All Hail The Sweater Weather

Sweater Weather: The Retro Girl's favorite kind of weather. Nothing in the entire world can compare to the feeling of putting on a cozy little sweater, some lipstick, and a beanie. The moment I woke up and looked outside to find little traces of snow, I immediately ran outside like it had been my first time seeing snow. Living on a little island has its perks, but nothing will ever replace the feeling of snowflakes falling into your fingertips and dancing in its showers. Snow brings happiness and happiness equals cute style. Would you want to dress up all festive if you were not happy?? my point exactly. 

Snow=Style, end of story.

I happened to be shopping back in Honolulu a few weeks ago and I saw a look on a mannequin at J. Crew that I could not wait to try once I got home. The mannequin had a blouse with a stiff collar covered with a burgundy sweater. The sleeves were rolled up to cover the cuffs of the sweater and the collar was poking out on top. I could not get this picture out of my mind and that mannequin happened to be my muse for this outfit. 

 This look consisted of: 

American Eagle Outfitters Light Wash Denim Button Up

American Eagle Outfitters Teal Crop Sweater

Gap Black Jeggings

Betsey Johnson Black Combat Boots with Ruffle Detail

Michael Kors Statement Watch

Gap Off-White Beanie

Lancome Red Lipstick 

This look was far more edgy than how I usually style myself but it seemed to be the perfect snow day look.  

I was so happy that I was able to take the look that I saw on the mannequin at J. Crew and create it for myself using clothes that I already had. As much as I wanted to go and buy an entire new winter wardrobe to wear for my three week home visit, I knew that I needed to use my clothes that I already had. By taking your own spin on new trends, you can make any thing happen without going out and buying completely different pieces to emulate trends perfectly. There is no right and wrong when it comes to personal style. Just make it you and have fun with your wardrobe.

Being able to finally break out my FAVORITE Betsey Johnson boots and my statement Michael Kors watch brought an instant smile to my face. Those two are some of my go to pieces to jazz up any outfit. On top of that, the feeling of wearing a sweater again was beyond comparison. Snow brought me happiness and I was so happy to see a winter wonderland at last. 

Bundle Up and Find Your Sweaters My Fashion Friends!

Till Next Time!

Xoxo

-The Retro Girl

Oxford Strolls

To college students around the world this week they speak of as, "finals week" happens to be the most stressful, brain-wrenching, and dreaded week of the ENTIRE semester. Growing up, I always heard my older siblings complain about this week and now that I have had to endure it, I now understand why it is so disliked. In preparation for this life-sucking week, my wonderful roomies and I planned of for a day in the city shopping to soothe our souls and that is where my inspiration came from this past week.

This week's style diary features my beautiful roommate, Allene Leak. As she was getting ready, I saw her outfit laying out on her bed and instantly knew that I wanted to feature her uptown/european style on The Retro Renegade. This look was the perfect ensemble for a breezy day in Honolulu. The outfit was fun and flirty and truly showed her personality. 

This look consisted of: 

H&M Printed Dress, which she bought on her adventures in London.

A Madewell Leather Bag & Belt

American Eagle Outfitters Geometric Sandals

This outfit was such a statement and I feel like it sums up the holiday spirit here in Hawaii. With the hidden red pigment in the design, it brought a touch of festive to her overall look. The holidays here are nothing like in the states but it is still its own kind of holiday spirit. She even has her toes painted to match the red! All in all, this outfit has Allene's name written all over it. 

 As I prepare to head back to the mainland (AKA LAND OF SWEATERS!), I am looking forward to truly dress in the holiday spirit. No more subtle reds and greens while wearing shorts and tankinis, time for the sweaters, boots, and scarfs! Thank you Allene for being a wonderful model & The Retro Renegade is lucky to feature your fun and unique style! 

Stay classy and very warm my precious readers.

Till Next Time!

Xoxo

-The Retro Girl 

Be a Part of The Love Club

Recently I have been having this mad obsession over Lorde. I heard her hit "Royals" months ago and of course  fell in love, but this weekend I happened to purchase her EP The Love Club, as well her new album, Pure Heroine. Let's just say, she is the inspiration to this weeks style diary and I have no regrets about that. 

This week was filled with so much driving! Although I am on a small island, you'd be amazed the miles I happened to travel this week. Whether it was a run-away morning to the fabric store in Pearl City to get the finishing touches for my latest dress creation (I will blog about that soon!!), an emergency trip to Starbucks, the Midnight premier of the Hunger Games (my life is forever change), and the necessary gelato breaks in Honolulu, I had plenty of time to soak in Lorde's new tunes while on the road.

My inspiration for this outfit came from the song "The Love Club" on her first EP. It says, "Be a part of the love club, everything will glow for you. Go get punched for the love club, for the love club" and I felt like this outfit was the perfect combination of "glow" and "punch" or my interpretation being rough and romantic. 

I chose to start my outfit with my Forever 21 Printed Pencil Skirt and add my Fushia Peplum Blouse from American Eagle Outfitters. I first added a Banana Republic Black Sweater but felt it was a little to professional looking for a Sunday Morning look and decided to add an American Eagle Outfitters Denim Jacket to create more of rough appeal. I added Black Wedges from The Loft and an Ann Taylor Navy and Gold statement necklace. I did a simple side bun and wore my square diamond earrings. 

I felt like this was the perfect Sunday outfit, although I did hate all the layers in this hot weather. It the perfect combination of romantics and roughness. The moment I got my black wedges from Loft, I  have found myself wanting to add them to every outfit and this has to be one of my favorite. (Thanks Mom, you always find the best shoes)

Who knew outfit inspiration could come from my latest album obsession?! But that is the funny thing about fashion, it is not just clothes, it is a lifestyle. The way you dress says what kind of person you are, your mood, your outlook on life, and much more. Putting my daily inspirations into my outfits has become second nature to me and I hope all can master this. Most of us do not even realize how every aspect of our lives affects our personal style. This week try and channel your inspirations into your outfits.

Look for inspiration all around and apply it to this weeks outfits. Change things up, be you, and rock that look you've been dying to try. 

Till Next Time!

Xoxo

-The Retro Girl