Feeling kind of tired and uninspired about what to say in regards to this outfit. All I got is:

ZEBRA!!!

Good night, everyone.

Shirt: Zebra print dress worn as shirt, gift from Japan
Skirt: Gym tank top worn as skirt, WalMart
Jewelry: Random vintage necklaces
Shoes: Black ballet flats, Old Navy

Happy news: My boyfriend came back this weekend from a month-long backpacking trip through Japan. One of his sporadic e-mails had informed me that he had splurged and bought a nice suit, tailored for him and everything. That's when I got the brilliant idea of sporting this new dress I had bought awhile back, so we could take on the town in style together, only to receive a text message from him en route that read: "I forgot my suit."

Shit.

Needless to say, I was glad he was coming home but terribly bummed about the suit ordeal. But am I one to waste a good occasion to wear a dress? Never. I frolicked around on Sunday in this number, messy hair, no makeup and these fake glasses straight from Japan. It was fun. I felt a tad like Alexa Chung, too, which made my day. I love her classy, yet spunky style. 

Oh, and I think I just had a fashion blogger revelation of sorts. Listening to music, as I did for these little photo shoot with some My Morning Jacket, makes a world of difference. Not only do you not give a damn about what anyone thinks about what you're doing but you strike a little more confidence in your poses. 

There, take that one to the bank and you can thank me later, ladies.

Dress: Black ballerina dress, Target
Shoes: DIYed Payless ankle boots
Jewelry: Random vintage necklaces
Glasses: Black rimmed glasses, from Japan!

P.S. Got some awesome loot from Japan from the BF. Can't wait to share with all of you! Sneak peak hint: harmonica necklaces, berets and zebra, oh my!

So do any of you remember these shoes? And I mentioned sprucing them up a bit, with studs and chains and glorious bling like that? Well I finally got around to it. Finally.

Why did it take so long you ask? Well a.) I couldn't find actual studs ANYWHERE. I mean anywhere. Craft stores. WalMart. Punk stores. Military stores. The bum on the corner. Nobody had them b.) I couldn't find a studding kit anywhere. See the previously mentioned stores for the places I looked and finally c.) I'm impatient. 

Long story short, I took an old studded belt I had lying around, tore it apart and started gluing them on with a glue that I was actually carded for at the store. Because apparently this 23-year old doesn't look old enough to buy cigarettes. 

Damn.

As for the end result though, I think I'm pretty pleased with my handiwork. Plus, I think the gluing worked out for the best as there were several spots on these boots that I would never be able to stud, unless I was a shoe cobbler of course. 

Which, I am most certainly not. 

Jacket: Jean jacket, Old Navy
Shirt: Black and white striped v-neck shirt, Volcom
Skirt: Coral mini skirt, thrifted
Boots: DIYed Payless ankle boots
Purse: Black wannabe Chanel purse, vintage

So I've had this particular outfit in mind for hmmm…ever since the July Free People catalogue arrived in my mailbox. It was chock full of ladies layered in lace with floral dresses, boots and fanciful pretty things. From that eventful day on, I've been pining away for a lace bodysuit of my own. 

Today, I found it on my lunch break. (Quick jaunt to Goodwill always does wonders on a Thursday.)

Only drawback is I wasn't completely satisfied with the chosen floral dress. It actually has sleeves and I thought I was being brilliant by tucking them away to the sides into the incorporated tie belt. Soon after though, I was left feeling somewhat disappointed by the end result. Do you guys ever do that? Try so hard to get a certain look only to feel like you've fallen a tad short?

Or perhaps I'm just being neurotic and really deep down wanted to get the $48 counter version of this body suit from Free People.

C'est la vie.

Bodysuit: White lace bodysuit, vintage
Dress: DIYed vintage dress
Shoes: Black lace-up ankle boots, H&M
Jewelry: Gold multi-layered necklace, Wet Seal

P.S. Check back tomorrow. I should have a lovely little DIY project for you that I'm rather fond of. Oh, and extra big thanks for all the great feedback about the previous fall fashion post. Keep 'em coming guys!

