Review of [BLANKNYC]'s Leather Pants in Pussy Cat: Or, How I Became a Convert

Backstory: I was super excited to be selected for CollegeFashionista x Amazon's Back-to-School Denim Campaign! Not sure when it drops, but I was too psyched to wait. Here's a preview of one of my looks for the brand partnership:

We had the option to choose one pair of pants from Amazon's Must-Have Denim Shop. I chose the [BLANKNYC] Skinny Jean in Pussy Cat. 

Now, a bit more backstory (or the main story, it's all semantics): a few autumns ago, I had begun my search for the perfect skinny leather pants. My issue: leather pants, as one might expect, are expensive. Especially for someone who relies on the charity and goodwill of her parents and relatives.  They were not as enthused as I was about my search. 

However, I'd seen this pair mentioned over and over again as the best vegan leather alternative--five-star reviews abound on Shopbop, Bloomingdale's, Piperlime, the list is endless. I was, to be quite honest, a bit skeptical. How could fake leather live up to the real deal? (I'm sorry, animal rights activists, I really am, but my general opinion skews real leather>>>fake.) So, fast-forward a few years and here I am, faced with the same pair of pants I had been side-eyeing all those years ago.

Long story short, I took the plunge.

AND THEY'RE SO WORTH IT. 

Supple, realistically textured, as comfortable as I expected real leather skinny pants to be (I had semi-low expectations, so the relative comfort was a nice surprise)... While they're technically vegan leather leggings due to their lack of front pockets, they do have faux back pockets, which I appreciate. Pocketless pants usually do not flatter the butt (even, I must admit, joggers, which I love).

These welt pockets are cute, and I think the pants overall are super flattering, versatile, and warm. So, my picky self is satisfied. My search is off (that is, until I get a higher paycheck--I want a machine washable pair of leather skinnies next).

Sunglasses | Nordstrom BP. Sashimi Anorak (similar here) | GAP Polka-Dot Cardigan | GAP Striped Baseball Tee | Urban Outfitters BDG Chambray Button-down | [BLANKNYC] Skinny Jean in Pussy Cat | Fjallraven Kanken | Vintage Ferragamo Flats

Sneak Peek of Next Tuesday's CollegeFashionista Post!

I usually don't do this (too lazy, you say? Psh. ...Perhaps you're right), but I was way too excited to refrain from posting this week. After quite some time exploring the city with my dad (our adventures included wild parrots! Poet's Corner! pink vespas!), we found this perfectly coordinating storefront for this week's photoshoot.

So much fun to twirl in this dress. 

(And yes, I do need to get my hair restyled/redyed, if you didn't notice.) 

Jade + pearls = class act.

Then add a Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Partition Wristlet and you're ready for Breakfast at Tiffany's. ;) Shoutout to my dad for the perfect composition of this pic!

Bearpaw espadrille wedges! Surprisingly comfy, despite their height.

Believe me, I walked the hills of SF in these babies.

Vintage dress via Grandma (seen here) | Jade Necklace (similar) | Pearl Necklace (similar) | Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Partition Wristlet | Bearpaw Blossom Sandals 

Connect the Dots

Masquerade, Masquerade! Paper Faces on Parade!

Ashland Adventures

I went to Ashland this past weekend as a school-sponsored field trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival AND IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. We watched two fantastic plays, Comedy of Errors (set in 1920s Harlem!) and The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window (an intense emotional cathartic whirlwind!); did the whole thrifting scene; and had tons of fun exploring the little boutiques and eateries (I fully endorse Brother's Restaurant for breakfast--I enjoyed #19, a two-egg Omelette with Bacon, Red Potatoes, Fresh Garlic, and Jack Cheese, Hash Browns Fried in Butter, and a Housemade Apricot & Almond Scone, for $12. I also recommend Umi Sushi for delicious savory vegetable udon [$8]). Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure:

I attempted to take an artsy picture of my friend's Starbucks.

