more than rain boots is changing!

It's been over four months (!) since my last post, during which I've been busy working and traveling. Another reason for this hiatus was that I was trying to develop a new focus for more than rain boots. My work schedule leaves little time to see new styles, so I've decided to adapt my blog into more of a Portland street style collection.

My plan is to spend time in different areas of the city, from Mississippi to NW 23rd and capture the styles of each respective area. First up: Alberta. Not only is it a good representation of the Portland scene, but it also very close to my home!

Tamara (left) and Amalia (right) are Portland natives. Both girls opt for looser, laid-back and comfortable fashion. But both are still on trend with white Converse (Tamara) and faded jeans (Amalia).

Sarah and Amanda describe their style as tomboy fab and black.

Dylan (left) says his style is "urban logger" while Margo (right) described her Sunday look as "hungover style"

When asked how he'd describe his style, Austin, TX native Steph quickly replied "free box chic"

Two weeks from today...

Two weeks from today, my friend Allison (see her here) and I will be going to a concert that could possibly change our livese: Beyoncé’s. Such an important event warrants an even more important outfit, I mean it’s Beyoncé we’re talking about. But where do I start? In my quest to find the best outfit I decided that I have two options:

1)   The obvious “freakum” dress alternative

2)   The less-obvious (yet more comfortable) “cool” girl clothing that Beyoncé herself would wear on a stroll with Shawn and Blue Ivy

The Freakum Dress

For those of you familiar with Beyonce’s Freakum Dress song, she describes the dress as “short and backless.” While it would be fun to done a true freakum dress, standing in a crowd of screaming Beyoncé fans is not the ideal time. 

 

Fierce Street Style

We all know that the outfits Bey wears in her music videos and on the red carpet are stunning, but her day-to-day fashion is just as enviable. For a more comfortable concert outfit, I looked to Beyoncé’s street style for inspiration, which normally includes skinny jeans and heels. My friend Allison is considering taking the skinny jeans one step further by wearing leather leggings instead.

But no matter what route I take, I have to keep in mind WWBW: What Would Beyoncé Wear?

1. LBD 2. Sequin dress 3. Zara heels 4. Jessica Simpson heel 5. Black wedge 6. Rachel Roy wedge 7. Zara top 8. Grey sweater  9. Vegan leather pants 10. Maroon at Piperlime

New Beginnings

For me fall always marks the start of the year, rather than the beginning of the end. I guess it would have something to do with spending the last 16 years of my life going to school, each of which began in September. And with every new school year, came new clothes! While I have graduated from college, I still consider September to mean the beginning of something new and the beginning of a new shopping list. Here are the top four items I'm craving to include in my fall wardrobe:

1. Grey denim - here
2. Black booties - here
3. Watch - here
4. Leather accents - here

Allison's Early Summer Outfit

Recent UO graduate Allison’s take on summer style includes comfortable separates in classic colors with the addition of punchy accessories.

What She’s Wearing:
Top: Target
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind
Shoes: J.Crew

By combining high-end pieces (her jeans) with affordable pieces, Allison is able to keep up with the trends without breaking the bank. 

 

In the summer Allison loves to have more fun with fashion by playing with color. Purchased during a recent J. Crew sale, these neon pink ballet flats are the perfect way to add fun to fashion because they can be paired with anything!

Allison paired her teal and pink outfit with simple white and silver accessories. Like her ensemble, her accessories combine both high-end (Invicta watch) and affordable pieces (family and purchased rings).

Allison not only wore bright pink on her feet, but on her lips too! A recent lipstick addict, Allison enjoys wearing lipstick because it makes her feel more complete and “ready for the day.” For this look Allison wears Eternal by COVERGIRL (her favorite drug store lipstick brand).

Beyond Jansport

 

My stylish friend Allison.

Oh, the backpack. While at times I cringe when I slip my Dakine straps over my shoulders, once again ruining a perfectly cute outfit, I cannot disagree with the practicality of the backpack. Even though my backpack is no fashion statement, I have noticed that more and more students are carrying stylish options. From floral prints to leather trim, the backpack has gotten a facelift and moved beyond the black Jansport.

One of the most stylish and popular backpacks I've seen on campus is the Herschel. Started in 2009 in Canada, The Herschel Supply Co. is creating canvas backpacks that come in a variety of styles and colors that can be seen on male and female shoulders alike. Though the company is quite new, its backpacks are as a prevalent as any North Face or Jansport backpack.

Whether a Herschel backpack has a punchy red or leather bottom, I'm just glad that backpacks are making a stylish comeback!

Here are some other Herschel options (I love the polka dot one):

1. Polka dot - here
2. Teal - here
3. Black - here

Converse: high tops vs low tops

 They're officially back! But, let's be honest, were they ever really 'out?' White Converse have been a staple in many a wardrobe, regardless of style categories. From punk to preppy, these shoes have been the perfect complement to numerous casual ensembles.

Recently, however, I have noticed an overabundance of these white sneakers on campus. What makes me consider the revival of the white Converse is its pristine color - only recently purchased Converse have that white brilliance.

While it is apparent that they're making a comeback, UO students are not only buying the low top version, but the high top version as well. We've seen Chris' low top option before (here), but Audrey Gloss' high tops are more of a style challenge. Here, she pairs her Converse with denim cut-offs and a tie-dye tank - the perfect outfit for those rare sunny Eugene days.

Considering that the high top is a more risky option, I asked Audrey why she chose this Converse version. Her response? Family tradition. From her father to her mother, high tops have been the Converse of choice in the Gloss family.

So whether you opt for high or low top, you can be certain that these classics are becoming, once again, the sneaker of choice.

Photos and design by Sarah Medley

Leather Jacket

Last week, Heather Hope was kind enough to stop and chat with me about the classic leather jacket and how she transitions it from outfit to outfit. There are three ways in which Heather likes to pair her leather jacket, the first being with soft or floral pieces to add a tough contrast. Secondly, the leather jacket helps create a hipster vibe. And lastly, leather jackets (especially cropped ones like Heather's) are the perfect topper to an 80s inspired ensemble - just like the one she was wearing when I interviewed her.

So next time you feel uninspired by your fashion options, just remember how Heather used her leather jacket in three, distinct ways and you'll be trying new outfit combinations in no time!

Floral pattern - Paper-Source
Glasses - Warby Parker