Borrowed from the Boys

Beanie, Banana Republic (old) / Shirt, BCBG / Jeans, Rachel Rachel Roy / Clutch, BCBG / Shoes, Banana Republic / Sunglasses, Marc Jacobs / Nails, Essie "Recessionista"

There's something so very laid-back cool about a slightly oversized plaid shirt I've always been drawn to. I can remember stealing my dad's work shirts in elementary school back in the early '90s, when Nirvana, Pearl Jam and other grunge bands made the lumberjack fabric mainstream. And in college, I would only buy my plaid shirts from the men's department in order to achieve that same loose, relaxed feel. I have since stopped borrowing from the boys, but I still can't resist pairing even my girliest plaid with more masculine items, such as distressed jeans, a slouchy beanie and heavy metal touches like chains and studs, to help balance out the mix.

 

 

 

Horsin' Around

Hat, Vintage, from Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique / Jacket, Victoria's Secret / Top, Banana Republic / Pants, Banana Republic / Boots, Nine West / Gloves, Target / Scarf, Thrifted / Lips, Revlon "Orange Flip"

I've found that the best Halloween costumes are often those that take the least planning. I've had this jockey cap for years and years, having acquired it from a local vintage shop on a whim, and have only used it as decoration in my closet up until now. With the addition of a few other wardrobe staples -- a cropped blazer, white button-down, stirrup pants and riding boots -- and a toy horse that really whinnies and neighs, my last-minute costume came together without a hitch, and I have to say may be one of my favorites yet.

 

Into the Woods

Top, Old Navy (old) / Faux Fur Vest, Target (old) / Jeans, Rock & Republic / Boots, Nine West / Bag, Michael Kors (old) / Sunglasses, Fendi / Cuff, Off Saks / Watch, Michael Kors / Ring, Vintage / Lipstick, Revlon "Orange Flip" + Kat Von D "Stiletto"

Being surrounded by nature has always had a calming effect on me, and this past weekend I finally had the opportunity to take a few moments to go for a walk in the woods near our home and decompress. Dark clouds and a brisk breeze created an spooky, "Sleeping Hallow" vibe, which made me even happier to be spending some much-needed time outdoors. For my walk, I opted for light layers -- jeans, a striped top and faux fur vest (acquired from the little girls' section!) -- and riding boots that provided enough comfort to run, climb and jump yet still were still stylish so we could drop into the neighborhood cafe and grab a holiday-flavored coffee on the way home.

 

 

Not Your Average Holiday Sweater

Sweater, Lucky Brand Jeans (old, similar here and here) / Jeans, Forever 21 (old) / Loafers, R2 Shoes via T.J. Maxx / Bag, Dooney & Burke, major score from the swap meet / Watch, Michael Kors

I bought this sweater years and years ago, and it has definitely become a piece I find myself pulling out of the closet on a regular basis this time of year. The large face on the front reminds me of the Tippi Hedren character from the classic Hitchcock film "The Birds," and the weight is just right to keep me warm once the sun goes down. When paired with burnt orange skinnies and sparkly spiked loafers, this look just screams effortless Halloween chic (no pun intended).

Creature Comforts

Peter Jensen / Madwell / J.Crew / Markus Lupfer / Monsoon / Sonia by Sonia Rykiel / Aubin & Wills / Wildfox Couture / J.W. Anderson for Topshop

There's a huge soft spot in my heart for animals. Growing up, there were always at least three dogs around to keep me company, along with cats, chickens, rabbits and even a duck. I became a vegetarian at age 11 because I did not want to eat my "pets," and for the longest time everyone in my family believed I would end up being a veterinarian so I could help my furry and feathered friends. While those plans didn't pan out, and even though I returned to being meat-eater a few years ago (for health reasons), I still love animals and remain fascinated by them. Which is why this season I couldn't be more excited that animal sweaters are making a comeback. From cats to bats to hens, deer and little lambs, animals are shaping up to be a huge trend, and the above is just a small sampling of a few sweaters I'll be cozying up to later this fall.

Daily Uniform

Dior Aviators (old), Tart T-shirt, Paige Jeans, Vince Camuto Wedges, Forever 21 Belt, Michael Kors Watch, Vintage & Gifted Bracelets, Forever 21 & Target Rings

One of the major reasons why I started this blog was to have a creative outlet where I could flex my fashion muscles. As far back as I can remember I've loved assembling outfits that are different from everyone else -- which actually is looked at as a bad thing on an island where the daily uniform is shorts, a T-shirt and slippers (known as flip-flops on the Mainland). In Hawaii, my laidback outfits are considered too dressy for the everyday, but I've learned to embrace my style and wanted to use this blog as a means of showing you can dress however you want, as long as you are comfortable in your own skin.

Now that it's been more than a month since launching Rise, Shine, Repeat, I thought it was due time to publish my first outfit post, and what better way to introduce myself to the blogosphere than with a rundown of my day-to-day uniform: comfy jeans, a relaxed tee (usually in some variation of a stripe), and accessories and shoes with interesting details.

I can't wait to play with more fashion trends and look forward to sharing each look with you in the future.

Weekend Retreat

Poolside reads, plus my favorite vintage sunglasses, an itty bitty polka bikini and sunscreen with SPF 110

This weekend promises to be nothing but fun. Later today the S-man and I are packing our bags and driving down to Waikiki for three days of rest and relaxation with his family to celebrate his grandfather's 85th birthday. But my entire weekend won't be spent sipping cocktails by the pool or playing on the beach. On Sunday morning I will be participating in this half marathon, meaning that in addition to bathing suits and sundresses I'll be bringing along my trusty Ascics and lucky running uniform. Here's a look at a few other necessities I already have tucked away in my travel bag.

Moroccan Oil and headbands help keep my unruly hair under control

Metallic footwear works for both day (Flats via Ross) and night (Report Wedges via Ross)

Besides a bikini, I'll be living in relaxed basics like distressed shorts, embellished tops and colorful rompers paired with gold jewelry and straw fedora

And three things I wish I could bring (back to front: Rocko, Batgirl, Kipling)

Does anyone else have exciting plans this weekend? What are some of your essentials for a quick getaway?

Steppin' Out

Sky-high heels add some much-needed inches to my frame (Colin Stuart Pumps)

It's no secret that I am a major homebody. While others are just getting out on the dance floor at a late-night hot spot, I can most likely be found on my couch sans makeup, hair piled into a messy bun, reading a magazine or catching up on TV shows recorded earlier that week.

Tonight, however, I am making a rare appearance out to celebrate a dear friend's birthday. Being that I hardly ever hit the town past sundown, it goes without saying that I quickly found myself facing a bit of a wardrobe conundrum. But after some counseling with another one of my extremely lovely and sociable friends, I think I may have arrived at the right combination of comfort and chicness appropriate for cocktails at the bar.

And while I may never be a night owl, it's nice stepping out of my comfort zone every now and then to experience something different from my usual routine.

I can't get enough of the ink blot-inspired print of this dress (Rachel Rachel Roy Dress {old})

Detailed view of a zipper that runs all the way down the back

The basic black clutch gets an upgrade thanks to a few studs (Kenneth Cole Clutch via Ross)

A swipe of bright orange lipstick finishes off the look (Revlon 'Orange Flip' Lipstick, Essie 'A Crewed Interest' Nail Polish)