Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Yes, You Can: Mix Prints Like a Pro

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I used to be a monochromatic dresser until I realized that print mixing is doable and doesn't require any additional shopping - just look in your closet as you read my tips! 

This post is part of my new "Yes, You Can" series - keep checking back on Wednesdays for more!

  1. Start by taking inventory of the different prints and fabric textures in your closet. If prints are intimidating, look for textured pieces. In this post, I created depth in my outfit by wearing a lace/eyelet skirt and sheer top. You'll probably find that you have a 1-3 different types of prints and textures represented in your wardrobe, leading me to my next point...
  2. Pick two or three prints or textures to be your staples. I usually rely on stripes, camo, and leopard/cheetah print pieces. I have a couple tops, dresses, jackets, and accessories in each of these that work well together. 
  3. Stick with colors you are already comfortable with. If you don't usually like bright colors, use a black and white striped dress as a base, then build on that with an unbuttoned plaid or camo flannel around your waist and a clutch or shoes in a contrasting pattern - like cheetah print. For more ideas & inspo, check this post or this one. 

Other easy pairing suggestions --
  • Suede is HUGE this fall. Use texture to your advantage! Grey suede pairs especially well with lace for a soft, feminine look.
  • Floral + gingham or checked print
  • Polka dots + plaid
  • Stripes + plaid
  • Plaid + cheetah print
  • Camo + cheetah print 
  • Camo + stripes

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5 Tips to Travel on a Budget

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In the spirit of my newly wandering soul and semester abroad, I have come up with two fabulous travel-themed guest posts by ladies who actually know what they're talking about. Here's #2 - written by Alisa Kaiser. Find her travel tips and amazingly honest ramblings over at Wordly. 

Ah, the world. Beautiful countries with so much to explore. I get it – you want to see it all. Put that cookie down and let’s plan your budget travel to the next destination of your choice.

1.     Know your limits.

“This summer I went backpacking through Europe. We slept on the roofs of the buildings, ate everything on McDonald’s $1 menu, and stayed at the sketchy hostels. It was great!” -- And it probably was. But let’s face it: a shower would be nice, a feeling of security is a nice bonus, and obesity was not on the ‘to do’ list. You don’t have to go away for 2, 3, months at a time. Plan your trip accordingly: if you typically go camping for only one night at a time chances are you won’t enjoy a 3 month trip... And you might start stress-eating. And stress-shopping. Or both! …while trying to change your fly out date to a closer one while you pay through the nose in fees. No-no.

2.     Do your research.

Explore the city before you get there. Hours on google maps are not required, but knowing that an uber/lyft/cab ride from Queens to the Upper East Side will cost you your daily budget might come in handy. But it would have been nice to just hail a cab and go…. Back to the point: getting lost in order to get the feel for the city is my personal must. But getting found is an insufferable part of it. Otherwise you might start stress-eating. Or stress-shopping. Or both! …while trying to request an uber paying surge pricing.

3.     All praise Couchsurfing.

The. Best. Creation. Of all time. And if you are trying to google all the couchsurfing-went-wrong stories: stop. Go back to the Tip #2. If you see something on the person’s profile that even remotely makes you uncomfortable – don’t send a request. Every online platform is full of creeps – you just have to be cautious and look for the red flags. It is OK to leave your CS place if your host is not what you expected: safety comes first. Nothing will make your experience better than staying with a local. For free. You will be gaining an accommodation for the night and a friend for life.
Make your profile look friendly, open, and inviting. “Empty” accounts attract ‘empty’ people. We don’t want you to start stress-eating. Or stress-shopping. Or both! …while booking a night at the very expensive hotel.

4.     Invest in shoes before your departure.

Chances are you are going to be walking. A lot. Your feet are going to sore and your whole body is going to be exhausted by the awesomeness of your surroundings and the high altitude of your singing soul. Your shoes will see the world with you. Don’t you want them to be special? To be the best? Keep you warm and be there for you?

5.     Invest in your inner ‘you’.

Don’t go on a trip if you are feeling blue… Remember the part about stress-eating = money spending? Adventures will follow you as soon as you leave your house – just let them do the trick. The cheapest way to enjoy your travels is to have fun. Follow restaurants and cafes on twitter to find out about their specials and happy hours. Crash someone’s party. Be free. Smile more. Money is good but irrelevant. Life is what keeps us going.


