Minimal Mood

T-Shirt: Target

Jeans: Proenza Schouler 

Sandals: Random Street Stand

Well, this outfit represents my official foray into the minimalist end of the style spectrum. I recently developed a greater appreciation for simpler sartorial choices because: 

1) For most of my semi-young life aka since I was given liberty with my choice of garb, I've used clothing as my form of self-expression to such an extent that I feel that it's become the only thing I use to project my identity to the world. And I know identity and monogamy are mutually exclusive because identity is fluid and constantly changing blah blah blah but I am going through a period of massive change aka I'm growing up and becoming an adult and facing a domesticity I never knew existed (it still kinda doesn't because I'm mostly eating at our cafe at work but I'm sorta cooking for dinner etc etc) so I feel different but not a tangible different that I can mold and project in any graspable way for myself or others. So. I'm embarking on some belated prepubescent self-experimentation and stepping away from the theatrics of my chameleon sartorialism to see if I can express myself without using clothes in order to regain a solid grip on my present self. Does that make sense? I don't know it doesn't completely make sense to me either but I'm trying to rediscover myself in a horribly cliche manner and I can't go on a Kerouacian road trip across the US so stripping my personal style to minimal bones (on most days/for now) will have to do. Ok, that's enough psychoanalysis for one blogpost.

2) Basic is the new black. Just kidding, black is always the new black, but I do think it's impressive when one manages to look effortlessly stylish without being all decked out in various forms of apparel and jewelry. French girls in the fashion industry, I'm looking at you. So yeah, I guess I'm attempting to channel that French girl cool into my daily look, but fear not, I still plan on whipping out my quirky ensembles every so often because my affection for the weird and strange and unique is still here. (Sorry mum. Sorry boys.) 

Before I transition into the music portion of this post I just have to holla at THE OUTNET because I found the above pair of Proenza Schouler jeans on their site for only 44 dolla dolla bills y'all!!! I mean, when does that ever happen?! They were originally almost $300 and I managed to score them for $44. Probs my most successful purchase of all time. If you're looking for designer clothes for insanely cheap deals, I recommend scouring the site. One of my friends recently bought a Moschino phone case for 20 bucks, which is also like WUT cuz they're usually over $100. So go go go! I'll just be here trying to subtly show off my new wrist tattoo in photos. Ha. 

Music

Carrie & Lowell (Album) by Sufjan Stevens

In For The Kill (Cover) by London Grammar

Dancing On My Own (Cover) by Calum Scott 

P.S. I stumbled upon this quote and it really resonated with me so I'm gonna share it here because maybe it'll really resonate with you too: "That detail of yourself that you want to throw away, hold onto it. It will make sense one day."

xx

These Days

Necklace: Forever 21

Top: Forever 21

Skirt: Miss Selfridge 

Booties: Charlotte Russe

Bracelet: Kate Spade 

These days, I've been trying to adopt a more minimalist look into my wardrobe. I said this to my friend the other day whilst sniffing a mango scented candle in Anthropologie & wearing a fuzzy pink sweater, a denim mini skirt, black tights, owl printed ankle socks and 3 inch flatform sandals. (See here.) He responded with a huge guffaw, which was well-warranted given my ensemble, but hey it's a process ok & the above outfit represents my foray into the "less is more" style pool. 

To keep things chic and sophisticated, I opted for an all-black-everything look by pairing a black velvet halter top with a black leather midi skirt. For shoes, I went with my spiked booties because I always have to have a touch of personality in my outfits even when I'm in (an attempted) minimalist mode. To spruce the look up a biiiit more, my maximalism added a chunky gold chain necklace & a Kate Spade bangle that says, "CRAZY TOWN". Ha ha ha. Then, I curled my hair to elevate the look with a dash of formality. 

It's not a completely minimalist ensemble, but it's a start! Stay tuned for more of my misadventures with minimalism. 

Music

These Days by Nico

Nothing but a Heartbeat by Say Lou Lou

xx

Repeat Pleasure

White Button-Down: Thrifted

Shorts: Charlotte Russe

Espadrilles: Ralph Lauren 

Watch: Vintage

Mustache Ring: Gift 

Since the whole normcore trend has been pretty pops as of late, I decided to give it a go. With minimalistic roots, the proudly basic craze intrigues me. Although I'm definitely a maximalist when it comes to personal style, I am admittedly fascinated by simple outfits that manage to look effortlessly cool. It was quite difficult to leave my hats in the closet and just throw on a two-piece ensemble with zero embellishments, but this is what I came up with. In salute to the sporty facet of normcore, I slipped into my athletic shorts from Charlotte Russe. To add a dash of formality to the casual, I opted for my loose-fitting button-down aka the best shirt in my wardrobe. I'm pretty sure I've worn this top at least 20 times this summer, but I don't care because it's comfy and I have a weakness for oversized garments. After glancing in the mirror and deciding that the look was a tad too boring for my taste, I tied half my hair up in a bun to add some quirk. My mum said I looked like a Chinese warrior, but whatever I dig it and maybe I want to be a Chinese warrior when I grow up. Just kidding; I don't. Violence frightens me.

I'm too tired to write anything else, but I've been listening to this playlist on Spotify called 'Songs for Sunsets' and stumbled upon some pretty sweet tunes. Listen if ya want to take a peek inside my head. Or heart. I don't know, whichever comes first. 

Music

Devils Touch by TIAAN

Between Us by Peter Bradley Adams

Blood Stutter by Handsome Ghost 

Let U Know by How to Dress Well

xx