Obsessed

I've been super obsessed with music lately. Like more so than usual. Which is kind of insane. I find that a good jam can really brighten my day and make school during midterms a little bit more bearable. Wolfmother is actually a great band. Multiple influences bring out this striking hard rock sound that is so familiar to me (in a fantastic ACDC/Pearl Jam/Led Zeppelin kind of way) and yet it is this random combo that makes them different as well.

Again, obsessive does not even cover it at this point. It's pretty much my life right now.

Fall break is this weekend. I can't wait to go home and just chill out with my family and watch random youtube videos and play video games with my brother until like four in the morning and then sleeping and pretty much never waking up.

Home sweet home. <3>

Outfit Post!!!!!

So, Jill and I have had this blog for nearly a year now, and I have yet to do an outfit post. After skyping with her today, she advised that this would be the perfect outfit to use as first legit outfit post. So here you go:

It was quite a gloomy day in the "D" today, you know, one of those rainy I-don't-want-to-get-out-of-bed days. I, however, took it as the perfect opportunity to break out the rain boots and knee highs and glam up this dark and dreary day.

I have on a gray long-sleeved tee, which is such an amazingly comfortable staple. I have this same top in bunches of colors because they're not only comfy, but they work with basically everything. Also, I have my khaki button front skirt (which I adore more than any other piece in my wardrobe) from Martin and Osa. I love the flow-y-ness and the fact that is has pockets! It's cinched at my waist with a black patent belt. 

I'm not huge on accessories, but for jewelry I had on a grayscale saints bracelet. I'm also in a pair of knit gray knee high's which peek out oh-so-ahdorably over my shiny black wellies. I kept my hair natural because thick, curly hair + rain = disaster. 

I hope you like this outfit. I'll hopefully be inspired to post many more sometime soon!

Stay beautiful!

-Elise

Valentino 2011 Spring RTW

I felt the extreme need to share this with you guys. I literally fell in love with this collection as soon as I saw it. 

 

 

(images from style.com)


Now that you guys are obsessed too, I'll go to class. 


-Jill

Happy October :)

I can't believe it's already October! I'm so thrilled though because I can wear sweaters and boots and scarves and hats and drink pumpkin spice lattes. And now that I've officially been in college long enough  to deal with midterms and papers and reports and stress, I've learned how to get ready in the morning in a time crunch. I'm no stranger to dressing up. I don't feel complete without a bit of makeup and a semi-decent outfit. But I've gotten a reality check: you don't always have time to get all dolled up every morning. Sad.

However, I have devised a pretty simple template to get you ready and put together on those super busy days.

Clothes:

1. Sweaters are your best friend. They always make you look a bit put together even if they're a little oversized or slouchy. In that case, you get the benefit of comfort and style.

2. A good, fitted pair of jeans will always look better than sweats on those busy days. If jeans aren't your thing (I must admit, they're not my fave item of clothing), then try jeggings or even a super opaque pair of leggings. Pair them with some boots for a look that's A+.

3. The easiest thing to throw on to make any outfit complete is a scarf. The brighter and more embellished the better.

Hair:

1. Try starting up your hair at night. It saves tons of time in the morning. But you can never go wrong with a ponytail, headband, or well crafted messy bun.

Makeup:

1. Tinted moisturizer and a bit of powder are all you need to even out your skin tone. Slap on some blush or bronzer to look a bit more awake.

2. If you spent all night out partying in the library studying, try rimming your water line with white eyeliner to fake the look of a good night's sleep.

3. Chapstick is your bff.

4. If you have a bit more time and can get in eyeshadow, try using three neutral bronz-y colors and layer. Use the medium tone for the base, the lighter tone to highlight, and the darkest color in your crease.

Voila, that's all it takes to spruce up your look quickly in the a.m. Good luck with school, papers, projects, and those horrid midterms!

P.S. Take a look at this for some more advice.

Stay beautiful,

Elise

Oh, College!

So, I'm super excited to be in college! I've made tons of new friends (shout out to "the commune" haha) and I feel like I've refined my style a bit as well. I try to dress up whenever I can but sometime's it's not exactly the most conducive thing (like on lab days). I even took my own advice and used an outfit or two from the photo shoot posts and tried them out around campus.

