Dress Smart

Derek Cardigan Glasses, J. Crew Tee, James Jeans Denim (on sale!), Zara Sandals

It's a constant battle between my contacts and me. Maybe it's because I have monthly prescriptions or generally dry eyes, but contacts are rarely completely comfortable for me. That's why I'm so grateful for the rise of trendy prescription glasses. Glasses are no longer just for vision correction but also for self expression. Companies such as Warby Parker have really set the standard on "hipster" glasses or fashionable eyewear, and the glasses are pretty affordable! A friend of mine referred me to Coastal, an online retailer for prescription eyewear, since they have a first pair free deal. All I had to do was pick a pair of glasses, pay shipping and handling (less than $10), and I've been happy with my purchase from day one.

I like to correlate glasses with intelligence and sophistication since, back in the day, people mainly wore glasses to help them read. I can only hope people think that of me when I wear mine. Honestly, I wear glasses whenever I'm in a rush or want my eyes to breathe, but it's nice to know glasses can double as a stylish accessory! I love the combination of glasses, a classic ensemble, and a bright lip. I know, I know; how much more J. Crew can I get?

(photos courtesy of my roommate)

Sale Sunday

J. Crew Rugby Dress, Zara Sandals (similar), H&M Belt, F21 Sunglasses

My best friend from home visited over the weekend, so I was determined to show all the different facets of Houston (check out what else we did here). We decided to visit the Galleria after brunch at Backstreet Cafe (highly recommended), so I was able to visit the Zara sale. I'd been eyeing a couple pairs of shoes on the website, but most of them were out of my size, so I hoped for better luck in store. Remember this post? Well, I finally found a pair of my own! Marked down from $50 to $30, this pair of low heels has the perfect combination of neutrals. I was extremely lucky to find them (and in the right size) because they were the only pair I saw in the whole store. Additionally, J. Crew was having an extra 25% off sale, so I couldn't help myself but go take a look. At the register, I was surprised with another additional 25% off! It was originally $88, but after all the markdowns, I took it home for $25. I'd say it was a good day to shop. This shift dress caught my attention because it's a thicker material that won't wrinkle or ride up as easily as a thin cotton dress; cinch it with a colorful belt, and it's brunch ready!

 (Photos courtesy of one of my roommates)

Retro Classic

J. Crew Pocket Tee, Levi's 550, Gap Belt

When I'm having the closet-full-of-clothes-but-nothing-to-wear dilemma, I reach for the infallible pieces: a classic white tee and high-waisted jean shorts. I don't think the combination of a simple white t-shirt and jeans will ever go out of style. If only white shirts didn't deteriorate so fast and stain easily or else I'd be wearing them on the daily. Personally, I don't like form fitting t-shirts because I want to feel comfortable and unrestricted when wearing a t-shirt. Since classic fit t-shirts aren't usually sold in the women's section, I ventured to the men's. As for my jean shorts, I simply picked up an $8 pair of Levi's at Goodwill and chopped the legs off! Such a simple but rewarding DIY.

Flashback

New York & Co. Peplum Top (similar), J. Crew Scout Chino, J. Crew Belt, Vince Camuto Sandals, F21 Sunglasses

Today has just been filled with little reminders of the past. For example, I took an exam via Scantron, something I haven't seen or used since graduating high school. What I wore today is oddly nostalgic as well. While the nostalgia isn't in the typical sense of fondly looking back, it made me realize that my taste has definitely evolved over the last 4-6 years of my life. My younger self used to scoff at anything leopard printed and stray far away from peplum (I just couldn't imagine how it'd be flattering), and look at me now, wearing both at the same time. That being said, when I (as a 14 year old) said I'd be shopping at J. Crew in my later years, I wasn't kidding. I was inspired by this image (below) on tumblr to purchase a peplum top. I think the simplicity + texture got to me; either that or peplum complements her extremely slender figure perfectly, tricking my mind into wanting one, too. As for leopard print, less is definitely more; I think I like the pattern as an extra embellishment to an outfit.

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