Spain: Fashion for the Seasons

I promised in my last post that I would create one about typical outfits I have seen in Spain, so here it is! I tried to create outfits that fit for the different seasons here thus far.


This is an outfit that I saw lot of during my first multiple weeks here. A lot of girls (specifically teenage) would be rocking a tight cami that ended just above their hip bones, or above their belly buttons depending on how risque they wanted to be that day..., jean shorts, black platform sneakers (platform sneakers are a huge trend here for young girls), and of course a small backpack. I´m not sure that you´d see me walking the streets in this outfit, but it´s definitely a European look that I saw when I first arrived. It makes sense too though. It was ungodly hot upon arrival so why fuss with anything more than a tank top and shorts?

This next outfit I saw more of in mid September to early October. Printed pants. Everywhere. And people of all ages were wearing them. I wouldn´t even know where to start with them, but people here knew how to style them (for the most part). I saw a lot of people just wearing them with jean jackets which is always a safe way to go when you´re wearing something else so loud. I was even tempted to buy a pair but I knew that I´d only get a couple months wear out of them, and then it´s back to blizzards and below zero weather in Wisconsin. But a lot of other girls in my program bought themselves a pair (super easy to find in stores too because like I said, they were everywhere. And sometimes for less than 10 euro!). Also, I love this style of sandal. I saw some back in the States and wanted one since then, but didn´t realize how big of a trend they are in the hotter months in Spain. I saw people my age wearing them as well as ladies in their 70s. Must be comfortable.

Finally, we´re in Fall. It came quickly too. I feel like in a matter of a couple of days it went from 60s-70s to 40s-50s weather here. So now this is what I´ve been seeing a lot. Not too different from the states I´d like to add. The military green parka seems to be a universal trend (especially the ones with the little dangly strings in the back... you ladies know what I´m talking about... I hope). As well as knee high boots. Another universal fall trend. I don´t think knee high boots will ever go out of style for those of us living where Fall and Winter are a real thing. But don´t quote me on that. It rains here on and off so I also see a lot of Spaniards wearing rain boots on a daily basis, just on the off chance that it might rain. They treat them as a normal day-to-day boot in a sense. I don´t however see many people wearing leggings which is really disappointing since I live in leggings during the colder months. People here still for the most part stick with a pair of jeans. I´ve also seen some people layering their sweaters over collared shirts, which isn´t anything outrageous... but it´s nice to know that they are still putting some effort into their outfits whereas when its cold I just throw on a sweater and call it a day. Oh, and I added an umbrella just because people are borderline afraid of the rain here and are always prepared for the rain. Always.

Fall in Spain

I didn't die, I promise. I'm still here. I wish I could have been a bit more consistent with my blog, but hey ... better late than never, right? People say that, so let's go with that.

If you didn't know, I am studying in Spain right now (what!?). So I decided to take a bit of inspiration from being here to create a look that I would wear here in Salamanca.
Fall in Spain is close to perfect. It's still in the 70's! Although I must say I do miss the chillier weather which comes along with Fall in Wisconsin. I never thought I'd say that. But then again, I hear it's in the 40s and 50s there already, and I do not necessarily wish for it to be that cool yet. So I am soaking up all the sun I can before it starts cooling down.

Back to the outfit I put together. This is definitely an outfit I would wear for the weather here right now. Throw on a pair of jeans, cute booties, throw on a cardigan and you're good to go. You really do not need to pull out the fall jacket yet. You can probably even ditch the cardigan, but I always bring some type of outerwear with me wherever I go since I'm always scared of being somewhere cold and not being reliable to do anything about it.

So yeah, if I owned these clothes... this is what I would be wearing right about now. Actually, I own that dark cherry lipstick but that's a minor detail. I think dark cherry is the perfect color to wear for the fall, especially on your nails, like the one shown in this post. But back to the outfit...essentially it's just jeans and a tee, but the over-sized cardigan, cut-out booties, and chunky statement necklace make it a bit more interesting. I also decided to add the black backpack because most people my age wear little backpacks instead of purses here in Spain. I like this one because it's sleek enough to go with anything and, even though it's a backpack, the gold hardware and geometric lines make it less casual.

