Happy New Year!

I ended up having a bit of a web hiatus last week...didn't open my laptop for five days. Oops! I had no intent of doing so, but my offline life has been bursting at the seams. It's been both wonderful and stressful, which seems to be an overarching theme of the holidays. I hope that you've all had a lovely December!

Yesterday marked a very special day for me: I was featured on AutoStraddle as a part of the "Straddler In The Street" column. I'm proud to share my queer identity with all of you. A big thanks to Vanessa and Autostraddle, the website was a perfect place to "come out" on the web.

At the close of 2013, I would say that this was a year of immense personal growth for me. I'm so happy to be surrounded by a community of family and friends (online and offline) who shower me with love and encourage me. I hope that I can reflect the joy you bring me and give at least a little of it back to you.

I've got nothing but high hopes for 2014, let's do this!

Thrifted jacket | F21 top, vintage boots from Front & Company | F21 tights

Joe Fresh sparkle socks | Gap pleated skirt | H&M sunglasses

All I'm Really Asking For Is You.

My weekend consisted mostly of Beyoncé...and not much else. I won't get into it but all I can say is Beyoncé (the album) is beautiful: feminist, confident, vulnerable, critical, emotional, fun, sex positive and artistic. Bow down, indeed.

The sequined collar I am wearing in these photos was given to me by a friend of mine, who is the sweetest! Laura recently went home to Scotland and found these sequins in her collection of vintage that was in storage; she kindly gave it to me for my birthday. I'm felling pretty great about owning something so special, next time I wear it detail photos will be in order!

Thrifted coat | Gifted vintage collar

Vintage sweater, Mise en Scene by Ruffian skirt, Dolce Vita boots from Front & Company

Do What You Want.

I have been wearing this jacket to death; at least once a week. How did I live without a motorcycle jacket for so long?

Vintage Levi's jacket, Alexa Chung for Madewell tee, vintage ankle boots from Front & Company

Thrifted H&M skirt | Deena & Ozzy cat ear felt hat | gifted Sock Dreams strawberry socks

Shine On.

An editorial from Arise Magazine. Perhaps one of the most perfect executions of a modern pin-up...neither stale nor retro, the innate sensuality is beyond palpable.

Shine On from Arise Magazine, found here.

Taken By Surprise.

In the spirit of getting out of my comfort zone, I've been scoping outfits that are a) more form fitting and b) more modern! I've been intimidated by sensual dressing in the past but I've been feeling pretty damn good in this body of mine lately. Surely, this outfit will seem very tame by modern standards, but I was definitely reaching outside of my comfort zone to wear this ensemble. See this as an attempt to push those fears aside... here's to more body conscious outfits!

If you are looking for a starting point as far as sassy outfits, check out Nadia & Karla's blogs. They always help me work up the confidence to wear something a little sexier than usual...

A sidenote: Style is Style was linked on a Buzzfeed article, so crazy. Hello to you if Buzzfeed is what brought you here!

Calvin Klein dress, Dolce Vita boots, fur collar from Front & Company

Thrifted wool blazer | Joe Fresh polka dot tights

LimeCrime Lipstick in Retrofuturist C/O Modcloth

Old Cat, New Tricks.

I didn't think it would happen...but I've been wearing pants lately! Granted, this pair is more of a thick legging/jegging hybrid, almost like a grandma leisure pant. They are as comfy as can be.

One of my recent goals has been to be unafraid to challenge myself... and wearing pants is super challenging for me. I look to pants pros Lady Morairty and Bianca for outfit inspiration; it surprised me how hard it is for me to figure out what to wear with them. A blazer and a collared shirt with some loafers seemed like a dapper place to start!

Thrifted wool blazer, cat pin, leather loafers

Daiso socks | Deena & Ozzy felt cat hat

AA button down via Front & Company | Urban Renewal trench

At A Glance.

Orla Kiely is a standby for wardrobe inspiration that I can recreate with items already in my wardrobe...
the muted palette and styling is a perfect marriage of sweet schoolgirl with a touch of rebellious Margot Tenenbaum. Who wouldn't want to be that girl?

Fall/Winter 13 images found here.

When I Wasn't Even Looking.

This jacket is a once in a lifetime find. I have been looking for a motorcycle style jacket for years. This one just happened to be consigned at work by one of my friend's. It has become indispensable to my wardrobe, the easiest way to add just the right amount of attitude to an outfit.

Vintage Levi's jean jacket, H&M sweater, AA sleeveless peter pan shirt, boots
(found at Front & Company)
Thrifted cat pins | F21 skirt | Joe tights | H&M sunnies