"Gov Ball Style Recap"

This year was a first for me attending Governors Ball Music Festival, and it was definitely a new kind of festival experience. A three day event held in New York City, each day my best friend and I made the trek to Randall's Island Park to feel the magic of combining the excitement of the city with the good vibes of being at a music festival. 

Now when it comes to these kinds of things I usually put a lot of thought into the perfect "festival outfit" for each day. However, with being in the city, on foot, and constantly on the go, we found it was best to keep it simple and easy breezy with our OOTD a la white converse (not great for muddy festival grounds but good for walking and styling) and simple tees, cutoffs, and a touch of accessories-a.k.a. my fav crochet blanket duster, a Free People belt, and my Moon Beam Choker that I'm currently obsessed with. 

Oh and obviously a music festival ensemble wouldn't be complete without adding the perfectly undone top knot. 

Free People's We the Free 757 Tee

Free People's Sacred Valley Belt

Free People's Moon Beam Choker

Free People's Goodnight Moon Sunglasses

Brandy Melville Distressed Tee

Urban Renewal Levis 501 Slash Cutoff

Ecote Knotted Suede Hobo Bag

Free People's Woolrich Rancher Hat

For this festival I kept my look pretty laid back but I think for my next festival adventure this weekend, Firefly,  I will be breaking out the jumpers and headpieces!

What are some of your festival faves? Do you keep your style simple or go all out? 

It's been rad but 'til next year Gov Ball...

"Fleetwood Mac @ Prudential Center"

Last night was one of those magical, once-in-a-lifetime nights where you look around at all of the lights and feel the music pulsing through you, and you feel the presence of the thousands of people around you experiencing the same moment, and it's nothing short of electrifying. This is exactly how it felt to be in the same room as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Fleetwood Mac. To be watching this union of truly amazing musicians such as the great Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, and of course Mick Fleetwood, it was a surreal experience. 

Stevie Nicks was stunning as she sang and danced her way through "Dreams", "Rhiannon", "Landslide", "Gold Dust Woman", and more, even stopping to tell the back story to my personal favorite song, "Gypsy". Christine McVie stepped in to perform lead vocals on hits such as "Everywhere" and "You Make Loving Fun". Lindsey Buckingham took over with his electrifying stage presence and with his infamous guitar playing style, using no pick, performed some pretty badass guitar solos. He sang an intimate version of "Never Going Back Again". Mick Fleetwood did an interactive drum solo with the audience, hyping up the energy even further. The band ended the night with classics such as "Don't Stop" and "Go Your Own Way". 

Having been to many concerts and seeing several performances in various genres of music, this experience was by far the greatest, setting the bar extremely high for any future performances as well.  I left feeling that I had been touched by the magic of a time that I lust over, musically and otherwise. 

  

"Sequins and Champagne: NYE Style"

Happy New Year, guys! It's officially 2015, can you believe it?! I rang in the new year with lots of family, good food, and drinks. And don't think I wasn't armed with loads of party favors...beaded necklaces, giant party hats, and noise makers included. If there is an occasion where it's considered acceptable to overdose on glitter, sequins, and sparkles, you better believe I will be taking advantage of the opportunity. Mind you, a family get together doesn't exactly call for a semi-formal dress code, or any dress code at all for that matter, but if there's one rule that I have when planning an outfit for any occasion, it's that you can never be overdressed or too dressed up. After all, I know that I personally am happiest and most comfortable when I'm wearing an outfit that makes me feel fun. Plus, if there's any time to work sequins into your wardrobe it should probably be on New Year's Eve. 

I stumbled upon this sparkly little dress in Forever 21 a couple of weeks prior to the big night and instantly knew it would be the dress I would be wearing while welcoming the new year. Nothing screams New Year's Eve quite like a silver sequin mini dress with a bow-back accent. Due to the freezing temperatures, I threw on black tights and my high-low skirted coat that I scored on sale from an NYC boutique last year. Let me tell you, this coat has been a lifesaver in the coldest city conditions. It has the ability to dress up just about anything, all the while remaining flattering and warm. 

As far as New Year's resolutions, my fashion resolution for the new year is to be a little more bold with my looks and not be afraid to mix it up, all the while remaining true to my personal style. So in other words, if I like it, wear it! I believe being free means not holding back when it comes to fashion choices. Simply wear what feels best! 

What are your style resolutions for 2015!? 

Hope you all enjoyed your New Years' and here's to the many special occasions to come this year!

Get the look here:

Bow-Back Sequin Dress

High/Low Skirted Coat

For more style recaps follow me on Instagram @dreaminginpolaroid  (:

"All About the Outfit (Christmas Recap)"

Getting dressed up is always one of my favorite parts of any occasion so when the holidays come around, I use it as an opportunity to pull out the dresses and special pieces that I wouldn't necessarily wear on just any day. I have been hanging onto this Free People headpiece since the summer, waiting for the perfect occasion to pair it with the perfect outfit, and this Christmas seemed like just as good a time as any.