Maybe I'll make a "Most-Seen Outfits in Spain" post next... although that title needs some work.

Hasta entonces.

MY SPRING WISHLIST: Accessories/Miscellaneous

Spring is the time when you can finally wear brighter colors and less clothing. When I think of spring accessories, these are the items that I would want.

A big floppy happy is the stand-out piece. Not only will it protect you from the sun, but it will do it fashionably. I love this one because it's made out of straw and has that perfect beach feel. I have really really really been wanting a bright coral colored crossbody bag, and this one is just perfect. It can add a great pop of color into any outfit that is lacking in the color department (which would be most of my outfits). I felt it necessary to include two pairs of shades, because an accessory like sunglasses can really define an outfit. A pair of aviators and a more stand-out pair of circle, cat-eye shades will keep you prepared for whichever vibe you want your outfit to have that day. It's also time to rock bold nail polish. I personally love this blue color by sinful shades which also has a really great formula, and this lilac color by Essie is perfect since nothing screams spring more than pastels.

1. Straw hat 2. Crossbody bag 3. Cat-eye shades 4. Aviators 5. Blue nail polish 6. Lilac nail polish 7. Statement necklace 8. Triangles necklace 9. Kate Spade watch 10. Wen products

11. Porefessional 12. Bronzer 13. Nyx butter glosses

I also wanted to include two different necklaces because while the statement necklace is very colorful and spring-appropriate, I would be more likely to want to wear something lighter and less heavy like the long gold necklace since it's already getting hotter as it is... you might not want something weighing you down. The Kate Spade watch is just a must. Well, for me at least. There's nothing really spring about it, but it's still on my wishlist. Now if you have hair that tends to get frizzy with the warmer weather, investing in a hair product like Wen is great to tame the frizz without making your hair crunchy or feel like there's lots of product in it. Again... who wants to feel weighed down in the spring when it's already getting hotter as it is? The Benefit Porefessional is also a great product which blurs the appearance of pores. And I'm not lying when I say that. I own this product and it is a miracle-worker, especially for the oilier skin types. So put this on before you go out on a hot spring day and your makeup won't run and your face will stay matte. Now for people like me who take a while to get tan, this Physicians Formula "Boosted Bronzer" will help you attain that sun-kissed skin. It's like not other bronzers that will make your face look dirty or too orange, it's the perfect shade for that glowing, tan effect if you just place it in the contours of your face. Last but not least, the NYX butter glosses. These have such a creamy formula and are great for the spring time due to their high gloss, but they won't feel sticky like a lot of other lip glosses out there.

Happy Spring!

LOOK FOR LESS: Gillian Zinser

If you don't know who Gillian Zinser is, you probably never watched 90210. So for that, shame on you. Go watch it. I'm so sad they ended the show... but anyway. Gillian's style is very bohemian, and a bit grungy too sometimes. Her character in 90210, Ivy, even had a very bohemian-vibe. Now I wouldn't normally wear the outfits she puts together.. but I love how laid-back they are!

I chose to do a Look For Less of one of her outfits that I would wear. It's definitely on the simpler and easier-to-wear side of her style, but I like it.

Striped top: $41 JOULES
Denim shorts: $33 H&M
Boots: $74 NASTYGAL
Bag: $53 KANGOL
Fedora: $44 MISS SELFRIDGE
Bracelet: $19 MODCLOTH

What I really like about this outfit is how easy it is to switch up. The only thing that makes it more on the grungy/edgy side is the boots paired with the fedora. But if you change into some ballet flats and put your hair in a bun, it instantly becomes more preppy. Then again if you change into some flip-flops and a floppy hat, it's just a super simple and laid back outfit. She is styling the outfit mainly with accessories which is the way to go!
You can take very basic pieces like denim shorts and a striped top and instantly make it more interesting and more fitted for your style with the appropriate accessories.

Okay. Now go watch 90210 on Netflix.