Be curious. Explore. Enjoy. Save some money for emergencies – or spend it on souvenirs at the end of your trip. It is going to be great.

Alisa Kaiser is a proud Ukrainian expat living life is the USA. She recently found out that she likes camping and judging her husband's fashion choices. You can find her on Instagram @wordly.us



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Monday, September 28, 2015

Dress Like an Austrian in 4 Easy Steps

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Okay, maybe a wannabe Austrian. One fun thing about traveling is playing dress-up and doing my best to be a style chameleon (that phrase sounds ridiculous, but I guess it fits) in whatever city I'm currently spending time in. There are a few trends that I've picked up on since I arrived in Salzburg - scarves (pretty much no matter the weather), skinny jeans, jackets over everything, and large purses or totes instead of backpacks. As you might guess, most of my "field research" is being done while waiting for my classes to start at the University, so it's based loosely on what I see other women around my age wearing to class.

People don't wear sweats or yoga pants here. It's great. As much as I love bumming it when I'm feeling tired or icky, feeling comfortable and looking gross doesn't do a whole lot for me. It's refreshing to see a more put-together spin on comfortable outfits, like cool nikes with moto leggings and a loose sweater or jacket instead of pants with "PINK" bedazzled on the waistband (guilty). Neutrals are important too - layering is such a necessary trend (the weather changes like crazy here), that it's crucial that shedding a jacket or scarf won't ruin your look. I've put together a few basics that I think would be approved of over here... but then again, don't tell anyone you're American and keep your voice down on public transport and you should be fine ;)

Scarves

Austrian women seem to ALWAYS be sporting a scarf tied infinity-style with every single outfit. Doesn't really matter what type of top is underneath, but a scarf, sweater, and jacket is a common triple-threat around here and also a great layer for chilly mornings that turn into mild afternoons. Blanket scarves seem to be trendy here, as well, which is something I'm thrilled about.

Jackets

It might seem obvious given the weather, but it's amazing how frequently I forget to throw on a jacket or sweater over my outfit, see someone else wearing one, and wish I looked as put together as they do. I have one green jacket (exactly like this one, but from Zara) that I'm wearing the heck out of, and kind of wish I had a few other options like the ones below.


Jeans

I thought (hoped?) I would see more leggings here, but it seems like most people just stick with skinny jeans. Not always dark wash, and not necessarily in pristine condition (distressed jeans are not as common as in the U.S. right now, but still showing up here and there), but jeans nonetheless, and always in a skinny cut. 

Not Backpacks

Okay, that might be a little vague - but the only people I've seen carting around their books and school supplies in backpacks are -- you guessed it -- Americans. You'd want to get a tote or large purse for school purposes, leaving your backpack for weekend excursions or hiking. Longchamps are popular for this (yay)!

Like I said - stick to neutral main pieces, with maybe a pop of color (and by "color" I mean olive or maroon) and layer, layer, layer -- and you'd fit (maybe almost) right in.

Want to read more about my study abroad experience? 
Check out these posts:

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Friday, September 25, 2015

Blush & Olive

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Military jacket: Forever 21 (old - similar here, under $50) // 
Earrings: Lemon Drop Boutique (use code BELLE15 for 15% off)

This season's hottest color combination does one of my favorite things - it brings two unexpected elements into one amazing contrasting look.

Blush pink is about as feminine and soft as you can get, whereas olive or army green is reminiscent of, well, military-inspired pieces. If you need to see it to believe it, check out how I styled these earrings with a camo flannel (bet you've never seen that one before, ha) in this post! You'd never guess that the two shades complement each other perfectly.

I put together some of my favorite picks (all under $100, you're welcome) in both colors below - take a look and let me know which is your fave!



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Monday, September 21, 2015

how to shop resale (stress free!)

