364 days later

As anyone who knows me knows, New Year's is one of my least favorite holidays. In my mind the "new year" always starts in September; that's my birthday, when we return to school, and of course the start of FALL FASHION. Also my predictions are always wrong. Always. But I know I'm probably on my own with this one and that lots of people love making it a big deal and writing resolutions and counting down the final minutes as we shift our calendars over. So, in the spirit of trying to get in the spirit, here are some of my favorite moments from the past year and here's to a new year of completely unexpected, crazy and wild adventures.

As always, thanks for reading! Now go out and do something exciting as I reach for my book (currently reading this!) get lost in a rerun marathon and indulge in some peppermint bark.

yours,

Austen

the only way out is through

Trying to wear anything that isn't black in the winter is always a royal pain, but when a strikingly appealing option comes delivered in wrapping paper under an embellished pine, the desire to bundle up and indulge the raspberry-ness of cardigans is unavoidable. Since working at Free People I appreciate knits more and more with each wear (see the beanie makes an apperance almost every day) although for the past few years my never-ending protests against wearing anything on my arms hasn't given me a chance to fully live in them. It reminds me of how E.B. White describes NYC commuters, "He has fished in Manhattan's wallet and dug out coins, but has never listened to Manhattan's breathing, never awakened to its morning, never dropped off to sleep in its night." 

Photos by Alexa

Outfit Details: Top: Lush (similar), Cardigan: Urban Outfitters (similar), Shorts: Forever 21 (similar), Beanie: Free People, Boots: Dolce Vita, Necklace: Brooklyn Charm (similar)

yours,

Austen

all that glitters

Winter break is an imperative of the college calendar. For me it means time for flipping through magazines that have piled up at home, scribbling musings, thoughts and blog posts, and of course, the celebrations. Holiday parties are my favorite; family and friends crowded together, exchanging stories and embraces and exclamations. For this gathering, I opted once again for the cross necklace with velvet top thing as you can see. It has that medieval vibe, but it's a subtle one. Can you blame me for the repetition?

 Photos by Jim

Outfit Details: Top: Gypsy Warrior, Shorts: Necessary Clothing, Tights: Urban Outfitters (similar), Necklace: Free People (similar), Shoes: Free People x Jeffery Campbell 

yours,

Austen

urban renewal

In the spirit of breaking a four-post streak of complete and utter monochrome, here's a twist for you. Not only is color present, but there are patterns involved. I know, right? Urban had 50% off sale items this past weekend, so when this plaid patchwork dress was marked down to $4.99, it was nearly impossible to leave empty handed. #anothervictoryforthefrugalcollegekid

Photos by Taylor and Jim 

Dress: Urban Outfitters, Jacket: Free People (similar), Boots: H&M, Hat: Free People, Bag: Big Buddha (similar), Midi Ring: Free People, Necklace: Topshop (similar)

yours,

Austen 

how to survive winter: black shoe edition

I am whole-heartedly convinced that my wardrobe could be composed of one color and 

I would be completely satisfied. This also applies to shoes, so I thought I'd turn the 

spotlight away from the clothes this week and focus on what grounds the outfits. So,
here are the shoes that I'll be keeping at the front of my closet for the next few months:

1) Minimal Lace Up Heel (Jeffery Campbell x Free People) 

2) The Stylish Rain/Snow/Inclement Weather Boot (Hunter x Rag & Bone)

     4) The Winter Wedge (Dolce Vita)

 5) The New Combat Boot (Dolce Vita)

Photos by me (using a Canon EOSm)

Now go study for your finals. *cue moment where I take my own advice*

3) The Cut-Out Boot (Jeffery Campbell) 

slipping away

I almost never use my site as a soapbox but I just wanted to pass along something I've

been processing lately. Here's the thing: people lie. People say and do things they don't mean. And these actions trigger reactions. Those are what matter. How we handle things, what  bridges we chose to burn and build and other unidentified moments that threaten our sanity. So lash out if that's who you are. Or back out with grace if that's who you are. And follow your heart but only if that's who you are. You can choose to be happy or otherwise, but the choice to me is pretty clear. 

Photos by: Celine

Outfit Details: Top: Gypsy Warrior (similar), Slip: Free People, Cardigan: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Ring: Free People, Shoes: Forever 21 (similar)

yours,

Austen