TOTAL: $264

MY SPRING WISHLIST: Shoes

If I could choose a hefty amount of shoes for the spring... these would be it. I notice now that there really isn't a whole lot of variation among these shoes. I tend to stick with what I know and like, and that is darker colors and sandals with straps. Even the ballet flats have straps, what can I say. I just want to know that I if I buy a pair of shoes, that I can wear them with multiples different outfits. And darker shoes are more wearable (in my opinion) than colored shoes.

Anyway! These are the shoes that I would love to rock during the spring. As far as the simple black flip flops go... I added those because I literally own zero pairs of flip flops. I know, weird... who doesn't own a pair of flip flops? I just would rather wear strappy sandals. The whole thing in between your toes freaks me out... but I hear that Old Navy's flip flops are super comfortable.
I had to add a pair of espadrilles. I made a whole post on what to wear with espadrilles, but I just love them. I also love the rubber Birkenstock-style sandals from Zara. I had to include both the pink and black pair. I can't choose, might as well choose both. Steven Madden came out with the "ecentric" shoe which has been extremely popular for the spring (the cheetah printed one). Forever21 has a decent dupe for them (the black pair underneath the Steven Madden ones). They don't have the faux fur like Steven Madden's but I don't care much for the fur anyway.

What are your must-have shoes for the spring?

1. Espadrilles: $79, ZAPPOS
2. Black Sandals: $60, ZARA
3. Ecentric: $100, STEVEN MADDEN
4. Black Slipons: $26.80, F21
5. Colorblock Sandal: $69, URBAN
6. Black Flip-flops: $2.50, OLD NAVY
7. Faux-Leather Slipons: $19.80, F21
8. Cross-Strap Flat: $29, URBAN
9. Color Bio Sandal: $60, ZARA

MY SPRING WISHLIST: One Pieces

Here comes another series. Yep. I'm trying to start a number of consistent posts. I still plan on doing the "Look For Less" series but a girl can multitask.
I desperately need to go shopping for spring and summer clothes. I feel this happens every year.. whenever it comes to winter I say "I have no winter clothes!" and the same goes for when spring and summer rolls around.. I feel like I have very few clothes for the season. Where do my clothes go?? Or is it that trends are just changing so frequently and I can't keep up. Either way, I can't be alone here.

I'm really digging solid color one pieces for the spring, if you can't tell. Zara has some really nice solid dresses and rompers/jumpsuits. Not only are solid colors a nice pop of color for the spring, but they give you tons of freedom to accessorize. I included a black romper because not only is black my favorite "color" to wear, but it almost acts like an LBD (little black dress). It's just as much of a staple to me in the warmer months.
I'm also not one for form fitting clothes... I'd be surprised if you ever see me in a bodycon dress. That's why I am very on board with the recent shift dress trend. I also love rompers and (some) jumpsuits because they are so easy! There's no need to find a top and bottom to put together... your outfit is already planned for you. And I'm okay with that.

1. Printed Romper: $18, F21
2. Coral Jumpsuit: $80, ZARA
3. Blue Dress: $36, ZARA
4. Grey Dress: $40, ZARA
5. Black Romper: $22, CHOIES

LOOK FOR LESS: Alexa Chung Pt. 2

I couldn't resist making another post about Alexa Chung. I felt that it wouldn't be doing her justice to just post one of her outfits. Her outfits can be so different! It was only fair to post a more casual outfit as opposed to the formal one from my earlier post.
ANYWAY. If I saw these clothing pieces individually... the black overalls, the chunky knit, the muscle tee... I would not imagine putting them in an outfit together. That's what I love about Alexa's style. She puts outfits together that I would not have thought of myself. I'm not saying that this outfit is outrageous or anything, I just give her credit for her ability to dress outside of the box, if you will.

Overalls: EBAY
Muscle Tee: F21
Cardigan: TOPSHOP
Clutch: HSN
Booties: H&M

This outfit of hers seems to be a mix of the generations. She's got a grandma knit cardigan, overalls making it more kiddish, and a muscle tee which is a trend more for my generation (those in their 20's). Bravo, Alexa. You pulled it off. I know that the muscle tee isn't the exact one she is wearing, but she is a huge fan of Kurt Cobain so I figured it would be appropriate.
We should all just start buying individual clothing pieces that we find interesting without thinking, 'what can I wear with this?' If you like it -- GET IT. Eventually, you might surprise yourself and wind up with a mix of pieces in order to put together an all-together pretty unique outfit.

