coco on the go.

too often people think they have to sacrifice comfort for beauty. but on lazy mondays, giving that up is not on my to do list. so today for my "coco on the go" post, i am giving my readers permission to stay in their sweat shirt. too good to be true? no, my friends. you can be as comfy as a pair of slippers while still being as adorable as that saying itself.

keep a solid sweat shirt stashed away for those days you wish you were in bed, and it can be super reliable. my choice for the day is a gray two-tone pullover from forever 21 with black bands around the wrists and waist. as the over-achiever that i am (only in fashion. my grades do not reflect this),  i threw on my fav statement necklace. whatever your plans are for the day can determine if this is necessary for you. i just realized that my pants are forever 21 as well, sporting a striped pattern that makes me think of little pigeon foot prints or some kind of african code. because those two things are related. i am so tired right now OBVIOUSLY. the bold print of the pants balances the easiness of the sweatshirt which is the science behind making it all work. btw these fringe booties are unbelievably comfortable as well. remember: the thicker the heel, the happier the girl. have a fabulously comfy monday!

coco.

structured bags are my everything and this one takes home the award for being my favorite. my parents brought this treat home over thanksgiving break and i have been drooling over it ever since. the color, the shape, the gold accents... omg it's perfect.

statement necklace (nordstrom rack)

"meshed up" pullover (forever 21)

perfectly patterned pants collection (forever 21)

black fringe booties (mustache boutique)

saffiano leather medium satchel (michael kors)

call me professor.

remember when i said i'd post more? want to know what happened? finals happened that's what. as many of my readers know from experience, these last few weeks have been study central. but since that time has almost come to a close (finally!!) let's put down the school books and learn something that mr.whatshisname can't teach you- the rule of threes.

a complete outfit can be hard to come by. usually we are in such a time crunch (or all the time if you're anything like me), so having something actually put together can be almost impossible. but if you can live by the rule of threes, it becomes cake. this rule is very complex, almost earth shattering (sarcasm via writing). are you ready? the rule is: three complimentary pieces to every outfit. that's it. in order to have a complete outfit, there must be three pieces that pull it all together. of course you are going to wear more than three clothing items, but three of the however many you have on need to be more than a basic. 

examples examples examples. a fur jacket (which fur to buy? save for another post people), a sequined top and animal print flats will count as three separates that work together to be one complete look. obviously you have to wear some type of bottom (unfortunately. #teamnopants), and a coat with this cold weather, but those do not count towards the three, therefore they can be simple. another example: a patterned pant that is tucked into a neutral boot (not counted), with a contrasting patterned blouse and boyfriend blazer. there are your three. of course you can throw on a scarf, but again keep it basic since it is extra, so to not overwhelm. are you getting the picture? side note: bold accessories count. this includes jewelry, handbags and coco approved hats. just make sure these accessories are strong enough to count into the three. 

this is easier to learn than chem, but much more beneficial for life now and after graduation. how did she do it again? 

coco.

coco on the go.

ever feel overwhelmed by what seems like meaningless tasks that end up taking all of your time? usually my introductions have some sort of relativity to the topic of my blog, but this post is the exception. i have been so so so busy! but when asked, "what have you been up to," my mind starts scrambling back to the last couple weeks. i feel like i haven't accomplished much, but i haven't stopped moving for a second. i can't stop the nothing people! but i can start blogging. so that is what i will do.

as the first ootd post, let me briefly explain my outfit choice on a tuesday. i can't believe i just made that reference. the stress is obviously getting to me! (if you don't understand what i'm talking about be thankful). my black and white daisy romper made its appearance at this summer's music festivals, but i decided to work it into my winter wardrobe as well. leggings can be the perfect link between the hot and the cold. wearing them underneath my flower ensemble, i also layered a light kimono, which has a contrasting pattern to the romper. it was a safe call on mixing patterns, but i like the subtle approach (my loud mouth makes up for the rest). and you are not having deja vu. these oxblood booties have been in a post or two. they are my favorite what can you expect?

for this week, i challenge you all to find a summer piece you love and transform it into a wearable winter look. i want to see your results, so comment or email me with pictures!

i promise to you that the blog will be put on the top of the "busy doing i don't know what" list. i know your fashion sense has gone out the window since i've been gone. calm down children. coco is back.

coco.

daisy jumper (pac sun)

chevron fringed kimono (forever 21)

oxblood booties (old navy)

structured accented bag (fossil)

find your inner indiana.

what do harrison ford and johnny depp have in common? other than my hatred for both of them as actors (do not hold that against me), their hat choices are fantastic. just think about it- every time you see a portrait of indiana jones or johnny-needs-to-go-to-a-mental-hospital-depp, they have a hat on their heads. a pretty cool hat at that! so dig deep readers because for today's blog post, we will be exploring the world of the dark unknown- the hat (sounds like an indiana jones flick).

there are two kinds of hats i have in mind: the casual fedora and the wide brim.

all of us who follow hipster accounts on instagram see the cute girl with the small fedora tipping her head and crossing her free people booties for a very likable pic. but that is not an easy look to accomplish! so here are some helpful hints: 

1. stick with fall colors. this includes all neutrals, as well as deep hunter green or oxblood. not pumpkin orange. learn your complementary colors people.

