This City

 

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[top: Brandy Melville , skirt: Prabal Gurung for Target, sneakers: Steve Madden , watch: Fossil , black bracelet: Ann Taylor, silver bangles: Alex & Ani, colorful rings: Claire's, long necklace: fine jewelry]

Although my two month stay in LA has sadly come to an end, I have had a fantastic summer with no complaints. I mean, at twenty years old I got to run around California for a summer with a handful of my best friends. It's been a thrill, to say the least, and I'm back in Chicago feeling a little more city-savy and a whole lot more fashionable - west coast style. 

I've learned that I'm kind of in love with Cali...just a little bit, and I will definitely be back (hopefully, for the long run). However, until then, these are a few of the things that LA has taught me: 

1. Crop tops are so not 90s anymore 

2. It's quite possible to wear high-waisted anything without looking like a soccer mom

3. Fries & a chocolate shake is a perfectly acceptable meal...any time of day (or night)

4. Always say "yes," you never know where a seemingly uninteresting opportunity may lead you

5. Talk to everyone - even in the Coffee Bean line 

6. It's fun (not to mention educational) to step out of your comfort zone 

The Twiggy

 Photos by Sarah Harper 

[dress: H&M, heels: Softt, earrings: fine jewelry, necklace: Marc Jacobs, bow bracelet: BCBG]

I picked up this little number at an H&M in LA, and I fell in love with it on the hanger. There's something so understated yet glam about an all-lace, all-black shift dress. My friend immediately deemed it "The Twiggy," and I have to agree. It definitely exudes a 60s vibe, which I love! Paired with simple gold jewelry and strappy black sandals, this look instantly becomes "The Twiggy...2013 edition." A retro upgrade never goes out of style!  

For Shorties

Photos by Devon Gailey 

[skirt: Forever21, tank: Nordstrom, heels: Sofft, neck piece: handmade in Himalayas, earrings: American Eagle, navy bracelet: Ann Taylor, watch: Invicta] 

Being a shorty at only 5"1, I've never been too keen on maxi dresses or skirts. I admire the boho chic look but it's just that I always thought I could never pull it off since I don't quite have long enough stems for it. Not only that, but it's extremely difficult to find any ankle-length skirts or dresses that don't utterly consume me and require 6 inch heels...until I found this little gem - at Forever21 no less so you know the price was right! 

I love high-low skirts because they balance out a petite frame and allow your legs to be shown off without the inappropriateness of a mini. They're playful and flirty and can easily be dressed up for the office, glammed up for a night in the city, or worn with trendy casual pieces for a more downtown vibe.