Inquiring minds (namely my own) would like to pick your brain a little, particularly in regards to fall fashion. So let me get right to it…

"What are you favorite picks/outfits/items/looks for this fall?"

Please feel free to leave a comment with a link to a photo of either your own or someone else's outfit, a description, a word, a reference to a time period, a haiku, BASICALLY WHATEVER that best represents what you're looking forward to wearing for this lovely season we call autumn.

And, in good time, I'll show all you lovelies what I'm working on. But enough small talk. Let the survey, BEGIN! 

(As you can see, I'm diligently taking notes. That and I was super lazy to do an outfit post today. Please accept this in its place.) 

Thanks guys! Can't wait to hear what you all have to say!

Was just browsing through the ol' Nikon today for any straggler photos that had yet to be uploaded when I stumbled upon these pictures of my old studio apartment. I recall a few previous comments inquiring about my chaos of a closet and decided this was as good a chance as any to prove to you all that I'm clearly….

UNORGANIZED! 

But before you all shun me for not color coding or hell, even folding most of my clothes, I will say this: sometimes there's nothing more comfortable than burrowing into a pile of some of your softest clothes at 3 in the morning after a long newspaper deadline night. Does that make me weird? Probably. 

Damn, I miss this room.

My closet: circa May(ish) 2009

True story: I originally intended to take today's outfit pictures in front of (surprise, surprise) a painted and graffiti covered wall but happened to stumble upon the backside of this old, used book store en route. The storage shed was open and I couldn't help but peek in at racks and racks of used books, sprawled notes indicating what each row contained and cardboard boxes lining the already busting at the seams space. 

Of course, I stopped to appreciate. First, I checked their fiction section for any old, musky smelling Hemingway. No dice. Second, I set up tripod shop and snapped a few photos, that is until the somewhat disgruntled book shop employee came out for a cigarette break, who tripped up a bit when he realized he wasn't alone with the books. His name was John. He had somewhat messy bed head dark hair and had a brooding demeanor about him. 

The entire time of our limited conversation that consisted of "Hey, how's it going?" I couldn't help but imagine how much our situation seemed like the beginning of a cliche romantic, indie film. Girl who likes taking photos of somewhat obscure book stores meets slightly introverted and quiet book shop boy. 

Right up Ms. Zoey Deschanel's alley, right? 

Tank top: Cream colored racer back, Old Navy
Skirt: Floral pencil skirt, Charlotte-Russe
Bra: Black bandeau bra, Charlotte-Russe
Shoes: Black wedges, Kenzie
Purse: Black Chanel wannabe, vintage
Bow: Black satin bow, Target

Hello all. Just checking in on a lovely Sunday, making sure the weekend has treated you all alright. Personally, I couldn't be more excited about today as I will be seeing Bob Dylan perform in less than six hours(!). So naturally, today's outfit had to revolve around a pair of Wayfarers and a sweet Panama hat. I mean, I had no other options, really. That and maybe a cigarette hanging haphazardly out of my mouth. 

But smoking is bad for you. Don't do it, kids. 

Shirt: Black and white striped t-shirt, Urban Outfitters
Skirt: Black ruffled skirt, Gap
Shoes: Black wedges, Kenzie
Jacket: Black leather jacket, H&M
Hat: Black panama hat, Halston
Jewelry: Random cheap necklaces from Charlotte-Russe (I have to stop buying cheap jewelry, I hate the color it turns)
Sunglasses: Black Wayfarers, Ray-Bans

Where's the drum roll button on blogspot? I could use one of those right now. Anyway, I first saw Ms. Julie O'Boyle of Orchid Grey on Weardrobe a few months back. I was immediately smitten with her school-boy inspired outfit, complete with a tie. First of all, kudos to her, because the tie look isn't for everyone and she pulled it off beautifully. Second of all, I've come to love her blog and style. Her outfits all have some spunk and personality to them, which is always refreshing to see. And, I must say this, I envy her top knot bun. A lot.

