Fayetteville Street Style in Chicago

I'm back! I'm so bad at blogging regularly, but now that the school year is ending I should be able to get back on track. I recently went to the windy city (so lovely) with my school's A Capella choir and was smitten the entire time. We did so much! Tours, shopping, museums, BLUE MAN GROUP, and so so much more.

While downtown I couldn't help but notice the posh-ness of it all. So many neutrals and angles and structure! All of the people looked so, for lack of a better word, cool. Although Chicago isn't one of the first places I turn to for fashion inspiration, there were some lovely aspects that had my mind racing! I loved the rivers flowing through the skyscrapers and the colorful street art among otherwise bland colors. So much contrast and beauty! 

I wanted to do a spotlight on Chicago street style, but unfortunately no Chicagoans were willing to have their picture taken by some random tourist with a group wearing matching t-shirts. I did manage to snap some photos of a couple of girls in the group who looked as if they belonged in the city. 

This is Alyssa

And this is Cassie.

While Alyssa is decked out in Urban Outfitters and Cassie is thrifted from head to toe, both ladies rock the different Chicago styles!

I also stumbled upon Amanda. A sweet Chicagoan that looked just like a part of our group! Her orange pop of color was a surprise to me in neutral city Chi-town.

So adorable.

Anyway, here are some randoms from my trip. Enjoy!

Street art!

the Bean or Cloud Gate if you wanna be technical!

Friends at Navy Pier

It's Electric

Hello yellow!

I always feel like the color yellow doesn't get enough recognition. It makes for a great accent color and, when paired with the right accessories, looks great as the main focus of an outfit. I hope to see more of the color this spring/summer.

Elise Overland, Miu Miu, Christopher Cane
The Elise Overland dress would look adorable paired with turquoise or purple accessories! 

Michelle Obama got it right when she wore these 

bright yellow pumps with this adorable polka dotted H&M dress.

A pregnant Natalie Portman glows in this

yellow Givenchy number.

photo courtesy of fashionetc.com

Who says you have to stick to clothing? 

Try a bold shadow (just try not to look too clownish)!

the most wonderful time of the year

Finally! I feel like I've neglected my blog because of the lack of outfit posts. The weather has been so beautiful lately here in Fayetteville and I was longing to take some photos, but work wouldn't allow it. I finally had an off day to show-off the gorgeous sun (and my new shoes) so I took full advantage! My outfit is very simple, but I decided to show off some staple pieces in my wardrobe. This sweater is so perfect for days when the sun is out but it's still a little too chilly to wear short sleeves. I also found these lovely shoes at Dillard's while shopping at the mall the other day, a rarity for me because I enjoy online shopping much more. Anyway, I decided to follow a growing trend and throw some color (shocker) into this look.

The fact that the flowers and trees are blooming and that I can smell Spring in the air makes me long for an extended spring break. Unfortunately, I must return to school on Monday and hear the little birdies sing from inside high school walls.

sweater, Vero Moda - Victoria's Secret

jeans - Forever 21

cuff - Mae's Emporium

earrings - Forever 21

shoes, Gianni Bini - Dillard's

currently listening to: Said the Whale - Lady Hourglass, Your Head's on Fire!

Nude vs. Color

Today I was thinking about how hard it is for me to pull off more than one color at once. I love the look of both nude and colored outfits, but I think I'm more of a neutral/nude kinda girl. It'll never hurt to branch out and try some more color, though. Maybe I'll look to Camilla for inspiration.

What's your forte?

Camilla Belle in Gucci

VS.

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino

On the Go.

If you're anything like me (always in a hurry) then you'll understand how frustrating it is to never have time to plan a cute outfit to wear for the day. I've found that owning a few basics and learning how to mix and match really boosts my esteem on those days when I'm on the go. Here are a few tips that I live by on a daily basis:

1. Wear something you'll feel comfortable and stylish in.

I live in my Forever 21 Fab Skinnies (only 9.50)!

2. Add cute accessories to the basics.

Try pairing a plain white or a solid colored shirt
with a cute scarf or necklace for a pop of color
(forever 21 shirt, modcloth accessories)

3. Stick to the seasonal trends.

Go for a nude sandal or an easy maxi dress
or even a bright colored lip for a hint of sass!
(nastygal nude chiffon maxi, forever 21 floral maxi, dolce vita wedges)

Happy running, dolls!

What's in the bag?

Happy Monday, everyone! I'm still stuck at home with a swollen face and an ice pack on my jaw, so there hasn't been much to do lately. Anywho, earlier this month, as a lot of you already know, I participated in a contest on a local lookbook called styleby.me. The turnout was lovely and the site gained a lot of new users, which makes me very happy! With all the help and support of my friends and fellow bloggers, I ended up winning the competition and was given a package of really sweet gifts, coming to about $900 in total. I'm very thankful for everyone that helped me stay ahead in the competition!

Anna of Tulip Louise, one of the founders of Styleby.me met with me at the public library to exchange questions and my goodies. She's so adorable and sweet and I'm so glad to have met her! You can view the interview here: http://nwa.styleby.me/blog/2011/2/28/10-days-of-valentines-day-contest-winner-interview.html

My favorite "go to" t-shirt: Vintage "Enjoy Coke", thrifted

Also, how do you all feel about my new hairstyle? I wanted to try something different, a modern pinup if you will, so I pulled back some tight curls with a nice girly flower. Feedback please! <3

The list of prizes can be found here: prizes.

wisdom.

I'm finally doing another post! It's been entirely too long, but I've been so busy with school and choir and the musical, not to mention a new job on top of that! I haven't had time to do another outfit post because of my schedule, plus the weather's been a bit yucky this week, so instead I'll just promote my photos and such.

I just recently did a shoot with my friend Maggie of Confessions of a Drama Major while the snow was thicker than ever. Although I'm a little late and the weather is significantly warmer, I'll still post a few photos here as well as links to my Facebook and Flickr.

I won't have another post for a while because I'm getting oral surgery tomorrow and I'll probably be feeling too icky to write anything. Enjoy your week(end)!

<3