Turqoise Rising

Tunic: Skyla, ruffled vest: H&M, knit shorts underneath: LF, belt: LF, sandals: Sam Edelman, earrings: Urban Outfitters, ear cuff: Something Borrowed, Urban Decay eyeliner in "Electric."

Aaand we're still going with the 100 degree temperatures! This is nuts. Although I really don't mind; now that I've moved back home to Sacramento where it actually gets cold in winter, the extended summer is completely welcome in my book. Okay, enough about the dang weather.

This vest has been waiting patiently in my closet since I got it from H&M last year. I just haven't known what to do with it! It's one of my favorite colors -- blush -- and it's pretty enough, but it has a tendency to look fussy, and no one likes that. But lately I've found that if I put just a little more time into the getting dressed process, i.e. jumping in and out of different combinations to see what works, I'm more likely to find use for things that usually get overlooked. Go figure, right? But sometimes it's important to be reminded of the basics.

I like how these colors work together to reflect a desert motif - the rust, turquoise, and pink sand create a sort of sunset/oasis effect. What are your favorite color combinations?

Edward Scissorhands and Cameos

Blouse and purse: Forever 21, faux leather shorts: H&M, Sunset sandal: Madewell, belt: Madewell, earrings: Urban Outfitters, bracelet: Urban Outfitters, necklace: Urban Outfitters. 

Leather shorts are one of those pieces I was on the hunt for for a mighty long time. When I tracked these babies down at H&M, I was stoked, but weirdly a little sad that the hunt was over. Next hunt: a new leather jacket! Mine is pretty beat up, and not in a cool way -- it has a hole and a blue paint stain. Anyway, these leather shorts go with a surprisingly wide variety of tops: rocker tees, chunky sweaters, or in this case, a feminine blouse.

I wore this outfit to Shady Lady, where I got hit on by a guy who gave me the unusual but sweet compliment that I reminded him of Winona Ryder in Edward Scissorhands. (See the bar napkin below!)

Nail polish: Sephora by OPI, gold eyeliner: Urban Decay, lipstick: MAC Rebel

Cameo pose.

 

Alley Cat

Tank: Forever 21, skirt: H&M, sandals: Sam Edelman, belt: LF, purse: Reform School.

Welcome to the first entry of Babesicle's Alley Cat series, where I forage through Sacramento's (and beyond) coolest alleys! 

Functionally speaking, alleys are just private passageways, but esthetically speaking, they hold a certain quaint appeal, lending themselves to cool, chipping paint; overgrown vegetation; and maybe some cool street art. They supply a nice break from the bustle of the streets, and each feels unique from the next. They've always stimulated my affinity for whimsical, secret garden-type spaces, and I think the right alley can offer substantial charm to any neighborhood. Oh, and they're also the perfect place for a photo shoot!

Midtown Sacramento has a ton of alleys, and my friend, Navid, and I couldn't have stumbled across a more fitting one for my Navajo-inspired outfit. I love the salmon, mint green, and Southwestern paintings!

Meow! See you next time! Alley Cat out.

P.S. Can anyone guess where this alley is located?