My slightly jealous confession aside though, and without further ado, I'll shut up now and you can read about some of Ms. Julie's fashion thoughts. Enjoy.

Name: Julie K. O'Boyle
Age: 25
Occupation: I'm a College Admissions Counselor for a small fine art's college (most of the outfits on my blog are work outfits) and I'm also a free-lance photographer.
Location: North of Boston, MA

Store to most likely find you camping out in:
Oh man, this one is difficult. I get my clothes from so many different places, it's hard to pin-point one specific location. I'm pretty broke too, so most of these locations are thrift stores like salvation army- not places anyone really wants to hang out in for any extended period of time. If I had unlimited funds I would love to camp out in Anthropologie, Top-Shop, Urban Outfitters, and American Apparel. Usually I just browse the sale sections of all these places online, I like the surprise of getting something in the mail. Especially if that something is cheap.

Favorite Beatle and why?
I know every one says this, but I love John Lennon. He was incredibly attractive and I think he had fantastic style. His wedding pictures with Yoko Ono are amazing. However, I was never really a big Beatles fan, though I can certainly appreciate them for what they did for music. I'm much more of a Joey Ramone, Iggy Pop, David Bowie kind of girl.

Describe your style. What's Ms. Julie's style mantra?
My style has A.D.D.- it's completely scattered. I don't really have a particular mantra, but I would say, I try to never limit myself to one particular style. I did this a lot in the past, experimenting with punk and rockabilly styles especially (this did have a lot to do with the music I listened to) but it just made me feel like I had to dress a certain way, and it completely stressed me out. It just limits you so much, subscribing to one specific way of dressing. have fun with your clothes! I love being a chameleon- changing my style from day to day- be unpredictable! Surprise people! Life is much simpler when you're not worrying about projecting a certain image.

What was your inspiration for starting up a fashion blog and what have you enjoyed the most about it thus far?
Orchid Grey (my blog) arose from a number of places. First of all, I always loved looking at other bloggers outfit photos online- everyone is so inspiring!- and I felt like fashion blogging was something that was accessible to me, that I could do. Second, I have a terrible shopping habit and I figured that blogging would be a good way for me to explore what I already owned and be creative, I was kind of in a rut- with a habit of wearing the same five outfits every week- now I look at my closet and get excited to put a new spin on something. Seriously, blogging has helped me save a lot of money. I actually get a little bummed out if I buy something new now. I'll bring it home and then look in my closet, and find something way better. Then I'm all like "well, why did I just buy that if I already had this amazing thing"! Ridiculous, I know. Something I love about blogging is being able to network with people all over the world who have similar interests, and also being able to learn about the different lives they are living. It's really encouraging when people visit Orchid Grey, starting the blog has actually motivated me to lead a more interesting life. After all, I need to have stuff to write about!

Fashion icons?
All you lovely bloggers of course! If I can't figure out what to wear, I'll go online to sites like Weardrobe.com or Wardrobe_Remix on Flickr to see what people are putting together, I'll take from that and put my own spin on it. I also love looking at old pictures of musicians like Debbie Harry, Kate Pierson (of the B52's), Chrissie Hynde (of the Pretenders), Patti Smith, Wanda Jackson, Dolly Parton- they are all so different and did (still do) amazing things with their clothes. I also love looking at films for inspiration, some of my favorites include anything by John Waters (but especially Cry Baby), anything by Wes Anderson, Marie Antoinette, John Hughes movies, and Empire Records. Oh! Also, Clueless! I love anything over the top and kitsch.

Complete this sentence: "I feel best when wearing..."
Dresses! Skirts! anything but pants! I hate pants. I wish I could wear pants and be comfortable, but I just can't. I wear jeans maybe once or twice a week- they just never fit quite right and I'm always left miserable and cranky halfway through the day. I've been searching for years for the perfect pair of high waisted skinny jeans, and I'm convinced they don't exist. I've given up. I think I have a pretty classic silhouette (read: small high waist, big booty, thighs that would make Kate Moss run for cover) and I've learned that it lends itself well to high waisted skirts and dresses.

