KANSAS COUTURE

Set the Tone

2012-05-26T10:29:00.002-05:00

Shirt: Old Navy // Jeans: TJMaxx // Shoes: Target // Necklace: Target

I went for a palette of sherbet-y shades for Thursday's casual get-up. The necklace tied it together so perfectly that I almost felt lazy. Hope your weekend is going wonderfully! Oh, I know I'm late to the party, but I'm finally on Instagram. My name is @kansascouture if you feel like following along!

Matchmaker

2012-05-23T21:54:00.002-05:00

Dress: Old Navy // Necklaces (two attached): Forever 21 and H&M // Bracelet: Forever 21 // Shoes: Thrifted

Lately I've been liking deliberately matchy outfits. While the shoes are a bit pinker than the necklace, they actually looked closer in color in real life. I even layered two shades of lipstick to complete the coordination!

Tres Trendy

2012-05-21T13:14:00.006-05:00

Shirt: H&M // Jeans: H&M // Shoes: Vintage // Necklace: Vintage //Belt: Vintage

I've been enjoying the mint trend from afar for months now but had yet to find any pieces for myself. These pretty pastel skinny jeans were tucked away on a shelf at H&M, and I felt like hit the jackpot when I pulled them out! A cute, coordinating floral peplum top seemed the perfect complement for an oh so of-the-moment spring look.

Repurposing

2012-05-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

Dress: Courtesy of ModCloth // Shirt: H&M, $10 // Shoes: Lucky Brand, courtesy of Lucky

Magazine // Necklace: Wild Man Vintage

I have a bad habit of buying dresses for special occasions and then never wearing them again. While this frock isn't terribly formal, the strapless silhouette lessens its versatility. In an attempt to get more use out of a pretty piece, I layered it over a tee for work. Worked for me!

Red-Eyed and Blue

2012-05-15T11:42:00.000-05:00

Dress (worn as top): Old Navy // Skirt: Vintage, thrifted // Necklace: Forever 21 // Shoes: Lucky Brand

I used to be an extremely avid thrifter, hitting up a variety of spots multiple times a week. In the last year or so though, I've gotten out of the habit, and I miss it something fierce! Determined to change this, I spent much of last Sunday secondhand shopping. While I lack the patience and stamina I once had, and the trip wasn't very fruitful, it felt really good to sift through those racks again.

Dizzy Spells

2012-05-10T23:02:00.001-05:00

Dress: Vintage via Wild Man Vintage // Necklace: Gift // Shoes: Steve Madden, thrifted // Ring: Courtesy of Accesorize

I've been wandering through this week rather aimlessly, which has taken a toll on my style. Luckily, this vintage dress made it easy to look decent today, and I think the polished ensemble might have even helped with my focus.

Sullen Girl

2012-05-07T20:22:00.003-05:00

Tunic: Vintage, thrifted // Shoes: Forever 21 // Necklace: Vintage // Glasses: Urban Outfitters

Little tastes of summer have been fun, but I savored every second of the thunderstorms we had yesterday. While warmer temps bring out my fun, social side, cooler weather makes me more introspective, and my style tends to follow suit. Hence, my dorky ensemble and angsty playlist.

I try to avoid scratchy '70s polyester, but the details of this little number make it hard to resist. And I do mean little... the tunic length is a bit troublesome. If only it were long enough to actually be deemed a dress!

Summer in the City

2012-05-04T14:07:00.001-05:00

Top: Old Navy // Pants: H&M // Necklace: Vintage // Shoes: Target

It's a warm, sunny Friday, and I'm counting down the minutes until I'm sitting next to a pool. Needless to say, I'm one happy girl! Hope everyone has a wonderful, summery weekend!

Ladies First

2012-05-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

Top: Thrifted // Skirt: Forever 21 // Necklace: jcpenney // Shoes: Courtesy of ModCloth

After a very casual, menswear-inspired outfit (which I didn't deem blog-worthy) on Monday, I went ladylike all the way on Tuesday.

