Hair Dye Adventures in Espana

I know, I know, I'm a bad little blogger.  To be fair, I have been traveling a lot and my internet is so slow it takes 3 hours to upload an album to Facebook.  Excuses, excuses, I know. (I also have to read all of Don Quijote, parts 1 and 2 for class.  Please, kill me).


I don't have that much news, but I did dye my hair!  Again.  So long story short, it's naturally a dark blonde/light brown.  Then I dyed it brown for year, and for about the first 6 months of the year it was red.  Like red-red-red.  But I got tired of it, and I wanted it to go back to brown.  So I dyed it medium-dark golden-brown literally 3 separate times.  It was still red, and worse than that, it was strawberry blonde on the bottom half because I have too much hair for one box of dye and the color on my ends had faded away.  This made me very frustrated.  So one day,  I freaked out and grabbed 2 boxes of a neutral dark brown and dyed my hair.


It's dark!  Dark dark dark.  It also looks like I have highlights because now my hair isn't taking dye evenly (damn you, red hair dye), but I guess that makes it more natural looking?  Either way, I really like the dark.  I had it this dark when my hair was way shorter--just over chin-length--and that felt a little harsh.  I think the extra length softens it up a lot, and I feel much more Spanish now!  Haha.  But no, really, the red hair + epic paleness was getting stares and comments from creepy old men on the street.  So.  Oh, and I slept with it in braids last night and attempted to make it wavy today.

I've been bouncing around Spain quite a bit since I got here.  So far I've been to Madrid, Toledo, Cadiz, Sevilla (obviously haha), Huelva, and Granada.  Here are some pics I took of the Alhambra in Granada--the last Moorish palace built in Spain in the last city conquered by the Catholic Kings.  Sigh.  Isn't it gorgeous?  It was abandoned by centuries and random squatters lived there before it was reclaimed and restored by the state. 

And on a totally random note, I've been doing a lot of online shopping in my downtown.  Being in Spain without being able to use my beloved iPhone and being stuck relying on my stupid little Movistar piece of junk has gotten me thinking about watches.  I'm normally that girl that walks around clutching her iPhone in a death grip so she always knows what's going on.  But not being able to do that has gotten me thinking, and honestly...it's a little obnoxious.  I'd like to be able to have a watch so I'm not constantly playing with my iPhone.  The one problem is that I HATE how watches look on me.  So when I found these bracelet-watch hybrids from La Mer, I got really excited.  La Mer Collections Moscow Braided Chain Wrap Watch, $110 at lamercollections.com, Brown Leather-Copper Motorcycle Chain Watch, $120 at lamercollections.com:

I know these are basically the same.  I really like the combination of skinny watch face, long brown leather straps, and chunky chains mixed in.  The watch face is so delicate and lady-like, the leather adds an equestrian/slightly preppy-aristocratic feel, and the chain brings it all back down to earth and gives it some grit.  The basic dilemma is between silver or gold.  I think I like the silver one better.  And all the rest of my rings/bracelets are silver too...hm...And momma, if you read this, I may or may not be asking for this for Christmas.  Love you! 

That's all for now, darlings.  Hasta luego!

Images via lamercollections.com.

Spain Style

I'm still alive!  Sorry for the lack of updates (yes, mom, I am still alive), but crazy schedule + spotty internet does not lend itself to lots of blog updates.  But I am trying to get on top of it, I swear.

In terms of life updates, I am still getting mocked all around for speaking Spanish like a Mexican (apparently it's a problem in my grammar class) and I'm traveling all over!  So far I have trips planned to Cadiz, Granada, Ireland, London, Paris, Bologna, Germany, Portugal and Austria.  Busy busy busy but excited to get to go to some new places.  I start class next week, so that should be pretty interesting.

