off the beaten path

The most endearing thing about New York is that you can walk down a street a hundred times but if you turn left instead of turning right you can stumble into a whole new world. My friend and I came across this little brick house which is perfectly tucked away in a northern corner of Central Park and it basically required a photo shoot. It's the perfect location for a mid-summer pose session. But of course, leave it to me to wear jeans and a leather jacket at this time of year. I'm clearly already in my fall dressing mentality while simultaneously wishing summer would last forever. Determined to have my cake and eat it too? Of course I am. 

Photos by Artoun

Outfit Details: Destroyed Tee: Free People, Jeans: Free People, Leather Jacket: H&M (similar), Armband: Gypsy Warrior, Bag: Free People, Shoes: Topshop (in black)

yours,

Austen

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 

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 

cooler than me

A moment of spontaneous but fleeting sunshine allowed for a shorts post this week. Also, why are you suddenly exponentially cooler when you tie a plaid shirt around your waist? That question permeates my mind for a few moments before I shake it away. I realize that by thinking about it I am questioning its effortless nature, and that is simply not cool. 

Photos by Celine

Outfit Details: Top: Brandy Melville, Shorts: Gypsy Warrior, Plaid Shirt: thrifted, Necklace: Free People (similar), Socks: Free People, Boots: Dolce Vita

yours,

Austen

(from the) street style

I love when things have a way of finding you. There I was, walking to MoMA making what seemed like an infinite trek from Avenue of the Americas over to fifth when something caught my eye. I walked back to the chain-link fence and pryed off a piece of black velvet/sheer fabric decorated with repeated geometric somethings. So, thank you to the stranger that placed the top where I would stumble across it. My wardrobe is forever grateful.

Photos by Ava

Outfit Details: Top: literally found on the street dangling from a fence, Pants: Necessary Clothing (similar), Jacket: Free People (similar), Necklace: Brooklyn Charm, Shoes: Jeffery Campbell

yours,

Austen

overzealous

"Be careful about who you open up to.

Only a few people care,

The rest are just curious."

-Hemingway

Photos by Maddy

Outfit Details: Jacket: Free People (similar), Top: H&M, Skirt: Zara, Necklace: Free People (similar), Shoes: Jeffery Campbell

yours,

Austen

ninteen seventy something

The year was 1975, or 76. The Who toured the U.S. and it was wild. People crammed too close together wearing well-loved t-shirts and lots of denim, hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars on stage. It was the age of the frameless sunglasses and rock and roll. Strangers would laugh and clink their beers and wave American flags above their heads as they got lost in the chaos of strobe lights and lyrics that carried them high above the venue. It was a magical time, as I like to imagine. 

Photos by Lynne

Outfit Details: Tee: Topshop (similar), Leggings: Necessary Clothing (similar), Blazer: Lush, Bag: Brandy Melville (similar), Shoes: Jeffery Campbell

yours,

Austen