Grey

The world is not simply black and white - it's extremely grey.

I just keep running into this idea when there is no right or wrong answer to anything. What is the "right" way to go about dating someone? Grey. What is the answer to social justice issues? Grey. What is the solution to all the material covered in my women studies class? Grey. This is sometimes really frustrating for me when I am looking for a particular answer, yet I also find it somewhat comforting. These "grey areas" are open for interpretation and there is always a different, perhaps better way to approach something. It is also quite comforting to know that there isn't really a wrong way to do something, you just attempted one of the methods possible in this vast "grey area" and you can always try again. 

In regards to this outfit, I think this look directly parallels my thoughts and feelings as of lately. I also dressed this way in response to the cold and rainy weather we have finally been given in Southern California! I think we all needed it...the lakes and riverbeds, our over-worn sandals, and our sanity. The grey chunky knit is from Urban Outfitters. We have been given sweater weather, and Urban Outfitters has responded people. The dark wash denim is my new favorite pair from Zara and the hat was thrown on because I didn't feel like washing my hair. The glorious boots are by Stuart Weitzman, which I have already featured here and here. 

I have learned so much in 2014 and I look forward to more lessons and experiences in 2015. You will be reading a lot more from me in the new year as well! Hold me to it. 

xx Michelle

Follow me? 

instagram - lifeonlotus

twitter - @itsmemichelleg

Songs on repeat lately: Afterlife - Arcade Fire. All of nostalgia, ULTRA by Frank Ocean. I Forget Where We Were - Ben Howard. Dreams - Fleetwood Mac. 

Pajama Pants

Finally, pajama pants are now acceptable for everyday wear. I have been crazy about printed pants for a while now but finding the right fit, feel, and print is key. I was graciously given these pants by eShakti.com, a website that offers customizable clothing. Finally, all of us who feel we are the in between with sizes can confidently order something off the internet. Regarding the fit and quality of the pants, I have no complaints. They are not see through in the slightest - aka I can wear my bright pink underwear proudly, like the obnoxious nineteen year old I am. I customized the height to fit me perfectly and the drawstring detailing at the top is nicely done and makes the pants immensely more flattering. The pants are definitely a statement piece so I paired them with staples: a basic black crop top, my typical black structured bag, and my leather mules that still confuse some people. The sunglasses made me feel cool, which is one of the most important qualities I look for in a pair. 

Brief discussion of some thoughts~

I do not think I am compatible with accounting. 

I recently realized that the full body mirror I have hanging in my room is slightly warped and makes my body appear thinner than it actually is. This is my first finding of blissful ignorance, because I do not need to know the actual appearance of my body because all that matters is how I feel about it. It's easier to write that out than to actually convince myself of it. 

"If nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do." If I am so incredibly insignificant, then there is validity in what I do just because that's what I do. I have to believe this. 

That is all for now. Hope you enjoy! 

xx Michelle

Use the coupon code "lifeonlotus" for 10% off your order on eShakti.com

Photos by Justine Solan.

Smock Like

I am finally catching my breath and posting these photos. This school year, I am finding it difficult to even organize my thoughts. I know challenges force you to grow, but I feel like every time I get my head above water a new wave comes over and forces me under again. For everyone who actually knows my life, I am probably just being dramatic. But I am trying to really add more of my thoughts and opinions into these posts. I know it may just seem like I take some photos of my outfits, but standing in front of a camera showcasing my very insecurities makes me feel so incredibly vulnerable. Yes, this blog is an outlet for me to express myself, but it is also another challenge for me to grow and accept my body and mind. Moving on from that rather lengthly introduction, let's discuss my new university style must-have.

In busy times, the smock dress prospers. On my college campus, I have seen so many girls sporting this seasons Brandy Melville hit, the t-shirt dress. These types of dresses - the shapeless, patterned dress that you just throw on and don't have to think about, are the best thing for class. Do you know why? They are so simple to style and it makes it look like you tried to plan your outfit for the day. The reality is, I woke up 10 minutes before class and threw on a dress and a pair of booties. To subsidize for the lack of fall weather, I have been sporting a darker fall lip color. This dress I have been rambling on and on about was purchased from Urban Outfitters. My boots are the infamous Jeffrey Campbell Everly booties that I overwore last fall.

Now I am sharing some of my inspirations through internet links - content I have really enjoyed watching, listening, or reading. My beautiful friend, Hannah Renee, released her very own album recently and this is one of my favorite songs of hers. With fashion month having recently come to a close, check out this Paris Fashion Week Travel Diary by Chriselle Lim. It's a dream. Clueless is one of my favorite movies and Lisa Eldridge is one of the most admirable women in the make-up industry, so of course I was excited to see her do a "Make Up Moment" on Alan Friedman's work for the film.

That is all I would like to discuss for this one! Hope to talk to you soon. Thanks for reading.
xx Michelle

Follow me?
instagram - lifeonlotus
twitter - @itsmemichelleg

Photos by Justine Solan.