So, clothes.  I'm noticing that the trends in Spain (right now at least) are less colorful/floral and more neutral.  There are seems to be less structure/clean lines and more draping--which could be related to the fact that it's a million degrees here.  Today I wore an outfit just like this.  The tank was the same but a burnt pinkish-red instead of purple (the picture is evading me) and it was that exact skirt.  I saw 'Friends with Benefits' before I left and something about Mila Kunis' pencil/mini skirt-based daytime outfits stuck with me.  I'm running out of clean clothes so I decided to recreate one using a skirt I normally wear out at night (yay, repurposing).  So I had the black shirt and then the reddish tank on top and loose, but I tucked a tiny bit of the hem of the tank into the waist of the skirt (in just one spot).  It's hard to describe, but it highlights the high waist of the skirt and creates this pretty draping effect because the rest of the hem of the shirt hangs down.

Then I wore these Frye boots and a leather jacket I have that's pretty similar to the Veda one pictured here.  The leather jacket adds a little structure and some edge (you can never have too much edge!  Jk, you totally can, but I still love it).  I like the boots with this outfit because they make it a little more casual since they're basically gussied up cowboy boots, but the little heel keeps it all sassy.  I throw on some antique necklaces on top and overall was very happy with the look.  I'd do a photo for y'all, but I actually have no full length--or even remotely full-length--mirrors here.  Boo.

On a makeup related note, I've been dying to pick up some Spanish makeup here, but there don't seem to be any Spanish makeup brands, at least that I can find??  All I've seen here is marked up makeup from the UK and the States, like $16 CoverGirl mascara (that must be a joke).  So I've been loving my Coastal Scents Metal Mania palette.  It was about $20 on the Coastal Scents website, and has 88 metallic shadows, mostly neutrals.  I love it because the shadows are pretty high quality for the price and since there are so many it's keeping my cravings for new shadows at bay--for now.  Also, I've been living off Nutella.  Unrelated, I know, but I'm struggling with not eating in my dorm dining hall and not wanting to spend a lot of money on groceries to cook for myself.  It's been lots of cheese and bread and apples with Nutella (which I'm eating right now.  Shocker).  Someone force me to feed myself nutrients.

That's all for now.  Besos de Espana!

Images via stylehive.com, loveinpink88blogspot.com.

Current Cravings

I've been packing and cleaning all day today.  I hate packing and cleaning.  I really, really do.  So, to make me feel better, here are some pretty things.


Melinda Maria Gwyneth Ring, $42 at shopbop.com, Rachel Zoe Zoe Tote, $450 at shopbop.com, Rachel Zoe Pamela Satchel, $495 at shopbop.com: How cute is that skinny ring?  It comes in turquoise and black, and it's got stones set in 18K (plated, not solid) gold.  That's pretty good for $42, no?  I love it because it's skinny and basic enough to wear every day, but the alternating stone sizes and geometric feel keep it interesting.  It would be cute and dainty with just one on the ring finger, and layered with a few other gold rings it could have a more rocker/Olsen twin vibe.  Apparently Rachel Zoe has a bag line now.  I think they're pretty cute, given the price point, even if they are a little heavy on the hardware.  I like the doctor/framed shape of this first bag.  It feels very ladylike, but all the black and the gold hardware and the little chain give it a bit of a rebellious vibe.  This would be a great work bag that transitions well to going out at night.  And how great is that shape of that tote?  It would be such a great school bag, big enough to fit some books and a laptop.  The buckles on the bottom have a bit of a biker feel, but the overall shape is simple enough to keep it all from being too busy.

Images via shopbop.com.

Craving: Heeled Campus Boots

So I watched 'The Devil Wears Prada' this weekend, and there was this one scene in the intro where this girl is wearing heeled campus boots, just like the ones below.  Now, I'm not a heels person, I feel like a giant enough already, but that kind of heeled boot...it calls to me. I wants it.  I put together an outfit around a pair of boots like that to legitimize my cravings (of course).