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resale shopping


One of my favorite ways to clean out and restock my closet is by taking advantage of local consignment and resale shops. For a lot of people, stepping into a Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading, Clothes Mentor, or even (*gasp*)  Goodwill can seem like a daunting task - whether it's because of the stigma attached to buying used clothing (why is this even a thing?) or because these stores can be haphazardly arranged and crowded with immense amounts of all types of items.

shopping tips

At least one of the items in almost every styled shoot on this blog is from a resale or consignment store - like my Hudson jeans in this boho chic look, my LOFT tunic here in the airport chic post, and my J.Crew sleeveless button-up from my Easter look. The Lilly Pulitzer jumpsuit I wore for a country-club wedding was via Clothes Mentor, as well. Want to shop like me and save tons of money while simultaneously helping the environment and your community? Don't answer that. I'll assume you said yes.

Here are 5 tips to make resale or consignment shopping easier for you!


1. The number one thing I shop for secondhand is denim. 

Didn't end up loving the denim skirt,
BUT I snagged this pink Longchamp for just $20!
I'm not thrilled about the idea of spending over $100 on a pair of jeans (blasphemy, I know), and have been able to find pairs by my favorite designers in my size for often under $50.

2. You're going to have to try things on.

Most secondhand stores have a store-credit only return policy. Brave the dressing rooms - they truly are no worse than those at an Old Navy or Gap - and spare yourself the hassle and embarrassment of fighting with a sales clerk over something that actually doesn't fit. Remember, the items have been sold or donated by their previous owner for a reason. Sometimes, that reason has to do with fit.

3. Be prepared to spend time shopping.

Resale stores aren't good for impulse buyers, because often the best find is buried deep within a rack of 50 different types of shirts from 50 different designers. You're going to have to pick through the racks and possibly pass up a lot of items before you find what you want. For me, this is half the fun of it!

4. Know what styles look good on you before you take an item off the rack.

Certain prints and styles will be more common than others when you're shopping for used clothing. Like I said, there's a reason that these items were given up - so don't be fooled by a great deal. Take a look in your own closet before you go and note the colors that you usually stick with. If you lean towards solid neutrals, that $5 floral blouse won't get a lot of wear. With that said...

5. Be creative! 

This is the perfect opportunity to try on an interesting new trend - you aren't spending huge amounts of money, so if things don't work out exactly how you envisioned, it isn't a huge loss. It's likely that nobody else on the street will have the unique piece you just picked up, so rock your new look (and healthy bank account) with confidence.


What's your favorite resale shopping hack? Comment below and let me know!

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Friday, September 18, 2015

The Best Decision

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HIII from Salzburg!

This will be my second weekend here in the beautiful city, a weekend probably spent getting tipsy on 2 Euro bottles of wine, walking around this painfully gorgeous city in the middle of the night, and meeting the most amazing people that have reminded me that there is more to life than my bubble at Randolph-Macon -- which is the best bubble, but one that is okay to view from a distance on occasion.

I don't have any trips planned for this weekend, as it's been hard to imagine leaving as soon as I've gotten settled. I did book a tent for Oktoberfest and am SO excited, so if you happen to be heading to Munich during the second week of October, let's chat! I'll be staying with a girl I met this week who goes to Cal Poly - seriously, everyone goes to school somewhere completely different and has something unique and novel to bring to the table. It's amazing the amount of different life experiences people have had, but at the same time, how similar our mindsets are. I guess if you choose to study abroad, chances are you are a "doer". I like being with people who "do". Know what I mean?

Last weekend, we went to a lake called Wolfgangsee in a town called St. Gilgen. It was about a 45 minute bus ride from Salzburg and nestled in the middle of tall mountains with views of ski runs and gondola cars way up high. Absolutely picturesque. Some of the boys we were with wanted to go cliff jumping, so we rented tiny little boats for about 6 Euro per person and went exploring. The boat rental was funny, looking back - no one seemed to care what we were doing, who was driving, or that we didn't even speak German. Life jackets don't seem to be a thing. All in all, it was just working out flawlessly. I'll admit that I'm not one for jumping off tall things, but those that were got a huge rush out of leaping off a 70-ft (at the tallest) sheer rock ledge.

Thank God I chose to have this adventure. I think that being here is the perfect thing for me at this time in my life. It was the best decision.




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Thursday, September 17, 2015

Belle Boutique

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Shoes: Steve Madden, similar here // Dress: (c/o) on sale at Belle Boutique // Clutch: Steve Madden 

Shortly before I headed out of the country for my little adventure here in Salzburg, I came across this little red number. I love the asymmetrical hemline, unique cut, and bright pattern - all things that I felt like I would never have picked out usually but absolutely loved altogether on the dress - a total surprise, because lately I have been dressing in a grey/olive/black uniform.

