parks to penitentiaries

black studded blazer :: zara | mint green cut out dress :: charlotte russe (dying for this lacy version) | messenger bag :: francesca's collections (get it here) | gray buckled rope wedges :: charlotte russe (love these ones too) | gold cuff :: charlotte russe | pocket watch necklace :: nine, via urban wear (similar one here) | aviator sunglasses :: forever 21 | black sunglasses :: charlotte russe | light grape beaded earrings :: urban wear | tan belt :: charlotte russe (similar)

A few more photos of the dress that caused such a stir at the restaurant Saturday night (reference: weekend pieces); it is quite possibly my favorite of the recent additions to my closet, and I'm desperately trying to think of a way to make it work appropriate. My first reflex is to add tights to any ensemble too short for the office on its own, but they somehow don't feel right with this dress. The cutouts around the neckline are certainly my favorite aspect, though there is an undeniable allure about the floaty hem that cries out against tights; besides, it's been upwards of 90 degrees every day for the last month or three, so tights would likely be the death of me. Come fall, some over the knee gray socks layered beneath my gorgeous Chanel-inspired Fantasy Fabric Blazer from Zara will become the perfect transition look, but for now this dress may be relegated to a strictly nights and weekend wear position.

This structured messenger bag-purse-satchel combination, on the other hand, has become more or less permanently attached to my hand since its acquisition from Francesca's Collections (in Fashion Place Mall). It was supposed to come with a shoulder strap, but I suspect the girl at the counter threw it out with the stuffing. At first I was somewhat displeased, but upon some reflection I have determine that this bag might simply look gawky and awkward if attached at the shoulder rather than elegantly draped over my elbow or hanging from my fingertips. The neon yellow piping is the perfect touch to line the neutrally color blocked flaps, and the gold locking clasp adds a hint of mystery to an otherwise innocent looking accessory. It's large enough that I can literally carry my entire life in it (and I do), but it avoids looking sloppy through its use of structure and build. The extra large inside pockets and extra zipper pocket on the back aide in organization, while the main compartment itself is surprisingly easy to navigate even when loaded with six different tubes of mascara. In short: I'm obsessed. Get it here.

Side note: Did you know that Sugarhouse Park used to be the location of the Utah Penitentiary? I'm not sure about you, but I feel a little awkward picnicking on a spot that used to house hundreds of violent criminals.

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contradicting rainbows: 5 steps to gorgeously windblown hair

slouchy mint tee :: forever 21 (sold out, but similar here) | white denim flares :: city streets (get your own white flares here, or try this skinny version) | pink lace bandeau bra :: maurice's | studded black leather criss cross sandals :: c/o kork-ease | black satchel bag :: ebay (lusting after this Cambridge Satchel bag) | gold, leopard & black bangles :: maurice's (love this set) | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | twisted gold collar necklace :: forever 21 (this spike version is pretty cool too)

My first instinct was to pair this loose, airy palette with some dainty gold jewelry... so naturally, I opted for burnished, clunky and leopard. I find the opposite end of the spectrum to be the best place to find inspiration for pairings; the pot at the end of the rainbow may not always be full of gold, but you're certain to pick up at least a few new ideas along the way.

I wandered up the canyon this evening in the hopes of finding an interesting backdrop for tonight's photos, and was rewarded with the perfect amount of light leaking over the mountain as I set up my tripod. I tend to gravitate towards scenery that conflicts with my chosen persona wardrobe for the day, and naturally, today that meant hiking in white jeans and five inch heels.

The above was my second choice for backdrop; my first impulse was to climb down into a man made, dried out stream bed to lean casually against the timber lined walls. Once down there, however, I realized there was something (or someone) up the other side of the mountain. This may seem paranoid, but Middle Canyon is known as a favorite business spot for local thugs and has its own scattered populace of displaced citizens. A couple of fallen rocks and snapped twigs later, I decided it would be best to scramble out of the stream bed as quickly as possible to avoid any unwanted encounters. This led to me climbing up the aforementioned timber and digging my hands and camera tripod into the dirt to pull myself out.