2. do not add any additional "bells and whistles." no bows or flowers or any large attachment. it takes away from the simpleness that a hat is supposed to achieve.
3. wear it on the back of your head. i know this may feel awk at first, but it looks much more relaxed and fashionable if it isn't smashed against your skull.

next is the wide brim. there are many more styles and choices of these than the previously mentioned, so most of the decisions are based on preference. yet, there are still universal tricks to making them work.
1. beware of the brim. if the brim of the hat is not straight and stiff, you may end up looking more beach ready than street ready.
2. find the perfect shape for you. each has a different shape for the fit around your head. this one is up to you. i prefer the square look, but to each his own.
3. stay away from color. this hat is already a statement piece in the outfit, so do not overdo it with too much color. i would play it safe and stick with neutrals.

the hardest part is finding the perfect combo of hat and clothing. for fall, the best harmony you can have between the two starts with the summer dress you refuse to put away (holding onto summer however possible) and layering a flannel or light sweater with a larger jacket on top. wear boots and the hat of your choice for a well rounded outfit. say bye bye to bad hair days and hello to fabulous hat days- depp craziness not included.

coco.

this is the perfect example of the right balance of layering and hat action. too much of both could end up looking like a covered up nun. the mix of flannels and large jacket with the underlying summer piece is heavenly. this wide brimmed style adds a nice completion to the look. that is the goal! 

gambler panama hat (urban outfitters)

getting graphic.

i am a people person. it is what it is. i will talk to a wall about my life story. i love conversations and getting in a word or two..... ok maybe a little more than two. but i know that is not everyone's personality. wouldn't it be nice to give someone a view inside your head without even having to say a word? if yes, let me introduce you to a trend that you will love- the statement tee.

you have probably seen these many of times, but there are specifics (of course). the "i am with stupid" oversized shirts are NOT what i want you strutting the streets in. absolutely not. those should not exist. yet little sayings, such as i show in my pics below, give your outfit a cute personal spunk.

carefully shuffle through the many sites to find the tees that mean the most to you specifically. usually smaller boutiques with instagram pages are the best to hunt the perf tees down. bold lettering on a white tee can say a lot about you while your mouth is completely closed. 

why do i love these? as a college student, usually the easiest route is my favorite. and this is one of the easiest to follow. all it takes is a couple of tees and the right pairings. find the one and tuck it into a maxi skirt with a leather jacket. friday night here you come. or for a lazy monday, take your cigarette pants, let the tee hang loose and pick out your favorite blazer to pull it all together. 

here is my warning. it is easy to run wild with this. i have fallen into the trap myself. but three tees are plenty to work into the wardrobe.  if you overload, you will be stuck with too many basics and not the remaining closest essentials. there can be too much of one thing (except for the color black. you can never own too much black). i digress, when you know you know. so search until you find the one. fall in love. snatch it up for a happily ever after. wait, am i still talking about t-shirts?

coco. 

say hello to my quirky laugh and my first personal outfit pic. posing in front of tulsa lights, i am showing you my favorite tee thus far. i wore it tucked into my acid wash comfy joggers and paired with crimson booties and a studded blazer for an enjoyable night on brookside. 

studded silver blazer- pac sun

"dibs on the drummer" tee  (hollister)

acid wash sweats (forever 21)

 crimson booties (old navy)

shout out to my art feeds best friends for showing me this one. a cool little shop called arsenic and lace has a few super cute choices to pick from. my choice was the johnny cash lyrics of course. 

"it aint me babe" tee (arsenic and lace) 

http://arsenicandlaceshop.bigcartel.com

the 90s called.

boy meets world. jelly sandals. clueless. black lips. and freaking nysnc- the 1990s will always be the best generation of all time. this is not up for debate. conversation over. since this time was absolutely unforgettable, obviously its "best ofs" are one day going to make their come back. well i am happy to inform you that today is that day.

which of these fabulous 90s creations am i referring to? katy perry reminded us at this year's mtv vmas what 25 years ago looked like (omg was it that long ago??). the starlet of the time period, oops-i-did-it-again-genius britney spears, rocked the first ever all jean ensemble matching her boy toy of the time jt- how could we forget? the version perry walked the carpet in may have added a few studs (and a date that is not even name worthy when being compared to timberlake) but the idea is identical. jean on jean on jean. skip forward to 2014. jean is still bangin'. totally rad. so dank. (sorry that is 90s me speaking) 

right now jean shirts are everywhere you look. but just because it is available doesn't mean it is the right one to purchase. there is more you can do to abide by the "britney pre life-breakdown" look than wearing a jean button up with leggings. let's get real. 

the first thing you will want to find is the right boyfriend fit. these are meant to be slouchy and loose fitting, while still showing you are a woman. yes, the idea is meant to be like you put on your boyfriends jeans (obvi), but they don't have to literally fit 10 sizes too big. i prefer them to look a little worn, having a few snags and tugs here and there. oh and also- light wash over anything. 