The most amazing vintage B Steel Leather Wingtip Mary Jane Kitten Heels.

They were reasonably priced so needless to say, I bought them, despite the slight tightness. 

Why yes, that is a vintage corduroy belted button-down culotte pant suit romper.

 I'll admit, for all its dated cheesiness, I totally regret not buying this Nancy Drew-reminiscent number.

The price tag on this dress read: "$18. Velour is why." 'Nuff said.

However, the dress instantly looked festival ready when paired with a pair of $20 quilted leather Nordstrom boots and a cropped acid washed gray jean jacket.

Too bad I'm too poor to spend my [parents'] hard-earned money on such trifling fancies. Even if those trifling fancies do look like psychedelic seventies' acid trips.

...And yes, I am aware my legs could use both tanning and toning.

Cute decor inspo at a chichi little boutique. It had Free People. It was expensive.

Expensive, ethereal vintage costume dresses in the basement of a place called Renaissance Rose.

Ashland is quaint and adorable. That is all.

I am an English major and I approve these messages.

Oh, you fancy huh?

The glorious Ashland Springs Hotel. My professor had her honeymoon here!

Me awkwardly posing. 

Insert Stitch sounds: H-h-hiii.

Hornbrook welcomes you.

Anyway, sorry for not posting regularly. Shameless plug time: If you'd like to keep up with my sage fashion musings weekly, check out my college fashion column here. To see the world through my rose-colored lenses (or Vscocam-filtered, as it may be) check out my Instagram here.

Do Try This at Home

Random day last week where Nay and I discovered we were wearing cute outfits and decided to do a mini photoshoot in the downstairs room, which was lately left bereft of its ping pong table (sad face. We're gifting it to the grandparents). Anyway, here are some of the highlights of the zany shoot:

Prerequisite creepy/dramatic picture. Please disregard the hazy colored shapes of hastily blotted Nerf Guns in the closet. Instead, feast your eyes on that lovely little lantern. It is the Pottery Barn Malta Lantern--we have several in different sizes, but I believe that one is the large. Go quick, they're on sale!

Perfect lighting + homemade terrarium = awesome.

 We then moved outside to the deck:

Yes, I did blink. Yes, I still think it looks good enough to post.

Dem legs doe. 

The wonderful dress and shoes are from my mom's cavernous closet. Things go in but rarely come out until years later.  I removed the shoulder pads and might take in the shoulders a bit because they're actually an awkward capsleeve length. I was considering leaving the shoulder pads in, but was innocently told I looked like a linebacker (yeah, no).

DIY Flower Crown | Forever 21 Basic Long Sleeve | Vintage All That Jazz Drop Waist Polka Dot Dress | Coach Legacy Mini Tanner Crossbody in Black Leather | Target Tights | Dollar Tree Socks | Vintage Banana Republic Platform Sandals

Really proud of this shot too. My photo game was on par today, as was my sister's model game. 

BDG Chambray | AG Adriano Goldschmied Stevies in Hunter Green | Nordstrom Nerd Glasses | Vans Original Classic Authentic in Black

I'm sure you'll be seeing more of us shortly! Lots of time for photoshoots coming up as Nay finishes up her finals this week :)

Oh, Grandmama, It's Me, Anastasia.

Haha starting out the post with a quote from that golden animated VHS of yore, Anastasia. Can you believe that came out sixteen years ago? I was two, and I can't believe it either. (To clarify, I didn't watch it until much later than two years of age, although watching it that early would explain some of my mental issues.) I'm home for Christmas break and it is GLORIOUS. Anyway, here's a tad bit of photo spam of a vintage/ethereal photoshoot from our grandma's house on Saturday. The lighting was perfect, and the DSLR was conveniently there (lies. I brought it purposely), as were a pair of lovely vintage opera glasses and a multitude of vintage dresses (truth, although both were provided by our grandma).

So raise your (opera) glass!