I'm beginning to rethink my method of choosing scenery for style photos.

5 steps to perfectly windblown hair :: a guide for the epicly unskilled

1. Spritz Suave Volumizing Root Lifter liberally all over wet hair, from roots through mid-shaft.
2. Flip hair over; blow dry bottom layer using your fingers.
3. Flip hair back over and blow dry just the roots, pulling small sections straight up.
4. Leave main body of hair wet. Get in car; roll windows down. Drive to work at 50+ MPH.
5. Spray hair with Suave Touchable Finish Hair Spray. Tousle appropriately.

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zara printed trousers, take 2

The black piping in this photo is seriously messing with my near-flawless mojo.

pink ruffle tank :: maurice's (similar) | scarf print trousers :: zara (here) | black cut out wedges :: charlotte russe (old but similar here) | messenger satchel :: ebay (similar) | starfish cuff bracelet :: c/o shopcalico via chictopia (gold here; also available in silver here) | gold disc earrings :: c/o con-fused arts

Another outfit post featuring my gorgeous scarf printed trousers from Zara, this time with a pink ruffle tanks instead of a simple black tunic. They feel like wearing pajamas, so you should probably get used to seeing them. Have I mentioned how much I love them?

I don't wear earrings very often, since I pretty much have a phone against the side of my head most of the day, but these gold beauties were so enticing that I broke my rule today (for most of the day, at least). Handmade in Kenya and sent to me by the wonderful Pam at Con-fused Arts, they are quite possibly the most exquisite piece in my jewelry box. The lightly engraved pattern is simple in an understated way; the metal discs are thin and lightweight, but not flimsy. Look for more detailed photos sometime soon, and expect to see them frequently as well.

I have to admit to being incredibly proud of my hair and make up today. I've been experimenting with new tactics for application and methods of messiness that have turned into this beautiful bed-headed drowned raccoon look and kinda make me feel like a rock star just woken up after a night of partying, only without the crummy hangover.

I've got some awesome tutorials and DIYs planned for the next few weeks, including some hair and make up how-to videos and some DIYs for the epicly unskilled (such as myself), so stay tuned. And hey, I'd love to hear any suggestions you might have on how to style these awesome trousers. I'm thinking a rotation of solid colored tops might get a bit boring - any ideas on some riskier versions?

If you like printed trousers, check out my previous post featuring a plethora of printed goodness, then find the picture book on Pinterest.

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sheerifying

blush pink tank :: gnw (similar) | black lace skirt :: miss chievous (similar in black; in white) | black heels :: madden girl (similar) | necklace :: maurice's | starfish cuff :: c/o shopcalico (via chictopia; pictured in gold, also available in silver) | black cat :: lily, my sister's (adopt one here)

Please forgive the unintentional blog vacay; the dental issues + personal stuff I referred to in my last post have been occupying my mind of late, and I've been lacking any sort of motivation or inspiration. Was not originally planning on posting this outfit from last week, since it's kind of basic and my hair is kind of a hot mess, but at the behest of my gorgeous friend Ems -- photos of my pretty lace skirt.

Lace skirts are the perfect way to rock the maxi skirt trend come midsummer - find one with a lined top half to hide your nether regions, but keep the bottom half sheer and airy, so that things stay cool and you show just a hint of sexy leg. Come winter, you can layer some brightly colored tights underneath for an unexpectedly patterned pop of color. Plus, the shadows coming through the skirt look pretty neat come dusk.

This billowy pink tank is also nice for summer, but it was more of an I'm too exhausted and my face still hurts so I can't think of anything better option. Upon purchase of this skirt, I hunted and subsequently scored a vintage black satin blouse to sexify things up, a la this photo of MK and Ashley. Fashion reason says I should wait until fall/winter to rock said combination, but given my utter disregard for the rules of style, I'm sure you'll be seeing photos sooner rather than later.

