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You can always rely on spring to bring the safari trend back around. Some seasons the perspective is literal, using camouflage and leaf prints. Other seasons the perspective is more utilitarian, bringing back cargo pockets, flowing linens, and belted waists. 

The latest Spring runways inspired me to abandon certain things in my closet, including a lingering pair of skinny cargo chinos. But it also inspired me to revive this old Marc Jacobs dress (which I’ve nearly parted with on several occasions). 

I bought this dress a few years ago, while I was still living in Austin. Spring safari trends were very chino and utility oriented, but this dress felt embellished enough to be work appropriate. I hadn’t exercised it very much since relocating to San Francisco, but there were a few combinations on spring runways that inspired me to do something a little different with it: the first was, obviously, the safari trend, and the second was the 70′s revival of tunics over pants. While this combination isn’t exactly on par with the flowing bohemian styles of the 70′s, I thought it better to pair a relatively fitted dress over a more tailored trouser. 

Shiny Shoe Sunday

One of the great benefits of California weather is that you can pretty much wear everything in your closet year round. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with daytime looks that incorporate cropped sweaters and crop-tops, making them more appropriate by wearing over a dress or tunic.

Here, I’ve worn an AYR shirtdress over my favorite Chimala jeans and added a crop top to define the waist. I put this look together specifically to wear with my new Sophia Webster x J. Crew sandals, which I just scored on super sale at J. Crew. Since the sandals are really reflective, I wanted a simpler, more relaxed look everywhere else. Also pictured, one of my favorite color combos of late: navy and coral (on the lips). 

OUTFIT DETAILS - AYR tunic; Nasy Gal Sweater; Chimala Denim; Sophia Webster x J. Crew Sandals; Everlane Petra Bag; NARS Niagara Lipstick

Have a badass 2015!

A few weeks ago, as I was walking back to my office from getting a coffee I had a realization that I was wearing an “outfit”, that I had a “look”, and that I felt awesome! I’m not a supremely self-confident person on a regular basis, so I actually like to stop and acknowledge moments in my life when I DO feel good about myself. This particular moment really solidified for me the notion that fashion, styling, and creative self-expression can sometimes be the most powerful tool for us to develop our most confident and successful selves. When the clothes that you wear are making you feel your best, you can take the mental space that was making you feel fat or self-conscious or [insert your perceived flaw here] and focus on other things that you REALLY want to be thinking about. So, yes, I believe that the clothes do make the wo/man 

One of the main reasons I finally started posting content a few months ago (after nearly 10 years of false starts) was precisely because I was at a low point and felt like I just needed some accountability to dress better and be better. The supporting goal in making that statement was to help other people find their best, most badass selves that will make them kill it every day. I’m looking forward to the chance to connect with more people in 2015 and go on this journey together. 

Here’s hoping everyone has an extremely badass 2015!

OUTFIT DETAILS - American Apparel Turtleneck Dress; AYR Pants; Helmut Lang Vest; J Crew Necklace; Luv AJ x Jewelmint Rings; Express Mules; NARS Roman Holiday Lipstick