Work Style: A Touch of Lace

I found this skirt in Target on sale for $8 a few weeks ago and couldn't resist though I expect to see other people wearing it that I meet in real life. I've already seen a blogger or two sporting this skirt in stylish ways. But I can't resist a cheap (and stylish) deal from Target even if it means my look isn't 'original' as it is with thrifted or vintage items.

I hope to do some thrifting during the month of November to (inexpensively) check a few things off of my fall wish list which isn't completely fulfilled yet. I'm not a cheap person and have no problem spending money on quality items I'll have for years, but even I have random moments where I can't resist a deal...

Cardigan: H&M
Shirt: Banana Republic
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Zappos
Necklace: thrifted
Earrings: purchased in Mexico

Song currently on repeat: The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco

Fall Reading List

I've finished the books from my summer reading list, so I decided that it's time to make a fall reading book list for my Metro commute (aka reading time). I love making lists of all types because I get great satisfaction from crossing items off lists. You should see the extensive task lists I make for work...


Girl in Translation - I believe I read about this book originally on a blog (can't remember which one...). I liked the cover and the inside flap seems intriguing, so I'll give it a try!

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - I've actually owned this book for several months, but am a little embarrassed to admit that I haven't yet read it. I think there are some valuable things I can apply to life in this book from what I've heard about it; so there's no time like the present to read it.

Catching Fire (Book 2 of The Hunger Games Trilogy) - I read The Hunger Games and couldn't put it down. I didn't expect to like the series because of the disturbing premise and the fact that it's technically a Young Adult novel, but now want to know what will come of Katniss and her family, Gale and Peeta...

Nina Garcia's Look Book - I like the chatty tone of Nina Garcia's books. They seem like the great style advice I'd get from a worldly older sister or hip Aunt. I also love the illustrations of Ruben Toledo, so I knew I'd get this book from my local library as soon as I heard about its release earlier this year.

Purple Cow - I am a fan of Seth Godin and have decided to read more of his books to jump start my creativity and inspire myself to make concrete plans for my entrepreneurial dreams...I've heard people refer to Purple Cow, so I figured it was time to read it for myself.

Shopaholic and Baby - I loved the first few books of the Shopaholic series (though the film was lacking a bit for me though it was cute). I saw this book while browsing in a book store recently, so I'll definitely borrow it when it arrives in my local library.

So what books (if any) do you plan to read this fall?

Weekend Style: Shades of Blue (and Green)

I was ready to pack this dress away with my summer clothing until we had rather mild weather over the weekend and I decided to wear it as a skirt. DC weather is kind of confusing sometimes, but I guess I'll enjoy it before the cold weather really sets in. Happy Monday!

Jean Jacket: Forever 21
Shirt: Gap
Belt: thrifted
Dress worn as skirt: thrifted
Shoes: Forever 21
Clutch: vendor in Bahamas

Song Currently on Repeat: "Whip My Hair: by Willow Smith

Style Profile: Kendi Everyday

Image Credit: Kendi Everyday

This is the first edition of Shen Dove's Style Profiles, which is basically an opportunity for me to interview some of my favorite style enthusiasts and ask them a few questions about their style and inspiration. This month, I am profiling Kendi Lea from Kendi Everyday. Not only is Kendi a stylish lady, but she's a funny as well! The humorous tone of Kendi's posts often make me chuckle out loud, which garners looks if I'm reading her blog on my iPhone or laptop in public... Kendi is also a master wardrobe remixer and created the awesome 30 for 30 challenge that I participated in with numerous other bloggers over the summer. So let's get this interview started!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog?

Kendi: I discovered style blogs in 2008 and became enthralled with them. I loved the idea of seeing what real girls with real bodies buy, wear and remix. After following many blogs for a few years, I decided that it was time to have my own voice out there in the community, so Kendi Everyday was born out of that desire to contribute to the wonderful world of style blogging.

Shen Dove: How did you come up with your blog title?

Kendi: I get asked this a lot and I'm never quite sure how it came about. I thought up a million names but it seemed like all of them were taken. I wanted my blog to come across as the average girl and what she wears, so I decided on Kendi (my name) + Everyday, as to show my daily style.

Shen Dove: Where is the strangest place you've taken an outfit photo?

Kendi: Great question! I'm not sure how strange this is but at an old broken down gas station, with a construction crew watching us. I definitely felt strange, that's for sure!

Shen Dove: How would you describe your personal style? Is it influenced by your career/job?

Kendi: I would say that my style right now is classic, indie and modern, but always changing. When I first started my career path, my style was completely influenced by my job, but nothing felt like me. Now I make sure that what I buy fits my style as well as the constraints of appropriate office wear. With a little creativity, finding your style in a 9-5 setting can be done.

Shen Dove: Who is your personal 'style icon'? Feel free to name as many as you like if you have more than one!