Fashion advice for other girls your age out there
Wear what makes you feel pretty and learn what looks good on your body type. Be confident! Don't force trends on yourself but don't be afraid to take chances and experiment! Also, please stop wearing pajama pants to the grocery store/ library/ cafe (not that everyone my age does this- it's just a general annoyance).

If your clothes could say one thing to you, what would they say?
My clothes would most definitely say something along the lines of: "Day-um girl, you're pretty sweet lookin'!" or "Julie, it's time to do laundry."

Alright, well have you noticed any progress, namely in the second photo? Yes, I do believe that's a nice whopping side profile of my face without (get this!) sunglasses! Of course, still no smile or tan, but hey, baby steps are in order here. Especially when wearing Steve Madden gladiator heels.

Anyway, I could go on about these two outfits (which basically represent a day and night twist on the same dress) but I think I'd rather focus on the grafitti tag on the side of the house. Some genius with spray paint decided to target my boyfriend's house. OK, so my boyfriend doesn't live in the best part of town and probably had it coming either way.

All I ask, my dear tagger, is if you're going to spray paint the word "freedom" please, for the love of all that is gramatically correct, spell it right so I don't have to be constantly reminded of how the public education system has failed you.

Dress: Coral and cream strapless dress, BCBG
Blazer: Navy blazer, Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Black heels, Aldo; Black gladiator heels, Steve Madden
Purse: Vintage Chanel wannabe

So I was being a bit reflective this morning while browsing through old posts (to mainly check out all your blogs and comment, sorry I've been so behind lately, I'm working on it, I truly am!) and I noticed a few things that I think need addressing:

a.) I need new backdrops. I think I'm running out of cool places to go and quite frankly, can't afford the gas to drive around all afternoon looking for "the spot." I'll work on this, folks. Until then, brick again! (See above)

b.) I need a tan. My legs are looking ghastly pale compared to my arms.

c.) I should stop hiding behind large sunglasses. And maybe try smiling once in awhile. You know, to make it look like I'm somewhat enjoying myself and not depressed about a cat dying.

Whew, glad that business is out of the way. On to the outfit…this dress (with a print that looks like blue coffee beans) was originally floor length with a great pleat thing going on for the skirt. I, being the impatient and impractical DIY-er that I am, started cutting. That's right. Didn't measure it. Didn't pin it. Didn't care. Ha. What I soon realized though, is that I should care. My hem was all off, with one side being way shorter than the other.

Scared at the thought of actually sewing to fix my boo-boo, I threw on a belt, started tucking the dress in on the sides to give it a fuller, cinched and ruffled look, and walked out the door with a chignon adorning the side of my head.

I'm sure all of you sewing-savy ladies out there just cringed. Or had a mini stroke. Maybe both. Sorry! Please don't fashion blog black list me. Please?

Dress: Vintage full skirt dress
Shoes: Black ankle boots, Payless
Belt: Vintage black belt

It's baaaacccck. Return of the white blazer. You guys missed it, huh? Granted, it probably wasn't the most practical outfit layer as it was unbearably hot outside today (you can usually tell just by how gross my bangs get after a quick ride in the car), but this vintage find did manage to keep me nice and comfortable in the AC blasting office building. 

Of course, after getting into my car to drive home from work, I promptly ripped the jacket off my body for fear of heat stroke. I figured that would be a tough ticket to explain my way out of:

Me: "Sorry officer, due to a combination of sweat trickling into my eyes and a severe case of heat delirium, I thought that red light really was green."

Officer: "Ma'am, are you high?"

Me: "No, officer."

Officer: "Then why the hell are you wearing so many layers?"