It was perfect for a late summer girls' night out, and would be amazing for a summer wedding, graduation, or other special event. The online shop I found it at is a great find too - Belle Boutique seriously has everything I love for prices that don't give my college-sized bank account a heart attack.  The only thing that I'm not crazy about regarding this dress is that if things should get windy (or you just have big hips and a booty like yours truly), the front could come open easily -- but that's nothing a few well-placed stitches won't fix :)

*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*



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Wednesday, September 16, 2015

The Dos and Don’ts of Packing for Your Study Abroad Adventure

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Hi readers! I hope you enjoy this guest piece - it's incredibly informative and super helpful for those of us who have experienced the challenge of packing for an extended vacation or study abroad! This eBook got to me JUST in time for my trip, and Juliet's tips were gold. 

Go pay her a visit on her blog,  
Yours, Juliet: Eat, Sleep, Travel, Repeat!
So you got accepted to your study abroad program, you booked your
flights, and now you have to face the struggle of packing everything you
need in a suitcase or two? Here are 11 tips that will make your preparation
for your study abroad adventure a little easier. Enjoy!


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Saturday, September 12, 2015

London to Salzburg

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I'm back  - I promised that I would post travel updates each Friday, and I really will try to stick to this, but it's going to be harder than I had anticipated. I want nothing to do with blogging, Facebook, FaceTime, or texting right now -- not the way I had thought this would go at all. I had been so anxious about being away from friends, missing out, missing my boyfriend, and being in a foreign place that I forgot the amazing privilege and experience that is sitting in my lap: I'm in Europe for a semester.

I spent two nights in London before making it to Salzburg, and it was exhausting. Jet lag and huge cities do not mix well, although it was nice to hear English spoken (nearly everybody in Salzburg speaks exclusively German). We made it to some major attractions like Big Ben and the changing of the royal guard, but all in all I felt as though I could have skipped it.

Salzburg, on the other hand, is just perfect. It's gorgeous and feels small and cozy and has statues and hidden squares all over town. I forget where I am when I'm walking to catch a bus to the dorm, then I look up and around me and the alps are there surrounding the town, towering over me. It's surreal. There are many other university students here from across the U.S. and the world - it's fun to cook in a hall kitchen when you don't know if tonight your new friend will be from Germany or Minnesota. I don't want to plan any side trips yet, just enjoy where I am. That's the goal - to just BE. To be where I am, to let life happen, and to really go with the flow. That means blogging isn't a priority right now, and neither is contact in general. Maybe when I'm feeling more settled and my surroundings seem slightly less exciting, things will change, but who knows. Strangely enough, the people I have connected with the most so far are from Oregon and Virginia. It really is a small world!

For other updates on my study abroad experience, check here:


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Monday, September 7, 2015

Positive Vibes

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Top: Stay Positive, Be Happy, Live Free tank // Shorts: Homemade via Goodwill, similar here // 
Plaid shirt: thrifted, similar here // Shoes: Converse

It's hard to be in a crappy mood when you're wearing a shirt that not only says "be positive" but also impacts the world in a positive way. Padilla Apparel donates a percentage of each purchase to Charity:Water -- except during September, when 100% of proceeds will be donated.

I took the photos featuring this tank during a super stressful week - if you don't know, I'm currently spending a semester abroad in Austria (more about my decision here). I had a few shoots to get done before leaving Portland in addition to packing, shopping, and trying to enjoy my last few days in the Rose City. I had really wanted to go on this hike in the Columbia Gorge called Catherine Creek - it's a pretty easy walk that leads you up a ridge to absolutely breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge from the Washington side. It's amazing. It's also a hike that has been one of my family's go-to's during our almost 20 years spent in Portland, and it would have been amazing to do before I jetted off. I figured I could kill two birds with one stone and wear my new tank from Padilla Apparel (it's super soft and has a cool open back cut, perfect for hiking), and we could get the shoot done in a sweet location while we were at it. Life got in the way, and I was frantically scheduling posts for The PDX Belle before I knew it.

The moral of the story is that my goal for the school/travel year is to live free. To me, this means going with the flow, giving out positive vibes to everyone I meet, and making myself happy. Could there possibly be a better shirt to keep me motivated? I think not.