7 For All Mankind The Skinny Legging Jeans, $168 at shopbop.com, Frye Harlow Campus Pull-on Boots, $358 at shopbop.com: How cute are those boots?! The stacked heel is just over 4", which would be a bit impractical if these boots didn't have rugged, easy to walk on soles and squishy foot beds.  I'll all about adding a little practical sexy to the daytime wardrobe, and these fit the bill.  The leather is a lovely, thick warm brown but has this amazing tumbled texture that keeps them from being too dominatrix and too polished for daytime.  In sort, they are perfect and I must has them.  I'd wear them with simple black legging jeans.  With heels that high, you need a basic color and a slim cut to keep them from being too over the top (plus those 7 legging jeans are ridiculously comfy).

Soft Joie Maitza Top, $98 at shopbop.com, tuleste market Tufted Diamond Pendant Necklace, $60 at shopbop.com: As far as tops go, the jeans and the boots have such structured, clean lines and basic colors that for the top I'd do something more fluid and in a fun, bright color.  This top has a lovely shape, with the oversized body balancing out the draped shoulders and scoop neckline.  It's flirty without showing cleavage, which is great, and it hits at a good place on the hip, not too low.  To top it all off, I'd add this tuleste market necklace.  It's a lot of look with minimal effort, the geometric shape contrasts nicely with the more Grecian top, and the black ties in with the black jeans.

Images via shopbop.com.

Burt's Bees Lip Tint and Pretty Clothes

So I was bumming around Target today picking up stuff for my next semester in Spain (apparently they don't have Tampax in Spain.  Um.  WHAT.) and I was meandering through the beauty aisles when I saw this little guy:


Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Honeysuckle, $7 at burtsbees.com: How cute is that packaging?  From the outside it looks like this giant, elegantly packaged lip balm and Target conveniently had no price tags up, so I bought it.

The cute packaging is much bigger than the actual lip balm (sob) which is normal tube of Chapstick-sized.  That said, the tube still looks pretty chic for a lip balm, and I love tinted lip balms that come in tubes instead of pots (so you don't have to germify them up with your fingers).  Here's what Burt's Bees has to say about them:

"Care for your lips with beautiful, sheer color. Our new tinted balms give you a hint of color with a soft, sweet flavor and natural ingredients that moisturize and condition your lips. Available in six flirty shades – Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Tiger Lily, Pink Blossom, Red Dahlia and Rose." 

It's packed full of shea butter and lots of plant/flower oils too.  I wish these had SPF, but you can't have everything.  Honeysuckle is a brownish-peach nude, similar to my favorite lipstick, MAC Shy Girl. It has no shimmer, and the pigmentation is sheer but noticeable.  I have medium-light pigmented lips, and this tones down my natural lip color a bit for a hint of nude color, but it's still too sheer for me to swatch and get it to show it.

The balm goes on very easily, and manages to have that nice texture between oily and waxy--it doesn't sit up your lips like Vaseline and it doesn't go on all dry and waxy like the Burt's Bees chapsticks.  It's not as moisturizing as, say, Aquaphor, but it's moisturizing enough to be me through the day.  Since the color is sheer, it doesn't last too long, maybe an hour.  The moisture lasts 2-3 hours, which is standard for me.

All in all, I really like this lip balm.  I've tried a fair amount, and this is one of my favorites.  More moisturizing than my Kiehls and Korres lip balms for sure, and a prettier color than my clear Aquaphor.  The only downsides are the misleading packaging, slightly high price, and lack of SPF.  I'd give this a B+.  I'd really like to try Hibiscus, which seems like a medium warm pink (they also have sheer reds, which would be so, so pretty with this formula).


