Wearing: Laser cut blouse

This just shows that you can find expensive looking items at places like Forever 21. It's all about the simple pieces with something special about them. I was drawn to this top by its vintage feel, delicate details and slight western flair.

And finally! My favorite summer sandals come out to play. They go with everything and are so comfortable.

Top: Forever 21 (really want this one)

Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Clutch: Thrifted

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Sandals: Dolce Vita (similar)

Wearing: Monday blues

I'm really into the Canadian Tuxedo lately. It's easy and simple, yet fresh and looks put together. I wore this to bop around on Saturday and carried this awesome clutch into the night. Finally, and thank god, it's officially jorts season.

Shirt: Old Navy (old, similar one here)

Shorts: Forever 21

Bag: Thrift (similar style here)

Sandals: Victoria's Secret (similar here)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Wearing: The weather

Summer is so close, yet so far. And because I feel weird wearing cool patterns and bright colors when  it's so cold and gray out (i.e. yesterday), I figured I would just match my environment with a black and white color palette and one of my favorite coats. Yes, coat. In May.

I love this one for two reasons: the cool charcoal color and the odd, large shape. Oversized coats look so great over slim clothing like all black or a very simple stripe and tight black jeans.  When cold weather stays a little longer than its welcome, your outer layer better be your chicest layer.

Cheers to 80 degrees today! Perhaps this blog will start to get a little brighter!

Coat: H&M (old, love this oversized plum one)

Top: Forever 21 (old, similar)

Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Flats: Old Navy (similar)

Carryall: Zara

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Wearing: Bell sleeves

On Monday I brought you half sleeves. Today I pick up the slack with bell shape sleeves, which make this sweater one of my favorites. I'm all about the unconventional sweater or top; something that paired with plain old jeans still makes the outfit special. I originally saw this sweater at H&M months ago but for 50 bucks it was a big N-O. Then, finally, it was half off of half off and the sweater was mine. And the sleeves are awesome.

Sweater: H&M (currently on sale, lusting this sweater for spring)

Jeans: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Sandals: Victoria's Secret (similar)

Sunglasses: H&M (currently)

Style icons at the 2013 Met Gala

All of my style icons were in one place at last night's Met Gala, which this year celebrated punk. Taylor Tomasi Hill is everything in a red and white dream come true with spiked shoulders, Alexa Chung's mesh is totally sophisticated rock and roll, SJP's head piece needs a social security number and Beyonce is well, Beyonce.

via Vogue

Wearing: Shortsleeved jacket

I had an absolutely fantastic weekend. It was my birthday yesterday (yes, Cinco de Drinko) so Saturday night friends and I went to Barrelhouse Flat, a really cool, cute bar with stellar cocktails. Then, on Sunday I had a dream day of brunch and shopping with my boyfriend. It was sunny but there was a slight chill so I wore this short sleeved jacket and jeans to prance around in. I found the jacket at Crossroads and while it was above my $10 an item price limit (it was $18), I couldn't leave without it. It's a perfect topper when the day is just a tad cold but doesn't warrant a full sleeve.

Coat: Thrifted (lusting for this light jacket)

Top: Forever 21 (similar)

Jeans: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Flats: Nine West

Bag: Zara

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (love these similar ones)

Spring classics

I've been gravitating to the basics lately so I wanted to share some of my favorite classic pieces are that are instant ways to chic (and not in order of priority).

A striped top is an absolute staple that everyone should have. I'm pretty sure I wear a striped tee every week (sorry if you're sick of it) since it's so easy. With a leather skirt, light jeans, shorts, stripes are quite possibly the simplest way to elevate an otherwise boring outfit.

Delicate gold jewelry. Either alone for a simple accent or layered for an edgier look, you can find pretty little pieces for as low as two dollars. 

It's no surprise that I'm a sucker for a great flat, especially a great nude flat, and I can't stress how important it is that every woman have a pair. Not only are they versatile, they're magical. You will look leggier than ever.  

Striped top details (clockwise): J. Crew, La Garconne, Forever 21, Forever 21, Uniqlo  

Jewelry details: Long arrowhead necklace, double geo necklace, whistle necklace, LOVE necklace, tiny arrow earrings, knot ring, rhinestone/triangle stud set, arrow/heart stud set, lip earrings, spike cuff, metal bar bracelet, midi ring, triangle cuff     

Nude flat details (clockwise):  Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Topshop, Forever 21,  Asos, Old Navy, Aldo, Forever 21, Zara

Wearing: Asymmetrical skirt

Not done yet folks! Another leather piece I've added to my repertoire, and for 9 dollars at the Urban Outfitters Surplus (seriously Chicago people you need to go there if you haven't yet) I couldn't resist. I re-wear iterations of this outfit all the time so it just goes to show how not sick of stripes I am. Or leather.

Top: Forever 21

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Sandals: Victoria's Secret (similar in Bronze)

Wearing: The weekend

My weekend uniform you ask? Leggings (yes as pants, sorry Lani!), a casual tee and a cute coat. And flats of course because I can't just prance around in heels at the office let alone to go get fro-yo. The other key to a perfect weekend outfit is the bag. Not too big, not too small, so this one's just right: it fits my whole wallet, keys, and a lipstick (duh). Outside of its perfect size, this bag was a thrift store find that I thought nothing of until my aunt brought it to my attention it is a Paloma Picasso, who was a former jewelry designer for Tiffany's. Shwing!

Jacket: Urban Outfitters

Top: Thrifted (similar)

Flats: Old Navy

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Bag: Paloma Picasso via thrift (love this bag as a weekend option)

Wearing: Leather peplum

It's leather week on The Wearist!

Eh not really. I'm trying to thread my posts this week with some sort of theme but really I'm just coincidentally loving leather. I borrowed this top from my mom as a potential option to Saturday night's party but I instead styled it for a more casual look: ripped boyfriend jeans, leopard wedges and a big slouchy clutch. I love the muscle-tee cut of the top with a feminine shape like peplum.  The white leather badassness is just the cherry on top.

Top: Urban Outfitters (here in black, now on sale!)

Jeans: Thrifted (similar but really want a pair like these)

Shoes: Zara (old but click here for more leopard shoe ideas)

Clutch: Forever 21 (old, love this one)

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Lipstick: M.A.C. Myth

Wearing: Leather tea-length skirt

Didn't really have a creative name for this outfit but as you can see, it just sort of speaks for itself. I saw this at my trusted local Crossroads and even though I had nowhere to wear it (at the time) I knew it was mine. If someone is wearing an almost-floor length leather skirt, it's me.

Alas, an invitation that only a skirt like this could present itself. The Numbered Days threw a super fun party celebrating up and coming local artists showcasing dance, art, music. And a photo booth! Who doesn't love a photo booth!

White tee, black pumps, red lips. Happy Monday.

T-shirt: Can't remember (similar)

Skirt: H&M (via Crossroads, love this and this)

Pumps: Anne Klein

Clutch: Forever 21

Lipstick: M.A.C. Brave Red