Knit Picky

2012-05-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

Sweater: Urban Outfitters // Shorts: Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Old Navy // Collar: H&M

When it comes to transitory trends, I'm often unsure whether I'm drawn to something because I actually like it or because it's enjoying popularity. Such was the case with knit shorts this past fall. When I saw this pair on sale for ten bucks, I figured I had nothing to lose. While I ended up wearing them mostly as pajamas, I took advantage of a cool spell to sport them one last time before summer sets in. They may not be the most flattering garment in the world, but in the end, I do actually like them. They're certainly comfortable and just quirky enough to suit my style sensibility!

The Grass is Always Greener

2012-04-26T19:54:00.005-05:00

Shirt: Free People via TJMaxx // Jeans: Urban Outfitters // Belt: Came with a dress // Necklace: Forever 21 // Shoes: Courtesy of B.A.I.T. Footwear

Looks like I was being overly optimistic when I said I was back on track this week! Quite the contrary. Well, even though I haven't posted as many outfits as I'd like, at least this one packs a lot of punchy color, including these gorgeous grass green wedges from B.A.I.T. footwear. Though I don't have the pictures to prove it, I've worn them almost every day this week!

Pin-Up

2012-04-23T21:05:00.003-05:00

Top: Forever 21, $15 // Shorts: Vintage, thrifted, $3 // Shoes: alice + olivia for Payless, gift // Belt: Borrow from a different dress

Polka dots, sheerness and short shorts had me feeling a retro pin-up vibe, which seemed just right for the lingerie-themed bachelorette party I was attending. Sorry it's been so quiet around here. I was all over the place last week, but I think I'm back on track!

Daisy Chain

2012-04-18T18:30:00.001-05:00

Dress: H&M, $13 // Jacket: Thrifted, $3 // Shoes: Old Navy, $17 // Necklace: Thrifted, $2

After a bit of a heat wave, we've been having normal spring weather lately, which calls for transitional outfits like this one -- fun and breezy but with remnants of the colder months. Thank goodness I was wearing tights because the wind was getting fresh!

Between the Lines

2012-04-16T18:25:00.003-05:00

Shirt: Alice + Olivia via Plato's Closet, $10 // Jeans: TJMaxx, $18 // Shoes: Vintage, thrifted, $1 // Necklace: Thrifted, $2 // Clutch: Delightful Dozen

I'm posting over on the Delightful Dozen blog today. Check it out here!

Bohemian Rhapsody

2012-04-11T22:08:00.000-05:00

Sweater: H&M, $30 // Leggings: Old Navy, $5 // Boots: Old Navy, $17 // Necklace: Thrifted, $3 // Bracelet: Loft, courtesy of Lucky Magazine

I felt a little more hippie-ish than usual in this get-up. It was cozy and comfortable for a chilly spring day, and the pops of color against the simple black added just enough interest.

Flower Child

2012-04-09T18:36:00.001-05:00

Shirt: ModCloth, $43 // Shorts: Vintage via Goodwill, $3 // Shoes: Forever 21, $25 // Headband: DIY

My roommate and I threw a flower-themed spring party over the weekend. While I've had this gorgeous blouse for a month or so, I patiently waited to wear it for the occasion. I completed the look with some retro shorts, an over-the-top Lana del Rey-style flower crown, and -- because I take themes seriously -- even floral print shoes. It was a lovely way to kick off the season!

Emerald City

2012-04-04T21:26:00.002-05:00

Dress: Courtesy of Gracie B. Boutique // Shoes: Old Navy, $17 // Necklace: Thrifted, $2 // Sunglasses: H&M, $6

I've always been drawn to warm colors like yellow, orange and pink, but ever since becoming a redhead, I've been meaning to add more green to my closet! While browsing Gracie B. Boutique, I was immediately drawn to this
jade dress. Not only is the green color gorgeous, I also adore the peter pan collar and flowy chiffon fabric.
Gracie B. is offering an exclusive 20% discount to Kansas Couture readers! Just enter code KScouture at checkout. (Offer valid through April 21st)

And for your enjoyment at my expense... I give you my sassy sunglasses pose! My roomie / photographer commented that my demeanor immediately changed after putting on my shades, so I started hamming it up. That got me thinking about an interesting article my friend recently linked to about the psychological effect of what we wear.

