Roots

Shirt: On loan from Leslie Kay // Blazer: Vintage, thrifted, $3 // Jeans: Courtesy of Jessica Simpson Collection // Shoes: Courtesy of Wanted // Beret: Forever 21, $8

I love showing my Kansas pride, and what better way than with one of LOLA artist Leslie Kay's beloved tees. Since the shirt has some attitude, I went with an edgy look featuring Jessica Simpson tuxedo jeans, cool buckle flats from Wanted and a snazzy sequin beret.

This is the last of my LOLA posts, and you know what that means: the sale starts tomorrow! If you live in the area, head over to Van Go between 12 and 7 on Saturday or between 12 and 5 on Sunday. Support independent artists and shop local this Christmas!

Color Collision

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Sweater: Thrifted, $1 // Jeans: Forever 21, $15 // Shoes: Merona via Plato's Closet, $6 // Earrings: Courtesy of Awava // Armwarmers (see below): On loan from KitMit

While I love bold colors, I tend to use them fairly conservatively by pairing them with neutrals. Lately, though, I've had the urge to mash up bright hues to create crazy combinations. This ensemble started with these gorgeous beaded earrings from LOLA participant Awava, a fair trade organization that provides economic empowerment to women in Uganda. From there I added the blue cardigan and fuchsia shoes. All in all, it's a pretty basic outfit, but the colors make it feel fun!

Now that we're in the thick of winter, keeping warm has become a priority. Luckily, there are lots of cute outerwear and accessory options out there, like these adorable handmade armwarmers by LOLA artist KitMit!

Color Me Happy

Dress: Forever 21, $20 // Sweater: Old Navy via Salvation Army, $4 // Boots: Forever 21, $26 // Scarf: On loan from Kate E. Burke

I have another beautifully detailed handmade scarf to show off today! This one by LOLA artist Kate E. Burke of Honeytree Gallery. Inspired by the bright embroidery, I pulled out a bold orange dress that I've only worn once before. I thought I didn't like it anymore, but layering it up in a new way gave me a fresh perspective.

Happy, happy Friday! What are you doing this weekend? With party-filled weekends on the horizon, I want this one to be low-key and productive with chores, Christmas shopping and plenty of rest. Also, keep an eye out for my Thrifty Gift Guide!

Ultra Violet

Sweater: Thrifted, $3 // Skirt: Lucca Couture, courtesy of Lucky Magazine // Tights: HUE via TJMaxx, $5 // Shoes: Forever 21, $26 // Scarf: On loan from New Flight

To highlight this pretty cotton jersey scarf, handmade and embroidered by LOLA artist New Flight, I added another pop of purple with the tights. A slightly metallic grey skirt and rugged sweater complete the look.

It's interesting how my new hair color is affecting my style choices. While I typically gravitate toward warm, earthy tones, I've found myself much more apt to wear both cool, icy shades like silver and lavender as well as bold, primary colors like bright red. Also, my eye make-up has gone from brown to black. I'm reveling in the fun little changes.

Giving Thanks

Coat: French Connection via Gilt, purchased with credit // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Boots: Wild Man Vintage, $15 // Hat: Forever 21, $8 // Scarf: GAP, thrifted, $1 // Barrette: Courtesy of Mixed Media

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine was perfectly low-key including my outfit. My priority was staying comfortable and warm, but I wanted to add a festive touch. This sweet little barrette by LOLA artist Mixed Media totally did the trick. 

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, Christmas is in full swing! I adore Christmas time and kicked off the season yesterday by putting up some decorations, listening to my favorite Christmas songs, sipping egg nog and watching Love Actually with friends. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for my Thrifty Holiday Gift Guide and other holiday features.

Faux Friday

Cardi: Target, $10 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Boots: Courtesy of Famous Footwear // Scarf: Target, $13 // Hat: Payless // Cuff: On loan from Butternutsquash

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, I was definitely in a Friday frame of mind this morning and found myself reaching for a simple, casual outfit. There were, however, a few details that made this ensemble feel special. The bold chartreuse color of the cardigan. My new leopard print scarf that I anticipate wearing constantly. And, most of all, this eco-chic cuff by LOLA artist Butternutsquash. Can you believe it's made out of cardboard? The artist specializes in jewelry and home decor made from recycled materials and found objects.

Are you going to shop this weekend? I tend to avoid the Black Friday madness, but I will probably make it out at some point. For all you online shoppers, my sponsor Scarpasa is having an incredible sale right now! Save 50% off sitewide November 25 - 28 with the code Friday2010.

In case I don't manage to post tomorrow, I just wanted to wish you all a happy holiday. There are many things I'm thankful for this year including everyone who reads this blog! It truly means so much to me.

True Blue

Tunic: Prototype via TJMaxx, $10 // Leggings: Courtesy of Bluefly // Shoes: Ciao Bella via TJMaxx, $30 // Belt: Thrifted, $2 // Earrings: On loan from Early Jewelry

I felt like a hippie cowgirl in this ouftit... one of my favorite fashion mash-ups! It all started with these beautiful earrings by Early Jewelry. I thought they paired perfectly with the denim tunic. Rather than taking the easy way out with black leggings, I decided to go for this tie-dye pair, which I've been challenging myself to wear more. They're not quite my style, but I think they're super cool. Brown leather accessories round out this quirky combination. And, yes, it was warm enough for sandals when I wore this yesterday!

What a Hoot

Dress: Courtesy of Kitty Reese // Sweater: Old Navy via Salvation Army, $4 // Tights: HUE via TJMaxx, $5 // Boots: Wild Man Vintage, $15 // Necklace: On loan from RED Designs Jewelry

I was on a roll this week and then got knocked down by a nasty cold! All is well, though, because today I'm introducing an exciting new project. Local folks might be familiar with LOLA, a collective of local female artists. Leading up to their huge holiday sale, LOLA GIANT (December 11th and 12th), I will be featuring work from some of the designers in my daily outfits. For those who don't live in the area, many of these amazing artists have websites.

This look features the awesome Owl Totem Dress by Kitty Reese. The artist screenprints her whimsical animal illustrations onto comfy American Apparel and Alternative Apparel garments.

To top it off, I'm wearing a gorgeous geode necklace by Rachel Dempsey, owner of RED Designs Jewelry. The artist creates intricately beaded jewelry inspired by Native American aesthetics. Her website is launching soon, and I will let you know when it does!

Stay tuned to see more pieces from local artists!