Fall Layers

Floral Cut Out Dress: Forever21; Polka Dot Button Up: Madewell; Polka Dot Tights: H&M; Green Oxford Shoes: Banana Republic; Leather Hand Bag: Vintage Coach; Ring: Vintage; Leather Belt: Vintage

I love the warm weather that comes with the summer months, 

but I'm ready from some cooler fall weather, 

which means one thing: layers!

I love layering clothes

because it's so interesting to see the different kinds of textural combinations that you can create. 

The weather is (obviously) still beautiful in California, 

so there was no need to layer a jacket. 

Instead, I layered this floral cut out dress over my staple polka dot button up, 

finishing the look with a pair of polka dot tights. 

Can't wait for fall to officially hit...

I have so many jackets that are dying to get out of my closet!

xx,

Akl

Vintage Dots

Magenta Cardigan: Forever21; Polka Dot Blouse: Vintage; Geometric Shorts: BDG, Urban Outfitters; Leather Bag: Cole Haan; Shoes: Chucks; Navy Sunnies: Nordstroms 

My sister, who works in costume design, is visiting at the moment. 

She gave me this awesome vintage polka dot blouse from one of the sets. 

I love the collar on this blouse! The collar has an awesome shape. 

Once the fall season hits, it will look really great layered under a dress. 

xx, 

Akl

Anchoring Down the Mix & Match

Blouse: UK Style by French Connection, Sears; Anchor Pants: Forever21; Oxford Flats: Urban Outfitters; Necklace: Stella & Dot; Stone Bracelet: Vintage, Circa 1960s;  Sunnies: H&M; Bag: Vintage Coach

As I said in the last post, I'm obsessed with mixing prints. 

Sometimes it is fun to be a bit bold with it: 

color blocking or pairing obvious pattern combinations can be a bit bland at times. 

These anchor pants are such a great fit and the print is too cute. 

The color of the pant looks great against the green hues in the blouse. 

Also, I am absolutely in love with this vintage bracelet, which belonged to my great aunt. 

Each stone has beautiful details, which have been carved into the stone. 

When I walked out of the house, I thought this might have been too much, 

but after looking at these pictures, this might be one of my favorite looks yet. 

xx,

Akl

Dots on Dots on Stripes

Polka Dot Cardigan; Polka Dot Blouse: Madewell; Striped Skirt: UK Style by French Connection, Sears;  Flats: Steve Madden, TJMaxx; Necklace: Forever 21

PRINTS, ON PRINTS, ON PRINTS!

But really, I am kinda obsessed. 

This skirt is such a steal-- only twenty dollars!

I love the French Connection line at Sears, 

honestly one of my favorite places to find good quality and trendy clothing. 

xx,

Akl

Pretty Dress

Magenta Cardigan: Forever21; Dress: Sway; Studded Flats: Steve Madden; Necklace: Forever21

I love this dress from Sway, because of its pretty flow and delicate layered look. 

It's so comfortable and can be worn in a variety of ways. 

I snagged these Steve Madden flats for only $40! 

Who isn't obsessed with studs right now?

I was quite pleased with that purchase. 

xx,

Akl

Put A Bow On It

Shirt: Sway; Shorts: BDG, Urban Outfitters; Loafers: Cole Haan; Clutch: Madewell; Hair Bow: Forever21

Yes, the title is a Portlandia reference...

except I am less of a bird person and more of a bow gal. 

I love my new Cole Haan loafers that I snagged at Nordstrom's anniversary sale. 

They are a great classic shoe that is comfortable and chic. 

One really can't go wrong when wearing a good pair of shoes. 

xx,

Akl

Hot Summer Afternoon

Lace Hi-Lo Tank: Forever21; Floral High Waisted Shorts: TopShop; Green Flats: Steve Madden; Jade Necklace: Vintage, circa 1970s; Sunnies: H&M; Hoops: Forever21

The last few days have been beautiful in California! 

The weather has been scorching, so I decided to wear this loose fitting lace tank. 

I love its gold button details and peter pan collar-

so girly-but the hem gives it a bit of an edge.

This season, I don't think anyone can go wrong with floral print. 

I snagged these Top Shop shorts for under 20 dollars, 

while traveling in England two summers ago. 

I wanted to give a very special thank you to my friend Katie, who took these pictures for me! 

She was such a great sport and I think we might have found a new career outlet for her:

art direction! 

xx,

Akl

P.S. Total DC whore, not sorry about it!

Mid Summer

Blouse: Sway; Skirt: Forever 21; Oxfords: Franco Sarto; Clutch: H&M; Silver Ring: Recent gift from my parent's Swedish trip; Bracelet: Vintage; Other Rings: Vintage

The summer months have been rolling by fast--

cannot believe it is almost the end of July!!

I wore this look to work yesterday, so the longer skirt was an appropriate necessity. 

I also love this cut out blouse from Sway, especially its metallic studded collar!

xx, 

Akl