OOTD: Under My Umbrella

As a born-and-raised Pacific Northwestern-er, I've always firmly taken a stance against umbrellas. They take up too much space and a hooded waterproof jacket does the job just as well. I completely changed my tune when I saw this umbrella, though. I love the bright pop of pink and the fact that it's clear: it's super unique. I haven't had to use it in a while, but it started raining for the first time in weeks the day I took these pictures. I took that as a cue to bring out the umbrella and go for a walk.

How to Wear Rain Boots

I love my Hunters so much: they're super practical and cute, too! Sometimes, though, I can have a difficult time putting them together with something to make a cohesive outfit. That's why I compiled this post of some of my favorite bloggers wearing rain boots. See some super cute ways to wear rain boots.

Photos via: Live Love & Read, Little Blonde Book, Kendi, Southern Curls & Pearls, and Merrick's Art.

Bare legs: If the weather happens to be warm enough, wear your rain boots with your favorite dress or skirt; and no tights! I love the look of knee-high socks with rain boots: it immediately dresses them up.

Photos via: Mariannan, Love, Lenore, Crystalin Marie, Because Shanna Said So, and Katie Did What.

Leggings: This is how I wear my rain boots most of the time: with an extra-long sweater and lots of layers. It's a super practical way to wear rain boots, and is super easy to make cute.

Photos via: College Prepster, Dress Corilynn (1), Dress Corilynn (2), Extra Petite, and Dress Corilynn (3).

Pants: If you're chilly but want to feel like your regular self, pair your rain boots with your favorite pair of pants and your cutest, warmest jacket. Add a scarf and you're set for a day of warmth and compliments.

Layer Up

As a born-and-raised Oregonian, the word "layers" pretty much defines my childhood wardrobe. To this day I base both my styling and purchasing decisions on how easy they are to layer. As a result of 20 years of layering, I consider myself an expert on the subject. As the year turns to winter, take my advice and layer up to ensure maximum comfort in the colder weather.

It sounds silly, but you have to start with a thick and/or tall pair of socks to really layer correctly. If your feet aren't warm, there's no way the rest of you will be!

One of my least favorite things about winter is that most buildings overcompensate for the cold outside by making inside way too warm. Avoid the "transition sweats" by wearing a tank or short-sleeved shirt underneath everything that you can strip down to upon entering a warm building.

Like a long-sleeve shirt but easier (and more acceptable) to take off in public if you find yourself overheating.

I wear my cardigan over my sweatshirt and typically take it off with my jacket. Just remember to hold onto any long sleeves you're wearing underneath to prevent them from sliding up under your cardigan.

A basic coat is a necessary basic staple to have in your closet: you'll never go cold for fear of wearing a mismatched outfit.

If it gets too warm, unravel it and let it hang from your neck. I also use my scarves as a bed for Luxe when I take them off inside, say, the library.

20th Birthday Wish list

It's officially my favorite time of year: the week before my birthday! I am someone who loves being celebrated, and I absolutely enforce that on my birthday. Part of being celebrated, of course, is getting presents. So, what's on my wish list this year?

This has been my favorite color in fashion for quite some time, and my discovery of this cobalt blue Céline bag has only enhanced that.

I've recently realized that I onlyhave one pair of non-heeled shoes (my rain boots) that I can still wear in the rain. So, I need some booties without a heel, and I'm all about leopard print right now.

When I feel like my outfit is boring or uninspired but I'm too comfortable to change, I turn to makeup to step up my look. Cream eyeliner, nail stickers, hair chalk, colored mascara, and other interesting makeup makes it easy to look like I made an effort.

This is another way to make a boring outfit interesting, and having a variety to choose from is nice.

I never went through a t-shirt phase as a child or middle schooler, so I guess it makes sense that I'm now all about graphic slogan items. I love slogans on things other than t-shirts, like sweaters and hats.

As rainy as it is in Seattle, I've never actually owned an umbrella before. I recently realized that it's essential if I'm wearing a cute outfit that I don't want to ruin with a bulky rain jacket.

As much as I love my Coach wallet, I think it's time for me to retire the trifold after 7 years. I'm ready for something a little bigger that can make more of a statement.

Never Not Neutral

Boots: Hunter Boots
Leggings: Similar from Forever 21
Shirt: Similar from Converse One Star
Jacket: Thrifted, similar from H&M
Short necklace: Similar from Forever 21
Long necklace: Similar from Ingredients for Lovely
Earrings: Similar from Forever 21

I got these boots for $50 at Last Chance-- a third of the price of regular priced Hunters! It's hard for me to match them--they're so long--so I usually wear them with leggings and a longer shirt. This shirt is thin, making it just as hard to wear with a variety of different outfits. Having so many neutral colors in my closet certainly makes it easy to throw something together.

Guest Dressed

Leggings: MYO Fashion
Shirt: American Eagle, similar from Forever 21
Cardigan: Express
Phone case: BoxWave
Earrings: Similar from Forever 21

Remember how I said it was sunny here? Well, that lasted all of 1 day, then the rain picked up again. I let my darling dear friend Geneva pick out a rain-appropriate outfit in honor of her visiting me, and she gave me a pretty classic Washington Urban Chic kind of look. I had to wear my biggest rain jacket to protect my clothes from soaking through, but I was comfortable and warm all day, which is really the only thing you need from fashion.

Any Excuse For Color

Boots: Similar from New Look
Tights: Similar from Forever 21
Skirt: Similar from Windsor
Shirt: Similar from Charlotte Russe
Cardigan: Similar from Lucky 21
Jacket: Similar from Obey
Necklace: Similar from LuLu*s

I'd say a good 75% of my closet is composed of neutral colors, so I love having an excuse to add a pop of color. Today, this excuse was the rain. As I don't own much color, I find it's helpful to have colorful essential items so I HAVE to wear color sometimes.