KANSAS COUTURE

Coming Up Roses

2016-08-05T12:34:00.000-05:00

Why, hello! It's been a wild summer so far - I can't believe it's already August! I've been busy in the best way, and I'm trying to remember to stop and smell the roses as much as possible...and find time to get a much-needed haircut. Fun fact - I uncovered a blog post from four years ago with the same title, blouse and proclamations of busyness, but I'm desperately trying to grow my hair out rather than chop it off. Time warp, am I right?

Top: ModCloth (ages ago)
Jeans: Gap (secondhand)
Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens
Bralette: Forever 21
Earrings: DIY

Out of the Blue

2016-06-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

Hello out there...if someone happens to be out there! If I continue to apologize for my frequent lengthy absences, I fear I'll sound like a broken record. While I clearly do not update this space with the regularity that I once did, I do still find joy in getting dressed, and it brings a smile to my face knowing that you might enjoy the outfits I share. So, I'll simply say that I intend to keep popping in now and again with a hello and a look at my look - and I hope you will too! Here's to a swell summer.

Shirt: Old Navy
Pants: H&M
Shoes: Forever 21
Bolero: Self-Made

Different Strokes

2016-05-09T17:35:00.000-05:00

For the most part Portland has been experiencing an early, unusually warm spring, but there are still typical rainy days sprinkled here and there. I took advantage of one such gloomy snap to debut this wacky sweater dress that I recently thrifted. It's difficult to pinpoint how it made me feel, but I'll go with '80s art teacher. Just weird enough to work!

Dress: Vintage
Boots: H by Hudson

Peel Slowly and See

2016-04-29T11:46:00.000-05:00

I've always admired this giant banana mural, and when I happened to be enjoying happy hour across the street from it while wearing a bright yellow dress on a super sunny day...well, picture time! Also, for anyone interested, my Tarot of Cocktails Kickstarter ends today. Just hours left to pre-order a deck!

Dress: Zara (last year)
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Sunnies: Ray-Ban
Bag: Vintage

This Magic Moment

2016-04-05T12:34:00.001-05:00

Why, hello! It's been awhile. I've been super swamped (in the best way possible) lately—not to mention sweatpant-clad—working on my Tarot of Cocktails project. The Kickstarter launched on Friday if you care to take a peek. The real reason I'm here, though, is it's high time for an outfit post! In my younger thrifting days, I wouldn't consider a trip a success unless I walked away with a veritable haul. While that is still an amazing feeling, I've grown to appreciate (and even prefer) the times when I just find a single magical piece. I barely spend any money, and there's no lingering guilt about acquiring more stuff. This red blouse was one of those perfect, single-purchase pieces. I was quickly scanning racks on my way out the door and spotted it in all its bold, bell-sleeved glory. To make things even dreamier, I soon wore it to a breathtaking Joanna Newsom show. Yes and yes!

Blouse: Vintage
Jeans: H&M
Coat: Vintage
Earrings: DIY
Boots: & Other Stories

And the Oscar Goes To...

2016-03-07T14:37:00.000-06:00

As a self-proclaimed film buff, I've been geeking out about the Oscars since I was a kid. While I know the awards are not the be-all and end-all of fine film-making and the system has its issues, I can't resist a glamorous event dedicated to movies and magnificent dresses. Here's what I wore for a local viewing party. Most of my cocktail dresses either don't suit me or don't fit me anymore, so I improvised with all-black separates.

Top: Necessary Objects
Trousers: Chelsea 28
Jacket: Straight to Hell
Shoes: Franco Sarto
Earrings: Vintage

Tarot of Cocktails

2016-03-03T13:33:00.003-06:00

I've been hard at work for the last few months on a new project that I'd love to share with you! For those who haven't seen on social media, Tarot of Cocktails is my soon-to-be-released drink recipe deck! Each card will feature a tarot-inspired illustration on one side and a craft cocktail recipe on the other. Check out the website and sign up for emails so you know when the Kickstarter kicks off. Follow on Instagram for pretty pictures and sneak peeks. Like us on Facebook for even more magic. I hope you enjoy - your support means so much to me!

