.

       Mixing my love of the print with the burgundy/oxblood trend, I've found a few practical ways to wear leopard in your daily life. I've tried to cover the four basic style situations, classy, party, nice casual, and comfortable. Keep in mind my ideas of what's appropriate and what isn't may be a bit off (I blame the thirteen years of compulsory plaid skirts and button-downs).

Classy Presentation Attire

If I needed an outfit to show I an an educated, 20 year old, college student with a goal, I'd wear something like this. It's trendy with the peplum top and skinny cut cotton pants, yet reserved in the color, coat, and shoe choice. I'd suggest a bag this large if you're giving a presentation so that it fits your laptop/tablet and handouts for your audience. Deep red lips and slightly winged eyeliner show your youth, but with a post-war era twist. The leopard is kept to a minimum, and can be easily removed if you find it too distracting. Also, the hidden leopard in the bag is a cute touch.

Weekend Warrior

Call me crazy, but I'd consider wearing this to class. Throw long cardigan over it and all is good. Anyway, I made the leopard shorts the main focus in this outfit, which may be the deciding factor in the appropriateness of this outfit for class. Nonetheless, paring the shorts with black tights and wrap-around coat will keep your legs warm in these cold winter months, yet allow proper airflow if you're in a crowded party. The top is simple yet interesting, and paired with the burgundy wedge creepers and knit hat, it relieved some of the attention away from the pants. I attempt to make outfits flow like a well composed piece of visual art - always keep the viewer's eye moving, and with this combination, that goal is achieved.

Casual Winter Rainy Day

It rains. A lot. Actually, it's raining right now. It was also raining when I made these outfits. It rains so much that I keep an umbrella in my bag just in case it surprise rains in the middle of the day. So I thought this post wouldn't be complete without at least one outfit dedicated to rainy days. As stated above, I hate wearing jeans when it's raining. The feeling of wet denim is such a turnoff that every time it rains I wear leggings or a skirt. The tights and skirt combination will keep the disgusting wet feeling away, while the boots will keep you warm and dry. I suggest a faux leather jacket because the polymer base keeps water away quite well. And the umbrella was too cute not to include.

Warm and Comfortable

You may be thinking, "How can this be comfortable when there are four inch heeled booties in the outfit?". Well, I liked the shoes too much to change it to leopard print ballet flats, so I kept the heels. My go-to outfits lately have been knit leggings and an over-sized sweater. Honestly, I think that combination is a bit boring and played out, so I added a faux fur gilet and scalloped gold collar to add interest to the outfit. I envision this outfit being something you can throw together quickly, yet still look like you actually thought about it. But not too much.

Hopefully this has given you some ideas or inspired you to add leopard into your wardrobe. I'll try for another post before spring break.

Fashion for Finals

Alright, I'll admit it. For the entirety of finals week I'll be in leggings and sweats, and maybe a maxi skirt if I'm feeling fancy that day. It's literally the only time of the year where I honestly don't care what I'm wearing and how sloppy I look.

That being said, my lack of care shouldn't inspire you to do the same. Minimal effort will keep you looking presentable and comfortable during the stressful end of semester. It would be easiest to find a set "uniform" of clothing you will wear with each action. For example, when I take my finals, I will be in leggings and an over sized sweater or sweatshirt. When I'm studying (in my dorm), I will wear pj's. And if I run out of food and need to go to the dining hall, I'll slip on a maxi and a jacket for the 10 or so minutes I'll be outside. This method makes things a lot easier and takes the fuss out of everything.

These outfits are to inspire you to create your own "finals uniform", and if you aren't as lazy as I am, you can actually make a cute outfit out of it.

Side note: Please take the text on the clothing as humorous. I'm not actually calling anyone a nerd or geek or mean to offend anyone...

1. Dorm/Lounge wear

I'm literally writing this in sweats and a tee shirt. Whether you like studying in your room or in another area around your dorm, I find these items to be appropriate. I see no reason to get out of your comfortable pj's if you're going to stay in all day. I mean, take a shower, but no need to wear jeans around your dorm unless you're going somewhere. 

2. Public Studying - Academic building, Library, Outside, etc.

For studying in public, you want to look somewhat put together (or maybe not), yet comfortable. I think leggings and a baggy sweater are great for stretching put on the floor or a couch and keeping warm in drafty buildings. I suggest to wear shoes that can be easily taken off for additional comfort. Remember, you may be in there all day, so bring a water bottle and snacks so you don't drain what's left of your money.

3. Inspired By the Boys

For some reason, I've been really into the men's style section of pinterest. Men's fashion is so effortless and cozy looking that i thought it'd be perfect to emulate for exam outfits. The tee with open button down allows an enormous amount of versatility in the amount of warmth you may need, and leggings/jeggings allow full range of mobility. The boots are warm and stylish, yet can be easily taken off if the need arises. If it's cold where you are, a knit slouchy beanie and infinity scarf will work perfectly with this style. 

4. Final Boss

This final look would be my "final uniform" - leggings, sweater, boots, and socks. I included the tinted chap-stick because it's amazing and adds a hint of color to your face. The headband is optional, personally I don't like to wear them because they give me headaches, but I though it would work well with this outfit.

Hopefully this served as a quick study break for you and/or has given you some ideas for outfits during finals. 

If there are any questions, don't hesitate to comment below.