On a totally random note, look at these pretty things I found on Shopbop today:


ADAM Leather Aviator Jacket with Shearling Collar, $895 at shopbop.com, Chan Luu Key Earrings, $62 at shopbop.com: I love little leather motorcycle jackets.  I also love shearling collars.  A little black leather motorcycle jacket with a removable shearling collar?  YES PLEASE.  The cropped waist and long, tight sleeves of the jacket create a flattering, streamlined silhouette but still have the inherent edge of a moto jacket.  The shearling adds some warmth and a wild, impractical glamour that I find strangely endearing.  I want to wear this with fitted black jeans, sassy harness boots, and a fitted olive green tee.  Okay, y'all know that I'm a sucker for old-fashioned key-shaped anything.  I have those Tiffany's necklaces.  I even have random old-fashioned skeleton keys hanging out in my room.  But antique key-shaped earrings?  WHAT.  These are so cute!  They're small enough to not be too over the top, and the keys have such a dainty, elegant feel to them.  Plus they're plated in rose gold, which develops the prettiest patina over time.

Happy weekend!



Images via shopbop.com, burtsbees.com.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

I'm a little bit of an eyebrow freak.  I dye, tweeze, pencil, and trim my eyebrows so that they look normal and not like two dark blonde blobs above my eyes.  I've used half the eyebrow pencils at Sephora trying to find one that gives me color and hold but doesn't look too painted on, and so far, this one's my favorite (my mom's too!).  So when Anastasia Beverly Hills got in touch with me and asked if I wanted to review some of their products, I jumped at the opportunity.


Here's the Anastasia logo (isn't it cute? I love anything with crowns on it).  The brand started out with just brow products, but now they've got a whole range of makeup, as you can see from Blake Lively's look on the cover of Glamour--how adorable is that eyeshadow palette?

Hopefully sometime early next week I'll have this ILLUMIN8 With Youthful Synergy™ Complex Bronzer to review for y'all.  I may be pale, but I love my bronzer, and this one promises lots of skin enhancing benefits:

"Illumin8 Bronzer gives skin an instant sun-kissed glow without the sun. This clinically and consumer-tested bronzing powder hydrates the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Youthful Synergy™ Complex features: brown algae, a key ingredient that smoothes, firms, hydrates, and revitalizes the appearance of skin; diamond core powder, which diffuses shadows and minimizes the appearance of pores and wrinkles; sea whip extract that soothes skin; macadamia derivative, a natural hydrator capable of holding up to 300% more water; and vitamins A, B, C, E, and F. Balkan Botanical® Infusion, exclusive to Anastasia Beverly Hills, is an antioxidant-rich complex containing marshmallow leaf extract, lemon balm, bilberry extract, and green tea to soothe, soften, and hydrate skin."

Algae?  In bronzer?  I've never seen anything like it before.  So I'm pumped to swatch and review that for you all.  In the mean time, here's another Anastasia product I'm craving, the Youthful Synergy Complex Eye Shadow Palette.  My favorite eye shadow palettes are the ones that combine neutral and pastel shades, like this one here.  You have the neutrals to do a school/office appropriate look, and then you can add a little sass with the bright purple or cranberry red.

British Drugstore Cravings

For some reason, I'm convinced that drugstores in Europe have much better drugstore makeup lines than we do in the US.  I think it's because of all the British Youtube beauty gurus I watch (pixiwoo and pixi2woo mostly) who always have the best looking drugstore products.  It's hard to get them in the US, but since I have about a 5 hour layover in Heathrow on my way to Spain next semester, I'm hitting up Boots and Superdrug in the airport.  Woohoo!  Here are some of the things I've had my eye on for a while:

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer, about 4 pounds, Barry M Nail Paint, about 3 pounds: I honestly have no comprehension of the exchange rate between pounds and dollars but I'm thinking all of these are still pretty cheap.  I've seen this Collection 2000 concealer in a lot of Pixi2woo videos.  It seems like an affordable, long-lasting under-eye concealer.  I just broke my MAC concealer (sob) and I need a new one, so I'm thinking I'll pick up this little guy.  I like the doefoot applicator, since I always irritate my eyes slapping on concealer with my fingers, and an applicator is much softer and easier to blend with.  I think Barry M polish is like the Sally Hansen of the UK, but cheaper and with better colors.  I love the retro type on the bottle, and the range of gorgeous vibrant colors and on-trend, dusty hues.  I think I have a bit of a nail polish addiction problem, so I'll definitely grab a few of these.

