Thinking of the Sun

I am staying awake all night to study for tests, so of course I am doing a blog post!! I discovered that one of my favorite (localish to Pullman favorite) coffee places has opened a store in Pullman! This is confusing right, if it's local, how was it NOT in Pullman before? Well, there used to be one in the student union building, until they put in a Seattle's Best instead. And let me tell you, Seattle's Best is good, but not actually the best (Macrina!!!!!) Back to the relevant stuff; there's a Thomas Hammer in Pullman! They make a drink with dark chocolate and orange in it and it tastes like sunshine in mocha form. 

SO-- it made me think of summer, and sunglasses, and tank tops and being tan. 

one day soon, we'll be back to this

Wear your favorite tank with a big open sweater, add some colorful accessories and create your own sunshine for the day! 

love, b

As Requested: Ugg Boots

My sister-in-law asked me to do a piece on what to wear with Ugg boots. I'm not sure if this was out of spite of them or if she is actually pro-Ugg. Whether you are pro- or con- the Uggs, you cannot deny the fact that they are super warm and cozy; there probably aren't warmer or cozier shoes on the planet, at least ones that are ready to face the elements.

Now, I'm not going to take sides in this seemingly everlasting argument over whether or not Ugg boots are stylish. This is mainly because of the fact that it's a moot point, and that I don't own Ugg boots, only imitation Bear Paw boots, of which I wear on my 'dress down' days. However, UggAustralia has the right idea, they are now making amazing rain and snow boots! Check out these http://www.uggaustralia.com/womens-adirondack-II-snow-boots/5469,default,pd.html?dwvar_5469_color=GREY&start=2&cgid=women-boots-weather-performance I'm hoping maybe Santa will bring me a pair this Christmas!! (black or grey, Mom!! I think I like the grey more) Like I said, I'm not taking sides, but if you want my [professional?] opinion I'd say that they should not be worn for style. They simply do not offer the substance, color or silhouette to support a good outfit (and no, the knitted or button boots don't make up for it, those are worse because it's the wrong kind of substance, stick with the classics in tan) However, if you are still a supporter of the 'Uggs are Stylish' movement, here is my advice:

Stay away from denim and solids
Ugg boots are a blob of solid color as it is, the last thing you want to do is pair them with solid-colored jeans or leggings. Wear them with patterned tights and a skirt.

Create depth with layers
Wear knee high socks over your tights. Creating these layers will add contrast, interest and depth to the solid color of your boots. But... ABSOLUTELY DO NOT WEAR SOCKS OVER JEANS OR JEGGINGS! Please don't even wear jeggings. I apologize for standing on my soapbox about this (because I like to keep my blog positive and open to other people's styles) But there is no reason for anyone to EVER wear long socks over jeans. I mean, would you try to wear tights over a pair or jeans? Would you try to tuck boot-cut jeans into a pair of socks?  Point made--good, back to the advice. You can trade the long socks in for some leg warmers if you want to create more interest with something thicker and with a larger knit pattern.

Bold on top
Even with the layering and patterns on the bottom, you may look slightly monotone if you stick with all solid layers on top. If you prefer the solids, contrast the look with a sparkly or patterned headband or scarf.

Note: I'm not saying there is anything wrong with wearing these boots with jeans and a sweatshirt to class or grocery shopping or whatever (I do this quite frequently) I'm simply saying that an outfit like that is not considered stylish and that is including the boots. I think of Uggs as on the same level as sweatpants...

I will post a picture when I return to Pullman, as I am currently sitting at a Starbucks in Bellevue, and even at home, I do not have boots or all the necessities for this outfit.

patience is a virtue, b

The Outdoor Style

For years and years, my parents have been telling me that I am 'a mix of the two extremes'; by this they mean that I am a combination of very VERY outdoorsy and waaaaay obsessed with fashion. Most would think that this combination is both highly unlikely and impossible. However, I strive to prove that notion wrong. A little insight to this combination: I often walk around with Vogue and a book like David Roberts' 'On the Ridge Between Life and Death' in my bag. Today, I came into work with my parents wearing my trusty alpaca sweater with legging and riding boots, and toting my computer in my Gregory weekend pack-- if there is anyone else who does stuff like this, I would love to be your friend. In this post, I want to show you just how frequently style is mixed with the great outdoors... I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Outdoors meets Style/Style meets Outdoors

Hiking Boot Heels

Really though, how adorable are these? Whether you're an avid hiker trying to be stylish within your comfort zone, or a fashionista trying to get in touch with her inner tree woman, these are the go-to heel. 

Knit Headbands

Fashion AND function, these are so cute and you can find them everywhere in a variety of styles-- you can even make your own! 

Puffy Vest

I'm kind of a huge fan of vests; just because your torso is cold, doesn't mean your arms are cold. This happens to me almost every time I go hiking, so I always wear my trusty Old Navy fleece vest (the only thing I ever buy at Old Navy) I've noticed a lot of women sporting the 'bright sweatshirt, North Face puffy vest, yoga pants and Ugg boots look'; this is NOT what I'm suggesting, by all means wear that if you'd like, but it's not style. How about a puffy vest with a knit sweater, statement necklace, dark skinnies and riding boots? Cozy AND cute! 

And now, a little tip:

Invest in a good pair of fleece lined running leggings, like Under Armour cold gear. They are all black and you can wear them like normal leggings or tights and stay...at least 10 billion times warmer. Wear  long wool socks over those, then your hiking boot heels, puffy vest and head band-- YAY WARMTH!! 

<3 b 

Happiness and Freedom

There is nothing quite so freeing as being able to honestly say 'I am happy with who I am'. Life is so much more rewarding when you aren't pretending to be something others want. I never understood when people would edit who they actually are when they are in public. There is a social standard, of course, but that social standard shouldn't keep us from expressing ourselves. Girls, don't build yourself up to be something men would like; if you have to change yourself to get their attention, they obviously aren't worth it. Don't seek out something that hasn't come directly to you, there is a time and place for everything.

Ok, I need to Windex that mirror!!

love, b