beanie baby

Well the weather did that thing again where the temperature dropped with no warning. Every year I think I'm ready for it, and every year it catches me by surprise. This floral sweater happened into my wardrobe as an attempt to find a cheaper version of the Free People sweater that I linked at the bottom of the post. Because, sweaters. For those of you who know me well you know that I'd take tights over sweats any day. In fact, my wardrobe is severely lacking in the sweatpants department. And although it's getting colder and the desire to trade in those jeans for sweats is growing (I'm looking at you, Jake!!) just remember there are other ways to look cute and stay warm. Opt the Kimora Lee Simons path and "Always dress like you're going to see your worst enemy." And let's be honest- that lycra and cotton blend grey just isn't that intimidating. 

Photos by Ava

Outfit Details: Sweater: Forever 21 (similar), Skirt: H&M, Wedges: Dolce Vita, Beanie: Free People, Necklace: Topshop (similar)

yours in all kinds of coziness,

Keep Calm and Chiffon 

better on vinyl

"how about a pair of pink sidewinders,

and a bright orange pair of pants?

you could really be a Beau Brummell baby,

 if you just give it half a chance.

don't waste your money on a new set of speakers,

you'd get more milage from a cheap pair of sneakers

next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways

it's still rock and roll to me."

-Billy Joel

Photos by Kaitlin

Outfit Details: Tank: Gypsy Warrior (similar), Vest: BB Dakota (similar), Leggings: Free People (similar), Boots: H&M (similar), Hat: BP Nordstrom (similar)

yours lost in lyrics,

Keep Calm and Chiffon

powder blue

I woke up Sunday morning in a blissful haze of knowing I scored the night before. Think I'm talking about my sexual prowess? THINK AGAIN. C'mon guys I go to an all-girls college. And I am clearly talking about saving 20% storewide at Topshop. I got this cool silky camisole in powder blue and a peach color that I'm sure will appear on the site soon and a triangle necklace all for $39. Not bad for one of Britain's most sought-after brands and one of New York's most persistent bargain hunters (that would be moi).

Photos by Sabrina

Outfit Details: Top: Topshop, Jacket: H&M (similar), Shorts: Bordeaux (similar), Tights: American Apparel, Necklace: Topshop (similar), Wedges: Dolce Vita (similar)

yours on the prowl,

Keep Calm and Chiffon 

a university story

For any Teen Vogue Fashion University veterans, you know that Saturday is the busiest and longest day of the weekend. The Friday night festivities and the Sunday sendoff sandwich this jam-packed day of seminars, tours and lessons from some of the fashion industry's fiercest. On this day last year, a very confused Austen spoke to Andrew Bevan, Features Editor at Teen Vogue about feeling out of place at a small college in Pennsylvania and worrying about not studying fashion. And a year later, here I am feeling so happy and lucky to be in New York and more confident about studying art history. And it turns out, bevansburg (the Instagram obsessed me is calling him by his username) was a transfer too! Speaking to him, laughing along with Alexa Chung as she referred to Jordan Catalano from "My So-Called Life" as one of her fashion role models (#90sgirlproblems) hearing Coco Rocha speak about getting young models the rights they deserve, and introducing myself to Amy Astley and getting to thank her for giving my generation this opportunity to be exposed to so many viewpoints and insights into the industry were just a few highlights of this incredible weekend.

Just a few of the amazing seminars I got to sit in on:

And some of the highlights from the Soho-based Topshop Party:

Outfit Details: Top: H&M, Skirt: Necessary Clothing (similar), Boots: Dolce Vita, Cuff: H&M (similar)

yours having fun and learning,

Keep Calm and Chiffon 

spatial relations

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you already saw me refer to the doors of the Teen Vogue offices as the "Gates of Paradise." Now this is partly because I just had my Early Italian Renaissance exam, but partly because it's kind of true. Behind these glass doors is what I see as paradise: an incredibly driven team of creative people all working towards a common goal. This was my third year attending Teen Vogue's Fashion University and the reason I keep going back is because I not only love fashion, but I love learning about fashion. Every year I go back and hear someone new speak, it's like getting another piece of a giant puzzle of fashion knowledge. And the best part is that everyone finds different pieces so everyone has a different vision. Anyway scroll down to check out layout boards, the fashion and beauty closets and the one and only Amy Astley at work in her office. 

yours in shoe heaven, 

Keep Calm and Chiffon

the new felicity

When I was doing my fall shopping, I was looking to fill my closet with things that I didn't already have. I am forever stocked up on concert t-shirts, flowy dresses and literally anything black. So when I stumbled across this neon coral sweater at Forever 21, I decided to go for it. Now, I've seen some awful sweaters in my day, ask my good friend Felicity circa 1998 (and THANK YOU to whoever made this reverse chronological "Sweaters of Felicity Tumblr" this is hysterical and absolutely necessary.) But for real, the croppedness and relaxed fit drew me in and for $9.80, how could you not be in love?

Thank you Ava for the photographs!

Outfit Details: Sweater: Forever 21, Shorts: Forever 21 (similar), Boots: Forever 21, Necklace: TopShop (similar)

yours taking chances,

Keep Calm and Chiffon