Black splits summer top {PilotingPaperAirplanes}

Cue the messy hair, wrinkled fabric and too-cool top. But there’s no time like the present, even if the present isn’t perfect!

I made this breezy black top over the weekend and I’m pretty happy with it. I don’t use patterns when I sew like this, so sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. The fit here is perfect, the length is right where I want it, and the side slits provide movement in the shirt while showing just a little bit of skin. I’m ready for you, summer.

Breezy black top {PilotingPaperAirplanes} style, fashion, outfit Breezy black top {PilotingPaperAirplanes} style, fashion, outfit Breezy black top {PilotingPaperAirplanes} style, fashion, outfitBreezy black top {PilotingPaperAirplanes} style, fashion, outfitBreezy black top {PilotingPaperAirplanes} style, fashion, outfit Breezy black top {PilotingPaperAirplanes} style, fashion, outfit Breezy black top {PilotingPaperAirplanes} style, fashion, outfit Breezy black top {PilotingPaperAirplanes} style, fashion, outfit

Thanks for reading!

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Embrace the present, even if it’s not perfect!

Fitful Focus
style, fashion, outfit of the day, stripes, floral {PIlotingPaperAirplanes.com}

Two things I don’t often do: layer over button-up shirts and mix patterns.

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Granted, stripes and florals isn’t a unique pattern pairing. This one I can do with some confidence. Others I struggle with. Like a pair of gray skinnies with small black polka dots. I can’t seem to mix with those dots. Even my flowy floral button-up doesn’t feel right. Any ideas?

Another thing I’m enjoying lately is mixing gold and silver jewelry. For a long time I wouldn’t do it (just like for a long time I couldn’t bring myself to mix black and brown). Now I’ve made a few gold and silver pieces, like the necklace worn here, to break my self-imposed no mixing rule.

Oh, I also love my hair here. This happened after a couple of days with my hair in french braid twisted bun. Nothing like braids to create waves without a hot curler.

Happy Monday!

Do you enjoy mixing stripes and florals?
What are your favorite pattern or color combinations?

Fitful Focus
Gold filigree sweatshirt {PIlotingPaperAirplanes.com} Outfit of the day

You know what I love?

I love a comfy sweatshirt that looks like I’ve tried without actually trying that hard.

Gold filigree sweatshirt {PIlotingPaperAirplanes.com} Outfit of the day

I love a bold pattern that needs few accessories. The gold filigree in this top had me feeling self conscious at first, but now I wear it all the time.

Gold filigree sweatshirt {PIlotingPaperAirplanes.com} Outfit of the day

I love a bold lip. Gloss is my every day choice, red and bright pink are favorites, and I’m shopping for a good purple. The black and gold filigree demanded red, clearly.

Gold filigree sweatshirt {PIlotingPaperAirplanes.com} Outfit of the day

I love these boots. They’re not black, but a charcoal gray. The stacked heel is not too high, the double zipper and gold accents add a nice edge. They fit perfectly and so far they’ve held up well.

Gold filigree sweatshirt {PIlotingPaperAirplanes.com} Outfit of the day

I love forever21 skinny jeans. They fit me great, the amount of stretch is perfect, and while they may not last years, at $8–12 a pop I can handle that. Also, I can pretend I’m still 21. #winning

Gold filigree sweatshirt {PIlotingPaperAirplanes.com} Outfit of the day

I love braids. This side braid is my standard and I have 3 or 4 other braided styles that make regular appearances. When you have hair as long and crazy thick as mine, a ponytail just doesn’t cut it.

Gold filigree sweatshirt {PIlotingPaperAirplanes.com} Outfit of the day
Gold filigree sweatshirt {PIlotingPaperAirplanes.com} Outfit of the day

You know what I don’t love? Snow. I’ll deal with cold when it doesn’t involve snow. But I do love a partner who’ll go out in the snow and take photos because I just had to get them done right this instant. So here’s my formal credit: all photos by Jonathan Stephanoff Photography. 🙂

Linking up with Nicole for Fit&Fashionable Friday.

Thanks for reading!

track

What are your favorite wardrobe pieces?

YOU GUYS.

I have been obsessed lately with fashion blogs and fashion on Pinterest and… the lack of fashion on my wardrobe. Ugh. Normally I don’t care all that much and with limited spare funds for shopping exploits, it’s easier to make do. Plus, my non-fashionista self has an irritatingly hard time selecting and pairing pieces.

But! Jon and I have planned a joint shopping splurge in the near future – hopefully SOONER than later *wink* – and I can’t tell you how excited I am to not only get rid of and replace much of my closet (honestly, I still have things from college; maybe before college) but also update Jon’s wardrobe. Giddy!

Alas, the time has not yet come, but I’m trying really hard to plan. Too often I impulse buy just because something is on sale and not necessarily because I love it or because it will last. And I’m pretty awful at shopping with the rest of my wardrobe in mind. The worst thing ever is getting home excited about a new piece and having nothing to wear it with. So I’m trying to be proactive while I bide my time (let’s be honest, I don’t actually want to plan and think this much) until shopping extravaganza can begin.

Ok, also, despite my big words, we don’t actually plan to spend a gazillion pennies. But it has been years since either of us were able to put a whole lot of effort or dollars into quality clothes and I, for one, think its past due. Jon is along for the ride. 🙂

Anyway, I’m switching up my fitness or life motivation to fashion inspiration this week. And HALP! I need advice, tips, ideas, style tips, anything. I’m creative enough that I want to say I’m pretty good at fashion stuff… but that’s just not the case. Here’s what I like: skinny bottoms; loose tops; short skirts; lots of color; not afraid of patterns but I have zero concept how to mix them; absolutely ok with sparkle; some structure but not too much; a “whimsy” feel; nothing fussy and definitely comfort reigns over all else.

Single #1 fashion tip; ready, go!

Also, what is your favorite store to shop at?
Do you have a “style” you’re drawn to?
Favorite fashion blogger or Pinterest board?


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