Alexander Wang to Balenciaga! Horror or optimism?

So, I know most of you fashion fiends have already heard the news.. American Designer Alexander Wang is heading to the fashion house of Balenciaga as creative Director after Ghesquière's exit today. I think this is exciting news. Wang is definitely in my top 5 for favorite designers and quite possibly my favorite American designer. Not to mention this is a huge honor/ milestone for the American Designer circuit..

Wang has huge mass market appeal, as opposed to Balenciaga's couture/ luxury branding.  As far as a market strategy goes.. I think it was pretty genius.  In my opinion, if anyone can build upon the beauty of Ghesquière's revival, Wang can do it with youthful, consumer-friendly zeal. My only reservations are that his new direction/vision will not be perceived well at the fashion house, or that this venture will affect his own brand (s). However, I have the utmost faith in him as a designer and really do not believe he would let Balenciaga fall.

I suppose one reason I am so optimistic is that I have always connected more with the realness and rawness of Wang. Not that I don't admire the beauty of Balenciaga, I very much do.

Most of the reading I have done on the subject has been mixed between horror and optimism.. not much middle ground. But I am curious to what you all think? Do you think that Wang will bring the new appeal that Balenciaga seems to desire? Is he too "New York" for Paris? Do you think his vision will negatively offset the luxury that Ghesquière so successfully built? Since Ghesquière was pretty much.. amazing.

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But so is this guy.

Cozy Dots

Just a quick update for your thursday. I love comfy cozy days...Super busy today and I can't wait to go the Sartorialist book signing (I know you all are sick of hearing about it). Apologies for the weird colors in these photos.. not really sure why I look pink. Oh well. 

These pants are my new favorites. I'm usually not much of a patterned pants fan because I don't like the way they make my legs look.. but these happen to be quite cute and an exception . Followed by my most favorite chunky knit, and my spiked leather backpack.. I was off to class for most of the day! Getting so busy with finals coming up and all of the papers they like to pile on at the end of the semester!! Enjoy your thursday and I'll be back tomorrow for another update !

xoxo

Spotted Pants: Free People

Knit Cardi: UO

Boots: Nine West

Backpack: Aldo

Blouse: Lush

The Chop Shop

I feel like you can't go wrong with a nice plaid. This jacket was another black friday steal that made me feel like an instant "rocker" for lack of a better term. My favorite Birkin/ Gainsbourg tee is a classic fave.. When I found this shirt I nearly cried. And these silver coated jeans were quite a beginning of the season steal at H&M for 7$... I know. You've seen them everywhere else for 100+, too? I'm just gonna keep patting myself on the back for those gems..

Anyway, I have decided to try to add more variety into my photo sets because I agree I was getting slightly lazy.. I just am in classes most of the day so I don't really leave campus.. which is very bland. However, I do love going downtown...Cincinnati is quite pretty and old and decrepit.. It's got quite a charm. Also, I will be doing a little blog diary tomorrow because I will be venturing to The Sartorialist signing with a couple of my fabulous friends. Stay tuned for some major style tomorrow!

xoxo

Blazer: Heed

Skinnies: H&M

Top: UO

Heels: Jeffrey Campbell

Gypsy Soul

This past Holiday week I managed to score quite a few wonderful Black Friday deals... including this amazing fluffy BCBG sweater. I love the deep purple-ish wine color... it looks absolutely beautiful with gold (yay!). Also, I have been dying to wear this gold turban headband I got from Anthropologie a while back.. but I didn't like it with my past haircut. Now, I am pretty sure I am obsessed.

This week I have a lot of amazing outfit updates for you all with the recent purchases I made. I am also really excited because on Thursday, the one and only Scott Schuman ( aka The Sartorialist), is doing a book signing at University of Cincinnati.. I will be there, nonetheless. I am really stressing out about what to wear... You would think I am going to meet the President or something. 

Sweater: BCBG

Turban Headband: Anthropologie

Sparkly Cardigan/ Skirt: Forever 21

Boots: Nine West

xoxo 

Leather, Lace, & Tulle

I came home for Thanksgiving holiday so I am back to resting in the middle of nowhere! This is the outfit I wore to my family's Thanksgiving dinner.. I think I am still trying to recover from my mild food coma. I love coming home sometimes because you rediscover articles of clothing that you forgot that you had.. in this case, I forgot about these boots! I bought them almost 5 years ago and they are about half a size too large, which either means I was clueless to my shoe size or my foot has shrunk. Either way, they are still fabulous and slightly pilgrim-esque.

