Funny Face

Dress: Marshall's, Scarf as Belt: Ross; Sandals: NY&Company; Jewelry: Target

I love this outfit, because it really represents my style.  White, lace, and no altering needed? Giddy up.  I live in dresses like this during the summer, because they require no thought.  Just throw it over your head + a couple of accessories= outfit. Fantastico.

I've noticed that in my recent posts the only pictures I like of myself are when I DON'T face the camera.  I don't know what to do with my face or hands, so it's just much easier to look away.  For this post I made a conscientious effort to look at the camera, and 99% of the photos are of me making funny faces.  The only picture where I look somewhat normal is the one above.  So here's an ode to my funny faces...enjoy.

Jury Duty

Shirt: Aeropostale; Bodysuit: American Apparel; Skirt: Loft; Shoes: DSW

 Dear Reader,

You might be thinking to yourself right now, "My Heyni, you seem very stripey today," and you would be right.  I very conscientiously thought up this outfit, because today I had jury duty. 

Originally, I was supposed to be on a plane to Las Vegas in order to celebrate my friend's, Nicole, birthday, but instead I received a summons to report to court on the same exact day.  What are the odds?  Fortunately, I had not bought a plane ticket when I received the summons, and I had already asked for the time off.  I still held out hope that I would still get to go to Vegas, because on the day before your day at court you need to call to see if the number assigned to you is even called.  I planned that if my number was not part of the group needed for jury duty, I would buy my plane ticket that day and stay in Nicole's hotel room.  Obviously, my number was called, because otherwise this post would be called, "Las Vegas!!" not "Jury Duty."  :(  Again, what are the odds?  It seemed the universe wanted me to be a juror about as much as I didn't want to be one.

First, I must be picked to become a juror for a trial, and so I wanted to subconciously sway the lawyers into not picking me; which brings me back to today's outfit.  Whenever I see other fashion bloggers incorporate stripes into their regalia it's usually done in a way to make one think of sailing or nautical themes.  Today I wanted my outfit to suggest jail bars and imprisonment, so I put on as many stripes as possible.  I kept the colors neutral and muted, put my hair up in a simple bun, and used minimal makeup and accessories.  Hopefully, this would worm its way into the minds of the lawyers, and they would dismiss me so I could go home.  Now, I know you are all waiting with bated breath.  Was I successful in my psychological subterfuge?

The world may never know, because all I did was sit in a dreary lounge surfing the internet.  After two hours the lady in charge told us there would be no trial that needed a jury and we could all go home.  I know, very anticlimactic. All in all, my jury duty could have been a lot more painful, but then again I could have been in Vegas by now.  Oh well, at least this experience inspired me to put together pieces that I normally would not have, and I won't need to serve for another three years.

Simply Neutral

Top: Express; Shorts and Bag: Target; Sandals: Stuart Weitzmann

Today I had all intentions of coming up with a really interesting outfit with color and layers and detail, especially since I had not done a blog for a while until recently.  The weather, however, brought me back to reality. It's hot.  When it comes to the summer I try to wear the least amount of clothes I can get away with. I know I could have done a lot more with this outfit, such as wearing a pop of color in my shoes or accessories, or layered with a lightweight scarf.  But the truth of the matter is that I just wanted to be comfortable and cool, and did not want to put too much thought into what I was wearing. Sometimes what is required in one's look is to be comfortable with simplicity and that's what I was.

Alterations Needed: Orange Skirt

I found this skirt at a thrift store for three bucks.  It's extremely long on me and overwhelms my petite figure, as you can see in the following photos.  That being said, the material is very thick and of nice quality.  I also love the orange color and flower pattern. Seeing the potential of clothing is very important as a petite woman, because clothes constantly need to be altered. 

The waist fit me fine, so all I had to do was a simple hem.  The final product:

Top: Forever 21; Skirt: Thrift Store; Necklace: Panama

 The skirt came out a little shorter than I anticipated, but that's the beauty of altering thrift store items...you didn't invest too much money to begin with, so if anything it's a learning experience.  Also, I can throw on some leggings in the fall and use this as a transition piece.  I tried to incorporate little details within this outfit, such as the lace pattern in my skirt and top.  I also did a braided updo with my hair, which is hard to see in the picture below, because I finally concede that my hair is black and NOT dark brown as I have thought all these years.  Crystal you win.

Jumping on the Trend



Top: Kohl's; Skirt: Charlotte Russe; Shoes: Lulu's; Jewelry: Panama

So I jumped on the trend of leopard loafers.  I've been seeing them all over the blog world and magazines and was immediately intrigued.  Not enough, however, to spend over twenty dollars on them, so I forgoed the novelty.  Until one day, where I spotted these bad boys for sale for $19.99.  I usually don't spend a lot of money on clothes, let alone on something that could go out of style within a season, but I thought $20 bucks would be worth trying something fun.  I chose to use them as a neutral, and made my outfit colorful.  I loved this outfit, and felt comfortable all day.

I've been told many times by many different people that I look like Marissa Tomei, and I never really saw it.  I took the compliment but never really believed it until Jay took this photo of me.  What do you guys think?  Marissa's my dopplehanger? Yay or nay?

Thrift Treasures: Polka Dot Blouse



Shirt: Thrifted; Jeans: NY&Company; Shoes: Marc Fisher

I've never been one of those people who go to thrift stores and comes out with amazing scores.  There are blogs out there whose whole existence consist of thrifted and vintage items.  These bloggers have a nose for these things, but even though I was not given a talent for thrifting, every once in a while I will find something.  This blouse is such a find.  It's 100% silk, the colors are vibrant, in great condition, AND the best part...it cost $1.50.  That's right...score for me. 

