Thursday, February 28, 2013

Red Denim Simplicity

Happy Thursday! I had a lot of classes and meetings today, so I decided to wear something simple and comfortable. I recently purchased a pair of red denim, which I had been eyeing for quite some time. Then last week, these Rich and Skinny's went on sale and the rest is history. Revolve Clothing is a great clothing website and first time customers get 30% off their purchase!
These pictures were taken across the Caltech campus. I had a fun time with this shoot. Pasadena finally hit 80 degrees today, so it was a gorgeous day to be outside. I paired my red denim with a flowy navy top, Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C., nude ballet flats, and a couple of necklaces that I layered together. The Mini M.A.C. is actually my sister's. I own an almond-colored M.A.C., but we agreed to swap M.A.C.'s for the term. In the next few pictures, you'll see how I layered my necklaces. I am a big fan of gold-colored jewelry, so for today's outfit I stuck with simple, gold chains.
Thanks for reading!

OUTFIT
Top: Splendid
Shoes: Lanvin (old). Similar here.
Accessories: Kate Spade songbird necklace, Kate Spade blue necklace (old), Juicy Couture monogram necklace (old, similar here), Essie 'Mesmerized' nail polish

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Back to the Basics

With spring fast approaching, it's time to bring out the flowy dresses and sandals again! Going to school in California, the seasons kind of blend together. But as a Kansas native, I know all too well the joy of waiting for spring to come. As a college student, I don't have money to just completely restock my closet whenever I get sick of my clothes. That's why I invest in classics that I can style in multiple ways. So for spring, these are my classic must-haves.


Spring Must-Haves
1. Maxi Dress: Every girl needs a versatile maxi dress. I especially like this one by LnA because it has a vibrant color and classic silhouette. LnA is a California-based company known for its high-quality basics. You can pair it with a cardigan, jean jacket, or leather jacket. The side slits add a little edge, perfect for showing off a pair of sandals or wedges. This simple dress begs for a statement necklace (see no. 3). You can find it here. Though the price is a little on the steep side, I have found that I receive my money's worth when investing in quality items.
2. Light Sweater: An airy sweater is a necessity for spring weather. This sweater from Feel the Piece embodies casual chic. It is super soft and comfortable and can be worn with jeans, over a dress, or tucked into a skirt. It also has some celebrity endorsement as it has been on Jessica Biel and Kourtney Kardashian. You can find this sweater here.
3. Statement Necklace: I am a big fan of basics. So to spice up an outfit, I like to add some bling to it usually in the form of a necklace. This necklace from BaubleBar is perfect for spring and because of its neutral color, it can be worn throughout the year. This goes with basically any color and would especially look good worn with a boatneck/scoopneck neckline. You can find it here.
4. Chambray Shirt: I am in love with chambray at the moment! Chambray shirts are beyond comfortable and can be worn in multiple ways. For spring, I think it would look great tucked into an A-line or flowy miniskirt. Pair that with some sandals and you are good to go for any weekend outing. For those still on the fence about purchasing a chambray shirt, DO IT. I promise you, you will not regret it. You can find chambray shirts here.
5. Colored Denim: This is a must for spring. Colored denim adds a pop to any outfit and makes the rest of your outfit so much simpler to pick out. You can't go wrong with colored denim paired with a plain tee, delicate necklace, and flats. I recommend the brand Rich and Skinny because they fit perfectly and are high quality. You can find some here.
6. A-Line Miniskirt: I love skirts as an alternative to pants. A-line miniskirts are a fun way to add some flirty flair to your spring style. They would look cute worn with a button-down (like a chambray shirt!) or with just a plain tank top. You can get solid-colored or patterned ones, but I prefer the patterned ones because they require less styling. I like the American Eagle embroidered miniskirt because it is budget-friendly and cute. You can find it here.
7. Sandals: Sandals are an absolute essential for warmer weather. I am an avid fan of these Sam Edelman sandals. They come in every color you can imagine, but I think that these mint green ones are perfect for springtime. These shoes fit true to size and are comfortable to walk in for a whole day. I have a couple pairs of these sandals and I can say without a doubt that these are well worth the price tag and essential for any college girl. You can find them here.
8. Ballet Flats: I think ballet flats are every girl's blessing and nightmare. The versatility and classiness of ballet flats are oftentimes overshadowed by blisters caused from their ill fit. I have found your solution. These J. Crew ballet flats are incredibly comfortable and within a few wears, mold to your feet. I can wear these walking around campus for a whole day without discomfort. You can find it here. These are not the cheapest ballet flats out there, but if you are patient, they go on sale every once in a while. I got a pair for $35 over winter break.

Stay tuned for more!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

A quick hello!

Hi everyone! I'm Melissa. For me, fashion is a form of expression. I find inspiration from the outdoors, cultures, artwork, food, and my friends. Follow me as I play with fashion in order to find my true personal style.
Currently, I am a sophomore undergraduate student at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA pursuing a double major in applied math and economics. As a college student, I am constantly looking for fashion deals and I know all too well about buying clothes under a tight budget.
I can't wait to share tips and snapshots with you!

xoxo