TOTAL: $235

LOOK FOR LESS: Alexa Chung

It seems like everyone has a "style icon" these days... someone whose style they admire and want to achieve. If I had to choose one, Alexa Chung would probably be the girl that comes to mind first. She achieves this cute mix of preppy and grungy. This outfit that she is wearing actually exemplifies that perfectly in my opinion. It's still preppy to a certain extent because of the formal collared blouse, but she adds edge with the leather pencil skirt and strappy heels. This is definitely a more done-up look of hers. I might do another Look For Less of one of her more casual outfits.

Blouse: ZARA

Leather Skirt: H&M

Heels: TOPSHOP

TOTAL: $185

LOOK FOR LESS: Kylie Jenner

I'm starting a look for less series where I find a celebrity's outfit that I like and find similar clothing pieces for a cheaper price.

To start off the series... Kylie Jenner. I love how Kylie's style has become a lot more casual and grungy. Her style looks so effortless and this outfit is exactly that. Boyfriend jeans, converse, and a crop top. So effortless and casual.

1. Crop top 2. Boyfriend Jeans 3. Crossbody bag 4. Converse 5. Shades

Her bag is originally Marc Jacobs and her crop top is from Alexander Wang. Talk about $$$$. I found the crop top from Forever 21 while the crossbody bag is from JCPenny and serves as a decent dupe in my opinion. You can't go wrong with Converse and the boyfriend jeans are from Gap. Lastly, the shades are only $14 from the British website "Monki."

Total: $160

Chilly Day in Milwaukee

I hadn't seen my best friend, Hayoung, for four months because we go to different colleges, but being on Spring Break right now I had the opportunity to hang out with her last Wednesday when both of our spring breaks overlapped a bit. It was so good to finally see her. A typical day with Hayoung includes her doing my makeup (she is a makeup artist), going to Bayshore mall and shopping around Milwaukee, and going out to eat. Nothing is better than that.

But now since I have this blog, we thought it would be a great idea to go into the city and take photos of me that I can post on the blog! I want to keep it interesting for you guys and not just post outfits. It would be nice to do this more often, but it was just a great opportunity to do this while we were visiting each other.
This is a typical outfit that I would wear during this time of year. These colored jeans are my favorite pair of jeans I own because they are as comfortable as leggings. The shoes are one of my more recent purchases from H&M, and I'm pretty sure you can still get them on sale online! They are half off... can't beat it. I would have spruced up the outfit probably with a chain necklace but I left all of my necklaces at school.

Pants: H&M

Belt: H&M

Shoes: H&M

Sweater: H&M

Cardigan: Forever 21

Watch: Target

Purse: Gifted from my sister

(The H&M overload was not planned, I swear)

Despite the fact that our hands were freezing and it was a bit cloudy, it was an overall really great day spent with my best friend. Be sure to check our her blog too! She posts really cute outfits and makes YouTube videos about all sorts of things including vlogs, makeup tutorials, etc.

Here is a recap of our day:

BALENCIAGA

I styled this next outfit around the Balenciaga boots. Aren't they just so badass? I've seen people like Miley Cyrus rocking them, as well as one of my favorite bloggers who I've already mentioned on here, Jules.

You would think that these boots could only be paired with a grungy outfit since the boots are pretty grungy themselves, but you can pair them with jeans and a sweater like Miley did, or even a skirt and blazer like Jules did.

This is what I would personally wear with them most frequently. Some distressed denim, a tee, some layered necklaces, and a fedora like the one shown. How would you wear the Balenciaga boots?

