One Woman Army

Now that I'm beaten black and blue

I can finally come home to you

When the Forever 21 Twist Military Collection came out, I immediately eyed this jacket with the huge sleeves. When I saw it at the Escondido Mega-F21 (as I'm going to call it from now on) I had to nab the last Small I found. Of course I didn't brave the mile-long waiting lines for the dressing room so I made a beeline for the checkout and there were another 20 or so people before me. Shopping is reserved for madmen - you find that out the hard way. For a $29.80 item, the material is quite good and sturdy. I absolutely love all the details - the brass buttons, the flaps, especially the badge. The fit of the jacket is extremely feminine for such a macho trend. The belt accentuates hip curves and has enough holes to be tight for petite waists. But seriously ... am I going to walk around like a sassy cadet all day? I already felt like I needed to be checked into an insane asylum with the stupid wind blowing my hair all over the place today and my camera teetering dangerously near the edge. A middle aged couple slowed, stared, and asked if I needed help. There are very accepting people who live in my neighborhood hahaha. Long story short, this is going back to the store. It was fun while it lasted : )

I grabbed my military skirt from spring and finally put it to good use. I realize that this outfit would have looked much better with my khaki pencil miniskirt but I have absolutely no idea where that is. The fanning out of the skirt accentuated the femininity of this military-inspired outfit, which I love. Girl power! One of my favourite fashion icons is Dulce Candy. At 4'9" she makes most petites look like giants but you can never tell because she always rocks her look with no hesitation. Can you believe she's in the military too? Talk about kicking butt.

The combat boots are from sword fighting in high school. The funny thing is when I went to Hot Topic to look for a sturdy pair without heels (it's very hard to run and attack 200 lb guys when you're sinking into mud, trust me), I couldn't see much in the dimly lit store and managed to buy a pair in size 6 and 8. Embarrassed, I exchanged the 8 for a perfect match. These are really comfy to wear but they make my legs look really short and stunted. Curse you, disproportionate legs!

Thank you Really Petite for this gorgeous clutch! I felt so bad for not having put it to good use and though hmm this will add some BAM power to the neutral colours of this outfit. This BCBG Generation clutch is so cool in that it folds out and you can open the inside to reveal hidden zippers and compartments. This would look beautiful is less crazy, more elegant formal wear as well.

Wearing:

Military green bold shoulders jacket, F21

Khaki military skirt, F21

Black combat boots, Hot Topic

Silver clutch, BCBG Generation (thanks ReallyPetite!)

Yes, I will be making this ugly grimace face throughout the entire shoot. The wind was not cooperating with my hair and the sun was blazing. I really need to race the sunset for the best lighting. I wanted to have that grungey tired feel to the photos so I didn't break out a big smile or worry about concealing my dark circles (which after all my efforts, persist gah)

This is what I looked like 99% of the hour I was taking photos. Took forever because of the wind. Why is it windy? I thought I left that behind when I moved from Oklahoma.

This could almost double for recessionista fashion haha (etymology credit: Julie)

Wind, guide me! (If you know that reference, you are a true gamer ;D) You can also wear the flaps buttoned like so

Crap late to drills!

Silly photo of the post! Lol and that will be the first and last time I use my purse as a weapon. This one's too thin to stuff bricks in it. I pity the foo that stands in the way of my shopping! Hahaha (please don't be offended by this - it's just fun and playing dress up!)

I took this photo standing up and holding the camera while wearing these, meaning I still have some flexibility in these old knees :D

Details, details

Bold shoulders

FOTD: Using Revlon Photo Ready in 04 Nude (it made me glitter like Edward again ugh), ELF Studio Concealer Pencil in Light, lots of ELF Studio Creme Eyeliner smudged out, Geo Angel Blue contacts, Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Soft Nude, ELF Studio Eyebrow Kit in Dark, ELF Studio Blushing and Bronzing Powder (bronzer as blush)

Now for the pretty clutch! Thank you again, Really Petite : ) You always have such amazing outfits and elegant style! ♥

It folds out - pretty awesome and closes with magnet power

Inside:

Zipper with a black crystal

Pretty tissue paper! I am very easily amused :D

Such pretty handwriting : ) I'm going to keep the contents private :3

I hope you've indulged in the military trend this year! I would never be as brave as our soldiers fighting this long war. This post is dedicated to all the courageous men and women out there and wishing them a safe journey home hopefully very soon!

Tomorrow I'm headed to Balboa Park for a day of exploration. There are so many museums and gardens and so little time! Has an entire year really passed so quickly? I'm going to be quite nostalgic for the black fence, the stairs where I take pictures, and all these things when we move into our new place later in the week. Lots of things to look forward too! Stay safe and soak up the sun, lovelies!

PS. I finally, FINALLY made it into Chictopia Style Gallery after all these months of learning photo techniques and trying to capture better lighting. I am so grateful because there were so many times when I just wanted to give up and never update again. I wanted to go back to the comfort of my blog and stay here but I'm really glad I kept putting myself out there and creating, designing, fashioning these outfits I love so dearly. I've loved art all my life and this is my outlet. Plug me in and I will light up the world, one pose at a time ♥ Thank you so much everyone who has ever supported me and voted "chic!" I really can't believe 2 of my outfits got in today alongside these fashionistas!