Love how these two always dress to contrast each other. Trying to talk my sister into doing something similar with me, because it would pretty much be awesome. Maybe a little weird. But mostly awesome.

Those of you interested in trying out the sheer maxi skirt trend should check out my picture book on Pinterest, Sheerifying, for some super cool ideas and awesome tips.

Olsen Twins Photo: via Posh24.com

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try harder

black sleeveless vest/tunic with asymmetrical hem :: zara (get it here) | scarf printed trousers :: zara (get them here) | chunky pink heels :: bonnibel via lulus.com (similar) | brown leather bowling bag purse :: twin falls leather (similar) | black moto jacket :: forever 21 (similar) | black bejeweled belt :: maurice's | gold & pink cameo ring :: bebe | gold starfish cuff :: c/o shopcalico (gold here; silver here) | pink stone & trinkets necklace :: maurice's | black sunglasses :: charlotte russe

That moment when you look at the clock and realize you've been up the entire night... and it doesn't even matter.

Frequenters of the blog will notice the massive overhaul of design, but the biggest (and best) of the changes is our new home - Frayed Threads is now located at www.frayed-threads.com. The old address will forward you (obvs), but be sure to update your bookmarks so that you can keep up with all of my fashionable awesomeness.

And because I know it may cause outrage among some, yes, there is a naughty word in my title image. You'll cope; those of you who can't probably shouldn't be reading this blog anyway. Witness how much I just don't care. And then check out this post for the inspiration behind this redesign.

I took these photos in the dam spillway the other night; I couldn't remember where it was until I accidentally drove by it last weekend with my sister. The last time I walked through it (years ago - think high school era with my friend Brian) it was full of grafitti and thus would have been perfect for a photo shoot featuring a colorful print such as the one on my newly acquired trousers from Zara. Alas, however - it seems the city has gone in and cleaned things up since then, and has done a fairly decent job of maintaining it. There are only a few bits and pieces of street art remaining; my favorite being this piece of faded wisdom I found where the spillway meets the road. try harder. It's been my mantra of late, so finding it spray painted on the cement was a piece of happy fortune.

Speaking of my latest acquisitions, I think I may have found my soulmate in the form of this asymmetrical tunic and the cure for my aforementioned print shyness via these printed trousers, both from Zara. There are only two things I love more in the world than a good tunic top and perfectly printed trousers, and they are both people (see: 1 / 2). One of my coworkers said it literally looked as though I'd taken several scarfs and sewn them together. She hates them. I love them. My new mission in life is to acquire as many scarf and mirror printed pieces as I can, before the trend dissipates. Florals are nice enough, stripes are great and I'm sure animal prints are fun too, but there is something about these blatantly colorful and wildly patterned scarf prints that suck me in and beg me to spend every penny I have on them. It's probably just a me thing. Regardless, enjoy the fruits of my lusting:

Printed Trousers by sparrow13 featuring silk wide leg pants

1. risto two pleat wide leg silk trousers | 2. stella mccartney christine hawaiian print trousers | 3. hermione de paula floral silk wide leg trousers | 4. ysl printed palazzo trousers | 5. trousers tissu via mango | 6. etro floral print crepe de chine trousers | 7. matthew williamson escape tropical print silk trousers (sold out; similar here) | 8. roberto cavalli graphic printed silk trousers | 9. emilio pucci signature wide leg patterned silk pants | 10. lily print legging | 11. calypso st. barth phoebe printed linen pant | 12. topshop tree print wide leg trousers | 13. emilio pucci patterned trouser | 14. blue fan print palazzo pants | 15. etro printed viscose silk velvet trousers | 16. philosophy di alberta ferretti printed satin twill wide leg pants

And last but not least, the ultimate pair of printed trousers - the pair that formally kicked off this obsession I have:

Kaleidoscope Print Cotten Sateen Flared Pants by Derek Lam on Nat-A-Porter

They're even on sale - for a mere $693.

