late afternoon

Feeling like a million bucks is great, especially when you really only spent $50. Seriously though (excluding shoes) we are dealing with an outfit that cost $51.60. *accepts virtual high fives* I see this not only as an awesome situation for my wallet, but as a victory for college girls everywhere. We can't be draining money from our accounts left, right and sideways, but we're constantly on the go and always want to look good when we are. That's why I love to go on treasure hunts in stores like Forever 21 and find statement pieces that really speak to me and (if taken care of) can be worn over and over again. I expect to be layering this silver necklace as much as humanly possible, throwing on these sunglasses whenever I so much as glance out the window, and wearing these pants in to the cooler autumn months by throwing tights on underneath and piling on cozy sweaters. 

Photos by Lynne

Outfit Details: Top: Brandy Melville, Pants: Forever 21, Boots: Hinge, Necklace: Forever 21 (in gold), Sunglasses: Forever 21

yours,

Austen

blonde ambition

The first time I dyed my hair was in 2012. I have naturally dark brown hair and decided to try out the oh-so-popular ombré effect that has transformed from a quick DIY fad to a long-term trend seen on  glamorous celebs and street style kids alike. The first effect was very dramatic with little gradation and I have now embraced a more sophisticated and subtle ombré with warmer tones and blonder shades. The inspiration? Some combination of Lauren Conrad circa seasons 2-4 of The Hills,  a touch of wow I wish I were Blake Lively right now and a smidge of Lana Del Rey. The finished product? All kinds of awesome.

Photos by Taylor

Click here for my Pinterest hair inspiration board

Outfit Details: Tank: Free People, Bra: Free People, Shorts: BDG (similar), Bag: Free People, Bracelet: Forever 21, Necklace: Brooklyn Charm (similar), Boots: Dolce Vita

yours,
Austen

palette

I'll be the first to admit that it took me a while to break out of my all black 'erything color scheme that I basically rocked through the majority of 2013. I now realize this was a direct reflection of my mental state during my first few months of living in New York. New Yorkers do love black, after all. But after some trial and error with wait for iiiiitttttt COLOR (want proof? see this and that) I have finally discovered the shades I love. Black and white made the cut without even auditioning, but I also love a splash of burgundy, those bronzy-gold tones that pop up in jewelry and a rose-colored shade for sunglasses and lips. How do you color your life? Comment below with your favorites. xx

Photos by Taylor

Outfit Details: Top: Necessary Clothing (similar), Shorts: Forever 21 (similar), Boots: Dolce Vita (similar), Triangle Necklace: Brandy Melville (similar), Glass Necklace: Brooklyn Charm (similar), Bag: Free People (large size)

yours,

Austen

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