Vintage Florals

 {vintage dress found in Amsterdam, J.Crew necklace, J.Crew shoes (on sale!), Coach bag}

This dress is one of my vintage finds from Amsterdam. I debated purchasing the dress, mostly because at the time it was forty degrees in Amsterdam (and, though it was April, showed no signs of warming up), but also because I happen to own another floral silk maxi dress that is strikingly similar.

However, the vintage hoarder in me, who tends to believe that a closet can never have enough floral print dresses (see evidence here, here, and here), won out. I couldn't leave that store knowing I had left behind such a beautiful print (and who could resist those delightful oversized buttons?). 

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Day in the Park

These photos were taken during one of my last days in Amsterdam, while in Vondelpark, one of my favorite spots in the city. It's an expansive park filled with fields of grass, lush trees, and beautiful ponds. When the sun comes out, droves of Amsterdammers flock to Vondelpark to lay out, bike, picnic, and everything in between.

I'm wearing a dress from Laura Dols, my favorite vintage store in Amsterdam. It's definitely one of my favorite treasures that I picked up while abroad. I absolutely adore the whimsical floral print and the tulle underlay that gives the skirt such a flouncy shape. This dress pretty much makes me feel like a fairy princess.

After a whirlwind last couple of weeks, I have arrived in New York for the summer! I start work today, and couldn't be more excited. Now that I'm here, I can't wait to get back in the groove of blogging. Next up? A few more posts from Europe, and then I'll get down to work-outfit posting.

Old and New

{J.Crew blazer, J.Brand jeans, American Apparel tee, Madewell loafers (similar), Ralph Lauren belt (similar), scarf via Amsterdam boutique, vintage Conte Max messenger bag found in Rome, Michael Kors watch, Dara Ettinger ring, MAC Ruby Woo lipstick}

I just got back to Amsterdam from a crazy 12 days away that included trips to Istanbul, New York, and Rome. I picked up some lovely treasures on my trips, including this vintage leather messenger bag. I debated on whether or not to purchase it for quite a while, but given that it was in such a gorgeous, rich color, in excellent condition, and very practical for bike riding around Amsterdam, I pulled the trigger- and I'm so happy I did! Once I brought it home and realized I could fit my DSLR in it as well, there was no looking back--this bag is my new best friend. 

With the temperatures resistant to warming above the forty degree zone, I'm trying to infuse some springtime in my daily dressing with bright colors: I love the prep-inspired mix of red, mustard, and navy. Plus, a red lip never hurts. 

{for more on my study abroad travels, click here}

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Remixed

{vintage blazer via Shareen's, Urban Outfitters hat and flannel, J.Crew cords, Madewell boots, Flea Market Girl necklace, MK watch}

To say that I'm getting a little tired of the clothes I have here in Amsterdam is quite the understatement. Although I packed my two suitcases to the absolute brim (space bags were utilized, and I was well over the 50 pound limit), I feel like I have fully exhausted all outfit options-- twice over. Part of the problem is that I really didn't have a lot of cold-weather clothes to begin with; living in Los Angeles, and previously, Austin, doesn't exactly necessitate a warm wardrobe.

But, since I'm pretty much stuck with the clothes I have here, it's time to start putting the powers of re-mixing to work. Now that we're no longer experiencing Siberian temperatures, it's almost bearable to wear, say, a blazer instead of a coat (at least during the peak-warm temperatures of the day, after which I have to retreat to my home to put on another layer), like I did with this outfit. Though I'm by no means a hat person, this accessory was perfect for adding a little something, since I've worn all of the other items excessively since I arrived here. I also tried to mix up as much texture as possible: flannel, tweed, corduroy, and leather. 

The result? An outfit that feels refreshingly new, instead of one that I've put on too many times to count. Plus, it fits in with the androgynous vibe I've been seeing in a lot of the street style here that I have really come to covet. 

P.S. I've gotten quite a few emails regarding my header, which was created by my friend Jessie. She just started her own blog, which showcases her amazing work. You should most definitely click on over to check it out, right here. 

