groundbreaking

I'm looking in the mirror at Free People (obviously I spend my breaks at work trying on clothes) and I am seriously not expecting to like the dress I hesitantly pulled in to my fitting room. But I was determined to shake my comfort zone. Color is not my thing. Prints are not my thing. The two of them together is like the ultimate non-Austen situation. But I have to say, Free People figured out a way to make me love both. When you walk into a Free People store you immediately feel that connectedness that we miss so often in our modern consumer haste. It's refreshing, it's exciting, and it makes you fall in love with orange dresses with purple sunflowers on them.

Photos by Celine duh

5 Reasons to LOVE Free People <3

5 New York City locations, each with their own vibe

4 unique lines within the brand

3 wholesale showrooms

2 hearts that found each other love stories

And over 1 million Instagram followers

Outfit Details: Dress: Free People, Necklace: Topshop (similar), Bag: Free People (similar), Shoes: Free People x 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 

morningside

Too often, we get stuck in our own bubble of the city. We find our complacent footsteps following the same sidewalks, which lead to the same intersections and we forget to wander. But after we've forgotten, we remember. We try to make it up to the city, which pardons us because it knows we are jaded in some ways, but not all. It turns out walking a few blocks out of your comfort zone reveals a pretty spectacular view, and a desire to get lost in the shadows of the six-story walk-ups as you amble back to safety. 

Photos by Celine

Outfit Details: Top: Lush, Jeans: BDG (similar), Jacket: H&M (similar), Shoes: Jeffery Campbell x Free People, Sunglasses: ZeroUV, Necklace: Brooklyn Charm

yours,

Austen