outfits and observations

hi--
i have been inactive on this blog for a while now, and i just wanted to let anyone still following know that I have a new blog. It's is outfits and observations (outfitsandobservations.blogspot.com)! I would be thrilled if you followed it and kept up with how my style is evolving!

thanks!

Claire

Happy (embarassingly belated) Holidays

Once again, I am tremendously apologetic for the lateness of this post! My SD card was being extremely uncooperative, and I was too in love with this outfit to keep from sharing it.

I hope you all had a very special Christmas and New Years! Santa was a generous man this year; cranberry Doc Martens, an espresso machine, and The Lumineers album on vinyl were among some of my gifts. What did you receive? For the week of New Years, I traveled with my family to Phoenix to cheer on Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl! 

For this Christmas Day look, I aimed for a vintage glam feel. The angelically flowing top was an older find from Vintage Violet, the black pants are my current favorites, and the boots were buried on the bottom of my disastrous closet (probably since they're a size-and-a-half too small, but they worked). I went for a partly-pulled-back curled hair look, a more dramatic eye, and my first public effort at dark lips. 

Love,

Claire

simplydaringblog@gmail.com 

Santa Monica

While in California in November, my family stayed in what has to be the most perfectly placed condo. Located directly across from the Santa Monica pier, all it took was crossing a two-lane street to reach the beach. An easy bike ride would get us to Venice Beach; we took that trip twice. The vivid palm trees and active community was the exact change in scenery I was craving at the time. We were also blocks away from the 3rd Street Promenade, which is home to some exquisite shopping. I shamelessly hit up Brandy Melville, Nordstrom, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Free People, and many others. Throughout our whole four day adventure, the sky was painted a magnificent pale-blue and the weather was equivalent to that of an ideal day in late May. 

{Forever 21 tee, Brandy Melville cardigan and rings, American Eagle jeans, Steve Madden boots}

It's safe to say that my style aesthetic has been greatly influenced by what I saw in California. I've been loving mixing rocker looks with carefree pieces and also keeping it my own by adding in my classic staples. Lately, the vast majority of my outfits are black and white; it can be so graphic and edgy and simple all at once. For this outfit, I combined my favorite black pants with a graphic tee, then added my black and white speckled cardigan and favorite combat boots.

{at the end of the SM pier}

{classic shot}

{the famed sign}

{so fascinating to actually watch people on these}

{new Brandy knuckle rings}

{gorgeous cappuccino from an Urth Cafe breakfast} 

Quick note: Oh, how filling it feels to be blogging again! It was a tough, but also very needed break from doing what I love. For me, blogging had gotten to the point where it was just a point of worry. I'm a typically anxious person, and honestly I was just stressed about how I looked in pictures, how I was presenting myself through writing, and how my blog compared to others. Now, after that extensive break and having more time for things that I truly enjoy, I am back! Also, I have a post involving my Christmas outfit coming-- there are difficulties with importing the photos, but it should be up soon.

Love,

Claire

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Where Have I Been?!?

I have been absent for a ridiculous amount of time, and I really am sorry. I've had a crazy busy schedule this year, but our computers have been the thing that's really messing me up. The one that I import pictures to has been messed up, so I haven't been able to upload any pictures, making extremely frustrating! I've done some exciting things including L.A. last month, but I haven't been able to share any of it. I'm hoping to fix some of these issues when I have more time over the break, but I thought you deserved an explanation. I'll find a way to do some posts over break no matter what. I miss blogging so much!! You can follow @simplydaring on Instagram where I will be posting some upcoming outfit of the days.

Love,

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Fall/ Winter Wish List 2013

Last year, one of my post popular posts was my fall/ winter wishlist! I think this is a super fun post because it's an excuse to go online shopping and mentally create perfect outfits. Also, I want to apologize for being so off the grid. Freshman year has been hitting me hard. Anyways, enjoy this season's wishlist!

