I Really Love My...

I was inspired by People Magazine to create a "I Really Love My..." weekly post in order to highlight the recycling of certain key items in my wardrobe. I have to admit that I am the kind of person that does not like to be caught in the same outfit twice, but on a post graduate budget I often have to reuse and reinvent my pieces in order to make them work for every and any occasion. 

I found the recycling of clothes especially critical while traveling throughout Europe for a month with a single suitcase. This H&M jean jacket was actually a hand-me-down from a stylish friend. This jacket was great to toss on with a dress on breezy days and for protecting my shoulders from the hot summer sun!

Stayed tuned for next week's post of "I Really Love My..." and feel free to share you're go-to piece! Is it a pair of shoes? Blazer? Shirt? How to you recycle items in your closet?

Toodles!

Sunday Daze

(Sweater/Skirt/Vest/Sunnies: Madewell, Scarf: H&M, Booties: Aldo)

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Help: "A Hairy Situation"

As a young woman it is my duty to experiment with fashion trends and beauty products to see what suits my personal style. I have explored all avenues with the exception of my hair...I am not afraid of a good ol' trim every few months, but coloring terrifies me!

What if I color it so much I can't ever identify the original color? What if I get highlights and they turn into "skunk streaks"! You all know what I am talking about! 

In an effort to be more fearless and outgoing I have decided to color and possibly cut my lovely locks! Above is a picture of my current hair "cut" and color. Below are some options that I am contemplating! What do you guys think? 

I would not go blonde in anyway shape of form, instead I would replace the blonde in this image with a light caramel or auburn.

Tell me what you think! Any and all feedback is much appreciated! Is the ombre effect old news? Do you like the shoulder length look or should I cut it a bit shorter and color?! 

Toodles!

Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins

So my sister and I have been trying to bake muffins for quite some time, but with our conflicting schedules our baking date has continually gotten pushed back. Well these muffins were well worth the wait! They have been a total life saver for breakfast this week, not to mention a yummy after work snack!  

 Original recipe makes 6 muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1/3 cup of milk

2 apples - peeled, cored and chopped

The Sugary Topping:

1/2 cup white sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter, cubed

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease six muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. Stir together 1 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt, baking powder and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix in oil, egg and milk. Fold in apples. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling to the top of the cup.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix together with fork and sprinkle over unbaked muffins.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

These muffins were delicious! I love an added crunch to my desserts so I decided to sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top of the muffins! Yum!

Enjoy!

Pompeii

I wanted a share some of my pictures from my exploration of Pompeii, Italy (in southern Italy near Napoli). For those who do not now, Pompeii was a prosperous ancient italian city with a population of over 20,000 people. The city was buried in 13 to 20 ft of ash after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79AD. The remains have a ghostly haunted feel especially on this drizzly foggy day. 

Plaster recreations of people who were literally frozen in time, while the volcano erupted-- super creepy/amazing!

Polka Dots

Pants: JCrew, Blazer: Lush, Blouse: Urban Outfitters, Belts: H&M, Shoes: Halogen, Sunnies: Madewell



Recently, the weather has been so lovely in the D.C. area, the days are breezy and sunny! I wanted to wear something that was as bright and inviting as this wonderful day! I have about 4 pairs of these Cafe Capri pants from JCrew and I am in love! They are the perfect length, especially paired with some neutral mini-wedges. Follow me on insta @ mypursuitoffashion! Enjoy!

Toodles!

3.1 Phillip Lim X Target

3.1 Phillip Lim's collaboration collection is coming to Target on September 15th and I for one am really excited! I have been drooling over Phillips designs for quite some time, but due to my budget I have not been able to purchase any of his pieces; thus I am elated that his Target line with range in price from $19.99 to $299.99 with most items under $49.99. Yippee! The collection includes, over 100 pieces of apparel and accessory items for men and women, including bags, shoes, and travel accessories.

Lim is creating garments and accessories for the modern citizen, who is constantly "on the go". I hope you guys are as excited for me to see the chic modern outfits that Lim creates with varying textures and simple colors! You guys know where to find me September 15th!

Toodles!

Fun Designer/Celebrity Collaborations

I am always shopping or online browsing and piling items into my imaginary "cart"; I tend to shop stores or brands that are stylish yet budget friendly. Thus, I am always excited then I hear about high profile designers including, Jason Wu, Rihanna, JLO and Prabal Gurung create garments in collaboration for major retailers like Target, Khols and Mac. 

I say all that to preference my next comment, I was reading my morning blogs and online magazines when I saw that SJP (Sarah Jessica Parker- for those of you who do not know the abbreviation) is collaborating with Manolo Blanik to create some trendy new looks between $250-$450! I am thrilled despite the high price! Even though she may not consider herself a fashion mogul, I think SJP's sense of casual chic is inspiring and adventurous.

The prices are STEEP, but my obsession with all things SJP and fashion may overrule my frugal nature! Legend has it that the fashionista just called up Manolo Blanik CEO George Malkemus on a whim and together they made shoe babies! For more details about this epic collaboration check out this issue of Harper's Bazaar. 

Toodles!

Office Wear

One question that I have recently been faced with is, "how can I stay true to my style while working in a business casual environment?" 

As I have mentioned several times before I am currently working two jobs and am having a bit of trouble balancing both wardrobes. A majority of my closet consists of casual clothes including, vests, colorful capris, denim, knit tops and an array of skirts. The trouble is that many of my clothes are not professional enough to be worn in casual business atmospheres. I do not even own a complete suit! 

The reason I am dragging my heels in purchasing a suit because I am nervous that I will lose myself in bland suits and boring shapes. So in an effort to stay true to myself I am exploring that tiny line between too trendy and too professional. Here are some items that I think work perfectly: 

Above is a quilted faux leather pencil skirt from Asos that is trendy, but its subtle color and great length make it perfect for the office.  

Another one of my go to spots is JCrew. JCrew is a tad conservative with a textured, colorful flare that embodied sophistication and class.

Either one of these piece could add a little punch to any outfit, but could be toned down by pairing it with a blazer for a more reserved environment. 

Skirts and dresses are my bread and butter. I am loving these skirts!

Occasionally I wear cropped tailored trousers into the office. I always try to experiment with tasteful color and pattern combinations...

And lastly blazers--my kryptonite!

(I am saving my pennies for this splurge! I cannot wait to show you how I plan to wear it!)

Enjoy!