Sleek Pout Polish, about 4 pounds, Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation, about 10 pounds: I have about 25 lip balms.  And I don't really like any of them.  I use Aquaphor for actual moisture (it beats everything at that) but as for colored lip balm I have no favorites.  I've heard great things about this Sleek Pout Polish.  It has SPF (which I LOVED), seems to be very moisturizing, and comes in a bunch of pretty colors.  I really like that pink on top and the cherry red on the bottom.  I'm a little scared of lip color, but sheer lip balms are a great way to add a little color without going too over the top.  Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation got rave reviews both on YouTube and on Makeupalley.  It seems to be a light, dewey foundation with a ton of antioxidants to nourish your skin.  I'm always looking for lightweight, decent coverage foundations and this one is so affordable and may actually make your skin happier.  So that's a win-win!

 What about you girls?  Do you have a favorite European beauty product?

Images via: collection2000.co.uk, superdrug.co.uk, bourjois.co.uk.

Daydreaming: Outfits for Spain

I'm just thinking of outfits for me to wear next semester in Spain at this point.  This is the kind of thing I want to wear while bouncing around old buildings in the city center and drinking cappuccinos in sunlit plazas.

Every Thursday Dress, $47.99 at modcloth.com, Antik Batik Akan Stone Flat Sandals, $120 at shopbop.com: I'm realizing that there is a hole in my closet--a fitted sun/daydress-sized hole.  I have a ton of little dresses with a-line skirts, but for some reason, I'm really craving dresses that are more fitted.  This Modcloth dress is ADORABLE.  I like the silky fabric, the way it drapes and has a subtle sheen, and I like the adjustable waist-tie, which creates a really flattering shape.  The tomato red is classic but fresh and works for a lot of complexions.  Plus the shape is just great--it hugs the body without clinging to it too much, has an interesting neckline, and hides any stomach bulge.  For daytime, I'd do this with a pair of flat but embellished sandals.  These Antik Batik sandals are nice because they're fancy enough to go with the polished vibe of the dress, but still low-key enough to be daytime appropriate.  The crystals add a little fun and glamour, and their pink tone ties them in with the dress.

Kenneth Jay Lane Golden Shadow Earrings, $60 at shopbop.com, Ray-Ban Modern Wayfarers, $139 at shopbop.com: I like the idea of keeping this outfit relatively simple and clean to let the draping do the talking.  For jewelry, I'd do this simple pair of oversized studs.  They're a basic shape, so they have a classic feel, but since they're slightly oversized they're a bit more playful and eccentric.  I'd top it all off with a giant pair of sunglasses--when are giant sunglasses not a great addition to any outfit?--and these are a nice neutral shape with a basic brown frame.  Plus I have them and they are totally fab.

Images via modcloth.com, polyvore.com, shopbop.com.

Casual Pencil Skirt?

So I saw Friends with Benefits this weekend.  The highlight for me was Mila Kunis' makeup and wardrobe.  I really loved that she did a lot of cute, casual outfits around jersey pencil skirts.  As much as I wish I could be the girl in the flippy a-line skirt, a pencil skirt works a lot better for my figure.  Sometimes they can come across as stiff and formal, but dressed down with some drapery and a cute little tee like this one, they can actually be really cute.  So I put together an outfit that I'd wear in out and about that's based around a jersey pencil skirt.

Drapey Bubbled Tee, $58 at anthropologie.com, Lily White Banded Skirt, $22 at nordstrom.com: A friend of mine has this pencil skirt.  I assumed it was like a $50 piece from Banana Republic or something, because it's a nice thick stretchy jersey, but it's $22 for Nordstrom.  Total steal!  This piece works because it has enough stretch to be comfy but not to lose its shape, the black is versatile and neutral, and the high-waisted shape is very flattering.  I'd pair it with this blue draped tee.  The softness of the tee works nicely with the clean lines of the skirt and gives it a bit of a casual, low-key twist, and the blue pops nicely against the black.