Yes Frills

2016-03-02T15:30:00.000-06:00

While this is a minimal outfit to be sure, the not-so-subtle details of the top are what really make me love the look. I've been drawn to dramatic silhouettes lately, particularly in the blouse department. When I came across this lacy vintage number at the thrift store, the sleeves' subtle reminiscence of Seinfeld's pirate shirt gave me pause. In the end, the adorable neckline and the fact that was the half-price color of the week won me over. I'm really glad I got it and, come to think of it, I would totally rock that pirate shirt.

Shirt: Vintage
Jeans: Thrift
Shoes: Toffeln

Camoufleur

2016-02-19T18:00:00.003-06:00

The night before Valentine's Day, I was randomly drawn to this floral frock and decided I would don it for the holiday. By chance, the bouquet that greeted me the next morning matched it perfectly. Naturally, a photo shoot was in order! Hope you're having love-filled February.

Dress: Vintage
Hat: Vintage
Boots: H by Hudson

Girl Gang

2016-02-16T19:20:00.002-06:00

I went with a mix of girly pink and edgy leather for an early Valentine's date this past weekend. The silk blouse and velvet ribbon lent some luxury and provided a nod to the holiday, while the rest of the look kept things cool and casual.

Top: Rachel Comey (secondhand) worn with some random ribbon
Jeans: H&M
Jacket: Straight to Hell
Boots: H by Hudson

Let There Be Light!

2016-02-11T16:24:00.001-06:00

I know this problem could easily be remedied with a little planning and prioritizing, but the sun's winter schedule is really cramping my blogging style! Time and time again, I find myself wearing a decently cute ensemble with no sunlight to capture it. Because of that, I keep repeating outfits in hopes that I will finally snap some pics. On one hand, I'm getting a little bored of certain pieces. On the other, I'm getting lots of wear out of them!

Shirt: Anthropologie (worn with sash from a dress)
Jeans: H&M
Shoes: Vintage Bass

Oh My B'Gosh

2016-02-03T14:49:00.001-06:00

I grabbed these vintage overalls at the thrift store recently. When I tried them on, I was convinced they didn't fit right, but of course I bought them anyway. Something compelled me to try them on again at home a couple of weeks later, and they magically fit! Since then, I've been rocking them on repeat. They make me feel like a fashion-savvy 30-year-old kindergartner...in a good way.

Sweater: Vintage
Overalls: Vintage Oshkosh
Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens

The Big 3-0

2016-01-13T15:43:00.005-06:00

This past weekend ushered in a new era - I turned 30! While I'm still reflecting and sorting out my mix of emotions about the momentous birthday, I'm feeling quite content overall. I don't have everything figured out, but as years pass, I grow more sure of who I am. To celebrate, I went out with fabulous friends for a night of dinner, drinks and dancing. My actual birthday was low-key and filled with many of my favorite things, including brunch, IPA, Big Buck Hunter and an indie flick at a favorite local theater.

Back At It

2016-01-06T15:12:00.000-06:00

When it comes to blogging, I have been such a slouch lately! The last month was spent making progress on some exciting projects, crafting like crazy and enjoying Christmastime. While I've been spending more than my fair share of time in sweats lately, I did wear some blog-worthy outfits over the holidays. I must have been having too much fun because I plum forgot to take pictures. Now the New Year is here and (gasp!) my 30th birthday near. I'll try to get properly dressed and actually document it a bit more often in 2016!

Dress: H&M

Boots: H by Hudson

Miss Christmas

2015-12-10T13:53:00.002-06:00

You know when the penguin sweater makes an appearance that full-on holiday nerd mode has begun. Hope you're enjoying this merry time of year!

Sweater: Vintage
Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Levi's
Boots: H by Hudson

House of the Rising Sun

2015-12-08T19:22:00.000-06:00

Channeling some vintage vibes on a recent trip to San Francisco.

