winter style: an unofficial guide

If you're like me, winter is your natural style enemy. The cold suffocates me, making me dizzy enough to believe that all I can wear for the next few months are cable-knit sweaters and boots.

My best outfits are generally for warmer weather days, so winter is a definite roadblock for me. I fear that I'll need to pack up my crop tops and sundresses, and unbox the oversized sweaters and leggings. (An outfit combo that was all-the-rage in 2013) Though, a lot of you who know me, know this is not how I operate. 

"The weather doesn't determine what I wear." A quote by me; a guideline set for me, by me. Generally if I say that, it's because a friend has asked why I'm wearing a crop top in 40° Fahrenheit weather. While I will probably always live by that rule (being that I'm too stubborn to not), that is not what I'm recommending in today's guide.

So, what are this season's essential pieces to keep warm without looking frumpy?

A quick overview of what this includes:

For the Romantics and the Street Stylers:

• Ascots, soft bandanas, and neck ties. (not those kinds of neck ties)
• Soft floral prints
• Big cardigans
• Sweaters!
• Basic tees and graphic tees
• Faux leather
• DENIM
• Velvet. Yes, velvet. The 90's just keep regurgitating onto the scene. 
• Embroidered decals, fabric patches, embroidered design
• Blouses
• Capes
• Long coats

And on the accessory side of things...

• Block heels
• Sneakers
• Caged flats
• Novelty loafers (not a trend I love, but I'll roll with it)
• Berets
• Broaches
• Cameo Necklaces
• Soft statement rings
• Decorated bags

And now, for some visuals.
p.s. I made these myself, and it took one million years.

Romantics: Soft, floral, and flirty. A style that is constantly evolving to keep up with trends as well as create them. This is the main trend for this month. Cape coats keep the Romantic vibe while keeping you warm outdoors.

Sweaters: The honourable mention of this post. Graphic sweaters are out, knit sweaters are in. Keep the neck lines interesting. Sweaters don't have to be the afterthought in an outfit. 

Jeans: High waisted, embroidered, black, blue, patched, or clean. Denim jeans, per usual, are in. Don't be afraid to up-cycle either. Grab the old jeans you have stuffed in the back of your drawer and embroider some floral on, or hand stitch some patches. Mix up the styles, too. Add some baggy boyfriend jeans into your wardrobe, it's comfortable and stylish.

Layering: THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. Just because it's cold doesn't mean you have to pack up all of your tee shirts for the season. A denim jacket or a bomber added to any tee can keep your "summer shirts" in use through all seasons.

Essentials: Mixing and matching is a life saver in the winter season, and thanks to jackets, coats, and cardigans, there seem to be endless pairings. Get a few basic long cardigans to add overtop any shirt or dress. To keep a laid-back vibe, use Neutral with an Accent as a guide when pairing colours this season.

Stay warm, stay cool.

Click here to find all of the pieces from this blog post! (my Polyvore account)

Insta: @hanna.vanfleet

Twitter: @hanna_vanfleet

Phhhoto: @hannavanfleet

Snapchat: @hannaruita

Pinterest: Hanna Van Fleet

trends for august 2016

"Hanna, it's almost September. Why are you doing an 'August Trends' blog post?"

Forgive me, for I have sinned. In the rush of getting ready for school, I have neglected this blog.
I am back, though, and ready to present you with the most current, fresh, up-to-date trends.


Denim.
Dark washed, regular waist, skinny jeans are great. A classic. But this season we're focusing on varied lengths, light washes, loose forms, and waist emphasis. 
Pair with a simple tee, and clean sneakers for this re-vamped 90's staple.

Thick cuffs are also a stand out style.

Jean jackets are always in, but while we're focusing on denim, it must be brought up. 

You can wear a jean jacket with virtually anything. Full on, all out, Canadian Tuxedo. No shame.

Personalize your look with some pins.

Light-weight knit dresses.

It's a cute way to feel like you're wearing pyjama's without the guilt. 

Shift style or a form-fitting knit, it's a forgiving on-the-go outfit, and it's even easier to dress up.

Pair with any type of sneaker or bootie. You can also add a jean jacket, or faux leather jacket.

Dad hat!

SNEAKERS.

Stan Smith Adidas returned to the scene this summer, and they're here to stay. In fact, any sort of sneaker similar to Adidas is on trend. Pumas, Nike Roshes, Yeezy's (It's okay if they're fake. No one can afford real ones), Vans Skater Shoes, and of course, Chuck Taylor Converse's. 

I own these and am currently trying to break them in. SOS

Other shoes

Booties: Block heel or flat, suede or faux leather.