Anyhow, today was my first shopping excursion as a college student. A few friends and I ventured out to the nearest mall and bought tons of new things and then came back to campus tried on everything we bought. Pictures will eventually be posted.

But since I live in the mitten and the weather is more temperamental than a toddler in the terrible twos, I needed a couple of practical items. And what's more practical than a glittery sequined hat? Nothing, of course.

And I actually have a picture of that already.

It's a bit difficult to see the hat, with my hair being so dark and granted that its mostly on the back of my head; but nonetheless, it's adorable and perfect for both class and winter. 

I'm definitely going to find more time to blog while I'm at school, but it gets a bit hectic with my heavy  course load. 

Wishing you a fabulous and well-dressed week.

-Elise

I'm in college?!

So I have been in college for about three weeks-ish now. 

And, well, it's making my life relatively busy. 

But in the last couple of weeks I have come to the realization that I do not want to go Pre-Med with a concentration in Chemistry and Biology. I still like both of those things very much, and I am very good at them. However, I realize that my passion does not lie there. I have wanted to be a doctor for so long that I never really had anything else in mind. Coming to college has really encouraged me to explore my options and major in something that I really enjoy: like a language, or journalism or Political Science. 

It's totally enlightening and freeing to know that I am not exactly boxed in anymore.

I love college. 

-Jill

Frock It Out: The Photoshoot III

Welcome to the third and final post of Frock It Out: The Photoshoot. But don't be sad, we have more posts coming up that feature more than just the group's individual looks! With that said, we'll explore the outfits of the final two girls of the group!

"The Sara"

"The Sara" epitomizes the ability to blend everyday pieces with trendy extras. Sara has a laid back yet always pulled together look. When I asked her how she described her style she said, simply, "easy going, I guess," but she definitely knows how to add flair. In this look, she dons a simple pair of denim shorts with a hot for summer nautical navy and white striped top. For some added contrast to her look, her top billowed, while her shorts were fitted. Her look is easy to re-create, giving anyone that effortless "I just woke up looking pretty and chic" look. Try something like this for class, for hanging out with friends, or glam it up for a date!

"The Moira"

For "The Moira" I'm going to go in a bit of a differnt direction by analyzing both of her photoshoot looks.
Her style in general has balance--with out compromising fun, of course--whether it's mixing brights and neturals, or fitted and billowy. In the pictured outfit you'll find two well-executed examples: a billowy top and skinny jeans and a netural shoe with a raspberry top. The necklace and sunglasses add a bit of flair. It's kind of hard to see here, but her sunglasses have colored frames and sides, but everything blends super well! In her other look (which you can see in the intro photo and in some shots from the other two posts) she pairs a taupe-y beige skirt with a white tee. The skirt is made interesting by the bow detailed front. She rounds out that look with a pair of tan, strappy heels. Her looks are quite versatile and in combination, could be worn for soooooo many occasions!

Thanks to our readers for all of the feedback on these posts! Keep it coming! I also want to thank our wonderful friends, Sara, Moira, Lauren, and Emily for helping out as models and photographers and giving both Jill and me some inspiration for future posts.

On a side note, I leave for college tomorrow and I'm super nervous excited! But what to wear for the first day of classes?

-Elise

Frock It Out: The Photoshoot II

So since the first installment of this went over well with you, (and I'm sooooo glad) here's part two! This post focuses on the looks of another two girls in our group, Lauren, and our fabulous photographer, Emily.

"The Lauren"

"The Lauren" embodies an All-American/ girl-next-door look. Super cute, and easy to wear every day and for every occasion, "The Lauren" is a college girl's go-to. She sports a basic cuffed pair of jeans and a flow-y Forever 21 top. The back of the top has some super cute crochet embellishment. She rounds out the outfit with a simple neutral pair of gladiators with gold studs, and a cuff to match. Lauren herself embodies this classic-ly simple style. To get her look, pair some skinny's with a top with character, add a headband or cuff, and remember to bring your smile! This look is a great one for class, lunch with friends, or just hanging out.

