latest uniform

Isn't it awesome when you find two items that were estranged at different ends of a store, put them together and suddenly can't picture life without their coexistence? I know, right? I have no idea what makes me love this combination so much, but the semi-fitted leather tank and slightly destroyed boyfriend shorts seems like such an obvious combination to me now, I can't believe I haven't been wearing this outfit every day for this whole summer. This is a case where being an outfit repeater is totally acceptable and in fact, encouraged. Now if you're skeptical about this look let me just say, I don't think I would have loved this look so much a few years ago either. I can almost guarantee you if I wore this outfit among some of my male friends they would maybe mostly probably actually definitely hate it. Some may think, "Well I can't really see any evidence that she has a butt or boobs and her heels may make her slightly awkwardly taller than me so this isn't fun for anyone." Oops, sorry. I don't dress for you.

Photos by Lynne

Outfit Details: Top: Gypsy Warrior (similar), Shorts: Gypsy Warrior, Necklace: Topshop (similar), Armband: Free People, Reversible Vegan Leather Bag: Free People (large size), Shoes: Jeffery Campbell x Free People

yours,

Austen 

brushstrokes

I mean honestly, ideal intern attire would be what I used to wear to soccer practice: a T-shirt with holes and grass stains, running shorts and whichever pair of sneakers had less mud on them that day. But in New York you have to look the part and also be able to sprint anywhere at a moment's notice. That's why the combination of a T-shirt dress (everyone needs to invade the Zara sale if you haven't already!!!), a bag that can be worn cross body and barely-heeled shoes has become my go-to office attire. This week has been so crazy already, and we're just halfway through! I got to be on set for an awesome photo shoot this week which makes me twice as excited for the magazine to come out! But since the fashion world works as far ahead as it is allowed, I'll have to wait until October to actually see the finished product. Then again, July just snuck up on me so it won't be long. 

Photos by Celine 

Outfit Details: Dress: Zara, Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar), Armband: Gypsy Warrior, Bag: Free People (large size), Shoes: Jeffery Campbell, Sunglasses: Free People (similar)

yours,

Austen

desert sand doors

Sometimes you just need to hide in folds of drapey darkness. After sleeping in until 11am (rare for me) after my first week of my fashion internship at Marie Claire, I couldn't get out of the pajama mindset. So by keeping it simple and creating this shapeless silhouette, I was able to hold onto my relaxed mentality. That is, until I slipped into heels to inject some daytime into the look. And for those who have been asking for details about work; the days are long, the to-do lists are endless, and multi-tasking is basically a religion. And I'm loving every second so far. 

Photos by Celine

Outfit Details: Top: Free People, Pants: Free People, Bra: Free People, Armband: Free People, Necklace: Free People (similar), Shoes: Dolce Vita (different color)

yours,

Austen

centralize

There are musts, and there are desires. Things we must do: laundry, study for finals, check your privilege, etc. Things we desire to do: "I really want to try that new coffee shop on 10th" or "We should definitely go to Coney Island this semester" or "Maybe some of us will go to a poetry slam downtown and try to pick up some artsy boys." Alas, the musts get done. But when do we push beyond the brainstorming and getting to the actual doing? Well now I can check "Shoot in Central Park" off my list of desires and hopefully be more productive in list-doings over the summer months. 

Photos by Jim 

Outfit Details: Top: Forever 21, (similar) Shorts: Forever 21 (similar), Kimono: Necessary Clothing (similar), Hat: Free People, Bra: Free People, Boots: Jeffery Campbell

yours,

Austen 

just redo it

stone    /stōn/    noun

1. the nonmetallic mineral matter of which rock is made, esp. as a building material

2. something shaped for a purpose, especially one of commemoration, ceremony or demarcation

Photos by Celine

Outfit Details: Top: Urban Outfitters (similar), Shorts: BP Nordstrom, Tights: Gypsy Warrior, Boots: Jeffery Campbell

yours,

Austen

backlight

These days, there is so much pressure to be perfect. It is in my nature as a Virgo to feel that perfectionist part of myself take over at times. But it is also in my nature to realize that life is constantly testing us: pulling us in different directions, introducing us to new faces, and presenting us with new opportunities. Amidst the change, you expect there to be at least some consistency in everything, like the people you want to tell when incredible things happen and when less-than-perfect moments happen. And as these past few months have proven, sometimes people that you think will be a part of your life for a long time drift away without warning, leaving a bit of a mess behind. But as I look forward to the end of the academic year and towards the freshness and warmth of my favorite season, I want to vow to be messy. To make mistakes and to sleep in sometimes and trust my instincts. Because honestly, the best things happen when you're not expecting them. And even in my messiest moments I can usually uncover some clarity. 

Photos by Lynne

Outfit Details: Top: Brandy Melville, Vest: Urban Outfitters, Jeans: Free People, Shoes: Jeffery Campbell, Armband: Free People (similar), Necklace: Brooklyn Charm

yours,

Austen