Apartment Tour: Part 1

It's a Kansas Couture first! I've always intended to do an apartment post, but I've never actually followed through. My place was never quite "perfect" enough to document with pictures. Not completely decorated, completely clean, completely organized...whatever. But I've come to realize it never will be, and that's a-okay! I've moved EVERY SINGLE YEAR since I graduated from college, so that's seven different dwellings. Historically, I've had a love/hate relationship with interior decorating. Between my shoestring budget, notions of what I think my apartment "should" look like (versus the reality) and my lack of natural organization skills, I would get really frustrated and eventually give up before I felt the place was complete. Then, each time I moved, I would have grand plans/delusions for my new digs...only to fall back into the same pattern. Though my latest apartment is not perfect, I feel better about it than any of my previous ones. In fact, I love it! Because I relocated to a new city, I had a very strong nesting urge, which caused me to put a lot of energy into creating a home. Now that I'm getting older, I feel less of a need to fit in or live up to a standard. I've honed in more on my personal taste, and I trust my instincts. I go along with trends I like and ignore those I don't. Rather than trying to stick to a specific aesthetic or plan, I throw together things I love for a kitschy, colorful hodgepodge that is totally me. Here's part one of three: the living room/office!

Injeanious

I'm a diehard denim-lover for life, duh! It's easy to wear and always feels right, especially when doubled up. This weekend get-up was ideal for biking around the city, hitting up a flea market and finishing the day at a local dive. Isn't my new(ish) bike adorable?

Shirt: H&M
Jeans: H&M
Shoes: Vintage
Necklace: Vintage
Hat: Thrifted
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Sips and Sounds, Volume 9

Vol. 9

The Sip: Let It Beet

The Sound: The Beatles, Let It Be

The Beatles need no introduction or explanation. I've been listening to and loving them since I was a little kid. Thanks to a great record store, I've been getting reacquainted with old favorites lately. They have a section of well-loved classics for about three dollars a pop. The sleeves are beat up bad and there are scratches here and there, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Passed through many hands and heard by many ears, they've lived a long life before reaching me. Not to mention, I will mess up a crisp new record with carelessness in no time. I can't have nice things!

On to the cocktail. If you ignore the booze, this one packs a nutrient-rich punch! It's filled with fresh fruit and vegetable juice, and you don't need a juicer to make it. 

LET IT BEET

Shake the following with ice: 1.5 oz rye whiskey, 2 oz beet/apple/ginger juice and a squeeze of lemon. Pour in a coupe glass and enjoy!

To make the juice, chop up one apple, one beet and a few inches of ginger root. Blend in a regular blender with a bit of water until combined. Push through a sieve or strainer bag. This combination makes about a cup of juice. It may have you feeling a little like Lady Macbeth by the end, but it's well worth it!

High Contrast

After my white jeans were ruined in a laundry mishap awhile back, I've been jonesing for a new pair. The thrift gods obliged, and I've been wearing these puppies a lot ever since. I've long been a lover of monochromatic looks, and white from head to toe feels so fresh as we head into spring. I broke things up with a few pops of contrast for a cool, casual look.

Tee: Cheap Monday
Jeans: Thrifted
Boots: H by Hudson
Button-up: Thrifted

Oregon & Again

Having grown up in the woods, I've always appreciated the power and beauty of nature. That said, strenuous hikes and lengthy camping trips are definitely not my favorite things. Living in Oregon, it's impossible to ignore the incredible majesty of my natural surroundings—both within the city and particularly beyond its boundaries. I'm feeling more outdoorsy than ever, and this vintage Oregon sweatshirt has become my unofficial uniform for leisurely adventures.

Sweatshirt: Vintage
Blue Jeans: H&M
Black Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Converse
Hat: Old Navy

Written in the Stars

I absolutely love to host, and part of throwing the perfect party is coming up with a cute yet comfortable look. Jumpsuits are the perfect solution because they're effortlessly polished, a bit playful and less fussy than your average cocktail dress. This particular jumpsuit is a dream come true for me. It's classic black, but the tiny star print adds some whimsy. It's petite, so it's perfect for a shorty like me. And, the waist tie and sleeves make for a nice, balanced shape. Score! Opting for silvery shoes and my shooting star necklace to complete the celestial theme, I felt great for my shindig, and a good time was had by all!

Jumpsuit: Corey Lynn Calter (secondhand)
Shoes: J.Crew (secondhand)
Necklace: Anthro

Hang Tough

While my style has arguably become more minimal, I can't say that it's ever been badass. One recent rainy morning I resolved to wear all black—a fail-proof move of which I rarely take advantage. And, hey, I felt like a cool kid for a day!

Sweater: H&M
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Jacket: H&M
Boots: Hunter
Bag: Fossil