How to Wear Tropical Print

{Shirt: Vintage, pile sale find (similar)} {Skirt: thrifted vintage} {Glasses: Similar} {Necklace: F21} 

{Shoes: c/o Charlotte Russe} {Clutch: Abas, old(similar)}

Homer Simpson once famously said, "There are only 2 types of people who wear Hawaiian shirts: gay guys and big fat party animals" Although that may have been the case in the 90's, it is no longer. Although I do kinda consider myself a big fat party animal, it can't be said for the masses sporting the tropical trend now-a-days. 

I have this theory that the "Aloha" trend reared it's ironic little head recently due to economic stress. Who has time to drink Mai Tai's while lounging on a yacht listening to Hall & Oats (traditionally what one is supposed to do when wearing a hawaiian shirt, right?) when there's WORK to do? Most Americans can't afford a tropical vacation, so maybe that lack of ability to put ourselves in a sandy paradise is what led us to dress like we are in one (fashion as escapism, yet again). 

"I'll take my tropical vacation in a size Medium for $15.99, please."

Wanna get a piece of this paradise, but unsure what to pair your tropical prints with? I put together a few ideas at the bottom of this post!

When wearing a bold print it's always safe to go all black with the other pieces in your look:

Karmaloop Sunglasses · ModCloth Sandals · Topshop Dress Pants

Matching your shoes or accessories with a bright floral in your print can easily brighten your day:

Forever 21 Day Dresses · Need Supply Co. Sneakers · Nasty Gal Platforms

Pattern mixing with tropical prints is bold, but with traditional patterns like dots and stripes you can pull off something a little more fashion forward:

Juicy Couture Shortsleeve Tops · Stella Jean Button Front Tops · Delia's Skirts

Whether your print is on top or bottom there's one fabric that makes sporting patterns a breeze: denim/chambray(period)

jcpenney Skirts · Madewell Button Front Tops · J.Crew Factory Skinny Denim

Merry Christmas, Y'all

We made it! Drove 22 hours with 2 dogs from LA to Dallas, or more specifically Grapevine, TX. It has been a good break. Making fart jokes with my brothers, shopping with my Mama and new future sister in law, visiting old haunts.  Speaking of old haunts, me and J were able to make it to Dolly Python (which if you don't know is the best vintage store in Dallas). J found a pair of size 12 cowboy boots. He had been searching for them in LA, but he's happy he found them in Texas. 

I figured my candy cane pants would be festive enough to sport for a holiday outfit post. I found them on sale at Free People. I'm not a huge fan of low rise pants because I have an obscenely long torso, and they make my legs resemble stumps, but I couldn't resist these. I'm wearing them with layered charm bracelets I stole from my mom for the day. When I'm away from her for long periods of time I come back to her house and am reminded of what incredible taste she has. Her things that I took for granted, or never really noticed seem more pronounced and precious now. 

My best wishes to everyone who reads this thing. Hug your loved ones, play with your new toys, drink coffee, watch Home Alone, most importantly be thankful. 

It just began to snow here. In Texas. What a gift. 

Jeans: Free People, Boots: Born, Sweater: Nordstrom, Bag: Vintage Coach, Polka Dot Shirt and Belt: Thrifted

Easy Rider

It's getting cooler and rainy in SoCal! Time to bust out my arsenal of blazers!!! I'm pretty happy about this weather. It's getting me in the holiday spirit. Vince Guaraldi Trio Christmas album commence! 

Is this look Equestrian inspired? Maybe. According to the heavy breathing greasy guy that passed me in the Post Office parking lot, definitely. He was all, "Hey! Where's your horses?!?" and I was all, "Up your butt and around the corner, wise guy!".... J/K. I only think to say zingers like that AFTER I've gotten in my car and am driving away.

But I don't blame him honestly. I mean, the boots....the riding pants....the scarf under the collared shirt....sometimes I'll put on things that look waaaay to costume-y, but if I make the individual pieces a little off beat, it's just "inspired" and not a "costume" in my book, mmkay? For example, the pattern mixing and the shirt that says "Shanghai" in script all over it....those are enough for me to not look too much like Jackie O in her horse-riding period. 

And yes the black bra under the sheer-ish shirt was a conscious style choice. I'm still not sure if I regret it.

Boots, Shirt, Blazer, Silk Scarf: Vintage, Bow Earrings: Vera Wang for Kohl's, (Use the promo code TENBLOG for 10% off on Kohls.com thru Dec. 23) Riding Pants: American Apparel, Ring: Gifted.

Denim on Denim on Dots

I've been laying low since Thanksgiving. Working on photos...trying to keep my house clean...watching Sons of Anarchy...trying to figure out how I'm going to conquer the world (still working on that one). I've also been considering doing another wardrobe purge and having a side walk sale.....yeah, I'll get right on that. 

ANYHOW.....

Whenever you wear stuff from Free People don't you feel just like one of those Free People models wandering in a desert/woodland area/decrepit house with your perfectly messy side braid in the Free People Catalogs?!? Yeah, me neither, but we do our best to incorporate these whimsical pieces into our wardrobes, don't we? I got this patterned chambray shirt on sale there (which is the only time I purchase something from Free People), and it took me a minute to figure out how to wear it....then it dawned on me: pattern mixing....DUUUUUUUUUH.

I decided to wear it with these champagne satin pumps that I've never worn but have had since I got married. I'm trying to wear more basic pumps with denim lately....because that look is gershdern adorable and super easy. Add them to an otherwise low key outfit, and they really pump it up! (See what I did there?) Why I am just now catching onto this simple trick is beyond me. Note: This trick doesn't work as well with 4-5 inch platform stilettos. The goal is to mimic the after version of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. So get yourself a really great pair of classic neutral i.e. black, nude, leopard pumps with about a 3 inch heel, and watch your wardrobe traaaansfoooooooooooorm!!!!

The delicate leaf necklace is my homage to all those woodsy Free People catalogs......whose exact ascetics will never be attainable in real life, but sure are pretty to look at.  

Jeans: J Brand, Chambray Shirt: Free People, Glasses: Cole Haan, Bag: Lula B's, Shoes: Nina,

 Necklace, Polka Dot Shirt, Bracelet: Thrifted.