"The Emily"

"The Emily" much like "The Lauren" embodies a simple All-American dynamic. The keys here are function, comfort, and most importantly, style. Since she spent lots of the day photographing (thank you, btw!), she kept it cool and comfortable in American Eagle shorts and sweater (which I LOVE!). She accessorizes appropriately with a darling necklace and an essential for any wardrobe, a comfy pair of black sandals! This look is so accessible and easily adapted to changing seasons and crazy weather conditions, a harsh reality here in the mitten. Emily's look is great for summer activities, class, or just chilling!


To close, more shots from the photoshoot!

Jill with her favourite beatuy products. Urban Decay's shadow primer is a MUST own.

I couldn't be torn from my laptop! I got started on our first installment ASAP.

Dance party on the pier in the jungle that is my back yard :)


I hope all of you liked installment two and have some feedback for Jill and for me.

-Elise

Frock it Out: The Photoshoot

Happy 100th post!!! Another exciting thing to top the crazily exciting things going on in my life right now (like my move to college in 7 days, and Jill's move in 10).

We decided, along with a group of friends, to all dress up and create Frock it Out: The Photoshoot, a fun bonding activity for all of us before we part ways for college and a great source of inspiration for the blog. Four of our friends helped us out with this project (props to Emily who had this great idea and shot most of the photos) and each of them has their own style which we will reflect on in posts to come.

To get it started, we'll take a look at the outfits worn by yours truly, the bloggers.

"The Jill" and "The Elise"

The Jill: With style so edgy, cool, and effortlessly chic, there's no doubt that Jill would be rocking this pair of harem pants from American Apparel coupled with a leotard! Burgundy is a great color choice for people with a skin tone similar to hers! She's definitely got the right idea here, pairing loose fitting pants with a form fitting leotard. This creates a wonderful contrast. She's also sporting a pair of cat-eye sunglasses and plain black oxford shoes to  tie it all together. Wear this look when strolling around your college town, for a day with friends, or glam it up for a night out!

The Elise: For a hot second, I've been loving the color blue, and not just for this outfit. It's been in my wardrobe tons lately and I can't seem to get enough. I'm into a style that is a little chic, a little preppy, and a lot timeless so I went with some staples in this outfit. I have a blue button down tucked into navy high- waisted shorts. A pair of Steve Madden nude wedges and a tan and gold belt from my sister's closet pull together this look. Try an outfit like this for the first day of classes or even an internship!

Here's a super well-done shot of us, taken by Em:

More installments are to come! Oh! And, let us know what you think!

Elise

The Message - Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

Old Skool yo.

-Jill

Konstantine - Something Corporate

Yesterday, I saw Something Corporate. It was an awesome show and an awesome experience being in like a conglomerate of people singing in unison.

This song literally made me cry live. <3

-Jill

Id Incinerator - The Color Bars

Going to Elise's today to make some delish foodski. =) Hilarity and pictures may ensue.

-Jill

Romping Around

(Belt:Off A Random Sweater/Romper: I <3 Ronson/Flower:Claire's)

Hello Ladies and Gents ! New haircut (slightly) and color (thanks to the sun!). Anything easier to make big makes my day. Apologize for the bad lighting and failure to get other (much better) pictures up from Oscoda. Much love to you all. Gotta go! Swing dancing tonight ! 

-Jill

Back to School: Essentials to Supplement Your Wardrobe

When I woke up this morning and looked at my list of "Things-to-Do" I could not believe my eyes.

August...already? Where has my summer gone? Where have my pictures of my outfits from summer gone?

I move to school in a mere 27 days. I have mounds of clothes and dorm swag to prepare. The stress is mounting...for me, at least.

My goal is to make the transition to back-to-school a bit simpler for you all. It's personally a herculean task since i'm switching from the realm of my Catholic school plaid kilt and polo shirt uniform to real clothes. How do you dress for college? I know there are plenty of blogs that answer this question, and I adore them, but how will I know what's fitting for my campus? It'll be trial and error, I guess. 

Below are some similar and some exact pieces that I purchased to supplement what existing "wardrobe" I had. If you haven't yet noticed, I'm really into neutrals, and generally a bright purse or two does it for me as far as color. Some of these things can be transitioned from season to season, but others (okay, just the khaki shorts) are more meant for the end of August/early September months. Oh, and the jeans pictured below are on sale at Forever 21 for $7.50. Just sayin'.

