Inspirations: April

It's that time again! Here's what I'm obsessing over for the month of April:

1. Shape + color blocking. 

Patterns, colors, shapes, silhouettes - I like to see it all together and the brighter, the better.

2. That whole "I'm a Madewell model" look.

Yes, this photo is from a Madewell ad, and yes - it's a certain look that I'm always envious of; that lived in, casual chic look that's half nerd girl and half hipster. I dig it.

3. Fruity-liciousness.

I'm into this whole mimosa citrus thing. It's fresh, it's springy, and it is a great demonstration of the cool graphic printing trend that's quite prevalent in fashion right now.

4. Cool-girl ball caps.

Take this one from the boys - I like this style not just because it's playful, but because it's badass too.

5. Torso peek-a-boo.

I think this look is fresh - first of all, it highlights the thinnest part of most woman. Second - I can't say enough good things about a high skirt/crop top combo. 80's revival in the best way.

6. Tomboy style

Ball cap. Boyfriend jeans. Blazer. Slouchy scarf. Everything about this look makes me look twice.

7. Festival Style.

Let's be honest - I'm a sucker for festival style and always have been. I can't get enough of the ripped cutoffs and vintage band tee combo - but I'm loving the return of the boot and Lennon-esque shades this year too.

8. The Great Outdoors.

No, it's not about fashion or trends, but lately, my mind's been all about planning an outdoor escapade. One thing about April I always love is the return of good weather to Seattle (well, kind of) - which usually for me, means a new Spring wardrobe. But this year, I'm equally pumped to spend time outside just enjoying the sun.

Here's to your next adventure! 

The Snow Bunny Packing List

I'm not from one of those families that carries season passes to the local ski resort or owns a timeshare in a winter wonderland; let's just say I can count on one hand (or three fingers) how many times I've even skied. So, naturally I would end up dating a man who has literally been skiing since he could walk. 

 Here's the deal: I'm headed to Whistler, B.C. in a week-and-a-half with a car full of my manfriend's friends for a weekend of skiing, hot-tubbing and drinking heavily casual wine-sipping. However, I've opted out of skiing this time because I have this fear I'll hurt myself before New York Fashion Week. 

The thing is, we all know my main priority is really packing fashionably for this trip anyway. Which, in turn, raises the age-old question of "how does one maintain chicness in the coldest of temperatures?". 

 Well ladies, the virtual packing has begun. Here's what I'm referencing and preparing for my snow bunny packing list.

SNOW BUNNY ESSENTIALS

- Fur-trimmed down-jacket

- Neon beanie

- Snow boots

- Crazy shades

- DSLR

- Cheeky mittens

- Moccasins

- Sunscreen

- Chapstick

- Circle scarf

- Leather leggings

How do you stay chic in the snow? Suggestions welcome!

The Nice List - Him

1. J.Crew flask  2. Broadweighs Christmas cigars  3. Crowley record player  4. Heather Moore Monogram cufflinks  5. Jack Spade gloves  6. Burberry watch

Shopping for the men in our lives is never easy. You don't want to gift your boyfriend/husband Black Ops II, or you'll probably never see him again. And brothers and fathers can be so hit-and-miss, they can easily end up as the most difficult person to cross off of your list.

I'm no gift-giving aficionado, but I did grow up in a house of what I consider to be rednecks manly men. And in my experience, their gift desires are easily broken into three categories: novelty (play); something they can use (work); or something badass that will get the nod of approval from other males (showoff).

I've compiled a list that fits pretty easily into all of the respective categories. Custom pieces (like monogram cufflinks, flasks, or a nice Zippo lighter) are usually worth the splurge. Practical gifts, (a watch or warm gloves) can easily be worn every day. And collection gifts (a record player or an assortment of Cuban cigars) are something he can cultivate and show off to his friends.

The Long & Short of It

I've never been one of those girls who become really attached to their hair. I've been known to chop inches off on a whim, or to tip the ends hot pink at 8PM on a Friday (you'd actually be hard-pressed to find a colour my hair has not been).

 For the past couple of years, my hair has been the "medium-long" length, a damaged, split-ended mess that was caught in between my college days and my new life as a young professional. And then one day, in usual Abbie form, it was gone. I was starting to feel a change occur - and without trying to sound like the title of a Britney Spears' song - I needed a fresh start.

Hair grows. It gets damaged. It gets cut, bleached, tugged, broken, and groomed. A person's hair can say a lot about who they are. For right now, I want mine to say how I feel on the inside: that there's a lot of growth in my future, and I'm about to have a lot of fun getting there.