1. Jeans 2. Tee 3. Green Pendant Necklace 4. Gold Disc Pendant 5. Crescent Necklace

6. Boots 7. Crossbody bag 8. Fedora 9. Shades

One Dress: Three Ways

It is essential to have a piece in your wardrobe that is versatile enough to be worn many different ways! Who wants to wear a piece of clothing the same way all of the time? Versatile dresses are a great staple to have. You can dress them up and dress them down. You just have to make sure that the fit and fabric are not too casual and not too fancy. This dress is perfect because it is casual enough to be styled during the day, but sleek enough to be dressed up at night.
Here are three outfits I paired with the dress to make it appropriate for different occasions.

1. Chambray top 2. Necklace 3. Flats

I made the dress more casual with the chambray top, but it is still a bit dressed up with the mint, jeweled statement necklace and red flats. Wear this to a lunch date/meeting or when you're just trying to look like you put a little more effort into your outfit. You could dress this down more by switching out the statement necklace for a pendant or charm necklace like this one and switch out the flats for some converse sneakers.

1. Leather jacket 2. Necklace 3. Heels

Adding a leather jacket to a dress is the perfect way to make it appropriate for going out at night. It immediately makes the outfit more edgy. This spiky statement necklace is also appropriate because it adds even more edge paired with the leather jacket. Since your colors so far are just black, gold, and blue.. choose a pair of brightly colored heels. These orange, fish scale heels work well because orange is blue's complementary color and they add texture to the outfit.

1. Cardigan 2. Necklace 3. Sandals

This outfit would be great on a summer day. I picture wearing this outfit for going to the park, or even wearing over a bathing suit for a day at the beach. It's easy enough to slip on and off, and the nix the cardigan if it's especially warm out.

ESPADRILLES

I really want a pair of espadrilles. They are the perfect shoe for the summer. They're comfortable, easy to slip on, and can go with a lot of different outfits. Here are three outfits I have put together that I would pair with espadrilles.

1. T-shirt 2. Necklace 3. Boyfriend Jeans 4. Espadrilles

1. Similar style romper here 2. Sunglasses 3. Fedora 4. Espadrilles

1. T-shirt 2. Layered necklace 3. Spike Necklace 4. Shorts 4. Espadrilles 5. Bag

JCREW//MADEWELL

1. Sweater 2. Skirt 3. Sunglasses 4. Watch 5. Bracelet 6. Crossbody bag 7. Belt 8. Shoes 9. Socks
10. Necklace

OUTFIT INSPO

You must check out Jule's blog. She has great style, and seems to always travel some place new which you see in her blog posts. Here is an outfit she wore while she was traveling and it really makes me yearn for warmer weather. Looking at her outfits and blog posts just make me want to go to some tropical beach so badly.

1. Panama hat 2. Romper 3. Sandals 4. Crossbody bag

READY FOR SUMMER

The weather these past couple of days has been so nice considering it is February in Wisconsin. The high was 40 degrees on Wednesday. That is just unheard of. I've been feeling extra anxious for summer due to the recent warmer temperatures. This outfit is the outcome of this desire for everything that comes with warmer weather: the beach, being tan, not having to wear jackets, etc.

1. Bustier top 2. Sunglasses 3. Kimono 4. Sandals 5. High waisted shorts

EVERY DAY

If I could wear the same outfit every day... this would be it. I just want to be comfortable while looking good at the same time. Not to mention I am in love with everything going on in this outfit. For starters, stripes is my favorite pattern. I always naturally gravitate toward stripes when shopping... I just can't help it. I also love biker boots -- they are so comfortable and easy. Also, as you can see, black the color that I rock the most. It just goes with everything and I find myself always wearing black. But I make up for that with a bright and bold lip color. I love red/orange lips and this one by Nars is great because it is a gloss so you don't have to worry about it drying out your lips. I also like to accessorize with long, dainty necklaces -- especially gold ones. So the one in this outfit is perfect. Big fedoras are also a great accessory. I don't currently have one in my possession, but, trust me, I'm working on it. I feel like they just complete an outfit, even one as casual as this one. I added the cubic zirconia earrings because I wear them every day. I have no idea how to wear long earrings, so I always stick to studs. To finish it up, give me a vanilla white mocha from Caribou and I am good to go and ready to start my day.