{for more study abroad stories, click here}

{for my Teen Vogue Fashion Click page, click here}

The Big Red Door

{Zara shirt, Urban Outfitters jeans, Madewell jacket and loafers, Target belt, Coach purse, Flea Market Girl wishbone, Invicta watch, Amsterdam boutique scarf}

While looking for a place to take photos last week, we stumbled upon this positively charming red door around the corner from our favorite breakfast joint, right across the street from our apartment. It's like a barn in the middle of Amsterdam!

Speaking of red, I recently picked up this shirt at Zara in a moment of desperation: I was craving color. After weeks of neutral-hued outfits, I was ready for a bright change. This steal of a shirt--on sale for 7 euro!--did just the trick, and, coupled with my new favorite mustard scarf (purchased from an adorable shop in the middle of Amsterdam), pulled me right out of my dreary-colored funk. Although I've created some very strict guidelines for myself in terms of shopping abroad (more on that later), I must say that these two purchases were worth every cent. Retail therapy indeed.

{my study abroad tumblr is here}

{Teen Vogue Fashion Click posts are here}

Americana

{vintage Tommy Hilfiger sweater, Uniqlo shirt, J. Crew riding pants and coat, Madewell boots, Michael Kors watch}

As a study abroad student, I constantly avoid being labelled as a tourist by locals. Whenever an Amsterdammer begins speaking to me in Dutch, I am thrilled beyond belief. Unfortunately, the Dutch language is impossible to comprehend or mimic, so the jig is immediately up when I must sheepishly admit I don't speak the language.

But sometimes, and on this day in particular, I feel like my clothing is a dead giveaway: I'm an American. Here I'm wearing a vintage, mid-1980's Tommy Hilfiger sweater (stolen from my mom)-- something I'm shocked I've never worn here on the blog, as it's one of the most loved items in my closet. Combined with riding pants and classic leather boots, I feel quite true to my American roots in this prep-inspired getup.

more study abroad notes: here

Navy Days

{Madewell shirt and rain boots, J. Crew puffer vest, Urban Outfitters jeans, Flea Market Girl locket, Invicta Watch}

It's finally in the 40's in Amsterdam, but we're so thrilled by the climate change that we act as though we are experiencing beach weather. The sunshine of last week has been replaced by wind and rain, but I'm thrilled to be able to walk outside without needing at least four layers.

Unsurprisingly, I've realized that at least half of what I packed in my two suitcases is navy. Luckily, I love the nautical look, especially when paired with these prep inspired, lace-up rain boots.

Now that the weather is more tolerable, I'm hoping to be able to update the blog more frequently! In the meantime, check out my study abroad tumblr, if you please. 

And in other news, I am so excited to announce that I am now a Teen Vogue Fashion Click blogger! I'm honored to be a part of this program alongside so many incredibly talented women. Click on over to check out personal style from around the world, and if you feel so inclined, press the heart icon to "like" my post! 

Going Dutch (Or, how I learned to beat the freeze.)

{Madewell parka, jeans, and scarf, Elizabeth and James shearling sweatshirt, J. Crew gloves, Urban Outfitters boots, Uniqlo socks, Flea Market Girl necklace}

I'm so excited to finally be able to post from Amsterdam! It's been a little over one week since I arrived, and perhaps the most shocking change of all has been the weather. My last outfit post seems like it was from a different world--I'm now becoming accustomed to temperatures about 65 degrees colder than the weather I left behind in Los Angeles. But I've finally figured out the clothing that keeps me warm while avoiding the giant snowball look. 

Layering is crucial, of course, and this E&J shearling sweatshirt has so far proven to be the most valuable cold weather item I brought with me. 

With Europe experiencing the coldest winter in recent memory, including record amounts of snowfall, these UO boots have proven to be incredibly essential. I've barely taken them off since arriving.

To document my study abroad experience, I've also started a Tumblr. 

Hope to be posting again soon from warmer temperatures!