For this outfit, I started with the gold Dripping Coins Headpiece and worked my way to the dress, choosing a soft, ivory lace dress by Kimchi Blue. The details of this dress are very feminine and pretty with ruffled shoulders and a see-through back, perfect for showing off my delicate side and shoulder tattoos. Luckily for me, the warmer weather made an appearance this Christmas, allowing me to get away without wearing tights. Instead, I paired the dress with my Free People Vegan Leather Hooded Jacket, (minus the detachable hood), for a more wintery look. I also like to play with the leather and lace look sometimes for a tough-meets-feminine effect. The shoes fell into place after the jacket, as these Ecote ankle booties paired well against the leather as well as any outfit sans tights at this time of year. These ankle booties have become my favorite touch to many mini dresses. Final touches consisted of creating loose waves in my hair, a middle part, and a small section of braided hair to compliment the headpiece. 

And so this is my process of creating a perfect outfit for Christmas day festivities. 

How do you prepare your holiday looks? Do you have any special pieces that you save for the holidays? Comment below with your own favorite Christmastime looks this season and check out the links posted below to get this look! 

Get the look here:

Kimchi Blue Eloise Lace Dress

Vegan Leather Hooded Motorcycle Jacket

Dripping Coins Headpiece

Pskaufman Frwy Chelsea Western Boot

"The Perfect Plaid Parka"

Finding the perfect winter coat has been a fashion endeavor of mine for the last couple of years. Up until I had the experience of living through a brutal New York City winter, I never truly knew the importance of a warm, yet fashionable winter coat. I also never realized how important the versatility of a coat is, as living in the city calls for a coat that can take you to many different occasions without letting the icy wind sneak its way in. 

Living in New Jersey where a warm car is always just a short walk away, I have a little more room to play with different styles without suffering for the sake of fashion. Months ago I decided my coat of the season would be a plaid wool coat much like the Free People one I was lusting over. But just as all of my most treasured wish list items seem to do, it sold out by the time I committed to the purchase. So imagine my excitement when I came across this similar gem, (for a much lower price might I add), while doing some Christmas shopping recently. I walked into Forever 21, and there it was in all of it's on-sale glory, finally, my perfect plaid wool coat. It's warm, the perfect length, and the plaid is versatile enough to wear with just about anything. And so my annual winter coat need has been satisfied! 

Get the look here:

Wool-Blend Plaid Parka

Lucky Brand Emmie Flats

Capsule Slouchy Beanie

"Music Inspiration: Joni Mitchell"

I have always thought of Joni Mitchell as a source of inspiration for everything from her effortless style, iconic beauty, and of course her talent as a gifted musician. She is mind-blowingly inspirational to me, and her 1971 album, Blue, is a personal favorite of mine, something I've been listening to quite a bit during this holiday season. 

-Polaroid of Joni Mitchell by Andy Warhol. She signed "Startled to see you."

The song "River" off of her album, Blue, is particularly special to me at this time of year. The lyrics demonstrate a feeling of sadness as Christmastime approaches, a time for loved ones. After a heartbreak or loss of any kind, this can be a sensitive time of year to cope with pain and sadness as it seems everything revolves around the theme of love, family, and togetherness.

"It's coming on Christmas 
They're cutting down trees 
They're putting up reindeer 
And singing songs of joy and peace Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on "

The pressure surrounding the holidays can create a feeling of loneliness that is captured in the tenderness of this song. 

https://open.spotify.com/user/1236486098/playlist/7H65pTpFiBek3QCXTu2HRK

As an alternative to the traditional Christmas music that I personally have never been a fan of, I will be listening to classics such as Blue and other albums that resonate with me during the holiday season.

Comment below with your own personal soundtrack to the season. What songs feel like Christmas to you? 

"Changing with the Seasons"

Before the cold weather officially plants its feet for the winter and the outdoors become blanketed in snow, I try to make it a point to spend as much time with nature as possible. Fall is the perfect time of year to spend that extra hour we get here and there outside, breathing in fresh air, and soaking up nature's abundant benefits. I personally am a summer girl through and through. So I use this as a transitional period for my mind, body, and wardrobe to adjust to the upcoming season, and one way that I peacefully come to terms with this change is through the beauty I find in nature. 

Right before the first official snowfall of the season, we had some almost abnormally warm days that I took advantage of. I have found that often times you don't have to go somewhere exotic or travel far at all to find a beautiful little slice of nature. We often don't realize how accessible this serenity really is. All you need is a little curiosity and sense of adventure to jump in your car and drive a little off your usual path. Take a road you've never taken before or google the nearest hiking trails. It's my go-to way of gaining some perspective and recharging my energy. In the next couple of weeks, the autumn days will come to an end as winter greets us on December 21st, at which point the frigid air becomes strikingly blunt and less peaceful. With this one last adventure I say goodbye to the great outdoors and will be patiently awaiting the return of spring. 

Get the look: 

Urban Renewal Super-Destroyed Levi's Jean

Blanket Sweater

Open-Weave Slouch Beanie

Steve Madden Troopa Lace-Up Boot