Vintage Handknit Cardigan by my Great-Aunt Sylvia | BDG Chambray Buttondown | Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply Ankle Zip Floral Jeans | Vintage The Limited Salmon Crew Socks

My grandma's old dress from the 50s or 60s! It fits like a dream--which is to say, quite imaginatively, I guess. I don't know how people are expected to know how a dream feels. Anyway, this dress fits me quite well.

Yes, I posed in the hallway with the receiver to my head, a demure smile on my lips as the automated operator whispered sweet nothings tinnily into my ear.

Clearly, I am overly ecstatic to be home.

There were, of course, many more photos, through which I am currently sorting. Expect another post soon!

High(&)Waisted*

Modern Romance Boutique-J Brand High Rise Bianca in Monaco | Vintage Platform Sandals | Nordstrom-Necessary Objects Blazer | Nordstrom Chloe K Striped Bustier

A couple of my favorite books: Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas ♥

Legz fo' dayzzz. 

Here you may enjoy a picture of our fireplace mantel. 

Pottery Barn mirror, candles, and candleholder. I'll give you one guess where the bulk of our furniture and decor is from! ;)

Weird hurr don't curr.

All dressed up and nowhere to go!

 I love these jeans (first pair of J Brands), but they're a bit too long to wear on an everyday basis, since they require some sort of platform or wedge shoe. I do like how high-waisted they are, though.

*Also, the title is for purely punny purposes; we do not in any way condone or endorse drug usage. 

To Grandmother's House We Go

Sorry for the lack of posting recently. I've had to commence the struggle against college apps, which is quite an unfortunate load to tackle. Not to mention that old jealous standby, homework... 

Anyway, here's a bunch of pictures we took at our Grandma Lila's house. She has some pretty darn awesome vintage stuff since she's a major packrat.

Vintage thermoses. 

Creepy creeper.

Madewell Indigo Dot Dress | Vintage hand knit vest

You can't really tell, but I'm wearing this rad vintage Calvin Klein denim overall dress.

UPDATE: It looks exactly like this: 

Source. 

Grandparents' bathroom lace curtains and ceramic figurines. 

Cool kid in the house, obviously. 

All vintage: Faconnable orange gingham men's shirt | Handmade vest |  high-waisted Jag Jeans

Falling for Autumn

This is going to be a really quick post, since I already posted earlier today and I should actually start my homework since I just finished watching Revolution. :) Anyway, I was browsing the Madewell website and saw this adorable Jolie Shoe Clip. I think it'd be totally awesome to wear as a bowtie instead though; the leather would add a subtle tough edge.

Jolie Shoe Clip-orig. $14.00, sale price $4.99 

(+additional 25% off with code YIPPEE)

Perhaps paired with this buttondown and a pair of burgundy/oxblood pants perfect for fall. ;D

Vince Camuto Contrast Trim Blouse (sold out but similar @Free People)

Sofia Capri in Velvet Cherry from Lucky Brand Jeans. On me they're ankle length... also, they're less grape, more dark cranberry in person.

And now all I need is a pair of smoking slippers to complete that nice fall look. These would be lovely.

Matiko 'Lana' Flat-$139.99

 Somehow, however, I don't think I'll be buying those shoes anytime soon. Sigh. A girl can dream, huh?

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{je danse avec une lampe.}

Fedora-Orange County Swap Meet | Sunglasses-vintage | Denim Shirt-vintage from Mom | Striped Tank-Nordstrom BP. | Belt-vintage from Grandma-remarkably similar here | Pinstripe Shorts-Gap | Gray crochet socks-vintage from Mom | Once Again Watch-Swatch | Trouve Laceless Oxfords-Nordstrom

Meet my new dance partner, Monsieur Lampe.

Andy Warhol's 50th Anniversary Campbell's Soup Cans at Target! I want to buy one of each color just to  hoard them in my pantry, take pictures of/with them, and basically admire them for the rest of time.