White Converse- Like everybody else in America, I'm obsessed with white converse right now. I think the high-top version makes any outfit so much cooler, and they go with seriously everything. I actually picked up my pair in August and have been wearing them nonstop. 

Polka Dotted Tights- Fun tights are the best way to keep skirts, dresses, and cutoffs still wearable once it gets chilly. This pair is unique but still simple!

Black Skinnies- American Eagle jeggings may just be the best pair of pants you will ever find. They feel like leggings and  are ultra-flattering, well-made, AND affordable. This pair and my ripped pair from last year have been on constant rotation.

Kimono- I love the pretty, effortless look that comes with kimonos. This one from Brandy Melville looks perfect for any time of the year due to its neutral colors. Layering it over jeans and a tee would easily create fall and winter outfits.

Metallic Sweater- Sweaters are usually all I wear besides button downs when the weather allows it. I wanted a cozy one that still had shine, so I picked up this beauty at Maude last month!

The xx Shirt- It's no secret that the xx is my favorite band! I know this isn't an official band tee, but it would be so perfect oversize with a cardigan, combat boots, and leggings.

Nude Flats- I feel like neutral flats are something that every girl should own, but I don't have any. This pair from Lucky is on my list because of the light color and elegant design.

What are you purchasing for the colder seasons?

Love,

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Warming Up

{Target dress, American Eagle vest, Steve Madden boots}

For the approaching fall season, it can be fun to use creativity for making summer pieces still work. Today's outfit would be perfect for a crisp, early fall day. (Pretend that happens in Arkansas; it's either burning or freezing, except for today's perfect weather.) Adding in pieces like boots, sweaters, and pants is a super easy way to make the transition. 

Although I've never blogged it, this printed dress has been one of my favorites since I picked it up at Target last spring. To warm it up more, I threw on this absolutely perfect military vest. My tan lace up boots added to the earthy tones, and jewelry was an easy finish! I wore this outfit to church the other Sunday, and I'm sure it will be repeated soon.

{pictures by tori}

Love,
CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com

Summer Favorites

This summer I fell in love with so many different styles, events, and new things. So many unforgettable memories were made with my best friends. Here a just a few of the things I loved most in summer 2013:

Fashion:

Cutoffs- These babies from Vintage Violet were by far the most worn piece in my closet.  They're perfectly bleached and distressed; plus they can be worn with literally anything.

Chacos- I wear these shoes at some point every day from March to October. They are the most comfortable, easy to slip on, durable sandals available to purchase. This is my third year wearing this pair, and they're still perfectly intact.

Tie-Dye Dress- This denim dress from American Eagle is so versatile and wearable! It's fit is ultra-flattering as well.

Striped Maxi Skirt- The soft material of this skirt tricks you into thinking you're wearing sweats-- but you look cute! A super easy way to wear it is with a basic tank and statement necklace. Worn here.

Printed Tie Top- Wearing this tank adds a different feel to any pair of shorts! The colors in the print are all so fun and perfect for this season. Worn here.

Random:

Two Door Cinema Club- I've been listening to this band non-stop because their unique, upbeat sound is perfect for summer. Some of my favorite songs from them are "What You Know", "Undercover Martyn", and "Sun".

Sweet Tea- This was the summer I became unhealthily obsessed with sweet tea and drank more than any human ever should. It's wonderful.

Candy Crush- HUGE DISCLAIMER: DO NOT START THIS GAME IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY. It's ridiculously addictive, and you will fall into the trap that was the indirect cause of my first iPhone breakage.  Way too much of my summer was spent on this game. But I still love it.

Rend Collective Experiment- Oh my goodness, this is the most joyful, praising, uplifting band! Any song by them leaves me smiling and wanting more of Jesus. Listen to "You Bled", "Movements", "Build Your Kingdom Here", and "Second Chance".

Wakarusa- That weekend was an experience I will never in my life forget. Here is the full post I did on it.

What did you love this summer??

Love,

CLAIRE

simplydaringblog@gmail.com