Blazer: White blazer, vintage
Shirt: Blue and white striped button down shirt, vintage Ralph Lauren
Leggings: Black leggings, Target
Shoes: Cut out jazz flats, Urban Outfitters
Jewelry: Gold multi-layer necklace, random bracelets, Charlotte-Russe

Decided to try out a different sun hat this past weekend. Normally when circumstances don't allow for a completely washed head of hair, the fedora gets pulled out. This time, I wanted to try a more picnic-ready/Madeline look. Yes, I just referenced the little French girl heroine of yesteryear. She was cute, wasn't she? Perhaps that's partially why I pulled out my satchel-esque bag today, too. To skip on cobble stone streets off to a boarding school somewhere.

If only.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. And while we're on the subject of weekend activities, is anyone else completely smitten with "500 Days of Summer"? I've seen it twice now, as it just released this past weekend in Reno.

And as I type this, I'm listening to the soundtrack.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, please marry me now. Kthanx.

Hat: Vintage straw sun hat
Dress: Baby doll slip dress, Silence & Noise
Slip: Black slip, vintage
Shoes: Gladiator heels, Simply Vera
Bag: Leather satchell bag, vintage

Alright, so another day skipped. Sorry, folks, things have been pretty crazy lately entertaining the fact that I'll be switching over to a job that I will really, truly love. Exciting and nerve-wracking all at once. But more on that later.

This outfit has been my weekend bumming outfit. You know the kind. Roll out of bed, mow the lawn that has now grown 7 inches out of control, take a shower and throw on the first thing that looks a.) clean b.) comfy c.) proclaims your love for a certain city.

Sure, it's not that exciting of an outfit, but I could seriously live in this. If white didn't have a horrible reputation for getting dirty quickly, that is.

On a side note, and a cherry on top of my bumming weekend, the lovely Lacy of Lacy's Mess has done a sweet, little feature on me. Why is beyond me because this girl has some serious rocking style all her own with some of the most awesome hats I've seen. You can check out the feature here, but do please, stop by and see her outfits first. 

Thanks again, Lacy!

Shirt: I Heart NY souvenir shirt, gift
Skirt: Black bandage skirt, Target
Shoes: Brown leather jazz shoes, vintage
Sunglasses: Tortoise shell Wayfarers, vintage Ray-Bans

Since I was an incredibly lazy blogger the other day (meaning unwashed hair, lack of sleep and a general cranky disposition) I failed to provide my daily outfit dose. Please forgive me. I have blog sinned.

In my attempts to repent, here are two, (yes two!) outfits that I wore yesterday, one day look for the office and one evening look for a couple of drinks with friends.

For the first outfit, see exhibits A, B, C and D. Most of these were actually picked up during my lunch break. Now, I know what you're thinking…You know you have a shopping problem when you leave work for a quickie (shopping trip). But I couldn't help myself. I had stopped by Goodwill the day before and had spotted this little Chanel wanna be purse for only $5. Unfortunately, their debit machine was down at the time and I had zero cash on me. I had to go back. I just had to.

And of course, the purse brought along its friends, namely this white blazer ($7) and belt ($1.99) for the party.

Blazer: White blazer, vintage
Skirt: Floral print, dress worn as skirt, Modcloth
Shirt: Gray v-neck, American Apparel
Socks: Black knee-highs, Target
Shoes: Black wedges, Kenzie
Sunglasses: Wayfarers, vintage Ray-Bans
Jewelry: Random necklaces

For the second outfit, see the above exhibits. I would also like to ask you to strike from the record the fact that I look like a hooker in these photos. Somehow, I had failed to make the connection of a.) girl standing in alley way, b.) girl dressed for a night out and c.) girl standing in front of spray painted wall that reads "For Sale."

No wonder I was getting honked at.

Shirt: Cream colored flapper fringe shirt, Silence & Noise
Skirt: Black bandage skirt, Target
Tights: Sheer black tights, Target
Shoes: Black suede ankle boots, Payless
Purse: My little Chanel in training, vintage

Happy Friday everyone!