CC Skye Upper East Side Satchel, $650 at shopbop.com, Lauren by Ralph Lauren Astrid Gladiator Sandal, $37.49 at ralphlauren.com: Then I'd add this shoulder bag.  The warm brown and textured leathers add a visual richness, but since it's brown it's still a neutral and doesn't fight with the blue top.  What I love about this bag is that it has a vintage doctor's/camera bag feel, but it's still easy to use and convenient with it's cross-body strap and zip top.  In theory I'd do heels with this outfit, but since I want it to be casual and practical, I'd do a pair of flat sandals.  These are simple and understated, but with the twisted detail they manage not to be boring.  The dark brown ties in with the bag and gives the whole ensemble a cohesive feel.

Images via flisted.com, anthropologie.com, shopbop.com, nordstrom.com,

What I'd Like to be Wearing to Work

I am the worst with dressing for work.  In theory, I have all these adorable outfits that I'd wear, but in reality, I just wear what I already have, which is lots of cardigans and sundresses.  Gah.  But people at my office wear JEANS.  It's so weird to me.  Anyways, here's one of those theoretical outfits I'd wear to work.  I really like slightly '50s, retro work ensembles (Joan Holloway = my icon) with a slightly modern twist.


J. Crew Ruthie Shirtdress, $118 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Skinny Patent Belt, $34.50 at jcrew.com: This J. Crew shirtdress is ADORABLE.  It's a lovely camel color, which is very of the moment but also flattering and versatile.  The cut works well for a lot of body types--it's fitted through the smallest part of your torso, and glides over the lower body.  The elbow-length sleeves add a hint of sweetness to the utilitarian feel of a shirtdress.  To add even more emphasis to the waist, I'd do a skinny patent leather belt.  The patent gives it a bit of an urban edge, and a cinched-in waist is always a good look.

GUESS Osten Heels, $99 at zappos.com, J. Crew Oval Heirloom Locket Necklace, $50 at jcrew.com: For a bit of modern sass, I'd do a suede platform heel in this lovely ruby red.  The rich visual texture of the suede adds a sense of warmth and luxury that livens up the shirtdress, and the pop of color from the red is just so fun and girly.  To top it all off, I like this vintage-y locket necklace.  It works with the general '50s feel, and adds a personal touch (since generally you put adorable family/pet pictures in lockets.  I would totally have my dog and my pony).

So what do y'all wear to work?  Jeans? (just kidding)

Images via jcrew.com, zappos.com.

Outfit of the Day (In My Head)

Sorry for not blogging yesterday, y'all.  It was my birthday!  I'm 20.  I feel old.  It's freaking me out not to be a teenager anymore.  Ack.  Anyways, here's what I wish I was wearing today (and what I actually wore at the bottom):

 Cool as Icing Dress, $79.99 at modcloth.com, Ray-Ban Modern Wayfarers, $139 at shopbop.com: Ahhh this is dress is so cute.  It reminds me of a Taylor Swift music video, but less corny.  The cut is extremely flattering--anything fitted through the torso and waist like that will emphasize the smallest part of you, and the slightly flared skirt creates an hourglass silhouette without overemphasizing what's already there.  And then you have the adorable detailing, with the cutout geometric and lace shapes.  It's a bit like those paper Day of the Dead garlands, but wearable.  I'd do a cute little sundress like that one with sassy, big sunglasses.  I actually just got these for myself for my birthday (they should be here in a day or two!  Yipee).  The soft brown of the shades works nicely with the sweetness of the dress.  I really love the shape of these glasses.  It's a little retro-cat-eye/sassy, and has the same classic but modern feel as the original Wayfarers, but the shape isn't as round, so they'll work better on rounder faces.  I have a squareish-oval (squoval?) face, so round sunglasses just make my face look rounder, whereas more rectangular frames like these are more flattering.  The inverse works if you have a really angular face, rounder sunglasses can soften that up.