Snag your own motivational tank from Padilla Apparel for 50% off with code PDXBELLE! 


*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*

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Friday, September 4, 2015

5 Questions for Sarah, #GirlBoss at Lemon Drop Boutique!

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First of all, happy FRI-YAY! I fly to London today - if you want to stay in the know about my upcoming travels, sign up for my newsletter (only once a week, no spam, promise)!

We had an awesome collab on Wednesday, so if you've been hanging around The PDX Belle long enough, you ought to know what's coming next: a quick chat with the amazing gal (Sarah) behind the boutique! I'm loving Lemon Drop because of their affordable prices for adorable jewelry -- it's usually tough to find pieces that are both trendy and within my limited college budget. I highly recommend that you check it out! Sarah was sweet enough to give us some amazing tips and insider information about what it's like being your own #GirlBoss (I'm especially loving her answer to #3)!


1. How did you become interested in owning an online jewelry boutique?


I have always had an interest in online marketing and jewelry. However, I had never really thought about owning my own business. My dad is an entrepreneur and seeing the effort he put into his work I always said I would never want to be an entrepreneur. That quickly changed when I found something I was truly passionate about. The idea for Lemon Drop Boutique popped in my head one day and the outline of what I wanted to create came together very quickly. My main focus in starting Lemon Drop Boutique was to create a store with good quality, affordable jewelry. 

2. Did you have any background in retail, design, or business before opening Lemon Drop Boutique?


Yes, I have a Bachelors degree in Marketing and have been working in retail & ecommerce for the last 3 years. Hopefully one day I will be able to solely focus on Lemon Drop Boutique, but for now I would consider it my hobby. My day job is working for an online retailer managing their paid advertising. 

3. If someone asked you for advice on opening their own online boutique, what would you tell them?


I would give 3 pieces of advice to anyone opening their own boutique:
1. Make sure it is something you love doing: It is probably going to take up more of your free time than you think it will. 
 2. Don't expect to be successful right away: It can take a long time to grow a customer base and a ton of testing different strategies to figure out what works. Be realistic in what you can accomplish and don't get discouraged if you're not seeing instant results. 
 3. Have fun with it: Hopefully if you start an online boutique it is because it is something you truly love. When you start seeing your hard work pay off it makes all the effort you put in worth it!  

4. What does the phrase "Girl Boss" mean to you? 


I love the phrase Girl Boss and think it can be incredibly empowering for women today. To me, it means being confident in yourself, your ideas, and going after what you want - whatever that may be.

5. Which item in your shop is your current fave?


I don't sell anything that I don't personally love, so it is hard for me to choose just one! At the moment, I would have to say my favorite is probably the Show Off Gem Necklace. It is such a pretty blue and has a great sparkle! :) 


Find something you love? Use code BELLE15 for a 15% discount on your purchase at Lemon Drop Boutique! 


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Thursday, September 3, 2015

Back-to-School Sale Roundup: J.Crew Factory

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Nothing like a good online sale to get the school year rolling. You've still got some cash in your pocket from your summer job and there's really no time like the fall to freshen up your wardrobe. J.Crew Factory runs sales ALL. THE. TIME. And some are better than others, like the current 50% off sale that's happening now. Most items are half off, and the ones that aren't half off are still marked down considerably. I'm going out on a whim here and throwing out some of, in my opinion, the best fall items currently on sale. All of these are fall or winter appropriate, and I actually have and love a few of them - like the Factory City Coat in camel. Unfortunately it isn't coming abroad with me (it's too bulky), but you'll be seeing plenty of it when I get back!




J. Crew factory sale roundup

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Wednesday, September 2, 2015

All in the Details

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Top: Old, from the men's section at Buffalo Exchange - similar here // Jeans: self-destructed Citizens of Humanity Paley Jeans, sold out, similar here // Belt: J.Crew // Sunnies: Ray Ban // Flats: Sam Edelman Felicia // Purse: Steve Madden Aria // Earrings: c/o Lemon Drop Boutique

An everyday outfit can be made chic by focusing on the little things.  Take your normal jeans + flannel outfit -- add distressed jeans, jewelry, a purse, and a pop of print or color.


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