Check out the picture book version of this post on Pinterest.

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un-matched + mis-hued

long apricot vest :: bella bird | coral shirt dress :: forever 21 | faux silk dusty blue slip dress :: c/o oasap.com (get it here) | wine tights :: from pay less shoes | cowgirl boots :: charlotte russe | dark brown leather bowling bag purse :: twin falls leather (similar) | wide camel & ivory belt :: maurice's | gold sunbeam necklace :: nastygal | gold starfish cuff bracelet :: c/o shopcalico.com (get it in gold or silver) | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | turquoise stone ring :: pacsun (similar)

No, I don't have pink hair. I am, however, considering rose gold pink highlights, so when I found the hair highlighting tool on PicMonkey, I couldn't help myself. I'd like to dye my hair dark brown, then add just a few light pink streaks - I just can't decide if I want to add the pink in as extensions or dye a few locks of my hair. The color on extensions would last a lot longer, but I worry about how well they'll stay in. I don't want to have them sticking up out of my head every which way. I'm sure someone out there has extensions - what are your thoughts?

This last photo was originally to illustrate how perfect my eye make up was today - neutral shadows combined with an over-smudged Urban Decay Glide On Eye Pencil in Perversion by means of the Glide On Blending Brush and Tarina Tarantino Fleur de Lash to make me look like one very sexy drowned raccoon. Look for a tutorial later this week - maybe even in video form.

My favorite part of today's outfit is undoubtedly the blue slip dress that peeks out at various spots, although the skewed color scheme was also a lot of fun to put together. I don't normally have the courage to clash this badly, but recent changes in my thought processes have left me feeling a bit daring. Past me would have cowered and felt ashamed when my coworker pointed out how much today's outfit didn't match; today, however, I told her that it was my intention, and I moved on. No dwelling. No anxiety. No overanalyzing or self doubt. I managed to keep both my confidence and ambivalence intact throughout the day, despite a few other odd looks and the negative commentary from one corner. Very unlike me, but in a very good way.

Negative people are without a doubt my number one pet peeve. I will never understand why some people are so driven to rip others apart. Live and let live, peeps.

The dusty blue slip dress from Oasap.com is at least partly responsible for my sartorial high today; faux silk but only $10 and a gorgeous color, it's lightweight and will likely be layered beneath most of my dresses and many of my skirts this summer. It also comes in apricot and pink, both of which I am seriously considering also adding to my collection. I'm thinking any one of them would be absolutely perfect underneath a sheer, lacey dress like this one (also from Oasap.com).

Definitely time for bed now; don't forget to leave some advice on hair extensions in the comments, and if you have any thoughts on fun ways to style my blue slip dress, do share.

I get around. check out this post on:

facebook | chictopia | lookbook.nu

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elementary school demons in purple, pink and turquoise

purple blazer :: maurice's (similar, similar) | turquoise draped blouse :: maurice's (similar) | purple cami :: forever 21 | pink pleated skirt :: forever 21 (similar) | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | nude faux suede pumps :: maurice's (similar) | buckled pink & ivory purse :: forever 21 | gold cuff bracelet :: charlotte russe (similar) | turquoise gem necklace :: forever 21 | large turquoise bangle :: icon collection (similar) | bejeweled wide black belt :: maurice's

My hair melted in the heat today; we're suffering from record high temperatures here in Utah this spring, but you didn't come here to talk about the weather. You came to rubberneck at this pink-purple-turquoise thing I've got going on. I have to admit, the photos did not turn out as well as I might have hoped, but the ensemble itself - well, it is a thing of beauty.