All Tied Up

For a couple of days last week Southern California was feeling more like Florida, aka it was really humid. Because it was so hot and sticky, I had to keep my outfit lightweight and airy. I started off with this LBD from Forever 21, which has been a closet staple for me this summer. The thin straps and loose feel make it the most comfortable, versatile dress. I then tied a chambray shirt around my waist, which is a style I hope stays on trend for a while. Because I was doing a lot of walking, I wore my gray Superga sneakers. I use to have a fear of wearing tennis shoes, but I am actually really liking them as of lately. My necklaces are from the flea market and the sunnies are from Nordstrom. Yes, I am still obsessing over the colored flash lenses. 

I ended up wearing this look to the Melrose Trading Post, which is my favorite place to buy inexpensive jewelry. I find it isn't as overwhelming as other flea markets, and I always find cool and unique vendors. After my little shopping trip, I met up with my amazing and talented friend Nicole to shoot this look. If you missed my last post featuring her photos, you can check that out here.

Thanks for reading! xx Michelle

follow me?

twitter @itsmemichelleg

instagram @michellegilbertson

Photography by Nicole Busch.  

You should also listen to the song "All Tied Up" by The Dig. 

From My Sister's Closet

For those of you who didn't know, I have two sisters who are equally interested in their closets as I am. So, I thought I would do a post on an outfit entirely borrowed from them. Well, then I got some new shoes. So, with the exception of the shoes and the bag, this outfit is from my sisters' closets. I couldn't tell you how many fights we have gotten into over the years over clothes, but the point I wanted to make with this post is that everyone's own personal style changes the way you can wear anything. 

The dress was borrowed from my younger sister and is just a simple stiped t-shirt dress purchased from Target. Does anyone else love finding great clothing items at Target? Next, I added this light wash vest from my older sister's closet. Denim vests are the perfect item to add to an outfit in the summer because they are lightweight and easy to style. Remember when I mentioned how much I wanted the orange/red reflective Ray Ban aviators? Well, my older sister bought them. Therefore, I borrowed them to add some color to this primarily monochromatic look. All jewelry was borrowed from my sisters, as well. The shoes are my new mules recently found at H&M. What do you guys think about the mule trend right now?

These photos were taken at yet another cool location in Orange County, the Anaheim Packing House. It is basically this giant room with unique places to eat and succulents hanging left and right. Hope you guys enjoyed this one! 

xx Michelle

follow me?

instagram @michellegilbertson

twitter @itsmemichelleg

Sheezus photography. 

Cutouts & Tan Lines

Something big has happened this summer, something so strange and new to me that's changed the whole way I view myself. I have always accepted myself as a perpetually pale person, until now; I have actually gained a tan. Now this a tan that is subtle compared to most summer tans, yet so obvious to me. Just to clarify, I obtained this tan while wearing sunscreen and no, it is not fake. 

Now onto the outfit. I purchased this dress from Nasty Gal at the beginning of summer, but I have been stumped on what bra to wear with it until now. I would like to thank my trusty sticky bra for making this look happen. These awesome sandals are a recent purchase from Pixie Market, and they are actually a lot easier to put on than you would think, thanks to the zipper in the back. I find outfits harder to style in the summer due to the heat, which makes layers completely impossible. That's where my appreciation for these gladiator sandals come in, for they are just an amped up summer staple. 

I shot these photos at one of my favorite spots in Orange County, The Lab in Costa Mesa. We ate lunch at The Gypsy Den and I scored an All Saints sweater at the Buffalo Exchange there. If you are looking for unique shops and restaurants, I recommend this "anti-mall" as they call it.

I would like to give a quick shout out to the band Tanlines, which I have been listening to while writing this.

Hope you enjoy! xx Michelle

Follow me?

instagram @michellegilbertson

twitter @itsmemichelleg

photos by Carly. 

Check out this post on Teen Vogue Fashion Click here. 

Mountain Halls

On a recent family trip to Lake Tahoe, I took advantage of the scenery to showcase yet again, another unflattering pair of boyfriend jeans. Yes, they may make my butt look flat and they give me the stereotypical "mom" look, but I don't care. They are comfortable, chic, and they make me feel cool. This look may not have been the proper attire for climbing through trees, but let's get real, I wouldn't really describe myself as "granola". 

Alright, let's get down to the details. The boyfriend jeans I already discussed are from Topshop and feature a medium colored wash with all the rips I could ever wish to have, just to further perplex the older generation. The sweater has already been worn in this post, from Urban Outfitters but thrifted from a local Buffalo Exchange. It seems like a basic striped sweater, but it features two diagonal seams that shifts the stripes off course. Not so basic now, huh? I then added a black hat from Urban Outfitters and some flats from Steve Madden. My bag is my usual Kate Spade Saturday Mini A Satchel and my jewelry is a mix of my tortoise shell Fossil watch and a flea market stone bracelet. 

Remember, you should always dress for yourself and no one else. Hope you enjoyed!

xx Michelle

follow me?

instagram @michellegilbertson

twitter @itsmemichelleg

Check out this post on Teen Vogue Fashion Click here.