Club Monaco Harper Braided Belt, $79.99 at shopbop.com, Frye Kara Trapunto T Strap, $159.60 at zappos.com: I belt everything.  I'd add a belt here for some visual contrast.  The skinny belt works because it doesn't detract from or cover-up the intricate detailing at the waist, and the warm brown and homey vibe of the braid go perfectly with the rustic, simple feel of the dress.  Ahhh I also want these shoes.  I can't justify buying them, but aren't they so sweet?  I love the idea of daytime heels.  These feel so sweet and retro with the t-straps and the soft brown leather, but the platform and chunky heel add a bit of sass.  All in all these heels would add a little height and glamour, but still keep the overall vibe down-to-earth.

And here's what I actually wore today: the shirt is from H&M, the skirt is Ann Taylor Loft, the belt is vintage, the necklace is Forever21, and the sandals are Franco Sarto.  Yayyy for work-appropriate outfits.

Images via shopbop.com, zappos.com, modcloth.com.

Tribute to Hermione Granger

I'm freaking out a little about the last Harry Potter film.  But more on that in a bit.  First a piece of randomness.

I picked this up at Paper Source yesterday.  It's technically a piece of wrapping paper, but I got it to hang on my wall because it was wayyyy too cute to be ripped apart while someone opens a present.  It's an old school map of Paris, and it was about $4.  If you wanted to go all out with your affordable wall art, you could get a couple different ones of these and frame them (Paper Source also had some really adorable London-themed ones).

On another note, I'm seeing Harry Potter tomorrow night and I am SO PUMPED.  I know this sounds melodramatic, but that series was actually my childhood.  The first one came out when I was six, and I literally spent ages 6-16 reading the books, watching the movies, waiting for new books to come out every summer.  Plus Hermione was kind of my role model--the slightly awkward smarty pants who none-the-less still gets to be girly and kind of badass.  Also she has my awkward brownish-blonde natural hair color, so I have to love her for that.  I broke down and I'm rewatching a lot of the movies in preparation (since I left the books at home, sad face), and thought I'd share with y'all how I'd dress up as Hermione to go see the movie.


Now, my thing with dressing up for movies is that I like to interpret the character's looks, not go in a full-out costume.  So Hermione's uniform is the pleated skirt, flats, grey v-neck sweater, and then Gryffindor accessories.  


J. Crew Merino V-neck Sweater, $59.50 at jcrew.com, Miu Miu Pleated Wool-blend Mini Skirt, $565 at net-a-porter.com: The grey sweater is easy enough to work around.  I'd do this incarnation from J. Crew because it's nice and fitted, so it doesn't feel frumpy, and it's just the right length, not too long or too short.  I'd pair it with this Miu Miu mini skirt.  The pleated skirt is a little harder to work with.  You don't want to go too literal and have it actually look like a school uniform (high school flashback.  Ack), which is why I like that this one is black and short.  It has a little bit more of a grown-up vibe to it.  The fitted sweater and pleated mini combo has the same bones as Hermione's uniform, it's just a little sexier.

Forever 21 Asian Inspiration Necklace, $8.80 at forever21.com, Tory Burch Nappa Leather Reva Ballet Flats, $195 at shopbop.com: As for accessories, I like the gold and red Forever 21 necklace.  It has the Gryffindor colors, which is fab, and a bit of an exotic vibe that I think Hermione would appreciate.  Plus the pop of color helps take the outfit out of drab, school uniform territory and gives it a fun twist.  I'd do this simple pair of ballet flats to cap it all off.  Boots or heels with a skirt that short can be a little much, and I think Hermione would do a clean but cute shoe like this pair.

Have any of y'all seen the movie?  What did you think?


Images via shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com, jcrew.com, forever21.com.