Day to Evening: With Pirates



Dress: Loft; Belt: Thrifted; Shoes and Bag: Target

This is not my car.  Obviously, because there are no dings in it.  Let's face it... I would have wrecked this beauty in a week.  No, this fancy car belongs to one of my best friends, Nicole, and this weekend I drove down to the Virginia Beach area to visit her.  When traveling I like to pack light, so I try to pack outfits that can easily transition from day to night in order to save space in my suitcase.  I also try to pack neutral accessories that will work for all outfits, and the same goes for the shoes.  The great thing about packing for day to night is that one doesn't need to know what one is doing, because regardless of whether the activities ask for more casual  or dressy ensembles you're prepared.

For this day we decided to explore the different towns around Nicole's neighborhood, and found that there was a pirate's festival in Hampton, Virginia.  There were plenty of patches, leather vests, and dirty hair.  In a word...amazing.  Then we went to a fancy Carribbean restaurant where we had a fantastic dinner, (mojitos were an option :) and attached to the restaurant was a jazz club.  The music was sooo good.  It has been a long time since I listened to some live jazz and I had a great time.  All day I felt comfortable and put together. 

I find that hair can be your best accessory, and just by putting my hair down and curling it, I immediately felt fancier.  A great pair of heels, some gold accessories and "Viola!" I'm ready to hit the town.

And now...Pirates!

And fancy car! 

Thanks to Nicole for taking the pictures.  I had a great time! :)

Hot and Sunny



Dress: Loft; Shoes: DSW

I know it's a little late, but this week has been surprisingly busy, so I'm finally posting pictures from Memorial day weekend.  As I'm sure many of you know it was HOT!  Most of the weekend I spent in shorts and a tank...in short, as little as possible.  This day, however, I was to meet my dear friend, Kim, for lunch and since she always looks put together and chic I put in some effort.  By having a dress saturated with color and texture, I think this simple outfit becomes more interesting.  I had a great weekend full of dancing, swimming, and throwing balls around in the park.  I wish you all had the same.  :)

Strategic Planning

Dress: Forever 21, Purse: Loft; Shoes: Target

This picture was quickly taken on my fancy phone before I went out with my friend June to celebrate her birthday.  I know this outfit may seem deceptively simple, but I actually put a lot of thought into this before I went out.  In order to be comfortable some forethought is needed.  First one needs to take into account where one is going, and how is one getting to said place. Here was my thought process...

"It's hot today, and I sweat when I dance sooo....teeny dress is needed to stay cool, but I don't want to wear a bra.  Do I have one with padding? Yes! Perfect it has polka dots.  Should I wear heels?  It's easier to do turns in heels, but since we're going to another bar first I should probably wear flats.  No point in wearing makeup, because I'll just sweat it off, so a bright red lipstick should be enough.  Same goes with the hair...no need to do it since once again I'll just get sweaty.  Ponytail seems too simple, so big hoop earrings will frame my face, and a simple necklace should finish the accessories."


As you can see my body temperature had a lot to do with my decision making process.  I really like this outfit, and felt super confident, BUT (here's the important part) I was super comfortable all night, and literally danced all night.  Thanks to my friend June for inviting me out for her special day.  :)

Grey clouds and grey shorts

Umbrella: Target; Shirt: NY&Company; Shorts: American Eagle; Shoes: Guess

 Another rain day, so I thought I would brighten things up with a bright, yellow top.  I'm going out to dinner with friends, and I wanted to be a little more dressed up, and I always find that by adding heels the outfit automatically becomes more put together.  It's interesting what you find in pictures that you don't notice in real life.  I swear I ironed these shorts today, but obviously not well enough.  Oh well, I really like this outfit.  When I show a lot of leg I try to keep the rest of me covered up, but I still feel sexy and put together.  Stay dry!

Shades of Pink

Hat: NY&Company; Top: Forever 21; Dress: Urban Outfitters; Purse: DSW; Shoes: Payless

Today was such a beautiful day and I enjoyed it thoroughly.  I had no desire to do my hair, so throwing on a hat is such an easy fix. One of the things I've learned reading fashion blogs is how to be adventurous with colors.  I would never have worn one color head to toe before, but by staying within the same color family, using different textures, and keeping the accessories simple I think this outfit makes sense.  Hope you all had a great weekend and stay cool!

The Difficulty with Glasses

Top: Kohl's; Pants: French Connection; Shoes: New York Transit; Earrings: Forever 21; Glasses: America's Best

I've been wearing glasses since I was fourteen, and ever since then I've always preferred (for the most part) myself with contacts.  It's not that I hate my glasses, and in fact I like the nerdy look they give, but 90% of the time I try an outfit I thinks that it would look better sans glasses.  I recently had to buy new glasses, and figured that I should try to challenge myself by finding outfits that work with my glasses. I find that if I pull my hair back my frames don't overwhelm my frame. Also, I did what most people do with flowy tops=structured, skinny pants.  Finally, I love the extra texture the feathers give to an otherwise neutral sandal. So this is what I came up with.  How else would you guys wear glasses?

Easy Peasy



Dress: S&A Beads; Bag: DSW; Necklaces: Costa Rica, Glad Rags

I LOVE breezy, summer dresses.  All you have to do is throw on the dress, a few accessories, and outfit done...easy peasy.  It's also great for shopping.  Today was the first time I shopped at M street in Georgetown with my friend Lauren, and trying on clothes was super easy, because I could just through this dress on and off. On another note, I have a ton of hair, and today I didn't know what to do with it.  It was just everywhere and I kept putting it up and then down, and overall I had a bad hair day.  We all have one of those.