Boots of Spanish Leather

Dress: Thrifted, $6 // Blazer: Vintage Levi's, thrifted, $1.50 // Necklace: Wild Man Vintage, $13 // Boots: Vintage Anne Klein via Wild Man Vintage, $15

My shoe collection is pretty extensive, but one area that always feels lacking is basic tall boots. I recently found these brown leather beauties for half price and have been wanting to wear them with everything since! We'll see how long the infatuation lasts...

And, no, they're not Spanish. I just like that song.

The Versatility Justification

Dress: Kieu's, $40 // Jacket: Target kids' section, $25 // Necklace: Forever 21, $9 // Shoes: alice + olivia for Payless

As someone who loves to go shopping but is also frugal to a fault, I have become a master at justifying purchases. One of the easiest excuses to buy something new is a special event or occasion (wedding to attend, job interview, holiday), but when that fails, I usually play the versatility card. Such was the case with this polka dot frock. As soon as I saw its retro silhouette and classic black & white print, I knew it would be mine. Then came the guilt-minimizing spiel about how I could wear it with a cardi for work, dress it up for evening, dress it down for weekend... blah blah blah. Well, in an attempt to follow through with my promise to myself, I'm going to make a conscious effort to style this dress in many different ways.

Here's the first: I gave it some edge for a girls' night out in Kansas City with three of my best friends. If I look a little rough, it's because this shot was taken at the very end of the night. More variations on this dress to come!

And, out of curiosity, do you guys play these ridiculous mind games like me, or do you just buy what you want and get on with your life?

Pet Peeve

Jacket: Collection via TJMaxx, $30 (purchased with gift card) // Sweater: Gap, $28 // Belt: Forever 21, $3.50 // Shoes: Lucky Brand, courtesy of Lucky Magazine // Scarf: Courtesy of LOFT

One of my biggest clothing pet peeves is pilling! This morning, I was sad to find my big Gap sweater riddled with those pesky little fuzzies. The cool, gloomy day gave me such a strong desire to wear something cozy, that I overlooked it this time. 

Delightfully Disheveled

Blouse: Vintage, thrifted, $6 // Sweater: Forever 21, $22 // Trousers: Old Navy, $9 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Target, $9 // Ring: Courtesy of Accessorize

I may look like I just rolled out of bed, but I'm actually about to hop into it. Picture-taking happened very late today. I promise I looked a bit more polished at the office. You'll just have to use your imagination.

Shelter from the Storm

Blazer: Vintage, thrifted, $1.50 // Romper: Better B. via local shop, $25 // Necklace: Forever 21, $9 // Shoes: Lucky Brand, courtesy of Lucky Magazine // Umbrella: Gift

This romper hasn't gotten a whole lot of wear since I bought it last summer, but for some reason it just jumped out at me yesterday. I really like the idea of layering with a romper, and the combination ended being just right for the mild but cloudy day. It's been rainy the past couple of days. Though the ever-worsening mud is a nuisance (that has sullied about half of my shoe collection), I love rainy days. 

Kansas Couture in Style Sample Magazine

 Check out the latest issue of Style Sample magazine! I'm featured in the Blogs to Watch section.

Jumping the Gun

Blazer: Vintage, thrifted, $1.50 // Shirt: Vintage, thrifted, $6 // Cords: Gap, $11 // Hat: Payless // Sandals: Ciao Bella via TJMaxx, $30

I just couldn't resist donning this summery straw fedora and sandals (again) to complete this yacht-worthy look. The fifties just feel so warm after a long cold winter.