Little Green

2012-04-02T18:24:00.003-05:00

Top: Thrifted, $1 // Skirt: Thrifted, $3 // Shoes: Target, $12 // Necklace: Vintage, $11

Fitted crop tops with high-waisted skirts is one of my absolute favorite looks for spring! I'm still searching for the perfect top. Until then, this '90s number will have to do. Here's a little secret: I have to wear it inside out because there's a big tag on the front that says "HANG TEN." True story. I actually kind of love that about it. Maybe I'll rock it right side out one of these days.

This mostly thrifted outfit has made me realize that I've been falling back on places like Forever 21 and H&M far too much lately. I used to thrift multiple times a week and miss it so much! I'm going to make a conscious effort to go back to my old ways.

True Colors

2012-03-30T10:53:00.003-05:00

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Skirt: Forever 21, $15 // Shoes: Vintage, thrifted, $2.50 // Necklace: Vintage, thrifted, $2 // Belt: Thrifted, $1

I hereby declare this the week of bright color combinations! Who am I kidding? I always wear bold shades, but not always to this degree. Happy Friday, everyone! Hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Sky Blue Sky

2012-03-28T20:22:00.002-05:00

Shirt: Lulu's, $30 // Pants: H&M, $13 // Shoes: Lucky Brand, courtesy of Lucky Magazine // Headband: Target, $6

You can't argue with a color combo from nature: sunny yellow and sky blue. Or at least that was my excuse for pairing these bold brights.

The latest issue of Ink features some spring fashion inspiration from local bloggers and boutique owners including yours truly. My co-worker snapped a clever pic of the cover on her phone that I thought I'd recreate for the blog.

Fruit Stripe

2012-03-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

Dress: Ruche, $43 // Shoes: Lulu's, $28 // Necklace: Fred Flare, $11 // Ring: jcpenney, $6

Maybe the warm weather has gone to my head, but I couldn't help but pull out this summery favorite today. The wind didn't cooperate while we were taking photos, but it floats so nicely in the breeze. There was definitely some spring in my step today.

Fun with Color

2012-03-26T20:55:00.001-05:00

Shirt: Old Navy, $10 // Jeans: TJMaxx, $18 // Shoes: Old Navy, $16 // Belt: Came with a dress // Bracelet: Forever 21, $9

I combated the Monday blues by adding several jolts of color to my outfit in the form of a yellow belt, red jeans and neon sandals. The gorgeous 80-degree day certainly helped to keep my mood light, too.

Blue Collar / White Collar

2012-03-22T23:03:00.002-05:00

Dress: Courtesy of Thread Case // Shirt: TJMaxx, $10 // Shoes: Old Navy, $17 // Socks: Forever 21, $3 // Necklace: Courtesy of InPink // Glasses: Urban, $10

I liked the combination of classic denim and rugged boots with delicate, ladylike lace. The mismatched outfit mirrored the confused forecast... sometimes sunny and warm, sometimes cool and rainy day. I guess I got the best of both worlds today! Thanks to my roomie for the outdoor shots. Natural light makes all the difference!

Buckets of Rain

2012-03-21T20:24:00.002-05:00

Sweater: Forever 21, $20 // Skirt: Forever 21, $10 // Shoes: Old Navy, $17 // Necklace: Vintage, $11 // Bracelet: Forever 21, $9

As much as I loved last week's beautiful sunshiney weather, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a total sucker for the dreary skies and incessant rain that have greeted us each day this week. Stormy weather isn't the most conducive to stylish outfits, nor does it provide ideal photography conditions, but I've truly enjoyed staring out the window listening to my favorite tunes and curling up on the couch with a blanket and movie. What kind of weather do you prefer?

Like Ancient Bruises

2012-03-19T13:24:00.001-05:00

Dress: French Connection via Rue La La, $30 // Shoes: Payless, gift // Headband: Target, $7 // Bracelets: Forever 21, $7 each // Ring: Gift

Another sunny day, another blue dress. This sort of became my uniform last week. What can I say... spring weather just makes getting dressed so easy! I promise I won't get too lazy on you.