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 The sunshine of last week has been replaced by wind and rain, but I'm thrilled to be able to walk outside without needing at least four layers.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!