Pink and purple have always been my favorite colors together; there is just something about each that complements the other oh-so-beautifully. I've nursed this romance in secret for most of my life, however, due to an elementary school bully (who shall remain nameless) who once made fun of me for wearing a pink shirt with purple socks. I thought I looked smokin', but apparently the lame-stream bullies and "cool kids" thought differently. Their insults wounded my poor 4th grade ego so much that I have not worn this combination that I love so very much since.

Until today, obviously. I was up at 2am this morning, fretting over today's wardrobe, when my hands landed upon this lovely turquoise draped blouse. My sleep deprived brain decided it would look amazing with my pink pleated skirt... which happened to be hanging next to my purple blazer. And so it was born: this uber cupcake chic look.

The large turquoise bangle that appears in the photos only sporadically was an impulse purchase from a nearby dollar store, about three minutes before I started snapping photos. A giant, oversize, sequin and sparkles bangle that matches my blouse perfectly for $1? I'll take them all. Not really, but that might have been funny.

Speaking of arm parties, seriously obsessing over The Man Repeller's Arm Party collab with Bauble Bar. I find myself desperately in need of one - anyone care to donate to the cause?

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get the look

I apologize for the lack of outfit posts this week; the weather and my schedule not been conducive to outside photo shooting. As much as I love the rain, downpours do tend to put a damper on a girl's suede shoes.

So in lieu of outfitted goodness, I'd like to present you with these gorgeous Polyvore collages my little sister has put together of some of my outfits. I have to say, I seriously kind of love her new hobby.

Floral Jen by shadow-ravin featuring yellow gold jewelry

(Check out the skirt featured here & the pumps here;

get a similar cuff here & blazer here)

Bold Patterns by shadow-ravin featuring a pleated skirt

(Check out the purse featured here & the gold cuff here;

find a similar skirt here & shirt here)

I pretty much have the best little sister in the whole history of the world. If you'd like to get to know her awesomeness a bit better, you can check out her blog here.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my birthday giveaway! 

We are only 94 entries away from unlocking the final bonus prize! The cutoff is April 16th @ 12:01am, so make it quick! The earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win!

P.P.S. Be a dear and check out and vote my entry into the Spring Bloom contest. 
Love and hugs for votes!!!

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floral fetish

The florals in my closet seem to be multiplying exponentially, particularly in the form of skirts. I'm sure there is a scientific name for this phenomenon, though I am unaware of it. I prefer the term "floral fetish" anyway; however, upon further consideration, it sounds something akin to tentacle porn.

The bright colors and floral patterns of spring have definitely started to grow on me, and I love the ruffles and salmon pink color of this blouse... but I have already started itching for the darker colors of the colder months again, and the various fall collection photos I've been browsing haven't been helping much.

My incessant yearning for winter style probably contributed to the purchase of several darker floral prints, in black with cobalt blue, grey and pink flowers, as well as a cobalt blue pencil skirt (all of which will be featured later this week, as part of my Parade of Birthday Outfits). Btw, I consider cobalt blue to be a winter color, because I love it so much.

My sister and I wandered up the street a bit for today's photography session, and were rewarded with at least three vehicles honking/gawking, and one new friend who took it upon himself to pull over and introduce himself when he saw us.

This gold cuff and vintage straw bag are absolutely my favorite accessories for this summer. This cuff is the only bracelet I've ever been able to tolerate wearing at work, and I love how ladylike yet playful the purse is.

ruffle tank: maurice's (similar item here)

floral skirt: maurice's (similar item here)

nude pumps: maurice's (similar item here)

straw bag: vintage

gold cuff: charlotte russe

My younger sister, the Princess; and my nephew, the Monster.

If the rest of my life is spent doing nothing but taking care of these two beautiful people, I will be the happiest, most fulfilled person in the world.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my birthday giveaway! 

We are only 100 entries away from unlocking the final bonus prize! The cutoff is April 16th @ 12:01am, so make it quick! The earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win!


P.P.S. Be a dear and check out and vote this outfit on Chictopia - it's my entry into the Spring Bloom Contest! Love and hugs for votes!!!

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