Fashion is a reflection of each person’s feelings, views, and attitude for the day. This is why we see political references in fashion month and why our closets have an array of colors. Ever since I was a little girl I was amazed by how trends changed. I noticed patterns and colors appear more frequently at certain times of the year. Recently, I noticed a drastic change of interest in myself.

Photo by Allison Sowle

Color has become more appealing to me this year. I am still the girl who dresses in black, white, grey, and denim, but I have added a few flairs of brilliant color to the mix.

I experienced a new found excitement that I didn’t acknowledge in fashion before. Using color while getting dressed every morning makes things so much more interesting. It makes it a lot easier to create a look that is crafted to your mood and personality. The act of dressing makes me so happy, so I figured why not use a sunset orange. This is one of the cheeriest colors in my closet. When I wear it my mood busts instantly.

Photo by Allison Sowle

Becoming a fashion stylist really opened my mind to the endless options clothes provide. They don’t even have to serve their purpose if you don’t want it to; a sweater could become a scarf. Michael Kors demonstrated this technique in his FW17 collection. Layering colors and patterns became a sort of therapy for me.

Photo by Allison Sowle

Vintage also brought my eye to color because of its unique and creative nature. When you shop vintage there is not the pressure of what size you are or who the designer is. You are free to create a look that no one else has.

If you need a mood boost or want to try something different, I would recommend trying a colored or patterned piece. Go to a thrift store first. If it really isn’t your thing, you didn’t waste money on a brand new article of clothing.

Photo by Allison Sowle

Photo by Allison Sowle

I got the top and jacket from my favorite vintage store in Oakland, CA called Mercy Vintage. The culottes are from Forever 21, the shoes are from Akira, and the glasses are from Urban Outfitters.

Photo by Allison Sowle

Photo by Allison Sowle

Photo by Allison Sowle

All photography by Allison Sowle.

XO- Alex