I love pairing feminine girly pieces with tougher pieces. It makes me feel more balanced, especially around the holiday when everything tends to become more glitzy and glam-y. What do you all like to wear for the holidays? Do you prefer to stay more comfy and casual, or get dressed up? I never forfeit an opportunity to get dressed up!!

Don't forget to follow me on bloglovin, or leave me a comment on how you think my blog is coming along. I am SO grateful for all of the support thus far. Much love to you all!

Dress: Modcloth

Jacket: Topshop

Necklace: Topshop

Boots: Nine West

Beanie: Target

xoxo!

Holiday Inspiration

All images via tumblr dashboard

With the Holidays right around the corner, and the weather getting much more lackluster.. I'm beginning to get very inspired putting together winter ensembles. I think the new craze over baroque print has me craving everything black&gold. It's a combination I have never been too fond of until this season. The glittering gold is such a nice update to the monotonous black that clogs up my winter wardrobe. What do you guys think? Do you love it or hate it? What has you inspired for the holidays?

xoxo

Cadet

First off! I just am loving my new hair.. I feel like a whole new person. Do you all ever feel like that after you make a big change? I love it! It allows for so much creativity and new inspiration! Not to mention I feel taller and I can't go wrong there.. hehe.

I was feeling super military inspired after my beautiful yellow shirred sleeve top came in from the lovely folks at Naked Zebra .. they are a mecca of beautiful basics!! I was in awe because every shirt they have ( and believe me.. I had a hard time choosing just one style) comes in a plethora of colors... so for those of you terrible decision makers, you may just have to break down and get several colors of each one. I know I wouldn't mind this shirt in black, tangerine, and forest green... 

Oh and this studded military hat I scored for 5$ wasn't really that inspiring AT ALL ;)

Also, I may not be able to make another post before going on Thanksgiving holiday due to piling school work and exams.. So if that is the case, I hope all my American readers have a lovely Thanksgiving.. and to all my worldly readers I hope you all gorge yourselves on your favorite meals too.. you have my permission!!

Shirred Sleeve Top: Naked Zebra

Studded Military Cap: UO

Camo Pants: Target

Shoes: Zara

xoxo

All that Glitters

I always have a hard time wearing these pants because they really are the epitome of the 80's. However, they are gold foil.. and they sparkle so much in the sunlight I am pretty sure I could blind an oncoming driver as I'm walking down the street. They were one of those super shiny impulse buys at the end of the season last winter (girls, you ALL know what I am talking about), and it took me so long to break them out.

But they are fun, and I think that is what is most important about fashion.. to have fun. To try to work with pieces that make you feel a little bit off-center, for lack of a better word. It really helps build self-confidence.

I was having a little bit of lens difficulty today, but this beautiful bracelet/ ring combination was handcrafted by the lovely Sharena Chindavong from her Etsy boutique Enamour Entirety. I have never owned such an innovative little accessory, so many compliments when I wore it out! Her whole shop contains handcrafted jewelry designed and created by Sharena... I have my eye on her ear cuffs next! Make sure you take a look around her store :)

PS: I hope you are all loving this new haircut as much as I am!

xoxo

Gold Foil Harem Pants: BCBG

Colorful Sweater: Target

Mint Shirt: Mom's

Leopard Flats: Aldo

Tartan

I spend a lot of time running around during the day during the winter/ fall days, and layers are the only way I can survive the Ohio bitter cold. Just something simple and warm. PLUS I got this scarf at H&M for only 5$. It's the perfect length to wrap around your neck to the near point of choking...sooo it's perfect. The perfect quilted varsity jacket completes all my black ensembles and I definitely feel as though I am already strolling through the cobblestone streets of Paris... Only 9 more months until I move there to study!

Quilted Varsity Jacket: Urban Outfitters

Scarf: H&M

Skirt: H&M

XOXO

Bloodbuzz Ohio

I found this silly little t-shirt at topshop on one of my chicago trips.. I actually have no clue what it really is referring to.. I just liked it because I have lived in Ohio all of my life and can kind of understand what they were getting at here ;)

I haven't worn this burgundy dress yet because it is sleeveless and looks awkward with my jacket.. so I decided to layer the tshirt over it and..voila. It actually worked out, and I love that the collar pokes out for an added touch! Not to mention, I LOVE this color. I am glad that it's so "in" right now because I can find it at any store. It's so chic and complementary to pale skin like me. And I've been looking for a reason to break out my new "bedazzled" topshop beanie. Hope you guys like it, I had a lot of fun with this look!

Beanie: Topshop

Tee: Topshop

Dress (worn as skirt): Forever

Heels: Jeffrey Campbell Everest Boot