1. Striped top 2. Necklace 3. Black leggings 4. Nars Lipgloss in "Wonder" 5. Biker Boots

6. Fedora 7. Stud earrings

THROWBACK

Yes, yes, yes. Yes to this outfit. I know a lot of people (including my boyfriend) would hate this outfit due to a number of reasons. The chunky platform sandals, the leather paneled leggings, the chain necklace. But I am so digging it. I was browsing Jenn Im's instagram and became inspired by her eccentric and quirky style. Her outfits are very 90's inspired. So I put this piece together to express my throwback mood. I can't help but hear the song "The Seed 2.0" by The Roots when looking at this outfit. Or even "Scenario" by A Tribe Called Quest. Listen to them while looking at this outfit and you'll under the feel I'm going for.
Here we go, yo. Here we go, yo.

"THROWBACK"

1. Jean jacket 2. Peplum cable knit sweater 3. Leather paneled leggings 4. Chain necklace
5. Sunnies 6. Sandals 7. Rings 8. Beanie

Meet My Best Friend

My best friend, Hayoung, has always had her own fashion sense. I like to call her style "ghetto chic" and you'll see why...

I've become inspired by her style and decided to create some outfits that I could totally see her wearing.
She has her own fashion blog too, so be sure to check that out to get more style inspiration.

"GHETTO CHIC"

1. Bulls hat 2. Khaki/Pleather jacket 3. Black pants 4. Timberlands 5. Grey tank top

This is an outfit that I feel like Hayoung would wear every day if she had a choice. Just because it's so laidback and comfortable, but still totally her style. I had to add the Chicago Bulls hat since she is from Chicago, and I'm pretty sure she actually owns one of those hats. She might even own a jacket very similar to the one in this outfit. Either way, this is definitely the first outift I picture when thinking of something that Hayoung would wear.

"NIGHT OUT"

1. White blazer 2. Black tank top 3. Kate Spade watch 4. Hot pink heels 5. Sequin shorts 6. Clutch

This is something I can picture Hayoung wearing for a night out. Say she was going to the club, this would be her outfit of choice. She loves Kate Spade, bows, and a pop of color... so this outfit is perfect for her. Even though it has a blazer, it's appropriate for going out because of the edgy cut of the blazer as well as the sequin shorts and bright heels.

What To Wear For VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that you either love or hate based on whether or not you have a significant other. But I don't think celebrating the holiday should be contingent on that fact! Valentine's Day is a fun holiday to dress for the occasion, even if you'll be spending the evening alone or with friends. Here are some outfits that I have put together to provide inspiration for your Valentine's Day outfit.

"PLAYING HARD TO GET"

1. Tweed and Ponte Dress 2. Moto Jacket 3. Diamond Stud Earrings 4. Red Heels

The girl wearing this outfit has an edge to her. There are a lot of textures going on with the leather and suede heels, leather jacket, and the tweed and ponte dress. Don't be afraid to play with texture! You still get the Valentine's feel with the statement red heels and flattering silhouette of the dress.

"BUDDING LOVE"

1. Sweater 2. Necklace 3. Crossbody bag 4. Flats 5. Skirt

This outfit is a little sweeter but still fashion forward. The crossover skirts are very on trend right now and give off a classy feel even with the floral pattern. Pair the skirt with a sweater to make the outfit more cozy, just like this cropped sweater from Topshop. Loafer flats and the black crossbody bag keep the outfit appropriate for the daytime. And you're sticking with the Valentines theme with the floral pattern and red/maroon sweater!

"LAID BACK VALENTINES"

1. Red Leather Shirt 2. Long Cardigan 3. Bracelet 4. Boyfriend Jeans 5. Kitty Flats

If you don't want your outfit to scream Valentine's Day, this is a great option. You don't need to wear a dress or skirt in order to celebrate the holiday. Even an article of clothing that incorporates the red/pink theme works! Pairing this red leather tee with the boyfriend friend jeans is perfect for the girl that wants to feel laid back and not put too much effort into the outfit. And I personally just love the kitty flats. Any pair of black loafers would work though. These just add a bit more personality to the outfit.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!