Turtleneck: Vintage
Blazer: Vintage
Jeans: Vintage Levi's
Shoes: H by Hudson
Hat: Coastal Farm & Ranch
Necklace: DIY
Sunglasses: Courtesy of ASOS
Bag: Vintage

Postcards from Mexico

2015-12-03T13:33:00.002-06:00

Island Time

2015-11-23T14:56:00.003-06:00

I recently spent a few dreamy days on the beaches of Mexico. While most of my stay was spent in a swimsuit and cover-up, I did put on real clothes a couple of times. All the bright colors of both the natural landscape and architecture were so aesthetically inspiring, and I thought this vibrant vintage frock was well-suited to the surroundings. More vacation pictures to come!

Dress: Vintage
Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens
Earrings: Vintage

Happy Camper

2015-11-12T00:20:00.000-06:00

While I'm not much of a camper myself, I do love hanging out in the woods. When some friends ventured out into a majestic, mossy swath of land at Mount Hood, I crashed the campsite for a few hours. That quick visit was enticing enough that I plan to actually spend the night next time.

Tee: Gift
Shirt: Vintage
Jacket: Vintage Levi's
Pants: H&M
Shoes: Nike

Fall Back

2015-11-06T12:23:00.001-06:00

This odd '70s vest (that surely had some matching wide-leg trousers at some point) was one of those thrift store finds that I was inexplicably drawn to without really knowing why. While I wasn't sure how or even if I was going to wear it, I went ahead and grabbed it. Seeing it as part of an outfit, I can safely say I dig it. It may not be a new staple, but I'm happy to take it for a spin.

Shirt: Vintage
Vest: Vintage
Jeans: H&M
Shoes: H by Hudson
Hat: Coastal Farm & Ranch

Special Agent Dale Cooper

2015-10-31T17:39:00.003-05:00

What would a Twin Peaks Halloween be without good old Agent Cooper? And, of course, plenty of doughnuts and coffee black as midnight on a moonless night.

Happy Halloween from Twin Peaks!

2015-10-31T17:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! Not only is Twin Peaks one of my favorite TV shows, but its upcoming return to the screen and my new home in the Pacific Northwest made it seem like a perfect costume this year. While there are many amazing characters to choose from, I went with Nadine (post-traumatic head injury). As far as I know, Nadine is not one of the characters returning for the reboot, but I feel like a cheerleader for the show in this look! Oh, and it's fun to pretend to have super human strength.

Iris

2015-10-30T12:46:00.000-05:00

Halloween is my favorite! In the process of geeking out over the spooky holiday, I usually end up with multiple costumes (who can pick just one?!). This is my more low-key look this year - the impeccable, original, octogenarian fashion icon, Iris Apfel. This costume was super easy. All I had to purchase were her signature spectacles, and everything else I pulled from my closet. If you have yet to catch the recent documentary about her (Iris), see it now! She is impossibly charming, hilarious and insightful, and her relationship with her husband will make your heart melt. My second costume (as well as Igby's get-up) is coming tomorrow! Stay tuned.

Fab Fabric

2015-10-19T14:48:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been unable to resist textured textiles and fringe of any kind, so it's no surprise that this wrap skirt spoke to me. Paired with a super lived-in tee, classic denim jacket and my tried and true Chelsea boots, this outfit was fit for an easygoing evening.

Shirt: Sandlot Goods
Skirt: Sam Edelman
Jacket: Levi's
Boots: H by Hudson
Bag: Vintage
Necklace: DIY

Sips and Sounds, Volume 19

2015-10-16T14:40:00.000-05:00

Vol. 19

The Sip: Cure for Pain

The Sound: Morphine, Cure for Pain

I don't have a lot to say about this record, but I could go on and on about the cocktail. Rich, bitter and boozy with a hint of sweetness, this sipper encompasses some of my current flavors. It's super simple and so delicious. Recipe below!

CURE FOR PAIN
In a glass, combine 1.5 oz tequila (I used Milagro Reposado), 1.5 oz alcoholic root beer (I used Small Town Brewery Not Your Father's Root Beer) and several dashes of bitter. Stir, add a big cube and enjoy! In a pinch, you could use non-alcoholic root beer, but make sure it's quality stuff.