now let's go back to the jean on jean thought.  if you already own a jean button up, this can be used with the new boyfriend jeans. in a perfect world, the jeans and top should be close to the same shade. stark contrasts in wash can make this outfit seem super tacky. half way tuck-in the button up into the bf jean (i will discuss the art of the half tuck very soon) and add an oversized sweater to the mix. a nude color bootie and layering necklaces (remember?) will complete your look. 

now here is a tip for only those who are confident in their styling. there can be a third jean added, a jean inception if you will, if you layer a jean jacket on top of the button up. achieve this by keeping the jean shirt a slightly (and i mean slightly) darker shade than the jacket you choose to pair it with. adding a printed cardigan over it all will make it seem less intimidating. this makes me nervous advising you to try. it could either go so so good or so so bad. there is a fine line. but i am trusting in your skills! you can handle this! 

check out the example i gave today and do not veer far from it. usually it is okay to add your own funk, but this jean subject is very sensitive. ask spears. that is why her career went down the drain. it's true. unproper jean usage. bless her heart.

coco.

my favorite part of this pairing is the jeans. these are the perfect amount of destroyed. the shades of blue all flow nicely, and that is the ultimate goal when creating the all jean look. careful on your colors. i repeat: careful on your colors!

boyfriend jean (ralph lauren)

light wash jean button up (asos)

mixed wash jean jacket (forever 21)

mute tan booties (aldo)

                                                    

how cliche.

even though the weather says contrary, my pumpkin spice lattes (yes i am one of those. this is a no judgement blog) and pinterest posts are telling me that it is finally fall! of course in this season the first thing to be discussed fashion-wise is layering. why would i post a blog that everyone and their sister talks about this time of year? your thoughts may be resonating with this blog title. but give me a chance. i am not talking about taking out your flannels and throwing a jean over it. i am not that girl. what i want to discuss is something i wish i had thought of a long time ago.

statement necklaces have been a hit for every girl for a while. want to make your jeans and tee stand out? throw a statement necklace on it. bam. we have all become very familiar with this idea. but let me rock your accessory world for a moment. why not take the classic theory of fall layering and apply it to your beloved chunky necklaces? take two (or more but be cautious) and put them on together.

 i know. genius.

but like any fashion trend, there are specific guidelines to follow in order to avoid catastrophe. just as with mixing patterns, it is wise to stick with the same color scheme until you have mastered the trade. it is also a good idea to take a chunky necklace mixed with a lighter one to abstain from over kill. i have put a few collections together for you to feast your eyes upon and to give an idea of how they should be styled.

now is the challenge of what to wear with your new fashion experiment. your lbd (if you don't know what that means exit off my blog immediately) would colab nicely with the layering necklaces and some printed flats. this is when you can pull out that previously mentioned jean jacket to casualize it for day to day wear. a personal favorite application of mine is the ever so precious beatles tank and comfy black skinny jeans. this can transform you from prep to boho in a matter of seconds. thank you john lennon.

coco.

the subtle blues in both of these statements make them a match made in heaven.

rustic butterfly (anthropologie)

sky blue half necklace (forever 21) 

this is for those who may be a little hesitant to try this trend. a small "c" necklace inside of the statement adds another depth. 

interwoven "c" (sophie's)

peach jewel flapper (forever 21)

this is my favorite example to show you. i love how the triangles in the back fade behind the neon shade of pink. sorry there i go on my rambles again. 

alternating pink triangle (francesca's)

neon pink statement (charming charlie's)

pure bliss.

what do i find more thrilling than anything imaginable on this big ocean filled planet? (go read the last post and then chuckle a little so i can continue to think i am funny) buying a staple blouse! this is the key to your closet people. listen up. a well chosen top can make or break you. it can provide the flare that you are missing from your three-piece ensemble (we will move into that eventually) let me give you a perf example.

francesca's is mostly for girls who wear a patterned dress and then move on with their day, but as you know a good piece can be found almost anywhere- almost. as i was pulling apart pattern after pattern on these little racks, i came across this beauty. a beautiful pink to match the excitement of breast cancer awareness month (why not be festive?) and the jewels on this are unbelievable. fashion is all about the structure right now, we see it in everyone's handbag, and it makes my life feel super put together (man am i fooling you). pair this baby with some dark skinny jeans and a maroon lip, why not throw in some snake skin to spice it up a bit, and head to your morning class. you will have them thinking that you are actually trying. that is the goal isn't it?

coco.

harper blouse (francesca's)

revlon colorburst matte balm- sultry (invest in this!!!)

snake skin point toe flat (old navy)

hello world. it's me.

i think there are three things people will never wrap their mind around.
1. how much one billion dollars is
2. the vastness of the ocean
3. not to wear cargos

as i venture out into the unknown (this is missouri so don't go crazy) my little fashion sense is what keeps me going. don't let the missouri comment totally disregard what i just said. i may only be a small town hipster that dreams of printing her opinion in Vogue (it will happen shut up) but until that time, you can follow my advice/news/suggestions/random babbling through this site right here.

i am not a blog virgin, kind of skanky when it comes to them. i have made a ton but haven't stuck to one that I was committed to. but it is time to start anew. fresh. hear me roar blogger.

coco.