Invincible

It's that magical time of year once again, fashion's most recognized, most touted, and most insane stop in NY before moving on to London, Milan and Paris to see what's going to go down next season.  Every year at this time, when the weather is cooling off just slightly and the possibilities feel endless, I dive into my Street Style board and get inspired.  I kind of felt invincible in this outfit. 

Madewell blazer, LNA skirt as dress, Bacio 61 heels, Stella & Dot bracelet, & Melinda Maria ring

What are you inspired to wear for fall? 

Anatomy of An Outfit: #24HrsInDetroit

 

It's safe to say that one week ago, my life changed.  I experienced two musical legends {who aren't done yet!} performing their hearts out to an amazing Detroit crowd, while sitting with a few of my best friends.  I spent an incredible 24 hours in Detroit with the Legends Of The Summer, and it was 100% worth it.  Now... to the outfit.  

The denim vest is the single most important piece of my summer wardrobe, I layered it over this basic black Gap tee, tied at the waist with rolled up sleeves.  The outfit was completed with this voluminous navy skirt from H&M {old}, it's very girly, but when paired a couple of pieces that are a bit tougher, it's perfect.

The full look was pulled together by a few of my favorite pieces of jewelry, a vintage cross from Atlantis Dry Goods, Kelci nameplate, various rings, and my new Madewell heels, super comfortable for a night full of dancing. 

The final look, so ready to dance all night.

My Insta-Life: The 4th & Beyond

 July was a perfect month filled with a visit home to see my amazing family and some friends, and a visit from two of my favorite people.  This is just a peek at what happened on Instagram last month, but if you want to stay updated on the daily, follow me here. 

New shoes, and a wine + berry filled girls night kicked the month off right.

 My trip home was punctuated with many trips to the beach, and a neighborhood fireworks spectacular.  And if you don't believe that beaches are a thing in Michigan, I invite you to watch this tear-jerking, goosebump-inducing, Pure Michigan commercial.

 Boat rides were enjoyed with the best people.

 Saying goodbye to the sandy shores, and crystal clear Lake Michigan water was tough, but then I got to come back and work an event for Banana Republic featuring their gorgeous Holiday 2013 offering.

 Towards the end of the awful New York heatwave, I hit the beach with some friends.  It was perfect. 

 Later in the week, friends and I convened at Brooklyn Bridge park for a night of laughter, and amazing conversation, with some pretty perfect views.  A sunset, and Ample Hills ice cream are really all one needs for a blissful evening.

FRIENDSSSSS!! The Jenny's came to town, and it was wonderful.  At work we had to say goodbye to one of the "dolls," and we fittingly brought Barbie's footwear out on the town with us. 

The month ended with a quiet night at home enjoying fresh flowers, and a new candle.  

Can't wait for what this final month of summer brings, p.s. how is it already August??  

Summer Showers + Sneaks

When it finally did rain in New York, after a week of expecting it every day and never getting it, I was happy to be in a super comfy outfit of ripped up jeans, a breezy American Apparel top, and Madewell Keds.  This MZ Wallace bag has served me well for almost three years, and I don't know what I would do without it.  More than just being a great go-to bag, it also paved the way for my Leopard obsession, and for that I'm eternally thankful.

I'm heading out for my week long Michigan vacation tomorrow, what are you doing for the 4th? 

Urban Safari

This week I busted out all of my tribal, and safari-esque pieces and wore them in one outfit.  Knowing that I was going to be wandering around in this week's intense NY heat, I wanted to keep layers to a minimum, so I popped on this dress that happens to have a huge, non-work appropriate, open back, and topped it with my favorite safari vest from Madewell.

I finished the look off with my Bacio 61 wedges {they're so comfortable!}, and my Rachel Roy x FEEDProjects FEED India Bag.  Each FEED India bag feeds 100 children in India, such an awesome cause.

High Winds & A Headscarf

I'm happiest when I'm getting dressed for weather between 50º and 70º.  Luckily for me, New York is loving the mid-60's lately so I decided to bust out a skirt san tights this week.  I did have some minor troubles trying to wrangle the skirt, it's none too flattering in moments of high winds, but it worked.

In the morning while I was tying my new scarf {$5 find} in my hair, I knew I looked like someone or something and it wasn't until mid-day that I realized it was Rosie the Riveter.  It's odd, but I'm willing to embrace the look because I have a feeling it's gonna be a staple this summer especially since I'm growing the bangs back out! 

Head scarf, vintage; chambray shirt, j.crew; skirt, vintage Oscar de la Renta; booties, aldo

Crochet & Medallions

When we experienced 80º weather this week in New York, I couldn't help but get excited for the upcoming summery-ish weather and that's saying a lot because super hot summer days and nights usually make me angry.  While the world isn't remotely ready to see my glow in the dark legs quite yet, I had to put together this cute look with my new J.Crew skirt.  

The medallion pattern reminds me of an old scarf that my mom used to wear or an old tie that my dad would have owned. The top is from TJ Maxx, the necklace is from Madewell and the jacket is Gap {borrowed from my roommate}. 

What are you ready to wear this spring & summer?

A Touch of Thrift

On Wednesday I got dressed with a little bit of pep in my step and it wasn't even until later in the day that I was reminded that it was the first official day of spring, I had apparently dressed for the occasion anyway.  Like I said in an earlier post, I feel like I lost my "put effort into getting dressed" groove this winter and I'm trying desperately now to get it back.  The "it's spring, jk it's not" weather is not helping, but the whole, sun doesn't go down until after 7 pm thing is.

top: thrifted, skirt: LNA, booties: aldo, jacket: tj maxx (similar here: ), bag: c/o @felsull, lipstick: poppy king for j.crew

I rarely wear this top, but I love it tied up with this skirt.  I found it while thrifting in Charleston and I fell hard for the pattern and colors.  It will feel like spring soon enough my friends and when it does I will rejoice in the tree blossoms, soft breezes and sunshine.  For now, have a great Saturday! 

Confessions Of A Pack-a-Holic: Home For The Holidays

My name is Kelci, and I am a pack-a-holic.  

By the time that this posts I'll be through security and waiting patiently for my 9:25 am flight back to Michigan, but I knew I had to share my story.  When I admitted to my co-workers and friends that I went home for Thanksgiving with 3 different chambray shirts, I knew I had to at least TRY to curb my addiction to overpacking {this time I'm only bringing two}.  

 This time I went through and organized casual items first.  3 pairs of pants, black jeans, skinny jeans, and the wonderfully addictive Pixie Pant.

I'll mix and match these major items with a few other basics that I threw in the suitcase, and I've added the dressier pieces below for Christmas Eve and any other couple of events that will go down next week.

My lovely boots & booties, will be heading to Michigan, and add in my new running shoes and another pair of heels {that I'm still contemplating ditching} for the dress up above and that is it for shoes.

Last but not least, the outerwear.  I'll be wearing the camel colored coat to the airport tomorrow since it's obviously the heaviest and I've packed the two other jackets as well.  I guess that seems excessive, but baby steps people, I love leather jackets.

Generally speaking It seems as though I've done an okay job, however I'm still contemplating the addition of one or two minor pieces {another tee & a thin cardi?!}, the whole putting everything out before putting it in the suitcase seems to be the answer moving forward.  Last but not least I still need to add my jewelry, toiletries and my sad semi-broken computer.  I will keep you posted on the success rate {i.e. bag poundage}!