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

market days

Summer weekends in New York are for adventuring and marking territory. This weekend's conquest was the lower west side area and destinations included Chelsea Market, the Highline and the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District. Celine and I lingered outside of All Saints, picnicked in the shadowy parts of the former elevated train tracks and ambled through Chelsea Market eyeing  the latest Anthro window displays and some seriously decked out cupcakes. And speaking of food, I've started compiling a list of some intern slang that is said a lot in the Marie Claire office for you to munch on:

Board: each editor will have lots of these; they're basically cork boards that allow an organized way to view pulls for shoots. 

EOD: stands for 'end of day'- can be applied to editorial world in general, not just fashion

Pulls: looks from runway shows that editors hope to pull for shoots

Rack: something you should be ready to assemble in under 10 seconds. also, what clothes go on

RT: stands for 'run-through' which is where editors bring in options to fit on models for shoots

Run: an noun and a verb describing an errand and what you're going to do to get there quickly

Photos by Celine

Outfit Details: Top: Brandy Melville, Jacket: Gypsy Warrior (similar), Shorts: Free People, Boots: Jeffery Campbell, Long Necklace: Brandy Melville, Buddha Necklace: Gypsy Warrior (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

elapsed

In the words of Mark from Rent, "I can't believe a year went by so fast." A year ago today, I was a lost little theater major at Muhlenberg. When I left, I didn't know if I was coming back or not because some hopeful part of myself convinced me to take one last shot at my dream school, knowing I had nothing to lose by trying. And as it turns out, I had everything to gain. I scored an awesome job at Free People, interned for CollegeFashionista, directed my own fashion show, and did some awesome shoots for Keep Calm! Shoutout to Celine and Ava especially for helping out with shoots. I'm really so grateful for this past year and grateful to all of the amazing people I met. And now I've moved out of my palace (seriously going to miss the best room/suite ever), packed up all my boxes (okay or I used Free People bags), and am finally home! ...Only to move back in a week. Can't keep me away from the city for too long.

Photos by Celine

Outfit Details: Top: Brandy Melville, Shorts: Midnight Marauders, Shoes: Jeffery Campbell x Free People, Necklace: Brandy Melville, Arm Cuff: Gypsy Warrior

yours,

Austen