MILTDL: (noun); pronounced milt-i-dle; colloquial acronym; stands for Mom I'd Like To Dress Like:
1.) American slang-Common usage: A mother with impecable style that is admired by many
See: Judy Aldridge of Atlantis Home
synonyms: chic mama, stylish madre

As you can see, I am blatantly copying one of Ms. Aldridge's looks, minus the Stella shoes, Y-3 leather skirt and her infamous Pamela Love claw necklace. Actually, minus anything designer. So really, my outfit can't even touch her outfit with a 30 foot pole. Sigh. I tried though. Can't blame me for that.

Shirt: Plaid flannel, from boyfriend's closet
Skirt: Leather pencil skirt, vintage
Shoes: Yellow strappy gladiator heels, Nine West
Jewelry: Gold, multi-layer chain necklace

Found this incredibly awesome alley on my way back home from work. You know the kind. Sandwiched between two large, cinder block buildings both with very loud industrial fans pumping, glass broken everywhere and some of the most awesome mural paintings I've ever seen.

I just had to prance around in my new skirt for a bit. Before running off to check and make sure my car hadn't been broken into, that is.

Shirt: Sheer, white racer back tank top, Abercrombie & Fitch
Skirt: Faded blue, high-waisted skirt, Target
Shoes: Black, lace-up ankle boots, H&M
Jewelry: Gold charm necklace, Charlotte-Russe, so take it in now, because in two days, I'm sure it will have fallen apart. 

Funny (and true) story: As I was camped out on the side of the road here, camera equipment sprawled out and dressed channeling my best inner hippie sun child, a VW green van drove by with a bearded bohemian behind the wheel. Initially, I was afraid to look up at him, thinking he probably assumed I was mocking his generation and exploiting it as a fashion statement. 

Which, we all can nod our heads to, because it's true to certain extent. I never experienced the Summer of Love, but I would kill for their leather fringe vests. My name isn't Wildflower, but I think I could dig it if it was.

But I digress.

So, he's driving by, I hesitate, shrug my shoulders, thinking "What the hell, maaann"? in my best Bob Dylan voice, and look up. He smiled and gave me a peace sign. Without a moment of hesitation, I gave one back. 

Because, after all, we are supposed to give peace a chance, ya know.

On a side note, the lovely and witty lady, Indiana over at Adored Austin, did a blush-worthy feature on me. You can check it out here and then definitely go check her out. You won't regret it. She's got great style, a unique writing voice and isn't afraid to make fun of herself.  A woman after my own heart! 

Shirt: Floral wrap robe, Anthropologie, via my Weardrobe gift card
Dress: Black strapless dress, H&M
Shoes: Leather woven flats, Urban Outfitters
Belt: Vintage tan belt
Sunglasses: Jackie O tortoise shell sunnies, Steve Madden

First of all, thanks so much to everyone for all the great DIY ideas for my boots in the previous post! I have compiled a running list of supplies now to pick up at the craft store that include, but are not limited to, the following: small gold chains, studs, lace, buttons and some M&Ms at the checkout stand because everyone knows you need M&Ms to get the creative juices flowing. 

Or just a sugar rush. Same thing.

As for this outfit, I've had this sequin jacket for awhile now and wore the crap out of it when I first bought it, all circa before this fashion blog ever was created. I stumbled upon it the other day, i.e. I was clearing off the massive stack of clothes from my bed, and immediately thought of a fun jean shorts and boots outfit. 

And then the bike shorts tagged along. They've been doing that a lot lately. 

Which brings me here, in front of this forest mural as I think I've exhausted all the cool walls in Reno. I do somewhat like this one though. I just look so f-ing out of place. As if this is the setting for Little Red Riding Hood and I'm about to beat her up. 