Oxfords: Matte, suede, or metallic in every colour of the rainbow.

Caged flats: You know, the lace up flats. You know the one's I'm talking about.

Birkenstocks: Forever and always.

Other Tops

Tee-shirts: This is great because you can buy a $5 tee-shirt and create a runway-worthy outfit.

Mock necks: The polar opposite of round necks, and we're not mad about it.

Thick knit sweaters: Prepare for the transition to fall and pair this with some Mom Jeans.

So here it is, a short and sweet trend post for the last few days of August. And of course, these trends will survive into September, but next month will be quite a different story. Stay tuned.

Insta: @hanna.vanfleet

Twitter: @hanna_vanfleet

Phhhoto: @hannavanfleet

Snapchat: @hannaruita

Pinterest: Hanna Van Fleet

peep those mom jeans (B.P.)

My Evolution

In early 2015, my dear old friend Jennie Munson began to have an interest in photography. I had zero skill or experience, so we were on very different levels talent-wise.

What began as a side hobby for her, became a hobby for me as well. I planned out outfits, and we would travel to whatever location seemed most aesthetically pleasing at the time, and just shoot.

Jennie Munson 2015
July 25, 2015

You never forget your first-  time messing with a camera. Here we are at Suncrest, in Alpine, Utah. Sporting a tacky peace sign.

Shirt: H&M

Jennie Munson 2015
August 29, 2015

Utah Lake. I can still remember the uncomfortable, "Tell me what to do, I don't know how to pose,".

Jennie Munson 2015
September 19, 2015

We didn't even plan to shoot this day. My hair and makeup were not done at all.

Chambray Shirt: American Eagle
Striped Crop Shirt: H&M
High Waisted Jeans: Hollister
Cat Eye Round Glasses: H&M 

Jennie Munson 2015
October 31, 2015

Halloween. Showing off my undercut, and the skeleton makeup I did. 

American Fork Canyon, Utah.

Jennie Munson 2015
November 14, 2015

I don't recall where this was, somewhere in Salt Lake City. I wanted to do a no-makeup shoot for body positivity month.

ft. Steve Jobs

Jennie Munson 2016
January 13, 2016

The first shoot of the year with the new camera. American Fork Canyon, Utah.

ft. Oliver Wheatley

Olive Parka Coat: American Eagle

Jennie Munson 2016
January 21, 2016

My favourite shoot I have ever done. Right after I dyed my hair.

Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Hat: Banana Republic 

Mock Neck Sweater: H&M

High Waisted Jeans: Hollister

Knock-Off Doc Martens: H&M

Hair: Amanda Fulk, Bspace Salon in Salt Lake City.

Jennie Munson 2016
February 5, 2016.

Utah Lake. I was truly on the verge of hypothermia.

Leather Hat: H&M

"Ciao Bella" Tank: Banana Republic

Leather Jacket: Gap

Bell Sleeved Dress: H&M

Black Crop Top: Aeropostale 

Black Jeans: Blue Asphalt, hand ripped by me

White Shawl-Cardigan: Cotton On

Knock-Off Timberlands: Amazon

Jennie Munson 2016
March 19, 2016

Santaquin, Utah.

Chambray Shirt: Loft

Sunflower Dress: Target, Mossimo

Meghan Ross 2016
May 6, 2016

First shoot with Meghan, who is 10/10.

UTA Trax Station, Lehi, Utah.

Hat: Banana Republic

B&W Shirt: H&M

Skater Skirt: Nordstrom BP

Knock-Off Doc Martens: H&M

It's been a journey, and I'm excited to see what happens next.

Jennie Munson's insta: @jmunson_

Meghan Ross' insta: @megs.photography.corner

My insta: @hanna.vanfleet

Paper Doll, The First Post

The first blog post. 
Usually a failure, inevitably deleted, forgotten among the abyss of terrible blog posts. 

Anyways, welcome. This is my attempt at doing something I love, but in a more public space.

So then, this is me. 

My name is Hanna, and I'm a junior at Lehi High School. 

I wanted to do this for a hobby to help me explore the fashion industry, and help discover more of my personal style. It's fun to watch yourself evolve. 

Join me on this weird experiment that I've named, Paper Doll. 

Hat: Banana Republic

B&W Shirt: H&M

Skater Skirt: Nordstrom BP

Mock Neck Sweater: H&M

Striped Shorts: American Eagle

Knock Off Doc Martens: H&M

Lipstick: Maybelline in Matte Divine Wine

Photography: Meghan Ross (insta @megs.photography.corner)

Insta: @hanna.vanfleet

Twitter: @hanna_vanfleet

Phhhoto: @hannavanfleet