These are just some basic things to get ideas for cute outfits going. Eventually, we'll be posting about bags and shoes and other things we find fit for school, and maybe even an instructional video or four.

Just bought this sweater. Looks ultra cute with an oxford and shorts, or rolled-up boyfriend fit capris.

Love the details here, super cute!

I adore this pattern. So summery!

Did you see what I wrote earlier? $7.50 a pair= I'm buying several.

I love khaki shorts because they're cute and preppy and look great with deck shoes. 

I have similar blazers in navy and tan, and they are just the perfect season transitional piece.

This scarf brings a great pop of color without forgoing my usual tastes and simplicity. It comes in bunches of colors, btw.

I love a good jacket. I need something to bring me out of my fleece rut.

Items 1-5, Forever 21

Items 6 and 7, Old Navy

Item 8, Nordstrom

Hope this helps you and gives me as many ideas as it gave me! Let me know what you think, and keep checking for things to come.

Elise

Both Hands - Jay Brannan

One of my favorite songs evar. Jay does an awesome cover of an Ani DiFranco classic.

-Jill

The Rainbow Connection

Dear Camera and iPhoto,

Please let me upload my photos. It's really annoying me that you're not letting me. 

Much Love, 

Jill

P.S. Here are some other things that I like to keep you occupied. 

Currently looking for a Sgt. Pepper inspired jacket. 

Basically, Courtney Love is the coolest person on the planet. Princess Ai anyone?

Gwen Stefani is a close second. I have always admired her fearless style and pretty much died when she released L.A.M.B.

My very first style icon evarrr. I could never understand why Kermit got so annoyed with her sometimes. I wanted her to be my best friend.

I just like her hair...P.S. FFX-2 has oodles of craycray outfits that you wish you could get away with wearing, but there is just no way ever they would be functional in real life. Disappointing.

(allimagesfromgoogle)

Release Me - The Like (Acoustic)

Don't Stop The Music - Jamie Cullum

From Fashion Rut to Brilliant Idea

Sooo I've been in a  bit of a fashion rut, and generally unmotivated to be adorable.  In need of inspiration, I took out my iPod touch and opened the Forever 21 app, and voila, inspiration. I had a not so obnoxious version of this hair clip my freshman year of high school, and it was strong enough to hold an entire ponytail of my ridiculously thick mane. This brought back memories of some of my greatest hair days. 

The following is an outfit inspired by this totally brilliant and bedazzled hair clip:

I love the dress because it has that I'm super sweet and innocent look. Plus, the cardigan is a great option for a summer-to-fall transition. To amp up this look a bit, try out a great colored flat or bag! 

All items are from Forever 21. Hair clip: $2.80, Dress: $13.50 Open-front Cardigan: $22.80. Pretty good, ne c'est pas?

Hope you liked this outfit, let me know what you think!

xoxo Elise

Here Comes My Baby - Cat Stevens

Gorillaz - Dare (HD)

"...cans of food, filtered water, and pictures of you."

Dress: Tracy Feith for Target/Flower:Claire's/Necklace: Juicy Couture

Graduation party attire. Oh. The. Joy.

"If you change your mind, I'm the first in line."

Vest: I <3Ronson/Shorts: Target/Black Tank:Momma's closet.../Booties: Target

This is my chillaxin outfit. I am in love with jean on jean on jean on jean this season. I know it's like a fashion rule not to. Whatever. Screw the rules in this case. I bought this jean vest in May and have been wearing the heck out of it.

It makes me feel so rock and rolly.

Anyways. Art in the Park was this weekend. It was preettyyy rockkin. I bought a new pair of cute earrings (made of buttons!)  they'll be coming up in a future post. 

And now the obvious montage of pictures from the day...

Do you see this rooster? I wanted my mom to buy it for our lawn. Or my dorm room...

Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe with Bethany !  

We made her lunch!

I don't know if you can see this too well, but these neckpieces are SO COOL. Like. I don't think you understand how excited I was when I actually found them. I smell DIY bbys.

Another DIY project I'll probs be pursuing later in the year.

Moira, sitting at the loner table. Ahaha.