My friends, we're ending the year on an unexpected success: I made a dress. A for real, wearable dress.

I've had "learning to sew" on my to-do list for years, due to a generous gift from a former coworker, but having no idea how to turn on, let alone thread a sewing machine, is a big hurdle. Especially because I know me - the show and tell of someone showing me how to use the machine was always going to be far superior than reading instructions or watching a video.

So, fast forward and I manage to convince my friend to venture into DC. And after a few false starts and learning to wind a bobbin and such, I decided to do that thing you never do: jump into a project way too advanced for you (god forbid I just like, make a pillow case or something). For years I'd been watching Annika Victoria on YouTube, and the way she explains things is just so damn logical. It makes almost every project seem manageable. So I took my theory from this video on copying a dress, and decided to make a version of an Urban Outfitters dress I bought over the summer. Because while I knew that the skirt layers might be moderately difficult, the bodice shape was simple and easily transferred to paper.

And then, impressing even myself, I was SUCH AN ADULT, and made the pattern, a full mock up, and then pre-washed AND IRONED the final fabric. That I so graciously received from my sorority sister when she was in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And nearing the finish line I also decided last minute to put in a side zipper (slightly shoddily by hand, we won't discuss the work I need to do on my back stitch). I'm too impatient to wait for the season it's intended for, so please excuse the slightly formal styling. My final plan is to wear this with sandals in a super casual way, but hey, at least it admirably performs double duty?

Also, no, before you ask there aren't any pockets in this dress but let's not ask for the moon and stars ok? Double layers of gathered skirt that I cut into to insert a zipper was as much as my heart could take. The original didn't have pockets either LMAO.

I'm not sure what to say about these pictures other than that I acknowledge them as being exceedingly extra, hahaha, but I love them anyway. Sometimes a well fitting pair of pants and heels are enough to dress up pretty much anything.

I had a very different post written here, to go up last week. But when the world pretty much turned upside down on Wednesday I wasn't sure if/when I even wanted to post again, because nothing feels normal - and it shouldn't. 

This year's presidential election wasn't just about different fiscal policies - it was a decision between someone campaigning on hate and someone campaigning on hope, and hate won. What is there even to say about that? Hate won, and people are even more afraid and in danger than they were before Tuesday - including those people who voted for that orange butt boil on humanity, even if they don't realize it yet.

I'm angry. I'm angry now and will be angry for the next 2-4 years as I desperately try to find a way to support the communities that are going to be marginalized even more. I don't feel like I have the tools yet, but I'm going to continue to work on getting them, and not being complacent in the face of discrimination. I don't always have the voice to tell people to fuck off when I get harassed, and haven't yet been in the situation where I'd need to speak up for someone else, but I'm going to find it, come hell or high water. 

Donald Trump is #NotMyPresident and never will be. While things on this blog might at some point get back to regularly scheduled programming, I am not apolitical. I have chosen a side and am #StillWithHer.

So before I did a season welcoming hair chop (no worries, nothing drastic) I took these outfit photos - and I have to admit they turned out better than I expected! I've only ever worn this sweater layered over buttons downs, because for some reason I had it in my head it would be too tight to wear on its own. It's a vaguely retro inspired look in the end, with the pencil skirt and leopard pumps, and I can't wait to wear this to work.

Spring has finally - thankfully - arrived in DC but I figured that before the snow was completely gone I could take a picture of a work outfit I've enjoyed off and on this season. I've slowly been transitioning to the skinny ankle baring work pant, but I found these pants on clearance at Nordstrom Rack and really liked them. They work perfectly with my comfy Nine West heels (with no hemming!) and look incredibly professional with no extra effort on my part.

Now this outfit was a case of happy accidents. I bought the sweater during Ann Taylor's 70% off sale sale, lol, and only when it arrived did I notice how perfectly it matched these burgundy jeans. Love when that happens!