Jacket: Sequin flower jacket, vintage
Shirt: White v-neck, American Apparel
Shorts: DIY jean cut-offs
Other shorts: Black bike shorts, Target
Boots: Black lace-up, ankle boots, H&M

There is, floating out there in the Interwebs that we know as the World Wide Web, a photo of a gal that inspired this outfit, with a full, short black skirt, ankle boots and motorcycle jacket. The proportions of her outfit were just perfect. Only glitch is, I can't seem to find said photo for the life of me. And, of course, Google searching "woman in short, black skirt and ankle boots" only brings up porn-related sites like TubeV and, needless to say, definitely NOT what I was looking for.

My apologies, lovelies, but you just have me to look at today.
On a side note though, after I reviewed these photos, I think we all can agree that these ankle boots NEED something. Studs perhaps? Any tips on doing that? I was just considering hot glue as these are not real suede shoes. (Awesome find at Payless!) But maybe I should really stud them? I'm a bit behind (OK, way behind) on this DIY trend and open to suggestions!

Shirt: Blue striped ruffle blouse, Gap
Skirt: Black button up full skirt (rolled up a tad), Gap
Boots: Black suede ankle boots, Payless
Belt: Vintage cream colored belt
Accessories: Random watch I found lying around our house, bracelet from Charlotte-Russe, glasses from Wet Seal

I hope I didn't hype this shirt up all too much, but ahem, (gracious various hand movements and bowing) I give you the Christian Dior shirt that I found for (brace yourselves) $10! It's the most unbelievable sea foam green silk shirt, so you can imagine my disappointment that these photos come no where near bringing it justice. 

That said though, I am still utterly enamored with the item, will probably dote on it for the next few days and have already planned out more outfit play dates for it, most notable being a full white, high-waisted skirt for more of a "Mad Men" retro feel. 

This particular outfit though was all about the shirt, hence a little on the simplistic side with skinny jeans and heels. Basically, I wanted the shirt to do all the talking, what can I say?

And in the meantime, my little Dior darling is hanging up next to my one and only Oscar de la Renta steal of a shirt ($7 from the same thrift store!) so they can be snooty designer clothes together, whispering Italian and French things. You know, basically making the rest of my wardrobe feel inferior. 

Does anyone else do this? Anthropomorphize their clothes? Or is that me filling the void of imaginary friends of yesteryear? 

I swear, I'm not crazy. I swear. 

Shirt: Sea foam green silk vintage Christian Dior
Jeans: Skinny Levis
Shoes: Gladiator heels, Simply Vera
Sunglasses: Vintage 70s glam sunnies

Ladies (and gents)…got some good monetary news. No, I didn't land my dream writing job. And no, that dollar I put into a slot machine yesterday didn't change my life. But I will be getting paid for a story I wrote nearly two years ago for a local weekly entertainment newspaper.

Sure, it doesn't make me feel a whole lot better about that previously mentioned, and guilt-inducing shopping spree I went on over the weekend. But I'll liken it to finding money in your pocket of a jacket from last winter. Totally forgot it was there, probably won't buy you those (insert coveted item here), but in the end, you can manage to buy your friends a few rounds of drinks. Emily, I believe I owe you one. And maybe some fries. Good fries.

About the outfit though, I bought this tuxedo blazer from Express months ago, rocking it with my wet lame leggings/jeans/dresses but this marks the first time I tried it out with shorts. This also marks the first time I attempted cuffing the sleeves to show off the adorable leopard print that lines it.

Needless to say, I don't know what took me so long to realize it was there. We've truly been missing out on each other.

P.S. Picked up the most awesome vintage Christian Dior shirt for only $10 yesterday. Can't wait to show ya'll.

Shirt: V-neck screen printed shirt with owl on it, Urban Outfitters
Jacket: Black tuxedo jacket, Express
Shorts: DIY jean cut-offs
Shoes: Black wedges, Kenzie
Jewelry: Multiple vintage necklaces

So let's just say that it's quite possible that I cracked and indulged a little more than I should have at Target. And then Charlotte-Russe. And then several cheap jewelry stores after that. What started out as an innocent trip to Best Buy to pick up a Leonard Cohen CD turned into a shopping fiasco. Ah, hell, not fiasco, I have a problem. But the fun part of problems, is the luxury of living in denial for awhile. And I must say, denial is looking pretty good these days.

