Black & White

H&M shirt, old Target tulle black skirt, Urban Outfitters black heels, Hue tights, clutch from Buffalo Exchange, iPhone case Agent18 from TJ Maxx

It's been a long time since I was drawn to the classic combination of black and white. 

This season is all about black and white for me. I have already worn this outfit twice and just purchased a black and white dress for a few holiday parties coming up. To mix things up, I had to throw in this clutch purchased a few weeks back at Buffalo Exchange. I love that it's out of my comfort zone with the see-through front and skull with sparkle eyes. It also fits with my color philosophy of working in threes. Meaning, I like to have three colors in my outfit. This one being, black, white, brown. 

And don't even try to convince me black and brown don't go together. 

Same goes for black and navy, I love that too. And that's serious.

PS. Happy 12/12/12!

How many random thoughts can I include in one post?

what i wore: portland blogger SEO event

j.crew factory stripe sleeve shirt and jeans, black sleeveless shift Lush Nordstrom BP, Target black fringe booties, 

Target clutch {major clearance!}, necklaces gifts from friend and grandma

I wore this to the Portland Blogger Meet Up on Saturday. The boots are a very recent purchase and I can already tell I'll be wearing them a lot. When I picked up the booties, I also picked up that Pendleton-esque clutch {$5!} and then went back two days later to get them for my best friends too. I've been wearing a lot of black lately and especially this black shift shirt/dress. The clutch, the booties, the black, are a little different from my normal style {sequins, bright sugar plum fairy colors, skirts} but I'm loving trying out new styles and working them in with what I already own. 

My basic style philosophy is Never Say Never.

{thanks Biebs for that song and movie btw}

That doesn't mean I have to try every single trend, but it also means I try not to say things like 'I can't pull that off' {unless it's metallic booty shorts or something super revealing... but that's more I don't want to try and wear that}. It makes trying trends fun. 

I think it just takes a little extra confidence to try a new style or look. 

That doesn't mean I confidently love everything I wear.. There are definitely days where I change half way through or decide I'll avoid a certain style but there are other days when I wear something to work and a co-worker says I look like a mix between a ballerina and a cowgirl and I'm keeping everyone on their toes and I love that sort of feedback {I take it as a compliment usually}. 

Basically, I just like to try a lot of trends to see what I'll hold onto. 

This topic came up at the Portland Blogger Meet up so I figured I'd share my thoughts! 

I'd love to hear other's fashion philosophies!

skirt/dress

This skirt is really a dress. 

Dress as skirt: Old Navy, Shirt: F21, Shoes: Nordstrom Rack, Belt: J.Crew, Clutch: American Apparel, Glasses: Nordstrom, Bracelet: J.Crew, Watch: Fossil

leather sleeves

Shirt&Jeans: J.Crew, Jacket: Target, Vest: Old Navy, Bag: American Apparel, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses: F21, Flower: H&M, Ring: Gift {amazon}

After seeing so many leather sleeve jackets (like here) and then seeing Krystal of This Time Tomorrow style her Old Navy vest & black leather jacket this way, I knew it would be easy to recreate. I know it might look like I just got this cute pair of blue flats but it's a sham, I've had them forever and I'm just now rediscovering my love for them. This is why I never get rid of anything.. 

And how do you like my awesome Kate Middleton/Princess Diana ring? 

On another note... You're Invited! 

West Elm in Portland is holding a few events and I wanted to make sure everyone heard about them. Both sound so fun and I am really hopeful I can make it to both. 

::From West Elm::

The first is Customer Appreciation Night on Thursday, 4/26 from 6-9pm. We’ll have light refreshments, demonstrations, a raffle, and we’ll be offering customers 10% off throughout the event! Please feel free to share with your readers, and RSVP to the store at 503.224.4480.

The second is our Pop-Up Flower Shop taking place on three upcoming Saturdays from 10am-3pm – April 28, May 5 and May 12. We partnered with Solabee Flowers & Botanicals, a beautiful local florist, who will offer advice on how to arrange flowers and have plenty of fresh flowers for purchase. Check out the West Elm Front & Main blog to see all the cities where the flower shops are popping up!

Celebrate Spring Break

I couldn't help but take more photos with my birthday balloons.

This champagne bottle turned into a 'Celebrate it's Spring Break!' balloon

Shirt: H&M

Pants: Gap

Necklaces: BaubleBar & Nordstrom Rack

Clutch: J.Crew Factory

Birthday necklaces; BaubleBar large monogram from grandparents & long gold from Jordan

I have some plans this week but mostly focusing on enjoying the week off from everything.

I'm getting ready for my last term of undergrad and a very busy spring!

Balloon from The Lippman Co. Party Store

friday fun

Happy Friday everyone!

Some fun new things I got this week:

Picked up one of the last clutches at J.Crew Factory in Woodburn. On sale+student discount!

Beautiful monogrammed necklace from BaubleBar {mentioned here}, a birthday present from my grandparents! 

ps. did anyone see The Hunger Games last night?

I did. and all I can say is, I stand by my choice of Team Peeta. 

and I loved the movie. 

Pop of Color

Here is one more hot pink accessory! 

I dream of this one from ban.do, but at a fraction of the price, this one from forever 21 is amazing!

Anyone know where I could find a similar light pink one?

Dress worn as shirt: No label from Buffalo Exchange, Skirt: No Label thrifted, tights: Hue, Booties: F21,

Clutch: American Apparel, Belt: Target, Flower Pin: F21, Bracelets: F21, Target, J.Crew, Gifts, Watch: Gift Fossil

Things I got this weekend: 

Clutch via American Apparel {purchased with my College Budget deal from this post}, necklace from my mom,  I <3 You vases, two pairs of Dolce Vita look-a-like wedges {purchased for Liz, since Bend Target was out of her size}, clearance grey wedges for me {all from Target}

How was your weekend? Any fabulous deals or finds?

Holiday 2011 wishlist

Holiday 2011 wishlist by samantharosen5 featuring an animal print clutch

J crew
$198 - jcrew.com

J Crew animal print clutch
$138 - jcrew.com

OPI Nail Varnish - Rainbow Connection 15ml Health & Beauty |...
£11 - hqhair.com
A great budget friendly option is Milani Jewel FX 

Graphic Image 2012 Personalized 7" Notebook Planner/Crocodile
$70 - saksfifthavenue.com
A great budget friendly option is from Gallery Leather (monogrammed of course!)

Glitter iPhone case
$25 - jcrew.com

Amazon.com: Fossil Women's AM4334 Maddox Rose Gold Mother-of-Pearl...
$90 - amazon.com

Pleat Week: Day 2

Old Navy did it again. Skirt & Shirt from Old Navy. This clutch is from a vintage flea market I went to with my mom recently. Two weekends ago, my mom got a pedicure while my sister and I got manicures. I chose this OPI 'Ate Berries in the Canaries' purplish pink color. Later I added Milani Gold Jewel FX to my ring fingers for some added sparkle.