Fringe benefits

Welp, the West has won (me over).

Two summers ago I took a cross-country road trip with my best girl Nykki and as we headed Westward, we headed Fringeward. I wish I had indulged and bought something suede/fringed/moccasined, but I was on a tight budget (when am I not) and resisted. I brushed aside the little suede tassels just hangin' out all over the local rest stops. I turned my head to the slate gray Minnetonka moccasins. Didn't buy dream catchers or anything turquoise. 

All hail to the fringe gods though. I have one pair of fringe boots, which have a humongous hole in the bottom so I can't wear them on rainy days. Clearly I need to add to my collection.

Photo via Portraits of Elegance

Photo from Song of Style

Photo from A Pair and a Spare

Photo via Fashion Paparazzi

Photo from Harper's Bazar

Wearing: Another oreo outfit

No, I'm not obsessed with cookies.

This, an iteration (Volume II, if you will) of my previous oreo get-up, is one of my go tos that doesn't require much thought. Oreo is the name, Wearism is the game: a soft cream knit and pleats sandwiched between black fur and black boots. The last photo, so optimistic, so hopeful, so respectful of traffic signs.

Question. Are you following me on Instagram yet? Oh, you aren't? You need my username you say? Your wish is my command: @thewearist.

Photos by Emma Arnold from Trés Awesome.

Black bear vest: Thrifted
Oatmeal colored sweater: Forever 21 (similar here)
Cream pleated skirt: Thrifted (I love this one)
Black booties: Nine West (old, and sadly unavailable)

Life is short, your shirt should be too

To do: 10 extra sit-ups. To don't: anything related to ice cream.

A crop top is abs-olutely the coolest way to edge up your summer wardrobe. After you dust off that workout video, don't be afraid to also dust off those short little numbers from your tweenage years. Let us see that sleek strip of skin.

I like to wear a crop top with high waisted midi skirts or high waisted jorts to balance the shortness of the top. How do you style your crop top? Cropping minds need to know.

Photo via Karla's Closet

Photo via twentythirtyforty

Photo via The Style Objective

Photo via Fabulous Yes. Broke No.

Photo via The Best Fashion Blog

Wearing: An award

Thank god, there's some recognition for the fledgling bloggers out there. We're all trying to gain some traction, get some street cred, be a bigger fish in this really big blog pond. 

District Sparkle was a sweetie and nominated me for a Liebster Blog Award! I'm blushing! But, in mid-blush, I'd like to spread the Liebster love with some other favorites of mine. Below are my nominations and more information.

 And the nominees are:
Kinks are the New Pink | Broke Chic | What the Fashion | Tiny Crush | Fashioneda

Don't be silly, accept the award. Here's how:

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog (thanks again, District Sparkle!)

2. Link back to the blogger who presented the award to you

3. Copy and paste the blog award on your blog

4. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 5 blogs, each that have less than 200 followers. Everyone deserves a little spotlight.

5. Let them know they have been chosen by leaving a comment on their blog

Wearing: Slitty pants

I couldn't stop daydreaming about these 3.1 Phillip Lim pants (see this post for more Limsanity), so when I found a look alike pair at H&M I died and went to weird-pant heaven. They also came in a gorgeous peach color but they didn't have my size.

The pants look good with anything, but on a chilly night I topped them with a frump sweater that has the perfect color block combination. And yes, I did do the hair tucked in shirt look again...for at least one picture anyway.

• Color block turtle neck: Forever 21 (This is cool too)
• Slit pants: H&M
• Furry clutch: Thrifted
• Metallic sandals: Zara

Wearing: Lunching dress

Yesterday I went to the most fabulous party to celebrate my Aunt Nancy's 60th birthday. The soiree was at The Pump Room and everything was perfect: the room was stunning, every lady was more gorgeous than the next, the vodka lemonades were un-freaking-believable. A beautiful party for a beautiful woman, a woman so special to me.

Now to the wearing. I wanted to feel like the ladiest lady possible, so I wore a vintage midi dress with a funky yet muted pattern. Metallic accessories helped keep it modern.

Dress: Vintage
Clutch: H&M (clearance)
Metallic sandals: Zara

Fine, I couldn't resist. Here are some pics of my adorable sisters. Chloe, seventeen, is rocking the vintage look as well with a sweet dress, killer heels and an amazing coat that I'm plotting to steal. Romy, fourteen, is going the simple route with a flouncy blue dress and sparkly flats, the flats I'm also plotting to steal. Muahaha.

It was really sunny so pardon the scrunching faces.

Celebrating spring à la Topshop

Topshop had a fab party this past Wednesday to ring in spring. Tunes were bumping, people were shopping, nails were done, hair was did. Hosted by CS Magazine, Emma Arnold from Trés Awesome and Amy Creyer from Chicago Street Style, it was quite the fashionable hump day (including cocktails of course).  For those with FOMO, not to worry. I got some photos so you don't feel left out.

White on white on white

DJ Dani Deahl

The lovely Kelsey from Laundry Magazine and her awesome braid up-do. Teach me your ways!

The gorgeous Flavia from Lulu Abroad

How kick ass is her necklace!

And, the star of the party: the clothes. Denim for days, creams and pastels, delicate pieces, amazing printed high-cut shorts.

Wearing: Nothing special

This outfit is really just that, nothing special, but it's one of my staple ensembles. This is what I wear when I have nothing to wear. 

Simple and loose green chino pants, an oatmeal colored sweater, my gangsta chains and pointy toe flats for a Tuesday. And to those that saw me Tuesday, déjà frickin' vu.

Oatmeal sweater: Old
Green chinos: Forever 21 (similar here)
Black pointy toe flats: Mia (similar here)
Gold necklaces: Forever 21 (similar here)

 Disclaimer: My photographer told me to "give him tiger" so the last photo is my tiger.

I want to see your stuff...

...and I want you to see mine.

For once, I'm dying to over share. In my most infomercial-y voice ever, "Now I can!" with a transparent accessory. I'll show the innards of my bag: lip balm, dirty coins (too nervous to throw away money), tampons. False eyelash glue from three Halloweens ago. The whole kit and kaboodle.

Some inspiration:

Photo via Netrobe Blog

Photo via Netrobe Blog

Photo via Netrobe Blog

Photo via Netrobe Blog

Photo from Lions, Tigers & Fashion OH MY!