Happy Halloween everyone!! I'm headed out tonight for some sort of DC shenanigans, but we'll see how things go with all the predictions of rapidly falling temperatures and rain being thrown around. This second work look shows off another one of my new Fall purchases, the zip up sweater from Banana Republic. I'm wearing a size medium and I think it's a great cozy piece, with just enough detail around the neckline that I can keep accessories to a minimum. It comes in a few different colors and I'm trying to convince myself that one is enough!

I may have to draw a line in the sand about any more flare skirts. I love them but they're kind of taking over my closet and I some point I may want to wear something else (maybe? We'll see anyway.)

This weekend I'm headed off to my sorority's national convention and pastel is going to be a big player in my outfits (our colors are Lavender and Carolina Blue). The hat's staying home because it's too big to travel with but this skirt is made of that funny scuba material and doesn't wrinkle so win for me!

Here's something you won't be seeing any time soon - straightened and re-curled hair! DC summer has already made it impossible for me to replicate the style, but I think this dress will look great with my natural texture too.

Happy Monday!

I feel like these photos accidentally ended up with a melancholy air, perhaps because they're the first ones I shot after getting back from Puerto Rico. I promise that I'm not actually sad though, lol, it just looks that way >.<.

Usually I try to take photos out of direct sunlight but the courtyards around my house were not having that. The clouds moved every other frame and getting 3 shots with a consistent color/light effect was a pleasant surprise - especially since they don't look blown out or too bright. Go figure!

You might remember this dress from when I tried it on in-store. It was a bit too rich for my budget then but with some patience, sales discounts, and finally succumbing to the allure of a store card, it became mine. I love how pretty the floral it is and how throwing it on makes a statement in and of itself, even without all the accessories.

Despite the rain that greeted me when I stepped off the plain from Puerto Rico, DC has rapidly decided that warmer = better. I've still got a few cooler weather outfits in the que though, so please excuse the now slightly inappropriate layered look, lol.

Friends, I'm a wee bit concerned. Usually I lean towards interesting florals in all over pieces like dresses but this top from Anthropologie is one of my new favorite things. It's bright and fun and already perfect in and of itself because of the stripes plus floral combination. I don't need an excuse for more of either in my wardrobe but we shall see....

Working a 9-5 means that a lot of my clothes and outfits have to be office appropriate. Now I'd be the first one to admit that I wander above and below that line when the mood strikes me, but this particular look surprised me by feeling right for work and life. The jean jacket dresses down the pencil skirt, which being seersucker is already a bit different than my typical choices, plus the flats and purse means I could get around in comfort and style. Yay!

When I bought this sleeveless trench from ASOS last year I got almost no time in it. DC rapidly went from a cool Winter to a scorching Summer and pieces like this, perfect for Spring and early Fall, just weren't practical when I was dying from heat stroke. I've managed to pull it out a couple times this year though and I couldn't be happier - it's like buying something new without all the immediate monetary commitment!

Sometimes I buy pieces because I fall in love with how it looks on or how it fits into my existing wardrobe.

And sometimes I buy lavender jackets because they're on super sale and the perfect shade for sorority events. 

Spring has started to make itself known in DC, but while it's still taking hold tights and a good multi-fabric cardigan (the sleeves are faux leather) are helping me stay warm on chillier days.

Sometimes I put together an outfit by throwing all the things I love into one look and hoping and praying it works out.

In this particular case I would say we're at about a 85% success rate because I'm not completely sold on the crop pants + leopard shoes.

If spring ever decides to conclusively settle in DC I look forward to more outfits like these: jackets that don't cover my entire body, single layer shirts, and pants that aren't made of wool.

Who's with me?!
 

It might have snowed in DC yesterday, but a couple weekends ago it was practically blissful outside. To take advantage of the weather I coerced a friend of mine into walking around Del Ray - a cutesy little neighborhood in Alexandria, VA that hasn't yet been taken over by tourists.

I loved getting a more in depth feel for the community, and in addition to wine tasting and excellent gluten-free macaroons, I also found the best summer purse in a garden/gift store for only $10! Since the store owner thought it matched my outfit so well she almost forgot to charge me for it, I figured it was only right to take pictures with it too.