A Bit of French

A Bit of French

Monday, June 12, 2017

  

Culottes: Thrifted (old)
Shirt: borrowed from sister
Neck Scarf: Vintage (gift)
Shoes: Old Navy
Earrings: Thrifted
Bag: Thrifted (Coach)
Lipstick: Revlon (Ultra HD Matte Lip Color)

I may not be the most "french" person there is (really I lack many things french), but I do love any style inspired by french fashion and culture! With that being said, I love how straight forward French style tends to be (its really so predictable). When I think "french" style, I think stripes, solid colors, neck scarves, and classic gold jewelry. Of course, its always fun to mix it up a bit, so for this look I opted to make it more french fashion meets 2017 spring styles :)

This season has had me dreaming of travel nearly every day! I have always wanted to travel, but recently the urge has been more readily surfacing and I find myself thinking of all the different places I could go, the amazing sights to see, and the styles that would accompany me:) France is definitely on my bucket list because it has so much to offer and there is so much art, history, and culture to be had. I think travel is a great way for us to not only learn about the different cultures around us, but it is also a great way for us to further culture ourselves with different cuisine, traditions, and lifestyles. 

With travel on the mind, and France as my inspiration, I chose to wear black coulotte pants for a comfy and classic look as well as to also take advantage of the spring "coulotte" trend. Of course with black pants stripes are a must, but I went a different route than normal with these also, and borrowed this flowy ruffle sleeve top from my sister which is the cutest (and comfiest) shirt ever! A french inspired ensemble is never complete without a neck scarf and I love everything about this vintage scarf that was gifted to me by a friend. I finished off the look with my old navy clogs, a classic hammered gold dangle hoop earring, and my vintage brown satchel coach purse. 

Looking back at this, I think I am ready to hop on a plane to France! 

Have you ever been to France?

Are you dreaming of travel like me?

-Madison

Rambles on French Countryside

Rambles on French Countryside

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Top: c/o StyleWe

Skirt: Forever 21

Scarf: Vintage

Shoes: Thrifted (Old Navy)

Purse: Vintage Coach

Hat: Forever 21

I know, I know.....this isn't the French Countryside, in fact it is FAR from it, but that doesn't mean that there aren't places I have found that remind me of what the French Countryside would look like. In fact, when it comes to imagining myself in another place it often comes down to styling a look that is inspired by the very place I envision in my head:)

When I think of the French countryside (or really French fashion in general) I think of a neutral palette with a hint of simple color, laid back styles, effortless hair, delicate lace, hats, and maybe even a dash of ribbon. Imagination is a key component of my fashion and style process, so whether it is dressing for an occasion or place it's all about a vision. Thus, with my thoughts in my head I set out to create an ensemble worthy of exploring the French Countryside and my closet did not disappoint! 

I pulled out my elegant lace blouse from StyleWe for another appearance (see it here) on the blog and decided to pair it with this simple and comfortable skirt from Forever 21 with the most handy front pockets you have ever seen. Then of course it was obvious that a neck scarf was needed along with a boater hat for a more "country feel". I even opted for a different and extremely simple hairstyle (really I was just lazy that day) of a side braid and ribbon which totally reminded me of something Daphnie would wear, and also it's a blue ribbon which just seems so elegant. I pulled out my thrifted Old Navy clogs for the first time (they are literally the most amazing shoes) and love how they went with the entire vision. Of course, no spring look inspired by the French countryside is complete without flowers and I am all about these yellow and lavender blooms!  

Even though I haven't traveled to all (or any) of the countries I talk about, it is always interesting to realize that I take a lot of my style inspiration from them. So often I find myself looking in the mirror and thinking "I belong in England today" or "Goodness me, I look like a French girl" (point in case) and then it just makes me smile knowing my dreams of traveling abroad already influence me so much right where I am:) I say it ALL THE TIME, but fashion and personal style truly do have the power and magic to transport you to a different place! 

Are you a fan of French style?

What is a country or place that inspires you?

-Madison 

Country Life

Country Life

Monday, March 20, 2017

Skirt: Thrifted
Shirt: Thrifted (H&M)
Shoes: Thrifted
Socks: Forever 21
Neck Scarf: DIY
Belt: Thrifted

There's something great about taking a break. Taking time away from your normal life to unplug and focus on something you typically don't. That is what I got to do with my family this past weekend. Thankfully we all had spring break at the same time but we didn't get to spend it all together until Friday when we took a quick weekend trip to our family farm to camp for 3 days. 

Here's the thing, I come from a family of farmers and ranchers. While part of my life has been spent in a decently large town that, I have also grown up experiencing small town life. The kind of life in a town that only has one stoplight, whose small town spirit revolves around the high school sports teams, and the kind of town where if someone does something everyone will know about it. 

You see, both of my parents come from small towns (15 minutes away from each other), the kind of towns where you know almost everyone you come across and if you mention your last name people automatically know who you are and who you are related to. Small town life means everyone shows up for graduation and probably nearly every wedding and every wedding reception is held at the Fireman's Hall (you wouldn't believe how that place can be transformed!), but that's the beauty of it. 

Often times we are stuck in the midst of experiencing only one type of life (unless maybe your family moved a lot), but for me, I have grown up in between being a city and country girl and I think that is something I will always cherish. 

I have fond memories as a kid, visiting the farm and seeing all of my grandfathers cattle, goats, horses, and for awhile ostriches. The greatest memories my siblings and I have about our trips to the farm are wading in the creek and then drying our socks by a fire, chasing the goats and trying to chatch them, picking peaches from the old orchard, hiking through the woods and across the many pastures, fishing in one of the 4 tanks, and our favorite, jumping in the tank for a swim when it gets a bit hot out. 

I might like being put together on a daily basis, but that doesn't erase the fact that country life will always hold a special place in my heart. There is no other place on earth that is filled with the sounds of nothing and yet everything, and I will always love the smell of hay and the view of rolling hills and tree lines as far as the eye can see. Country life is my heritage and will always be in my blood so any time I get to relive my fondest childhood memories I cherish those moments. 

What did you do over spring break?

Anyone else have a family of farmers or ranchers?

- Madison