Any how, outfit, yes. Perhaps a bit too god forsaken hot to wear ankle boots, but I like the leather and floral combo, along with everyone else this season. Yes, that was me, jumping on the bandwagon. You just witnessed it. But hey, at least I can admit it, right?

Happy Monday, everyone!

Vest: Vintage leather vest
Dress: Floral print drop waist, Charlotte-Russe
Shoes: Black, lace-up ankle boots, H&M
Jewelry: Multiple vintage necklaces

I'm probably preaching to the choir when I sing the praises of The Glamourai, so I'll spare you all the gushing admiration for a lady who rocks some pretty rad outfits, makes her own jewelry and offers poignant takes on fashion as an art form and lifestyle.

One thing I always admire though and the reason for this post, is her knack for pairing her leopard print heels with a lot of her outfits. 

Me? I tend to only don these wild animals from Aldo with black and grey-based frocks, usually for an evening occasion. You know, let the shoes do all the talking for the outfit.

But you only live once and shoes are a shame to waste for only certain cookie-cutter circumstances, right? 

I wore this to meet up with a few friends for dinner, wine and the type of sunshine that only a rooftop patio can provide. On my way out, a fellow diner commented on my interesting shoe pairing.

Interesting? Fine by me.

Shirt: DIY grey crop top, Target originally
Skirt: Blue pencil skirt, vintage
Shoes: Leopard print heels, Aldo
Jewelry: Gem embellished bib necklace and multi-layered chain necklace, Charlotte-Russe and Kohls, respectively
Purse: cream colored chain purse that I wish was Chanel, vintage
Sunglasses: Jackie O sunnies, Steve Madden

First of all, let me set one thing straight for the record before you all run off laughing and pointing: No I did not leave the house with just lace covering my ass. I'm a lady, remember? And ladies manage to find some nude colored spandex shorts that work wonders underneath even the most scandalous of bottom pieces.

Second of all, I love rocking my rings like this. I never really was a huge fan of multiple rings, but now look at it as a defense mechanism, my (brass) ring knuckle sandwich. Watch out, don't piss this lady off. She'll shove some turquoise in your face. 

Third of all, yay for bike shorts. I have a feeling I might just be rocking this more than I should this summer. Will someone please intervene if I binge on them? Please?

There is a 98 percent chance that yours truly will be walking a catwalk out with the above-pictured gals in the above-pictured outfit (second photo from the top) for none other than a Burning Man fashion show in Reno. Keep in mind, that's 98 percent. That leaves condoms with better odds than me.   

(awkward silence)

Moving on, the show is Sunday, August 2nd and for all my Renoites out there, you know what Burning Man is all about.

For all my hardcore, free-loving and eco-friendly hippies out there, I'm sure Burning Man is your family vacation.

For all those who think I'm referring to some strange independent film offshoot of "Rain Man" picture this: Black Rock Desert, relentless dry heat, 50,000 hippies all participating in a week-long large-scale art show/festival/pilgrimage/acid binge. Oh, and most of them are wearing some combination of fur, body paint, multi-colored wigs or nothing at all. 

Crazy fun. And yeah, only in Nevada.

So with that said, the lovely Ms. Jessica Schneider (first photo) of Junkee Clothing Exchange will be showcasing her featured Burning Man looks of the season and I hope to see some of you (all two Reno readers, ha) there. But of course, I'll have plenty of photos to update all of you other, lovelies. 

Unfortunately, however, no one will be naked for the show. That I know of anyway. 

P.S. Isn't the girl in the third photo adorable? She looks like she should be playing chess with the Queen of Hearts in Wonderland.

P.P.S. Should have an outfit post later on today. Stay tuned.