Kendi: I adore Rachel Bilson's style. She is indie but polished, I love how put together she looks always, even if it's in a pair of shorts. I also gain a lot of style inspiration from Alexa Chung. The way she pairs things together is unexpected and yet on her makes complete sense. She makes me want to take more risks!

Shen Dove: If you could have a tea party with any person(s) that have influenced your personal style (dead or alive) who would they be? What would you discuss?

Kendi: I would have to say that I'd want a tea party with style bloggers! I'd love to meet so many bloggers who have influenced my style and life by their blogs. Rachel Bilson, Zooey Deschanel and Alexa Chung would of course be invited as well. :)

Shen Dove: Do you have any personal style rules you live by? If so, what are they?

Kendi: Do not buy anything that does not already fit with what you have in your closet. If you can't remix it, you don't need it.

Shen Dove: How does the city/town/burb you live in influence your style?

Kendi: Where I live there isn't a lot of style, so I've had to get over the fact that what I wear does not translate to anyone here. It was hard at first and now I just don't care. I've lived in Texas for most of my life, so there is definitely influence there, but more than anything I try to stay true to what I like not what the latest trend everyone in my town is wearing. Or else I'd be wearing a be-dazzled jean jacket and really big hair.

Shen Dove: What items are you excited about wearing this fall?

Kendi: Animal print, tall boots, knee high socks and of course, tights. I can not wait until it's tights wearing weather!

Shen Dove: What clothing or accessories item do you plan to keep forever and why?

Kendi: It's hard to purge anything that I've invested in, so clothing from J.Crew or Anthropologie I don't plan on parting with for a while. Anything basic can keep for forever. I have a black dress from J.Crew that I wore to my rehearsal dinner and it looks just as nice as the day I bought it, such a great investment piece that I can wear over and over again.

Shen Dove: What are your regular reads (blogs, magazines, books) to get your fashion fix?

Kendi: Lucky Magazine is my favorite, every time it lands in my mailbox I rip it open and start marking pages as inspiration. I have too many blogs to name, there are so many inspiring people out there. Street style blogs are so inspiring to me, I can't always re-create a specific look but I love to see the risks others take. Who What Wear is also a great resource for me, I look forward to their emails every day.

Shen Dove: Looking your best doesn't necessarily mean spending your entire paycheck, do you have any tips for shopping on a budget?

Kendi: You are exactly right, looking good is not a reason to go into debt. I suggest setting a budget for shopping and setting aside time to go shop rather it be online or in-store. It will look different for each person, but sticking to a budget and schedule will help you stay focus in your shopping rather than just spending money on things you don't neccesarrily need. Make a list of items you'd like and items you need, always buy basics first. A basic skirt will get you a lot further than blowing all your budget on 1 pair of trendy shoes. Not that you can't buy trendy shoes, but if you take care of the basics first, then trendy items can follow in the months to come. Shop sales at nicer stores and hit up places like Target, Ross, TJ Maxx for discounted merchandise as well. And remember, if you can't remix it, you don't need it. :)

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview Kendi!

So, if you aren't already a reader of Kendi Everyday, check her out! You won't be disappointed.

Back to Reality

I've been on vacation all week (I'll do a brief recap this week), but tomorrow is back to reality for me! I read the most awesome book while on vacation by Seth Godin. I highly recomend that you check it out if you need a good kick in the butt to get your creativity going. I felt like the author was talking directly to me! Check it out!

Jacket: Forever 21
Shirt: Gap
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Forever 21
Bag: Marshalls
Sunnies: Target
Necklace: H&M

Song Currently on Repeat: 'Power' by Kanye West

Desire to Be Inspired

To be honest, I've had a bit of trouble finding inspiration this week in my outfits.

I think a bit of time 'playing dress-up' in my closet is called for at some point during the weekend to get re-inspired. My fall clothing wish list is still quite long, but sometimes (when you live on a budget), you just have to force yourself to work with what you've got.

This look is a bit 'matchy,' but I still like it. I'm over following the 'no white after Labor Day' thing, so I'll be wearing this dress with tights and boots once the cold weather arrives for good.

Happy (almost) Friday!

Blazer: Tulle
Dress: Mod Cloth
Shoes: Target
Earrings: from high school trip to Italy
Necklace: JessLC Jewelry

Currently listening to: Fela Kuti Pandora station

Boots Made for Walking

Timberland Bethel Buckle Tall Zip Boot

I love a high heeled boot as much as the next girl, but flat boots are my absolute favorite for the colder months because my main mode of getting around D.C. is public transportation (the Metro). I don't really need a car since I live in the city. So imagine my delight when Lucky Magazine and Timberland sent me these great boots that could stand up to the massive amount of walking I do on a daily basis when it's too cold for my usual flats. I am that girl that wears skirts and dresses in the dead of winter, so tall boots come in handy! If you're still working your way down your fall shopping list (like me!) and are in the market for some chic boots, Timberland is offering 20% off purchases until October 12th with the code: LUCKY.